Its no secret that Volkswagen has been facing a huge slump in sales in Europe and China, forcing it to close plants in Germany.But unlike other European automakers who have stuck to producing high-end electric vehicles (EVs), the German automaker keeps on reaffirming its commitment to bringing affordable EVs to market, including in the U.S.Recommended VideosAnd that commitment starts with VWs most affordable EV model to date, the ID.2. Volkswagen remains committed to launching the EV by the end of 2025 or early 2026, Kai Grnitz, head of tech development, told Autocars at the Los Angeles Auto Show.RelatedLast year, the automaker launched the ID.2all concept, promising an entry-level EV with prices starting under $27,000.For long-time VW fans, the EV is being promoted as being spacious as a Golf and affordable as a Polo. Its also expected to allow up to 279 miles on a full battery.The design and the interior of the ID.2 promises a trip down memory lane, including driver displays straight out of the VW Beetle and Golf eras.In addition, an ID.2 SUV is slated to be unveiled in September 2025, while a GTI version is also being developed.Meanwhile, its clear that Volkswagen wants to hammer in that affordable is the keyword for its EV strategy. VW CEO Larry Blume has also hinted at a sub-$22,000 EV to be released after 2025. All in all, the automaker says its planning to release eight new affordable EVs by 2027.The price of batteries is one of the main hurdles to reducing EV production costs and lowering sale prices. To that end, VW is developing its own unified battery cellin several European plants, as well as one plant in Ontario, Canada.Yet, now that Chinese-made EVs, known as global leaders in terms of affordability, are facing 100% tariffs both in North America and Europe, only a few automakers seem to be interested in selling ever-cheaper EVs in the U.S.General Motors has already put out its Chevy Equinox EV ata price of $27,500, including federal tax credits.Meanwhile, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has recently put a floor on expectations for a regular Tesla model ever selling for $25,000.Editors Recommendations

When it premiered in late 2022, Andors first season quickly emerged as one of the most critically acclaimed Star Wars titles of Lucasfilms entire Disney-owned era. The show went on to earn eight Emmy nominations, including one for Outstanding Drama Series. According to Andor creator Tony Gilroy, the Rogue One prequelsextremely positive reception has helped him convince Disney and Lucasfilm to follow his vision for its second and final season.Speaking with Empire, Gilroy told the outlet, The critical appreciation of the show was really helpful, if not essential, in helping Disney choke down the price of what this is. Andor season 1 reportedly had a sizable budget of $250 million, and it seems likely, based on Gilroys comments, that the shows second season will end up costing the same amount or more. Unlike some other blockbuster shows of the past few years, though, most Andor fans would argue that its first seasons budget was used well and visible in every one of its episodes.Recommended VideosLucasfilm is known for being heavily involved and too risk-averse in the making of its Star Wars TV shows and movies, but it sounds like Andor season 1s success has made the series the rare exception to that approach. Indeed, Gilroy told Empire that he never got any notes on this show. He added, In terms of creative notes, no-one has come to me and said, No, they shouldnt say that.'LucasfilmGiven how much attention and acclaim Andors storytelling and dialogue received, it makes sense for Lucasfilm to give Gilroy this much creative space. The studio does, however, have a history of micromanaging its Star Wars projects, whether it be extensively reshooting 2016s Rogue One: A Star Wars Story or replacing the directors of 2018s Solo in the midst of its production. Fortunately, when Andor makes its long-awaited return next year, fans of the show will be able to take solace in knowing that at the very least its second season was made with the freedom that its creator deserves.RelatedAndor season 2 premieres April 22, 2025, on Disney+.Editors Recommendations

With Kia just getting started with the expansion of its U.S.-made electric-vehicle (EV) lineup, the automaker may have a good perspective on what losing tax incentives on EVs could mean for the industry and the economy.The transition team of the incoming Trump administration is reportedly planning to end the federal $7,500 tax credit on the purchase or lease of an EV. Under the Biden administrations Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), an EV made in North America is eligible for the incentive.Recommended VideosAccording to Kia America COO Steve Center, the move to end the credit would have a negative impact on U.S. jobs and the whole auto industry.RelatedIt would just be dumb, Center told InsideEVs on the sideline of the Los Angeles Auto Show. [The government has] steered the industry in a direction, and I think you need to allow the industry to recover its investments and then let it float.Kia and parent company Hyundai have made large investments to bring the manufacturing of EVs, such as the EV6,the EV9, and thenew Ioniq 9, to the state of Georgia, partly to comply with the incentives requirements.Many analysts predict that ending the tax incentives would be a hit to EV sales, with some expecting this would lead to an immediate drop of 27% in demand for EVs.Youre pulling the rug out from under the whole industry. And quite frankly, it isnt just Kia and the import brands, Center says. A lot of other companies have spent a lot of money trying to comply with the regulations.Similarly, the Zero Emission Transportation Association (ZETA), a trade group with members including the likes of Tesla, Waymo, Rivian, and Uber, has come out in support of existing federal tax incentives for both the production and sale of EVs.Editors Recommendations

Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite is an exciting new mobile platform thats destined to power many of next years flagship smartphones. The improvements Qualcomm has made in this years chip are highlighted by the fact that the chipmaker has dropped its traditional Gen designations to give the fourth-generation chip an identity all its own.While the Snapdragon 8 Elite has already started showing up in some more niche flagships like the Realme GT 7 Pro, we likely wont really get a taste of what it can do until more mainstream players like OnePlus and Samsung bring it to their phones. The OnePlus 13 has already been announced and will probably hit North American shores early next year. Theres also little doubt that the new chip will also be at the core of Samsungs Galaxy S25 lineup, likely powering new Galaxy AI features and bringing the S25 Ultras cameras to new heights.Recommended VideosOn the other side of the ring, Apple continues to flex its chipmaking muscles with the A18 Pro, which is at the heart of this yearsiPhone 16 Pro. We dont have to wait to see what that chip is capable of, however, as Apple has already (mostly) put its best foot forward with Apple Intelligence and new computational photography features.RelatedWhile its hard to compare the Snapdragon 8 Elite and A18 Pro on equal footing since both are used in fundamentally different mobile platforms, their differences raise some interesting questions. Most notably, does either piece of silicon give one platform a significant advantage over the other, or is it more about what phone makers do with the capabilities that are available to them? Lets dig in and find out.SpecsSnapdragon 8 EliteApple A18 ProPart numberSM8750-ABA18 ProProcess3nm (N3E)3nm (N3E)CPUQualcomm Oryon CPU64-bit Architecture2 prime cores, up to 4.32GHz6 performance cores, up to 3.53GHzApple CPU64-bit Architecture2 High-Performance cores, up to 4.04GHz4 Efficiency Cores, up to 2.2GHzGPUAdreno 830 GPUSupport for Unreal Engine 5.3 NaniteAdreno Frame Motion Engine 2.1Snapdragon Game Super ResolutionSnapdragon Game Post-Processing AcceleratorHDR gaming (10-bit color depth, Rec. 2020 color gamut)Snapdragon Shadow DenoiserAPI support: OpenGL ES 3.2, OpenCL 3.0 FP, Vulkan 1.3Hardware-accelerated H.265, VP9, AV1 decoderHDR Playback Codec support for HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, and Dolby VisionSnapdragon Adaptive Game ConfigurationSupport for Unreal Engine Chaos Physics EngineApple GPU6 GPU Cores, up to 1.45GHzSupport for Hardware-Accelerated Ray Tracing, Dynamic Caching, Mesh Shading,Hardware-accelerated HEVC, H.264, AV1, and ProResPlayback Codec support for HDR with Dolby Vision, HDR10+/HDR10, and HLGNPUQualcomm Hexagon6-core vector accelerator8-core scalar acceleratorApple Neural Engine16 cores, 35 trillion operations per secondMemorySupport for dual-channel LP-DDR5x memory, up to 5.3GbpsUnified Memory, 8 GB LPDDR5XDisplayOn-Device Display Support:4K @ 60HzQHD+ @ 240HzApple Display Engine120Hz ProMotion and Always-On Display SupportCameraQualcomm Spectra AI Triple 18-bit ISPLimitless real-time Semantic SegmentationUp to 48MP triple camera at 30 fpsUp to 108MP single camera at 30 fpsUp to 320MP photo captureZero Shutter LagSlo-mo video capture at 1080p @ 480 fpsMassive Multi-Frame Noise Reduction with AIReal-time AI skin and sky tone adjustments in 4K60 fpsApple Image Signal Processor with Photonic Engine, Deep Fusion, and Smart HDR 5ProRes and HEVC Video Recording in Dolby Vision 4KHardware Video Encoder (ProRes, HEVC)Cinematic Slow Motion video capture at 4K @ 120 fpsConnectivityQualcomm FastConnect 7900Wi-Fi 7X80 5G Modem-RF SystemBluetooth 6.0Integrated Ultra Wideband (UWB)USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2Integrated Ultra Wideband (UWB)QualcommQualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite marks a significant jump over its predecessor when compared to Apples A18 Pro, as its the companys first chip to move to TSMCs 3-nanometer (3nm) fabrication process. Apple was the first to make the 3nm transition with its 2023 A17 Pro used in the iPhone 15 Pro lineup. However, it used an earlier version of TSMCs process, dubbed N3B, which was beset by manufacturing problems that resulted in lower yields. It may also be the reason for the binned A17 Pro chips that have found their way into this years iPad mini 7 theres a good chance these are leftover chips from the N3B process that didnt make the cut for the iPhone 15 Pro.N3B wasnt ready for prime time, which is likely why Qualcomm skipped that early 3nm process until it evolved into this years N3E. Thats not to say that the N3B process made the A17 Pro inferior in any way. The problems with it were related to production, but those chips that did come off the line successfully were still powerful enough to usher in a new era of mobile gaming and prepare Apples iPhone 15 Pro models for the new AI capabilities that would become the foundation of Apple Intelligence.QualcommNow that N3E is ready, the Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apples A18 Pro have adopted that more stable process. This puts them on the same core technology baseline, but thats where their similarities end, as Apple and Qualcomm have each taken their silicon in different directions.Unlike Apple, Qualcomm builds chips for third-party platforms, ranging from smartphones and tablets to ARM-based Windows PCs. Its this last category thats inspired the Snapdragon 8 Elite, which brings its new Oryon core technology that debuted in the Snapdragon X processors in last years AI PCs to the mobile space. However, this is a second generation of that core that boasts better performance and power efficiency than the ones found in its X chips and promise a 45% increase in performance. The two prime cores offer clock speeds of up to 4.32GHz versus 3.4GHz in last years chip. Six performance cores supplement that with 3.53GHz peak speeds, placing them ahead of even last years Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 Cortex-X4 prime core.AppleApples A18 Pro takes a different approach, using a combination of performance and efficiency cores similar to Qualcomms previous silicon. A pair of high-performance cores deliver clock speeds of up to 4.04GHz, while the four efficiency cores only clock in at 2.2GHz.While you might expect those differences would make the Snapdragon 8 Elite the better performer with eight cores and faster clock speeds across the board, benchmarks surprisingly place both chips roughly on par. The A18 Pro edges out the Snapdragon 8 Elite in single-core performance, while Qualcomms chip offers slightly better multicore performance, but theyre very close in both areas, proving that clock speeds and the number of cores dont tell the whole story. Both chips are extremely powerful in their own right, and theres no clear winner in raw CPU performance.AppleIn 2023, Apple announced it had developed a breakthrough new GPU for its A17 Pro, and touted it as the biggest redesign in its history. Features like an Apple-designed shader architecture, hardware-accelerated ray tracing, and Metal effect upscaling that works in conjunction with Apples Neural Engine (NPU) made the iPhone 15 Pro the first smartphone capable of handling full-quality AAA console games. The A18 Pro uses the same Apple-designed GPU, boosting overall performance by 20% and doubling the ray tracing performance.However, its also fair to say that Apples move into AAA gaming was more of an indictment of the state of the Android gaming landscape than it was of Qualcomms Snapdragon chips. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3s Adreno GPU was still a match for the A17 Pro in raw specs, and the Snapdragon 8 Elite has taken that to a new level. Qualcomm says its the first-ever Adreno GPU with sliced architecture, and it delivers a 40% performance gain over the Gen 3 while adding support for Unreal Engine 5.3 Nanite.Screenshot QualcommThe practical upshot of these improvements is a more realistic gaming experience with film-quality 3D environments for total immersion and support for the Unreal Chaos Physics Engine, which provides a whole new and more immersive level of realism for gaming.Its a significant push ahead for Qualcomm silicon. Apples advantage in this area has come from its ability to woo game developers and convince them to embrace its MetalFX engine. Last years A17 Pro delivered impressive results, and those are continuing with the A18 Pro, turning Apples iPhones into gaming powerhouses. Qualcomm hopes that if they build it, game developers will come, and its telling that the extremely gaming-focused ROG Phone 9 Pro is one of the first phones to pack in the Snapdragon 8 Elite.QualcommWith generative AI becoming a much bigger deal, theres a third important aspect of modern silicon: the Neural Processing Unit (NPU). Apple calls this its Neural Engine, and its been packing these into its A-series chips since the A11 Bionic in 2017.Qualcomm wasnt far behind. While it didnt make as much noise about NPUs in those days, the 2018 Snapdragon 845 introduced its first Hexagon Tensor Accelerator. In those days, NPUs were used primarily for under-the-hood features like computational photography. The Hexagon chip was originally a digital signal processor (DSP) that evolved into an NPU, and Apples early Neural Engine was primarily used to support then-nascent features like Face ID and Animoji on that years iPhone X.Weve come a long way since then. The Hexagon has evolved into a full-featured NPU with 14 cores in the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and Apples Neural Engine has grown from its humble dual-core beginnings to a 16-core subsystem that can handle up to 35 trillion operations per second (TOPS). Both are key to powering their respective platforms AI and other machine-learning features, including Galaxy AI on Samsungs smartphones, Gemini Nano, and Apple Intelligence.AppleApple is heavily pushing on-device generative AI as a privacy feature, so its built its Neural Engine in the A18 Pro and other recent A-series and M-series chips with that in mind. Qualcomm has been a bit slower in getting there; the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 took the first steps into this arena, but the Snapdragon 8 Elite may have the first NPU that can effectively deliver on this thanks to an enhanced token limit that will support more complex and longer inputs without the need to send those requests to cloud servers.NPUs also go deeper than merely consumer-facing AI features. They also drive things like camera enhancements, better power efficiency, and wireless communications. These things are much harder to quantify, but suffice it to say that the Snapdragon 8 Elite and A18 Pro should both be more than up to those tasks.QualcommDespite all these performance gains, its impressive that both chips promise increased power efficiency. Qualcomm gains more over its predecessor, thanks to the shift to a 3nm process. Still, its second-generation Oryon CPU cores and the sliced architecture of its Adreno 830 GPU result in energy efficiency that matches the performance improvements 40% faster gaming performance and 40% greater efficiency.Qualcomm says this should translate to an extra 2.5 hours of gaming over its predecessor, all other things being equal. However, the reality of this is somewhat more complex, as things are seldom equal. The smartphones that the Snapdragon 8 Elite go into will have many other things drawing power, notably large high-refresh screens. The chip may be more efficient, but handset makers will have to work on using other components that dont detract from that.Joe Maring / Digital TrendsApple gets a theoretical advantage here as it owns all the pieces, allowing us to see more measurable real-world results. The A18 Pro is only used in two smartphones, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, both of which show noticeable, but modest improvements over their A17 Pro-equipped predecessors. Apple typically considers all-day battery life good enough, so the efficiency gains from its new chips are often poured into delivering more power to other aspects of the iPhone, such as the larger displays on this years models and the new Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.Some Android manufacturers may choose to do the same with Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite, but the variety of platforms that will incorporate the new chip should result in at least some devices focusing more heavily on improving overall battery life.QualcommOnce we get past the core components, the two platforms diverge significantly. Qualcomm bakes much more into its silicon, while Apple still relies on third-party chips (some of which are Qualcomms, ironically) to handle things like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 5G connectivity.The Snapdragon 8 Elite incorporates Qualcomms FastConnect 7900 platform, which includes Wi-Fi 7 support with peak speeds of 5.8Gbps, the X80 5G Modem-RF system, Bluetooth 6.0, and integrated Ultra Wideband. Apple mixes this up more, using Qualcomms Snapdragon X75 to handle its 5G connectivity and a Broadcom chip for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.3 in the iPhone 16 Pro models.Similarly, Qualcomm promotes the camera capabilities of the image signal processor in its Snapdragon 8 Elite, which promises more NPU-powered computational photography features for things like multiframe noise reduction and enhancing lower-light video capture. The image signal processor can now handle 320-megapixel photos, 1080p slo-mo video at 480 frames per second (fps), zero shutter lag, and AI-powered skin and sky tone adjustments. However, it feels slightly disingenuous to focus too much on camera specs in a chip since these are simply maximum capabilities that may have little bearing on what we end up with in smartphones equipped with Qualcomms latest chip. Its nice to know its raised the bar, but dont expect to see too many phones with 480-fps slo-mo and the ability to capture 320MP photos.Apple doesnt tout the same for its A18 Pro because its simply part of the iPhone 16 Pro experience. Apples silicon is undoubtedly responsible for its new Photographic Styles and 4K/120 fps Cinematic Slow Motion, just like previous generations empowered real-time color grading for Dolby Vision video capture.QualcommIts always been difficult to compare Apples A-series chips with anything else on the market in any meaningful way. Beyond benchmarks that fail to tell the whole story, Qualcomms Snapdragon 8 Elite and Apples A18 Pro live in entirely different worlds. Youll never find a Qualcomm chip running iOS or an A-series chip running Android.Apple uses its chips exclusively in its own devices, running its own operating systems, which means it controls all the pieces. The A18 Pro was designed with only two devices in mind, the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max, and is unlikely to be used anywhere else. Meanwhile, Qualcomm has engineered its Snapdragon 8 Elite to power a broad range of Android smartphones across different disciplines, from gaming-focused phones like Asus ROG Phone 9 Pro to more general-purpose premium flagships like Samsungs Galaxy S25 series (which are undoubtedly slated to use the new chipset). Each of those companies will use the Snapdragon 8 Elite in different ways, and Qualcomm has to design a chip thats ready to address them all.That makes the Snapdragon 8 Elite a more versatile chip, but that only matters because it needs to be. Apple can get away with a more single-minded approach for its A18 Pro. While this years Apple chip only gets modest improvements over its predecessor, thats because it already leapt ahead last year when it moved to the early N3B 3nm process for the A17 Pro. Qualcomm has to play a bit of catch-up here, but its done so admirably with the Snapdragon 8 Elite, and theres no doubt its ready to power new Android headsets that will take on this years Apple flagships. Now, its up to Android manufacturers to take that ball and run with it.Editors Recommendations

The 2025 Oscar nominations may still be several months away, but one of the stars of Dune: Part Two is already making his expectations for them known. In a recent interview with Variety, Josh Brolin said that he will take drastic action if Dune: Part Two director Denis Villeneuvedoesnt receive a Best Director nomination for his work on the film. If he doesnt get nominated this year, Ill quit acting, the actor announced.Brolin went on to explain why he believes Villeneuve deserves the kind of critical recognition for Dune: Part Two that an Oscar nomination would provide. It was a better movie than the first one. When I watched it, it felt like my brain was broken open. Its masterful, and Denis is one of our master filmmakers, Brolin argued. If the Academy Awards have any meaning whatsoever, theyll recognize him.Recommended VideosIt is, of course, worth noting that 2021s Dune: Part Onereceived a total of 10 Oscar nominations in 2022. It went on to win the Oscars for Best Sound, Best Visual Effects, Best Production Design, Best Original Score, Best Editing, and Best Cinematography. Villeneuve was nominated for the film in the Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay categories that year, but he pointedly didnt receive a Best Director nomination. That award ended up going in 2022 to Jane Campion for The Power of the Dog, and Villeneuve has, in fact, only ever been nominated for Best Director once in 2017 for directing the acclaimed sci-fi drama Arrival.Warner Bros. PicturesVilleneuve and Brolin, notably, have a history together that extends beyond the Dune films. The duo collaborated for the first time on 2015s Sicario. Their work together on Dune: Part One, therefore, marked a reunion for the two artists. To Brolins credit, while Dune: Part One received mostly positive reviews when it was released, Dune: Part Two was indeed widely recognized as an even more astonishing achievement than its predecessor when it hit theaters earlier this year.Whether or not that opinion is eventually reflected in the films Oscar nominations and wins remains to be seen. Now, though, fans at least know one person who will be unhappy if Villeneuve is once again not recognized for his work.Dune: Part Two is streaming now on Max.Editors Recommendations

Momentum has been slowly building for well over a year now for James Gunn and Peter Safrans new DC Universe. The multimedia, DC Comics-inspired franchise hasnt officially begun, though. That long-awaited moment will come when the new Gunn-created animated Suicide Squad spin-off TV series, Creature Commandos, premieres December 5 on Max. Nonetheless, Gunn is already not only receiving criticisms from some comic book readers and superhero fans, but also pushing back against certain claims.The DC Studios co-CEO did that very thing when one fan recently argued on Threads that Gunns decision to greenlight projects about niche characters like Sgt. Rock and Swamp Thing makes it seem like hes only making the DCU for hardcore comic book readers and not for the general audience. In response, Gunn wrote, Dont put Swamp Thing in the corner. Thats a project in development weve actually announced, and hes an incredibly well known character with not only some of the greatest comics of all time but a successful film series and his own TV show, something that could be said of only a very small handful of DC characters.Recommended VideosIn the same comment, Gunn also defended his decision to skip Batman and Supermans origin stories in the DCU, succinctly explaining, Im not telling Batman and Supermans origin stories again because everyone knows them.As a filmmaker, Gunn has experience bringing obscure comic book characters into the mainstream scene. He did so in 2014 when he directed Marvels Guardians of the Galaxy. There are, additionally, multiple projects in development at DC Studios right now that promise to focus on lesser known comic book characters, including Creature Commandos, The Authority, Booster Gold, and the recently reported, Luca Guadagnino-directed and Daniel Craig-starring Sgt. Rock.RelatedThat said, there are also just as many, if not more, TV and film projects in the works at DC Studios right now that are centered around characters who are anything but niche and obscure, like Superman, Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow, The Brave and the Bold, Swamp Thing, and Lanterns. Movies about the Teen Titans and fan-favorite Batman villains Bane and Deathstroke are also reportedly in development.Taking all that into account, it doesnt seem like Gunn and Safran are planning on relying too much on niche characters in the DC Universe so much as theyre trying to fill the franchise out with a healthy mix of both well-known and lesser known heroes and villains. Only time will tell whether or not their efforts to do so actually pay off, but its a hard strategy to criticize, especially before anyone has even seen one of the DCUs forthcoming shows or movies.Editors Recommendations

