PinnedJan 16, 2024Andrew WebsterThere are two great reasons to upgrade to The Last of Us Part II RemasteredYeah, I know, it seems way too early for a remaster of The Last of Us Part II. The game originally launched on the PS4 in 2020 and has already received an update for those playing on the PS5. Its not like Ellie, Joel, and Abby need much of an update for modern audiences. But while the slightly enhanced graphics which include native 4K support and improved frame rates are nice, theyre not really the reason to play The Last of Us Part II Remastered. Instead, its all of the other stuff that turns this into an excellent special edition of the game.Some of the additions are relatively small. Theres a guitar mode where you can, well, play guitar as much as you want. Using the PlayStation controllers touchpad to swipe guitar strings was one of the highlights of the original release, and its nice to be able to mess around with it freely. Im sure well see some very cool videos of people rocking out soon. You can also unlock outfits to wear while playing the main game, which is silly but fun. Im 10 hours deep into a New Game Plus run, and Ellie has been wearing a Death Stranding T-shirt the entire time (even though that game couldnt exist in TLOUs timeline).Read Article >Today, 7 minutes agoAsh ParrishIs this really the last of The Last of Us?In a new interview in Variety, Neil Druckmann, creative director of The Last of Us series, doesnt seem confident the popular game turned HBO hit will get a third installment. I guess the only thing I would say is dont bet on there being more of Last of Us. This could be it, he says in the interview. Which is odd because just last year Druckmann said he thinks theres one more chapter left to the story.Making The Last of Us Season 2: Casting Abby, Video Game Changes and Why the Creators Are at Peace With Telling a Different Version of the Story[variety.com]Feb 19Andrew WebsterThe Last of Us season 2 finally has a premiere dateImage: HBOHBO has narrowed down exactly when the second season of The Last of Us will debut. Today the network announced that season 2 will kick off on April 13th on both HBO and Max; previously we only knew it would appear some time in April. Its been a long time coming, as the shows debut season wrapped up back in 2023.Season 2 will follow the second game in the series or at least part of it. Previously, co-creator Craig Mazin explained that the story of The Last of Us Part II will take multiple seasons to cover completely, and as a result season 2 will be a little shorter than the first, with a total of seven episodes. The new season takes place five years later, and will introduce a handful of new cast members, most notably Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and Isabela Merced as Dina, both of whom play a pivotal role in the second game.Read Article >Sep 26, 2024Jay PetersThe Last of Us new season 2 trailer puts Joel and Ellie through the wringerWarner Bros. Discovery has debuted an official teaser trailer for the second season of The Last of Us, and it looks like its going to be a rough one for Joel and Ellie which, if youve played The Last of Us Part II, should be no surprise.After five years of peace following the events of the first season, Joel and Ellies collective past catches up to them, drawing them into conflict with each other and a world even more dangerous and unpredictable than the one they left behind, according to Warner Bros. Discoverys official logline for the season.Read Article >Aug 5, 2024Charles Pulliam-MooreJoels got a lot of explaining to do.Season two of HBOs The Last of Us Adaptation will see Catherine OHara join the cast as someone very keen on seeing Ellie alive and well. And it looks like Joels going to move hell and high water to keep the girl safe in this new preview from the shows next chapter.Jun 5, 2024Andrew WebsterThe Last of Us season 2 will be a little bit shorterImage: HBOThe first season of HBOs The Last of Us covered the first game in the series, but it looks like season 2 will need a little more time to explore the sequel. In an interview with Deadline, co-creator Craig Mazin explained that the story of The Last of Us Part II will take at least two, and possibly three, seasons to fully cover. And as a result, the shows second season will be a few episodes shorter than the first.The story material that we got from Part II of the game is way more than the story material that was in the first game, so part of what we had to do from the start was figure out how to tell that story across seasons, Mazin explained. When you do that, you look for natural breakpoints, and as we laid it out, this season, the natural breakpoint felt like it came after seven episodes. (Season 1 clocked in at nine episodes, for comparison.)Read Article >May 24, 2024Charles Pulliam-MooreMr. Wright goes to (the) Washington (Liberation Front).Jeffrey Wrights mo-cap performance brought Isaac Dixon to life in The Last of Us Part II, and now hes set to reprise the role in season two of HBOs adaptation.May 15, 2024Andrew WebsterA first look at The Last of Us season 2.We may have to wait until next year to return to the post-apocalyptic show, but HBO has released these images to hold us over. They look like, well, Ellie and Joel. Youll have to wait a bit longer to see the live-action version of Abby it seems.1/2Image: HBOFeb 5, 2024Jon PorterThe Last of Us Neil Druckmann reckons theres probably one more chapter to this story.Its far from confirmation of a Last of Us Part 3, but co-creator Druckmann has confirmed hes got a concept in mind for a third entry in the series, should Naughty Dog ever choose to make it:Ive been just thinking about it, is there a concept there? And for, now, years I havent been able to find that concept. But recently, thats changed, and I dont have a story, but I do have that concept that to me is as exciting as [Part 1], as exciting as [Part 2], is its own thing, and yet has this throughline for all three. So it does feel like theres probably one more chapter to this story.You can check out Druckmanns comments in Naughty Dogs recently released Last of Us Part 2 documentary (starting at around the 1:57 mark).Feb 2, 2024Andrew WebsterYou havent seen the last of The Last of Us.Because now its a documentary. While the remaster of The Last of Us Part II featured cut scenes that you could actually play, giving some fascinating insight into the games development, now Naughty Dog has released this meaty two-hour-long movie delving even further into how it was made.Feb 2, 2024Andrew WebsterThe Last of Us season 2 cast keeps growing.The HBO series has already added its Dina, Abbie, and Jesse, and now comes word that Catherine OHara will be playing... somebody. Deadline reports that shes joining the show in an undisclosed role. But whatever it is, more Catherine OHara is never a bad thing.The Last Of Us: Catherine OHara Joins Season 2 Of HBO Series In Undisclosed Guest Role[Deadline]Jan 12, 2024Jay PetersYou can be The Last of Us composer. Really.By playing as the actual composer, Gustavo Santaolalla, in The Last of Us Part II Remastereds guitar freeplay mode. The banjo is an option, too.The game comes out on January 19th.Jan 12, 2024Jay PetersGrounded II.Naughty Dog is releasing a documentary for The Last of Us Part II, but hasnt shared a specific release date. Youll be able to watch the full thing (officially titled Grounded II: Making The Last of Us Part II) on YouTube and in The Last of Us Part II Remastered via a post-launch update.While you wait, you can watch the documentary for the first game right now.Jan 11, 2024Jay PetersHBO has cast its Dina for The Last of Us.Isabela Merced will be playing the role, Warner Bros. Discovery confirmed, joining new cast members Kaitlyn Dever as Abby and Young Mazino as Jesse. The shows second season is set to debut in 2025.Jan 10, 2024Andrew WebsterAnother new addition to The Last of Us.Just a day after learning that Kaitlyn Dever would be playing Abby in the second season of HBOs The Last of Us, now comes word that Young Mazino will be taking on the role of Jesse, another character introduced in The Last of Us Part II. There are likely plenty of more announcements about the show on the way, as the new season isnt expected until 2025.Jan 9, 2024Emma