In the business world, advertisers are the stunt performers. Our fragmented media and pop cultural landscape has forced brands to really push stunts into the weird and wonderful. Whether its Snoop threatening to give up smoking, Ben Affleck working a Dunkin drive-thru, or a devil baby terrorizing the streets of New York. Meanwhile in Hollywood, the stunt performers are the ones who actually pull off the death-defying action that can make us gasp. Theyre a breath of IRL fresh air in a world blanketed by visual-effects technology.Now, for the biggest night in entertainment, these two worlds converge for a pretty epic stunt by both worlds definition. Disney Advertising, Jimmy Kimmels Kimmelot, and Ryan Reynoldss Maximum Effort, have enlisted five different brands to create six commercials that will air during the Oscars ceremony, tonight at 4 p.m. PT/7 p.m. ET, featuring more than 75 stunt performers executing classic Hollywood stunts like skydiving, high falls, and dynamic fight scenes.John Campbell, Disney Advertisings senior vice president of entertainment and streaming solutions, says that a lot of their conversations with CMOs have revolved around looking to create quality content that can maximize a given cultural moment, in particular to live audiences. The Oscars ticked all of those boxes.For the participating brandsCarnival Cruise Line, Kiehls, LOral Paris, MNTN, and SamsungCampbell says they saw the advantage of teaming up on a unique concept.We had this concept to shine a light on the stunt community and the tremendous impact that they have on film for all of us as fans, says Campbell. We see them as Hollywoods hidden heroes, so we put the hypothesis out there: What if we invited them to step into the spotlight on entertainments biggest night? And honestly, what came about is kind of wild. We had 75 real-life stunt performers, 150 crew members, and we did this in a little over a week of filming and producing.The result may well be the biggest advertising stunt ever done for the Oscars.Brands playing niceMarketers typically do not like sharing the spotlight. But here, with Carnival Cruise Line, Kiehls, LOral Paris, MNTN, and Samsung, theres a balance among brands across product categories so that they can creatively all row in the same direction.Campbell says that the company has brands it works with on a consistent basis and had a sense of who might want to test the waters of a new concept like this. The question is, are brands really going to play together? So weve had to find the right brands who are going to trust Disney advertisers, going to trust the Academy in order to say, You know what, we are going to play together, and something really special is going to come about.Kiehls general manager John Reed says this is the brands national TV-commercial debut, and it wanted to showcase authenticity, craftsmanship, and innovation. With this being a multibrand project, it was important to us that the Kiehls spot felt endemic to the brand while fitting into the larger storytelling, says Reed. That we can stand out while fitting in.LOreal Paris USA president Laura Branik says this idea was a natural fit to showcase the performance of the brands Infallible 3-Second Setting Mist in a breakthrough way. The collaborative process was really rooted in a shared vision and creativity, says Branik. We worked closely with Disney Advertising from the very startfrom brainstorming concepts to shaping the final execution.We have all been working toward the same goal of elevating stunt performers who are so deserving of this spotlight, which has made the process truly collaborative and fun.The Carnival Cruises ad features stuntwoman Hannah Betts jumping from a helicopter at 11,000 feet right into the pool of a Carnival Cruise ship. The clip in the ad was Betts first take. The Oscars delivers the right audience of prospective Carnival cruisers who love the fun of travel and live events, says Carnival CMO Amy Martin Ziegenfuss. This collaboration provided an opportunity to be more contextually relevant within the program, alongside other great brands and partners.The only nonconsumer brand of the lineup is ad tech firm MNTN, the parent company for Reynoldss creative shop Maximum Effort. CEO Mark Douglas says that the company aims to showcase the power of storytelling during commercial time, and thisstunt aligns perfectly with that mission. Its the ultimate way to show how advertising can be as thrilling and impactful as the content it complements, says Douglas.Stunt Advertising EvolvedIts a novel concept getting five brands to collaborate on a six-ad extravaganza during the Oscars to celebrate stunt performers. But this isnt Disney Advertisings first crack at experimental ads.Back in 2022, it worked with Kimmelot and Maximum Effort for the series finale of The Walking Dead. They created a series of ads for Autodesk, Deloitte, DoorDash, MNTN, and Ring, featuring four characters who died over the course of the shows 11-season run. All five commercials were shot in two days.Last year, the companies collaborated again, this time for a Groundhog Day-like campaign for Lays. That was a series of eight ads starring Stephen Tobolowsky, who played Ned in the 1993 comedy-film classic Groundhog Day, just trying to buy a bag of chips. The spots ran 75 times on the calendars Groundhog Day, taking up a third of ABCs commercial inventory for the day, appearing during Good Morning America, General Hospital, Shark Tank, 20/20, and Jimmy Kimmel Live!.Campbell says that the goal was to evolve the approach, this time with multiple brands, and on perhaps the biggest night of live-event TV outside of the Super Bowl. It was really asking, how do we continue to push ourselves, to push the boundaries, and use the full platform of Disney in order to keep pushing these creative boundaries? he says.The StuntsChris Denison directed the Carnival spot and coordinated the stunts and cast every stunt performer across all six commercials. Hes performed stunts in films for Zac Efron, Jared Leto, and Ewan McGregor, as well as being Sam Worthingtons stunt double in James Camerons Avatar sequels.Denison says that his first thought when he heard about this overall idea was, Dude, dont mess this up!All kidding aside, when I first heard of the concept of a series of stunts-centric commercials geared toward paying homage to our profession, I was struck by a tremendous sense of responsibility, both to my peers and the legends of the business who came before us, says Denison. I knew instinctively that if the commercials that we produced were anything less than amazing, they would fall far short of the mission of honoring the overall stunt community. As a result, my team and I poured absolutely everything we had into this process.The biggest challenge from a stunt perspective was using the action to tell a meaningful story inside the boundaries of a 30-second spot.Im a firm believer that action should be a storytelling device; that is, all stunts should be used to drive a story forward, else you risk losing your connection with the audience, says Denison. The creative team and our fantastic directors did us so many favors in this regard, but we as a department had to be absolutely ruthless about distilling the action down to its core.He points to the Samsung Fight commercial. Our first iteration of the fight was over a minute long, says Denison. With the help of our fearless fight coordinator, Steve Brown, we literally workshopped that thing for weeks, stripping out the proverbial shoe leather while highlighting the individual storytelling elements. I believe that the finished product is as compelling as a 30-second fight can get. This challenge persisted across each of the spots, and in every instance we put a hard focus on hyperefficient storytelling through cool action to create what we felt was the best result possible.What stands out to Denison about this advertising stunt is the sheer variety in the spots. From a massive drop off a 12-story office building and a practical skydive out of a helicopter over an ocean to precision-driving in a trophy truck out in the desert.Each spot is wildly different, and yet they all tell a broader story of what kind of content the stunt community is capable of producing, says Denison. It was incredibly fun getting to switch gears so rapidly and complete so many different action sequences in a short amount of time. As under the radar as stunt performers are used to flying, there are individuals within the stunt community whose names are even less well-known, and yet their work is absolutely everywhere on screen.Denison goes on to point out a few of the less-than-famous folks Oscars viewers will see. Whether or not the audience recognizes this, I think its a very fun Easter egg that the boom operator in the Fight commercial is a UFC Hall-of-Famer, the first assistant director in the Kiehls spot is an accomplished supercross racer, and the dude in the floatie in the Carnival Cruise ship pool is Hugh Jackmans stunt double.