Zeke Jones / Digital TrendsEditor's note: The TVs on this list already offer incredible performance for the price, but this time of year that margin gets even better. Black Friday deals are here and will likely last through until December 2 (although there's no guarantee the TVs will stay in stock that long). There are great TV deals on our favorites, like the 55-inch Hisense U8N, which is 37% off for a take-home price of under $700.But it's not only TVs already on our Best under $1,000 list that are on sale. Last year's Samsung S90C, which has an MSRP of $2,600, would now fit on this list, as you can get it now for only $1,000. We think it's the best OLED for the money right now. The deals don't stop at TVs. Check out all the Black Friday deals available on headphones, mobile devices, laptops, and more.The best TVs deliver top-shelf picture quality, excellent motion clarity, smart TV content, and a boatload of other amazing features. While many of these premium TVs (from the likes of brands like Samsung, Sony, and LG) cost upwards of $1,000, thats not a hard rule. In fact, there are numerous LEDs, and even a handful of QLED models, that cost less than $1,000 and were not talking about 40-inch sets.Whether youre looking to save a buck on your new TV purchase, or you just blatantly refuse to pay more than $1,000 for a new living room set (more power to you), we put together this roundup of all the best TVs under $1,000 to help you on your quest for a new big screen.And while we wish we could say that the best OLED TVs can be had for less than $1,000, we're just not quite there yet.Hisense U8N ULEDOur favorite TV for under $1,000Jump to detailsTCL QM7 Series (2024)Best TCL for less than $1,000Jump to detailsHisense U7N ULEDA runner-up Hisense for less than $1,000Jump to detailsRoku Plus Series QLEDBest for Roku OS enthusiastsJump to detailsAmazon Fire TV Omni QLEDAffordable with Amazon Fire TV baked inJump to detailsSamsung Q60D QLEDA budget-friendly Samsung QLEDJump to detailsSony X80K LEDAlso considerJump to detailsRecommended VideosZeke Jones / Digital TrendsOur favorite TV for under $1,000Hisense U8N ULEDHisense U8N ReviewProsIntense brightnessDeep blacks/contrastVibrant, accurate colorGreat soundConsOverly bright HDRPoor off-angle viewingIt brings us great joy to be able to call Hisenses 2024 flagship our best overall pick for a TV that costs less than a grand. We had the opportunity to take the U8N Series for a spin not too long ago, and we were totally blown away by the new heights Hisense has summited. Our editor-at-large, Caleb Denison, was taken aback by the exceptional brightness levels the U8N was able to achieve in our hands-on review, to the point that he felt it wise to proclaim that the illumination is actually a little too intense when viewing HDR content.Thanks to its improved chipset, the U8N Series is able to deliver better overall brightness on top of vibrant colors and impressive contrast levels that rival the performance of some the best OLED TVs. And thanks to its top-notch reflection handling, the U8N can hang out in just about any brightly lit room.Theres a bit of trouble with the TVs off-angle viewing, which is an unfortunate malady of some LED LCDs. That being said, its best to watch this set as centered with the screen as possible.The U8N supports leading HDR formats like Dolby Vision, and thanks to HDMI 2.1 connectivity, game consoles and PCs run at lightning-fast speed when hooked up to Hisenses flagship. Expect minimal input lag, quick response times, and 4K/144Hz for max resolution/refresh rate performance.The U8N also uses the Google TV OS for smart TV content and other UI elements and has a 50W 2.1.2 speaker configuration that sounds a lot better than most TV speakers.Hisense U8N ULEDOur favorite TV for under $1,000TCLBest TCL for less than $1,000TCL QM7 Series (2024)ProsExcellent colors and contrastImpressive brightnessSolid gaming optimizationsGoogle TV is fast and intuitiveConsNot the best off-angle viewingDefault picture settings need some tweakingTCL is one of our favorite budget-friendly TV brands because the company puts just as much focus on picture and performance as it does value. New for 2024, the TCL QM7 Series sits one rung below the top TCL TV of the year, the QM8. And while both models are often on sale, youll likely have an easier time finding the QM7 for under $1,000 for larger screen options. Speaking of which, the QM7 is available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch sizes.Capable of dishing out up to 2,400 nits at peak brightness, the QM7 also delivers a wide color gamut and terrific black levels, thanks to TCLs AIPQ Pro processor and up to 1,500 dimming zones for specific sizes. The QM7 gets top marks for HDR support, as it is compatible with everything from Dolby Vision to HDR10+ and even comes with an IMAX Enhanced Certification. Considering how bright this QLED gets, it also does a fantastic job at performing in a brightly lit room.Gamers will love the QM7 for its VRR (variable refresh rate) support, HDMI 2.1 certification, 4K/144Hz performance, and the built-in Game Mode that optimizes picture settings for consoles and PCs. As for smart TV features, the TCL QM7 uses Google TV for all streaming functions, smart controls, and UI navigation. This version of the OS is zippier than ever and can be controlled via Google Assistant, Alexa, and even Apple HomeKit.TCL QM7 Series (2024)Best TCL for less than $1,000RelatedZeke Jones / Digital TrendsA runner-up Hisense for less than $1,000Hisense U7N ULEDHisense U7N ReviewProsHigh brightnessGreat contrastVivid colorSurprising accuracyGreat for gamingConsPoor off-angle viewingRisk of dirty screen effectOur resident TV man with a plan, Caleb Denison, had the unique fortune of testing out the Hisense U7N, and he walked away from the experience a pleased viewer.Illuminated by mini-LEDs and enhanced by quantum dots, the U7N manages to put out some chart-topping brightness. With brightness scoring in the 2,000-nit range for HDR highlights, the U7N should have no issues looking great in a brightly lit room. Well, save for the fact it doesnt have the greatest off-angle viewing. Unfortunately, this is the kind of LED-LCD malady we run into when spending less than $1,000.Hisenses Hi-View Engine PRO chipset brings the kind of picture processing to the table that other manufacturers should be taking notes from. From one frame to the next, the U7N keeps things sharp, colorful, and motion-optimized. Thanks to HDMI 2.1, VRR support, and 4K/144Hz, the U7N is an excellent TV for watching fast-action movies and playing video games. Theres even a PC/Game Mode for maximizing response times and reducing input lag for consoles and gaming PCs.Hisense U7N size options include 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-inch models, and the Google TV OS handles all streaming features and smart TV controls. Wed also like to mention that the 40-watt speaker system isnt too shabby. While most folks will prefer a soundbar or surround sound configuration, the 2.1-channel audio of the U7N really does hold its own, especially in small to medium-sized viewing spaces.Hisense U7N ULEDA runner-up Hisense for less than $1,000Zeke Jones/Digital TrendsBest for Roku OS enthusiastsRoku Plus Series QLEDRoku Plus Series TV ReviewProsHigh brightnessBrilliant colorSnappy operationImpressive soundGreat remoteConsPoor off-angle performanceContrast suffers in high-brightness scenesSome motion blurRoku's TV OS is one of the go-to platforms for entertainment apps like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, and the company has been making exceptional streaming devices for almost two decades. Thus, it was only a matter of time before Roku decided to make its own TVs, and theyre sold exclusively through Best Buy.Enter the Roku 65-inch Plus Series QLED. As far as pros go, the Plus Series QLED delivers exceptional brightness and accurate colors, as well as some top-notch sound for the price. This latter feat is becoming increasingly difficult to satisfy without a soundbar, so the fact that Roku achieved a full and rich soundstage using just TV speakers is a big deal.What were not a fan of here is the 60Hz refresh rate. Thats the motion clarity cap on this model, and while stutter and blur are less evident on smaller screens, a 65-inch panel is going to have more trouble hiding these maladies. This is going to be a deal-breaker for some, and we totally get it, but for those who dont mind a little blur once in awhile, the Plus Series is still an exceptional choice for a large LED.Its also got four HDMI inputs, AirPlay 2 compatibility, and full-array backlighting, which means there are LEDs behind every square-inch of the screen, instead of just the edges.Roku Plus Series QLEDBest for Roku OS enthusiastsDigital TrendsAffordable with Amazon Fire TV baked inAmazon Fire TV Omni QLEDAmazon Fire TV Omni QLED ReviewProsExcellent Fire TV experienceGreat smart home hubAdequate picture performanceFun featuresConsLacks HDR punchPrice-to-picture performance ratio is offAmazons first-party TVs are pretty good when it comes to overall picture quality, but even better when it comes to saving you cash, and that's where the Fire TV Omni QLED comes in.Amazon has been making TVs for a few years now, and while theyre not the kinds of sets wed point all our friends toward, these Alexa-powered displays are great when funds are limited. But you know what? The 65-inch Omni QLED is actually pretty awesome all-around, and it costs far less than the average 65-inch LED at around $800.Perhaps the biggest win to write home about is that the Omni QLED supports each and every HDR format out there (Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+ Adaptive, HDR10, and HLG). So whether youre streaming your favorite movies from Netflix or popping in your 4K Blu-ray copy of Jurassic World: Dominion, the Omni QLED is equipped to push the kind of breathtaking brightness, colors, and contrast that one should expect from an HDR viewing. This Amazon Omni TV also has Amazon's Adaptive Brightness feature that, if utilized, actively measures the lighting in your room and optimizes the TVs brightness. It also features the Fire TV Ambient Experience that turns the TV into an art display when idle -- it can feature your photos, Alexa widgets, and more than 1,000 works of art.Omni also has Alexa built in, allowing you to control all the smart home devices in your house. Yes, the Omni QLED has a little bit of trouble with light blooming, and the refresh rate only tops out at 60Hz, but its going to be pretty difficult to score this insane of a deal for a screen as big, bright, and colorful as this one.Amazon Fire TV Omni QLEDAffordable with Amazon Fire TV baked inSamsungA budget-friendly Samsung QLEDSamsung Q60D QLEDProsDelivers a bright and colorful pictureVery low input lagComes in eight sizes ConsOnly a 60Hz refresh rateNo local dimming capabilitiesPicture processing could be betterWe get it: Sometimes, you just want to stick with a big, noteworthy brand when it comes to big-ticket tech items like TVs. This is why weve decided to include the Samsung Q60D on our list.At this point, the company has built up significant fanfare in the TV marketplace, and for a couple of reasons. Samsung TVs, including the Q60D, are known for their brightness, making them a great fit for various room lighting conditions. The Q60D, in particular, excels in brightly lit rooms, making it a versatile choice that accommodates different viewing environments.Unfortunately, the Q60D doesnt have local dimming, though, so its not uncommon for black levels to fade in brighter scenes during movies, shows, and video games. The Q60D is capped at 60Hz for its native refresh rate as well, which means it can display up to 60 frames per second. While this may not be the best choice for a die-hard gamer or sports fanatic who may prefer a higher refresh rate for smoother motion, the Q60D does manage to deliver low input lag and includes a built-in Game Mode.With the Q60D, you're not limited to a single size. In fact, youll have numerous size options to choose from, ranging from a compact 32 inches to a whopping 85 inches. This variety allows you to select the size that best fits your viewing space and preferences.Samsung Q60D QLEDA budget-friendly Samsung QLEDSonyAlso considerSony X80K LEDProsBright and colorful pictureSolid 4K upscalingGreat gaming optimizationsConsOnly 60Hz refresh rateNot the best HDR performanceSony is one of the top brands in the world of TVs, but theres usually quite a premium to pay if you want to own a Bravia mini LED or QD-OLED. Thats why were glad to draw attention to the Sony 65-inch X80K.Going back to basics, the X80K is a traditional LED-LCD built on the Google TV UI. While were not dealing with a fully backlit screen, the X80K can get plenty bright, and has a wide viewing angle. With the Cognitive Processor X1 and Triluminos Pro handling upscaling, colors, and contrast, the X80K is terrific at making older content look revamped.The TV does have a couple of flaws though. Because theres no local dimming to speak of, HDR dark scenes tend to look gray instead of black. The screen also isnt great for standing up against harsh sunlight, and theres no VRR support either.These few qualms aside though, the Sony 65-inch X80K delivers a solid picture for the price, and gets you a model from one of the most reliable brands in the business.Sony X80K LEDAlso considerWhat size TV can I afford for $1,000?You'll be able to find a TV as large as 75 inches for under $1,000. Can I get an OLED TV for less than $1,000?Yes, but very rarely with deals. OLED TV technology still is primarily available on high-end models that soar beyond the $1,000 mark. But we're starting to see some models dip below a grand. Do TVs under $1,000 work with Alexa, Google Assistant, or Siri?Using either Google Home, Fire TV, or an Amazon Echo, you can pair many modern TVs with Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Many newer TVs have these options built-in, so you can use them without buying a separate appliance. Unfortunately, no current models of TVs have Siri built-in, so youll have to try a workaround. For example, TVs that support AirPlay 2and HomeKit let you control them by using Siri on an iOS device, such as an iPad, iPhone, iPod, and Mac. What outputs should TVs under $1,000 have?The No. 1 thing to consider is HDMI in terms of outputs and inputs. We recommend purchasing a TV with HDMI ARC or eARC, which means your TV audio can stream to an AV receiver or a soundbar. Every TV weve included on this list has at least one HDMI ARC port, and most have three total HDMI ports. This means youll have plenty of image and audio channels available to connect gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, and set-top streaming devices to your system. Getting the latest generation of HDMI is also important for enabling the most recent visual/audio options. What is the best month to buy a TV?There are several times in the year that are good for buying a TV. Let's get the obvious out of the way Black Friday and the surrounding holidays tend to have the best deals for things like TVs, so November and December are clear choices. But if you missed a deal or it ran out of stock, these can also be annoying months to buy. We suggest also looking for deals in January when brands discount in preparation for the Super Bowl, and in April and May, when many TVs go on sale. Which TV brands last the longest?With proper care, TVs can last for many years. But Samsung and LG have particularly good reputations for durable TVs that can handle long-term use without developing annoying issues like damaged pixels, while still offering top-notch quality. Check out our excellent post on the best TV brands for more details. Editors Recommendations