RothThe Last of Us casts Kaitlyn Dever as AbbyPhoto by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty ImagesKaitlyn Dever will officially take on the role of Abby in the highly anticipated second season of The Last of Us, HBO announced on Tuesday.Rumors about Devers role as Abby in the video game adaptation began circulating late last year. Abby is one of the major characters in The Last of Us Part II, the PlayStation game from which the second season will draw its story, and is a rival to protagonist Ellie (played by Bella Ramsey).Read Article >Dec 15, 2023Jay PetersNaughty Dog cancels its The Last of Us multiplayer gameImage: SonyNaughty Dog announced Thursday that its canceled the multiplayer game it was building in The Last of Us universe.The studio says it has been in pre-production on The Last of Us Online even while working on The Last of Us Part II. We were enthusiastic about the direction in which we were headed, according to a blog post about the news.Read Article >Dec 6, 2023Sheena VasaniThe second season of The Last of Us will debut in 2025Image: HBOThe second season of HBOs The Last of Us will debut in 2025. A new teaser dropped by Max confirmed the date and also offered a glimpse into its 2024 lineup.The news comes after showrunner Craig Mazin revealed production will start on February 12th, 2024, which is later than originally planned because of the Writers Guild of America and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Despite the delay, work on the second season is still underway with an outline already prepared and the first episodes script submitted before the strike.Read Article >Dec 4, 2023Jay PetersThe Last of Us Part IIs roguelike mode looks brutal.In a trailer for the new No Return mode (which might get buried by... you know), you can see how youll be able to play as different TLOU characters and take on zombies while dealing with unique gameplay modifiers (like one that appears to make a zombie invisible).The mode will be included with The Last of Us Part II Remastered, which is set to release on January 19th.Dec 1, 2023Jay PetersProduction on The Last of Us second season starts in February.Showrunner Craig Mazin said in a Variety panel that production begins on February 12th. The dates not a total surprise, as HBO and Max content chief Casey Bloys recently said that production would start in early 2024, but now we know exactly when it starts.Now we just need to know who is going to play Abby. Hopefully well find out soon, given that the role has apparently already been cast.Craig Mazin Reveals February Start Date for The Last of Us Season 2 During Varietys A Night in the Writers Room[Variety]Nov 18, 2023Jay PetersSony announces The Last of Us Part II remaster for PS5Naughty Dog officially announced The Last of Us Part II Remastered for PS5 on Friday evening following a bunch of leaks about the game earlier in the day. The game will be released on January 19th, 2024 just like the leaks said.The biggest new addition seems to be a roguelike survival mode called No Return thats designed to let players prove their mettle in randomized encounters and experience The Last of Us Part IIs combat in a fresh experience, Naughty Dogs Jonathon Dornbush said in the announcement blog post. Youll be able to play as some new characters and work through various stealth and combat encounters that will pit you against a range of enemies, with unique twists that can add new, unexpected factors to any given encounter.Read Article >Nov 17, 2023Jon PorterRumors of a remastered Last of Us Part II mount.After a Naughty Dog staffer seemed to let slip news of the remaster, Insider Gaming reports on new rumors that its on the way. The PS4 game is only three years old and has already received a 60fps PS5 patch, but who can blame Naughty Dog for wanting to have a new release on shelves in time for the TV shows second season?The Last of Us Part 2 is Coming to PlayStation 5 - Insider Gaming[Insider Gaming]Nov 2, 2023Jay PetersThe second season of The Last of Us might be a long ways awayImage: HBOWe might be waiting a while for more of HBOs The Last of Us. HBO announced in January that a second season of the excellent adaptation was in the works, and on Thursday, HBO and Max content chief Casey Bloys said that the season will enter production in early 2024, according to Variety.Bloys said that production was delayed because of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes (the latter of which is still going on). The show also wasnt on HBOs slate for 2024, Variety says, meaning it might not come out until 2025 at the earliest.Read Article >Jul 13, 2023Sean HollisterThe Last of Us finally works on Steam Deck with worse-than-PS3 level graphicsThe Last of Us running on a Steam Deck. Photo by Sean Hollister / The VergeThe Last of Us Part I arrived on PC this March as an embarrassing, broken PC port of a game, even on high-end machines. When I tried it on my Steam Deck handheld, the game was utterly unplayable despite co-creator Neil Druckmanns assurances that the game would grace the Steam Deck.But after 11 patches, I can finally confirm The Last of Us is completely playable on Valves portable PC.Read Article >May 26, 2023Ash ParrishNaughty Dog announces brand-new single player experience alongside Last of Us multiplayer delayImage: SonyNaughty Dogs got a new single-player game in the works.The Uncharted developer was expected to show off its The Last Of Us multiplayer project at this weeks PlayStation Showcase. It didnt, but on Friday, it did share some news about the game as well as a surprise announcement that its working on a totally new game.Read Article >Apr 4, 2023Mitchell ClarkMore patches are rolling out for The Last Of Us infected PC portScreenshot: Tom Warren / The VergeNaughty Dog and Nvidia have released more hotfixes for The Last of Us Part Is PC port in an attempt to fix various crashes and other bugs that have plagued the game since it launched a week ago. Nvidia says its hotfix driver Version 531.58 is meant to make the game more stable when running on RTX 30-series graphics cards, and in the patch notes for v1.0.1.7 of the game, Naughty Dog says it and co-developer Iron Galaxy are closely watching player reports to support future improvements and patches.The changelog also mentions improvements beyond just fixing various crashes. Resetting the graphics options to default should now work, an issue where the game wouldnt read Xbox controller stick inputs properly has been fixed, and there are new features to help make it easier for the developers to diagnose issues. If the game crashes due to a GPU issue, youll have the option of additional GPU diagnostic tooling for your next play session.Read Article >

Warp is a very powerful terminal aimed at developers. Early on it was only available on MacOS, then Linux support and finally last week, Windows support was added as well. Warp is a blazing fast terminal, using 3D acceleration for rendering, with tightly integrated AI assistant features.Details of the Warp on Windows release:Today, Warps AI-powered terminal is available on Windows. With this release, Warps agentic, modern, and collaborative experience is available to users of all major operating systems.Supported shells:Powershell, WSL, Git BashSupported architectures:x64, ARM64Bonus AI:Use Warp on Windows before March 26, 2025 to unlock 2x AI credits for your first monthWindows support has been our number one request over the last year, and were beyond excited to be joining the Windows Developer ecosystem. Whether youve never heard of Warp before or have been waiting patiently for this release, we cant wait to hear what you think.The core Warp experience is nearly identical on Windows as it is on Mac and Linux. The app is entirely written in Rust and rendered directly on the GPU for speed and performance. As on other operating systems, Warps login is completely optional though some AI and collaboration features are limited to logged in users. Most importantly, weve made sure that all the key features that make Warp more than just a terminaljust work.Warp has a free tier available with the following pricing for commercial tiers:Key LinksWarp HomepageWarp On Windows AnnouncementYou can learn more about the developer focused Warp terminal in the video below.

