Author My thoughts are:A FPS is very much a kill frenzy. Agility alows you to survive and win. When combat got better in FPS games, better sounds, better character and level design, down times have been introduced. Now you had to reload your weapon , half life for instance, and strafe during combat wasn’t required anymore.  A RTS has a diferent dynamic. You have not one but several machineguns, not one but several cannons. In a RTS you are also building momentum. There is no killing at the beggining of the game for instance. When you build something in a RTS you can see a direct consequence of your actions. You build a refinery, you can start gathering oil right away. You build an archery, you can start producing archers right away. But good RTS games have down times that “make no sense”. You need to deploy a tank to improve the fire range. Or you need to build a suplly depot to be albe to keep producing units. A supply depot provides no upgrades and doen’t produce units. It’s a wait time “just because”. My question is how do you decide numbers like building and unit build time or building and unit build cost? Factors like this are fine tuned by taking into account betatesters feedback, I understand that. But is betatesters or user feedback the only factor that is decisive?  Calin said:But is betatesters or user feedback the only factor that is decisive? Be your own betatester. : )It's simple: Current AAA game is made by hundreds of people. One does not know what the others do. Decisions made are implemented by somebody down the hierarchy. It's chaos out of control, and thus those hundreds of devs need hundreds of betatesters to figure out if their game even eventually works.But if you make your game as a single person, you have everything under control. You have an idea, you implement it, you see yourself if it works as desired and how it feels. No need for additional testers. Ofc. you'll show your game to others and observe their responses if you can, but it's not a requirement.That's just personal opinion ofc. Advertisement Author >Be your own betatesterHahaIs willingnes to take a survey a chatacteristic of a good American?  Calin said:Is willingnes to take a survey a chatacteristic of a good American? Haven't seen a lot of good americans recently : / Author >Haven’t seen a lot of good Americans recentlyTrying to mind my own business but you should keep the faith Author >haven’t seen a lot of good Americans recentlyDoes it mean you have seen people turning down requests to take a survey?  Advertisement Calin said:>haven’t seen a lot of good Americans recently Does it mean you have seen people turning down requests to take a survey? No, but i've seen an american president applauding another nostalgic dictator on invading the continent of his ancestors, treating his neighbors like shit, doing damage to the whole world for nothing, and playing golf while tzar bombs getting ready.But well, it's never to late to learn. Maybe things improve.Otherwise, my ragdolls can walk now and making them run wont be too hard. Shooting is easy. Maybe i should head some kilometers eastwards to ask if they want to build some biped drones as well.Keep working on skynet. We might need it soon. In case forum hides my posted image again, this is Arnie. Good American. Calin said:My question is how do you decide numbers like building and unit build time or building and unit build cost? Factors like this are fine tuned by taking into account betatesters feedback, I understand that. But is betatesters or user feedback the only factor that is decisive? That kind of tuning is part of what designers do.Often up front everything is cranked up to extreme values just to find how big the fun and oddity can be. During play crank the super-sprint feature so you can run across the map faster than it loads. Adjust the super-strength feature to the point where bumping into something is an insta-kill, bumping into trees knocks them down, take out a building by touching it.  It feels absurd when playing, but it's important do experiment around it.Designers will continue to fine tune values through development and even into launch. In highly competitive games designers might adjust by very tiny amounts to adjust balance, reducing the timing of something by a frame based on what they see players doing, or nudging points up or down. Often players talk about their favorite thing being ‘nerfed’ or ‘buffed’ when it happens.  Generally no single thing is authoritative.  Feedback from playing the game themselves, feedback from QA, feedback from playtests, feedback from data of how players are playing, the way the game feels in practice, all of them provide valuable information.Usually designers try to establish some sort of power curve that fits the game. Maybe a weapon that takes X ms per shot should do X*Y damage, so a rapid fire gun feels like a peashooter, a gun with a 2 second windup could destroy a tank, but they're also fairly balanced so if you hit with the peashooter for exactly 2 seconds you do about the same damage.   Maybe different systems generate resources at a given rate, but across the board everything that costs X generates Y resources per minute, the upgraded level of the tools that costs 2X generates about 4Y resources, the third upgrade that costs 4X generates about 16Y resources.  They figure it out for the game.For other types of balancing, such as the draw to pick certain behaviors versus other behaviors, that's again something done through iteration and playtesting. If an AI system isn't picking a behavior, nudge it.  Working on The Sims, the designers would put a few objects on the lot and watch as Sims interacted with it, based on the attributes the object would interact with. They might put 3 different exercise items on a lot with an active-traited sim, crank the speed up, and watch how often they use them all versus do different things. For entertainment objects, are they using it about the same as other entertainment objects, for food objects are they using it about the same as other food objects.  How does the draw for the object measure up compared to higher priority tasks like a timer to go to work or go to school? For larger games people in QA and design are playing the game constantly to get a feel for how the balance works. For AAA games everyone in the QA teams generally are asked about balance, and in meetings they discuss when something feels like it is too much or too little, and designers adjust them constantly.It's also important to build a range of probability distribution tools so designers can adjust probability. Not just random in a range, but the basics of uniform distributions, weighted value distributions, constant curves, logarithmic curves, Gaussian and/or Poisson and binomial distribution curves, sigmoids, control points on a spline for distribution, and whatever tools the developers can give to the designers that improves that game. In short-term games where you play a match like RTS games, you also want power levels to continue increasing over time to help avoid a stalemate. In an RTS you want pieces to keep escalating until both sides are pumping out nuclear bombs with their collection of nuclear bomb factories, the entire game is about churning out the high-power game ending units without an error. Or like FPS games with a “storm” where players get forced into smaller regions where they can't avoid each other plus must continuously travel around the board or lose. If the storm is closing around you the decision to take the high option or the low option can make the difference between having an escape route or facing death when the storm moves again.  Or like high-level multiplayer Tetris, at some point even record-holding players are no longer focused on screwing over the opponent through attack moves but entirely focused on not making an error with what the game is constantly throwing at them. Instead of being about one player triggering a dump on their opponent, it becomes about raw survival against the breakneck pace of the game, the first player who doesn't play perfectly loses.  How and when to make those shifts is part of game balancing. Author >I’ve seen an american prezident aplauding another nostalgic dictatorNo one is perfect.>designers workOk I get it. An orc programmer would say “I don’t work with that kind of numbers”…Setting those numbers is very easy, a designer must fill the remaining part of the day with something. My guess is he must be filtering through a ton of statistics provided by betatesters. After changing the numbers in question, a designer probably runs some kind of rudimentary battle autocalc ( That’s a term from Heroes of Might and Magic). Waiting the results of a betatesting match ( battle between human players) takes too much time. They are probably relying on something else not just on betatesting. 