Im a little late to the club, considering were two days into March but better late than never, I always say. Every few years, we reach a time when a certain category of devices/services becomes a tech essential. Mobile phones became essentials in the 2000s, a social media presence became essential in the 2010s, we ditched CDs for hard disks, hard disks for SSDs, and somewhere in the middle, we even dabbled with cloud storage. Its 2025, and Ive come up with my list of 7 gadgets you should absolutely own by now.I wouldnt call myself a prepper or doomer by any stretch of the imagination, but I trust myself more than the crumbling institutions and power-hungry corporations around me. These 6 products are common-sense purchases, to be honest, but theyre all rooted in a sense of independence and preparedness. In relying on yourself rather than everything around you. The original list had 5 products, but I added a 6th one in even though the last item is a no-brainer, more than 90% of the world still doesnt own one, so it definitely seemed like the right thing to do to add it to this list. Here are my 6 absolute essential tech gadgets to have in 2025 and beyond.1. Network Attached Storage (NAS)Youre probably reading this on a phone, and if Im not wrong, your phone is probably filled with photos and videos that periodically get backed up to the cloud a cloud that you pay for. There was a time when phones just came with their own memory cards, and you could pop one in, fill it up, and then replace it. Of course, cloud drives became a lot more convenient, allowing you to back photos up from 10 years ago and access them whenever but two things happened. One, these subscriptions became an add-on expense that you ended up paying hundreds a year for, but also, two, you relinquished control over your personal memories, relying instead on Google, Apple, or Microsoft. The Fappening iCloud breach of 2014 starkly illustrated the vulnerability of cloud-stored media to hacks, while recent controversies surrounding AI training have raised concerns about how our data might be used without our full understanding or consent.Enter the Network Attached Storage (NAS) solution your personal cloud that puts you back in control of your data. A NAS device is essentially a mini-server for your home network, allowing you to store, access, and share your files securely from any device. Setting up a NAS is simpler than ever, typically involving connecting the device to your router, installing hard drives, and following a user-friendly setup wizard. Once configured, you can access your files remotely, stream media to your devices, and even run your own cloud services.When shopping for a NAS, consider factors like the number of drive bays (which determines total storage capacity), processor power (important for running multiple services or transcoding media), and RAM (crucial for smooth performance with multiple users). Look for features like easy drive replacement, robust backup options, and app ecosystems that extend the NASs functionality. Some NAS devices even offer built-in protection against ransomware and other cyber threats, providing peace of mind for your digital life.When selecting a NAS for your home, three excellent options cover the spectrum of needs and budgets. For beginners or those prioritizing simplicity, Synologys DiskStation DS220+ ($300 plus drives) offers an intuitive interface and straightforward setup process, perfect for basic file storage, photo management, and light media streaming. Users with more demanding requirements should consider QNAPs TS-253D ($400 plus drives), which excels at multimedia tasks like 4K video transcoding and hosting multiple simultaneous streams to different devices. Budget-conscious shoppers will appreciate TerraMasters F2-210 ($180 plus drives), which handles essential backup and file-sharing functions admirably despite its lower price point. All three systems can be set up in under an hour using their guided installation wizards, require minimal maintenance once configured, and ultimately pay for themselves by eliminating monthly cloud storage fees while keeping your data firmly under your control.2. Power StationEnergy independence has shifted from a luxury to a necessity in 2025, as aging power grids struggle against increasingly extreme challenges. Recent events like the devastating Los Angeles fires, the Midwest polar vortex that left millions without heat, and the Pacific Northwest earthquake that crippled power infrastructure for weeks have highlighted the vulnerability of our electrical systems. Power stations essentially portable, rechargeable batteries with built-in inverters have emerged as the modern solution to an increasingly unreliable electrical infrastructure. These versatile energy hubs provide peace of mind during emergencies while offering practical utility for everything from weekend camping trips to powering essential home appliances during extended blackouts.Power stations come in various capacities to suit different needs. Compact models weighing under 10 pounds deliver 200-300 watt-hours perfect for charging devices, running small appliances, or powering lighting during short camping trips. Mid-range units offering 500-1000 watt-hours can handle more demanding applications like CPAP machines, mini-refrigerators, and power tools. The high-capacity segment, featuring 1500+ watt-hour capacities and dual-phase outputs, can power entire home circuits, including refrigerators, medical equipment, and heating systems during extended outages. Many premium models now feature modular battery systems, allowing you to expand capacity as needed without replacing the entire unit.The technology powering these stations has advanced dramatically, with lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries offering longer lifespans, improved safety, and better performance in extreme temperatures compared to older lithium-ion chemistries. Solar charging capabilities have become standard, with efficient MPPT controllers maximizing energy harvest from portable panels. This solar integration creates truly sustainable power systems, allowing users to generate electricity indefinitely in remote locations or during prolonged grid failures. Advanced features like app connectivity, programmable power management, and UPS (uninterruptible power supply) functionality provide unprecedented control over your energy usage.Ankers PowerHouse series leads the market with exceptional build quality and intuitive interfaces that make complex power management accessible to everyone. BLUETTI has established itself as the innovation leader, pioneering features like dual voltage outputs and expandable battery systems in their AC200 and EP500 models. Jackery, once considered an underdog, has rapidly gained market share with their Explorer series, offering excellent value and reliability for outdoor enthusiasts. VTOMAN has made waves with their rugged, military-inspired designs and impressive power-to-weight ratios. Investment in these systems ranges from $500-800 for entry-level models suitable for device charging and small appliances, to $1,500-3,000 for mid-range units that can power essential home circuits or even your EV, all the way up to $3,000-7,000 for comprehensive home backup systems with expandable capacity.3. Vehicle Dash CamMost smart homes are equipped with video doorbells or at the least, buildings have CCTVs installed