LatestMachine LearningThe AI Shift: How Software Engineers Can Adapt and Thrive 0 like March 5, 2025Share this postLast Updated on March 5, 2025 by Editorial TeamAuthor(s): Parth Saxena Originally published on Towards AI. The AI Shift: How Software Engineers Can Adapt and ThrivePhoto by charlesdeluvio on UnsplashA few years ago, AI was something you read about in research papers, saw in sci-fi movies, or encountered in niche applications like recommendation engines and fraud detection systems. It was present, but it wasnt the dominant conversation in the workplace. Fast forward to today, and AI is everywhere.You walk into the office, grab a coffee, and overhear colleagues debating the latest AI-powered coding assistant. In an elevator ride, someone mentions using AI to summarize documents. Town hall meetings are filled with discussions about AI strategies. Even casual desk conversations revolve around which AI tools are best for boosting productivity.Its overwhelming.For many engineers who have spent years honing their craft in traditional software development, this sudden shift can feel disorienting. Everyone seems to be talking about AI as if theyre an expert, throwing around terms like transformers, fine-tuning, and RAG like its common knowledge. If youre not actively working on AI projects, its easy to feel like youre falling behind.Heres the truth: Most people are figuring this out as they go.Despite the flood of AI-related content, very few engineers are actual AI experts. The rapid pace of AI advancements means that even those who have been working in AI for years are constantly learning and adapting. The gap between perception and reality is wide just because someone talks confidently about AI doesnt mean they fully understand its complexities.The Reality Check: Youre Not Too LateIf you feel like youve missed the AI wave, take a deep breath you havent. AI has arrived, but its still evolving. Its no longer just an academic field; its becoming a practical tool integrated into software development workflows. Companies are still figuring out how to adopt AI effectively, and engineers who can navigate this transition will be in high demand.The real challenge isnt about whether AI will replace jobs its about how software engineers can adapt, upskill, and leverage AI to their advantage.The Big Claim Programmers will become obsolete!If youve been keeping up with the AI discourse in tech, youve likely seen the headlines:AI agents are replacing engineers!Software development will be automated!Big Tech is cutting jobs due to AI advancements!Its easy to feel anxious when every major company is talking about AI-powered agents that can code, test, and even review pull requests. For software engineers who arent directly working on AI projects, the fear of becoming obsolete is very real.Will AI Replace Programmers, though?Yes, AI can generate code. Yes, AI can automate repetitive tasks. But AI doesnt replace the human like deep thinking, system design, problem-solving, and decision-making skills that human engineers bring to the table.Whats actually happening is a shift in expectations. Instead of manually writing every line of code, debugging every issue, and reviewing every pull request from scratch, engineers will increasingly rely on AI to assist them. The industry isnt looking for engineers who can compete with AI its looking for those who can use AI effectively to boost productivity. Here are the results from a quick Perplexity search on how some tech companies have improved efficiency with AI-powered code generation.Search results using Perplexity AIThe Adaptation Mindset: AI as an Augmentation, Not a ThreatThe challenge for engineers today isnt just about learning AI/ML its about adapting to a new way of working.Right now, many engineers arent fully utilizing AI productivity tools. The hesitation is understandable it feels counterintuitive. When you first start integrating AI tools into your workflow, it might seem like its slowing you down rather than speeding you up.It reminds me of the time when I was introducing Test-Driven Development (TDD) to a team.At first, TDD feels tedious. Writing tests before writing code? It slows things down, makes you question whether its worth it, and seems unnecessary when youre used to just coding and testing later.Then it becomes second nature. Once you see the long-term benefits fewer bugs, better design, and faster iteration you cant imagine working without it.AI-assisted development is the same. The transition feels inefficient at first, but once it becomes part of your workflow, it amplifies your productivity.How Can Engineers Adapt?Embrace the learning curve. AI tools require some practice to use effectively. Dont dismiss them just because they dont deliver perfect results on the first try.Experiment with AI-assisted coding. Start using tools like Copilot, Codeium, or ChatGPT for coding assistance. See how they can help generate boilerplate code, suggest improvements, or refactor existing code.Use AI-powered PR review tools. AI can catch edge cases, suggest optimizations, and reduce the time spent manually reviewing code.Stay up to date with AI advancements. Follow industry trends, attend AI webinars, and explore how AI is transforming software engineering.The key is to use AI it to your advantage.The Art of Prompting Getting the Best Out of AIOne of the biggest frustrations engineers have when using AI tools is that the responses often seem vague, inaccurate, or not useful.Youve probably heard this complaint before (or maybe even said it yourself):ChatGPTs response isnt accurate.Copilot generates code that doesnt work.AI keeps hallucinating instead of giving me relevant answers.But heres the real issue: Most engineers arent using AI tools correctly. The problem isnt just the AI its how we communicate with it.Why Prompting MattersThink of AI models like interns. If you give an intern vague instructions, theyll make assumptions and likely come back with something thats way off the mark. But if you provide clear, structured guidance, theyll produce much better results.LLMs (Large Language Models) work the same way. Good prompts lead to good responses. Bad prompts lead to bad responses.How to Prompt AI EffectivelyIf youre using AI-powered tools in your workflow, here are some key techniques to get better results:1. Be Specific and Provide ContextBad Prompt: Write a function to parse a file.Better Prompt: Write a Python function that reads a CSV file, extracts the first column, and returns a list of values. The function should handle missing values gracefully.The more context you provide, the better the AIs output