Phil Nickinson / Digital TrendsEditor's note: There isn't a better time of year to find amazing deals on A/V products than Black Friday. If you're getting one of the best TV deals available, you deserve to pair it with a soundbar that delivers immersive sound that matches the picture. The Best Dolby Atmos bar under $1,000, the Vizio Elevate, can be had for only $550 (that's 31% off). But don't stop at TVs and soundbars, there are plenty of Black Friday deals available on laptops, headphones, mobile devices, and more.Today's best TVs, while visually stunning, often sacrifice audio quality in favor of sleek designs. Those razor-thin screens don't have the space to house powerful speakers that can deliver a truly immersive audio experience. This is where soundbars come in. These compact audio systems are designed to dramatically enhance your TVs sound, bringing movies, games, and music to life. Many soundbars even mimic the effect of a full surround-sound setup, creating a three-dimensional soundscape with technologies like Dolby Atmos.You've likely seen soundbars at electronics retailers like Best Buy and Target or while browsing Amazon online (we've even got an explainer on how to buy a soundbar, too). With a wide range of models available, there's a perfect soundbar for every budget and home theater setup. Here are our favorites for 2024.Samsung HW-Q990C wireless Dolby Atmos SoundbarThe best soundbar for most peopleJump to detailsSonos Arc UltraBest expandable Dolby Atmos soundbarJump to detailsVizio Elevate 5.1.4 Home Theater SoundbarThe best Dolby Atmos for under $1,000Jump to detailsNakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 surround sound systemBest no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object soundbarJump to detailsVizio M-Series AiOBest soundbar under $200Jump to detailsBose Smart SoundbarThe best small soundbarJump to detailsSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar PlusBest Dolby Atmos sound from a single speakerJump to detailsVizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6/M51ax-J6)The best budget soundbarJump to detailsKlipsch Flexus Core 200Best single-speaker soundbar under $800Jump to detailsZvox AV157 TV SpeakerThe best for dialog enhancementJump to detailsSonos RayMost versatile budget soundbarJump to detailsApple HomePod (2nd Gen)Best soundbar alternative for Apple TV fansJump to detailsSony Bravia Theatre QuadBest soundbar alternative for everyoneJump to detailsSamsungThe best soundbar for most peopleSamsung HW-Q990C wireless Dolby Atmos SoundbarProsGreat sound for movies and musicImpressive volume capabilitiesClear dialogImmersive Dolby Atmos experienceConsNo support for HDMI 2.1A bit expensiveTalk about a soundbar kit that ticks all the boxes, the Q990C is Samsung's premium 2023 flagship, replacing the also great Samsung HW-990B, which we have reviewed and love, too. Its price tag may be north of $1,000, but we think it's worth it.The Q990C is some top-of-the-line tech right here. It's an out-of-the-box, wireless Dolby Atmos/DTS:X surround sound solution that comes with the soundbar, two wireless surround speakers, and a wireless subwoofer. The 11.1.4 channel system includes four up-firing channels for a real Atmos sound comparable to a receiver-and-speaker-based system. Not only does the Q990C pump out some serious volume for movies and TV, but it's no slouch with music either, with big, balanced and clear sound.Clear sound is also one of its calling cards for movie watching, especially if you're fed up with not being able to hear dialog clearly. The soundbar's Adaptive Voice Amplifier feature "breaks down room noise," Samsung says, to optimize dialog, while its Adaptive Sound feature scans each scene in real time to enhance dialog from movies, sports, and other programming. Its Built-in SpaceFit Sound Pro room correction feature also ensures the Q990C sound its best no matter your room's shape or size.Just as with the HW-Q990B, you get two HDMI inputs (sadly, no HDMI 2.1, though) with 4K/HDR10+ passthrough (though notably, not Dolby Vision), so even if your TV's HDMI ports are full or it doesn't support Dolby Atmos, you're covered just plug a streaming device or game console into the soundbar and you've got the best sound and video on tap.If your TV is also a recent Samsung model, you get the benefit of wireless Dolby Atmos (no need to run an HDMI cable to the TV) and Q-Symphony, which lets the TV's speakers augment the soundbar instead of sitting there unused.With Wi-Fi connectivity, Apple AirPlay 2, and Alexa built-in (plus Bluetooth, naturally), there are plenty of ways to stream music to this system.As we said, the Samsung HW-Q990C is the full package, out of the box, and is a great choice for most people. However, if the $1,400 price tag is a bit hard to swallow, take a look at its slightly less feature and driver rich sibling, the sub $1,000 Samsung HW-Q930C instead.Samsung HW-Q990C wireless Dolby Atmos SoundbarThe best soundbar for most peopleSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsBest expandable Dolby Atmos soundbarSonos Arc UltraSonos Arc Ultra ReviewProsBig, powerful bassClear and intelligible dialogueImmersive Dolby AtmosGreat for music and moviesLots of expansion optionsBluetooth, Apple AirPlayConsNo HDMI inputNo remoteHighs can be slightly harshSonos app is still buggyIt's been just over four years since the launch of the original Sonos Arc soundbar, and it's been on this list of best soundbars ever since, for its excellent sound, sleek design, and ease of use. Luckily, its successor, the Sonos Arc Ultra, has arrived to take the reins, and although it's nearly identical to the Arc, it holds its status as one of the best, and with a few welcome improvements.Looks-wise, there very little difference between the Arc and the Ultra it's 2 inches wider than the Arc, but a bit shorter a little shallower. It also has a new housing that wraps around the back of the speaker and runs along most of its length at the back. It's much more pronounced than the Arc, and it also now houses the Ultra's touch controls, including a volume slider that brings it up to speed with other new generation Sonos speakers like the Era 100, Era 300, and the Move 2.Also putting it more on the same playing field as those three siblings, is the addition of Bluetooth, which the Arc did not have. This will be handy for allowing others to connect to the Ultra, say at a dinner party, without needing the Sonos app or accessing your Wi-Fi.Even with Sonos' app rollout woes this year, setting up the Arc Ultra is still incredibly easy with the app, and the speaker still seamlessly incorporates itself into your larger network of whole-home Sonos sound.As with the Arc, the Arc Ultra uses up-firing speaker drivers to re-create Dolby Atmos sound, adding a solid sense of 3D space to action films, sports, and more. But make no mistake, there have been some improvements. The Arcs 5.1.2-channel array has been replaced with seven-tweeters, six-mid-woofers, 15 class-D amplifiers, and Sonos new Sound Motion dual-membrane, quad-motor, bi-amped woofer, making it louder, more powerful, and more articulate.On its own the Ultra is impressive, but you can easily expand its home theater capabilities by adding other Sonos speakers as surround satellites, such as a pair of Era 100s, Era 300s, or connecting to a pair of Sonos' Sonos Ace headphones that work with the Arc (and Beam (Gen 2), Beam (Gen 1), and Ray soundbars) to pipe Dolby Atmos spatial audio sound from the Arc to them.Plus, you can also grow the system later by adding a sub, like the magnificent if very expensive Sonos Sub and the new, smaller Sub Mini. HDMI eARC connectivity makes the Ultra a breeze to add to your TV and set up.The Sonos Arc is also a smart speaker, with two choices of voice assistant: the bare-bones but super useful Sonos Voice Control for Sonos-only functions, and Alexa, which can control Sonos products and much more, too. Google Assistant fans, sadly, cannot use it directly with the Ultra, but its functions can still be controlled through older Sonos speakers that still support it, should you have them.All around, the Arc Ultra will take your TV to the next level and deliver a fantastic music-listening setup as well, and it's only $100 more than the outgoing Sonos Arc which you can still find until Sonos depletes its stock.Honorable mention: If the Sonos ecosystem isn't your thing, Bose's latest flagship, the Smart Ultra Soundbar, is a great alternative from a company with more years of top-tier audio excellence than most. It's the same price as the Sonos Arc, sports Dolby Atmos, has up-firing drivers for that immersive all-arounfd effect, and features an AI-driven dialogue mode. The Bose SimpleSync feature also lets you connect to other Bose speakers and headphones you have in your house.Sonos Arc UltraBest expandable Dolby Atmos soundbarRelatedRiley Young/Digital Trends / .The best Dolby Atmos for under $1,000Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Home Theater SoundbarVizio Elevate ReviewProsSimple setup, clear chart showing connectionsWonderfully unique designDeep control over sound output levelsExceptionally clear dialogueConsEffects dependent on roomCostlyVizio appears several times on this list, and for good reason. The company has a huge (though sometimes confusing) array of soundbars at a variety of prices for every budget and room size. The Elevate is the company's flagship and it deserves serious consideration by anyone who wants an elegantly designed and powerful sound system for their TV.The Elevate's signature feature is its rotating speaker modules. They sit at the ends of the soundbar and rotate from front-firing to up-firing whenever Dolby Atmos or DTS:X content is being played. When combined with the up-firing drivers embedded in the surround speakers, you get four height channels, for overhead sound effects that get surprisingly close to the more expensive Samsung HW-Q990B. Better yet, all of those 5.1.4 channels are individually controllable, so you can easily tune the speakers to your space.The included wireless subwoofer has a generous eight-inch driver and can reach as low as 30Hz, and has enough power to rattle your windows, even if it can't quite compare to the dedicated powered subs you'll find on more expensive component systems.With two HDMI inputs and an HDMI ARC/eARC output, there's no problem with being able to attach external media sources, and Bluetooth is on tap for streaming music from your phone. The only thing missing is Wi-Fi, so there's no support for high-quality audio streaming from music services, no compatibility with AirPlay, Chromecast, or Amazon Alexa, and no multi-room audio.Still, for the price, it's very hard to beat the Elevate for pure TV and movie immersion. The only thing that comes close is Vizio's own M-Series Elevate, which is $200 cheaper and lacks the flagship Elevate's rear up-firing drivers.Vizio Elevate 5.1.4 Home Theater SoundbarThe best Dolby Atmos for under $1,000Zeke Jones/Digital Trends / Digital TrendsBest no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object soundbarNakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 surround sound systemNakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 Surround System ReviewProsSupremely clean highsCrystal-clear dialogueMassively powerfulSeamless surround effects/object placementRidiculously funConsLack of separate LFE and bass controlOSD could use better integrationCall it the dragon's egg at the end of this best soundbars list, call it the beast that'll burn a hole right through your wallet, call it what you want but whatever you do, don't call the Nakamichi Dragon surround sound system for the faint of heart. We'll try our best to describe it here, but it's worth taking a few minutes for Caleb's Denison's video review, or watch him put it head to head with a Sonos Arc system to get the bigger picture about this $3,900 11.4.6 surround sound system.First, though, the basics: the Nakamichi Dragon consists of a massive 58-inch soundbar unit that weighs around 40 pounds and features 14 speakers and seven digital amplifiers. There are two 9-pound wireless surround sound speakers each with five drivers (side, rear, and up-firing), and two wireless subwoofers, each with two 8-inch drivers in them. Yeah, the total system output is 3,000 watts peaking at 125 decibels. Translation: loud.The Nakamichi Dragon excels in volume, clarity, precision, soundstage, and just about every other audio-related term used to say "it sounds incredible" for both music and movies. But where it shines is in its abilities as a surround system, with support for Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Through auditioning several surround sound examples, Denison noted the Dragon's ability to immerse him in cavernous reverbs and pinpoint-accurate object placement around the room sounds even seem to originate from places in the room where there are no speakers. Dialogue is clear and easy to understand (depending on the sound mix, of course), and explosive rumble comes with ease form the Dragon's woofers.Setup and calibration, while not for newbies, is pretty straightforward and id guided by a well-designed on-screen display that lets you select room size, EQing for games, movies, and more, as well as advanced calibration tools to get the system perfectly tuned for your uses.Could you assemble a comparable system for less money? Of course you could. The $2,600 Sonos system (Arc soundbar, two Era 300s, one Sonos Sub), Denison compares the Dragon to in his video is roughly the same price (if you add a second Sub like the Dragon has, it's $3,400), and there are obviously full Atmos receiver/speaker setups you could get into for less. But if you've got the money and are a little more serious about your home theater audio, few can compete with the impact and clarity of the Dragon at this price.Nakamichi Dragon 11.4.6 surround sound systemBest no-holds-barred, money-is-no-object soundbarRiley Young / Digital TrendsBest soundbar under $200Vizio M-Series AiOVizio M-Series AiO ReviewProsGreat fidelity for the priceExcellent dialogue clarityWide soundstageAmple bassGood dynamicsConsNo perceived Dolby Atmos effectsWhen you get right down to it, people buy soundbars because they want better sound from their TV, but they're not interested in all of the convoluted wiring, settings, or the expense involved in going with a full home theater system. And when it comes to delivering on that goal for the least amount of money, Vizio's 2023 M-Series AiO is a slam-dunk.It starts with a single speaker, which is compact and understated no flashy metal finishes or exposed drivers just an elegant trapezoid wrapped in dark gray fabric. Getting it connected is a cinch just plug it into your TV using the included HDMI cable, or you can use your own optical cable. That's it.The included remote makes it easy to control (or thanks to HDMI eARC, you can control it with your TV remote), and if you own a Vizio TV, all of the key settings will be merged into your TV's on-screen menus, which is a great addition, and something you rarely see on any soundbar regardless of price.The M-Series' audio chops are impressive, especially the bass response, which surprised our reviewer Caleb Denison with its power. In his estimation, it's better than what many cheaply-built wireless subwoofers offer, so you won't miss that extra black box at all. Dialog in movies is crisp and clear, so you won't be leaning across to your friends and family to whisper, "What did she just say?"You get an HDMI input, and the M-Series has a special trick up its sleeve for folks who want to wall-mount it. Sensors inside automatically reconfigure the tuning of the drivers to ensure you get the best sound, even when the speaker is oriented with its top facing you.There's only one real caveat with the M-Series AiO: Despite being labeled as Dolby Atmos-capable, our reviewer wasn't able to discern much in the way of a 3D sound experience when listening to Atmos content. Is it a deal-breaker? No at this price, we don't expect any Dolby Atmos soundbar will perform significantly better. If Dolby Atmos on a budget is your goal, check out the Vizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6/M51ax-J6) farther down on this list.Vizio M-Series AiOBest soundbar under $200Simon Cohen / Digital TrendsThe best small soundbarBose Smart SoundbarBose Smart Soundbar 600 ReviewProsEasy setupExcellent Atmos for its sizeClear and engaging dialogAirPlay and ChromecastGood music qualityConsNo HDMI inputsSmart speaker is Alexa-onlyLimited in-app music servicesWhen compared to Sonos, Bose still has a ways to go when it comes to multiroom sound and streaming music service integration, but thanks to theBose Smart Soundbar's built-in up-firing height drivers, it's the best small speaker for movies and TV especially if Dolby Atmos is involved.Recently updated to drop the "600" from its name (a review of the new unit is forthcoming), we're still including the review of the model until then, because they're effectively the same speaker, save for a couple of new features.Bass and dialog clarity are two especially bright spots for the Smart Soundbar, but it's the sheer size of the speaker's soundstage that you notice the most. It projects sound upward, outward, and to the sides so effectively, you'll swear there are additional speakers in your room. If the effect isn't powerful enough, you can add the real deal the Smart Soundbar is compatible with two models of wireless Bose subwoofers and two models of wireless Bose surround speakers.Like its predecessor, the Smart Soundbar 300, and the Sonos Beam Gen 2, the 600 can act as a smart speaker, but only using Amazon's Alexa AI. Google Assistant is still compatible, but it's no longer built-in. However, you do get Chromecast in addition to AirPlay and Bluetooth, making the Smart Soundbar a better streaming choice for Android users than Sonos (AirPlay only).The Smart Soundbar also has a feature that's custom-tailored to bedrooms: You can connect any compatible Bose headphones over Bluetooth for private listening. On that note, here's one of the new standoout features that set it apart form the 600 Bose's new Personal Surround Sound tech that lets you use a pair of the company's Ultra Open Earbuds to augment the sound. "When the devices are paired together, the earbuds act as a substitute for discrete surround speakers. Thanks to the earbuds fully open design, you can hear all kinds of surrounding sounds, including the soundbars audio," our reviewer Simon Cohen says about the feature.Honorable mentions: If keeping things tight and tidy under your TV is a priority, we can suggest a few more soundbars on the smaller side, including the Sonos Beam Gen 2, a Dolby Atmos-capable soundbar thats's great if you're looking to build or expand a multiroom wireless audio system; the Sony HT-S2000, which excels at Dolby Atmos sound for around the same price; and the Polk MagniFi Mini AX, a tiny Dolby Atmos/DTS:X soundbar the deliver clear dialogue and comes with a powerful subwoofer for under $500.Bose Smart SoundbarThe best small soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsBest Dolby Atmos sound from a single speakerSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar PlusSennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus ReviewProsFantastic 3D soundLots of connectionsBuilt-in room tuningUp to 4 wireless subs/1 wired subAirPlay/Chromecast/Tidal ConnectAlexa built-inDolby Atmos/DTS:XSony 360/MPEG-HConsStill expensiveOnly HDMI 2.0aRelies heavily on mobile appWeird Alexa integrationIf you want to get the most immersive and powerful sound possible from a soundbar with no subwoofers or extra surround speakers the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Plus is without equal. Its secret sauce is the Ambeo digital signal processing that Sennheiser pioneered with its first soundbar, the recently renamed Ambeo Soundbar Max.You can think of Ambeo as a turbo-charger for immersive, 3D audio. Using the Soundbar Plus' nine drivers and amps, it projects sound around even large rooms in such a way that you become convinced there must be speakers hiding behind your furniture or in your ceiling. It truly brings Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and even two-channel stereo to life in a way that is nothing short of mesmerizing. To get even close to this effect, most soundbars need to add additional surround speakers, and even then, they don't always succeed.With two HDMI 2.0a inputs (plus optical and analog ports) and an HDMI 2.1 ARC/eARC input/output, there's no need to give up ports on your TV. And with the option to use Sennheiser's wireless Ambeo subs (up to four) or your own wired subwoofer, you're not locked in to a specific accessory for low-end power. Its support for AirPlay, Chromecast, and Bluetooth means you're free to stream music to the bar from any device you own. And if you want to use it as a smart speaker, Amazon Alexa is built-in and can be turned on at any time.At $1,500, it's one of the more expensive soundbars. And despite being able to add it to Google Home or Amazon Alexa, it's not a great choice for multiroom sound. But when you take into account its remarkable performance as an Atmos speaker, it's worth every penny.Honorable mentions: If you're looking specifically for a Sennheiser, a more powerful (but considerably larger and more expensive) option is the Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar Max. Alternately, we can recommend the Sony HT-A7000, another one of Sony's capable soundbars that, for the same price range as the Ambeo, features Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, sounds great for music as well as movies and TV (with clear dialogue), and support for Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa.Sennheiser Ambeo Soundbar PlusBest Dolby Atmos sound from a single speakerDan Baker/Digital TrendsThe best budget soundbarVizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6/M51ax-J6)Vizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6) ReviewProseARC, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X supportImpressive subwooferSeamless surround effectsComprehensive controlExcellent fidelityConsOne HDMI inputLess suitable for larger roomsThe Vizio M-Series looks like a typical soundbar at 36 inches in length, and its 6-inch wireless subwoofer looks like many others. But what helps this model stand apart is its more reasonable price and its versatility.If you have a medium-to-large room, you can place the subwoofer toward the rear of the space which lets you position the wired surround modules behind the viewing area. But if you've got a smaller space, you can put the sub near the front the M-Series will automatically calibrate the system to give you the best sound possible.But that's putting the cart before the horse. The M-Series sounds amazing, with clear highs and mids for dialog, and precise bass response. With support for both virtualized Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X, you may not get quite the jaw-dropping overhead sounds that you'll find with up-firing soundbars like the Arc or the Ambeo, but it's a much more immersive experience than a traditional 5.1 setup.Because of its HDMI eARC port, the M-Series can support much higher bandwidth, lossless hi-res audio when connected to a compatible TV. An extra HDMI input means that you're not forced to give up an input on your TV.There's also the usual complement of connections, including Bluetooth, optical in, and a USB port for removable drive-based audio files.The only real caveat with the M-Series is the lack of Wi-Fi. This means you can't stream music to it via AirPlay or Chromecast, and it can't be controlled via voice assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant. But that one aspect notwithstanding, theVizio M-Series is an outstanding choice for anyone who wants fun, room-filling surround sound without breaking the bank.Vizio M-Series 5.1 soundbar (M51a-H6/M51ax-J6)The best budget soundbarSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsBest single-speaker soundbar under $800Klipsch Flexus Core 200Klipsch Flexus Core 200 ReviewProsFabulous soundStriking levels of bassEasy setupWired subwoofer outputBacklit remoteConsNo Wi-FiSlightly tame height channelsCan't save settings per inputIf youre looking for a great Dolby Atmos soundbar that wont cost you more than $1,000, your sights should be set on the Klipsch Flexus Core 200. Not only is this a phenomenal soundbar on its own but when you add a Flexus Sub 100 and Flexus Surr 100 rear speakers to your setup, youll have a complete Flexus surround system. Of course, these are optional add-ons.What wed really like to rave about is how much power the Flexus Core 200 packs. Rated at 185 watts, we were blown away by how large of the soundbar is for the price. Even without a subwoofer, the Flexus Core 200 delivers a ridiculous amount of bass, on top of excellent dialogue clarity and decent height-channel virtualization. No, it doesnt touch the output of a true Atmos system, but its far more than just a traditional stereo sound enhancer.The Klipsch Connect app is another great addition to the Flexus Core 200 package. Intuitive from one screen to the next, youll be able to do everything from EQ customization to volume controls and surround speaker configuration. And while the Flexus Core 200 is equipped with an HDMI eARC port and digital optical, theres no way to connect the Flexus to the internet. This just means that youll need to do all your wireless music streaming via Bluetooth.Klipsch Flexus Core 200Best single-speaker soundbar under $800ZvoxThe best for dialog enhancementZvox AV157 TV SpeakerZvox Accuvoice AV157 ReviewProsSmall footprintEasy connections and setupSuper-clear and adjustable dialogConsExpensive for a small speakerNo wireless connections for musicThe AV157 packs six levels of Zvox's AccuVoice technology for speech enhancement and an additional six levels of its SuperVoice tech for a huge range of assistance for those who are hearing-impaired or who just struggle to separate speech from other sounds.The 12 levels of AccuVoice and SuperVoice determine how pronounced this effect is. At its most powerful, the AV157 can deliver speech so clear and precise, it's almost painful. But for those who suffer from hearing loss, it will be a pleasure.But better dialog is only the beginning. The AV157 is also a surprisingly capable movie and music speaker too. Turn on the surround sound mode and it does a decent job with all kinds of immersive soundtracks.Bass performance doesn't quite measure up to full-size soundbars, but it's solid and well-balanced. Should you want to get a bit more rumble, you can add an external wired subwoofer using the analog sub-woofer output.Connections are modest: You can use an optical cable or an analog cable to connect the AV157 to your TV, and there's no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. But this keeps things simple and you won't have to give up an HDMI port just to get better sound from your TV.The included remote is also a simple but effective device, with large, easy-to-press, and clearly labeled buttons.If you're tired of relying on subtitles to understand what your favorite actors are saying, the Zvox AV157 is a perfect TV companion.Zvox AV157 TV SpeakerThe best for dialog enhancementSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsMost versatile budget soundbarSonos RaySonos Ray soundbar ReviewProsCompact for versatile placementImpressive sound for its sizeExpandable to a full 5.1 systemEasy setup and controlConsPricey for a small soundbarLacks a bit of midrange detailSo you've wanted to get into Sonos for your TV room, but your room's a bit too small for the big sound and bigger price of its flagship Sonos Arc (on our list above) or even the middle-tier Beam (2nd gen). In 2022 Sonos finally addressed this need and launched the Sonos Ray, and while it's still more pricey than some of the choices on our list, this is Sonos we're talking about, and should you choose, the Ray can either add to your existing multi-room Sonos system or be the beginning of one.Similar in size and look to the Beam, the Ray comes in black and white finishes and looks sharp anywhere, and it can also be wall-mounted with a bracket you can get from Sonos.Setup is signature Sonos simple, and once it is it's easy to control with the excellent Sonos app, which you can use to control volume, EQing, and grouping with other Sonos speakers. There are also touch controls on the top of the soundbar, too.While the Sonos Ray isn't a Dolby Atmos soundbar like its Beam (2nd gen) and Arc siblings, optical connectivity to your TV allows for Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Digital Surround, if and when you want to expand your system with, for example, a Sonos Sub Mini and a pair of Sonos Era 100s or Sonos Ones as rear surrounds.And it kind of goes without saying that it sounds good, too, with our reviewer Simon Cohen praising its ability to deliver big low-end and mids, as well as clear highs, perfect for sound effects in movies such as whizzing bullets, screeching tires, and barking dogs. Music, Cohen says, sounds equally good, and, as per all Sonos speakers, you get access to all your streaming services like Tidal, Spotify, Apple Music, and more.Sonos RayMost versatile budget soundbarZeke Jones / Digital TrendsBest soundbar alternative for Apple TV fansApple HomePod (2nd Gen)Apple HomePod (2nd Gen) ReviewProsGreat sound qualityIncredible bass performanceDazzling Spatial Audio surroundPlug and Play wirelessSlick designConsLimited connection optionsNo direct Spotify playbackHomePod, the little Apple smart-speaker-that-could, made its triumphant return to store shelves early this year after the Cupertino company discontinued the original in 2021. It's an excellent-sounding speaker that has improved upon the original in a number of ways, it's packed with room-sensing tech that adapt the sound to basically anywhere you put it, and it's a top-notch smart speaker with Matter supportso it can work with and control all your home's connected smart devices, such as lights, thermostats, and more.So why, you might ask, is a smart speaker included on our list of the best soundbars? Because, as our intrepid Editor-at-Large, Caleb Denison, discovered in his review, when you pair two 2nd-gen HomePods together and add a new Apple TV 4K, the combination easily competes with soundbars, including the Sonos Beam. So much so that Denison called the experience "downright magical."And while there are definitely some differences between the more expensive HomePods + Apple TV 4K setup (roughly $750) and a $500 Sonos Beam (HDMI eARC is the big one missing from the HomePod), pairing a set of HomePods together offer not only excellent stereo sound separation when listening to movies (something that is harder to achieve with a soundbar), but Spatial Audio for movies and TV is amazing. "Dialogue is crystal clear and perfectly centered, sound effects are spacious and enveloping I definitely got the impression there were more speakers in the room," Denison gushed. Even the bass surprised him for a two-channel system, and if you want for a system that also does music just as well (or maybe you want to explore Dolby Atmos Music tracks, too), a set of HomePods might be worth a look.Apple HomePod (2nd Gen)Best soundbar alternative for Apple TV fansDigital TrendsBest soundbar alternative for everyoneSony Bravia Theatre QuadSony Bravia Theater Quad ReviewProsIncredibly flexibleExcellent sound qualityConvincing Atmos surroundEasy placement and setupGreat for movies and musicConsVery expensiveBuggy appImagine a home theater system that transcends the limitations of your living space, transforming any room into an immersive cinematic sanctuary. Sony's Bravia Theatre Quad system promises to do just that. This innovative solution challenges the conventional notion of surround sound, delivering a genuinely captivating audio experience that adapts seamlessly to your environment.At the heart of the Bravia Theatre Quad lies a quartet of compact wireless speakers, each engineered with four internal drivers to generate a vibrant and nuanced soundscape. However, the true genius of this system lies in its advanced spatial mapping technology. Utilizing intricate algorithms, this intelligent system analyzes your room's unique dimensions, pinpointing the precise location of walls, furniture, and even ceiling height. This detailed acoustic mapping allows the Bravia Theatre Quad to calibrate each speaker individually, optimizing sound dispersion for a genuinely immersive, three-dimensional audio experience.This adaptability allows for freedom in speaker placement. Whether you prefer a sleek, minimalist aesthetic with wall-mounted speakers, a genuinely immersive overhead soundscape with ceiling-mounted units, or the flexibility of freestanding speakers positioned for optimal sound dispersion, the Theatre Quad adapts to your preferences and room layout.Beyond its versatility, the Theatre Quad boasts exceptional audio fidelity. Reviewers, like our own Caleb Denison, and audiophiles praise its crystal-clear dialogue reproduction, which ensures that you never miss a word, even during explosive action sequences. The system's dynamic range captures the full spectrum of sonic detail, from subtle whispers to room-shaking explosions, allowing you to experience the true emotional impact of your favorite films. The Bravia Theatre Quad's impressive Atmos virtualization technology creates a convincing illusion of overhead sound, adding breathtaking realism and immersion.Sony Bravia Theatre QuadBest soundbar alternative for everyoneWhy are soundbars so popular?They offer a small footprint, theyre affordable and easy to set up, and they sound much better than the speakers built into most TVs. How do soundbars work? Virtually all modern soundbars connect to your TV via digital connection either with an optical or HDMI cable. The latter is generally preferred for TVs with HDMI ARC or eARC, as it allows for better sound and control of basic functionality with your TV remote. For Dolby Atmos, an HDMI connection is a prerequisite. Can soundbars be controlled by a TV remote?Some of them can be, yes. See the above for information about HDMI ARC. Can soundbars be mounted on a wall?Yes, many come with mounting brackets in the box, but almost all have optional wall-mount solutions you can buy later. Can soundbars be mounted above a TV?Technically yes, but we usually recommend mounting them below the TV. In general, we recommend you get them as close to ear level as possible for the best sound. What about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?Most new soundbars do have this sort of wireless functionality. This typically allows you to stream music from your smartphone or home network directly to the soundbar. If a soundbar is also a smart speaker (e.g. Sonos Arc, Bose Soundbar 700) it will be Wi-Fi equipped.Wi-Fi is generally preferable to Bluetooth for music streaming as its higher bandwidth supports higher quality formats like lossless FLAC, ALAC, WAV, and others. See the above question for wireless functionality with your TV or receiver. Do soundbars always have a separate subwoofer?No, not always. Some are built without them purposefully to save space. If they contain built-in subwoofers they can still deliver surprisingly strong bass, but most rely on a wired (or wireless) subwoofer for low-frequency sound. Do soundbars support Alexa? Google Assistant? Siri?Yes, but in slightly different ways. Some soundbars can double as smart speakers. The Sonos and Bose family of soundbars give you a choice of Google Assistant or Alexa, with the former also allowing you to use Sonos' Voice Control.Soundbars can also be voice assistant-compatible, which means that you'll be able to use one or more voice assistants to control the soundbar if you already own a smart speaker or some other way to issue voice commands. Several soundbars can be added to Apple HomeKit, which lets you control them via Siri.Still other soundbars, like Vizio's family of products, have dedicated smart speaker inputs so you can wire a Google Nest Mini or Amazon Echo into the soundbar. This lets the soundbar understand when you are trying to talk to your assistant, and it can lower the speaker volume automatically while letting you hear the assistant via the higher-quality soundbar. Does Apple make a soundbar?No, but Apple'sHomePod Mini its resurrected 2nd Gen HomePod can act as soundbar replacements if you also own an Apple TV 4K. You can set up a set of HomePods as a stereo pair, which sounds amazing and might just be a good soundbar alternative. Editors Recommendations

Never let it be said that Amazon Prime Video isnt stacked with great dramas. Amazon wasnt content to only have the great MGM film library at its disposal, as Prime Video regularly adds movies from other studios to bolster its lineup. While there are plenty of action flicks and comedies on the platform, Prime Video is also home to several world-class dramas that rank among the best in the genre.This months selections for the three dramas on Prime Video that you need to watch in November all have a shared theme of mentorship and emotionally cathartic experiences. Thats why theyre such fitting choices for the holidays, and suitable for viewers who want to see some heartwarming moments.Recommended VideosWe also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max,andthe best movies on Disney+.RelatedMiramaxMatt Damon and Ben Affleck co-wrote and won an Oscar for Good Will Hunting, and theyve kind of been riding that wave ever since. Damon plays the title character, who is a troubled young man out on parole and working as a janitor at MIT. When Will solves a difficult mathematical equation left by one of the instructors, Professor Gerald Lambeau (Stellan Skarsgrd), it opens up a world of possibilities but only if Will is willing to work through his issues with a psychologist, Dr. Sean Maguire (Robin Williams).This movie gave Williams his only Oscar win, for Best Supporting Actor, and his characters relationship with Will is truly affecting. Will even finds the confidence to begin a romance with a woman named Skylar (Minnie Driver). But if Will truly wants to change, hes going to have to accept some hard truths and make a difficult decision about what he really wants out of life.Watch Good Will Hunting on Prime Video.Searchlight PicturesPaul Giamatti (American Splendor) was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actor for The Holdovers, but it was his co-star, DaVine Joy Randolph, who won for Best Supporting Actress at the Academy Awards. This is a fitting choice for a holiday film, because Giamattis Paul Hunham is kind of Scrooge-like in his disdain for his students at Barton Academy boarding school and for the holidays in general.Pauls abrasive personality is why the headmaster forces him to stay on campus and supervise the remaining students who have nowhere else to go for Christmas break in 1970. The schools cafeteria manager, Mary Lamb (Randolph), also stays because she is mourning her son, who died in Vietnam. Despite himself, Paul finds himself bonding with both Mary and one of his students, Angus Tully (Dominic Sessa). It may be a life-changing experience for Paul, but not necessarily for the better.Watch The Holdovers on Prime Video.ParamountIn case you were wondering, Bobby Fischer was a child prodigy who became a grand champion of chess, not unlike the main character of Searching for Bobby Fischer. This film is based on the true story of Josh Waitzkin (Max Pomeranc), who displays an aptitude for chess at only seven years old despite no formal instruction in the game.Joshs father, Fred Waitzkin (Joe Mantegna), is initially delighted that his son has the talents that he never had, while Joshs mother, Bonnie (Joan Allen), is more wary about the whole thing. As Fred pushes Josh toward chess competition, his son finds himself torn between the unconventional strategies of his mentor, Vinnie Livermore (Laurence Fishburne), and his hardnosed chess instructor, Bruce Pandolfini (Ben Kingsley). Josh can master a chess board, but picking the right move for himself and his family isnt always as easy.Watch Searching for Bobby Fischer on Prime Video.Editors Recommendations