in them so that theres evidence of everyone whos entered or left. If your homes can have advanced surveillance systems, why cant your car? Whether its recording something as absurd as a meteor crash (remember that dashcam footage from Russia 10 years ago?) or recording footage to avoid liability in the case of an accident, a dash cam is an absolute tech essential that I cant recommend enough to people. With insurance fraud schemes becoming increasingly sophisticated and hit-and-run incidents on the rise, having video evidence of your driving can save you thousands in disputed claims. A quality dash cam serves as your silent, impartial witness on the road, documenting everything from fender benders to attempted insurance scams. In an age where video evidence often makes the difference between being found at fault or exonerated, this small device delivers peace of mind that far outweighs its cost.Modern dashcams have transcended their simple recording origins to become smart devices packed with features that enhance both safety and convenience. Look for models with high-resolution recording (at least 1440p) for capturing license plate details, wide dynamic range (WDR) for balanced exposure in challenging lighting conditions, and GPS for tracking location and speed data. Advanced features worth considering include parking mode (which activates when it detects motion while your car is parked), lane departure warnings, and collision detection. Some premium models even offer cloud connectivity, automatically uploading footage when incidents occur, ensuring your evidence is preserved even if your camera is damaged or stolen.Installation has become remarkably straightforward, with most models either attaching to your windshield via suction cups or adhesive mounts, or discreetly integrating with your rearview mirror. Power typically comes from your vehicles 12V outlet or can be hardwired to your cars electrical system for a cleaner look and to enable parking mode. When selecting a dash cam, consider whether you want front-only recording or a dual-camera system that captures both front and rear views. For those living in extreme climates, look for models with good operating temperature ranges and capacitor-based power systems rather than batteries, which can fail in high heat.Brands like Nextbase have established themselves as leaders in the consumer dash cam market, with their Series 2 models offering excellent value and user-friendly interfaces. Blackvues DR900X series represents the premium end of the spectrum, with 4K recording and robust cloud connectivity features. Garmins Dash Cam series brings the companys navigation expertise to the dash cam world, with models featuring voice control and driver assistance warnings. For budget-conscious shoppers, 70Mais 4K Omni delivers impressive clarity and intelligent features in a compact design. VAVAs Dual Dash Cam stands out for its innovative 360-degree swivel design and excellent night vision capabilities, making it ideal for rideshare drivers and those who frequently drive after dark. Whichever model you choose, a dash cam has become as essential to responsible vehicle ownership as insurance itself a small investment that could potentially save you from major headaches and financial losses down the road.4. Tracking DeviceThe airline industrys meltdown in recent years has turned what used to be a minor inconvenience into a full-blown crisis for travelers. In 2022, Heathrow Airport made headlines when a baggage system malfunction created mountains of abandoned luggage in Terminal 2, leaving thousands of passengers separated from their belongings. Just this past August, torrential rain and lightning strikes caused another luggage disaster at Britains busiest airport, with irate passengers reporting their bags never made it to their destinations. These arent isolated incidents theyre symptoms of an overwhelmed system thats becoming increasingly unreliable.Enter the smart tracking device your personal insurance policy against the chaos of modern travel. These compact beacons have evolved far beyond simple Bluetooth tags, now offering precise location tracking across global networks, extended battery life, and sophisticated alert systems. Whether attached to your luggage, slipped into a wallet, or clipped to a pets collar, these devices provide real-time location data directly to your smartphone, giving you peace of mind and a fighting chance to recover your belongings when systems fail.The latest generation of trackers offers features that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. Take the innovative PhotoTag that we featured earlier this year. Unlike conventional trackers, the PhotoTag incorporates an E-ink display that can display a photo, contact information, or custom message making it instantly recognizable and increasing the chances of recovery. Priced at just $29, it combines the location precision of premium trackers with a customizable display that serves as a visual identifier, perfect for luggage, pets, or even keeping tabs on young children in crowded spaces.When shopping for a tracker, consider network compatibility (Apples Find My network or Androids Find My Device), battery life (replaceable batteries typically last longer), range, water resistance, and alert options. Reliable options include Apples AirTag for iPhone users, Samsungs Galaxy SmartTag for Android enthusiasts, and offerings from Chipolo and Tile for cross-platform compatibility. Some models even include additional features like separation alerts that notify you when youve left something behind or crowd-finding capabilities that anonymously enlist other users devices to help locate your missing items.5. GaN ChargerThe days of carrying multiple chargers, each with their own bulky power brick and tangled cable, are officially behind us. GaN (Gallium Nitride) technology has revolutionized the charging landscape, replacing the traditional silicon components with a material that conducts electricity more efficiently, generates less heat, and allows for dramatically smaller form factors. What once required a charger the size of a deck of cards can now fit in your palm, all while delivering more power than ever before. Its the kind of technological leap that makes you wonder how we ever tolerated the alternatives.Modern GaN chargers pack an astonishing amount of power into incredibly compact designs. A single brick the size of a credit card (just slightly thicker) can simultaneously charge your laptop, phone, tablet, and earbuds effectively replacing four separate chargers with one elegant solution. With power outputs ranging from 65W to over 200W, these chargers can handle everything from power-hungry gaming laptops to the most demanding creative workstations. The days of lugging around that massive proprietary laptop power brick are over; most GaN chargers now support universal USB-C Power Delivery, compatible with virtually any modern device.The efficiency gains extend beyond size and convenience GaN chargers are significantly more energy-efficient. They waste less electricity as heat, which means faster charging times, lower electricity bills, and less environmental impact. Many models feature intelligent power distribution, automatically adjusting the output to each connected device based on its specific needs. This smart power management ensures your laptop gets the high wattage it requires while simultaneously providing the optimal charging rate for more sensitive devices like smartphones.Industry leader Anker has been at the forefront of this revolution with their Nano and Prime series, offering exceptional reliability and safety features. Satechis GaN charger line combines cutting-edge technology with sleek design aesthetics that complement premium devices. For those seeking alternatives, other players like UGREEN have begun entering the market with their Nexode chargers, though they still have a long way to go to match established brands like Anker, Belkin, and Satechi. Meanwhile, innovative startups like ChargeAsap have pushed boundaries with ultra-compact designs that somehow manage to pack in even more ports and power. Whichever brand you choose, a quality GaN charger simplifies your tech life while future-proofing your charging needs for years to come.6. Crypto Hardware WalletRemember when we used to keep our spare change in a piggy bank? Those ceramic pigs felt like impenetrable fortresses, guarding our precious coins from sticky-fingered siblings. Fast forward to 2025, and were dealing with digital assets worth thousands, sometimes millions. Yet, many of us still treat our crypto like loose change in our pockets. The crypto world has seen its fair share of disasters, from the FTX collapse in 2022 to Binances legal troubles in 2023. These werent isolated incidents they were wake-up calls. Our digital piggy banks arent as secure as we thought.Enter the crypto hardware wallet the modern-day equivalent of burying your treasure in the backyard, but infinitely more sophisticated. These pocket-sized devices are like miniature vaults, keeping your private keys locked away from prying eyes and malicious code. Theyre not connected to the internet, making them immune to online attacks that have plagued hot wallets and exchanges. When choosing a hardware wallet, look for military-grade encryption, support for multiple cryptocurrencies, and ease of use. The device should feel solid, with a clear display for verifying transactions.Reputable brands have stood the test of time and scrutiny. Ledger and Trezor are the veterans in this space, offering a range of options from beginner-friendly to advanced models. The Ledger Nano X, with its Bluetooth capability, strikes a balance between security and convenience. Trezors Model T, with its touchscreen interface, makes managing your crypto feel less like rocket science. Newer players like Ngrave and Coldcard cater to the paranoid among us, with features like air-gapped operations and open-source firmware. These might be overkill for casual investors, but for those holding significant assets, they offer peace of mind thats hard to put a price on.Using a hardware wallet isnt just about protecting your assets; its about embracing the core philosophy of cryptocurrency decentralization and personal responsibility. When you use a hardware wallet, youre not trusting an exchange or a company with your funds. You become your own bank, with all the power and responsibility that entails. The learning curve might seem steep at first. Setting up a hardware wallet feels a bit like preparing for a space mission there are seed phrases to write down, firmware to update, and addresses to verify. But once you get past the initial setup, using your hardware wallet becomes second nature. The extra steps feel less like inconveniences and more like necessary precautions, like checking the locks before bed. In a world where digital assets are becoming increasingly mainstream, hardware wallets arent just for crypto enthusiasts anymore. Theyre essential tools for anyone serious about protecting their digital wealth.7. Hydroponic PlanterI never considered myself someone with a major green thumb until I set up my first hydroponic planter last year. Within just four weeks, I was harvesting fresh basil for my pasta and plucking cherry tomatoes straight from my kitchen counter garden. The transformation was remarkable from seeds to thriving plants with minimal effort on my part. The system handled all the complex variables like watering schedules, nutrient delivery, and light cycles, allowing me to enjoy the rewards of gardening without the traditional learning curve or maintenance headaches. Moreover, it makes eating healthy simpler, and CHEAPER, allowing you to get fresh farm-to-table produce simply by growing things yourself.Hydroponic systems have democratized gardening by removing the guesswork and physical labor that often discourages beginners. These water-based growing systems deliver nutrients directly to plant roots in precisely calibrated amounts, eliminating the need to master soil composition or watering frequencies. Their vertical design maximizes growing space a unit with the footprint of a standard doormat can support 20-30 plants simultaneously, creating a lush garden in even the smallest apartments. Many modern systems include integrated LED lighting that mimics optimal sunlight conditions, allowing you to grow year-round regardless of your climate or available natural light.One significant advantage of hydroponics is the absence of soil, which eliminates the vast majority of pest problems that plague traditional gardens. Without soil, common garden pests like aphids, fungus gnats, and root-eating larvae simply cant establish themselves. This soil-free approach also means no weeding, no muddy mess, and significantly less water consumption most hydroponic systems use up to 95% less water than conventional gardening methods. The controlled environment creates ideal growing conditions that accelerate plant development while producing higher yields and more nutrient-dense produce.Entry-level hydroponic systems like AeroGarden and Click & Grow handle the basics of automated watering and lighting for around $100-200, making them perfect for herbs and small vegetables. Mid-range options from brands like Tower Garden and iDOO ($300-500) offer expanded capacity and more sophisticated nutrient delivery systems. At the cutting edge, the Gardyn system I saw at CES 2025 represents the future of home agriculture. Its AI-powered growing assistant uses cameras to monitor plant health, automatically adjusts growing conditions, and even sends notifications when plants need attention or are ready to harvest. At $700-900, these advanced systems represent a significant investment, but for households spending $200+ monthly on produce, they can pay for themselves within a year while providing fresher, more nutritious food than anything available at supermarkets.The post 7 Must-Have Tech Gadgets That Everyone Needs To Own In 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

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WithAssassins Creed Shadowsreleasing finally within touching distance (assuming it doesnt get delayed again), weve spoken quite a bit about the action RPG in recent weeks. Ubisoft has, however, revealed a significant amount of details, of which theres still plenty we havent yet touched on. Here, were going to continue ourAssassins Creed Shadows coverage going, and go over some more notable details that you should know about the upcoming title.SIDE QUESTSAssassins Creedgames never have any shortage of optional content on offer, and therell be plenty of it inShadowsas well, unsurprisingly. You can, of course, expect a hefty chunk of side quests, many of which, according to creative director Jonathan Dumont, will revolve around specific characters that players will forge bonds with (and maybe even recruit to their cause). Speaking in an interview with Screen Rant, Dumont said, So a lot of characters that you meet, youll have pretty long quest lines with them. So you can meet them sometimes in the main path, sometimes just on the side. And then you build relationships with them. So sometimes you can recruit them, sometimes you can have romantic options if you feel like, and then youre building those relationships.FLASHBACKSInterestingly, another category of optional in Assassins Creed Shadowswill go hand-in-hand with flashbacks. Tied to meditation mechanics, these flashbacks will reveal bits and pieces from Naoe and Yasukes past lives. In the aforementioned interview, Dumont said, Theres a couple of surprises where some of the side content is sort of hidden behind a couple of meditation mechanics, where we do get to experience the past of Naoe and then Yasuke as well. So these are flashbacks that we get. So at first, you play, you dont know exactly who they are, and then you get the full, oh, thats why hes here, or something like that.SPLITTING TIME BETWEEN BOTH PROTAGONISTSPlayers will be spending a good amount of time with both Naoe and Yasuke, but asShadowsdevelopers keep stressing, it wont be too often that youll be forced to play as one or the other. According to Dumont, though Yasuke and Naoe do have their exclusive missions each, the vast majority of the game is designed to be playable as either of the two, with the gameplay adapting to the choice that you make. Speaking to Screen Rant, Dumont said, They get individual introductions and then they get their own questline also.So that one is, lets say Naoe, a personal questline cannot be played by Yasuke and those are two distinct things.But the core of the game can be pick your character and the game adapts.RUMOURED CO-OP MODEThough a single-player experience like its predecessors, with two central protagonists with unique play styles, Assassins Creed Shadowsseems pretty well-suited to co-op gameplay. As luck would have it, leaks have claimed that a co-op mode is in fact currently in the works. Insider Gamings Tom Henderson claimed in a report last October that a co-op mode forShadows,in development under the codename LEAGUE, will release following the action RPGs release and allow Naoe and Yasuke to be playable simultaneously by two players. When the mode will arrive exactly remains to be seen.MORE DETAILS ON SEASONSWeve spoken in the past about how changing seasons will affect the gameplay inShadows heres afew more fun examples on that front. During winter, youll frequently spot icicles hanging off of roofs, which youll be able to break to distract enemies with the noise theyll make upon impact. Meanwhile, when its raining, youll notice that enemies will also change their patrols in stealth, with units belonging to higher social classes seeking out shelter indoors or under roofs while the grunts stay outside.OBSERVE MECHANICEagle Visions return to mainlineAssassins CreedwithShadowsis exciting enough, but where it will only be available to Naoe, the new Observe mechanic which functionssort ofalong the same lines will be accessible by both characters. Described as a fast and easy way to toggle additional information on screen, the Observe mechanic will highlight things such as loot, collectibles, and quest objectives, and can also be used to identify targets and tag enemies.SAFEHOUSESOn top of a customizable hub referred to as the Hideout that youll keep returning to,Assassins Creed Shadowsworld will also feature several smaller safehouses scattered in different locations. Called kukurega, safehouses will let you access your gear stash, manage scouts and allies, replenish things such as ammo and rations, accept new contracts, and more. Of course, each safehouse will also serve as a fast travel point.BRIBING OFFICIALSTherell be several ways to become better informed about the world as you explore it inAssassins Creed Shadows. One will be bribing officials, something thatAssassins Creedfans have been used to doing over the years. InShadows,bribing officials will reveal new information on your targets, making it easier to identify and track them down.PATHFINDERAssassins Creed Shadowsis seemingly putting much greater emphasis than its predecessors on organic exploration, which hopefully means getting lost in its world will be its own kind of fun. Should you gettoolost, however, the game will also feature a pathfinding tool to help you find your way back, as youd expect. Toggle the feature on and a white line will appear on-screen to show you the best path to your quest objective or map marker.NO BATTLE PASS WITH ANIMUS HUBAssassins Creed Shadowswill launch right alongside the new Animus Hub, which is meant as a central platform that all games in the series will be tied to going forward. What should we expect from it in terms of monetization, however? All the way back in November, Ubisoft confirmed that there will be no paid battle pass or subscription fees tied to the Animus Hub. How the companydoesplan on monetizing the platform remains to be seen.RAY TRACINGAssassins Creed Shadowswill tout ray tracing features on PC, and depending on how powerful your hardware is, youll be able to scale things differently. On the lowest rung is selective ray tracing, which will allow you to run the game with software-based ray tracing even if youre using pre-RTX GPUs. With selective ray tracing enabled, ray tracing features will only be enabled in the Hideout. Then theres standard ray tracing, which will tout real-time global illumination, while extended ray tracing will also bring real-time reflections.STANDARD RT PC REQUIRMENTSWeve previously spoken about the lowest and highest system requirements forAssassins Creed ShadowsPC version, but theres plenty in the middle left to cover. Many will be looking to play the game with the aforementioned standard ray tracing features, for which Ubisoft has detailed two different presets. To play with standard ray tracing at 1080p and 30 FPS, youll need either an i7 8700K or a Ryzen 5 3600, along with either a GeForce RTX 2070, a Radeon RX 6700 XT, or an Arc B580. To kick it up to 1440p and 60 FPS, meanwhile, youll need either an i5 11600K or a Ryzen 5 5600X, along with either a GeForce RTX 4070 Super or a Radeon RX 7800 XT. Both setups will also need an SSD and 16 GB of RAM.STEAMUnlike many of Ubisofts recent major releases,Assassins Creed Shadowsis going to be available on Steam right at launch. That said, it has been confirmed that youwillneed to have a Ubisoft Connect account linked to your Steam to be able to play the game.NOT STEAM DECK COMPATIBLEIf you were hoping to clamber over the rooftops of feudal Japan portably, sadly, that wont be an option- at launch, at least. Ubisoft has confirmed that the game wont be Steam Deck compatible upon its release, owing to its high system requirements. Whether we can expect things to change post-launch hasnt yet been confirmed.4K/60 FPS MODEWeve spoken quite a bit aboutShadowsPC version- but what about console players? Well, theres reason to be excited, from a technical standpoint. As per Ubisoft, on both PS5 and Xbox Series X, Assassins Creed Shadowswill feature a performance mode that will run the game at an upscaled 2160p and 60 FPS. Details havent yet been shared on the games Xbox Series S and PS5 Pro versions, however.