will be.2. Set Constraints to Avoid HallucinationsAI models sometimes hallucinate (generate plausible but incorrect information). To minimize this:Specify expected formats (e.g., JSON output, specific function signatures).Define constraints (e.g., Only use built-in Python libraries).Ask for sources or references if working with factual data.3. Iterate and RefineAI wont always get it right on the first try. Treat it like a junior engineer:Review the output critically.Provide feedback and refine the prompt.Ask follow-up questions to clarify or improve the results.4. Use AI for Targeted Efficiency GainsWhen used correctly, AI-powered tools dont replace engineers they make them more efficient. Some quick wins I have already seen using AI tools:25% time reduction in writing unit tests (especially for edge cases).Faster PR reviews with AI-powered review assistants.Code completion tools like Copilot and Codeium boosting productivity.AI as a Skill: The New Normal for EngineersJust like learning Git, CI/CD, or TDD became standard expectations for engineers over time, proficiency with AI-powered development tools will soon be a baseline skill.This doesnt mean every engineer needs to become an AI researcher or build machine learning models. But knowing how to leverage AI efficiently is becoming a must-have skill not just a nice-to-have.Whats Next? The Future of Software EngineeringAI isnt completely replacing engineers its changing how engineers work.Instead of fearing AI-driven automation, the real opportunity lies in embracing it, adapting to it, and using it to augment our own abilities.Embrace the AI ShiftDisruptive technologies dont come around often, but when they do, they redefine the way we work. AI is one such shift one thats happening right now.You have two choices:Resist it. View AI as a threat, dismiss its capabilities, and risk falling behind as the industry moves forward.Embrace it. Recognize AI as a tool that amplifies your skills, increases your efficiency, and positions you as a forward-thinking engineer.Key Takeaways for Thriving in the AI EraAI is not replacing software engineers its augmenting them.Instead of fearing AI-powered automation, focus on how you can integrate it into your workflow to become more efficient.Mindset shift is critical.At first, using AI tools may feel counterintuitive, just like TDD once did. But over time, they become an invaluable part of a modern developers toolkit.Learn how to prompt effectively.AI-generated responses are only as good as the prompts you provide. Mastering prompt engineering will help you get the most out of AI tools.AI efficiency tools will become the norm.From code assistants like Copilot, Codeium to AI-powered PR review tools like PR Buddy, proficiency in using AI will soon be an expectation in software engineering.Not every engineer needs to work on AI models but every engineer will use AI.Even if youre not directly working on AI/ML applications, AI-powered efficiency tools will be embedded in software development processes. Learning to use them effectively will set you apart.The engineers who thrive in the AI era will be the ones adapting and leveraging AI to their advantage. AI has arrived in our lives, how you embrace and use AI to your advantage will define your future in engineering.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

Apple has announced two new iPad upgrades this week, both of which are set to release March 12, but you can preorder them now. Theyre the M3 iPad Air, which starts at $599, and a new 11th-generation baseline iPad, which starts at $349. These are more spec-bump updates rather than major overhauls, but theyre the new 2025 models and theyre more powerful than their predecessors, so theyre probably the ones to get if youre in the market for a new Apple tablet.Featured in this articleOut March 12Apple iPad (11th Generation)$349.00 at AmazonOut March 1211" Apple iPad Air with M3 Chip (2025 Model)$599.00 at AmazonOut March 1213" Apple iPad Air with M3 Chip (2025 Model)$799.00 at AmazonOut March 12Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (M3)$269.00 at AppleYoull find all the details below, including what's new in these iPads, how much they cost, and where you can lock in your preorders. Lets get to it.Apple iPad (11th Generation)Out March 12Apple iPad (11th Generation)$349.00 at AmazonIf youre a regular person with normal tablet computing needs, look no further than the new 11th-generation iPad. It comes with the speedy A16 chip, replacing the A14 chip in the previous-gen iPad. It also starts at 128GB, doubling the starting storage of the previous model at no additional cost. Other than that, it looks and acts basically the same, with color options including silver, blue, yellow, and pink. Its just better on various internal metrics though it notably does not include Apple Intelligence.If you can live without that (and I, as an iPhone 16 owner, can definitely live without Apple Intelligence), the 11th-gen iPad has all the power and performance youll likely need from the device. Thats for users who typically do things on their iPad like playing games, browsing the internet, watching videos, scrolling social media, checking emails, and the like. Itll be able to handle those tasks for a good number of years with no sweat.New iPad Air with M3 ChipOut March 1211" Apple iPad Air with M3 Chip (2025 Model)$599.00 at AmazonOut March 1213" Apple iPad Air with M3 Chip (2025 Model)$799.00 at AmazonOut March 12Magic Keyboard for iPad Air (M3)$269.00 at AppleThe new iPad Air sits in the middle of Apples tablet lineup, with better specs than the baseline iPad, but its not as powerful as the iPad Pro. That said, if you need more computing power in a tablet than what the baseline device above offers, the new iPad Air with M3 chip will likely suit you just fine. It also comes in your choice of 11- or 13-inch options.As you can tell by the name, it has Apples powerful M3 chip, and it supports Apple Intelligence, unlike the baseline model. Its also compatible with a new Magic Keyboard (see it at Apple) that has a row of function keys and a trackpad.Where to Buy Previous Generation iPadsThere have been a lot of generations of iPads so far, but here's a quick look at the previous iterations you can still buy in 2025. Anytime a new generation is announced is a good time to buy an older iPad.Apple iPad (10th Generation)See it at AmazonApple iPad Air (6th Generation)See it at AmazonApple iPad Mini (6th Generation)See it at AmazonApple iPad Pro (7th Generation)See it at AmazonChris Reed is a deals expert and commerce editor for IGN. You can follow him on Bluesky @chrislreed.com.