The sixth Starship mission captured from the ISS. NASA / Don PettitNASA astronaut and current space station inhabitant Don Pettit seems to have the luck of the stars. During SpaceXs sixth test flight of its massive Starship rocket from Boca Chica, Texas, on Tuesday, the International Space Station (ISS) just happened to be passing directly above some 250 miles above, to be precise giving keen photographer Pettit the perfect opportunity to capture the Starships launch.Pettit shared a photo of the event on his X account on Thursday, along with the comment, We happened to be overhead!Recommended VideosStarship launch from @ISS. We happened to be overhead! pic.twitter.com/SLRlLoRriv Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) November 21, 2024RelatedPettits image shows the trail left by the Super Heavys 33 Raptor engines as it powers the Starship spacecraft to orbit, casting a shadow over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico as it goes.The ISS orbits Earth at a speed of about 17,500 mph (28,000 kph) and makes around 16 orbits of the planet in 24 hours, so the crew were incredibly lucky to be so close to the action on Tuesday.Pettit and his fellow ISS crewmembers were also fortunate enough to get a view of SpaceXs Polaris Dawn Crew Dragon capsule as it hurtled back to Earth with four people aboard at the end of a historic mission in September. Pettit, who has earned a stellar reputation for his brilliant photographic work across multiple orbital missions, captured an astonishing shot showing a streak of light created by the capsule as it returned home.He also recently shared a surreal image showing Earth as youve never seen it before, and also posted images that look more like works of art than real locations on Earth.With Pettit only a couple of months into his six-month ISS mission, we can look forward to a lot more amazing photography from the American astronaut.Editors Recommendations

Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsEditors note: Gaming monitors are always hot sellers on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. We're expecting some really great discounts on some of the top models, including high-end OLED gaming monitors, super-fast refresh rate screens, and more budget-oriented fare. There are tons of fantastic monitor deals available now, and they're bound to get even better on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Make sure to check out our other Black Friday deals or Cyber Monday deals for even more bargains on TV, headphones, and more.A good monitor is essential for gaming due to its significant impact on the overall experience. There are a ton of options if you are on the hunt for one of the best gaming monitors, but for us, Alienware's 34 QD-OLED still takes the cake in 2024. It's not the display for everyone, though, and after reviewing dozens of the top gaming monitors, we've settled on a list of displays that offer great gaming performance for any budget or purpose.We're focused specifically on gaming monitors here, which come with higher refresh rates and adaptive sync features like G-Sync and FreeSync. If you're looking for an all-around display, make sure to browse our list of the best monitors.We've reviewed hundreds of monitors over the years, trying to find the best of the best. This involves an in-depth process of not only using the monitor, but also pushing it to the limits with various forms of testing. Make sure to read our roundup of how we test monitors for a closer look. This process ensures that when we come out of a monitor review, we know with certainty if it's a product you should buy or not.There are a few areas where gaming monitors differ from other displays, including traditional monitors and TVs. Here are some important areas to pay attention to.Refresh rateThe main thing that separates a gaming monitor from a regular monitor is the refresh rate. A higher refresh rate means you'll be able to see all of the frames your graphics card or game console produces, leading to a smoother image. For PC, we recommend sticking above 100Hz. Consoles don't always need more than 60Hz, but the Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 can deliver 120Hz in select games.PortsThe port selection on a gaming monitor is very important for a couple of reasons. First, it's important to have multiple inputs so you can hook up more than one game platform. If you have a PC and a console, for example, you'll want access to both. The specification is important as well. HDMI 2.1 is what you want for most consoles, as it can deliver 4K at 120Hz. Older versions of HDMI can't.ResolutionYou'll want to keep in mind the resolution of the monitor before picking it up. Higher resolutions are more demanding on your PC's graphics card, so you want to pair the right resolution with your PC for the best performance. If you have a weaker budget GPU, for example, you'll probably want to limit your monitor search to 1,080p displays over 4K options.SizeMonitors are available in a variety of sizes, but it is important to know that a larger monitor with a lower resolution or slower refresh rate may not provide the best gaming experience compared to a smaller monitor with higher specs. It's crucial to consider your specific needs, gaming preferences, available space, and budget when choosing the ideal size for your gaming monitor.Alienware 34 QD-OLEDThe best gaming monitorJump to detailsSamsung Odyssey Neo G8The best 4K HDR gaming monitorJump to detailsCooler Master Tempest GP27QThe best 1440p gaming monitorJump to detailsAlienware 500Hz AW2524HThe best 1080p gaming monitorJump to detailsHP Omen 27kThe best 4K gaming monitor on a budgetJump to detailsGigabyte GS27QThe best budget 1440p gaming monitorJump to detailsAsus TUF Gaming VG249Q1AThe best budget 1080p gaming monitorJump to detailsMSI MPG 321URX QD-OLEDThe best OLED gaming monitorJump to detailsSamsung Odyssey OLED G8A good Alienware 34 QD-OLED alternativeJump to detailsSamsung Odyssey OLED G9The best 32:9 gaming monitorJump to detailsDigital TrendsThe best gaming monitorAlienware 34 QD-OLEDAlienware 34 QD-OLED ReviewProsQD-OLED contrast is unbeatableFantastic HDR performanceExcellent color saturationAttractive, minimalist designSurprisingly affordableConsSDR brightness is a bit lowColor accuracy isn't perfectWhy you should buy this: The Alienware 34 QD-OLED provides the best gaming experience you can buy in 2024.Who's it for: Ultrawide fans who want to experience OLED with PC games.Why we chose the Alienware 34 QD-OLED:The Alienware 34 QD-OLED is the ultimate gaming monitor in 2024, and that's because it finally makes an attempt to shake up the massively stale market. How? Quantum Dot OLED. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED isn't content with poor HDR, washed-out colors, and low peak brightness. It wants to provide the best image quality possible.And it succeeds. The Alienware 34 QD-OLED has stunning contrast due to the deep blacks that are characteristic of OLED displays. Games look stunning on the display, especially if you're playing one of the best HDR games available on PC.The display gets everything else right, too. It's certified with G-Sync Ultimate for tear-free gaming, and it can top out at a 175Hz refresh rate. The resolution is great, too, with the 21:9 aspect ratio offering up a resolution of 3440 x 1400 across the 34-inch screen.Although the ultrawide form factor may not be for everyone, the Alienware 34 QD-OLED is worth adjusting to. It offers the best image quality out of any gaming monitor you can buy, it's not too expensive, and it comes with the essential features PC gamers need.Alienware 34 QD-OLEDThe best gaming monitorJacob Roach / Digital TrendsThe best 4K HDR gaming monitorSamsung Odyssey Neo G8Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 ReviewProsFantastic HDR performance240Hz is great for 4K gamingSolid stand and adjustmentsMoody CoreSync lightingVibrant colors, if a little inaccurateFreeSync Premium Pro and unofficial G-Sync supportConsLazy cable management solutionFew gaming PCs can take advantage of refresh rateA few random flickers on Windows desktopWhy you should buy this: It has a super-high refresh rate, excellent HDR, and impeccable clarity with a 4K resolution.Who's it for: High-end PC gamers who don't mind spending up for the best of all worlds.Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey Neo G8:The Samsung Odyssey Neo G8 is a monitor that lets you have your cake and eat it, too. While most displays sacrifice image quality for refresh rate, or resolution for price, the Odyssey Neo G8 ticks every box. It's 4K, 240Hz, and comes with some of the best HDR you can get on a gaming monitor short of OLED.Local dimming in over 1,000 zones create inky blacks and blinding highlights, providing dynamic range that most monitors can't handle. That makes it great for cinematic experiences like Cyberpunk 2077 and Horizon Zero Dawn, pushing HDR to the forefront.It can do competitive game, as well. The 240Hz refresh rate provides better motion clarity than the stock 144Hz refresh rate most gaming monitors offer. It's not the highest refresh rate you can get on a gaming monitor, but considering the resolution and HDR performance, it's an incredible feat. We tested the monitor with Overwatch 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Rainbow Six Siege, and the display held up well in even the most competitive games.While this monitor usually costs around $1,500, it is currently selling at a discounted price of $900 which is a deal you shouldn't miss out on.Samsung Odyssey Neo G8The best 4K HDR gaming monitorRelatedJacob Roach / Digital TrendsThe best 1440p gaming monitorCooler Master Tempest GP27QCooler Master Tempest GP27Q ReviewProsFantastic color performance576 full-array local dimming zonesWide range of stand adjustments165Hz refresh rateAdaptive Sync supportConsWeak cable management solutionPoor black levelsWhy you should buy this: It's one of the best HDR experiences you can get, and it's under $600.Who's it for: Gamers who want fantastic HDR without breaking the bank.Why we chose the Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q:The Cooler Master Tempest GP27Q is a monitor that would've been impossible just a few years ago. Flagship HDR performance, G-Sync and FreeSync support, and a 1440p resolution for under $600? The Tempest GP27Q is able to deliver all of that for a low price given emerging mini-LED tech.The smaller lights allow the Tempest GP27Q to deliver 576 full-array local dimming zones, nearly six times as many as the Sony InZone M9. The high local dimming zone count leads to exceptional HDR performance that's normally reserved for monitors that cost over $1,000.It looks gorgeous, offering some of the deepest black levels and brightest highlights you can get in a gaming monitor right now. Cooler Master combines that fantastic HDR performance with a low response time and 165Hz refresh rate, making it a solid, if not perfect, option for competitive games that require lots of motion clarity.There are some trade-offs, though. Most notably, the Tempest GP27Q isn't the most color accurate monitor. It's fantastic with HDR turned off, offering world-class color coverage and performance, but color accuracy takes a nosedive with HDR turned on.Cooler Master Tempest GP27QThe best 1440p gaming monitorJacob Roach / Digital TrendsThe best 1080p gaming monitorAlienware 500Hz AW2524HAlienware AW2524H ReviewProsExtremely fast refresh rateGreat motion clarityNvidia Reflex analyzer built into the displayHandy headphone standSturdy, low-profile baseConsVery expensiveLimited adjustmentsLacking image qualityWhy you should buy this: It's the fastest gaming monitor you can buy right now.Who's it for: Highly competitive esports players looking for every advantage possible.Why we chose the Alienware 500Hz AW2524H:The Alienware AW2524H isn't for everyone. As a matter of fact, it isn't even for most people. While it is currently selling at its lowest price ever of $400, the image quality isn't great, and it's only 1080p. All of that is easy to overlook if you're among the most competitive esports players, though.It's the first monitor to come with a 500Hz refresh rate, shaving milliseconds off of many of the fastest gaming monitors on the market. The Alienware AW2524H wholeheartedly focuses on esports players, providing an advantage to gamers who grind hours away in games like Overwatch 2 and Valorant.If you step outside that audience, though, the Alienware AW2524H looks much less impressive. HDR performance is poor, image quality is lacking overall, and the small size is disappointing given how expensive the monitor is. But for that subset of gamers who only focus on competitive titles, the Alienware AW2524H delivers in a way no other monitor does.Alienware 500Hz AW2524HThe best 1080p gaming monitorJacob Roach / Digital TrendsThe best 4K gaming monitor on a budgetHP Omen 27kHP Omen 27k ReviewProsReasonably pricedSuper sharpUSB-C inputGreat color accuracyKVM switchConsPoor HDR performanceArtifacts at high overdrive levelsNo cable managementWhy you should buy this: It comes with most features 4K gamers need, but at a price much lower than the competition.Who's it for: 4K gamers on a tight budget.Why we chose the HP Omen 27k:The HP Omen 27k monitor is an impressive 27-inch 4K display tailored for gamers, offering great performance at an attractive price. With a sharp pixel density and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, it boasts excellent clarity and HDR performance. Its edge-arrayed LED backlight provides ample brightness, while the eight-zone edge dimming enhances contrast. The monitor supports both AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync, ensuring smooth gameplay with a 144Hz refresh rate. Additionally, it features robust build quality, versatile connectivity options, and useful gaming tools like aiming points and timers.In terms of design, the Omen 27k includes a sturdy stand with height and tilt adjustments and a 90-degree portrait mode. The input panel offers HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, USB-C, and USB 3.2 ports. The monitor also supports KVM functionality, allowing control of multiple systems with a single set of peripherals. Despite its gaming focus, it delivers accurate color performance with minimal need for calibration, making it suitable for various applications beyond gaming. At its price point, the Omen 27k provides a compelling blend of features and performance for gamers and general users alike.HP Omen 27kThe best 4K gaming monitor on a budgetGigabyteThe best budget 1440p gaming monitorGigabyte GS27QProsVery inexpensive165Hz refresh rateFreeSync Premium supportConsNo USB hubTilt-only standWhy you should buy this: It delivers everything you could want out of a 1440p gaming monitor, and for about $200.Who's it for: Gamers on a budget that want to dive into higher resolutions.Why we chose the Gigabyte GS27Q:Gigabyte's G27Q is a workhorse 1440p monitor. It's not flashy with its standard IPS display, and it can barely handle HDR despite being "HDR ready." But for gamers that want a higher resolution and a high refresh rate, it delivers a great experience for under $200.We're specifically recommending the GS27Q variant, which is the same as the G27Q. It's slightly better in that the GS model comes with a higher 165Hz refresh rate, and slightly worse in that it comes with a rather dinky stand that only offers tilt adjustments (both monitors support a VESA mount, however). The main reason we went with the GS27Q, however, is that it's cheaper at about $200.As for image quality, this is a fairly standard IPS display. Colors are accurate, and coverage of sRGB is great, but you shouldn't expect extended color gamut of great HDR.Gigabyte GS27QThe best budget 1440p gaming monitorAsusThe best budget 1080p gaming monitorAsus TUF Gaming VG249Q1AProsFreeSync Premium SupportFast refresh rate and response timeAffordable priceGood viewing anglesConsNot the best image qualityBasic ergonomicsWhy you should buy this: It's a fast 1080p gaming monitor that is accessible -- and cheap.Who its for: Gamers looking for a feature-rich monitor for under $200.Why we chose the Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1A:The Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1A is a good choice for someone's first gaming monitor. At its current sale price of $170, you get a 24-inch Full HD panel with a 144Hz refresh rate that can be overclocked to 165Hz. The monitor comes with built-in speakers and also supports FreeSync Premium, enabling adaptive refresh with both Nvidia and AMD GPUs.The monitor also boasts low input lag and excellent response time of 1ms, which are vital for precise aiming and quick reactions in games. The IPS panel ensures good color accuracy right out of the box, though it falls short in brightness and contrast.While the TUF Gaming VG249Q1A lacks HDMI 2.1 support for the latest consoles, its impressive gaming performance, affordable price and a three-year warranty make it a compelling choice.Asus TUF Gaming VG249Q1AThe best budget 1080p gaming monitorJacob Roach / Digital TrendsThe best OLED gaming monitorMSI MPG 321URX QD-OLEDMSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED ReviewProsMuch cheaper than the competitionSome of the best color we've seenExtensive list of OLED burn-in prevention features1,000 nits of brightness3-year warranty that covers burn-inConsA rather bland designLimited to USB 2.0 with integrated hubWhy you should buy this: It's the best 4K gaming monitor money can buy, and it's a lot cheaper than the competition.Who's it for: PC gamers who want peak immersion at a reasonable price.Why we chose the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED:The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED doesn't make a lot of sense. It's a third-gen QD-OLED monitor, fit with premium trimmings like a 4K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate, and it comes at the luxuriously large size of 32 inches. It's just a heck of a lot cheaper than the competition.Coming in at $950, it's anywhere from $250 to $450 cheaper than the competition from Asus, Alienware, and Gigabyte. What's shocking is that the MPG 321URX doesn't compromise anything to reach its lower price.The image quality is still stunning, with some of the best color coverage and accuracy we've seen, and the panel can still hit 1,000 nits of peak brightness. This is the peak PC gaming experience, just for a whole lot cheaper than the competition.MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLEDThe best OLED gaming monitorJacob Roach / Digital TrendsA good Alienware 34 QD-OLED alternativeSamsung Odyssey OLED G8Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 ReviewProsExceptional color and HDRUltrathinUSB-C power deliveryDense settings in the OSConsMore expensive than the competitionLimited to mini connectionsWhy you should buy this: It's a bright and very responsive ultrawide OLED monitor.Who's it for: Premium gamers who want an ultrawide OLED monitor with extra features.Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:The Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 is in direct competition with the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, and in that head-to-head battle, Samsung loses. That doesn't mean the Odyssey OLED G8 is a bad monitor, though, and for some people, it will be exactly what they're looking for.This display packs the same 24-inch, 3,440 x 1,440 panel as the Alienware monitor, along with the same 175Hz refresh rate. Samsung stands out with its Tizen operating system, though, which brings apps to the desktop and allows you to access a wide range of media without ever connecting a PC.There are a few other solid additions as well, such as 65W of power delivery over the USB-C inputs. This is all backed up by the same exceptional QD-OLED image quality we've come to expect out of this panel.Samsung Odyssey OLED G8A good Alienware 34 QD-OLED alternativeJacob Roach / Digital TrendsThe best 32:9 gaming monitorSamsung Odyssey OLED G9Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 ReviewProsOne of the best OLED displays we've testedUnmatched immersive gaming experienceSpeedy 240Hz refresh rateDense settings optionsFull Tizen operating systemConsMassive and expensive32:9 doesn't play nicely with everythingWhy you should buy this: It's the most immersive gaming experience money can buy.Who's it for: Cinematic gamers who don't mind dealing with a unique aspect ratio.Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9:The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 is stunning. It's the most immersive gaming experience money can buy, utilizing the massive 32:9 aspect ratio to wrestle away your senses and suck you into the game. With the Odyssey OLED G9, it's easy to forget you're playing games.This isn't a new aspect ratio for Samsung, but the OLED G9 goes above and beyond previous versions with, well, OLED. As we've seen with other displays, OLED provides a huge boost to color and contrast, helping HDR games stand out even more.It helps the 32:9 aspect ratio a lot practically, too. Because OLED panels are so thin, the Odyssey OLED G9 takes up much less desktop space than its predecessor.Samsung Odyssey OLED G9The best 32:9 gaming monitorWhat type of monitor is best for gaming?This very much depends on the type ofgames you want to play. If you play competitive, fast-paced games, high-refresh-rate monitors are a must as they can reduce input lag and give you a smoother gaming experience. Higher resolutions and HDR are great for more cinematic, AAA experiences, while larger, curved screens add immersion for all sorts of titles. Can you see the difference between 144Hz and 240Hz?Yes, but it's very minor. Above 144Hz, refresh rates start to show diminishing returns, so most gamers won't notice a difference between 144Hz and 240Hz. The difference is that a 240Hz has less latency it refreshes more often which can make a difference in how a game feels, especially in a competitive setting. Is there a big difference between 4K and 1080p?Yes, there's a massive difference. 4K has more than four times as many pixels as 1080p (two million compared to over eight million). 4K displays look sharper and provide better clarity. You'll need a powerful gaming PC to render all of those pixels, though, so you may want to stick with a lower resolution if your rig isn't up to snuff. What is a good size monitor for gaming?The size of your monitor largely depends on what resolution it is. As the screen size gets larger, lower resolutions will become more pronounced. For gaming, we recommend a 24-inch monitor for 1080p, a 27-inch monitor for 1440p, and a 27-inch or larger monitor for 4K.Keep in mind the aspect ratio, as well. Ultrawide monitors are wider, and the screen size isn't comparable to a standard 16:9 display. A 34-inch ultrawide monitor isn't as large as a 34-inch 16:9 one. Does response time matter for gaming monitors?Yes, but not in the way you might assume. Response time on a monitor measures how long it takes from one pixel to transition to a different color, not the input lag. Faster response times provide clearer motion, so a low response time is ideal for gaming. G-Sync versus Freesync: What's the difference?G-Sync and FreeSync are both adaptive refresh rate technologies. The main difference is that FreeSync is an open-source version, while G-Sync is exclusive to Nvidia graphics cards. That has largely changed in recent years, however, and most monitors with adaptive refresh will work with an AMD or Nvidia graphics card. Can I use my TV as a gaming monitor?Yes, you can use a TV as a gaming monitor. TVs have similar options for refresh rates, resolutions, HDR support, and connections like HDMI plus, HDMI 2.1 added support for the open Adaptive Sync technology, and some TV brands, like Samsung, support FreeSync as well.However, TVs are generally much more expensive than monitors, so you will likely end up paying a lot more for similar specifications. TVs may also lack certain modes, menu options, and customization features that monitors have for gaming. Can I use a gaming monitor for PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X?Absolutely. Look for a monitor that has HDMI 2.1 or later ports for the best results. The consoles support up to 4k resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, so you can also be generous with specs and get great results. Editors Recommendations

SpaceX has posted some incredible images showing the Super Heavy boosters 33 Raptor engines as they powered the Starship rocket skyward at the start of the vehicles sixth test flight on Tuesday.33 Raptor engines powering the Super Heavy booster off the pad from Starbase, SpaceX wrote in the message on X.Recommended VideosSpaceX boss Elon Musk also shared the pictures on his own X account on Wednesday, adding, Each rocket engine produces twice as much thrust as all 4 engines on a Boeing 747 and there are 33 of them.RelatedEach rocket engine produces twice as much thrust as all 4 engines on a Boeing 747 and there are 33 of them https://t.co/3D8pEVIvoL Elon Musk (@elonmusk) November 21, 2024The 33 Raptor engines are attached to the Starships first-stage Super Heavy booster and produce 17 million pounds of thrust at launch, making it the most powerful rocket ever to fly.The generated power is almost twice that of the 8.8 million pounds of thrust created by NASAs new Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which flew for the first time in 2022. Its also more than double that of the Saturn V, which generated 7.6 million pounds of thrust during the launches that sent the Apollo astronauts on their way to the moon more than 50 years ago.But SpaceXs work doesnt stop there, as there are plans to increase the power of the Raptor engines to an extent that will see the Super Heavy booster create an astonishing 23 million pounds of thrust during liftoff.The extra power will significantly enhance the Starships ability to carry heavier payloads on its future missions to the moon and possibly even Mars. It would also result in a marked improvement in the rockets overall launch efficiency as the increased thrust will reduce gravity losses during the rockets ascent, as more of the rockets power would be used for acceleration rather than fighting gravity.Tantalizingly, the extra power could also pave the way for Starship variants even larger than the current 120-meter-tall vehicle thats currently undergoing testing.In a nutshell, the improvements to the Starships Raptor engines have the potential to help SpaceX reach its goals of reducing launch costs, increasing payload capacity, and enhancing the overall performance of its launch system.Editors Recommendations

Every fall, video game publishers kick into high gear to get their biggest releases out in time for holiday shopping. Were here to make sure you dont get overwhelmed. Our Holiday Gaming hub will give you all the news on the seasons hottest games and catalog our reviews to help make your holiday shopping (or listmaking) easier.