From OpenAI's 'Deep Research' to DeepMind's 'AI co-scientist,' next-gen AI is smarter and astoundingly capable.Read More

Welcome back to another week and a visit from the discount fairy, whos blessed us with a ton of deals. Let me get you up to speed with the best of that haul quick, fast, and in a hurry. The most obvious pick has got to be the colossal discount (and new price) of the PlayStation VR2 headset. Im pretty obsessed with it myself and can point you in the direction of the games to get for it right now!This Day in Gaming Fight Night Champion a fantastic final entry in a franchise that needs to rise up off the mat.Aussie bdays for notable games- Castlevania: Legacy of Darkness (N64) 2000. eBay- Fight Night Champion (PS3,X360) 2011. Get- Zelda: Breath of the Wild (NS) 2017. GetContentsNice Savings for Nintendo SwitchToday on Nintendo Switch, you can grab Ori and the Blind Forest for a jaw-dropping A$7an emotional indie masterpiece with animations so fluid, they rival a Disney project. Or, if chaos is more your speed, Everybody 1-2-Switch! brings party-game madness to your living room and potentially through your walls and TV (depending on how hard you play it).SkyrimBuy this for the best in genre RPGing. Stay for the version exclusive Zelda gear (Master Sword, Hylian Shield, and Champion's Tunic).Ori Blind Forest (-75%) - A$7Everybody 1-2-Switch! (-25%) - A$38Outward Def. Ed. (-35%) - A$39Spyro Reignited Trilogy (-65%) - A$24Expiring Recent DealsThe Outer Worlds (-51%) - A$22Rayman Legends Def. Ed. (-80%) - A$12God Eater 3 (-35%) - A$55Caf Enchant (-38%) - A$47Them's Fightin' Herds: Del. Ed. (-61%) - A$23Or gift a Nintendo eShop Card.Switch Console PricesHow much to Switch it up?Switch OLED + Mario Wonder: $539 $499 | Switch Original: $499 $448 | Switch OLED Black: $539 $448 | Switch OLED White: $539 $448 | Switch Lite: $329 $312 | Switch Lite Hyrule: $339 $335See itBack to topPurchase Cheap for PCToday on PC, the legendary Super Meat Boy can be nabbed for nada. This stupid-tough platformer was originally created by just two developers, one of whom hid cryptic messages in the games level design. This War of Mine: Complete Edition is another steal at A$3this critically acclaimed survival game was so impactful that it was added to school curricula in Poland to teach students about the harsh realities of war.Stealth PromoAssassin's Creed: Director's Cut ($3.79 / -75%) | Hitman: Absolution ($2.90 / -90%) | Thief: Def. ($5.09 / -85%) | Outlast ($4.59 / -85%) | Dishonored: Complete ($22.99 / -80%) | Batman: Arkham Asylum GOTY ($5.79 / -80%) and more.See it at GOGSuper Meat Boy (-100%) - A$0AK-Xolotl: Together (-100%) - A$0This War of Mine: Complete (-93%) - A$3C & C Franchise Sale (-70%) - A$9Assassins Creed x 15 Bndl. (-68%) - A$209Expiring Recent DealsMages of Mystralia (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeDeus Ex: Human Revolution (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeSine Mora Ex (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeYes, Your Grace (-100%) - FREE w/PrimeAvatar: Frontiers of Pandora (-67%) - A$33Prince of Persia The Lost Crown (-50%) - A$30Or just get a Steam Wallet CardPC Hardware PricesSlay your pile of shame.Official launch in NovSteam Deck 256GB LCD: $649 | Steam Deck 512GB OLED: $899 | Steam Deck 1TB OLED: $1,049See it at SteamBack to topExciting Bargains for XboxXbox fans, you can giddy on up with a historical low. Red Dead Redemption 2 is down to A$22, letting you clip-clop through the Old West with realistic horse physics that feature lifelike pooping (particularly when you brush your mount and it feels relaxed). Death Stranding: Directors Cut also lands at A$27, and this mighty divisive strand game famously features a cameo by filmmaker Guillermo del Toro.Tiny Tina's WonderlandsTiny Tinas Wonderlands is a fantastic fantasy take on Borderlands tried-and-true looter shooter formula. As spin-offs go, it offers excellent writing, hilarious performances from an all-star cast, and ridiculous combat.Red Dead 2 (-75%) - A$22No More Heroes 3 (-23%) - A$58Monopoly 2024 (-41%) - A$29SpellForce III Reforced (-40%) - A$39Death Stranding Directors Cut (-50%) - A$27Expiring Recent DealsSuicide Squad Del. Ed. (-58%) - A$69Tekken 8 (-46%) - A$64Overcooked! All You Can Eat (-47%) - A$30Diablo IV (-45%) - A$41Yoku's Island Express (-80%) - A$5Tomb Raider I-III Remastered (-50%) - A$22System Shock (-60%) - A$22Metro 2033 Redux (-85%) - A$4Or just invest in an Xbox Card.Xbox Console PricesHow many bucks for a 'Box? Series X: $799 $749 | Series S Black: $549 $545 | Series S White:$499 $498 | Series S Starter: N/ASee itBack to topPure Scores for PlayStationPS5 users can snag RoboCop: Rogue City for just A$13, a game so faithful to the original film that it even brings back Peter Weller as the voice of RoboCop. And for those craving high-flying action, Ace Combat 7 is A$26 with its cloud physics that were so advanced they had to be manually adjusted to avoid making dogfights too unpredictable.PS VR2Built-in tracking cameras, eye tracking, 4K OLED panels, and two tactile Sense controllers with adaptive triggers and haptic feedback come with this VR headset designed for the PS5.It Takes Two (-52%) - A$29Ace Combat 7 (-73%) - A$26RoboCop: Rogue City (-85%) - A$13Like a Dragon Starter Pack (-50%) - A$57Zombie Army 4: Dead War (-51%) - A$34Firewatch (-85%) - A$4Expiring Recent DealsSpider-Man: Miles Morales (-20%) - A$76Tales of Arise (-67%) - A$33TopSpin 2K25 (-77%) - A$23Planet Zoo Console Ed. (-21%) - A$60Digimon World: Next Order (-54%) - A$39Zombie Army 4: Dead War (-46%) - A$38DayZ (-53%) - A$37Super Monkey Ball: BB HD (-56%) - A$18PS+ Monthly FreebiesYours to keep from Mar 4 with this subscriptionDragon Age: Veilguard (PS5)Sonic Colours: Ultimate (PS4)TMNT: Cowabunga Col. (PS5/PS4)Or purchase a PS Store Card.What you'll pay to 'Station.PS5 Slim Disc:$799 $798 | PS5 Slim Digital:679 $678 | PS5 Pro $1,199 | PS VR2: $872 | PS VR2 + Horizon: $1,099 | PS Portal: $329See itBack to topLegit LEGO DealsMinecraft Nether Portal"All that is, ever, ever was. Will be ever. Twisting, Turning Through the Nether." - Metallica, probably.City Police Bike (-38%) - A$10Star Wars: Mando Ambush (-31%) - A$159City: Double-Decker (-30%) - A$35Expiring Recent DealsMinecraft: Armadillo Mine (-34%) - A$33City: Space Mech (-33%) - A$10Harry Potter: Motorcycle Ride (-30%) - A$56Back to top Adam Mathew is our Aussie deals wrangler. He plays practically everything, often on YouTube.

The 97th Academy Awards, also known as the 2025 Oscars, have finally arrived and are set to celebrate the best of the best in the world of movies from 2024. Going into tonight, Emilia Prez is leading the way with 13 nods, but Wicked and The Brutalist aren't too far behind with 10 nods apiece.There are 23 categories tonight that will see 23 winners, but all the films and the incredible people behind them are all worth highlighting. So, be sure to check all the nominees below and, as they are announced, those that walked away victorious in each category! Oscar Winners 2025Best PictureAnoraThe BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclaveDune: Part TwoEmilia PrezIm Still HereNickel BoysThe SubstanceWickedBest DirectorSean Baker (Anora)Brady Corbet (The Brutalist)James Mangold (A Complete Unknown)Jacques Audiard (Emilia Prez)Coralie Fargeat (The Substance)Actor in a Leading RoleAdrien Brody (The Brutalist)Timothe Chalamet (A Complete Unknown)Colman Domingo (Sing Sing)Ralph Fiennes (Conclave)Sebastian Stan (The Apprentice)Actress in a Leading RoleCynthia Erivo (Wicked)Karla Sofa Gascn (Emilia Prez)Mikey Madison (Anora)Demi Moore (The Substance)Fernanda Torres (Im Still Here)Actor in a Supporting RoleYura Borisov (Anora)Kieran Culkin (A Real Pain) - WINNEREdward Norton (A Complete Unknown)Guy Pearce (The Brutalist)Jeremy Strong (The Apprentice)Actress in a Supporting RoleMonica Barbaro (A Complete Unknown)Ariana Grande (Wicked)Felicity Jones (The Brutalist)Isabella Rossellini (Conclave)Zoe Saldaa (Emilia Prez) - WINNERWriting (Adapted Screenplay)A Complete UnknownConclave - WINNEREmilia PrezNickel BoysSing SingWriting (Original Screenplay)Anora - WINNERThe BrutalistA Real PainSeptember 5The SubstanceCinematographyThe BrutalistDune: Part TwoEmilia PrezMariaNosferatuAnimated Feature FilmFlow - WINNERInside Out 2Memoir Of A SnailWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlThe Wild RobotMusic (Original Score)The BrutalistConclaveEmilia PrezWickedThe Wild RobotMusic (Original Song)El Mal (Emilia Prez) - WINNERThe Journey (The Six Triple Eight)Like A Bird (Sing Sing)Mi Camino (Emilia Prez)Never Too Late (Elton John: Never Too Late)Production DesignThe BrutalistConclaveDune: Part TwoNosferatuWicked - WINNERFilm EditingAnora - WINNERThe BrutalistConclaveEmilia PrezWickedDocumentary Feature FilmBlack Box DiariesNo Other Land - WINNERPorcelain WarSoundtrack To A Coup DEtatSugarcaneDocumentary Short FilmDeath By NumbersI Am Ready, WardenIncidentInstruments Of A Beating HeartThe Only Girl In The Orchestra - WINNERInternational Feature FilmIm Still Here (Brazil)The Girl With The Needle (Denmark)Emilia Prez (France)The Seed Of The Sacred Fig (Germany)Flow (Latvia)Makeup and HairstylingA Different ManEmilia PrezNosferatuThe Substance - WINNERWickedVisual EffectsAlien: RomulusBetter ManDune: Part TwoKingdom Of The Planet Of The ApesWickedCostume DesignA Complete UnknownConclaveGladiator IINosferatuWicked - WINNERAnimated Short FilmBeautiful MenIn The Shadow Of The Cypress - WINNERMagic CandiesWander To WonderYuck!Live-Action Short FilmA LienAnujaIm Not A RobotThe Last RangerThe Man Who Could Not Remain SilentSoundA Complete UnknownDune: Part Two - WINNEREmilia PrezWickedThe Wild Robot

The Oscars wasted no time in getting to the musical performance everyone wanted to see: The stars of the hitmovieWicked belting out the songs signature track.That was Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, of course, singingDefying Gravity. The pair also honored previous movie versions ofThe Wizard of Oz; Grande sang a beautiful rendition of Somewhere Over the Rainbow and Erivo delivered a soaring version of Home from The Wiz.You can watch Erivo and Grandes full performance belowREAD MORE: The Worst Oscar Hosts EverTheWicked tribute was not the onlylavish musical number on the Oscars telecast this year. In honor of the James Bond franchises longtime producers, Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson, receiving this years Irving G. Thalberg Memorial Award from the Academy, the Oscars also included a lengthy tribute to 007 and I do mean lengthy which included several current performers singing the Bond themes of yesteryear.Despite the terrific performance,Wicked was not up for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards this year. The films songs are, after all, not original; they come from the Broadway musical of the same name. (The Best Original Song award was won byEmilia Perez.) The filmis nominated in the Best Original Score category.You can see the full list of the years Academy Award winners here. As of this writing,Wicked has wontwo awards, for Best Costume Design and Best Production Design. It was a well-designed movieandit sounded pretty great too.Get our free mobile appThe Movies Nominated For the Most Oscars With Zero WinsThese movies were nominated for a slew of Oscars and won precisely none of them.

Whether you're a parent or a teen, online life and tech use is fraught with obstacles to navigate, and it can often feel like there's little the tech companies of the world are doing little to help ease the angst.Most of the tech kids use -- from smartphones to social media -- was never designed with them specifically in mind. Finnish phone maker HMD is setting out to change that, and at MWC 2025 introduced its new Family Portfolio with the Fusion X1, a phone designed with kids and for kids.The phone has been designed in collaboration with Xplora, a company known best for its kid-friendly smartwatches. The two companies have crafted a phone that allows teens to request permission from their parents to download apps from the Google Play store. Their parents, meanwhile, can remotely control their access to all apps and features through a companion app, while setting and tracking screen time and location.Read more: MWC 2025: All the Phones, Wearables, Robots and AI Live From BarcelonaWhereas most phones with parental controls either rely on an app that can be deleted or bypassed, or a proprietary operating system that doesn't give kids access to the same apps their friends are using, the Fusion X1 combines app-based controls baked deep into its version of Android OS. This creates a locked-down safe space, where kids can still have limited access to Snapchat, WhatsApp and TikTok -- if their parents agree.The flexibility provided by Fusion X1 is to create options for families who know their children will need access to technology, but may want to do that at their own pace and according to their own rules. "The idea is to provide a device which is a stepping stone," HMD's Global Head of Product Adam Ferguson tells CNET. "Eventually a parent could cede control of this management to the device itself, so it's part of a gradual growing up."It's an idea that's already making waves and catching the attention of many people, not least actor and talk show host Drew Barrymore, who spoke at HMD's event at Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona. "What is right for me may not be right for you," said Barrymore on parenting her two daughters who at 11 and 13 currently don't have smartphones. Drew Barrymore appearing at MWC 2025 in Barcelona. Katie Collins/CNETBarrymore talked about her own experience of growing up without boundaries and protection from the many dangers of the world, but also understanding that teens don't appreciate being told what to do. She said that HMD was a company she felt understood what it meant to help parents navigate introducing teens to technology. "This is very personal for me," she said. "This is a very emotional journey."The Fusion X1 will be available in May for 229 (roughly $290) but you can preorder now.Better phone for kidsHMD announced its Better Phones Project last summer and after interviewing 25,000 teens and parents, found that both adults and kids wanted some limits and boundaries around phone use, and didn't even mind their parents tracking their location. This came as a surprise to the company -- and to me. As a noughties teen, all I wanted to use the internet for was to talk to boys from school over MSN Messenger and I certainly didn't want my parents looking over my shoulder.But 52% of kids HMD spoke to said that at some point they'd been approached by a stranger online, proving that the risk to young people on the internet is potent -- and that they're aware of it. "We're on a mission to help deliver a much safer environment, knowing that there is no silver bullet, but there are certainly things that we can try to do better," says James Robinson, HMD's Americas SVP.Through its research, HMD also came to understand there are three phases children move through when starting to use technology, says Robinson. First comes the initial connection, where they may be between 8 and twelve and start building healthy habits. Next up are the 13-16 year-olds who are starting to use more feature phones, but who may not be ready for unfettered access to all the internet has to offer. Then there are the older teens who will likely be transitioning towards a more adult experience.Due to the flexibility of the parental controls, the Fusion X1 could potentially be an appropriate phone for any of those age groups. "It's a device that grows with the child," says Robinson.It's likely that teens and parents everywhere will have a unique combination of concerns that could encompass factors such as screen time, pornography, bullying and safety. It will be for families to figure out together how children enter and occupy the digital world, and a phone like the Fusion X1 could help them do that on their own terms. I Took Hundreds of Photos With the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. These Are My Favorites See all photos

The Lenovo ThinkBook 'Codename Flip' AI PC Concept can be set to five different display modes thanks to its flexible OLED panel. But who is this thing for?