The Xenomorph from the Alien film franchise is one of the coolest, most nefarious movie monsters ever hatched, with its acid blood, mouths-within-mouths, and diabolical claws. It pretty much single-handedly (and multi-teethily) invented the space horror genre and gave an entire generation a new boogeyman to fear. With Alien: Romulus now streaming, you may be wanting to do a full rewatch of the Alien franchise (including the Alien/Predator films, which are set on Earth). But what's the correct order to watch them in? We've got you covered. Below you'll find full listings for the Alien movies, in both chronological order and by release date. Jump to:The Alien Movies in Chronological OrderHow Many Alien Movies Are There?There are a total of nine movies in the Alien franchise four in the mainline series of films, two Predator crossovers, two prequels from Ridley Scott, and, the newest addition, a standalone movie from Fede lvarez. Alien: 6-Film CollectionSee it at AmazonAlien: RomulusSee it at AmazonAlien: 35th Anniversary EditionSee it at AmazonAliensSee it at AmazonPrometheusSee it at AmazonAlien Movies in (Chronological) Order1. AVP: Alien vs. Predator (2004)The story of the Xenomorphs begins, time-wise, in the first of the two crossover films for the franchise, AVP. Set in 2004, Alien vs. Predator, from Resident Evil/Event Horizon's Paul W. S. Anderson, brought to life a "battle of the titans" concept that first originated in a 1989 comic. In the film, humans discover that Predators (aka the "Yautja") have been coming to Earth for thousands of years. Old cults worshipping them would sacrifice themselves to a Xenomorph Queen's brood -- the facehuggers -- producing adult Xenomorphs, so the Predators could hunt the "ultimate prey." Sufficed to say, things go badly during the Predators' 2004 hunting trip.Alien vs. Predator20th Century FoxAug 13, 2004PG-13Where to WatchPowered by2. Aliens vs Predator: Requiem (2007)Still set in our modern times, and therefore still happening before everything else in the Alien franchise, crossover sequel Aliens vs Predator: Requiem picks up right where AVP left off. An Alien-Predator hybrid -- the "Predalien" -- is now on the loose in a small Colorado town. A skilled, veteran Predator arrives to help clean up the mess and an ample amount of carnage ensues. This would be the final crossover film of the Alien franchise. You can see our guide to the Predator movies in order for more info.Where to WatchPowered by3. Prometheus (2012)Oscar-winning director Ridley Scott returned to the franchise he created in 1979 with the star-studded prequel film, Prometheus. Here, in the late 21st Century, Peter Weyland (presumedly a descendant of AVP's Charles Weyland) funds a cosmic trip into the unknown, following a star map left on Earth that might lead the crew of the Prometheus to the beings who created humankind. Sadly, the crew also stumbles across these creators' bio-weapon -- the Xenomorph. Noomi Rapace, Michael Fassbender, Idris Elba, and Charlize Theron star.Read our review of Prometheus.PrometheusScott Free ProductionsJun 8, 2012RWhere to WatchPowered byRelated Guides4. Alien: Covenant (2017)Still in prequel mode here, as Alien: Covenant is a sequel to Prometheus, the story picks up 11 years later and follows a colonization ship. The crew gets pulled out of stasis years early and heads to a different target planet, a possible "utopia," to track down a distress signal. The downed ship emitting the message, however, is connected to the previous movie and contains all sorts of sinister things -- ranging from Xenomorphs to androids. The film doesn't exactly take us up to the doorstep of 1979's Alien, as there's room for more story if deemed so, but it does get us close. Katherine Waterston, Billy Crudup, Danny McBride, Demin Bichir, and a returning Michael Fassbender star.Read our review of Alien: Covenent.Where to WatchPowered byRelated Guides5. Alien (1979)Space would never feel the same after Ridley Scott's landmark horror film, Alien, which featured the hardscrabble crew of a commercial space tug, the Nostromo, accidentally discovering a moon full of Xenomorph eggs. With no knowledge of what these creatures are or how they cocoon inside humans before bursting out and rapidly growing into killing machines, these underpaid workers -- played by Tom Skerritt, Veronica Cartwright, Harry Dean Stanton, John Hurt, Ian Holm, Yaphet Kotto, and hero-in-the-making Sigourney Weaver -- find themselves going toe-to-toe with a cosmic nightmare.Aliens also made our list of one of the best Sci-Fi movies of all time. AlienScott Free ProductionsMay 25, 1979RWhere to WatchPowered by6. Alien: Romulus (2024)The newest Alien movie is a standalone film from Fede Alvarez (Evil Dead) that takes place about 20 years after the events of the first Alien. Rain Carradine (played by Cailee Spaeny) and her brother join a group of young space colonizers' efforts to escape a life of deadly labor on their incredibly isolated home planet. When an abandoned Weyland-Yutani vessel appears in the planet's atmosphere, the group believes their best chance at escape is using the ship's cryo pods. Of course, however, they soon discover the terrifying reason the vessel was abandoned in the first place. Alvarez takes plenty of inspiration from previous Alien movies for his addition to the franchise, as well as Alien video games and even The Last of Us. Read our review of Alien: RomulusWhere to WatchPowered by7. Aliens (1986)Terminator director James Cameron, before creating his own landmark sequel with T2: Judgment Day, gifted us with Aliens, taking the slow-boil brutality of the Ridley Scott original and ramping it up into a full-tilt masterpiece. Sigourney Weaver, returning as Ellen Ripley, would solidify herself as an action hero icon in this thrilling, endlessly-quotable film that would introduce the world to idea of space marines AND space marines getting their asses kicked, pal! Aliens would handily feature more than one Xenomorph (hence the plural title) as well as stars Michael Biehn, Bill Paxton, Paul Reiser, Lance Henriksen (who would play Charles Weyland decades later in AVP) and Carrie Henn.Aliens20th Century FoxJul 18, 1986RWhere to WatchPowered by8. Alien 3 (1992)An appreciation for Alien 3 eventually bubbled up over the past 30 years but at the time David Fincher's directorial debut (three years before Se7en) would be deemed thin, grim, and, essentially, disappointing regarding Ripley's story (despite it giving us one of the most iconic images from the franchise, seen above). Alien 3 picks up right where Aliens left off, as the Colonial Marine spaceship, the Sulaco, is destroyed from within by a Xenomorph and an escape pod carries Ripley to a planet housing a penal colony. There, she and the inmates must deal with a rampaging alien before it massacres them all.Where to WatchPowered by9. Alien Resurrection (1997)The final film in the Ripley Saga, Alien Resurrection, hurls us 200 years beyond the events of Aliens and Alien 3 and into the inner workings of a military project aboard the USM Auriga that uses Ellen Ripley clones (and kidnapped humans) to try and successfully breed Xenomorphs. The City of Lost Children and Amlie's Jean-Pierre Jeunet directs this bizarrely-horrific chapter with cartoonish flare, casting Ron Perlman, Dan Hedaya, J. E. Freeman, Brad Dourif, and Michael Wincott as the story's new space grunts. The film ends with a possible tease of Xenomorphs headed to Earth, though we'd never get that story as a follow up (only in crossover prequel form with AVP).Alien Resurrection20th Century FoxNov 26, 1997RWhere to WatchPowered byHow to Watch the Alien Movies by Release DateIf you're looking to watch all the movies in theatrical release order, the correct list is below:Alien (1979)Aliens (1986)Alien 3 (1992)Alien Resurrection (1997)AVP: Alien vs Predator (2004)Aliens vs Predator - Requiem (2007)Prometheus (2012)Alien: Covenant (2017)Alien: Romulus (2024)What's Next for the Alien Franchise? PlayAfter the success of last year's Alien: Romulus, there have been talks of a sequel, with director Fede Alvarez revealing that the new film could start shooting this year. An official release date has not been set, but it's a promising update from the latest Alien director.Beyond the big screen, there's also an Alien TV series in the works at FX. While the series, called Alien: Earth, is another prequel to the original Alien films, showrunner Noah Hawley doesn't seem too attached to the backstory reveals from Prometheus. In terms of plot details, a recent teaser seems to depict a Xenomorph invasion on our home planet. Alien: Earth is expected to premiere on Hulu at some point this summer. More Alien Deep Dives

