Author Wojtek: The Soldier Bear is a narrative-driven real-time strategy (RTS) game inspired by the true story of a Syrian bear adopted by Polish soldiers during World War II. Wojtek didn’t just march with the army — he helped carry artillery shells during the Battle of Monte Cassino, becoming a symbol of courage, loyalty, and the absurd humanity of war.This game combines:- Real-Time Strategy gameplay: Manage Polish II Corps across real WWII battles- Character-driven storytelling: Experience Wojtek’s life and bond with his unit- Humorous and heartfelt minigames: Wrestling, stealing food, building morale, etc.Our mission is to create an emotionally impactful, historically grounded indie game that honors Wojtek’s story while delivering a meaningful player experience.💼 TEAM STRUCTURE & ROLES NEEDEDWe are forming a focused team to build a playable MVP (Minimum Viable Product) over 8–12 months. This version will serve as the foundation for attracting publishers, securing grants, or launching a crowdfunding campaign.🧠 Core Roles to FillRole    DescriptionUnity Developer (1–2)    Build RTS systems, minigame logic, and gameplay framework3D Artist / Animator (1–2)    Model & animate Wojtek (growth stages), soldiers, props, and environmentsUI/UX Designer (1)    Create intuitive HUDs and interfaces for RTS and narrative segmentsGame Designer (1)    Co-create mechanics, systems, and minigame logicSound Designer / Composer (1)    Create ambient effects and original Polish-themed scoreNarrative Designer / Writer (1)    Script cutscenes, minigame dialogues, soldier interactionsProducer / Assistant PM (optional)    Assist in task planning and workflow (Damian leads core management)​💰 COMPENSATION MODEL: REVENUE-SHARE + PAID OPTIONSWe offer two paths for team members based on your preference and availability:🅐 Revenue-Share Model   Profit-sharing based on contribution and responsibility.   Simple, signed agreement with transparency and trust.   Revenue begins from first monetization event (sales, crowdfunding, grants).🅑 Paid Role (Upfront Fee)   For highly skilled or experienced contributors who prefer standard contract work.   Limited budget available — will prioritize candidates offering strong value to the MVP.   Pay rate and deliverables to be negotiated individually.You can even combine both — reduced rate + revenue share, if you’re open to collaboration but want some upfront compensation for stability.🛠️ TECHNICAL INFO   Engine: Unity (target MVP build).   Platform: PC (Steam-first), future console/education options.   Visual Style: Stylized realism (low-mid poly).   Scope of MVP:       1 playable battle (Monte Cassino)       2–3 minigames (wrestling, carrying supplies, camp antics).       Beginning of Wojtek’s narrative arc.🔍 WHO WE’RE LOOKING FORYou might be a great fit if you:   Are passionate about meaningful storytelling or historical themes.   Want to collaborate creatively on a tight-knit remote team.   Are looking to build a powerful portfolio piece or take on a leadership opportunity.   Can reliably commit 5–10 hours/week with transparency and communication.📬 HOW TO APPLYMessage Damian (Project Creator) with:   Your role of interest.   Portfolio, experience, or anything showing your work.   Your compensation preference (profit-share, paid, or hybrid).   Weekly availability and motivation for joining.🙌 BONUS PERKS   Be part of telling one of the most unique real WWII stories.   Build a game with real emotional and historical value.   Get credited, featured, and involved in future funding/promo efforts.   Potential to join educational or museum outreach post-release.Let’s build something real, together.🐾 Wojtek would approve.​With best regards,Damian "AZ" Andruszkiewicz Damian!What an exciting project! The world certainly needs more good RTS games!! My name is Elben Schutte, or just Ben for short, and I am the senior composer for video games at Pressure Cooker Studios. Without getting into too much of a “hard sell” , we have built a kickass, tight-knit team of music composers and sound designers ready and willing to build epic experiences with passionate people. Our studio is based in Cape Town, South Africa. We have a beautiful facility consisting of two floors, which includes around 12 composition/design suites, an atmos cinema room, 2 additional mix rooms, a beautiful live recording room, 2 vocal/voice-over booths, and a newly built foley stage with pits. I want to thank you for your very well-rounded and detailed message above! Please allow me to answer some of your application points:  Message Damian (Project Creator) with:   Your role of interest. Making things sound epic with music and sound 🙂    Portfolio, experience, or anything showing your work.Our roots are the film industry, so story-telling is in our DNA. We have recently and enthusiastically broadened our scope into the gaming sphere, and some of our projects include Manor Lords (I was lead composer), Ancient Dungeon VR and Semblance. We have quite a few portfolio pieces in the film space, and have worked with companies like Paramount, Netflix, Amazon and more!    Your compensation preference (profit-share, paid, or hybrid).We are definitely open to negotiation on this. We want to do what makes sense for the project and get to a place where everyone is transparent and happy, so we can make cool shit together 🙂    Weekly availability and motivation for joining. Our weekly availability will largely be determined by our schedule. We have a team, and we believe in pairing the right talent with the right project. I would certainly be interested in leading a project for an RTS, I'm a massive fan of the genre! Once we are in a place to lock in the project potentially, we will put it in our pipeline and make sure that whoever you need would be available, when you need them. 