Digital TrendsEditor's note: The biggest shopping day of the year Black Friday is almost here, and there are already TV deals you can grab. You can get Samsung's 65-inch S90C for only $1,000. It's a deal that we think makes it the best OLED to buy right now. You can save on more than just TVs on Black Friday. Check out our other Black Friday deals for more sales on headphones, streaming devices, phones, and more.If you're on the hunt for the best TV for whatever you're into movies and TV, sports, or gaming (check out our list of the best gaming TVs) sitting at the top of the TV pyramid are OLED TVs. In lieu of traditional LED backlighting, OLED TVs use millions of self-emissive pixels (that create their own light and are not backlit) to create rich colors, inky blacks, and zero light blooming in short, arguably the best picture in the business. Over the last several years, LG has been the predominant manufacturer of OLED TVss, but now the company competes with Samsung and Sony in the OLED marketplace.With numerous models and sizes to choose from, three of the best TV brands make OLEDs, and theyre all worth considering. To help you hone in on the best TVs, weve created this list of the best OLED TVs for 2024.LG OLED Evo G4Best overall OLED TVJump to detailsLG OLED Evo C4Runner-upJump to detailsLG M3 Wireless OLEDA wire-free flagshipJump to detailsSony XR A95LThe best OLED for videophilesJump to detailsSony Bravia 8 SeriesA runner-up Sony OLEDJump to detailsSamsung S95D QD-OLEDBest Samsung OLEDJump to detailsRecommended VideosZeke Jones / Digital TrendsBest overall OLED TVLG OLED Evo G4LG G4 OLED ReviewProsOutstanding brightnessAstounding accuracyUnprecedented flexibilityAwesome gaming performanceFive-year warrantyConsHit-or-miss soundFrustrating remoteLG has done it again folks. One of our favorite TVs of 2023 was the amazing LG G3 Series, and now that set has been ousted from its throne only to be replaced by the LG G4.Much like its older brother, the G4 leverages Micro Lens Array (MLA) technology to achieve the kind of brightness levels wed expect from an LED-LCD. We've put the G4 through several picture tests and were absolutely blown away by its peak luminance, breathtaking colors, and next-level HDR performance. LG has long been a TV brand one gravitates toward for picture accuracy, and thanks to features like Filmmaker Mode on the G4, that reputation continues.As part of LGs Gallery (what the G in G4 stands for) lineup, this OLED is designed to look like a piece of artwork when mounted to a wall. And if you purchase the 77-, 83-, or 97-inch version of the G4, the low-profile wall mount comes in the box (the 55- and 65-inch versions come with a tabletop stand). Each of the TVs four HDMI ports are 2.1 certified, with resolution and refresh rate capped at 4K/120Hz. Action movies, sports, and gaming will look particularly great on the G4, and lower-res sources get the 4K upscaling treatment.While webOS 24 and the included LG Magic Remote may not be for everyone, we have no doubt that if youre looking for the best OLED picture that money can buy in 2024, youll be hard-pressed to do better than the LG G4 Series.LG OLED Evo G4Best overall OLED TVLG C4 OLEDDouglas Murray / Digital TrendsRunner-upLG OLED Evo C4ProsGreat black levels and color accuracyStellar HDR highlights and vibrant colorsSolid gaming optimizationsConsLackluster off-angle viewingOne of our favorite things about LG is that even though brands like Sony and Samsung have started getting very competitive with models like the A95L and S95D (these are QD-OLED TVs), LG hasnt gone back to the drawing board to attempt to come up with picture tech thats bolder and better. Instead, the company is sticking to its OLED roots, which leads us to the LG C4 OLED Evo.Available in sizes ranging from 42 to 83 inches, the LG C4 is a great TV for everything from movies and shows to video games. And thanks to features like Brightness Booster Max, spectacular highlights and HDR colors really stand out on this set; even in a brightly lit room. We do recommend watching from as centered of a seating position as possible though, as theres a bit of a green overcast to the image when viewing off-angle.Calling all gamers: Not only does the LG C4 have four HDMI 2.1 ports and 144Hz refresh rate capabilities, but features like VRR support lead to some of the best response times and lag-free performance weve ever seen on an OLED. The LG C4 is also equipped with LGs webOS 24 for accessing streaming service apps like Netflix and Disney+, or streaming tunes via AirPlay 2.Historically, OLED TVs have always looked the best in dark rooms, so if your living room is often bathed in sunlight, the C4 Series may not be the best fit for your home. For that, have a look at our list of the best QLED TVs instead.LG OLED Evo C4Runner-upRelatedZeke Jones / Digital TrendsA wire-free flagshipLG M3 Wireless OLEDLG M3 Wireless OLED ReviewProsGorgeous OLED picture qualityLow-latency wireless for gamingSolid wireless signal connectionEasy setupGood soundConsWireless box needs true line of sightIt was only a matter of time before a TV company decided to go wireless, at least in terms of AV connectivity. Sure, Samsungs One Connect tech is great for consolidating wire clutter, but the LG M3 Series goes a step further by eliminating cable leads altogether. Thats right: The M3 Series wirelessly beams picture and sound to the TV via its Zero Connect Box.A line-of-sight peripheral that should be placed no further than 30 feet away from the M3 Series, youll be able to connect everything from streaming devices to gaming consoles to the Zero Connect. Caleb Denison, our editor-at-large, has had the privilege of seeing this bad boy in action, and reported that there is no discernible picture difference between a tried and true HDMI cable and the M3s wireless tech.As for overall picture quality, the LG M3 is simply a beast. As weve come to expect from the kinds of OLED, LG's M3 Series delivers excellent color and contrast, on top of class-leading brightness for an OLED display. LGs phenomenal a9 AI Processor Gen 6 is responsible for the TVs image upscaling, and it does a terrific job at further enhancing visuals for each and every frame.The M3 is also optimized for next-gen gaming, with resolution and motion clarity topping out at 4K/120Hz. Youll be able to grab this model in 77-, 83-, and 98-inch sizes, and even though this is LGs first foray into wireless TV tech, the execution is already excellent and we cant wait to see what future iterations of the M3 Series will look and sound like.LG M3 Wireless OLEDA wire-free flagshipZeke Jones / Digital TrendsThe best OLED for videophilesSony XR A95LSony Bravia A95L ReviewProsOutstanding color accuracy and brightnessExcellent contrast and luminanceGreat soundGorgeous game mode picture qualityIncredibly good upscalingConsSome deep features not available at launchWe finished our review of the Sony XR A95L as very happy campers. In fact, we awarded the latest Sony QD-OLED flagship a perfect five out of five stars. This TV is seriously good, and because were dealing with a QD-OLED display, theres plenty of brightness, colors, and contrast perks thanks to those onboard quantum dots. But were really just scratching the surface with those highlights; so lets take a look under the hood.As weve come to expect from most Sony sets, the formidable A95L is equipped with the companys Cognitive Processor XR (CPXR) as the main brains behind the picture. As it handles everything from frame-to-frame improvements and 4K upscaling, weve always been major fans of Sonys picture engine, but when you combine the CPXR with the A95Ls native panel tech and XR Triluminos Max, you get movies, shows, and video games that look like they could leap right off the screen.This is also the first of Sonys QD-OLEDs to be equipped with the Pentonic 1000 HDMI chipset, which allows for Dolby Vision gameplay at up to 120Hz. Thats on top of other gaming features like VRR support and HDMI 2.1 connectivity.As for the latter, only two of the TVs four ports support the latest HDMI standard, and as our own Caleb Denison points out in his review, one of these ports is also the TVs HDMI ARC/eARC port. This may pose a little trouble for those who may want to use the eARC connection for Dolby Atmos or HDMI CEC purposes, but one can always invest in an HDMI switcher if push comes to shove.Beyond that one minor hitch, the Sony A95L lives right on the cutting edge of TV tech, and other manufacturers should definitely be taking notes.If you're in the market for a 55-inch model, you can take advantage of Best Buy's $200 price cut on the Sony A95L.Sony XR A95LThe best OLED for videophilesDigital TrendsA runner-up Sony OLEDSony Bravia 8 SeriesProsUnbeatable black levels and rich colorsFantastic HDR performanceLow input lag and fast response timeSolid picture upscalingConsHDMI 2.1 is limited to two portsNot as bright as other OLEDsFor 2024, Sony decided to part ways with the medley of random letters and numbers that generally make up its TV models. Instead, were getting simplified Bravia 3, 7, 8, and 9 Series labeling, and only one of these models is a 2024 Sony OLED: the Bravia 8 Series. And unlike the flagship Sony A95L QD-OLED, the Bravia 8 uses a WOLED panel. While this doesnt really affect the TVs contrast performance, the loss of quantum dots does make for a less vibrant image overall.But OLED TVs arent renowned for brightness to begin with (thats where the best QLED TVs come into play); although the Bravia 8 does bring exceptional SDR and HDR brightness to the table. The Bravia 8 does an excellent job at standing up to ambient lighting and has a wide viewing angle, so every seat in the living room is the right seat. Were also glad to see that Sony included a few gaming optimizations on the Bravia 8 too, including VRR support and an automatic Game Mode. In fact, the only drawback for gamers is that HDMI 2.1 is confined to two of the TVs four HDMI ports.Available in 55-, 65-, and 77-inch sizes, the Bravia 8 has a 50-watt, 2.1 speaker system, which produces a surprising amount of audio for a TV. As for all things apps, games, and smart home, Google TV is the OS and streaming hub for the job. Indulge in Netflix, cast media using AirPlay 2, or call upon Google Assistant to dim your smart lights.The Sony Bravia 8 Series may not be the best TV for every Sony fan, but its still one of our favorite OLED sets of the year. And if you go with one of the smaller sizes, there's a good chance you'll find this TV on our list of the best TVs under $1,000 eventually.Sony Bravia 8 SeriesA runner-up Sony OLEDZeke Jones / Digital TrendsBest Samsung OLEDSamsung S95D QD-OLEDSamsung S95D QD-OLED TV ReviewProsExellent brightnessEye-popping colorSnappy operationGreat gaming featuresAwesome for bright roomsConsAnti-glare treatment is polarizingBlacks may appear lifted in bright roomsWhile we couldnt help but leave the Samsung S95C in our roundup for the time being, 2024 has given us the incredible Samsung S95D. This is the third generation of Samsungs QD-OLED technology, combining quantum dots and self-emissive pixels to deliver a TV with plenty of picture detail especially when it comes time to dig into its color palette.At one time, brightness was a major concern when buying an OLED TV, but sets like the S95D lay those worries to rest. In our own picture tests, editor-at-large Caleb Denison clocked 1,450 nits for peak brightness performance. While this isnt exactly on par with QLEDs like the Hisense U8N, this type of brightness is a huge step forward for all OLEDs, not to mention the TVs anti-glare matte screen, which helps to cut down on how much ambient lighting interferes with your picture.The S95D is equipped with four HDMI 2.1 inputs, and supports 4K/144Hz with Variable Refresh Rate. Whether you plan on hooking up your console or gaming PC, youll get near-instant response time and super-low input lag with this Samsung QD-OLED. We were also quite impressed by the S95Ds built-in speakers, which brought far bigger sound to the table than were used to from any modern TV.Available in 55-, 65-, and 75-inch sizes, the Samsung S95D QD-OLED is further proof that Samsung knows exactly what its doing with OLED technology.Samsung S95D QD-OLEDBest Samsung OLEDWhat is an OLED TV?OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode, and its signature characteristic is that each pixel on the screen of an OLED TV emits its own light and color and can be turned completely off to deliver true black color. OLED versus QLED: which is better?Be sure to check out our QLED versus OLED explainer. In general, OLED TVs produce a higher-quality image than QLED TVs, but there are caveats. QLED TVs get brighter, and so theyre the better choice for brightly-lit rooms. Is OLED better than 4K?Trick question! OLED is a description of a kind of TV display, whereas 4K refers to a TVs native resolution. Like LED and QLED TVs, you can buy 4K and even 8K OLED TVs the choice is yours. What should I look for in an OLED TV?If youre a gamer, make sure your OLED TV supports HDMI 2.1 at the least, and in an ideal world, it should have Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync, too. If youre a cinephile or video maven, find a model with the best picture processing. Is OLED the best TV technology?We think OLED TVs still currently produce the best overall image quality, but upcoming new formats such as QD-OLED, microLED and mini-LED-based QLED TVs are starting to threaten OLED TVs crown. Do OLED TVs have HDR?Yes, all OLED TVs are compatible with at least HDR10 the most common HDR format while most offer support for HLG and Dolby Vision, too. Do OLED TVs have problems with burn-in?For the vast majority of buyers, burn-in will not be a problem, but it can happen. When it occurs, its usually because someone has set their OLED TV to show a TV channel or a video game that has on-screen graphics that dont move much or at all and left it there for many hours each day, for many days in a row. Who makes the best OLED TV?We believe that LG Electronics makes the best overall OLED TV: the G4 Gallery Series. That said, Sonys image processing is slightly better, so if image perfection is your main yardstick, a Sony OLED TV is a great way to go.While you'll be hard pressed to find an OLED on our list of the best TVs under $500, this is a perfect example of getting what you pay for (at least when it comes to TV technology). Is an OLED TV worth it?Yes. OLED TVs are definitely expensive when compared to some other options, but their black levels, contrast, and color make for an awesome viewing experience. How do we test TVs?We've tested a lot of TVs. A lot. Our editor-at-large and resident TV expert, Caleb Denison, has been covering the TV and home theater space for decades. He's one of the best int he business. But rather than trying to detail his reviewing process here, he's laid it all out in this excellent explainer on how he tests TVs. Heres a rundown of some of the most common terms associated with todays TV technology.4K Ultra HDThis refers to a display resolution that is four times that of 1080p HD. A 4K Ultra HD TVs pixel resolution is a 3,840 x 2,160 grid in a 16:9 aspect ratio, resulting in nearly 8.3 million pixels. This increase in density adds striking detail and realism to an image and allows larger screens to be viewed from closer distances without individual pixels becoming visible.High dynamic range (HDR)High dynamic range is probably most familiar to people through the HDR mode on their digital cameras. Its designed to deliver a picture that has greater details in the shadows and highlights, plus a wider range of colors. HDR in televisions pursues the same goal. The color palette is wider, blacks are deeper, and whites are brighter.Presently, there are two major HDR formats: HDR10 and Dolby Vision, with a third HDR10+ beginning to show up on new models, particularly those from Samsung. The first is the HDR standard, but Dolby Vision offers a premium experience. Consider a TV that supports both. HLG (hybrid log gamma)is another recent addition to the HDR collection, which supports over-the-air (OTA) broadcast content with HDR.Full-array local dimming (FALD)This refers to an LED TVs backlighting system. A FALD display contains an array of LEDs spread out in a grid behind an LCD panel, rather than just at the edges of the TV. This LED array is broken up into zones that can be dimmed when necessary to achieve better black levels. Another benefit is more uniform brightness across the screen.Wide color gamut (WCG)These are the expanded color reproduction abilities of a 4K Ultra HD TV, which are closer than ever to what we see in a digital cinema. By approaching (or sometimes exceeding) the Digital Cinema Initiatives (DCI) P3 color specification, a 4K UHD TV can produce billions of more colors than a 1080p HD TV.Quantum dotsA layer of film loaded with tiny nanocrystal semiconductors is placed in a TVs display panel to help produce a more accurate array of colors. Quantum dots work by producing a purer form of white light from a TVs backlighting system, which helps the TVs color filter perform more accurately.Phosphor-coated LEDAn alternative to Quantum Dots, phosphor-coated LEDs have a chemical coating to alter the lights output. When used in a TV, this results in a purer backlight thats more easily manipulated by a TVs color filter, resulting in a wide color gamut and increased color accuracy.HDMI 2.1The latest version of the HDMI spec. It offers new enhancements for video games like variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low-latency mode (ALLM) and the ability to pass 4K signals to the TV at up to 120Hz, for ultra-smooth motion. HDMI 2.1 is a requirement for 8K video sources like the PlayStation 5and Xbox Series X. For most non-gamers, HDMI 2.1 is a nice way to future-proof yourself but it's nowhere near a necessity yet.HDCP 2.3The latest version of the High-Bandwidth Digital Content Protection technology, which provides copy prevention specifically of 4K Ultra HD and 8K content. Any source device that requires HDCP 2.3 will require a TV with an HDCP 2.3-compliant HDMI port for a compatible connection.HEVC (H.265)Stands for High-Efficiency Video Coding. A compression technology developed to make large 4K UHD video files smaller and, therefore, easier to stream over broadband Internet connections. HEVC is said to double the data compression ratio over H.264, the predominant encoding technology used today for 1080p videos while retaining the same video quality. A smart TV or streaming set-top box must be able to decode HEVC to playback 4K Ultra HD video from sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.VP9An alternative to HEVC developed by Google and used predominantly for encoding 4K Ultra HD YouTube videos. For a smart TV or streaming set-top box to play 4K Ultra HD YouTube videos, it must be able to decode VP9 videos.Editors Recommendations

The International Space Station (ISS) was repositioned on Tuesday, November 19, to move it well out of the way of approaching space debris, NASA reported.Station operators fired the thrusters on the docked Progress 89 spacecraft for just over five minutes to raise the orbit of the ISS in a maneuver that provided an extra margin of distance from a piece of orbital debris, whichcame from a defunct defense meteorological satellite that broke up in 2015.Recommended VideosWithout the maneuver, ballistics officials estimated that the fragment could have come within around 2.5 miles of the station, NASA said, adding that the procedure, known as the Pre-determined Debris Avoidance Maneuver (PDAM), had no effect on ISS activities and will not affect Thursdays scheduled launch of the Progress 90 cargo craft from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.RelatedThe ISS, which orbits at around 250 miles above Earth, occasionally has its orbit adjusted to move it clear of approaching space debris, as a direct impact could be catastrophic for the facility and the astronauts on board.Occasionally, the space junk which can include spent rocket parts, defunct satellites, and smaller fragments that have resulted in previous collisions is deemed such a threat that those aboard the ISS have been ordered to seek temporary shelter in their docked spacecraft in case the station is badly damaged and the crew needs to return to Earth.Up until the summer 2023, the station had performed a total of 37 avoidance maneuvers since it went into operation in 2000.The issue of space debris is becoming increasingly serious as more and more satellites are launched to low-Earth orbit. To counter the threat posed by the debris, those operating in space have been working to improve tracking capabilities, while a number of private firms are developing systems to clear low-Earth orbit of the problematic junk.Editors Recommendations

Sheet music, thankfully, isn't hidden away in chests or has to be purchased for crazy amounts of Gil, but a few do have some hidden requirements. Each new composition is found on a piano in the world and is free to snag once you sit down. Even if you don't feel like playing right then and there, make sure you always at least grab the music to add to your collection so you don't have to backtrack later and get it. There are eight in total to find, and some will only come later in the story, but none are missable once you open up fast travel back to previous areas. This is the natural order you can collect them.

Samsung may be ready to change one of the long-standing negatives about its otherwise desirable Galaxy A5x series phones the charging speed. For the Galaxy A55s replacement, currently expected to be called the Galaxy A56, Samsung may introduce 45W charging speeds, a big increase over the current 25W charging, according to a report originating in China.The source is an official-looking certificate from the Chinese governments Quality Certification Centre (CQC) which is responsible for ensuring devices sold in China meet the required standards. The phone is listed as the SM-A5660, and seeing as the Galaxy A55s model number is the SM-A556, its not much of a stretch to assume were looking at details of the unreleased Galaxy A56. Apparently, the phones maximum 10V/4.5A system equates to a 45W charging speed.Recommended VideosThis would match Samsungs fastest phone charging option available, and is known as Super Fast Charging in its marketing. The Galaxy S24 Ultra currently supports 45W charging, and in our test a compatible charger and cable recharged the phones 5,000mAh battery in about 70 minutes. The Galaxy A55 has 25W charging and it takes about one hour 25 minutes to fully charge its own 5,000mAh battery.RelatedWhile this will be a significant boost in usefulness for the Galaxy A56 compared to the Galaxy A55, Samsung still lags behind other reasonably priced smartphones in charging speed, such as the OnePlus 12R. Its 80W charging system takes just 30 minutes to recharge the battery. However, Samsung uses the widely supported USB Power Delivery charging protocol, making it easier to buy different chargers, while OnePlus uses a proprietary protocol to enable its fast charging.This year Samsung released the Galaxy A55 around April, so we should expect its sequel to arrive around the same time in 2025. Whats more intriguing is what this could mean for the Galaxy S25 series. Will Samsung standardize 45W Super Fast Charging across its entire smartphone range, or will the S25 Ultra get a charging speed boost to further separate it from the base models? We will find out in 2025.Editors Recommendations

One of Googles upcoming big projects could be a high-end laptop slated to be the next rival of the MacBook Pro.An internal email obtained by Android Headlines detailed that Google has greenlit a project for a device codenamed Snowy. The email suggests the device is a laptop with premium specifications similar to the Dell XPS, Microsoft Surface Laptop, the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook, and the brands largest competitor, Apples MacBook Pro. With the project past the concept phase, it would likely be quickly expanded into a viable product under the Pixel line.Recommended VideosGoogle already has a long history of Pixel laptops. It introduced the first Chromebook Pixel in 2013, followed by a second generation in 2015. The brand released the more cost-effective Pixelbook in 2017 and Pixelbook Go in 2019, before taking an extended break from laptop development. At the time, these were two of the best Chromebooks ever made, though they certainly were priced higher than what typical Chromebook shoppers were used to. Notably, the company hasnt been completely out of the market as it has been providing ChromeOS to its hardware partners and developing its Gemini AI system as an on-device feature for third-party laptops.Rumors about Google developing a new Pixel Laptop have surfaced at an interesting time as there is also speculation that the brand is considering unifying its ChromeOS and Android operating systems. This is also expected to be a strategy to compete against Apple in the tablet market.GoogleReports suggest that the hybrid Android and ChromeOS systems could be used for both Android tablets and Chromebook laptops to make both products entertainment and productivity powerhouses. With Google collaborating with varying partners in addition to releasing its own Pixel devices, it could be a solid strategy to use the merged system to eat at Apples iPad iOS market share.So far, there is little known about the Pixel Laptop. If Google doesnt use a unified ChromeOS and Android system for the coming laptop, it will likely run ChromeOS, similar to the original Pixelbooks. There are a number of components available that could be potential features on the Pixel Laptop, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite, T3 noted.We also keep in mind Google has its Tensor in-house SoC series, which could be a contender as hardware for the laptop. Many rumors already suggest Google already has plans to use upcoming Tensor chips in future tablets and wearables and could likely be configured for laptops. However, nothing can be confirmed about the Pixel Laptop at this time.In terms of competition with Apple, analyst reports also suggest that the brand wont release its next major overhaul of its MacBook Pro line until 2026, which could feature an OLED display and M6 chip based on the 2nm process. This could give Google some time to truly flesh out its product.Editors Recommendations

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Beats This story is part of the Digital Trends Black Friday coverage 2024 Update 11/19/24: Black Friday is still over a week away, but you can already start your shopping with the Black Friday deals under $100 that weve gathered here. Theres a possibility that these affordable items get even bigger discounts when the sale officially launches, but we wont blame you if youre already tempted by todays prices.ContentsBlack Friday will start on November 29, but if youve already got the itch to shop, check out the early Black Friday deals under $100 that weve gathered here. The offers cover smart home devices, laptops, TVs, kitchen gadgets, and so much more, so if you want to start enjoying discounts without blowing your entire budget for the shopping event, take a look at our favorite bargains below.For larger potential purchases, you can also take a look at our Black Friday deals across all retailers. If youre already willing to spend a lot to avoid the chaos of the holiday season, weve got a lot of other roundups for you to browse, including Black Friday TV deals and Black Friday gaming laptop deals. You should hurry with your transactions though, as theres a chance that stocks run out even before Black Friday begins.Related$40 55% offAmazonThe Amazon Echo Pop is the most affordable entry in its line of smart speakers that are powered by Amazons Alexa. Its a great way to access Alexa without spending too much cash, says our guide on which Amazon Echo should you buy, and it offers pretty decent sound for its price. You can get it at 55% off, for a discount of $22.$60 33% offSamsungThe Samsung Galaxy A03s is an inexpensive smartphone thats currently even more affordable with this 33% discount that brings its price down by $20. It features a 6.5-inch HD+ screen, octa-core processor, 3GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage. This smartphone is locked to Straight Talk though, which will be fine if you want a prepaid plan for it anyway.$60 25% offMicrosoftThe Microsoft Xbox Core wireless gaming controller isnt just for the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S its also compatible with the Xbox One X and the PC, as well as mobile devices running on Android or iOS. It features Bluetooth technology for wireless connections, a 3.5mm port for headsets, and up to 40 hours of battery life. Its on sale at 25% off, for savings of $15.$85 41% offHPThe HP DeskJet 2755e is an affordable wireless color inkjet printer thats on sale with a 41% discount, slashing its price by $35. It can print up to five pages per minute, and it can also function as a copier or scanner. The printer also comes with three months of HPs Instant Ink, a program that will send you ink when your cartridges are running low so there will be no interruption to your printing schedule.$89 34% offNinjaThe Ninja AF100 air fryer will let you cook fried food using little to no oil, so you and your family wont consume too much grease. This air fryer, which is down by $30 following a 34% discount, comes with a basket offering a capacity of 4 quarts, a wide temperature range of 105 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, and easy cleaning as the basket and crisper plate are dishwasher safe.$150 53% offKeurigThe Keurig K-Select coffee maker is a great choice for making single-serve beverages using Keurigs K-Cup pods, which come in a wide range of flavors. You can brew cups of 6 ounces, 8 ounces, 10 ounces, and 12 ounces with this coffee maker, and all it takes is a single press of a button. It will be yours for less than half-price following a 53% discount, which translates to $80 in savings.$140 46% offAmazonThe Amazon Fire HD 10 is the tablet that you want to buy if you want to maximize Amazons Alexa, as the device supports voice commands for the digital assistant. It features a 10.1-inch touchscreen with Full HD resolution, a battery life of 13 hours, and 32GB of storage that you can expand by up to 1TB through a microSD card. The tablet is on sale at 46% off, for savings of $65.$299 73% offASUSChromebooks are generally more affordable than Windows-based laptops, and the Asus CX1700CK Chromebook is the perfect example with its 73% discount that further reduces its price by $218. Inside are the Intel Celeron N4500 processor, Intel UHD Graphics 630, and 4GB of RAM, and its 17.3-inch Full HD screen is big and sharp for its cost.$130 31% offInsigniaYou dont have to spend a lot if you want a smart TV, as the 32-inch Insignia F20 Series HD TV, which runs on Amazons Fire TV platform, is even less expensive: $40 after a 31% discount. The TV also comes with an Alexa Voice Remote for voice commands to Amazons Alexa, and it also supports Apples AirPlay so you can stream videos, photos, and music to the TV.$200 50% offSimon Cohen / Digital TrendsThe Beats Solo 4 were just released earlier this year, but theyre already on sale at 50% off, so you can enjoy savings of $100. These wireless headphones dont offer active noise cancellation or Bluetooth multipoint, but theyre lightweight and comfortable to wear, and provide fantastic sound quality while also supporting spatial audio. They can last up to 50 hours from a full charge, and a quick 10 minutes of charging will replenish 5 hours of usage.There are so many Black Friday deals under $100 that its going to be tough to narrow down your choices, but were here to help you out. You should begin by thinking about what you really need you wouldnt want to make a purchase just because its affordable. If you want easier access to your favorite digital assistant, get a smart speaker; if you want entertainment for your children in their room, get an affordable TV; and if you want to cook more recipes, get kitchen gadgets like an air fryer.Youre going to have to be vigilant when shopping Black Friday deals that are selling for less than $100, as some of these products sacrifice quality for low prices. We highly recommend sticking to trusted brands so that you wont find yourself regretting your purchases for the shopping event. It may also help to set your maximum budget before you start looking at these Black Friday deals under $100, so that you wont go overboard.Its a given that Black Friday deals under $100 will be affordable, especially for the huge discounts that knock down the prices of certain products from more than $100. For our recommendations above, we focused on the bargains that will give you the best value for your money, whether that means getting a helpful device for next to nothing or taking advantage of huge savings.These Black Friday deals under $100 may be available from more than one retailer, but we assure you that the prices that we have here are the lowest for the shopping event. Well keep looking for better bargains until the end of Black Friday, and well update this page whenever we find them. You may want to leave a bookmark so you can stay tuned whenever we find lower prices or add even more deals.Editors Recommendations

Stunning footage from the International Space Station (ISS) shows a glorious-looking aurora shimmering above our planet.Captured last month and shared by the ISS on X over the weekend, the footage (below) begins with a faint green tinge on Earths horizon as seen from the space station some 257 miles up. But as the video continues, the green tinge develops into something far more spectacular, all against a gorgeous star-filled backdrop.Recommended VideosThe International Space Station soars above an aurora blanketing the Earth underneath a starry sky before orbiting into a sunrise 257 miles above Quebec, Canada, on October 30, 2024, NASA said in a message accompanying the 60-second video.RelatedThe International Space Station soars above an aurora blanketing the Earth underneath a starry sky before orbiting into a sunrise 257 miles above Quebec, Canada, on Oct. 30, 2024. pic.twitter.com/fqp7tu57CZ International Space Station (@Space_Station) November 16, 2024Aurora, which are caused by the interaction of solar wind with the Earths magnetic field and atmosphere, are a common sight for astronauts aboard the ISS, especially during periods of heightened solar activity.NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick, who recently departed the station after a six-month stay in orbit, referred to aurora as insane, and shared an incredible video showing one streaming behind Boeings Starliner spacecraft when it was docked at the ISS earlier this year.After witnessing aurora from the orbital outpost, another NASA astronaut, Jasmin Moghbeli, commented, Every single time Im amazed at how alive and beautiful our planet is, while current ISS astronaut Don Pettit described a recent experience as, stunning. He added: We were not flying above the aurora, we were flying in the aurora. And it was blood red.Just last month, Pettit, who at 69 is NASAs oldest serving astronaut, expressed the phenomenon in his own unique way, saying: The sun goes burp and the atmosphere turns red.Editors Recommendations

AI startup Perplexity has launched a new shopping feature that it describes as a one-stop solution where you can research and purchase products.Available initially for U.S.-based users of its paid Pro subscription tier before expanding soon internationally, Perplexity Shopping is a shot across the bows of rival services like Google and Amazon as the company seeks to attract more users to its AI chatbot while building out related services like search and online shopping.Recommended VideosYou can use it to research and make purchases on all things like building your library, buying electronics for throwing a party, and so on, the San Francisco-based company said in a thread on X that also included a short video (below) showing the new feature in action. Introducing Perplexity Shopping: a one-stop solution where you can research and purchase products. It marks a big leap forward in how we serve our users empowering seamless native actions right from an answer. Shopping online just got 10x more easy and fun. pic.twitter.com/gjMZO6VIzQ Perplexity (@perplexity_ai) November 18, 2024The video shows how you can enter queries in a conversational way, just as you would with any other AI chatbot. It also lets you refine results via follow-up responses like, Under $100.Perplexity Shopping includes features such as a one-click checkout designed to save you time by having purchases fully processed within the app instead of being transferred across to the merchants site. Just save your shipping and billing information through our secure portal and select Buy with Pro to place your order, the company explained, adding that all Buy with Pro orders come with free shipping. In cases where Buy with Pro isnt available, you will be redirected to the merchants website to complete the purchase.The new tool also includes a Snap to Shop visual search tool that shows you relevant products in response to any images that you upload, helping you to find an item even when you dont have a name for it.In an apparent swipe at Google, Perplexity points out that its shopping suggestions arent sponsored, describing its results as unbiased recommendations that are powered by AI and based on in-platform reviews. When you ask Perplexity a shopping question, youll still get the precise, objective answers you expect, plus easy-to-read product cards showing the most relevant items, along with key details presented in a simple, visual format.Away from shopping, however, Perplexity recently revealed that it will start inserting ads into its general chatbot responses for users in the U.S. in the form of sponsored follow-up questions and paid media positioned to the side of an answer.Editors Recommendations

Ive been using one of the bravest phones of the year. Its the HMD Fusion, and it has found a way to stand out in the current, congested world of smartphones, allowing HMD to break free of its Nokia brand name ties.It hasnt simply gone all-out with a $1,000-plus flagship to capture attention and has arguably gone down an even tougher road to do so. The Fusion is a modular smartphone, and its a very brave move on HMDs part.Recommended VideosDimensions164.1 x 75.5 x 8.3 mmWeight202 gramsDisplay6.56-inch,, 1612 x 700 resolution, 90Hz refresh rate, 480 nits typical, 600 nits boostedDurabilityN/AColorsBlackProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2RAM4GB, 6GB, 8GB, or 12GB optionsStorage128GB or 256GBSoftwareAndroid 14UpdatesTwo years of OS, three years of security updatesRear cameras108MP main2MP DepthFront camera50MP fixed focusBattery5,000mAhCharging33W wired chargingPriceStarts at $299RelatedNaked HMD Fusion alongside the Casual Outfit Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsTeased at Mobile World Congress 2024 and finally given its debut in September, the HMD Fusion is a take on the often attempted modular phone concept, where a base phone can be added to with different components and upgraded over time based on your requirements. Its modularity means the HMD Fusion is also owner-repairable, from the battery to the screen, which is a great start.The other side of its modularity comes from Smart Outfits. HMD wasnt clear about how these would work, but now that Ive got the phone and its first official Smart Outfit, called the Flashy, its easily explainable. Think of Smart Outfits as high-tech cases for the phone, so theyre easy to put on and take off while providing protection and special functionality. Once on the phone, they communicate with it using a set of pogo pins, meaning they should be hardwearing and reliable.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsWhats unusual is the Fusion always has to wear an Outfit. In the box is the so-called Casual Outfit, a rather ordinary flexible, transparent case, and without it, the phone looks exceptionally vulnerable with its exposed battery and multiple screws.The Casual Outfit doesnt have any special features outside of simply keeping the phone safe. Its a regular case with a fun name. While many of us choose to use a case on their phone, some dont, but the HMD Fusions Casual Outfit looks to be an essential.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsHMD intends to release its own series of official Smart Outfits for the Fusion but has cleverly made all the instructions on how to make them public, with the expectation that enthusiasts and businesses will make their own. Ive tried out the first official Smart Outfit, the Flashy, which adds a ring light to the Fusions camera system.Built into the surround of the camera module, it can be used with the rear-facing camera or hinged over the top of the phone to face the front for selfies. It doesnt need charging as it uses the phones battery for power, and its activated inside the standard camera app, so there are no physical buttons or third-party apps to install. Its a neat system, and you can adjust the brightness and the color temperature of the light using a simple overlay when taking a photo.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsModular phones always struggled to find a simple solution to connecting accessories see the LG G5 for evidence but the Flashy Smart Outfit is easy to use because its built into a case, and absolutely everyone will instinctively know how to fit and remove it.The downside is that it turns the Fusion into a rugged phone as the ring light is encased in a thick, hefty, solid case. Its not something Id always want my phone to wear, and even if I kept it in my bag, its always going to have to replace the Casual Outfit the phone has to have fitted, meaning Ill always be carrying around at least one case for the Fusion.1 of 3No flash Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Screen-fill flash Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Flashy ring light Andy Boxall / Digital Trends The Flashy Smart Outfit is made from recycled TPU and comes in two colors: indigo blue and pink. It has a rectangular LED light, and the Fusions 50-megapixel front camera is likely going to be the one that most people will use with it. I tried it out in low light, and you can see the difference it makes in the gallery above, complete with an example of the Fusions selfie camera without any extra light and how the camera performs using the screen as a fill light.Obviously, the first image without any light is unusable, but it shows how dark the environment was when I took the photo. The one with the screen as a fill light isnt terrible (all things considered), but its still grainy and low quality. I used the Flashys fill light at 100% brightness as an example, which considerably brightens the scene. Theres a little more detail, but whats more helpful is that the adjustable color temperature helps bring out natural skin tones. In mid-light, its sure to work better too.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsUnfortunately, its not a cheap accessory at 80 British pounds or around $101, so youll have to be sure itll be used regularly. A bigger problem is that a basic clip-on ring light for your phone can cost just $10, and when you consider the cheapest version of the HMD Fusion phone itself is 249 pounds and expected to be $299 in the U.S., it changes the type of person who may be looking at the HMD Fusion in the first place. After all, people will buy the phone because of what its like and not because of an accessory.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsIve had my SIM card in the HMD Fusion for a day and can only give my initial impressions rather than provide a full review. It uses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 processor with a choice of 4GB, 6GB (this is the version I have tried), 8GB, or 12GB of RAM, depending on the model you buy and where you live.Theres some lag and dropped frame rates in the animations when opening apps and folders, and its not the fastest experience, but the HMD Fusion plays Asphalt Legends: Unite without a problem, and its fun and exciting, so itll likely be fine for day-to-day use. Android 14 is installed, and HMD will send out two major OS version updates in the future, along with three years of security updates. It comes with a 5,000mAh battery and support for 33W wired charging. Unusually, theres a 3.5mm headphone jack on the base of the phone.1 of 3Andy Boxall / Digital Trends Andy Boxall / DIgital Trends Andy Boxall / Digital Trends The 6.56-inch screen is a disappointment with poor viewing angles where it quickly loses brightness, and although it has a 90Hz refresh rate, the software defaults to 60Hz, and even when you switch it to 90Hz adaptive, its still not entirely blur-free. The 1612 x 700-pixel resolution and 480 nits typical brightness are representatives of the devices price, but phones like theSamsung Galaxy A35andNothing Phone 2a provide a higher-quality viewing experience.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe HMD Fusion is not an expensive flagship phone, but I dont think that matters. Its the basis for a customizable smartphone that could end up solving a problem other phones simply cant, whether thats through its repairability or your own ability to design and 3D print a special Smart Outfit. Like other modular phones, its an exciting prospect but also a tall order.If you like the idea of customizing the look of your phone but arent worried about expensive add-ons like the Flashy case, then the Fusion has some serious competition from the CMF by Nothing Phone 1, where you can replace the exterior case, add a lanyard, and other small tweaks to the style of the phone. Ill point at the equally customizable CMF Watch 2 Pro as the ideal companion, and the two can be yours for less than the price of the HMD Fusion alone.Theres potential in the Smart Outfits system, and HMD has approached it correctly by opening it up to the world immediately. However, it really does need enthusiasts as well as HMD to support it. This is why its a brave move for HMD, and if wide support doesnt quickly arrive, the Fusion risks being forgotten along with the many other modular smartphone experiments weve seen over the years.Editors Recommendations

Most virtual private network (VPN) services require an annual or longer subscription paid in advance to enjoy the lowest monthly cost. However, your needs may change over time and some VPNs like Mullvad and Windscribe offer more affordable prices with just a monthly commitment.Price isnt the only detail that matters when shopping for the best VPN service. You want good performance, excellent privacy protection, and more.Recommended VideosIve gone hands-on with both VPNs and found each offers quick, dependable download speeds at servers around the world. In this head-to-head comparison, Ill explore the features, customer support, and security of Mullvad and Windscribe to help you decide which offers the best value.RelatedMullvad WindscribePlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidDevices5UnlimitedSupportEmailEmail, ChatbotFree version?NoYesMullvad and Windscribe VPNs offer unique monthly pricing. Digital TrendsMullvads VPN pricing is remarkably simple. It costs 5 euros per month (about $5.31). The average subscription cost of most VPN services is double that amount, making Mullvad stand out from the crowd. While the leading VPNs offer good deals and provide great service, youll need to pay $40 to $100 upfront for a year of service.Most VPNs let you protect multiple devices, and Mullvad allows five simultaneous connections. Thats enough to run the VPN on your computer, phone, and tablet without toggling it on and off before switching devices. Despite the bargain price, Mullvad is a full-featured, fast VPN with apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.Windscribe also has cross-platform support and, within reason, allows you to connect unlimited devices. It offers several price tiers, including a more standard $9 monthly subscription and a $69 annual plan. The free version provides 2GB to 15GB of protected internet data each month. Besides the data restriction, the free plan can only connect to servers in 10 countries.The most interesting low-cost monthly option from Windscribe is the Build-A-Plan, which costs as little as $3 monthly. Subscribers can select three locations from a global list where theyll get access to premium servers. More locations can be added for an additional $1 per month.That might sound ideal but there are some important considerations. Build-A-Plan doesnt support port forwarding, which you might need if you host games, use VoIP applications, or do peer-to-peer downloading.Most notably, Windscribes standard Build-A-Plan has a data cap of 10GB per location. The minimum $3 plan provides 30GB per month. While you can combine this with the free plan to get up to 45GB, youll probably need more.Fortunately, you can switch to unlimited use for another $1 monthly. For $4 per month, you get full-time protection with Windscribes premium VPN servers in three countries and can add more as needed. Windscribe even lets you change the locations during the month and prorates your bill if you only use a partial month.I enjoyed good upload and download speeds on a nearby Mullvad VPN server. Digital TrendsLow monthly fees are great but you probably dont want to sacrifice access to fast servers in the locations you need. Mullvad and Windscribe are fast enough for global web browsing like I was a local and sufficient for high-quality streaming in most cases.Download speeds vary depending on the time of day, distance from the server, and load on the server. I tested each VPN for several days at varied times to get a sense of overall performance. Without a VPN, my Ethernet connection provides 900Mbps download and upload speed.Mullvad was generally faster, reaching up to 521Mbps down and 100Mbps up with a U.S. server. A closer Canadian server measured only 149Mbps down and 39Mbps up.I measured the best Windscribe speed from a U.S. server. Digital TrendsWindscribes best U.S. server scored 451Mbps down and 27Mbps up, nearly matching Mullvad for downloads but offering significantly slower uploads. For a nearby Canadian server, Speedtest.net reported 157Mbps for downloads and 10Mbps.I tested the servers of both VPNs for locations in the U.K., France, Germany, and Australia. Mullvad did well in most overseas tests, supplying 264Mbps to 432Mbps downloads. Windscribe gave mixed results with 277Mbps downloads for France, but speeds in the mid-20s for the U.K. and Germany.Australia in very distant and I expected a slow connection. While Mullvad managed a respectable 24Mbps down, Windscribe surprised me by reaching 136Mbps.In summary, Mullvad seemed faster overall but it varies. Windscribe was sufficient in most locations but streaming could require buffering overseas.Youll get more features with leading VPNs like Proton VPN or NordVPN. However, Mullvad and Windscribe also provide ad blocking, rudimentary malware protection, split-tunneling, and obfuscation.While Windscribes AI chatbot is quite helpful, human support is via email. WindscribeCustomer service is always worth considering. I didnt have any problems with Mullvad or Windscribe but I reached out to support to test how responsive it was.Mullvads help center has several articles covering common and esoteric topics. For account issues or other questions that require personal assistance, you can send an email. In my experience, support is relatively quick, taking eight hours to get a reply.Windscribe has a fairly intelligent chatbot to assist with issues and several support articles to look up an answer on your own. Windscribe mentions 24/7 support via chat, but I couldnt reach a human agent online. After trying for a few minutes, I finally settled for email and the reply came a few hours later.Id rate support roughly equally for Mullvad and Windscribe. Both were acceptable for inexpensive services. If you anticipate needing quicker help, Surfshark has fast, helpful live chat thats available around the clock.Mullvad and Windscribe are open-source apps that anyone with coding experience and enough time can examine to ensure there arent any privacy or security loopholes in the software. However, we dont have to rely on open-source policing. Independent audits have verified neither service keeps logs to track your online activity.Each company has a clean track record with no reported data breaches. Still, hackers are becoming more sophisticated. The best way to secure your data is to keep it offline. For absolute anonymity, Mullvad assigns a number when you create an account and you dont have to provide your email address. Email is optional for Windscribe users also.If your VPN has no identifying data about you, theres nothing to leak, steal, or provide to authorities making legal requests.Mullvad and Windscribe break the VPN mold with unique pricing and policies while offering enough features and global performance to be intriguing. If you want to break out of long-term VPN subscriptions or a constant hunt for the best VPN deal, both are worthwhile.Mullvad, a Swedish company, offers a full-service VPN in 47 countries for a little over $5 monthly, total anonymity, excellent privacy protection, and impressive server speeds worldwide.Windscribe matches Mullvads privacy policies and security despite its base in Canada, a Five Eyes country. With Build-A-Plan you can use a data-capped VPN with servers in three locations for just $3 monthly. A 30GB limit feels too restrictive for me, but you can upgrade to unlimited data for only $1 more.If you only want to access a few countries, Windscribe has the least-expensive monthly subscription plan. However, Mullvad has no limitations on its standard service. To unlock every feature and server for Windscribe, youll pay $9 monthly.Thats why Mullvad wins in this challenge to find the best VPN for monthly service.Editors Recommendations

Just last week, we reported on the end of production for the RTX 40-series. Now, new information from Board Channels (shared by Gazlog) suggests that the final shipments of Nvidias best graphics cards are right around the corner. Some GPUs, like the RTX 4090, have already seen their final shipments. With the holidays on the horizon, now might be the last time to buy the RTX 40-series at a decent price before stock levels begin dwindling.Despite being two years old, Nvidias RTX 40-series has held up in terms of GPU prices. Only the RTX 4090 went up from its original recommended list price (MSRP), with the rest of the lineup holding steady and mostly hovering around the launch price. Things might take a turn for the worse, though, if this report ends up being true.Recommended VideosBoard Channels reports that Nvidia is preparing for the launch of the RTX 50-series in early 2025. This includes the RTX 5090 and the RTX 5080 in January, followed by the RTX 5070 in February. As such, the current-gen equivalents of those graphics cards are said to be the first ones to end production and shipping.Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsThe RTX 4070 Ti Super and the RTX 4080 Super have reportedly already been discontinued. In fact, the RTX 4080 Super is almost done shipping, with the final shipment expected in November. The RTX 4070 Ti Super is said to follow, so the supply of those GPUs may slowly decrease.Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming Nvidias favorite mainstream GPUs, the RTX 4070 and the RTX 4070 Super, are also said to be at an end. The source claims that Nvidia reduced the supply of those GPUs last quarter, and the final shipments are scheduled for December. Tha would be a huge blow for gamers, as the RTX 4070 and its Super equivalent are widely considered some of the best-value graphics cards in this generation.Of course, ending shipments doesnt mean that all the cards will be gone this year but it does sound like Nvidia is keeping the stock levels in check. If it had an overflow of last-gen GPUs by the time the next-gen cards launch, many people might have instead chosen the (often discounted) older cards instead of paying for their more expensive counterparts. The RTX 4090 comes to mind here.Weve already heard whispers that the RTX 50-series might be really pricey. Some of the rumored pricing, such as $2,500 for the RTX 5090, seems downright impossible but even more conservative leaks put the RTX 5090 at around $1,900 to $2,000. X user Bits and Chips revealed that the RTX 5090 will cost roughly $1,900, making it $300 more expensive than the RTX 4090 at launch.Nvidias flagship card is a good example of supply and demand. It was in high demand throughout the last two years, and as a result, youd be hard-pressed to find a new model for sale at less than $2,200 right now. With shipments at an end, we might start see the pricing of other RTX 40-series shoot up over the next few months, just like what weve seen with the RTX 30-series in the past.Editors Recommendations

Marvel StudiosAgatha All Along just wrapped up a spectacular nine-episode run as strongly as it could have, easily cementing itself as the best series in the MCU (Lokis second season was far inferior to the first and just had a strong ending; fight me). The show, which saw Emmy nominee Kathryn Hahn reprising her role as the duplicitous and murderous witch Agatha Harkness, delivered a compelling, consistent, and engaging television project that not only offered a satisfying story, but also advanced the MCU, setting the stage for several new storylines and successfully expanding its corner of the ever-growing universe.ContentsIn many ways,Agatha feels like a Phase One project: small in scale, character-driven, and worried more about getting you enamored with the protagonist than with introducing the next multiversal story and thats why it worked. Indeed, the MCU used to shine the brightest when the superheroes were the real stars and not the universe they inhabited. Yet, somewhere along the way, the franchise lost itself in the mess of an ever-growing connected universe, and the only way to dig itself out of the hole it put itself in is to go back to basics.Recommended VideosMarvel StudiosA few years ago, Quentin Tarantino made headlines when he famously said that Captain America is the star, not Chris Evans, and hes 100% right. At its core, the MCU began as a series of stories about a superpowered group of individuals who came together for the same purpose. The interconnectivity was there, vaguely, but the main draw was seeing these individuals shine on their own thats what made seeing them together so cool. The biggest proof lies in the first three superheroes the MCU turned into superstars.RelatedNo offense to Iron Man, Captain America, or Thor, but none of them were big stars in the late 2000s. Sure, Cap and Iron Man were well-known, but they were nowhere near the popularity of, say, Spider-Man or the X-Men. For his part, Thor was little more than the weird hero who looked straight out of an 80s album cover, more silly than imposing. However, Phase One of the MCU turned them into icons by fleshing them out and building them up. The franchise took the time to introduce them as individuals rather than team members, allowing them to exhibit flaws, limitations, and strengths. Sure, Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, and Chris Hemsworth all played huge roles in turning these heroes into stars, but the movies themselves did them a huge service by respecting and trusting them enough as solo players.Marvel StudiosThings changed after 2012sThe Avengers. The films overwhelming success gave the MCU a crutch to fall back on. From that point on, every hero wasnt judged by their own merit, but rather as another potential member of the Avengers. It wasnt so much about how cool Doctor Strange was, but rather how he could function within the Avengers. It got so bad that Spider-Man didnt have a single movie without needing another MCU player to help.To be clear, interconnectivity is not a bad thing; its the MCUs whole deal. However, at one point, the franchise seemingly forgot that, for a shared universe to work, the individual pieces need to be great. After all, why should we care about yet another hero if the franchise doesnt take the time to establish them away from the connected space? We need to see them shine alone before we can see them stand out in the group. I think this is one of the main reasons why heroes like Captain Marvel and Shang-Chi havent been as impactful, despite solid movies and great performers behind them: theyre not the stars of the show, but rather members of the choir. And with so many voices, even the loudest can get overlooked.Disney+Its not a secret that the MCUs Phase Four movies were quite underwhelming. A mixed bag of new characters, long-overdue solo projects, and some truly puzzling sequels resulted in the worst chapter of the MCU, one that people have already pretty much forgotten about. Phase Five, which is close to ending already, BTW, also had more bad than good, with Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumaniaand Secret Invasionrepresenting the worst of Marvel in every conceivable way.However, amid this sea of mid, a few projects stand out, and what do you know theyre the ones that are character-driven. WandaVision and Loki are the undeniable highlights of Phase Four, towering over their competition in scope, originality, and overall quality. Unsurprisingly, both projects were in-depth analyses of their central characters Wanda, Vision, and Loki to the point where they are the closest thing to character studies the MCU has ever done.Marvel/Disney+WandaVision overflows with creativity and empathy, painting a profound portrayal of grief, pain, and enduring love. For his part, Lokis show is all about redemption and self-awareness, as it usesa literal story about Loki falling for himself to drive its point home. Interestingly, both WandaVision andLoki are about delusion, a topic I wouldve never thought the MCU would address.Every other decent Phase Four effort, from the low-stakesHawkeye to the charmingMs. Marvel, places the titular character front and center, forsaking worldbuilding in favor of character-building to great critical and audience success seriously, who in a million years wouldve thought a Hawkeye show would be better than the fourth Thor movie? The formula continues withAgatha All Along, a show many wrote off as a shameless cash grab greenlit because of the viral success of a one-minute song. Yet, Agatha offered an enthralling story about companionship and identity that blew everyone away and unironically became the highlight of Marvels post-Avengers: Endgame slate.Marvel StudiosAgathas success relies entirely on recapturing the formula of Phase One. It uses Agatha to expand a new and still quite unexplored corner of the MCU and introduces a few major characters, at least one of which will surely play a main role in the MCUs future looking at you with hopeful eyes, Billy Maximoff. And yet,Agatha All Along does right by its titular character. Agatha Harkness is front and center, with the show exploring her backstory and the choices that made her such a ruthless witch. In a refreshing and much-appreciated twist, the show doesnt redeem her, either; on the contrary, it fully confirms her as a murderous villain kept in check by her soft spot for a young witch who isnt a delicate flower himself.Marvel StudiosConsidering the negative reception of many of its Phase Four and Phase Five projects, one would think Marvel would have gotten the memo and realized that small-scale, character-driven stories are where it should focus its efforts. However, the grotesquely successful Spider-Man: No Way Home andDeadpool & Wolverine, two multiversal stories with a plethora of cameos and budgets that could feed a small city, suggest the opposite. Never mind that they are rather mediocre movies (Im sorry, they are, and they fall apart at the slightest scrutiny); they made over a billion, so that means the multiverse is still where the money is at, right?Sadly, I dont see the MCU focusing on character narratives in any of their announced projects except maybe for The Fantastic Four: First Steps (yes, thats the official title), largely because that seems to take place in a completely separate universe. Other than that, every other film project in Marvels current slate is multiverse-tied, meaning any chance for a character-centric narrative is futile. And yet, I have faith that Marvel will deliver more of these once it finally wraps up this messy and ultimately misguided multiversal business.See, I cant help but feel whatever happens in the next Avengers movies might potentially serve as something of a reboot or at least a clean slate for the MCU. If so, then character-driven projects will be necessary to tell a new story, especially if we are indeed venturing into the Mutant Saga, as many of us seem to think. Real character development will be crucial in that particular chapter, and the MCU needs to understand it. Otherwise, well end up with an X-Men team full of one-note stick figures without any real personality, and no one wants that; just ask the Fox movies that Deadpool has such a great time tearing apart.Editors Recommendations

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsConnections is oneof the best puzzle games from the New York Times. The game tasks you with categorizing a pool of 16 words into four secret (for now) groups by figuring out how the words relate to each other. The puzzle resets every night at midnight and each new puzzle has a varying degree of difficulty. Just like Wordle, you can keep track of your winning streak and compare your scores with friends.ContentsSome days are trickier than others just like other NYT Games favorites The Mini and Strands. If youre having a little trouble solving todays puzzle, check out our Connections tips and tricks guide for some good strategies or check out the hints for todays Connections puzzle below. And if you still cant get it, well tell you todays answers at the very end.Recommended VideosConnections is a daily game about finding common threads between words. Players must select four groups of four words without making more than three mistakes. Play now. https://t.co/YITfSnqODb pic.twitter.com/CqObVOqeUs The New York Times (@nytimes) November 3, 2024RelatedYou can play Connections on the New York Times website or with the NYT Games app on iOS or Android.In Connections, youll be shown a grid containing 16 words your objective is to organize these words into four sets of four by identifying the connections that link them. These sets could encompass concepts like titles of video game franchises, book series sequels, shades of red, names of chain restaurants, etc.There are generally words that seem like they could fit multiple themes, but theres only one 100% correct answer. Youre able to shuffle the grid of words and rearrange them to help better see the potential connections.Each group is color-coded. The yellow group is the easiest to figure out, followed by the green, blue, and purple groups.Pick four words and hitSubmit. If youre correct, the four words will be removed from the grid and the theme connecting them will be revealed. Guess incorrectly and itll count as a mistake. You only have four mistakes available until the game ends.We can help you solve todays Connection by telling you the four themes. If you need more assistance, well also give you one word from each group below.Todays themesUSED IN HAIR CAREMONTHLY EXPENSESTHINGS WITH SPOTS___ CRABOne-answer revealsUSED IN HAIR CARE COMBMONTHLY EXPENSES GASTHINGS WITH SPOTS DALMATIAN___ CRAB FIDDLERNew York TimesStill no luck? Thats OK. This puzzle is designed to be difficult. If you just want to see todays Connections answer, weve got you covered below:USED IN HAIR CARE COMB, DRYER, HAIRSPRAY, ROLLERSMONTHLY EXPENSES GAS, INTERNET, PHONE, RENTTHINGS WITH SPOTS DALMATIAN, DIE, DOMINO, LADYBUG___ CRAB FIDDLER, HERMIT, HORSESHOE, SPIDERConnectionsgrids vary widely and change every day. If you couldnt solve todays puzzle, be sure to check back in tomorrow.What time does the Connections puzzle change?The puzzle changes daily at midnight local time.Who edits the NYT Connections game?Wyna Liu, who has been editing puzzles at The New York Times since 2020, edits Connections daily.A few months ago, a new assignment crossed my desk: Create the game boards for Connections, a category matching game that had recently been greenlighted and was in search of an editor, wrote Liu in an article explaining her process in June 2024. Most of my puzzle experience has been working with crosswords, and I was excited at the chance to try something different. Ive enjoyed learning how puzzle editing plays out once a game is greenlighted, and seeing how our team fits into a larger ecosystem.On the one-year anniversary of Connections launching earlier this year, Liu posted this TikTok about her favorite puzzles so far:@thegamesteam ? happy one year anniversary to connections, our newest official NYT game ? #nytgames #nytconnections #nyt The Kite Live by Luisa Marion luisa_marion_musicEditors Recommendations

Strands is a brand new daily puzzle from the New York Times. A trickier take on the classic word search, youll need a keen eye to solve this puzzle.ContentsLike Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can be a bit difficult to solve some days. Theres no shame in needing a little help from time to time. If youre stuck and need to know the answers to todays Strands puzzle, check out the solved puzzle below.Recommended VideosHow to play StrandsYou start every Strands puzzle with the goal of finding the theme words hidden in the grid of letters. Manipulate letters by dragging or tapping to craft words; double-tap the final letter to confirm. If you find the correct word, the letters will be highlighted blue and will no longer be selectable.RelatedIf you find a word that isnt a theme word, it still helps! For every three non-theme words you find that are at least four letters long, youll get a hint the letters of one of the theme words will be revealed and youll just have to unscramble it.Every single letter on the grid is used to spell out the theme words and there is no overlap. Every letter will be used once, and only once.Each puzzle contains one spangram, a special theme word (or words) that describe the puzzles theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. When you find the spangram, it will be highlighted yellow.The goal should be to complete the puzzle quickly without using too many hints.Todays theme is Coming up for airHeres a hint that might help you: undersea animals that breathe air.Todays Strand answersNYTTodays spanagramWell start by giving you the spangram, which might help you figure out the theme and solve the rest of the puzzle on your own:MARINEMAMMALSTodays Strands answersDOLPHINSEALORCAWALRUSMANATEENARWHALEditors Recommendations

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsLove crossword puzzles but dont have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? Thats what The Mini is for!A bite-sized version of the New York Times well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isnt always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt.Recommended VideosJust like ourWordle hints and Connections hints, were here to help with The Mini today if youre stuck and need a little help.RelatedBelow are the answers for the NYT Mini crossword today.New York TimesAcross___ Martin, frequent collaborator with 1-Down STEVEParts of irrigation systems HOSESBeginning ONSETBackup cameras place on a car REARMake an attempt TRYDownMartin ___, frequent collaborator with 1-Across SHORTStuff in printer cartridge TONERCommon kind of test for a literature class ESSAYMake a sudden t urn VEERJokey suffix with best ESTEditors Recommendations

SpaceX is making final preparations for the sixth test flight of its mighty Starship rocket featuring the most Super Heavy, the most powerful booster ever to fly.The Elon Musk-led spaceflight company is targeting Tuesday, November 19, for the sixth test of the 120-meter-tall rocket.Recommended VideosThe Starship, comprising the main Super Heavy rocket and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft, will eventually be used to transport crew and cargo to the moon, Mars, and possibly beyond.RelatedIt took its first test flight in April 2023, though the vehicle exploded just minutes after liftoff. Subsequent flights have seen the Starship fly higher and for longer, and the most recent test, which took place last month, saw the first-ever catch of the returning Super Heavy booster by giant mechanical arms attached to the launch tower.The megarocket will launch from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, creating a colossal 17 million pounds of thrust as it roars skyward. Within minutes, the upper-stage Starship spacecraft will separate from the Super Heavy booster, and continue on to orbit. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy will return to Boca Chica, whereupon SpaceX will attempt the second catch of the booster back at the launch site. Bringing the Super Heavy home in this way will help SpaceX increase the frequency of flights using multiple Super Heavy boosters, and also reduce the cost of space missions.SpaceXs live stream will also track the progress of the Starship, which will perform landing burns before coming down in the Indian Ocean about an hour after launch.SpaceX is targeting the sixth flight test of the Starship for 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 19.A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, and you can watch it on SpaceXs account on X.Theres a chance the schedule could change, so be sure to check back here, or SpaceXs X account, for any updates.Editors Recommendations

After an almost a two-year hiatus, the Dutton family finally returned to prime-time television with Yellowstoneseason 5, part 2.Even with the time off,Yellowstoneremained a ratings juggernaut, as the premiere generated a whopping 16.4 million viewers across all cable networks and CBS airings. Thats an increase of 3% from the season 5, part 1 premiere, which registered 15.9 million viewers.Recommended VideosThis Season on Yellowstone | Paramount NetworkThe next episode ofYellowstone season 5, episode 10 premieres at 8 p.m. ET/PT on Sunday, November 17. The episode will air on Paramount Network.Watch Yellowstone on Paramount NetworkRelatedYellowstoneairs on Paramount Network, not Paramount+. Paramount Network is a cable channel that can be accessed through your TV package orParamount Networks website. You will need to log in with a TV provider for access. Unlike last week, a replay ofYellowstonewill not air on CBS.Paramount Network is available on several live streaming TV services, includingHulu with Live TV, Fubo, Philo, and YouTube TV. These services offer popular channels without having to pay for a cable box. Plus, several of the services offer free trials, so you could theoretically watch tonights episode at no cost.Paramount NetworkYellowstonemight be a Paramount show, but its not on Paramount+. Due to a previous licensing agreement, Yellowstonestreams on Peacock. However, Peacock subscribers cannot stream Yellowstoneseason 5, episode 10 tonight. The current season must air on Paramount Network before heading to Peacock. It could take a few months after the finale before theseYellowstoneepisodes live on Peacock.Emerson Miller / Paramount NetworkThe Yellowstoneseason 5, episode 10 is titled The Apocalypse of Change. Paramount Networks logline for the episode reads: Beth comes to a chilling realization. Kayce reaches out to an old friend in search of information. Jamie meets with Market Equities.ParamountIn the season 5, part 2 premiere, Beth (Kelly Reilly) and Kayce (Luke Grimes) head to their fathers mansion. Much to their shock, they learn John has died. The siblings find Johns body in the bathroom with a pistol nearby, leading the authorities to deem his death a suicide. Beth is suspicious right away and believes Jamie (Wes Bentley) is responsible for her fathers death.Beth doesnt believe her father committed suicide. Her feelings are confirmed later in the episode. Jamies fixer girlfriend, Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri), is the one who orchestrated Johns murder. Sarah told the hit men to make Johns death look like a suicide.The Paramount NetworkWillYellowstoneseason 5, part 2 be the end of the Dutton family? With Costner gone,Yellowstone ending after season 5, part 2 seemed like a foregone conclusion. However, after the premieres record-breaking ratings, it seems like Yellowstonecan clearly continue without Costner, and it might end up doing so. Reilly and Cole Hauserhave been in talks for a potential sixth season. At this point, its all up to Sheridan.Watch Yellowstone on Paramount NetworkWhen youre done here, check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best new shows on Max, the best shows on Amazon Prime Video, and the best shows on Disney+.Editors Recommendations

SpaceX is just a couple of days away from sending its enormous Starship rocket on its sixth test flight from its facility in Boca Chica, Texas.The mission had originally targeted Monday, November 18, for the launch of the vehicle comprising the main-stage Super Heavy booster and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft but on Friday SpaceX pushed the launch to Tuesday, November 19. Heres how to watch a live stream of the mission.Recommended VideosThe Elon Musk-led spaceflight company has just released a set of images (below) showing the 120-meter-tall Starship stacked and pretty much ready to fly.RelatedPropellant load test and preflight checkouts complete ahead of Starships sixth flight test, SpaceX said in a post on X.Propellant load test and preflight checkouts complete ahead of Starship's sixth flight test https://t.co/oIFc3u9laE pic.twitter.com/r6XNKyY2Zf SpaceX (@SpaceX) November 17, 2024The Starship took its first test flight in April 2023, but it only lasted a matter of minutes before an anomaly prompted the mission team to blow up the rocket in midair over the Gulf of Mexico.But each subsequent flight showed improvements in every aspect of the rockets performance. On the fifth flight last month, SpaceX performed a successful and truly spectacular catch of the 70-meter-tall Super Heavy at its first attempt, a challenging maneuver that took place as the booster returned to Earth following its deployment of the Starship spacecraft to orbit.Packing a colossal 17 million pounds of thrust at launch, the Starship is the most powerful rocket ever to get off the ground. Once fully tested, NASA and SpaceX want to use the vehicle to transport crew and cargo to the moon, Mars, and possibly beyond. It could even be configured to fly around 100 people in a single flight, though a mission of that magnitude is a long ways off.One of the Starships first big tests will be to use a modified version of the upper-stage spacecraft to land two NASA astronauts on the lunar surface in the Artemis III mission, which is currently scheduled for 2026.Editors Recommendations

The Paramount NetworkKevin Costner recently released the first entry in his series of Western films dubbed Horizon: An American Saga. However, for the vast majority of Yellowstone fans, the only saga they want is the conclusion of the Dutton familys story and a glimpse of what comes next. Costner reinvigorated his career by headlining Yellowstone as John Dutton, but his clashes with Paramount Network and showrunner Taylor Sheridan have led to Costners departure from the series.ContentsAlthough were still several weeks away from the return of the series, were sharing everything we know about Yellowstone season 5, part 2. And well keep updating this post when anything newsworthy comes up.Recommended VideosThe Paramount NetworkTo celebrate the sixth anniversary of Yellowstones premiere, Paramount Network has finally announced when the final episodes will release. Yellowstone season 5, part 2 will begin on Sunday, November 10 on Paramount Network. Viewers in Canada will be able to watch it on Paramount+ on the same day. In America, Peacock retains the streaming rights for Yellowstone, but its currently unknown how quickly those episodes will appear on the service.RelatedAdditionally, Paramount is attempting to bring in an even larger audience by sharing the midseason premiere with CBS. AT 10 p.m. on Sunday, November 10 two hours after its premiere on Paramount Network viewers will get a chance to see the encore presentation of the first episode from Yellowstone season 5, part 2. For now, only one episode from the new season will be on CBS.Paramount NetworkSure! You can try live TV streaming options like Sling, Hulu Plus Live, and YouTube TV. The cheapest and best possible, though, is Philo. Philo is a live television streaming service that offers more than 70 top-rated channels and the entire AMC+ library for just $28/month. Some of the channels include A&E, MTV, Hallmark Channel, Lifetime, MTV, BET, and the Paramount Network, which is the home of Yellowstone.Philo also has over 90 free channels available to watch anytime without creating an account.In addition, the service has a library of over 75,000 content titles on-demand and an unlimited DVR that saves recordings for a year. Philo can be used on mobile phones, tablets, TVs, and desktops so you can watch the Dutton clan pretty much anywhere on any device.Yes! At long last, the trailer is here, even if it seems somewhat disingenuous to include clips of Kevin Costners John Dutton, considering he wont be in the season unless theres some previously unrevealed footage with him.Yellowstone Official Trailer | Paramount NetworkThe trailer plays up the drama ahead and teases some surprising alliances as the fate of the ranch is determined. It also touches on the increasingly dangerous feud between Jamie and Beth. That builds on the previously released teaser for Yellowstone season 5.Jamie seems to be desperate to get Beth to back down, and he suggests that their family legacy is at stake. For her part, Beth doesnt care. Shell burn it all to destroy Jamie.Ahead of the mid-season premiere, Paramount Network revealed that the name of the episode is Desire Is All You Need. The short synopsis states that, After an event rattles the state of Montana, nothing will ever be the same. The event in question is likely the death of Montana governor and Dutton family patriarch John Dutton, due to Costners departure from the series.Paramount Network has also dropped an ominous poster for the final season.Paramount NetworkWarning: There are spoilers ahead for the mid-season premiere of Yellowstone season 5.The show didnt waste any time revealing what happened to the Dutton family patriarch. Governor John Dutton is dead, seemingly by his own hand. While appearing on SirusXMs The Michael Smerconish Program, Costner reacted to the fate of his character. I heard its a suicide, so that doesnt make me want to rush to go see it, said Costner. When Smerconish noted that John wasnt likely to commit suicide, Costner added, Well, theyre pretty smart people. Maybe its a red herring. Who knows? Theyre very good. And theyll figure that out.Costners instincts may be correct, as the show insinuates that John Duttons death was staged to look like a suicide by a hitman sent by one of his enemies. Either way, the Dutton family has been devastated by his death, and the war between Beth and Jamie Dutton is only going to get more intense.Paramount NetworkThe core cast expected to appear in Yellowstoneseason 5 part 2 includes:Luke Grimes as Kayce DuttonKelly Reilly as Bethany Beth DuttonWes Bentley as James Michael Jamie DuttonCole Hauser as Rip WheelerKelsey Asbilleas Monica Long DuttonGil Birmingham as Chief Thomas RainwaterBrecken Merrill as Tate DuttonDenim Richards as Colby MayfieldForrie J. Smith as Lloyd PierceIan Bohenas RyanJen Landon as TeeterFinn Little as CarterRyan Binghamas WalkerEmerson Miller / Paramount NetworkWith the new episodes now just a few months away, Paramount Network has released the first photos of Yellowstone season 5, part 2. And the first pic, seen above, doesnt look very good for John Dutton. His estranged adoptive son, Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley), is appearing alongside Governor Perry (Wendy Moniz), which may be how the show chooses to acknowledge the death of the previous governor, John.Emerson Miller / Paramount NetworkThe second pic features Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) and Mo (Moses Brings Plenty) presumably making their own plans for Yellowstone ranch.Emerson Miller / Paramount NetworkRip Wheeler (Cole Hauser) has a quiet moment with a resting Carter (Finn Little).Emerson Miller / Paramount NetworkIt wouldnt be Yellowstone without a porch side scene. In this case, Monica Long (Kelsey Asbille), Tate Dutton (Brecken Merrill), and Kacey Dutton (Luke Grimes).Emerson Miller / Paramount NetworkChances are very good that the future of the show will revolve around Rip Wheeler and Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly).Paramount NetworkRip and Beth are seemingly joined at the hip, and their bond may determine whether the Duttons still have control of the ranch at the end of the season.The cast of Yellowstone has been privy to the ending for months, but now Luke Grimes is sharing his thoughts about the series finale.I couldnt be happier, Grimes told EW. I think its a perfect ending for the show for every character. Its just a testament to what a good writer Taylor [Sheridan] is, and its a very, very profound, beautiful ending. I cant wait to sit down and watch it one day.Inevitably, some things had to have changed if the original plan was for Costner to finish out the series. But according to Kelly Reilly, John Dutton was already meant to be written out of the series by the final episode.The absence [of John Dutton] was part of the ending, Reilly told EW. Thats not something that we had to pivot, that was already written into the tapestry of the story. It was always going to happen, it just happened a little bit differently.ParamountDespite the hope that Costner and Paramount Network would work something out, the actor has definitively announced that he will not be back for the final episodes of Yellowstone.In a video posted on his Instagram account, Costner said, I just want to reach out and let you know that after this long year and a half of working on Horizon and doing all the things that thats required and thinking about Yellowstone, that beloved series that I love, that I know you love. I just realized that Im not going to be able to continue, season 5 or into the future.I loved it and I know you loved it, and I just wanted to let you know that I wont be returning, Costner added. I love the relationship weve been able to develop, and Ill see you at the movies.Costners public attempts to restart a dialogue about his return began earlier this year. Matthew Belloni of Puck News reported in March 2024 that Costner was telling people he will return in some capacity, perhaps in a cameo.Kevin Costner has been telling people hes planning to return for at least a cameo and possibly more, but there are currently no discussions for him to do that, Belloni wrote. Even if Costner significantly lowers his financial and time commitment demands, Sheridan may not want to bother reopening his finished scripts to accommodate a send-off for John Dutton.Costner teased a possible return to the showDespite the fact that the show appears to be moving on without him, Costner reiterated his interest in coming back, via Variety in mid-June.Ive supported that thing and Ive loved it, Costner said during a June 2024 appearance on Today. Its been really important to me. I would love to go back under the right circumstances I think that all of us want. For me, it really needs to be the right circumstances.Even now, Costner refuses to fully give up on the possibility of his return.Saying theres a chance, theres always a chance, added Costner. I love the thing. Youve got to be really clear about that.ParamountAfter almost a year of silence on the issue, Costner finally made some public comments about his potential return to Yellowstone for the final episodes. The good news is that he does want to return, but even Costner doesnt know whether its going to happen.Id like to be able to do it but we havent been able to I thought I was going to make seven [seasons] but right now were at five, Costner told Entertainment Tonight. So how it works out I hope it does but theyve got a lot of different shows going on. Maybe it will. Maybe this will circle back to me. If it does and I feel really comfortable with [it], Id love to do it.Costner also appeared to indicate that he wants a say in the fate of his character.[Dutton] needs to be proactive in what happens, and Ive kind of had my own fantasy how [the characters final arc] might be, Costner said. But thats Taylors thing. I said as much to him a while back. I had thoughts how it could happen, but we just have to see.Costner struck a more conciliatory note during an interview at the beginning of May.No, [Sheridan and I] havent [talked], Costner said. Hes doing special work in a lot of different ways. Hes very prolific about the things he does, and if he sees me in something that he wants to do, Ill look at it just the way I did Yellowstone and maybe we will end up doing something together. He likes a lot of the things that I like, and the idea of us working together is not out of the question for me. The subjects he chooses are very interesting to me. I like a lot of that stuff. Yellowstone stands as something that could continue. But that is a Taylor question. But other things that hes doing I think are really, really good. He likes the same subjects that I do.While Costner was feeling more hopeful about the future earlier in May, he came out with a more combative tone during his interview with Deadline on May 13, and he provided his side of the story for the first time.Well, I havent felt good about it the last year, what with the way theyve talked about it, Costner said. It wasnt truthful. So now Im talking about a little bit about what the real truth of it was. I made a contract for seasons five, six and seven. In February, after a two- or three-month negotiation, they made another contract. They wanted to redo that one, and instead of seasons six and seven, it was 5A and 5B, and maybe well do six. They werent able to make those. Horizon was set in the middle, but Yellowstone was first position. I fit [Horizon] into the gaps. They just kept moving their gaps.I dont want to get down in the gutter with the Yellowstone thing but what Im telling you is straight up, Costner said. I have taken a beating from those f***ing guys and I know a lot of times where its coming from. I just elected not to get into that. But if you know me well enough, I made Yellowstone the first priority, and to insinuate anything else would be wrong. I did not initiate any of those things. They did. They were doing a tap dance and this poor guy was also having to write so much. And I dont know why they didnt stick up for me.I could say no comment all the way through, Costner continued. I wont say my life is fair game or that any questions are fair game, but this is a realistic question. I will address it. They should have known that there was going to be an opportunity for me to say something. I didnt have to answer the slings and arrows over the last year and a half, because Ive just been busy working. Theyve been pretty slick about keeping their hands off; nobody was ever on the record.Fox Nation / Fox NationCostner also forcefully pushed back at the rumor that his commitments on Horizon kept him from shooting Yellowstone.Thats not true, Costner said. There were blocks of time that we didnt get 10 episodes done. Basically, we were starting in April and May, and wed usually go through August. Wed do 10. We didnt even get 10 done during that time. I only worked 43 days. So thats bulls***. Thats a lie. Thats not correct. They sent me away for seven days to go to London, to go to England during Covid, to do [promotion]. They made the contract and they picked the days.Costner also explained the origin of the report that he was only willing to film a week of Yellowstone season 5, part 2.They didnt have the scripts for anything else, Costner said. So, what you read in the end was that I said, Well, look, Im doing my movie. If you want me to work a week because you want to kill me or whatever else, I can give you a week. I really didnt have that week to give them, but I said, Ill do that. And then they [spun that] into, I only wanted to work a week.Im usually working six or seven days per each, whatever they are, Costner said. And they took that and a source on their side spun that into, well, he only wants to work a week for a whole season. Do you think thats who I am? Ive never missed a day of work. Ive never left before fulfilling my contractual obligations. A lot of times, I stay as much as I can. In fact, I worked the nine-day stretch just to try to help them in July, when I was starting [Horizon] on August 1. I worked a Saturday and Sunday for them, and they still needed four more days. I gave it to them, when I thought we were going to do this so-called B, but there was no B thing. I was just going to give em those extra four days.Even during this interview, Costner left the door open for his return. But it certainly seems a lot less likely now.Paramount NetworkSheridan had a very revealing quote on the subject when speaking to The Hollywood Reporter in June 2023. He said that Costners exit truncates the closure of his character. It doesnt alter it, but it truncates it. This implies that John Dutton wont survive the end of Yellowstone even if Costner does reappear.Via ScreenRant, one of the theories regarding Duttons fate is that he will meet his demise from colon cancer. During the first season, Dutton survived his first bout with that illness. If thats the way John Dutton dies, then it would bring his fate full circle.Paramount NetworkLuke Grimes, who plays John Duttons youngest son, Kayce Dutton, recently shared his thoughts about Kevin Costners apparent departure from the show. And he sounds largely supportive of Costners decision.Whatever happened there is unfortunate if its changed anything about how the show was going to unfold, said Grimes during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. I know, [Costner] got busy with his movies that were like passion projects. At a certain point, you gotta do what you gotta do, man; you gotta do what you love.Paramount NetworkWhile speaking with Entertainment Tonight, Yellowstone co-star Ian Bohen revealed that he hasnt seen any of the scripts from the final episodes yet, but he is aware of where the story is going. He also dropped a very bold prediction about the series finale.[The fans] are going to get the [best] conclusion that could possibly be written, Bohen said. Everything will land in a way that is perfectly set. A lot of shows just kind of finish and they dont satisfy you. This will be completed in a way that it will make sense.I dont know that any show has finished this strongly ever, Bohen added. Were expecting to have the best series finale in history. Overconfident maybe, but I think thats what its going to be. We thank everyone for their patience Itll be worth the wait, I promise.Bohen also indicated that he expects Yellowstones final season to resume production in May, but it could also be pushed to later in the summer.Paramount NetworkThat is the general idea that Paramount Network sold to fans when the end of Yellowstone was announced. However, a report on Puck states that three of the shows principal cast members, Kelly Reilly, Cole Hauser, and Luke Grimes, are in a pay dispute with Paramount Network because they want significant raises to reprise their respective roles as Beth Dutton, Rip Wheeler, and Kayce Dutton.The report also indicates that those cast members have to be paid for Yellowstone season 6even though it wont be produced. That was a provision in their contracts for the previous series. Theres no indication yet whether the actors and Paramount Network have come to terms. If they dont re-sign with the new show, then the spinoff series will lose key characters who could have been the bridge to the future of the franchise.Paramount NetworkYellowstone season 5, part 2, may not be the last time fans see Rip and Beth. In an April 2024 interview with Country Living, Hauser explained his focus is on finishing the final episodes of the series. Hauser then hinted that there could be a future for Rip and Beth in future Yellowstone iterations.Im so focused on finishingYellowstone the way it needs to be finished right now well, just the show itself, Hauser said. Well see where that leads, but I know that theres some stuff on the horizon when it comes to Taylors ideas for Kelly Reilly, myself, and some of the other cast. Im excited to see where he goes creatively with that, but right now its just, lets finish strong; lets do the best we can.Reilly shared a similar viewpoint about the spinoff in a March 2024 interview with Collider. Once again, the goal for Reilly is to finishYellowstoneon a high note. However, Reilly did not close the door on appearing in the spinoff.I just care about finishing [the main show] with as much care, as much passion, and as much love as I can muster to put into it, Reilly said. Thats what I care about. Im sort of prepping for that now, [and] thats my tunnel vision thing that I care about most. And what goes on beyond that? There are discussions, you know. Dont believe everything you read. Its just nonsense. But were gonna, you know, lets wait and see. I dont have an answer right now. But well see.The Paramount NetworkThe first half of Yellowstone season 5 featured the complete deterioration of the relationship between Beth and her adoptive brother who doubles as the black sheep of the family Jamie Dutton (Wes Bentley). Beth and Jamie even openly contemplated murdering each other in a struggle that may destroy the Duttons. That is one of the big unresolved plotlines heading into the second half of the season.Note that Bentlys name was not mentioned in Pucks report about Yellowstone cast members seeking a raise for the spinoff series. If theres any veracity to that story, it may mean that Jamie isnt going to make it out of Yellowstone season 5, part 2. That doesnt necessarily mean that Jamie will die, it could also mean incarceration or exile from his family. For now, we can only speculate.HBOIf Sheridan wanted to follow the established model for TV spinoffs, Matthew McConaugheys new character from the upcoming spinoff would be introduced in Yellowstone season 5, part 2. The only problem with that idea is that theres no official report that McConaughey has even signed on for the spinoff.McConaugheys name has been mentioned in conjunction with the spinoff since February 2023. Since that time, all of the Hollywood trades have simply said that McConaughey is in talks to lead the spinoff. So its just talk until McConaughey actually signs on the dotted line. For now, theres no indication that he has.Yellowstone Season 5 Official Trailer | Paramount NetworkOriginally, only six episodes were planned to conclude the series. But Sheridan told THR in 2023 that he has the leeway to change that, if he chooses to. If I think it takes 10 episodes to wrap it up, theyll give me 10, said Sheridan. Itll be as long as it needs to be.Paramount NetworkVia The Wrap, Yellowstone season 5, part 2 has officially begun filming after a nearly two-year hiatus. As with the previous seasons, production is on-location in Montana. Notably absent from the news was any word about Kevin Costner returning to the show. Now that cameras are rolling again, its looking increasingly unlikely that Costner will return, barring some last minute deal.The current production schedule means that Yellowstone season 5, part 2 will be able to make its premiere window later this year.The Paramount NetworkWhile its still unknown whether or not Kevin Costner will return, John Dutton will be popping up in season 5, part 2. Josh Lucas, the actor who plays a younger version of Costners character, told Deadline on March 14 that he will return as the character for the final season of the show.I think were going to do 10 or more so episodes : Josh Lucas reveals of the final season of #YellowstoneTV pic.twitter.com/WFaSf3MWRw Deadline (@DEADLINE) March 15, 2024The actor revealed that part 2 will be 10 episodes or so, which, while still vague, does narrow it down a bit in terms of how many times well see the Dutton clan this season.Editors Recommendations

Warning: This article contains spoilers for the Its an all-out Dutton family civil war in the latest Yellowstoneseason 5, part 2trailer.Recommended VideosThe new trailer aired after the explosive Yellowstoneseason 5, part 2 premiere, which revealed how Kevin Costners John Dutton was written off the show. The episode opens with Beth Dutton (Kelly Reilly) and Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) arriving at Johns mansion, with a sea of police surrounding the house. John did not appear at his impeachment tribunal initiated by his son, Jamie (Wes Bentley). Beth and Kayce then learn their father committed suicide in his bathroom via a gunshot wound or so they thought.RelatedBeth blames Jamie for having a hand in Johns death, and her intuition is right. Sarah Atwood (Dawn Olivieri), a fixer and Jamies girlfriend, put a hit out on John and instructed the assassin to make the murder look like a suicide. The episode ends with Beth reuniting with Rip (Cole Hauser) and vowing to kill Jamie.Youve won, Jamie. The kingdom is yours, Sarah says in the opening moments of the preview video. Jamie continues to go down a dark path while Beth plots how she will exact her vengeance against her brother. Then theres Kayce, who searches for the truth, culminating in him throwing Jamie over a desk and later telling a mysterious figure, I know everything. You should be scared.Season 5, part 2, will consist of six episodes. The next episode of YellowstoneEditors Recommendations

The New York Times has plenty of word games on its roster today with Wordle, Connections, Strands, and the Mini Crossword, theres something for everyone but the newspapers standard crossword puzzle still reigns supreme. The daily crossword is full of interesting trivia, helps improve mental flexibility and, of course, gives you some bragging rights if you manage to finish it every day.While the NYT puzzle might feel like an impossible task some days, solving a crossword is a skill and it takes practice dont get discouraged if you cant get every single word in a puzzle.Recommended VideosIf youre having trouble completing todays NYT Crossword, were here to help. Weve got all the answers for todays clues down below.RelatedNew York TimesAcross1 Goober : DORK5 Outlaws : BANS9 Not deliberate : HASTY14 Headquarters of Talofa Airways : APIASAMOA16 Leads down the aisle at a wedding, informally : USHES17 Ballerina who popularized The Nutcracker : TALLCHIEF18 Sandbar : SHOAL19 Word on Saudi Arabias flag : ALLAH20 2002 movie with the tagline Higher education just hit a new low : SLACKERS22 A great deal : MUCH24 Revel noisily : ROISTER26 Angel hair topper? : HALO27 Place : SITE28 Element between platino and mercurio : ORO29 Big bands : JAZZORCHESTRAS32 Italian province on the Swiss border : COMO33 Holy book, in one spelling : KORAN34 Does a job for a summer? : ADDS35 Phrase on ID tags : FAMOUSPOTATOES38 Wordle score that elicits the message Genius : ONE39 Pulse, e.g. : SEED40 Veet rival : NAIR41 Cold palate cleansers : SORBETS43 About 91,500 are produced by a gal. of propane : BTUS44 Goes green, maybe : FEELSILL46 ___ Dragon (1977 Disney film) : PETES50 Big dipper : LADLE51 Like some asteroids : NEAREARTH53 Hurdles for would-be doctors : ORALS54 Is cautious : TAKESCARE55 Represent : ACTAS56 Piece with a point : OPED57 Mind : HEEDDown1 Crunched stuff : DATA2 ___ Lee, activist who led the movement to make Juneteenth a federal holiday : OPAL3 Small stream : RILL4 Home to a real pipperoo of song : KALAMAZOO5 Grinchy shout : BAH6 Like participants in the rite of rumspringa : AMISH7 Present time : NOEL8 Something to wear while watching the game : SAFARIHAT9 College basketball powerhouse : HUSKIES10 Flicks, as a butt : ASHES11 Food that can be prepared quickly : SHORTORDER12 Buzzy promos : TEASERADS13 Valentino competitor, for short : YSL15 Woodstock artist : SCHULZ21 Housemate, e.g. : COTENANT23 Camping kits for preparing meals : COOKSETS25 Host of The Joy of Painting : ROSS26 Continually criticized : HAMMEREDAT27 Young haddock : SCROD29 Subject of New York Citys first public statue of a woman (1915) : JOANOFARC30 Enlists for, as an unwelcome task : ROPESINTO31 Prime minister of Ireland : TAOISEACH32 Corp. money managers : CFOS36 Good-for-nothing : USELESS37 Brownish grays : TAUPES42 Model Hadid who wore a spray-on dress at a 2022 Paris fashion show : BELLA43 Poet whose line The road of excess leads to the palace of wisdom is quoted in Bull Durham : BLAKE45 Antepenultimate word in a noted Neil Armstrong quote : LEAP47 All-Star point guard Young : TRAE48 Being, to Sartre : ETRE49 Shake off : SHED50 Mahalo nui ___ (words from a grateful Hawaiian) : LOA52 Like three-balls : REDEditors Recommendations

Strands is a brand new daily puzzle from the New York Times. A trickier take on the classic word search, youll need a keen eye to solve this puzzle.ContentsLike Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can be a bit difficult to solve some days. Theres no shame in needing a little help from time to time. If youre stuck and need to know the answers to todays Strands puzzle, check out the solved puzzle below.Recommended VideosHow to play StrandsYou start every Strands puzzle with the goal of finding the theme words hidden in the grid of letters. Manipulate letters by dragging or tapping to craft words; double-tap the final letter to confirm. If you find the correct word, the letters will be highlighted blue and will no longer be selectable.RelatedIf you find a word that isnt a theme word, it still helps! For every three non-theme words you find that are at least four letters long, youll get a hint the letters of one of the theme words will be revealed and youll just have to unscramble it.Every single letter on the grid is used to spell out the theme words and there is no overlap. Every letter will be used once, and only once.Each puzzle contains one spangram, a special theme word (or words) that describe the puzzles theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. When you find the spangram, it will be highlighted yellow.The goal should be to complete the puzzle quickly without using too many hints.Todays theme is Would you look at that?Heres a hint that might help you: things you might stop to gaze at on a roadtrip.Todays Strand answersNYTTodays spanagramWell start by giving you the spangram, which might help you figure out the theme and solve the rest of the puzzle on your own:LANDMARKSTodays Strands answersARCHBRIDGEFORTPALACEMONUMENTTOWERCASTLEEditors Recommendations

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsConnections is oneof the best puzzle games from the New York Times. The game tasks you with categorizing a pool of 16 words into four secret (for now) groups by figuring out how the words relate to each other. The puzzle resets every night at midnight and each new puzzle has a varying degree of difficulty. Just like Wordle, you can keep track of your winning streak and compare your scores with friends.ContentsSome days are trickier than others just like other NYT Games favorites The Mini and Strands. If youre having a little trouble solving todays puzzle, check out our Connections tips and tricks guide for some good strategies or check out the hints for todays Connections puzzle below. And if you still cant get it, well tell you todays answers at the very end.Recommended VideosConnections is a daily game about finding common threads between words. Players must select four groups of four words without making more than three mistakes. Play now. https://t.co/YITfSnqODb pic.twitter.com/CqObVOqeUs The New York Times (@nytimes) November 3, 2024RelatedYou can play Connections on the New York Times website or with the NYT Games app on iOS or Android.In Connections, youll be shown a grid containing 16 words your objective is to organize these words into four sets of four by identifying the connections that link them. These sets could encompass concepts like titles of video game franchises, book series sequels, shades of red, names of chain restaurants, etc.There are generally words that seem like they could fit multiple themes, but theres only one 100% correct answer. Youre able to shuffle the grid of words and rearrange them to help better see the potential connections.Each group is color-coded. The yellow group is the easiest to figure out, followed by the green, blue, and purple groups.Pick four words and hitSubmit. If youre correct, the four words will be removed from the grid and the theme connecting them will be revealed. Guess incorrectly and itll count as a mistake. You only have four mistakes available until the game ends.We can help you solve todays Connection by telling you the four themes. If you need more assistance, well also give you one word from each group below.Todays themesALLIANCECLOSE-FITTINGOCCASIONS WHEN ONE MIGHT KNEELWHAT AN APOSTROPHE MIGHT INDICATEOne-answer revealsALLIANCE ASSOCIATIONCLOSE-FITTING CLINGYOCCASIONS WHEN ONE MIGHT KNEEL APOLOGYWHAT AN APOSTROPHE MIGHT INDICATE CONTRACTIONNew York TimesStill no luck? Thats OK. This puzzle is designed to be difficult. If you just want to see todays Connections answer, weve got you covered below:ALLIANCE ASSOCIATION, GUILD, LEAGUE, UNIONCLOSE-FITTING CLINGY, SLEEK, SLINKY, SNUGOCCASIONS WHEN ONE MIGHT KNEEL APOLOGY, DUBBING, PRAYER, PROPOSALWHAT AN APOSTROPHE MIGHT INDICATE CONTRACTION, FOOT, POSSESSIVE, QUOTATIONConnectionsgrids vary widely and change every day. If you couldnt solve todays puzzle, be sure to check back in tomorrow.What time does the Connections puzzle change?The puzzle changes daily at midnight local time.Who edits the NYT Connections game?Wyna Liu, who has been editing puzzles at The New York Times since 2020, edits Connections daily.A few months ago, a new assignment crossed my desk: Create the game boards for Connections, a category matching game that had recently been greenlighted and was in search of an editor, wrote Liu in an article explaining her process in June 2024. Most of my puzzle experience has been working with crosswords, and I was excited at the chance to try something different. Ive enjoyed learning how puzzle editing plays out once a game is greenlighted, and seeing how our team fits into a larger ecosystem.On the one-year anniversary of Connections launching earlier this year, Liu posted this TikTok about her favorite puzzles so far:@thegamesteam ? happy one year anniversary to connections, our newest official NYT game ? #nytgames #nytconnections #nyt The Kite Live by Luisa Marion luisa_marion_musicEditors Recommendations

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsLove crossword puzzles but dont have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? Thats what The Mini is for!A bite-sized version of the New York Times well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isnt always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt.Recommended VideosJust like ourWordle hints and Connections hints, were here to help with The Mini today if youre stuck and need a little help.RelatedBelow are the answers for the NYT Mini crossword today.New York TimesAcrossNurses, as a drink SIPSExtremely, in California slang HELLASeasonal reason for sneezin POLLENCourse load? GOLFBAGTreaty co-signers ALLIESOlympic shooting sport with clay targets SKEETScores of 3, 4 and 5, typically PARSDownMany pics taken on Snapchat SELFIESOoookay sure you did ILLBETGuilty and not guilty PLEASRocked out at karaoke night SANGGive a yell HOLLERMusic played at a German beer garden POKLASound in the audience during a horror film, maybe GASPEditors Recommendations

Netflix has occasionally neglected its lineup of thrillers, but November has two very worthy additions. The first is Michael Manns Collateral, a stylish crime thriller that debuted 20 years ago. Angelina Jolies Salt is the second addition, and its one of her best action thrillers. At 14 years old, Salt is also older than most of the movies on Netflix, but it holds up very well.Additionally, Netflix is the current streaming home for Alfred Hitchcocks Psycho, Red Dragon, and a lot of other thriller movies as well. So dont hold yourself in suspense any longer, because these films and more are among the best thrillers on Netflix right now.Recommended VideosWeve also rounded up the best thrillers on Amazon Prime Videoand the best thrillers on Hulu if Netflix doesnt have what youre looking for.RelatedNeed more recommendations? Then check out the best new movies to stream this week, the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.Recently added to NetflixCollateralr2004Saltr2010

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsLove crossword puzzles but dont have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? Thats what The Mini is for!A bite-sized version of the New York Times well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isnt always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt.Recommended VideosJust like ourWordle hints and Connections hints, were here to help with The Mini today if youre stuck and need a little help.RelatedBelow are the answers for the NYT Mini crossword today.New York TimesAcrossNurses, as a drink SIPSExtremely, in California slang HELLASeasonal reason for sneezin POLLENCourse load? GOLFBAGTreaty co-signers ALLIESOlympic shooting sport with clay targets SKEETScores of 3, 4 and 5, typically PARSDownMany pics taken on Snapchat SELFIESOoookay sure you did ILLBETGuilty and not guilty PLEASRocked out at karaoke night SANGGive a yell HOLLERMusic played at a German beer garden POKLASound in the audience during a horror film, maybe GASPEditors Recommendations

Netflix has been hyping up the Mike Tyson versus Jake Paul boxing match for months as one of the biggest streaming events in the companys history. But if tonights performance is any indication of what Netflixs sports streaming will look like, then the company is in trouble. From the start, the live stream has been hit with severe technical glitches, loss of sound, and very slow feeds during reload attempts.The only good news so far is that Netflix hasnt completely crashed. The glitch-filled performance suggests that Netflix successfully drew a large audience to stream the fight. But this isnt the first time that Netflixs streaming capabilities have been severely strained during a live broadcast. Fans on social media have been extremely vocal with their displeasure.Recommended VideosThings are going bad to worse. #netflix #tysonpaul pic.twitter.com/sjJutpr1Zq Dave Portnoy (@stoolpresidente) November 16, 2024RelatedAs of the writing of this post, the main event hasnt started. So theres still a chance that Netflix can salvage the broadcast if the Tyson versus Paul bout isnt interrupted by any of these technical problems. But given the way that the evening has already gone, that seems unlikely.This calls into question Netflixs ability to pivot to live sports, including this years NFL Christmas games. And while WWE wrestling is not a sport, Netflix has also committed a large amount of money to begin streaming WWE Raw beginning in January 2025. That sports entertainment broadcast is regularly two to three hours long, and doesnt have these kinds of problems on USA Network. If Netflix cant figure out its live-streaming issues before Raw premieres, then the backlash from tonights Paul versus Tyson fight will pale in comparison.Editors Recommendations