Sidney Prescott is in trouble. The night after two of her classmates get murdered by a masked killer, this Neve Campbell heroine has been summoned to speak with her principal. The Woodsboro Sheriffs department, it seems, wants to ask Sid about the murders and their similarities with her own mothers violent end. Unnerved, Sidney enters the office looking for a familiar face. She finds one in her principal (Henry Winkler), and another in the sheriffs hapless deputy, the older brother of her best friend Tatum (Rose McGowan). Dewey, she smiles while greeting him.Thats Deputy Riley in here, Sid, the babyfaced man in a uniform nervously answers.This scene from 1996s Scream establishes the eternal struggle of Deputy Dewey Riley, one of the mainstay characters of the iconic slasher franchise. Played by David Arquette, Deputy Dewey always wanted to be a hero but could never could get the respect he craved or needed to become that guy. And with good reason, given his tendency to bumble around the various Ghostfaces instead of actually stopping them. Even so, Dewey endeared himself to audiences because he always tried his best and always did the right thing. It was such a winsome vibe that audience love for the character in test screenings caused Wes Craven to change the ending so Dewey survived his stabbing at the climax of the film. The quality also won the heart of the cynical newscaster Gale Weathers (Courteney Cox).That good-hearted affability didnt even go away after his marriage to Gale evaporated in the sequels, leaving him a burnout who drinks away his troubles at a trailer park in the 2022 requel, Scream. But the dissolution of the Dewey-Gale partnership did change the trajectory of the character, making someone who was created to be comic relief a suddenly grizzled, serious figure, who heroically sacrifices himself to help sisters Sam and Tara Carpenter (Melissa Barrera and Jenna Ortega) escape.Deweys death in Scream 5 was powerful, painful and absolutely wrong-headed. So wrong, in fact, that it might be a great idea to bring Dewey back for the upcoming Scream 7.Its easy to see why online fans have initially been skeptical about Deweys return since it was revealed to the trades yesterday. After all, the first Scream announced itself by killing a familiar face immediately, removing someone we know from the movie, not by adding someone. Furthermore, the sudden infusion of classic characters missing from recent moviesincluding Neve Campbells Sid and Matthew Lillards long-deceased Stu Macherfeels like an attempt to distract from the absence of the new cast the series built up. (Barrera was fired from the series due to voicing her political views about the war in Gaza, and Ortega swiftly followed her out the door, albeit some sources claimed at the time Ortega was always intending to exit.)Still, if theyre going to bring Dewey back, at least they have the chance to do him right. Dewey as a character and Arquette as a performer works best as a sad-sack; a loser who cannot get anything right. Hes even part of the comic and meta-textual nature of the story since doofus cops have been part of creator Wes Cravens approach to horror, beginning withThe Last House of the Left in 1972.Making him into a grizzled veteran for the 2022 movie never sat right. It stripped away the warm, comedic elements that Arquette brought to the franchise and replaced with a dour weight which didnt fully work. He felt like a lesser version of the traumatized version of Laurie Strode that Jamie Lee Curtis played in 2018s Halloween, a trope that has aged even worse after similar versions in Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Exorcist: Believer.When Dewey died, he wasnt himself. He was a different type of character, one that Arquette couldnt play effectively and one that wasnt needed for the story. His unlikely return in Scream 7 can work, as long as we get more of the bumbling, lovable Dewey we know from the first four movies, leaving that mournful Dewey dead in the past.

Ahead of the hotly anticipated Roboforce: The Animated Series, Nacelle revealed a new wave of exciting action figures from the upcoming show.Based on the nostalgic toys of the 1980s, the animated series will launch an original narrative inspired by the robot action figures. In 2089 Detroit, Soraya Avirams RoboForce debuted with plans to assist a new intergalactic society on Earth. Unfortunately, the same day as the announcement, Sorayas rival, Silas Duke, revealed his new Utopia Aegis 101 line of bots, which made RoboForce immediately obsolete. RoboForce split up and was forced into menial jobs for 15 years without hope of ever being heroes Until suddenly, the Utopia Aegis 101s turn on humanity and no one else besides RoboForce can stop them.Find out more hereHome Chef is partnering with SpongeBob SquarePants to create Bikini Bottom-inspired meals, including a Krusty Krab Pizza and more.Aye-aye, captain! Catch tasty recipes inspired by SpongeBob SquarePants on the Home Chef menu for a limited time.Find out more hereLEGO revealed their latest mega Disney set, and this time its the main castle from the classic Beauty and the Beast, beautifully designed with nearly 3,000 pieces. The LEGO Group, in collaboration with The Walt Disney Company, is delighted to unveil the enchanting LEGO Disney Beauty and the Beast Castle Set. The latest in the Disney Castle range, this new LEGO set is a beautiful brick recreation of the iconic castle from Disneys Beauty and the Beast. The 2,916-piece set features four detailed levels with multiple rooms, including a ballroom with a spinning floor, a dining room with a table and spinning platters, and a tower room showcasing the enchanted rose. Builders can immerse themselves in these intricate details that bring the Beauty and the Beast story to life.Read more at BricksetIts now March, which means the NCAA Tournament is right around the corner! Discover some interesting fun facts and statistics about the beloved field. Coming down with March Madness before the Big Dance may sound like an excuse to skip prom, but it actually describes our nationwide obsession with the NCAA Mens Basketball Tournament. This 68-team basketball bonanza has been known to crown a Cinderella or two, produce at least one shining moment a year, and turn millions of Americans into illegal gamblers. Its that good.Continue reading hereJoin our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!James Gunn revealed the first look at the upcoming Lanterns show for HBO, featuring Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre as Hal Jordan and John Stewart. Chandler and Pierre hit the road in the American heartland as two Green Lanterns named Hal Jordan and John Stewart, respectively. The two investigate murders while on the road and as per the official logline, the series will follow new recruit John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, two intergalactic cops drawn into a dark, earth-based mystery as they investigate a murder in the American heartland. The cast also features Kelly Macdonald as Sheriff Kerry, Garret Dillahunt as the modern cowboy William Macon, Poorna Jagannathan as Johns potential love interest Zoe and Ulrich Thomsen as Green Lantern villain Sinestro, starring alongside Chandler and Pierre.Read more at HypeBeast