🙌 BONUS PERKS   Be part of telling one of the most unique real WWII stories. Well, I grew up playing red alert, and dig company of heroes! I do love a good WW11 story - and would be excited to bring such a world to life.    Build a game with real emotional and historical value.Through my experience with Manor Lords, I have learned how to sweat the details when it comes to historical accuracy and authenticity. I had a great teacher in SlavicMagic on the subject, he was extremely focused on the finer details of historical accuracy. As far as the emotional component, WW11 is such a rich area to draw from when it comes to gritty tales and heart-wrenching experiences.    Get credited, featured, and involved in future funding/promo efforts.All for it. We did a bunch for Manor Lords, including our interviews at Air studios when we recorded the orchestra (you can see me in that interview🙂). I also did a talk at Devcom last year on creating an authentic sonic world.    Potential to join educational or museum outreach post-release.I am not really sure what this means, but it sounds cool! Let’s build something real, together. Agreed!! I would really dig to open a dialogue with you and your team to explore what a possible collaboration could look like between us, and to see where our team could add value. We are open to discuss any and all audio needs you might have, including implementation and writing epic cinematics etc, along with any other needs for music and sound design. Looking forward to your response! Best RegardsBen  Advertisement Damian! What an exciting project! The world certainly needs more good RTS games!!My name is Elben Schutte, or just Ben for short, and I am the senior composer for video games at Pressure Cooker Studios. Without getting into too much of a “hard sell” , we have built a kickass, tight-knit team of music composers and sound designers ready and willing to build epic experiences with passionate people. Our studio is based in Cape Town, South Africa. We have a beautiful facility consisting of two floors, which includes around 12 composition/design suites, an atmos cinema room, 2 additional mix rooms, a beautiful live recording room, 2 vocal/voice-over booths, and a newly built foley stage with pits.I want to thank you for your very well-rounded and detailed message above! Please allow me to answer some of your application points: Your role of interest.Making things sound epic with music and sound 🙂 Portfolio, experience, or anything showing your work.Our roots are the film industry, so story-telling is in our DNA. We have recently and enthusiastically broadened our scope into the gaming sphere, and some of our projects include Manor Lords (I was lead composer), Ancient Dungeon VR and Semblance. We have quite a few portfolio pieces in the film space, and have worked with companies like Paramount, Netflix, Amazon and more!Your compensation preference (profit-share, paid, or hybrid).We are definitely open to negotiation on this. We want to do what makes sense for the project and get to a place where everyone is transparent and happy, so we can make cool shit together 🙂Weekly availability and motivation for joining.Our weekly availability will largely be determined by our schedule. We have a team, and we believe in pairing the right talent with the right project. I would certainly be interested in leading a project for an RTS, I'm a massive fan of the genre! Once we are in a place to lock in the project potentially, we will put it in our pipeline and make sure that whoever you need would be available, when you need them.BONUS PERKSBe part of telling one of the most unique real WWII stories.Well, I grew up playing red alert, and dig company of heroes! I do love a good WW11 story - and would be excited to bring such a world to life.Build a game with real emotional and historical value.Through my experience with Manor Lords, I have learned how to sweat the details when it comes to historical accuracy and authenticity. I had a great teacher in SlavicMagic on the subject, he was extremely focused on the finer details of historical accuracy. As far as the emotional component, WW11 is such a rich area to draw from when it comes to gritty tales and heart-wrenching experiences. Get credited, featured, and involved in future funding/promo efforts.All for it. We did a bunch for Manor Lords, including our interviews at Air studios when we recorded the orchestra (you can see me in that interview 🙂). I also did a talk at Devcom last year on creating an authentic sonic world. Potential to join educational or museum outreach post-release.I am not really sure what this means, but it sounds cool!Let’s build something real, together.Agreed!!I would really dig to open a dialogue with you and your team to explore what a possible collaboration could look like between us, and to see where our team could add value. We are open to discuss any and all audio needs you might have, including implementation and writing epic cinematics etc, along with any other needs for music and sound design.Looking forward to your response!Best Regards,Ben 