Husband and wife duo Erez Druk and Gabi Meckler are helping each other build Freed, a note-taking program for doctors. Bonfire Partners 2025-05-18T17:53:05Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? Erez Druk launched Freed AI for his wife, Dr. Gabi Meckler, who spent hours writing clinical notes. The couple collaborates closely on Freed AI, integrating clinician feedback to refine it. They shared their founding story, which, they said, is a love letter to each other. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation between Erez Druk, the founder of Freed AI, an AI assistant for clinicians, and his wife, Dr. Gabi Meckler, a family physician. This conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity.Gabi MecklerWhen I was in residency, I really began to feel the weight of notes.I would stay in the hospital until midnight, writing notes. You'd come home and still have notes to do. They were constant — a fact of life. Some people suffer. Some even quit.One day, my husband, Erez, asked me what would make my life easier. I jokingly said, "Can you just write my notes for me?"Erez took the idea seriously. He started building something.Erez DrukI built a simple proof of concept using GPT, a customizable version of ChatGPT, over the course of a few hours. It was a bare bones version of Freed that allowed for patient instructions, which are what clinicians send to patients post-visit, and subjective notes, which clinicians use to document patients' experience of their condition.I showed it to Gabi. She said "interesting," but told me it still needed a few improvements. It would break at times, it didn't know the names of several medications, and wasn't attuned to different specialities.I knew I needed another data point beyond my wife, so I solicited the opinion of our friend, another clinician. She came over for dinner, I showed her the product, and her response was very different — one of immediate excitement. She texted the next day asking to use it.I knew we were on to something.We moved fast from there. It took some work to make it HIPAA compliant. I wanted to get a beta version out quickly. We got some clinicians to test it. We asked them for feedback constantly. Building Freed isn't just about vision or strategy — it's about listening to users and iterating based on what they need.MecklerWhen I started working at a clinic, after residency, I began using Freed every day. I could finally finish my notes before leaving the office. One time, I forgot to send a referral for a patient, but Freed reminded me. That moment made me realize how much Freed was helping, not just with time, but with the details that I might have missed otherwise.Other doctors at the clinic noticed, too. They'd come to me and say, "Your husband? He saved me hours of work." That was rewarding.One thing I love is that Erez takes my input seriously. He really understands the nuances that matter to clinicians, and the team is learning too.DruzGabi holds a weekly office hour with the product managers and designers where they share their work with her. She offers her perspective on what's useful and what isn't.It's surprising — or maybe not — that even after spending a lot of time with clinicians, there's always more to learn. We can never truly be in their shoes, there's a constant depth and nuance to uncover. That's why this setup is so valuable: It helps us get closer to understanding how they think and what's genuinely useful to them.MecklerFreed, as the name suggests, is all about freedom. Our goal wasn't to tell clinicians how to use their time — we simply wanted to give it back to them.That mindset really influences our marketing. We're very intentional about not telling clinicians what they should do — they know better than anyone else. We don't tell clinicians to be heroes or push messages like maintain "eye contact" or "spend more time with patients." You probably already make enough eye contact. And if you want to Netflix and chill, great.We're not here to tell people how to be better doctors.DruzManaging the relationship between husband and wife, founder and consumer, innovator and advisor — isn't always easy. It's definitely annoying sometimes to get feedback that is correct.MecklerI think we do it well, though, I don't know how we do it.I try to be specific about feedback. Like, this is something you absolutely have to change before moving forward, versus this would be nice, or it's a bit iffy.I told Erez that we needed to incorporate patient instructions. They include a summary of the visit and clear instructions based on the action plan created during the appointment. The goal is to make them easy for patients to read, understand, and follow. It's now one of the most loved features of Freed.We're building a document analyzer now at the request of users. It will take any clinical document and give the clinician a summary. Users can also ask questions, and it will provide short responses with references from the document.This whole time, since we launched in January 2023, Erez has been learning about medicine, and I've been learning about startups. So, I know he has to move fast. That's why I focus only on the most important things, and I push really hard when it matters.I've loved being involved as part of our relationship.MecklerWork is really my second obsession after Gabi — and I'm obsessed with work. So the fact that we can talk about everything, and she knows the people in the team, and what we're working on, is really fun.We created Freed together. It's a love letter from us, our team, to all the clinicians out there. Recommended video

From effortlessly switching lights to locking doors to setting kitchen timers, smart home devices can make everyday tasks a lot easier. They can grant you peace of mind. Luckily, with smart home devices growing in popularity, prices are lower than ever, and the tech itself is way easier to install. However, while market popularity has driven prices down, it's also made it more difficult to determine which are the best smart home devices. ZDNET is here to help you choose the right one. What is the best smart home device right now?ZDNET's pick for the current best smart home device is the Echo Show 8, a smart display with Amazon Alexa that lets iOS and Android utilize the benefits of a smart home. It's a comprehensive device for experienced and entry-level smart home enthusiasts alike. Delivering the convenience of voice control via a virtual assistant, the Echo Show 8 features a powerful speaker and touch display while functioning as a smart home hub with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread support. Also: I used Amazon's Echo Show 21 as my smart home hub - and it's almost perfect Sort by All The best smart home devices of 2025 Show less Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.Review: Amazon Echo Show 8 (third-gen)This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: $150 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant  Pros Spatial audio Tailors content to different people Fast response time Cons Few customization options Alexa is great, but could always improve Our top pick for the best overall smart home device is the third-generation Amazon Echo Show 8. It has a great smart display and speaker combination for most beginner and experienced smart home users. Amazon's newest Echo Show 8 boasts a sleeker design with edge-to-edge glass, a centrally placed camera for video calls, and spatial audio from the smaller speaker enclosure.I've been using the Echo Show 8 daily for almost a year, and this generation's improved processor delivers far faster performance than older models. It's become my kitchen companion for running smart home routines, interacting with Alexa, and streaming music and video content on the 8-inch HD screen while cooking.Review: Amazon Echo Show 8 (third-gen)This is the first Echo Show 8 to feature the camera in a central location rather than off to one side. This aids in better visual experiences during video calls. The camera also works for Visual ID personalization and Adaptive Content. Visual ID lets the Echo Show 8 recognize household members to personalize content, while Adaptive Content adjusts the screen's content based on a person's proximity.It's a highly rated smart speaker, with one buyer saying, "I purchased this a few months ago, and it has exceeded my expectations in every way. The Spatial Audio feature provides a rich and immersive sound experience, perfect for listening to music, podcasts, and even video calls. The smart home hub integration is seamless, allowing me to easily control all my smart devices. Alexa's responsiveness and sharp display make this device a pleasure to use daily. "Amazon Echo Show 8 features: Price: $150 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa | Connectivity: Wi-fi, Bluetooth, and is a hub for Matter, Thread, Zigbee | Specs: 8-inch HD touchscreen, 13MP video call camera, Alexa voice assistant  Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights. These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem. It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the ease [it took] to set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: $180 | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit Pros Millions of colors Dimming lights Instant-on option Cons Expensive Users report some issues with scheduling This starter kit has everything you need to transform your lights into smart devices with Philips Hue. The kit includes two white and color smart bulbs and one Hue Bridge, so you can begin switching out old light bulbs for new ones. There's also room for expansion as the Bridge can handle up to 50 Philips Hue lights. These Philips Hue smart lights are compatible with Alexa, HomeKit, and Google for voice control and integration. They're easy to set up using the Bridge, allowing users to control the lights wherever they use the app, set routines and automation, and expand their Philips Hue ecosystem. It's important to note that without a Hue Bridge, customers can only connect their lights to their mobile app via Bluetooth, so they can't change settings remotely.Though not cheap, Philips Hue lights are undoubtedly some of the best on the market. One buyer wrote that they "love these smart bulbs and the ease [it took] to set up. Love that we can change the colors of the room from an app on the phone. Like how I can turn on lights when I need to when I'm away. Although I got the Hue bridge and two bulbs at a good price, the color bulbs are expensive. "Philips Hue Starter Kit features: Price: $180 | Wattage: 9.5 watts | Bulb size: A19 | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock.  It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills."I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."Nest Thermostat features: Price: $280 | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter Pros Turns HVAC system down while away from home Learns from usage Includes a temperature sensor Cons Is expensive The Nest Learning Thermostat has proven to be one of Google's best smart home products to ever hit the market. With reliable performance and smart home integrations through Matter, this device has remained relevant for years, and the newest generation is no exception.Switching to a smart thermostat greatly impacted our home's climate control and energy efficiency. You can control your home's temperature from your phone no matter where you are, and program it to enter Eco Mode when you leave the house. The new Nest Learning Thermostat looks gorgeous and fits right into any home decor. It can display the temperature, the outside weather, or a clock.  It also learns your patterns and trends and suggests new settings to help keep your home comfortable while helping you save on utility bills."I'm upgrading from the learning thermostats that had the frosted glass look and had no trouble with installation, software setup just worked the first time," one buyer said. "The Matter support worked without a hitch on HomeKit and Home Assistant. And it seems that it's doing a better job than my old one at keeping the rooms I care about comfortable. The master bedroom is always perfect now after being in use for a week or so."Nest Thermostat features: Price: $280 | Installation: Works without C wire | Finish: Available in three colors with rounded display | Compatibility: Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit through Matter Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communication (NFC) tags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.Review: Aqara U100 smart lockThese versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town. This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: $150 | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Pros High interoperability A lot of unlocking features Inexpensive compared to others Cons App is slow to respond If you've ever wished you could unlock your front door with your iPhone as easily as you can check out with Apple Pay, you'll definitely want to check out the Aqara U100.The Aqara U100 is a smart lock that offers users the option to unlock a door either by entering a predetermined passcode on the keypad, using their fingerprint, a physical key, a mobile app, near field communication (NFC) tags, or through Apple Home Key by simply holding their iPhone or Apple Watch up to their lock.Review: Aqara U100 smart lockThese versatile options came in handy many times during our testing. No longer will you need to fumble for a fob while holding a dozen grocery bags or trade a million texts with a locked-out pet sitter while out of town. This lock is also highly compatible, and works with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, Google Home, and IFTTT. Aqara U100 smart lock features: Price: $150 | Unlock options: Fingerprint, passcodes, Apple Home Key mechanical key, and NFC | Compatibility: Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, IFTTT | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery. I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged. Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together. "I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house (older neighborhood/long driveways). The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: $530 | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Pros Packed with features No monthly fees Excellent ecosystem Cons Expensive No integrations with HomeKit If you want to beef up your home security with a smart option, I recommend the EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 bundle. The three cameras are easy to install indoors or outdoors and have a solar panel along the top that recharges the battery. I've had the two camera systems set up outside my home for almost two years and have only had to recharge one of them, installed facing north, a handful of times -- that's how effective their solar panels are at keeping the batteries charged. Aside from the Eufy Security system being a great ecosystem for home security, expandable with many different camera types, it also offers users who have more than one camera in their homes the ability to see the same event captured in a single clip by stitching different camera feeds together. "I wanted to be sure I had coverage on each side of my house (older neighborhood/long driveways). The setup was relatively easy, probably 30 minutes or less," one buyer said. "I have them on 4k all the time and no issues with battery life, even on a string of cloudy or rainy days. The 4k is very clear -- even at night."The cameras are wireless, so they can be installed almost anywhere. The HomeBase 3 is the local storage hub inside your home, where all the recorded clips are saved.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3 Features: Price: $530 | Power source: Solar-powered cameras, plug-in HomeBase | Resolution: 4K | Compatibility: Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Read More Show Expert Take Show less What are the tariffs in the U.S.?The recent U.S. tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies.Right now, it looks like some tech may be exempt from the issued tariffs, but since it's always changing and developing, we are keeping an eye on it and will update you on the latest.What is the best smart home device? For most people interested in smart homes, the Echo Show 8 is the best smart home device you can buy. This smart hub can host multiple devices, has fantastic connectivity options, and provides reliable voice assistance through Alexa. To see how the smart display compares to other smart home devices, here is a look at our picks:Best smart home deviceZDNET's takePriceCompatibilityConnectivityAmazon Echo Show 8Best overall$150AlexaMatter, Thread, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, BluetoothPhilips Hue Starter KitBest smart light$239Alexa, Google, HomeKitBluetooth, Wi-Fi through BridgeNest Learning ThermostatBest smart thermostat$240Alexa, Google, HomeKitWi-Fi, MatterAqara U100Best smart lock$143Alexa, Google, HomeKitWi-Fi, Aqara HubEufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3Best security camera$450Alexa, GoogleWi-Fi, Local storage Show more Which is the best smart home device for you? This list highlights the best smart home devices covering various areas of your home. From multi-device hubs to individual devices, there are many ways to make your home smart. Consider these recommendations if you are unsure which smart home device is best for you:Choose this smart home device...If you want...Amazon Echo Show 8A smart home display with Alexa built-in. Use it to keep an eye on your whole home and smart home devices.Philips Hue Starter KitTo bring the power of smart lighting to your home. Install mood lighting, uplighting, or simply save money in energy bills with these LED lights.Nest Learning ThermostatAn energy-efficient and smart way to control your home's HVAC system, no matter which home automation system you use, thanks to Matter.Aqara U100The most versatile smart lock available. Bring convenience to your front door with the touch of an app.EufyCam 3 and HomeBase 3An all-in-one smart home security system complete with expandable local storage, so you never have to worry about monthly fees. Show more Factors to consider when choosing smart home devices Choosing the right smart home devices can feel overwhelming with such a plethora of available options.Here are some things to keep in mind when choosing a smart home device:Compatibility: Whether you're choosing a smart light, a smart lock, or a video doorbell, compatibility is a key factor in determining how much convenience your new devices will give you. Ensure your chosen devices are compatible with your existing smart home system like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Samsung SmartThings.Installation: Many smart home devices serve a purpose that requires installation of some kind. Make sure your new device fits your installation capabilities or that you have someone to install it if not.Ease of use: User-friendly interfaces are typically the ones that endure. If a device is too hard or cumbersome, you probably won't use it. Read up on other reviewers' experiences with user interfaces for managing the devices.Price: Always compare prices. Look for value for money, but don't focus on the lowest price. If you compromise on essential features and quality, you'll pay for it in the long run.Reliability: This is a big deal in the smart home community and is part of the ease of use of devices. If a device constantly gets disconnected or unresponsive, it's not worth your time or money. Show more How we test smart home devices ZDNET reviews a wide range of devices to ensure we feature the ones that perform the best for our readers. As a smart home and robot vacuum reviewer, I evaluate each device's performance starting with the unboxing experience.To do this, I ensure the device meets all the manufacturer's claims for features and capabilities, verify it works smoothly with different smart home ecosystems -- I test with Google, Alexa, HomeKit, and SmartThings -- and monitor its performance over a period of time ranging from two weeks to months.  Show more Other smart home devices worth considering Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Star Wars Outlaws had a bumpy takeoff when it launched last summer, and its “meh” reception has stuck with it since. Because of that reception, forums like its subreddit are constantly flooded with prospective scoundrels asking, “Is the game worth it?” Lemme tell ya, if you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Han Solo and explore the underbelly of Star Wars, it’s most certainly “worth it.” One of the main criticisms of Star Wars Outlaws at launch were its automatic-fail stealth sections, which are no more after a November 2024 update. Now, if a buckethead finds Kay Vess sneaking around an Imperial base, in almost all cases you can channel your inner Danny DeVito and just start blasting when Kay’s in trouble. The gunplay is very fun, and during my time with Outlaws I enjoyed both the challenge of giving sneaky stealth an honest try as well as pew pewing a Stormtrooper in the face. With the frustrating auto-fail out of the way, there’s a lot to love in Star Wars Outlaws. It’s a planet-hopping adventure, showcasing recognizable Star Wars planets like Kijimi (from Episode IX) and Cantonica, home to Canto Bight (from Episode VIII). Old heads and new fans alike will surely marvel at Massive’s recreation of Tatooine, home to spaceport Mos Eisley. The famous cantina has a scorch march from where Han shot first, and you can even visit Jabba’s Palace (and discover some fun Easter eggs inside). Of course, I won’t tell you Star Wars Outlaws is perfect; it’s stuffed with ideas and mechanics, and it features the typical collect-a-thon annoyance you’d expect from a Ubisoft game. However, if you don’t want to engage with any of its many, many gameplay features — don’t! I didn’t entertain a single speeder race, and I only played out space battles when the main story required it. Instead, Star Wars Outlaws offers plenty of Uncharted-esque platforming and solid third-person shooting to keep you away from the mechanics that don’t tickle your fancy. It also has Sabacc, which really should be spun into its own game, like The Witcher 3’s Gwent. Sabacc is one of the best minigames you’ll find in an RPG; its simple and exciting mechanics would fit right in at a Vegas casino. I don’t typically purchase DLC for games  — there’s just too much to play, you know — but Outlaws’ “Wild Card” mission, which saw Kay infiltrating a high-stakes Sabacc game before shit hits the fan, was too good to pass up with its exhilarating Sabacc centerpiece. Outlaws’ second story DLC, “A Pirate’s Fortune,” was released on Thursday, May 15, potentially putting a bow on new content for Star Wars Outlaws. Still, the game isn’t done yet; it will hit the Nintendo Switch 2 in September, meaning you’ll be able to gamble, fly through space, and pew pew on the go in between races in Mario Kart World. If you picked up Star Wars Outlaws at launch but quickly bounced, or if you’re simply in the mood for an engrossing open world adventure, check it out. Outlaws is worth it for Sabacc alone.

Star Wars Outlaws had a bumpy takeoff when it launched last summer, and its “meh” reception has stuck with it since. Because of that reception, forums like its subreddit are constantly flooded with prospective scoundrels asking, “Is the game worth it?” Lemme tell ya, if you’ve ever wanted to channel your inner Han Solo and explore the underbelly of Star Wars, it’s most certainly “worth it.”One of the main criticisms of Star Wars Outlaws at launch were its automatic-fail stealth sections, which are no more after a November 2024 update. Now, if a buckethead finds Kay Vess sneaking around an Imperial base, in almost all cases you can channel your inner Danny DeVito and just start blasting when Kay’s in trouble. The gunplay is very fun, and during my time with Outlaws I enjoyed both the challenge of giving sneaky stealth an honest try as well as pew pewing a Stormtrooper in the face.With the frustrating auto-fail out of the way, there’s a lot to love in Star Wars Outlaws. It’s a planet-hopping adventure, showcasing recognizable Star Wars planets like Kijimi (from Episode IX) and Cantonica, home to Canto Bight (from Episode VIII). Old heads and new fans alike will surely marvel at Massive’s recreation of Tatooine, home to spaceport Mos Eisley. The famous cantina has a scorch march from where Han shot first, and you can even visit Jabba’s Palace (and discover some fun Easter eggs inside).Of course, I won’t tell you Star Wars Outlaws is perfect; it’s stuffed with ideas and mechanics, and it features the typical collect-a-thon annoyance you’d expect from a Ubisoft game. However, if you don’t want to engage with any of its many, many gameplay features — don’t! I didn’t entertain a single speeder race, and I only played out space battles when the main story required it. Instead, Star Wars Outlaws offers plenty of Uncharted-esque platforming and solid third-person shooting to keep you away from the mechanics that don’t tickle your fancy.It also has Sabacc, which really should be spun into its own game, like The Witcher 3’s Gwent. Sabacc is one of the best minigames you’ll find in an RPG; its simple and exciting mechanics would fit right in at a Vegas casino. I don’t typically purchase DLC for games — there’s just too much to play, you know — but Outlaws’ “Wild Card” mission, which saw Kay infiltrating a high-stakes Sabacc game before shit hits the fan, was too good to pass up with its exhilarating Sabacc centerpiece.Outlaws’ second story DLC, “A Pirate’s Fortune,” was released on Thursday, May 15, potentially putting a bow on new content for Star Wars Outlaws. Still, the game isn’t done yet; it will hit the Nintendo Switch 2 in September, meaning you’ll be able to gamble, fly through space, and pew pew on the go in between races in Mario Kart World.If you picked up Star Wars Outlaws at launch but quickly bounced, or if you’re simply in the mood for an engrossing open world adventure, check it out. Outlaws is worth it for Sabacc alone.See More:

ZDNET's key takeaways The new Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni originally launched for $799, but is on sale at $400This midrange robot vacuum and mop features auto-emptying, mop washing and drying, and strong suction, which we were able to confirm during testingThe downside is that the Deebot N30 Omni doesn't boast the best obstacle avoidance capabilities, which significantly hinders how often you have to rescue it after it gets stuck on a small object. $399.99 at Amazon The Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni is currently on sale for $400, a 50% discount off its full price of $800.I've tested robot vacuums in all price ranges, and if I were in the market for one, I'd go with a midrange model. These robot vacuums typically range between $400 and $1,000, a decidedly affordable alternative to a flagship vacuum that costs $1,800 or $1,900.Also: This Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop is a sleeper hit, and it handles carpeting like a champBecause you're compromising on price, you can also expect to compromise on features. Some units, however, are rare unicorns in the market, with high-end features for a surprisingly affordable price. Such is the case with the new Ecovacs N20 Series and the Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni, which are priced at $550 and $800, respectively. details View at Amazon Ecovacs refers to these robot vacuums as "entry-level," but they're more midrange in pricing than anything else. The features, however, align with more high-end models nearing the $2,000 mark.Also: My picks for the best robot vacuums for pet hair of 2025: Roomba, Eufy, Ecovacs, and moreI've been testing the Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni for a couple of weeks, subjecting it to different kinds of obstacles and debris. It performs much better than you'd expect for an $800 robot vacuum and mop, with some caveats.The Deebot N30 Omni features 10,000Pa suction power and a Zero Tangle brush roller that easily scoops up pet hair and debris. One of its two rotating mop pads can extend into corners, using Ecovacs' TruEdge Adaptive Edge mopping technology to thoroughly clean corners often missed by robot vacuums and mops. Maria Diaz/ZDNETThe Omni station seems to perform as well as the Deebot X2 Omni (priced at $1,500 at launch). During a cleaning session, the robot periodically docks itself to wash its mop pads and then returns to continue cleaning. It also automatically empties its dustbin into a large dustbag inside the dock, which you only have to change every 75 days.Also: This robot vacuum might be better at cleaning than me - and I'm a neat freakThis type of hands-free convenience typically costs over $1,000. A lower price typically implies some compromises, and the N30 Omni is no exception, as I found when I subjected it to controlled and typical home environment testing. Ecovacs/ZDNETIn my controlled testing, I found that the Deebot N30 Omni was about 83% as effective at picking up all the debris on hard floors, a pretty decent performance for its price range. That means the robot can pick up most dust, pet hair, crumbs, or debris on your floors in a single cleaning session.Also: This robot mower has no boundary wire or antenna - here's how it handled my yardThe biggest drawback comes in this robot vacuum and mop's ability to avoid obstacles. The Deebot N30 doesn't feature top-of-the-line LiDAR sensors or AI-powered obstacle avoidance, but I wouldn't expect these in a robot in this price range. Maria Diaz/ZDNETThis N30 robot vacuum was prone to getting its brush roller stuck on small obstacles, like socks and toys, strewn about the floor, about 33% of the time. I did a test with pet waste, and it either pushed it or tried to vacuum it up half the time. If the pet waste were real, then the robot would have likely spread it all over my house, which would have been atrocious.Also: I tested a robot vacuum with zero-tangling technology - here's my buying advice after a monthHigh-end models feature more advanced obstacle avoidance, including additional pet waste avoidance features. Some, like the iRobot Roomba Combo J7+ and Dreame X40 Ultra, even use AI-powered visual recognition to discern what pet waste is and what a dust bunny is. You'll have to pay more for these extra obstacle avoidance features. Maria Diaz/ZDNETAlthough the robot creates a map of an area within a few minutes upon setup, I also found that it only stuck to its original map about 70% of the time. Other times, it skipped spots or didn't cover the entire floor area, leaving untouched lines between its paths. This is also common with many robot vacuums, even far more expensive ones. Also: This $80 device is probably the only indoor security camera you'll needRunning it in my home, which isn't a controlled environment and is subject to a lot of activity from three kids and a dog, I found the robot performed similarly to the controlled testing. For example, it confirmed the obstacle avoidance shortcomings by getting stuck on an extension cord during its first cleaning after mapping.ZDNET's buying adviceThe Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni is a workhorse for homes with high dirt and pet hair, provided your pets are trained to go potty outside. The N30 features outstanding 10,000Pa suction that was effective against dust, pet hair, and Cheerios in my home and kept my floors clean daily. It also features a long battery life, with up to 320 minutes on a single charge.The Deebot N30 Omni and N20 Omni are perfect for anyone looking to upgrade from an entry-level or budget robot vacuum. This is especially true if you don't have kids who leave stuff all over your home or you don't mind getting your cords off the floor before a cleaning session. What are the tariffs in the US? The recent US tariffs on imports from countries like China, Vietnam, and India aim to boost domestic manufacturing but are likely to drive up prices on consumer electronics. Products like smartphones, laptops, and TVs may become more expensive as companies rethink global supply chains and weigh the cost of shifting production.Consumers may also experience notable price increases on robot vacuums and smart home products. Manufacturers are exploring options such as relocating production to countries with lower tariffs, but such transitions are complex and may not provide immediate relief. In the short term, shoppers should anticipate higher costs for robot vacuums due to these trade policies. Show more When will this deal expire? While many sales events feature deals for a specific length of time, deals are on a limited-time basis, making them subject to expire anytime. ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best offers to help you maximize your savings so you can feel as confident in your purchases as we feel in our recommendations. Our ZDNET team of experts constantly monitors the deals we feature to keep our stories up-to-date. If you missed out on this deal, don't worry -- we're always sourcing new savings opportunities at ZDNET.com. Show more Featured reviews

Aligning design leadership with business goals is the motion we needed from the startThe Mysterious Life Of UX Designers is a good example how others don’t really understand the value of what we do because we don’t connect to business goals. We should have been connecting to business needs from the start.For way too long we’ve been running user experience teams like they’re some kind of magical creative unicorns that should somehow be immune to business realities.That’s complete nonsense.Our teams need to deliver value, not just pretty pictures or endless research projects with a lot of hand waving. We should be thinking about our teams like a CEO thinks about their business — with clear goals, measurements, and accountability for results.I’ve seen organizations where design was treated as a cost center rather than a strategic advantage, and this happens because we haven’t been willing to demonstrate our value in terms executives actually care about — outcomes and the bottom line.The best UX leaders run their teams like strategic businesses within the larger organization, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes.A lot of the concepts below are not new — hence the links to resources — we have just chosen to ignore them. We need to leverage what’s proven to work so we can forward as a construct.It’s time we grew up and started treating user experience like the business function it truly is — Here’s how we can get there.Map to Business OutcomesNothing matters more than tying UX work to business outcomes. If you can’t explain how your design improves conversion, reduces support costs, or drives retention, you’re just drawing pretty pictures.Too many user experience teams waste time on work that doesn’t move important metrics. They design in a vacuum, divorced from what actually matters to the business. This is career suicide in today’s environment where every team needs to justify their existence.When approaching any project, your first question should be: “What business outcome will this improve?” If you don’t have a clear answer, stop everything until you do.The best design leaders start every presentation with a problem in business terms first, then explain how to addresses it. This approach changes how executives perceive your value.Remember that executives don’t care about your amazing journey map — they care about results.Leverage Research to Manage RiskResearch isn’t just about making users happy, it’s about managing business risk. Every design decision represents potential risk, and good research helps mitigate that risk before you commit significant resources to a direction.When you frame research as risk management, executives suddenly get a lot more interested. Nobody wants to launch a product that fails spectacularly in the market.On a panel, I was asked how do I innovate, and I said something along the lines of I don’t believe in innovation, I believe in managing risk. It’s about making the right small bets until you need to make a big bet that’s informed.Evaluative research shows us where the landmines are before we step on them. It’s like having insurance for your product development process.I’ve worked with companies that saved millions by catching major usability and strategic direction issues before launch through simple testing. That’s not a design win — that’s a business win that came through smart risk management.A lot of this is how you frame your research within business terms — don’t say “users didn’t like it.” Say “we identified a risk that could potentially impact our projected revenue by 15% if we launch as planned.”Agile processes are time-boxed way of measuring value and having mileposts along the way. The word “Sprint” creates a sense of urgency, by design.Time Box Projects To Demonstrate ValueI’m a huge believer in time boxing design work, putting names and dates to drive ownership. Nothing focuses the mind quite like a declared deadline and limited resources.This isn’t about rushing — it’s about being realistic about the diminishing economic returns that come with endless refinement.Time is money. By establishing measurement points, we show stakeholders they are getting value for what they are paying for.Parkinson’s Law, which was published in a 1955 issue of The Economist, states that “work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion,” and I’ve seen this play out countless times in design projects. Give a resource three weeks, and they’ll deliver in three weeks. Give them three months, and they’ll take three months and the solution might not be substantially better.Good user experience leaders understand when to call a design “good enough” and move on, especially in today’s environment. I’ve found that setting aggressive but achievable time boxes forces teams to focus on solving the core problems rather than endless refinement of edge cases.The real reason there was a drive towards agile processes was this — it’s one big time box exercise. It’s a way of driving measurable value.The real world moves fast, and a pretty good solution shipped today usually beats a perfect solution shipped six months from now. The word “Sprint” creates a sense of urgency, by design.As much as we don’t like to admit this, we aren’t inventing fire. We should design into what we have until there’s a clear decision to do something radically different for business reasons.Design into Your Existing Application, Not Around ItOne of the most expensive mistakes I see UX teams make is constantly trying to reinvent the wheel. Every new feature becomes an excuse to redesign everything from scratch, creating massive development costs and confusing users who have to relearn your interface.Jakob’s Law reminds us that users spend most of their time using other products, so they prefer your site to work the same way as all the other sites they already know, including your own.When you design within and in addition to existing patterns, you’re leveraging the learning users already have, reducing cognitive load and development costs simultaneously.I worked with a team that kept pushing for radical redesigns of their enterprise application that would have cost a lot of money, but what actually moved their metrics was incremental improvements that maintained consistency with what users already understood.Redesigns are expensive and unless they are proven to be dramatically better, they hurt engagement which is money poured down the drain. One of the best examples is Microsoft’s Metro Design Langugage — transformative but too different for users to accept.The best UX teams I know understand the difference between innovation that matters and innovation for its own sake. Save your revolutionary thinking for where it truly adds value.Atomic design is a mental model that creates a shared language designers can align on. That saves money and time in any environment.Create Design Systems as a Shared LanguageDesign systems aren’t just about making things look consistent — they’re about creating massive business efficiency and a shared language that aligns organizations.When every designer reinvents buttons, forms, and navigation patterns from scratch and gives them names that are non-sensical, you’re burning money that could be spent solving actual user problems.As Nathan Curtis wisely put it, “A design system isn’t a project. It’s a product serving products.”When you treat your design system as a product, you’re investing in something that pays dividends across your entire portfolio. It’s the difference between buying assets and renting them over and over again. The organizations that get the most value from their UX teams are those that establish and maintain robust design systems.These systems dramatically reduce design and development time, create consistency for users, and allow teams to focus on solving unique problems rather than redesigning form fields for the hundredth time.The business case is clear — design systems aren’t a luxury, they’re a competitive necessity that scales teams.The problem with the double diamond isn’t the labels, but the size of the diamonds themselves — sometimes the problem is clearly evident, and the solution just has to be worked through.Process with Intent, Not for Process’ SakeA lot of UX processes are just religious dogma that people follow without understanding why. I don’t want a process; I want results.That’s why I call them frameworks, not processes — frameworks can be adapted based on the specific challenge you’re facing. Processes sound like you have to follow every step.For example, the concerns I have with the double diamond or design thinking isn’t the labels, but the size of the steps themselves — sometimes the problem is clearly evident, and the solution just has to be worked through. Your approach should be tailored to the problem you are facing.All design approaches are non-linear and we should act accordingly.I’ve seen teams waste weeks on journey maps that never influenced a single design decision. I’ve watched designers conduct extensive user research when the key insights were obvious after the third interview. Blindly following processes without understanding their purpose is just busy work masquerading as UX.Sometimes you need to skip steps. Sometimes you need to adapt the framework to fit your constraints. The best UX leaders know when to follow the book and when to throw it out the window. Your job isn’t to follow a perfect process — it’s to deliver business value in the most efficient way possible.If your process is getting in the way of outcomes, you have the wrong process.Use and Improve Existing Mental Models —Especially in the Time of AIAs we rush headlong into the AI revolution, we don’t need to reinvent how humans interact with technology.Conversational design leverages mental models people already have— they know how to ask questions and have discussions, and have done so for years with existing applications with Natural Language Processing as an example.These mental models are why chatbots and conversational interfaces feel intuitive despite being relatively new.The most successful AI implementations I’ve seen build on familiar interaction patterns rather than forcing users to learn entirely new ways of working. They understand that users already have well-established mental models about how to get things done and teaching new ones is challenging.Smart teams leverage existing models instead of creating cognitive friction because learning new ones cost money and time. That’s good design.This is about being pragmatic, not lazy. When you tap into existing mental models, you reduce the learning curve for your users, which means faster adoption and less resistance to change. You’re making your AI features feel like a natural extension of what users already know rather than an alien imposition.In any gold rush, the winners won’t be those with the most advanced algorithms, but those who make the technology feel most natural and accessible.Craft Costs Money; Use It WiselyLet’s get real about craft — every pixel you perfect costs the company money. Those extra hours spent on subtle animations, perfect typography, and delightful interactions represent real investment that needs to justify itself in business outcomes.This doesn’t mean we abandon craft, it means we need to be strategic about where we invest.The login screen users see once a month probably doesn’t deserve the same level of craft as the core workflow they use every day.I’ve worked with designers who fought for weeks to perfect details that users never noticed, while ignoring fundamental usability issues that were costing the company customers. The best designers I know have a keen sense of where craft translates to business value and where it’s just self-indulgence.Good UX leaders understand how to allocate their craft budget where it matters most to impact the bottom line. They pick their battles carefully and invest their craft where it delivers the most impact for users and for the business.Running UX Like a BusinessAt the end of the day, running your UX team like a business means taking accountability for results, not just activities. It means speaking the language of the organization and showing how design drives business outcomes. It means being strategic about where you invest your limited resources for maximum impact.The most successful UX leaders I’ve worked with don’t hide behind buzzwords or mystify their process — They’re clear about the value they deliver, ruthless about prioritization, and focused on metrics that matter to the business.They understand that UX isn’t a special snowflake that exists outside normal business considerations — it’s a critical business function that needs to demonstrate ROI.If you want your team to get the respect, budget, and influence it deserves, start running it like the CEO of a business, not like the head of an art department.The days of UX getting a pass on business accountability are over, and that’s actually a good thing for all of us.Running UX as a business (like we should have all along) was originally published in UX Collective on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

AI is supposed to save time, boost your output, and even help kickstart your creativity. But if you find yourself constantly rewriting prompts and begging the AI to edit bad responses, there’s a hard truth you have to accept: it’s not ChatGPT. It’s you. But getting your skills up to snuff is simple if you enroll in our best-selling e-degree program. It doesn’t matter if you’re a complete beginner, an aspiring master, or somewhere in between; you’ll learn how to use ChatGPT like an expert for just $19.97 (reg. $790). Don’t worry about fitting time into your schedule because these courses are completely self-paced. The AI skills everyone wants Everyone’s on ChatGPT for a different reason—burnout at work, trying to save time, or drumming up inspiration—and these AI training courses acknowledge that with tons of real-world scenarios.  For example, you’ll learn how to write better ChatGPT prompts. Right now, you’re probably stringing together random words and hoping for a good output, or even fighting with the chatbot. These lectures will help you effectively structure your words to command effective responses. The courses will also teach you automation tips for visualizing data with AI, whether that’s getting help with Excel or actually generating charts and graphs. More things you’ll learn: Automate the tedious parts of your work Create engaging social media content Have ChatGPT generate strings of code Get these ChatGPT training courses on sale for $19.97 (reg. $790). That’s for lifetime access. StackSocial prices subject to change. _ ChatGPT & Automation E-Degree See Deal

If your partner displays even just one (let alone all) of these three behaviors, you’ve definitely ... More got a good thing going.getty In too many areas of life, we’re inclined to search for negatives before we do positives. When we’re looking for a new TV show, movie or book, we look at the bad reviews before we do the good ones. We’re more likely to remember the one rude email we received at work than the five friendly ones that succeeded it. Occasionally, even our relationships fall prey to this pattern of pessimism. We point out weaknesses, in the relationship or even within our partner, more easily than we can point out their strengths. Of course, this is human instinct; it’s rooted in our DNA to do whatever we can to protect ourselves. The problem, however, is that this survival mechanism is difficult to switch off. That is, we forget that there comes a point where we can stop looking for dangers. But just as our brains can be trained to scan for threats, they can also be retrained to look towards the good. Making a conscious effort to recognize what’s going right in your relationship — and in your partner — can transform the way you see them. In the spirit of optimism, here are three signs that your partner is a real keeper. 1. They ‘Match Your Energy’ Colloquially, we often see people refer to the importance of a partner being able to “match your energy” — to be excited when you’re excited, or to feel your sadness in the same way they would their own. While the terminology might not be scientific, there’s ample research that lends support to the idea as a whole. In psychology, “matching someone’s energy” would be conceptualized as “compersion.” According to a 2023 reference in the Encyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior, compersion refers to the range of positive emotions one experiences in relation to those of another. In simpler terms, it could be understood as the opposite of jealousy: feeling happy when you witness your partner’s happiness, as opposed to feeling threatened by it. “Matching energy,” in this sense, is indeed a very positive indicator in a romantic relationship. In fact, a 2024 study from Emotion notes that greater “smile synchrony (that is, how frequently and quickly partners return one another’s smiles) is associated with greater relationship satisfaction. There’s nothing more discouraging than getting excited about something, only to be met with a blank stare, lukewarm indifference or a dismissive comment. Even if they don’t mean to, incongruencies like these can make you feel incredibly small and silly. So if your partner is able to share in your joy with genuine enthusiasm, you’ve definitely got a keeper. Maybe you just read a fascinating article about penguin parenting habits, or perhaps you finally beat that impossible boss level in your favorite video game. Whatever it is, you should never feel like you have to downplay your excitement to be taken seriously. If your partner can light up, laugh or celebrate right along with you — regardless of how trivial or offbeat the moment may seem — then they’re definitely waving a green flag. 2. They Always Take Your Side One of the most tell-tale signs that you’re in a healthy, lasting relationship is knowing that your partner will take your side when it really matters. It could be during tense moments with in-laws, standing up for you when your own family tends to dismiss your feelings or even offering support during disagreements within the relationship itself. In too many of these scenarios, people end up feeling like they’re fending for themselves, alone. But in a secure partnership, that should never be the case. No matter how complicated or uncomfortable the situation may be, you should feel that, at the very least, your partner will always have your back. Unwavering support like this is especially crucial for people who tend to feel insecure or anxious in close relationships. Stressful situations involving criticism, exclusion or emotional conflict can hit home for them. Without someone in their corner, they may feel the need to defend themselves, shut down or lash out in ways they’ll regret later on. In psychology, this is known as “partner buffering.” As 2020 research explains, this refers to one partner’s ability to help regulate the other’s emotions during times of distress. Sometimes this looks like stepping in to de-escalate a conflict. Other times, it’s simply about reassuring their partner that they’re not alone and that someone’s on their side. Maybe your in-laws are making subtle digs at you over dinner. Maybe your family mentions that one childhood memory that you’ve asked them to stop bringing up. Or maybe it’s something as light as a board game night where things unexpectedly became heated. If your partner is willing to firmly stand by you in these moments — to validate your emotions and speak up when no one else does — then you’re in a relationship that most people can only dream of. 3. They Do Things Without You Asking Them To It’s an unfortunate truth that, in many relationships, one partner ends up having to constantly remind the other of their needs — and often, these are just the basics. But when they speak up, they’re too often labeled as “needy” or accused of “nagging.” But, in reality, it’s nowhere near unreasonable to expect effort from someone you share your life with. You shouldn’t have to convince your partner to show up for you. In healthy relationships, however, this is never the case. There’s no scoreboard, nor a need to repeatedly spell things out. In fact, 2019 research from Personality and Individual Differences notes that choosing an altruistic partner — someone who genuinely cares about your well-being without expecting anything in return — is a smart, successful mate choice. In other words, choosing someone who consistently shows up for you just because they want to is one of the strongest predictors of long-term relationship satisfaction. You don’t need to ask them to put their phone down while you’re talking. You don’t need to chase them to pick up after themselves. And beyond these bare necessities, you don’t need to ask for them for love or kindness. It’s already part of their routine, and they do it without hesitation or resentment. Maybe they come home from the grocery store with your favorite snack or a bouquet of flowers, just because. Maybe they quietly start rubbing your shoulders after a long day without needing to be prompted. Or maybe they simply do the little things they know make you smile, without expecting praise, recognition or anything in return. This kind of selfless love is something only a rare few get to experience. And if your partner ticks all three of the boxes above — if they match your energy, have your back when it counts and show up without being asked — you probably already know you’ve got something special. But if you didn’t know it before reading this, let this be your sign: they’re a keeper. The kinds of relationships described above don’t just survive. They thrive. Take this science-backed test to find out if yours fits the description: Relationship Flourishing Scale

These annual rankings were last updated on May 16, 2025. Want to see your firm on next year’s list? Continue reading for more on how you can improve your studio’s ranking. Land of breathtaking terrains and jarring winds, Iceland is known for its magical landscapes filled with lava fields, fjords and verdant hills. Located south of the Arctic Circle, Iceland’s rugged landscape is firmly tied to its built environment, which is fused with a deeply functional architectural language. One of the nation’s earlier building traditions is the turf home. Covered with an exterior turf shell, they simultaneously insulate the home and camouflage into the environment. The nation’s architecture is equally attributed to its Scandinavian neighbors. In the 18th century, Danish architects introduced gable-fronted structures and stone construction to Iceland, which led to a boom in masonry craft and stone creations. Other foreign influences, such as Classical ideas and Swiss designs, were also imported. Notwithstanding, Icelandic design remained practical. In the 30s, functionalism found its way north and found fertile soil in Iceland. Following Iceland’s independence from Denmark, modernism began to inform the nation’s architecture. Today’s Icelandic designers admirably balance past and present. Fusing past traditions with modern innovations, contemporary Icelandic architecture remains beautiful, functional and deeply connected to its unrestrained climatic conditions. With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in Iceland based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge. How are these architecture firms ranked? The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority: The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2025) The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2025) The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2025) Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of Iceland architecture firms throughout the year. Without further ado, here are the 10 best architecture firms in Iceland: 10. Studio Granda © Studio Granda Studio Granda was established in Reykjavík by Margret Harðardóttir and Steve Christer in 1987. The practice is based in Reykjavik and works on wide range of commercial and private projects. Some of Studio Granda’s most prominent projects include: B14, Iceland H71a, Hverfisgata, Reykjavík, Iceland The following statistics helped Studio Granda achieve 10th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 2 9. Teiknistofan Tröð © Teiknistofan Tröð Beauty | Permanence | Utility are the main values of the company, which operates in the spirit of sustainable development. Each project is one of a kind where local conditions and activities play a key role in the design process. Emphasis is placed on the architecture and technical aspects, utility and efficiency in implementation and operation. Teiknistofan Tröð provides services and consultation on architecture and planning to public authorities, businesses and individuals. Some of Teiknistofan Tröð’s most prominent projects include: The Salvation Army´s headquarters in Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland Félagsheimilið Bolungarvík, Bolungarvik, Iceland Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridges, Reykjavík, Iceland The following statistics helped Teiknistofan Tröð achieve 9th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 3 8. ARKÍS Arkitektar photo: Mirra Arnardottir - © ARKÍS Arkitektar ARKÍS is an awarded, progressive architecture firm that has been in operation since 1997. ARKÍS’ works and projects span all levels of architecture, planning and design. ARKÍS has extensive experience with projects in planning and architecture, and from the firm’s founding, ARKÍS has executed numerous large and complex projects, both in Iceland and internationally. That experience, in addition to cross-disciplinary specializations, international high level education and experience of the office’s employees make the firm well equipped to address all projects in architecture, planning and design. Some of ARKÍS Arkitektar’s most prominent projects include: Selhæd Water Retention Tank, Egilsstaðir, Iceland Icelandic Institute of Natural History, Gardabaer, Iceland Snæfellsstofa Visitor’s Center Blágil Park Ranger’s Cabins Villa Lóla The following statistics helped ARKÍS Arkitektar achieve 8th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 7 7. Yrki architects © Yrki architects Yrki was founded in 1997 by Ásdís Helga Ágústsdóttir and Sólveig Berg after they had won the 1st prize in an invited competition for Nesstofa, a museum of medical heritage in Seltjarnarnes. Today, a cohesive team of talented designers in the fields of architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture works at Yrki architects. We put our emphasis on meeting our clients’ requests in a professional and viable manner. Yrki architects offer a wide range of services in the fields of architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture. Our wide expertise of architecture and design reflects in a holistic approach to all our projects where the environment, context and scale shape the design. The name Yrki has a specific meaning in Icelandic. Some of Yrki architects’ most prominent projects include: Six ticket houses at the old harbour, Reykjavík, Iceland The following statistics helped Yrki architects achieve 7th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: A+Awards Finalist 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 6. BASALT Architects © Rafn Sigurbjörnsson Basalt Architects is an architectural office established in 2009 in Reykjavik. Led by partners Sigríður Sigþórsdóttir, Hrólfur Karl Cela and Marcos Zotes, Basalt’s dynamic team of architects and designers bring together a rich and extensive architectural design and construction experience in Iceland and abroad. Committed to architecture in concept, design and execution, Basalt provides high quality work and services on projects of different content, expression and scale. Basalt Architects cover a broad spectrum of architectural design services including wellness, office, commercial, residential, leisure, heritage, retail, cultural, exhibition and urban design projects. Extracting what is unique in each project from an environmental, geographic, cultural and historic context is at the core of Basalt’s design approach. Some of BASALT Architects’ most prominent projects include: The Retreat at Blue Lagoon, Grindavik, Iceland Hofsós Swimming Pool, Hofsós, Iceland LAVA Centre, Hvolsvöllur, Iceland The following statistics helped BASALT Architects achieve 6th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: A+Awards Winner 1 Total Projects 3 5. Batteriid Archtects © Henning Larsen, Batteriid Archtects Batteríið Architects is a consulting architectural firm, founded in 1988, with a broad range of experience in building design and planning. The company benefits from highly trained and well educated employees that emphasize innovative ideas and creative design solutions. The company’s expertise is a comprehensive knowledge of adjusting buildings to local environment and climate, universal design as well occupational safety and health. Some of Batteriid Archtects’ most prominent projects include: Harpa – Reykjavik Concert Hall and Conference Center, Reykjavik, Iceland The following statistics helped Batteriid Archtects achieve 5th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 4. Arkibygg Architects © ESJA Architecture, Arkibygg arkitektar, Okkarheima / ANNA Landscape architect, exa nordic . Arkibygg is an architectural firm founded in 2020 by Ástríður Birna Árnadóttir and Stefanía Helga Pálmarsdóttir. The name Arkibygg is a combination of the words architect and construction engineer. When architects and construction engineers work closely together, they use each other’s knowledge to the fullest to achieve practical and creative solutions right from the start of the design process until the design process is completed. Some of Arkibygg arkitektar’s most prominent projects include: Ring of Bjólfur, Seydisfjordur, Iceland The following statistics helped Okkarheima / ANNA Landscape architect achieve 4th place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: A+Awards Winner 1 Featured Projects 1 Total Projects 1 3. arkibúllan arkitektar © arkibúllan arkitektar Arkibüllan, which has recently changed its name to A arkitektar, was founded in 1999 by Hólmfríðar Ósmann Jónsdóttir and Hrefna Bjargar Þorsteinsdóttir. The work of A arkitekta / Arkibüllun is often shaped by nature and the surrounding environment. The work on each project begins with a search for clues in as many places as possible: in the landscape, human life and one’s own mind. The clues then become the power generator that leads the work from the first sketch to the fully formed structure. Some of arkibúllan arkitektar’s most prominent projects include: Churchyard Offices and Staff Housing in Gufunes Cemetary, Reykjavik, Iceland Brekkuskógur Cottages, Iceland The following statistics helped arkibúllan arkitektar achieve 3rd place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 2 2. EON architecture / Architect – Designer © EON architecture / Architect - Designer EON architecture is strongly related to the layers of information connected to each project we design and we build. Each project is a manifesto and a tribute to its site, to its role and to its owner/the client. EON emphasizes the important threads between architecture and environmental issues. The goal is to combine contemporary architecture with environmental issues in relation to style and history. Thus being related to the distinctions and the history in general in our projects is of great importance to us. EON architecture represent the creativity and design of fabulous spaces and built structures and intends to contribute high quality architecture worldwide. Some of EON architecture / Architect – Designer’s most prominent projects include: House of Shapes, Kopavogur, Iceland Top image: Mt.Hekla Volcanic Museum, Rangárþing ytra, Iceland East Street – Offices of Parliament, Reykjavík, Iceland Grandagarður 8, downtown Old Harbour, Reykjavik, Iceland The Pool of Vikings, Iceland The following statistics helped EON architecture / Architect - Designer achieve 2nd place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: Featured Projects 2 Total Projects 11 1. PK Arkitektar © PK Arkitektar PK Arkitektar is an Icelandic architecture and design studio. Its founder, architect Palmar Kristmundsson, draws his inspiration from Iceland’s stunning natural landscape and from his encounters with vernacular Japanese architecture. Over the years, they have developed an exceptional team of architects from around the world. PK’s clients and staff are committed to experimentation and the quest for exciting architectural experiences. Each of PK’s projects is designed to inspire a new sense of place through its clarity of design and unexpected details. Some of PK Arkitektar’s most prominent projects include: Árborg, Selfoss, Iceland Frístundahús, Brekkuskógur, Iceland Turninn, Reykjavík, Iceland BHM, Brekkuskógur, South, Iceland B25, Garðabær, Iceland The following statistics helped PK Arkitektar achieve 1st place in the 10 Best Architecture Firms in Iceland: A+Awards Winner 1 A+Awards Finalist 2 Featured Projects 3 Total Projects 5 Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking? With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year. Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York. An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted A Guide to Project Awards The blue “+” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award. The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status: Project completed within the last 3 years A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value High quality, in focus photographs At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings Inclusion of construction photographs There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.     We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com. The post 10 Best Architecture and Design Firms in Iceland appeared first on Journal.