There was a moment, after years of development on Split Fiction began to come to a close, where director Josef Fares found himself playing through his latest co-op narrative adventure, and had something of a revelation.Its kind of crazy. [During development] you play the game a lot like over and over and over again. The last time I played it, with one of the lead designers, I was sitting there, like, What the f**k have we done here? Its almost like when you wake up from a dream: Did we actually do that? Its crazy how much stuff is in there.With Split Fiction coming to Xbox Series X|S tomorrow, March 6, Fares is in a reflective mood. The team at his studio, Hazelight, has already started work on their next game, but this feels like a brief moment where Fares can look back rather than forward. And the overall feeling I get from him is one of pride in how hes seen his team progress.Hazelight effectively created the genre it now makes games within after experimenting with how a single-player, narrative-led adventure can be delivered with multiple characters in the modern classic Brothers: A Tale of Two Sons, Fares created his current studio with a goal of pushing that idea further. A Way Out saw the team create a truly original co-op only tale, and then pushed that into truly mind-blowing territory with the award-winning It Takes Two. Split Fiction takes the idea forward again, using the more familiar video game worlds of fantasy and sci-fi, but blending them and blowing them apart with new ideas that arrive at breakneck pace one moment, youre escaping from trolls through a beleaguered medieval village, the next youre a cyber-ninja slashing or laser-whipping scores of enemies, and then youre suddenly a couple of magical pigs who well, Ill let you find out about that bit on your own.It might initially seem like a familiar format for Hazelight this is still a game that requires two players (either local or online), and uses a mixture of single- and split-screen sections to throw new mechanics at you constantly. But Fares sees this as a true step forward in how competently his team can make new mechanics, and tell experimental stories.Its a natural evolution, he tells me. A more mature team, better technical tools, better understanding of design of the mechanics, were better at writing a story for co-op, and obviously weve become better knowing what and what not to cut early. Play it through. Trust me get to the ending. Youll see stuff that you havent seen in a video game.Josef FaresHe doesnt think that an earlier version of Hazelight could have created Split Fiction, in effect and makes clear that, no matter how familiar you are with their older games, Hazelight has hidden some truly magical new ideas in here:Play it through. You will understand what I mean. Trust me get to the ending. Youll see stuff that you havent seen in a video game.I ask, then, if the core drive for Hazelight is to make things no one else has tried to but Fares sees his work in a more nuanced way.The number one key thing at Hazelight is that there is a passion to what we do. Theres no specific rule, like, Oh there has to be a new thing all the time. We just to have to feel that passion, because if its not there, the game wont be good. Period. But we also love to push ourselves forward, like, What can we do that we havent tried before? Can we do this thing that we havent tested before? Its always nice to challenge ourselves. It was the idea of combining sci-fi and fantasy that was the initial passion for Split Fiction the story sees two writers invited to a tech company in hopes of getting a publishing deal, before one realises that theyll in fact have their ideas drained and repurposed by a newly invented technology. After an altercation, both writers are pulled into the same simulation based on their creations, and their very different ideas begin to blend into one another. You (and your co-op partner) will play through the wild results in what Fares describes as a playable buddy movie.And its in that blend of ideas that Fares and his team found their way to go further than their previous work.Its about taking this to the next level, then the next level what can we do to keep the players on their toes, keeping this, What the f**k is going on? feeling and making sure that the pacing feels right. Theres always something around the corner thats going to surprise you and delight you. In Split Fiction, [theres a section where you ride] dragons just one of those dragons took, I think, eight months to create. Of course, this is a huge amount of work. Split Fiction feels as though its introducing new mechanics every 15 minutes, and jettisoning the old ones but it cant allow each new idea to feel half-baked.In Split Fiction, [theres a section where you ride] dragons just one of those dragons took, I think, eight months to create. And in the beginning of my career, a lot of the team members were like, Why are we doing all this and youre only playing it for like 10 minutes?But heres the thing. [In a] movie, if you have a great scene that cost a lot of money, you dont reuse that scene because it cost a lot of money. I do feel sometimes that cool moments like that wouldnt have been as cool if we just reused them all the time. There is [an idea] in video games that, just because something was very expensive, it needs to be reused. But why? Why do you have to reuse it? Because that takes away the actual feeling of when you first experienced it.Split Fiction takes that philosophy to its natural endpoint by including huge sections of totally optional content. It Takes Two included some mini-games along the way, but these sections (accessed through portals youll find along the way) go so much further.Here, its actually full-blown worlds with new mechanics, sometimes bosses, new visual worlds. Its literally almost like a new game inside the game. Its a truly brave approach to design, but Fares has been emboldened simply by the success this approach has brought. Millions of people bought his last two games, showing a desire for exactly what hes doing.Not that hed change course, anyway:Well, heres the thing Ive never adapted to anyone, even on Brothers. I really dont care, to be honest. At Hazelight, we always do our vision. Weve done it since the start. On Brothers, there was a lot of questioning. A Way Out, a lot of questioning. It Takes Two as well.Sure, there are fewer questions from the outside [now] it doesnt really matter. The game will always be the game that we want to do. The one thing I guarantee is that Hazelight will always be about passion, about making games that we love to make. Well never change.Fares wont let on what Hazelights next game might be and even if will continue the co-op form of its previous work but Split Fiction proves that his team wont be sitting still. Im almost certain that, in a few years, Fares will be sitting down again and asking himself, Did we actually do that? Split FictionElectronic Arts29$49.99$44.99Pre-orderEmbrace mind-blowing moments as youre pulled deep into the many worlds of Split Fiction, a boundary-pushing co-op action adventure from the studio behind 2021 Game of the Year Winner, It Takes Two. Mio and Zoe are contrasting writers one writes sci-fi and the other writes fantasy who become trapped in their own stories after being hooked up to a machine designed to steal their creative ideas. Theyll have to rely on each other to break free with their memories in-tact, working together to master a variety of abilities and overcome diverse challenges while jumping between sci-fi and fantasy worlds in this unexpected tale of friendship.Split Fiction is a unique action-adventure experience that keeps you on the edge of your couch with unexpected moments. One minute youre taming adorable dragons and the next youre fighting as cyber ninjas, escaping terrifying trolls, or dodging hover cars thrown by a robotic parking attendant. Its weird, its wild, and its designed to be shared.Grab your co-op partner and get ready to overcome any obstacle thrown your way. TRUE CO-OP ADVENTURE This split-screen adventure is tailored for two. Experience co-op gameplay where youll have to coordinate your actions and timing as well as work together to overcome challenges. Invite a partner to join you for free, for cross-platform play, with the Friend's Pass*. This wild ride comes to you from Hazelight, the co-op thrill-makers that brought you It Takes Two and A Way Out. UNPARALLELED VARIETY Discover new mechanics and abilities in every level of your adventure, which will alternate between sci-fi and fantasy settings. Escape a sun thats going supernova, challenge a monkey to a dance battle, try out some cool hoverboard tricks, fight an evil kitty, and ride everything from gravity bikes to a sandshark. Experience worlds that are entirely different from each other, unexpected new abilities, and a range of gameplay that includes platforming, stealth, puzzles, and more. There are surprises waiting for you and your partner in every new level. THE POWER OF FRIENDSHIP Mio and Zoe dont get along at first, but soon enough they become each others only hopes. This journey will throw unexpected twists at them and if they want to make it through, theyll need to have each others backs. Theyll encounter both bizarre situations as they traverse stories born from their own wild imaginations. Most importantly theyll face it all together.*Friends Pass requires installation of the Friends Pass, persistent internet connection and applicable platform account. One user must own the full game in order for the co-op player to play the full game.CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS APPLY. SEE www.ea.com/legal FOR DETAILS 2025 Hazelight Studios AB. Split Fiction and Hazelight are trademarks of Hazelight Studios AB. EA Originals is a trademark of Electronic Arts Inc.