“Can’t you do better than that?” This is one of the many legendary taunts offered up by victory screens in 1991’s Street Fighter II—in this case by E. Honda, a sumo wrestler who proves to be a surprisingly good boxer—but it probably refers to the opinions of a lot of gamers about the two live-action Street Fighter movies that have so far been made. Despite the iconic fighting video game series being one of the touchstones of ’90s gaming culture, and one which still produces genre-shaping hits as indicated by 2023’s Street Fighter 6, Hollywood has struggled to make a good movie out of the franchise. That might be changing if Legendary Pictures has anything to do with it. The studio behind the American Godzilla and Kong “MonsterVerse” movies is visibly moving forward with their new take on a big screen Street Fighter, and as first reported by Deadline, they have the growing cast to prove it. As per the trade site, Andre Koji, Noah Centineo, Roman Reigns, and no less than Jason Momoa have been cast in undisclosed roles in the film. Furthermore, the film is slated to be directed by Kitao Sakurai (Bad Trip). Obviously this will prove to be just the beginning of an ensemble that has plenty of space to grow—the original and still most influential Street Fighter II game features 12 characters alone in its most base version—but already from these four male leads, we get an idea of who might be the main characters for the new cinematic interpretation… as well as perhaps what direction the series could be taking. Andrew Koji Let’s start with the most obvious bit of casting: Andrew Koji is almost certainly intended to play Ryu, the Street Fighter franchise’s closest thing to a protagonist and hero. Video gamers might be most familiar with Koji from playing the villainous Storm Shadow opposite Henry Golding in 2021’s Snake Eyes movie, but the British Koji has some real martial arts bonafides in his career after starring in Cinemax’s Warrior where Koji portrayed Ah Sahm, a character that was once the dream role of Bruce Lee. He also appeared as an assassin opposite Brad Pitt in Bullet Train. In addition to Koji’s Japanese heritage, his casting as Ryu makes sense after Hollywood bizarrely sidelined the fan favorite character in previous adaptations. While the 1994 film is a kitschy camp classic in some circles, many still have frustration over Capcom choosing to make the main character all-American soldier Col. William Guile (likely to appeal to the American box office at the time). Ryu was played in that Steven E. de Souza movie by Byron Mann, but also as something of a sidekick to not only Guile but also the other American character, Ken Masters (Damian Chapa). And none of the above characters appeared at all in the other Hollywood Street Fighter movie, Street Fighter: The Legend of Chun-Li (2009). So this is a chance to put the Hollywood lens where it always belonged… Noah Centineo Speaking of Ryu and Ken though, you cannot have one without the other. Usually depicted in the fighting games as BFFs (though not always), these respective Japanese and American playable characters act as doppelgängers with many of the same moves and power sets, including the beloved hadouken. So the young American Centineo, who is perhaps best known for appearing in Netflix’s To All the Boys I Love trilogy—as well as the Disney Channel’s Austin & Ally and as the superhero Atom Smasher in Dwayne Johnson’s Black Adam—makes perfect sense as Ken. More headstrong and arrogant than Ryu, Ken is a proper yankee foil to the stoic hero of the story, and the opportunity for a screenwriter to really play up some bromance dynamics. Jason Momoa Now we come to what is obviously the biggest name casting in the film, and where speculation gets a little harder. Who is Jason Momoa, the once and future DC actor with both Aquaman and Lobo on his resume, going to play? We don’t know for certain, but Jimmy Blanka seems like an obviously good guess. In the games, Blanka was a nominally human character until a plane crash in the Brazil rainforest somehow(!) resulted in a mutation that turned Blanka’s skin lime green, his hair orange, and his teeth into fangs. Even his blood is now charged by the shock of lightning! Look…. folks took video game storylines and lore a lot less seriouslyGame of Thrones or more recently Lobo. Granted, he also is now the family friendly face of another video game franchise for all ages via Minecraft, but we think Street Fighter will be a chance for him to return to his more familiar well with a new generation of budding action aficionados. Join our mailing list Get the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox! Roman Reigns Finally we come to the most difficult piece of casting to wrap our heads around: WWE wrestler and former footballer Roman Reigns. The Georgia Tech alumni has been cast in an undisclosed role which offers a lot of possibilities, and it’s worth noting that the first wave of casting has not included any obvious choice for one of the Street Fighter franchise’s biggest villains: M. Bison and Viktor Sagat. Reigns could easily become a clean shaven Bison. But we suspect the American entertainer will be cast as the all-American Col. Guile instead. While it seems likely the new Street Fighter will seek to avoid the mistakes of the 1994 movie’s reputation, including by supplanting the Japanese Ryu with the American Guile (and then strangely insisting on casting a Belgian in the role), Guile is still a fan favorite. And again, once Reigns shaves the beard and trades in long locks for a platinum mane, he could certainly pass for a square-jawed hero. And who knows, maybe if the new Street Fighter follows the original games’ fighting tournament setup, the film might even begin with Guile taking a beating from Ken and Ryu? That would establish this no longer Jean-Claude Van Damme’s kind of action movie… *Editor’s Note: While no casting is confirmed after press time Jeff Sneider has reported that Reigns is actually cast as Akuma, a hidden final boss from a later iteration of Street Fighter II. It would make sense to cast Reigns as a villain, however it is worth noting Akuma is Japanese in the video game. The new Street Fighter movie does not currently have a release date.

The Jet Li Collection (4K Blu-ray) $107 (was $130) | Releases July 29 Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Walmart If there was a Mount Rushmore of action stars, you can bet that Jet Li's face would be on it. A legend of Hong Kong's golden age of filmmaking and the star of several cult-classic Hollywood movies, Jet Li's movies are as enjoyable today as they were over 30 years ago. Five of the best Jet Li movies are being collected in a new 4K Blu-ray box set. Preorders for The Jet Li Collection opened in April, and now Amazon and Walmart are offering a nice discount that drops the price to $107 (was $130).If you already preordered a copy at full price, the new discount will automatically be applied to your order when Amazon or Walmart charges your payment method. Both retailers wait until preorders ship to charge, so if the price drops even lower before The Jet Li Collection's July 29 release, you'll be eligible for additional discounts thanks to the preorder price guarantee. The Jet Li Collection (4K Blu-ray) $107 (was $130) | Releases July 29 This collection is part of Shout Factory's new Hong Kong Cinema Classics line, and inside, you'll find the following movies on 4K Blu-ray and 1080p Blu-ray.Fist of LegendTai Chi MasterFong Sai Yuk AKA The LegendFong Sai Yuk 2 AKA The Legend 2The Bodyguard from BeijingEach movie is a new 4K restoration from the original film negatives, and they all come with brand-new extras. Not every movie here offers a massive number of bonus materials, but there's still a lot to dive into overall. You can check out all of the special features at the end of this story. Preorder at Amazon Preorder at Walmart These movies are essentially a highlight reel of Li's career during the '90s, with three of them being filmed in 1993 alone. Earlier films like Once Upon a Time in China and Swordsman 2 helped turn him into a rising star thanks to his talent and well-choreographed fight scenes, and the Fong Sai Yuk movies--known as The Legend and The Legend 2 in the US--alongside Tai Chi Master showcased more of his graceful ability to smash faces. Fast-forward to 1994, and Li's work on The Bodyguard from Beijing and Fist of Legend were two more instant classics that garnered international praise.Continue Reading at GameSpot

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Xbox exclusive cinematic adventure game Senua’s Sage: Hellblade 2 is making the jump from Xbox Series to PS5 in a new Enhanced Edition port. Following the likes of Indiana Jones, Forza Horizon 5 and, surprisingly, Gears of War, the gorgeous Ninja Theory game is making its PlayStation debut. Announced by Ninja Theory and Xbox, the stunning Hellblade sequel will be playable on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro with a slew of new features. Xbox and PC owners will also receive all the Enhanced Edition features as a free update. Hellblade 2: Enhanced Edition announced Announced on the one-year anniversary of the game, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2 Enhanced Edition will release sometime this Summer. The new version of the game will include “some new features”. Studio head Dom Matthews confirmed that the new version of the game is “optimised for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 5 Pro”, teasing further enhancements for Sony’s more powerful console. Other than that, Ninja Theory has not confirmed any specific enhancements for the new version of the game. It’s not known if there will be any additional story content or optional combat/puzzle arenas, just “added features and immersive haptic feedback”. “We have such incredible fans of Ninja Theory on PlayStation going all the way back to the days of Heavenly Sword,” Matthews said in the announcement video. “And we’re so pleased that we can welcome PlayStation fans back to Senua’s story.” Ninja Theory does have a storied history with PlayStation hardware. The aforementioned Heavenly Sword was a key title for the PlayStation 3 and proved very popular (despite being a bit on the rough side). Now that the studio is owned by Xbox, many gamers assumed its new releases would be exclusive to PC and Series consoles. However, just like pretty much everything outside of Halo, that’s not the case. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Platform(s): PC, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X Genre(s): Action, Action Adventure Subscribe to our newsletters! By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime. Share

Luxury has always been a moving target – one minute defined by mechanical prowess and the next by minimalist interiors or digital interfaces. In a time of AI advancements, relentless upgrades, and short attention spans, Lexus is betting on something more timeless: emotion. Their new brand platform, The Standard of Amazing, is less a tagline and more a philosophical pivot. Developed in collaboration with creative agency Team One, the platform builds on the Japanese marque's legacy of precision (The Pursuit of Perfection) and experience-led design (Experience Amazing) while introducing a bolder, more unified purpose to make every touchpoint resonate. At its core, The Standard of Amazing is a statement of intent—not just that Lexus vehicles should deliver excellence but that they should stir an unmistakable emotional response in the driver. As Chris Graves, chief creative officer at Team One, puts it, "By re-establishing the driver at the centre, Lexus is ensuring that innovation doesn't come at the cost of emotional connection." The launch follows a strong product run. Recent models like the IS, RX, TX, and the radically reimagined GX have all injected fresh energy into the brand. That momentum gave Team One the opportunity to evolve Lexus' story. Executive creative director Jason Stinsmuehlen explains, "Lexus had come off a series of incredible years of record sales and model success… We had a unique opportunity to build upon recent product momentum and drive overall brand desire." This is about standards as much as it's about desire, though. While Experience Amazing first signalled a shift from engineering excellence to emotional engagement, it was never fully launched with a comprehensive brand campaign. This new platform finally gives it the scale and clarity to land. "We wanted to reintroduce the line with a new POV," Jason continues, "that with 'Amazing' there are no half measures… If an automobile doesn't make you feel something, it stops short of amazing." That sentiment drives the creative thinking across the campaign, from a cinematic 30-second spot titled No Such Thing to expansive OOH placements rolling out in cities like LA, New York, Chicago and Miami this summer. Directed by Johan Renck, the film blends sweeping visuals with intimate moments, portraying a series of high-standard individuals, each hard to impress, each moved by a Lexus. "Our goal was to show a swath of humanity that has almost impossible standards for themselves and for the things they own," says Jason. "A Lexus Driver is someone you must bring your A-Game to impress." The imagery is equally considered in print and outdoors. Photographer Clemens Asher was brought in to capture vehicles not just as objects but as emotional catalysts. The message is clear: Beauty is nothing without meaning, and performance is incomplete without feeling. Underpinning the visuals is a design philosophy defined by three tonal filters: Modern, Elevated, and Human. "If any choice we made missed any of those marks, we recalibrated," says Jason. From colour grading and casting to cinematography, every element was refined to ensure it landed not just aspirationally but with emotional clarity. That human-centric approach is mirrored in the product storytelling. Rather than speak only to specs, the campaign explores how each model creates a different emotional response. The RC might channel confidence, the RX comfort, and the LC pure exhilaration. Lexus' famed Takumi craftspeople and racing teams are also brought into the narrative, not as behind-the-scenes technicians but as emotional engineers. Even the smallest sensory details, like the sound of a door closing or the torque of a dial, are positioned as tools for connection. "Lexus has always considered and anticipated what people need," Jason explains. "The question is, can it serve a higher emotional function? Can a car not just unlock itself for the driver, but actually know the driver and customise itself for them?" That framing is particularly important given the campaign's target: a new generation of luxury buyers who expect more than status. These consumers seek purpose, feeling, and alignment with their values. Crucially, Lexus doesn't need to reinvent the wheel to reach them. "The happy truth is the Lexus lineup is already aimed at this generation," says Jason. "Models like the TX, GX and IS just need their stories authentically told—and the next generation is lining up to buy them." The development of The Standard of Amazing also marks a new level of collaboration between Lexus and Team One. "There has never been more fruitful collaboration across the myriad groups within Lexus and Team One," Jason says. "Our director talked directly to our clients. The lines were blurred like never before. We were on a mission." That mission isn't confined to one campaign, either. The Standard of Amazing will underpin Lexus' marketing, product launches, sales events, and digital touchpoints moving forward.

In this episode of the fxpodcast, we speak with David Schneider, senior DFX supervisor, and Jane Hayen, 2D supervisor from Union VFX, to discuss their extensive visual effects work on the USS Callister episode for Black Mirror season 7. From spacecraft interiors to stylised teleportation and frenetic dogfights in deep space, the duo outlined how their team brought The USS Callister back with upgraded tech, intricate referencing to the original episode, and a keen eye for the audience’s expectations. In addition to the audio podcast, we’ve been creating YouTube videos of many of our fxpodcast episodes and this one is available in video form as well. Returning to the world of Black Mirror’s iconic “USS Callister,” the latest Season 7 installment pushes visual storytelling into new territory. With over 215 shots, 50 of which are fully CGI. Union VFX stepped in to bring the pixel-perfect dystopia to life. The episode features some of the studio’s most ambitious work to date, blending nostalgic retro-futurism with cutting-edge CG in a cinematic-scale production that feels more like a feature film than episodic television. Referencing the Original While Evolving the Visual Language One of the standout aspects of Union VFX’s approach was the conscious effort to bridge the look and feel of the original Season 4 Callister episode while modernising its visual language. “We were always referencing back,” said Hayen. “Even small things like lens flares had to match. The original had a slightly vintage aesthetic; this one leaned more into a stylised video game feel.” With Framestore having crafted the original ship assets, Union VFX inherited and upgraded these elements. “We reused the Calister’s CG model and textures from Framestore,” Schneider explained. “But a big chunk of our work was new, especially around the ‘Heart of Infinity,’ which didn’t exist before and needed to evolve into something iconic.” Building the Heart of Infinity and Space Combat At the narrative (and logical) core of the episode is the Heart of Infinity, a massive, ominous space structure concealing a digital ghost. Union VFX collaborated closely with director Toby Haynes and Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker on its concept. The final asset, which is a gyroscopic megastructure secretly built from computer parts, underwent several iterations. “You only really notice it’s made of CPUs and circuit boards when you get close,” said Schneider. “We had three levels of detail, from wide establishing shots down to intense dogfighting sequences, where you see ships weaving through CPU rings.” Previsualization played a key role but the sequences still remained fluid. “Charlie and Toby are very iterative,” Schneider noted. “Some previs translated straight to screen. Other scenes evolved considerably, especially once the action choreography changed.” LED Walls, Cockpits, and Interactive Light Set lighting was another carefully managed component, especially for cockpit shots. “The bridge had a large LED wall behind the viewport,” Hayen said. Union VFX contributed pre-rendered loops of space backdrops, hyperspace tunnels, and planets, offering real-time interactivity for both lighting and actor eyelines. “Those LED plates ended up as final pixels in many shots,” Schneider added. “But where designs weren’t finalized, we reverted to green screens and post-comp.” To sell realism, cockpit sets were built practically with motion rigs and rotating light arms. “You really see the lighting interact with the cast’s faces,” said Hayen. “That kind of contact lighting sells it far better than trying to fake everything in post.” Controlling the LED wall with an iPAD Stylized Teleportation and Video Game Visuals The entire show leans heavily into video game aesthetics, not just in narrative but also in design. “The teleporting effect was intentionally layered,” said Schneider. “We started with chunky voxel blocks building up, refining into wireframe, then finally resolving into the real actor’s plate.” That low-to-high-res visual progression mimics game asset loading and nods to gaming history, a detail the team enjoyed threading through. In space battles, color-coded neon strips on ships offered a “Tron-meets-retro” visual shorthand. “You always knew which character was flying which ship,” said Hayen. “It really helped storytelling.” Tools of the Trade Union’s 3D pipeline ran on Arnold, with compositing handled in Nuke. “We leaned heavily on Optical Flares for all the over-the-top lensing,” said Hayen. “It’s a compositor’s dream.” While The Foundry’s CopyCat machine learning tool is gaining traction for rotoscoping and cleanup, it was used minimally here. “We’ve used it on other shows,” said Schneider. “But USS Callister needed more bespoke solutions.” High Expectations, Met With Precision Following the acclaimed first Black Mirror episode, Union VFX was keenly aware of the scrutiny this sequel would attract. “Framestore’s work was brilliant,” said Schneider. “We had to meet, if not exceed, the visual standard they set—especially with tech evolving in the years since.” Fortunately, the combination of intricate design, strong creative collaboration, and technical precision delivered an episode that both honours its predecessor and pushes the story forward. “It was a real joy to work on,” said Hayen. “And yes, a bit of a dream job too.”

Google’s latest Android 16 beta adds a bunch of new wallpaper and lock screen options for Pixel phones, including live-updating weather animations and a feature that automatically frames subjects of photos within a variety of bubbly shapes.When you select an image to use as a wallpaper in the beta, you can tap the sparkly collection of starbursts that has become the de facto symbol for AI features to access the new effects. One of them, “Shape,” washes your screen in a solid color, with a punchout frame in the middle centered on the subject of your photo, be it a person, animal, or object. You can choose from five different shape options: a slanted oval, rounded rectangle, an arched opening, a flowery shape, and a hexagon. It’s a little like the iOS “Depth Effect” feature that partially obscures the clock on your lock screen with a person’s head.Android 16 automatically chooses a subject for its “Shapes” wallpaper effect. Screenshot: Dominic Preston / The VergeRight now, your phone picks what part of the image should be the subject, with no option to resize or reposition it. In a picture of two cats that my colleague Dominic Preston tried, the phone automatically centered the frame on one of the cats, with no option to use the other instead.A new “Weather” option interacts with the subject of your photo, like by pelting them with raindrops or wrapping them in fog. The default choice, “Local,” changes the effect depending on nearby weather conditions, but you can pick fog, rain, snow, or sun if you’d rather use one persistent effect. These options join the previous “Cinematic” wallpaper mode that automatically creates a parallax effect, moving your subject around the background of the image when you tilt your phone. That feature is now activated with a toggle labeled “Add 3D motion to this photo” and produced slightly different results when I tried it out with the same image.Google is also testing updates to the lock screen, including offering more control over what notifications appear there. For instance, the beta now has a toggle for “Show seen notifications” that, when turned off, will hide notifications you’ve already seen.Finally, 9to5Google spotted that a blog post from Google’s I/O conference offers a look at its “Live Updates” feature, which, like iOS’s Live Activities, presents live-updating lock screen elements showing you when, say, your Uber driver is arriving. In the GIF above, you can see what aspects like its progress bar and time estimates will look like.See More:

Avengers: Doomsday has a loaded ensemble filled with some of the biggest stars in the Marvel Cinematic Universe from a wide range of movies. That includes Paul Rudd from the Ant-Man trilogy, who will be reprising his role once again. This is likely to see him involved in a new-look version of The Avengers under Sam Wilson's leadership.

Portable technology has evolved far beyond simple convenience. In 2025, designers and engineers are crafting devices that fit easily in your bag or pocket and also seamlessly blend innovation, style, and performance. The modern consumer demands more than just portability—they want devices that bring delight, spark creativity, and make everyday life smarter and more enjoyable. We have picked five impressive designs that set new benchmarks in their respective categories. We’re spotlighting a vibrant, hyper-compact laptop that brings a playful twist to work and creativity; a rugged, eco-friendly Bluetooth speaker designed for audiophiles who crave both sound quality and sustainability; and a trailblazing portable projector that brings true 4K cinema to the outdoors with industry-first cooling technology. 1. a_77 laptop In a market crowded with lookalike laptops, the a_77 is a breath of fresh air for mobile computing. Created by Braz de Pina, this device puts the keyboard at the heart of its design, resulting in a super-compact, visually vibrant laptop that strips away the unnecessary. The 65% keyboard layout dictates the overall footprint, making room only for what matters: a tactile typing experience, a responsive touch display, and essential navigation tools. The screen is small and nearly square, while the keyboard features unique touches like a standout power button and a dedicated CoPilot key for productivity. This laptop’s playful, colorful aesthetic is matched by thoughtful usability, making it a great choice for digital nomads, students, or anyone who values portability and a bit of fun in their tech. What we like Exceptionally portable and fun design. Smart, space-saving keyboard. What we dislike The screen could feel cramped. It may not appeal to traditionalists. 2. Dockcase 7-in-1 Hub The Dockcase 7-in-1 Hub redefines what a USB-C hub can be, introducing a blend of cutting-edge functionality and sleek design. Moving beyond basic connectivity, this accessory features a robust metallic chassis and an integrated touchscreen dashboard that brings an entirely new level of control to your workflow. Designed with the needs of demanding users in mind, it supports high-speed data transfers, external storage solutions, and simultaneous connections for multiple devices. At the heart of the Dockcase is its interactive display, which provides live updates on transfer speeds, power delivery, and SSD status. This real-time information gives users a clear overview of their setup, making it feel like a compact command center for all their connected tech. The hub is equipped with a variety of ports, including a 10 Gbps USB-C host connection, HDMI output capable of 4K at 120Hz, and slots for UHS-II SD and TF cards, making it as versatile as it is powerful. What we like Wide range of connectivity options, perfect for professionals who multitask and need reliable, high-speed access. The sturdy metal body ensures long-lasting durability, especially for frequent travelers. What we dislike The advanced features and detailed dashboard may be more complex than necessary for users who prefer straightforward, plug-and-play hubs. 3. B&O Beosound A1 3rd Generation For those who want their music to sound great wherever they are, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 3rd Generation sets a new standard for portable audio. This Bluetooth speaker takes the familiar, compact puck design and refines it with a focus on durability, rich sound, and sustainability. Its IP67 water and dust resistance make it suitable for any environment, from beach trips to rainy hikes. Under the hood, you’ll find a modular battery system that extends the product’s lifespan, plus a five-year warranty and Cradle to Cradle certification—the first for a Bluetooth speaker—demonstrating a serious commitment to eco-friendly design. Sound quality is impressive and immersive, easily filling a room or outdoor space, and the build feels solid enough for years of use. What we like Offers stunning sound and a sturdy build. Features a swappable battery, long warranty, and eco-friendly certification for guilt-free listening. What we dislike Costs significantly more than other portable speakers, which could be a dealbreaker for some. Focuses on music playback without voice assistants or advanced connectivity options found in some competitors. 4. NEBULA X Portable projectors often struggle to balance image quality and reliability in a compact package, but the Nebula X1 changes the game. This device is engineered for mobility without compromise, boasting a triple-laser system for true 4K UHD visuals and 3,500 ANSI lumens brightness—enough to project a crisp, vivid image on screens up to 300 inches. The star feature is its integrated liquid cooling, a technology rarely seen on portable gear, which keeps the projector running cool and quiet even during extended sessions. With Dolby Vision support, colors are rich and contrast is striking, allowing for true cinema experiences indoors or out. Despite its power, the X1 remains easy to carry, fitting neatly into a backpack for movie nights, presentations, or gaming anywhere. What we like Triple-laser tech and high brightness deliver sharp, vivid visuals even in challenging lighting. Liquid cooling ensures consistent performance and quiet operation during long viewing sessions. What we dislike Advanced features can drain battery faster, so extended use may require access to power. Premium features and performance come with a higher price tag, best suited for dedicated users. 5. Cylin The Cylin transforms the idea of portable computing by uniting a mouse, keyboard, and AR glasses in a sleek cylindrical form. Addressing the challenges of today’s AR setups, the Cylin is engineered for flexibility, making it suitable for everything from streaming videos to tackling professional writing projects on the go. Its scroll-inspired design features a dedicated compartment for AR glasses, a fold-out keyboard for typing, and an integrated mouse for effortless navigation. By merging tangible controls with advanced AR technology, the Cylin delivers a fluid and intuitive user experience without compromising on size or mobility. This all-in-one device streamlines digital tasks and introduces a forward-thinking approach to portable tech, offering users both convenience and state-of-the-art capabilities in any setting. What we like Integrates AR glasses and essential computing peripherals into a travel-friendly device. Adapts easily to a variety of work and entertainment environments. What we dislike Not yet available on the consumer market. The novel interface may require an adjustment period for new users. The post 5 Best Portable Tech Designs For Power, Play & Productivity Anywhere first appeared on Yanko Design.

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.Streaming services have basically come full circle: What started as a cheap alternative to cable TV has become an expensive monthly cost in its own right, as price hikes and crackdowns on password sharing have made subscribing to multiple streaming services just as expensive, if not more so, than some conventional cable plans. Luckily, there are often discounts, deals, and loopholes to exploit that can make streaming more affordable—and sometimes even free. Here are the best streaming deals you can get right now.This month's best streaming deal Credit: Peacock The very best streaming deal right now is for Peacock. You can get an annual Peacock Premium plan for $24.99 (saving you $55) with code SPRINGSAVINGS and get all caught up on Poker Face. (Look for more Peacock deals down below.)Here are the best of the rest of the streaming deals right now:Amazon Prime VideoYou can try a 30-day free trial.Check out what's new on Prime Video this month, as well as the best Prime Video Original movies to watch.Prime Video is also available on its own for $8.99 a month, so if you’re only in it for the shows and movies, you can skip the full Prime membership and save yourself six bucks a month.AMC+You can try AMC+ for $5 for the first month (regular price is $9.99/month) through Sling TV (scroll down to see the deal). You do not need to have a Sling plan to get this deal.If you do sign up for a Sling subscription, you’ll get your first month of AMC+ for free.You can also try a seven-day free trial.You can get an annual subscription to ad-free AMC+ through Verizon's +play for $83.88 (saves you $3 per month).You can bundle AMC+ with STARZ on Prime Video for $13.99 (save $6.99/month).You can sign up through Roku for just $2.99 for the first two months.Apple TV+You can get a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+.You can get a free subscription if you’re a T-Mobile customer with a Go5G Plus or Go5G Next plan.You get three months of free Apple TV+ when you buy an Apple product.You can get a free month of Apple TV+ when you sign up through Roku.You can get Apple Music for just $5.99/month with a student discount—and it comes with free access to Apple TV+.Check out the best original series from Apple TV.The Criterion ChannelThis arthouse streamer is the best service for true movie buffs, and you can sign up for a free trial before being charged the $99.99 annual fee (which already represents a savings over the $10.99 cost of a monthly plan).Curiosity StreamSave $20 when you sign up for a Standard Curiosity Stream annual plan, and $50 when you sign up for the Smart Bundle annual plan.New users can also score $250 off a lifetime subscription to Curiosity Stream’s Standard plan.DirecTV StreamYou can get two years of Max, Paramount+ with Showtime, Starz, MGM+, and Cinemax with the purchase of the Premier package starting at $124.99 per month (it saves $10 per month, or $240 over two years).Or can try a five-day free DirecTV Stream trial.You can also unlock 105+ free live channels just by signing up for MyFree DirecTV with your email and downloading the app.Discovery+You can subscribe to Discovery+ ($9.99/month) as an add-on through Sling TV—no base plan required.If you bundle it with Sling Blue or Sling Orange, you’ll get the first month free.There's also a seven-day free trial if you just want to test it out.Disney+You can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle with ads for $16.99 (a 43% discount off its original 29.97/mo price)Or you can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle without ads for $29.99 (a 42% discount off its original $51.97/mo price)You can get Disney+ and Hulu (with ads) for $10.99 per month (save 44% per month).You can get Disney+ and Hulu (no ads) for $19.99 per month (save 42% per month).You can get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (with ads) for $16.99 per month.You can get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (no ads) for $26.99 per month.Verizon subscribers who have an Unlimited Ultimate plan have the option to include a Disney package, which provides them with Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (with ads) for just $10 monthly (save $6.99 per month).Check out what's new on Disney+ this month.FuboTVTry a seven-day free trial of FuboTV.If you’re a new subscriber, you get 30 days free of FuboTV Pro if you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total member (save $84.99).New subscribers also get $20 off the first month.HuluYou can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle with ads for $16.99.Or you can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle without ads for $29.99.Get an annual plan of Hulu (with ads) for $99.99 instead of $9.99 monthly (save $19.89)You can get Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ (with ads) for $16.99 per month.Get Hulu + Live TV, Disney+, and ESPN+ (all three with ads) for $82.99 per month.T-Mobile members can get Hulu at no cost through Hulu on Us with their Go5G Next plan.Students can get Hulu for $1.99 per month after an 80% discount.Check out what's new on Hulu this month.MaxYou can get the new Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle with ads for $16.99 (save $12.98/month).Or you can get the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle without ads for $29.99 (save $21.98/month)You can get Max (with ads) for $99.99 per year (save $19.89 per year over the monthly cost).You can get Max (with no ads) for $169.99 per year.You can get Max Premium (with no ads) for $209.99 per year (save $41.89 per year).Verizon subscribers who have myPlan have the option to include a Netflix and Max bundle package with ads for just $10 monthly per line (save $7.98 per month).Cricket Wireless includes Max (with ads) in its $60/month plan.Or if you use DoorDash regularly, you could sign up for a DashPass Annual Plan, and you’ll get Max (with ads) included at no extra cost for a year.Check out what's new on Max this month, and the best movies and TV shows to stream on Max.MGM+You can get six free months when you buy a Fire TV device from Amazon.Try for free with a seven-day trial on Amazon Prime.Or get two months of MGM+ for 99 cents/month on the Roku Channel if you join before May 22.NetflixIf you’re a Verizon customer, you can get a year of Netflix for free when you buy certain annual subscriptions through +play.If you’re a Verizon customer, you can get Netflix for a year if you buy an annual subscription to STARZ or AMC+ through +play. Read the FAQ here.Verizon subscribers who have myPlan have the option to include a Netflix and Max bundle package with ads for just $10 monthly per line (save $7.98 per month).You can save on Netflix (Standard with ads) if you’re a T-Mobile customer with a Go5G Plus or Next plan.Check out what's new on Netflix this month and the best movies and TV shows to stream this week.NFL+If you’re a Verizon customer, you can get an annual subscription to NFL+ Premium through +play for $99.99 (saving you around $80 over monthly billing)Or you could get the NFL+ for $6.99/mo or $49.99/season.Get NFL Sunday Ticket for $40 per month.Paramount+Get a year of Paramount+ Essential for $59.99 (save $2.99 per month compared to the monthly plan).You can get Paramount+ with SHOWTIME for free for a week, then it's $12.99 monthly.You can get Paramount+ for free when you sign up for a Walmart+ membership (or if you already have one) as part of your subscription.Students can get a Paramount+ Essential for $5.99 monthly.Or if you have a Hulu subscription, you can add Paramount+ with Showtime for $12.99/monthCheck out what's new on Paramount+ and Showtime this month.PeacockYou can get the annual Premium Peacock plan for $24.99 (save $55 with code SPRINGSAVINGS).Students can get Peacock Premium for $2.99 per month for 12 months.Xfinity internet customers who sign up for NOW TV for $20 a month, which includes 40 live TV and on-demand channels, can get Peacock Premium for free.Instacart+ members get a free Peacock Premium annual membershipHere are the best original Peacock shows worth watching.PhiloYou can try a seven-day free trial of Philo.ShowtimeYou can try it free for seven days with Paramount+.Get it bundled with Paramount+ across streaming services, including Hulu and Sling TV.Sling TVYou can get the Orange or Blue service for $20 for the first month, which is 50% off the regular monthly price.You can also save $38 by prepaying for the first 3 months of Sling TV.StarzYou can get a Starz subscription for $5 for three months.You can get Starz for $2.99/month for two months on Prime Video through May 27, then it's $10.99/month after.Or you can get it for $1.99 for two months if you sign up through Roku.VuduNo current deals for Vudu.YouTube TVYou can get two months of YouTube TV for $59.99 if you're a new subscriber.$59.99 for your first two months (save $46 for two months), then $82.99 per month.Get YouTube TV and NFL Sunday Ticket for $31.50 per month (plus $59.99/month for the YouTube TV base plan during the first two months)You can also try YouTube TV for free for 10 days.