Selling your house is one of the more stressful times in a homeowners life. Especially in todays market, it can be extremely challenging to predict when you should list your house and what initial steps you should be taking to ensure your home is the most marketable. Thankfully, we have the real estate experts at Zillow to share their top tips and tricks for selling your home for the most money, and knowing when is the best time to buy. When it comes to increasing your homes resale value, theres a range of renovations and additions to choose from thatll basically guarantee your home will sell for more. However, those additions dont matter as much if youre listing your home during the least profitable time of year. The team at Zillow looked at the 35 largest metropolitan areas in the country and analyzed 1.6 million home sales in 2024 for which they had complete data. They found in their analysis that the best time to list your home for 2025 is the last two weeks of May. The data they gathered shows that sellers last year who listed their homes in the second half of May earned 1.6 percent more on the sale. That may not sound like much, but its actually a $5,600 boost on a typical U.S. home. Theres a trackable reason for this trend: Search activity tends to peak right before Memorial Day as buyers get serious about house hunting before their summer vacations and the start of a new school year, the analysis reports. List your home for sale in late spring, and you get the most eyeballs when shoppers are just starting to look. Related StoriesAmanda Pendleton, Zillows home trends expert, tells House Beautiful that this knowledge should simply be a starting point for people who have the flexibility to time the market. Not everyone has that luxury, and this data is also not meant to replace your local real estate agent. Pendleton emphasizes the need to work with an experienced agent because theyre going to have more insight into the dynamics of their particular neighborhood, and theyre going to have better timing advice based on what theyre seeing in terms of buyer demand and the number of listings available.When to List Your Home for Sale by RegionThough this data is true when looking nationwide, the best time to list your home to hopefully sell for the most money varies by region. There are a whole number of factors that affect this perfect pocket of time, from weather to school schedules to local economies. Phoenix, Arizona, for example, could see more demand in November because there are snowbirds who are looking to settle into a home before the winter, Pendleton says. San Diego, California, on the other hand, might see an earlier spring home shopping season because sellers dont have to worry about whether theres snow on the ground before they list their home for sale. You can find the full list of metropolitan areas in the Zillow report.The price premium percentage varies by region too. Again, while the nationwide price premium comes out at around a 1.6 percent increase, it can be way more or less depending on your area. According to the report, sellers in San Jose, California, who listed their home in the last two weeks of March 2024 were able to make 5.3 percent more than any other time of year, which is an additional $93,200 on a typical Silicon Valley house. On the other hand, during the peak season for Orlando, Florida, which is early May, homes sold for only 0.9 percent more.Spring 2025 Housing Market PredictionsThere is one big caveat: This data-based prediction doesnt guarantee that this years spring home shopping season will be the same as last years. In the past few years, mortgage rate fluctuations upended the traditional spring home shopping season, Orphe Divounguy, a senior economist at Zillow, says in the report. Buyers who are on the edge of qualifying for a loan jump in and out of the market depending on whats happening with rates. When rates fall, more buyers rush in, putting upward pressure on prices, which could happen at any time of year.While last year did mark a return to seasonal norms seen before the pandemic, with the highest premiums commanded in May, that doesnt necessarily mean this year will be the same. This is why Pendleton emphasizes the need to work with a local real estate agent who knows your area and its patterns best. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Apple unveiled a brand new Mac Studio today with two powerfulyet perplexingchip options. You can get it with an M4 Max or the new high-end M3 Ultra chip. One publication asked Apple about this odd pairing, and its answer hinted that we may not see an M4 Ultra chip in the future.Apple says not every chip generation will get an UltraAndrew Cunningham writes at Ars Technica:When asked why the high-end Mac Studio was getting an M3 Ultra chip instead of an M4 Ultra, Apple told us that not every chip generation will get an Ultra tier. This is, as far as I can recall, the first time that Apple has said anything like this in public.Apple stating that not every chip generation will get an Ultra, on its own, doesnt necessarily imply it will skip the M4 Ultra.However, the timing and context of the statement absolutely point that direction.It was certainly confusing that the new Mac Studio came with an M3 Ultra alongside the M4 Max. Some have argued that this change may be an intentional way to differentiate the Mac Studio from Apples upcoming M4 Mac Pro offering.The thinking goes: if the M4 Ultra is exclusive to the Mac Pro, there will be a clearer reason for both the Mac Pro and Mac Studio to continue co-existing.However, Apples statement today strongly hints thats not the plan. Instead, it sounds like the M4 generation simply wont get an Ultra chip at all.If that proves true, it will be the first chip family since Apple Silicon emerged that lacks an Ultra variant.M1, M2, and now M3 have all eventually offered an Ultra version. But that streak may be about to end.Do you think its a problem if theres no M4 Ultra? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel