This article contains spoilers for Big Mouth season 8. It’s become increasingly rare for a streaming series to end on its own terms, especially when that series has run for eight seasons and revolves around the uncontrollable hormonal impulses of a bunch of teenagers.  Big Mouth made waves upon its premiere back in 2017, yet it’s grown into one of Netflix’s longest-running shows and a program that’s experienced as many changes as its adolescent protagonists. The series is comfortable indulging in its cruder and more mature impulses, whether that’s relentless Hormone Monsters or anthropomorphic genitals. That being said, there’s an undeniable heart to Big Mouth and it’s an animated comedy that actually strives to educate and enlighten, as wild as that may seem, as it preaches inclusivity and a truly modern world of sex, relationships, and identity.  As Big Mouth reaches its splashy big finish with its eighth season, the comedy’s co-creators — Andrew Goldberg, Jennifer Flackett, and Mark Levin — open up on their animated project’s farewell year. Goldberg, Flackett, and Levin get candid on Big Mouth’s latest changes as its characters acclimate to high school, the highs and lows of pornography, and their trepidation over sticking the landing. Also: the one storyline that was almost turned into its own interactive episode! DEN OF GEEK: It’s been so much fun to see this series evolve since its beginning. Is it satisfying to get the rare luxury of bringing many of these characters’ stories to fruition across eight seasons as they all find their respective cliques and learn a little more about themselves? MARK LEVIN: I mean, it is a rare treat to be able to tell a story that long and to be able to really explore these characters in depth over so much time. To have anyone’s puberty last eight years is pretty cool.  JENNIFER FLACKETT: But also to age the characters and to have animation that changes was not something that [we anticipated]. Andrew often talks about the fact, because he’s from Family Guy. He never thought that the character models would change and we hadn’t really talked about that. Then when we realized that the show’s all about changes, that was really interesting to us.  ML: Also, to have the runway to be able to know that we were going to close out the show, and to be very thoughtful and intentional in our approach to that, was great. We went on a retreat with the writers in advance of season eight to just talk about everything and wrestling with this big idea. Ultimately, the big question was, “How do you end a story about characters who are just beginning their story – their lives,” you know? That’s the conclusion of the future being the thing they have to wrestle with most–the unknown of the future.  I’m glad you touched on that too, because I do think there are always really high expectations that surround any series finale and I think you guys handled this one very gracefully. Was this always kind of the ending that you had envisioned for the show? Did it change over time? ANDREW GOLDBERG: No, we don’t have plans. We even like to figure out each season with our staff as we go. I mean, it would be great if we had a plan from the very beginning, but we did not, and like Mark said, we really came into season eight with this dilemma of “how do you tell the end of a story about kids who are just starting out?” I remember when we were first talking about what the final episode would be, Gil Ozeri, who wrote it, kind of looked at us and was like, “Well, you guys, it’s your show. What do you think? What is the show about?” And I was like, “I don’t know.” Mark thought that the most salient thing that we’ve learned over the years is that the show is about this idea that you’re not alone. That was sort of our guiding principle for the final episode, too. This idea that the future is scary and unknown, but you’re not alone. You have your friends to go into it with.  Were there any other series finales that you looked to for inspiration? I felt the tiniest bit of Moonlighting in terms of the characters’ universe kind of being dismantled around them. Join our mailing list Get the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox! AG: Not really. I wanted to do that Andrew was masturbating and right before he comes, it cuts to black, and we don’t know if he comes or not or if he gets shot by the guy in the diner. Nobody else got on board with that. JF: I will say, like when you were just talking about it – to me Cheers and Mary Tyler Moore–  AG: Cheers was a great finale.  JF: Those were two great finales that were funny and were emotional. That has always been our guiding light with Big Mouth. We didn’t really realize when we first started how important the emotionality was going to be. That these were kids with big feelings and everything mattered so much. So I think just that idea–we knew we wanted the end to be emotional, but it was also emotional for us! When we had our final table read and all those kids walked off, everyone was crying. So, I think that also a big part of it, too – being funny, emotional, and that we really wanted to do well by these characters. We wanted to feel like the future was pretty bright for them. AG: Sometimes with finales, shows try to reinvent the wheel. They’ll make the finale its whole own thing. As a fan, I always like a finale that’s just like a really good episode of the show. That was also one of our goals and one of the reasons why we went back to the middle school for the finale because that was the heart of the show. Big Mouth is obviously very silly, but it pushes some really important messages, too. It’s filled with encouraging examples of representation as well. Which storyline or piece of character development are you the most proud of bringing to life here? JF: I just think we all learned so much about human sexuality and human development making this show. I can really say I learned a lot and I feel like we really created something where the things that we learned–we really wanted to tell people about things like female pleasure. I did not think that was a story that I was going to do. Like, I knew there’d be periods. I knew there’d be masturbation, right? But beyond that–going into asexuality and all these things that really came from real students that we spoke to who said, “I don’t feel represented.” That was really interesting and we didn’t really know about that. I think that always interested us in all these different ways. Consent is something – both in the first and the last season – that we really talk about in a specific kind of way. Those were things we learned as the world changed. The world changed so much while we were making the show, so we had to really keep abreast of everything.  And Holly Hunter is Compassion. I really will say that Holly Hunter’s Compassion was a real thrill for all of us.  AG: I agree that the learning experience of making this show has been incredible and the breadth of who we’ve learned from. We had this moment in season one where we did “Girls Are Horny Too,” where we realized–we had read Peggy Orenstein’s book, Girls & Sex, and she had come to the writers’ room to talk to us. One of the things that she writes about is that in sex ed, we teach boys about their boners and ejaculation and girls about menstruation. We don’t teach–we don’t imply to girls as we’re teaching about sex–that they’re supposed to experience pleasure, too. We realized, “Oh my God, our first episode is literally about a boy masturbating and in the second episode a girl gets her period. We did the very thing that we’re not supposed to do. So we course-corrected with the fifth episode of the first season, “Girls Are Horny Too.”  Then, like Jen said, the idea for having an asexual kid was totally born out of how we speak to teenagers every year with their sex ed teacher, Shafia Zaloum, who’s a great sex ed teacher in the Bay Area. That storyline came directly from one of her students being like, “Hey, I’m asexual, and I’d really love to see a character like me on TV.” We were like, “Absolutely.” He actually read scripts for us and gave us his thoughts. It was a really great collaboration. So, we’ve had this amazing experience where we’re learning from experts, but also from teenagers; from kids. The pornography episode from this season is really strong, but it’s also exciting that you’re able to do an episode that helps normalize pornography, break it down, but also explore the more toxic behavior it can reinforce, too. Did this feel like significant subject matter to explore? JF: Well, that’s always how we like to explore any topic: like we’re having a conversation. The first one was about the head push and if it’s okay or if it’s not okay. We were like, “Oh, that’s got to go in the show.” Our kids need to basically be having the same conversation that we’re having. That’s often a way that leads us, but it was actually my daughter who was talking about guys and their relationship with porn. She was like, “It’s really kind of ruined them and it’s such a bummer.” So when we were coming into this last season, I thought that we should explore that. We had done porn in the very first season, but it didn’t get to the heart of the problem.  AG: It was more of an addiction story.  JF: It was more of an addiction story. It wasn’t really a porn story. We really realized–and this was another thing we talked to a lot of people about–just about how porn was becoming sex education and how unfortunate that is and what do we do about it. How do you masturbate again when you’ve gotten used to porn? All those things. It’s not just one thing. It turned out it was a lot of things, all of which play out over three episodes. You really get the chance to realize what’s going on and how it can actually affect your life in all these different ways. AG: We had this really cool experience where–as we were figuring out that story, we always, every season, meet with a group of teenagers via Zoom and really pick their brains and ask them questions. This time, for the first time ever, we split them up between boys and girls because we wanted to hear what the boys had to say and what the girls had to say. It was amazing just the disconnect that seemed to occur where – at least for the groups of kids that we talked to – the boys were kind of like, “We get it. Porn isn’t real. It doesn’t actually affect the way we behave.” While the girls were like, “No.” They did not feel the same way. JF: It was shocking, but true! All that was just so  interesting.  Absolutely, and then to have your characters at an age where they can emulate that behavior, too. I always love when the show will do a bit of a concept episode that does something structurally different, like the penultimate entry that has the whole grab bag of odds and ends formula. I think that’s such a smart way to touch on a bunch of stuff that couldn’t organically be covered in the series. ML: When you’re heading to the end of an experience like this, you realize there’s so much left to say and so much you still want to say. In this case, we reached out through social media to the fans and said, “Hey, what are the things you wish we talked about?” That’s really true, we really did do that.  So, are those real questions, then, from real fans?  ML: Yeah, those topics, they’re all real.  JF: And when we say that there was a ton about queefing, that’s also actually true. We had thousands of responses. We had this vaginismus story and one of the guys on the staff was like, “I don’t like the vaginismus story…” But a lot of people were asking about it so clearly there is interest there! So I wanted to find a way to do that. ML: It all really came from that experience of serving the fans. And we love form-breaker episodes. We love form-breakers, but this was a great one. It was an opportunity, in a grab bag kind of way, to race through all these things that we never got a chance to talk about. These probably would have been episodes or storylines, but maybe they’re even better for the fact that they don’t last for an entire episode. “What’s it like to go to the gynecologist?” That doesn’t need to be a whole episode. These ideas can be their own mini-movies, like the Looney Tunes one. Well, I was going to say exactly that. You dress each one up in a different style, whether it’s The Twilight Zone or the whole Looney Tunes aesthetic. Was this episode more of a challenge to bring together? AG: Yeah, I think that’s always the fun with the form-breakers. I think it’s fun for the fans. It’s fun for us, too, on a creative level. Last year we did the international episode, where we did a show in different languages. We did that Christmas episode with all the different kinds of animation. It’s always so much fun for us, but this one in particular was great because I do think our fans are so invested. They feel so much ownership over the show and we’re happy to share that with them. It was exciting to see all their questions that Maury explores in that episode.  You mentioned before that you don’t like to plan things out, but this season brings closure to the Ponytail Killer after so long, which is super funny to me. I can see this being an idea that just kept getting pushed back during previous seasons, but had you planned to do more with this tangent over the years? Did you know that this was the killer’s identity from the start? JF: And it was! We had tried to do something with the Ponytail Killer a couple of other times, but it just didn’t feel right. This felt good though and we were finally able to pay that one off. ML: At one point, we were talking about doing an interactive “Choose-Your-Own Adventure” episode like Black Mirror’s “Bandersnatch.” There was a minute where everything was going to be interactive! We flirted with the idea of doing a “Choose-Your-Own Adventure” episode where you solve the Ponytail Killer’s murders. We went down that road, but we realized just how much work it would take–it would have been like a whole season’s worth of work just to make all the multiple threads. So we were happy to at least bring closure to it inside this season.  AG: My favorite part of that is when Lola is like, “What? Who cares?” There are Reddit threads out there that have guessed it! There are people that will be very satisfied with this season. JF: One of my favorite Reddit threads is about, “Does Cyrus wear the radish bra?” Eight seasons is a lot of time to spend with these characters, but would you ever want to return to them and this universe, perhaps when they’re adults with kids of their own? Is there a possibility that you might do something like periodic Big Mouth specials in the future or some further extension of the series? ML: Yeah, I mean, we love these kids. We really want to see what happens to them. It’s fun to just let them go off into the void and imagine what would happen, but I’m sure that over time, we’ll miss them and want to revisit them again. Whether it’s the college years or some other thing, you know?  JF: It’s funny, because what happens is before you know exactly when your show is going to end, you’re like, “It’s so hard to find these stories…” But then when you know that you’re going to end, we suddenly had more stories to tell because we moved them to high school. It was ironic, but also kind of lovely, because you always want to leave people wanting more. That’s a great feeling and it’s nice to not feel like we’ve completely exhausted everything. It’s very bittersweet. We’ve had an amazing run here and we were at Netflix at just the right time. I’m not sure if Big Mouth could have existed at any other time. It seems like Big Mouth got to tell its full story, but that this might not have necessarily been the case with Human Resources. Can you talk a little on where else that show had gone if it lasted longer? Were there any ideas for future Human Resources stories that were incorporated into this final season as a way of providing closure? JF: We loved Human Resources. I mean, we just thought that was a great, great show, and such a wonderful universe.  ML: They’re infinite things that could be done there! And you know, there is an episode this season that visits Human Resources again. We really wanted to go back to Human Resources, whether it was in that episode where we had the Keke Palmer and Aidy Bryant characters come back. Rosie Perez’s character, too. The whole cast! We wanted to weave them all into this season to make sure that they were acknowledged as such an important part of the universe. We were fortunate to get to explore all of that in the same show, but just through a flipped perspective. We were seeing it all from the monsters’ point of view, but now we’re back to the kids. But we absolutely loved, loved Human Resources.  Big Mouth has ended, but your new animated series, Mating Season, has been announced. Can you talk at all on how this idea came together, what this show was born out of, and if it will have a similar vibe to Big Mouth or be a different type of animal? ML: The vibe will be similar in some ways, in that, it’s very honest and it deals, frankly, with things that we all deal with. In Big Mouth, it was puberty and that temporary change, but Mating Season is looking kind of into your twenties – your late twenties – when you’re trying to find a mate. You find your person, or hook up, or, you know – have sex, get married, all those things that we struggled with then. JF: What we always found in Big Mouth, when we were trying to depict sex, was that it was better when it had a metaphor behind it. But we realized that you really don’t want to see humans having sex. However, with animals, it’s a lot funnier.  ML: You’re not going to see anything you don’t see in the zoo, or in the forest, or in your backyard. I’m looking forward to it. I appreciated the Animorphs reference this season, so if you can make one of the characters an Animorph–just have one be an animal that is actually a human in disguise. I think that’s a fun approach. ML: That is a good idea. We’re putting it on the list. JF: We’re putting it on the list. Beautiful. That’s all I ask. All eight seasons of Big Mouth are now streaming on Netflix

As a member of the project, you’ll help take the studio and our game from great to even better—with a focus on inclusivity, mutual respect (for ourselves and our players), thoughtfulness, empathy, professionalism, and collaboration.You’ll help us by…Collaborate with level designers and the art director to discuss and understand game intentions and visionHave ownership of a particular part of the game (i.e. a large part of the environment)Participate in the ideation of locations/levels by performing research (collecting written descriptions and visual references)Craft compelling visual narratives that reinforce and enhance the game’s setting, story, and gameplay elementsAssess level scope with your immediate supervisor to establish an achievable production scheduleBuild the rough map of the level with the level designer to show the preliminary graphic intentions, gameplays and ensure they are approvedSet up placeholders and submit prop and material requests to internal or OS teams; follow up on the progress and quality of the work during its developmentCreate a variety of 3D models (architecture, foliage, props) from photo references and concept artBuild (set dress, edit, optimize) realistic detailed 3d environments from photo reference and conceptAssist in troubleshooting artistic and technical issuesYou’re awesome because you have…Solid portfolio demonstrating focus and passion for 3d environment & prop creationAt least 8 years of experience in creating Environment or Prop Art in AAA game development with at least one AAA title connected to your nameExcellent artistic and design skills, including a keen eye for composition, color theory, and visual storytellingProficiency in industry-standard 3D modeling and texturing software (e.g., Maya, 3ds Max, Blender, ZBrush, Substance Painter/Designer)Experience working in Modern Game Engines with an awareness of game budgets, limits, and memory constraintsAbility to consistently resolve issues from a visual, production, and technical perspectiveBasic ability to communicate visually utilizing traditional mediaEffective communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work well in a team environmentAbility to adapt to evolving project needs and work under tight deadlinesBonus points for…Experience in working in or developing procedural workflows via tools like Houdini or UPSExperience with photogrammetry or other scanning techniques & workflowsNot sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.Our WorldAt Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up.Ready to Activate Your Future?#elsewhere

Key Takeaways Next Xbox Could Run Windows: A reliable leak suggests Microsoft is working on an Xbox that runs a custom Windows build with Steam support and full backward compatibility. Steam and Xbox Already Work Well Together: Xbox controllers dominate on Steam, and Microsoft continues releasing more games on the platform. Best-in-Class Backward Compatibility: Xbox Series X supports four console generations. A Windows-based Xbox could make this even more straightforward. A Strategic Shift to Stay Competitive: With PlayStation ahead, Microsoft may bet on openness, merging PC and console ecosystems to regain ground. In the never-ending console wars, it looks like Microsoft might be gearing up to throw out the rulebook – and maybe the whole library too.  According to reports, the next-generation Xbox could run a custom version of Windows, support Steam, and offer full backward compatibility.  That’s not just an upgrade. That’s a potential identity crisis. Or maybe, it’s a long-overdue evolution. Why This Isn’t Just Another Rumor First, let’s get this straight. This isn’t a random internet fantasy or Reddit wishlisting.  The source of these claims is a Spanish leaker known as eXtas1s, with a decent track record with Xbox-related news.  In a recent YouTube video, he claimed that Microsoft is working on a new Xbox console that would run a modified version of Windows, support PC storefronts like Steam, and offer full backward compatibility. The details were later summarized in English on ResetEra by a user named P40L0, helping the rumor spread across the broader gaming community.  Even possibly including a dedicated ‘Xbox mode’ launcher on top of Windows.  While Microsoft hasn’t confirmed any of this (and probably won’t anytime soon), it certainly makes sense when you look at the direction Xbox has been heading.  Xbox is no longer just a piece of hardware. It’s Game Pass. It’s cloud gaming. It’s the Xbox app on your PC. So when someone says the next Xbox might just be a living room-friendly Windows PC, the real surprise isn’t the rumor – it’s that it hasn’t already happened. Steam on Xbox? Why Not – They Already Share a Bed Now let’s talk about Steam.  Valve and Microsoft used to be slightly cold toward each other, especially when Windows 8 tried to become a walled garden. But now? They’re practically roommates.  Steam runs perfectly on Windows. Microsoft has been adding more and more games to Steam. The Xbox controller is the go-to option for most Steam players. In some cases, Microsoft even allows you to link your Xbox and Steam accounts.  Source: Xbox And let’s be honest: the Microsoft Store is… not great. Steam is where PC gamers live. Supporting Steam on the next Xbox might be less about generosity and more about pragmatism.  If you can’t beat Valve, join them – and maybe use their massive user base to prop up your console. Backward Compatibility: Microsoft’s Underrated Power Move The Xbox Series X is hands-down the most backward-compatible console on the market. It supports games from four generations – Original Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Series X|S.  Source: Xbox.  You can play Knights of the Old Republic, Fable II, or Gears of War 3 without paying for a remake or subscription.  Just insert the disc or download your old digital copy, and you’re good to go. Many older titles look and run better, thanks to features like Auto HDR, higher resolutions, and faster load times. It’s not just support – it’s enhancement. This kind of access is rare. Sony’s PS5 doesn’t support PS3 discs at all. And Nintendo locks most of its classic library behind paid online services.  Microsoft, by contrast, is preserving its gaming legacy in a way that respects the player. If the next Xbox runs Windows and supports Steam, backward compatibility could surpass consoles. You could run your entire game library across decades and platforms with no emulators, just Windows doing what it does best. That’s more than a feature. It’s a reason to stick with Xbox. Or to finally switch.  Is This About PlayStation? Of Course it is Let’s not pretend this is happening in a vacuum.  The PlayStation 5 is dominating this console generation. Sony’s strategy has been aggressive and, frankly, smart. Exclusive titles. Strong global brand. A focus on cinematic single-player experiences that people want to play.  Microsoft tried to play the subscription game with Game Pass. It was a great idea, and it still is – but it hasn’t closed the gap.  And then came the Activision Blizzard acquisition. That was supposed to be a game-changer. Instead, it turned into a regulatory circus and has yet to deliver a big shift in momentum.  Call of Duty is still on PlayStation. Diablo IV didn’t launch as a Game Pass exclusive. So what does Microsoft do when it’s behind? It opens up. This isn’t the first time Microsoft has flipped the script. It open-sourced .NET, embraced Linux, and made Visual Studio Code free. The message behind these moves? We’re not the old Microsoft anymore — we’re the cool one now. Now, that same logic might apply to Xbox.  If people aren’t buying the Xbox for its exclusives, give them a reason to buy it for everything else. Steam, Windows, emulation, mods – these are things gamers want but don’t get from traditional consoles. The Console That Isn’t a Console Imagine a box under your TV that runs Windows, plays Steam games, runs emulators, supports Xbox Game Pass, and doesn’t care where your games come from.  Call it an Xbox, call it a PC, call it ‘Xbox Fusion’ or whatever marketing comes up with. But that’s not a console in the traditional sense – that’s a lifestyle device. And before you laugh at that phrase, remember the Steam Deck? That thing is a handheld Linux PC. People jailbreak it. They install Game Pass on it. They use it to emulate Nintendo games. Valve leaned into that openness, and it worked. If Valve could do it with a $399 handheld, why can’t Microsoft do it with a $499 living room console?  It’s About Ecosystem, Not Exclusives Once upon a time, consoles lived and died by their exclusives.  But Microsoft isn’t trying to sell you a box. It’s trying to sell you into an ecosystem. Game Pass. Xbox Live. Cloud saves. Achievements. Cross-play. Even the Xbox app on your phone. By turning the Xbox into a Windows-powered hybrid, they make it easier to say: ‘You’re already in the Xbox world. You just didn’t know it yet.’ But Will People Buy it? Here’s the catch: People who want a Windows gaming box… already own one. It’s called a PC.  Source: Unsplash.  So the next Xbox must do something a regular gaming PC doesn’t.  It needs to be plug-and-play. It needs to be cheap. It needs to be quiet, reliable, and hassle-free. No driver updates. No BIOS settings. No random crashes because Steam updated, and your mod loader broke.  If Microsoft can pull that off and make a gaming PC that feels like a console, they might not win the generation, but they’ll win back a lot of goodwill. And maybe even some market share.  What This Means for the Industry If the next Xbox truly embraces Windows and Steam, the lines between consoles and PCs will blur even further.  Sony will feel the pressure. Nintendo probably won’t care. But developers? They’ll love it. One build to rule them all, with less fragmentation and more options.  And if Xbox supports things like mouse and keyboard, mods, or even side-loading apps, it could become the best place to play, not because it’s a walled garden, but because it isn’t. Xbox Needs a Bold Move – This Might Be It The console wars are no longer just about graphics or frame rates. They’re about ecosystems. Microsoft tried going all-in on subscriptions, and it helped, but it wasn’t enough. So now, it’s pivoting again. Steam support. Windows under the hood. Full backward compatibility. It sounds wild. But it also sounds like the kind of disruption the gaming industry needs. Don’t be surprised if the next Xbox is a Trojan horse PC for your living room. Microsoft’s been training this horse for years.  Anya Zhukova is an in-house tech and crypto writer at Techreport with 10 years of hands-on experience covering cybersecurity, consumer tech, digital privacy, and blockchain. She’s known for turning complex topics into clear, useful advice that regular people can actually understand and use.  Her work has been featured in top-tier digital publications including MakeUseOf, Online Tech Tips, Help Desk Geek, Switching to Mac, and Make Tech Easier. Whether she’s writing about the latest privacy tools or reviewing a new laptop, her goal is always the same: help readers feel confident and in control of the tech they use every day.  Anya holds a BA in English Philology and Translation from Tula State Pedagogical University and also studied Mass Media and Journalism at Minnesota State University, Mankato. That mix of language, media, and tech has given her a unique lens to look at how technology shapes our daily lives.  Over the years, she’s also taken courses and done research in data privacy, digital security, and ethical writing – skills she uses when tackling sensitive topics like PC hardware, system vulnerabilities, and crypto security.  Anya worked directly with brands like Framework, Insta360, Redmagic, Inmotion, Secretlab, Kodak, and Anker, reviewing their products in real-life scenarios. Her testing process involves real-world use cases – whether it's stress-testing laptops for creative workloads, reviewing the battery performance of mobile gaming phones, or evaluating the long-term ergonomics of furniture designed for hybrid workspaces.  In the world of crypto, Anya covers everything from beginner guides to deep dives into hardware wallets, DeFi protocols, and Web3 tools. She helps readers understand how to use multisig wallets, keep their assets safe, and choose the right platforms for their needs.  Her writing often touches on financial freedom and privacy – two things she strongly believes should be in everyone’s hands. Outside of writing, Anya contributes to editorial style guides focused on privacy and inclusivity, and she mentors newer tech writers on how to build subject matter expertise and write responsibly.  She sticks to high editorial standards, only recommends products she’s personally tested, and always aims to give readers the full picture.  You can find her on LinkedIn, where she shares more about her work and projects.  Key Areas of Expertise: Consumer Tech (laptops, phones, wearables, etc.) Cybersecurity and Digital Privacy PC/PC Hardware Blockchain, Crypto Wallets, and DeFi In-Depth Product Reviews and Buying Guides Whether she’s reviewing a new wallet or benchmarking a PC build, Anya brings curiosity, care, and a strong sense of responsibility to everything she writes. Her mission? To make the digital world a little easier – and safer – for everyone.  View all articles by Anya Zhukova Our editorial process The Tech Report editorial policy is centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written by real authors.

Game Producer - Teamfight TacticsRiot GamesSingapore, Central Singapore, Singapore1 hour agoApplyEstablished in 2020, the Riot Singapore Studio is Riot’s second international game development studio. Our mission is to “scale Riot’s games to hyper-serve players.” Riot has been expanding our footprint in Asia and accelerating our talent growth to develop games that deliver great experiences to our players.We partner with our LA headquarters on game development for League of Legends, Teamfight Tactics, Legends of Runeterra and VALORANT. Riot Singapore is seeking talented, passionate Rioters with backgrounds in all areas of game development to build games that make it better to be a player.We’re focused on working together to promote individual autonomy, ownership, collaboration, and inclusivity, so every Rioter can be their best while we boldly pursue games.That's where you come in.As a Game Producer on Teamfight Tactics, you will be working closely with the development team to produce cosmetics from Inception to a successful launch. You will drive development, smash through obstacles, and push projects across the finish line.ResponsibilitiesPartner with cross-functional development teams to deliver high quality Cosmetics content for Teamfight Tactics.Oversee the production and relationship with external vendors.Collaborate effectively with internal teams, external vendors and partner groups across the organization to deliver player value.Identify opportunities for optimization and continuously iterate on processes and systems to support team efficiency and output.Proactively address emergent issues to ensure smooth delivery.Communicate regularly with stakeholders to provide updates on project status and gather requirements.Facilitate team meetings, including planning, retrospectives and other project meetings.Maintain clear and up-to-date documentation of workflows, schedules, and project statuses.Required Qualifications4+ years of game production or as a producer, with at least one shipped title.Hands-on experience applying project management methodologies (such as agile) in a development environment.Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams across time zones and diverse cultural backgrounds.Familiarity with project management tools like Jira and Airtable.Desired QualificationsStrong leadership skills, demonstrating a results-driven focus to navigate complex cultural, technical, and product challenges.Outsourcing experience: Experience collaborating with and managing external development partners.Game development knowledge: Familiarity with game development pipelines and the various phases of production.Speaking Mandarin is a plus.Our PerksFull relocation supportFull health insurance for you, your spouse and childrenOpen paid time offRetirement benefits with company matchingLife insurance, parental leave, plus short-term and long-term disabilityPlay Fund so you can broaden and deepen your knowledge of our players and community through gamesWe will double down on your donations of time and money to non-profitsDon’t forget to include a resume and cover letter. We receive a lot of applications, but we’ll notice a fun, well-written intro that shows us you take play seriously. Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply

Senior Development Manager31st UnionSan Mateo, California, United States2 hours agoApplyWE ARE GAMEMAKERSWho We Are:We are a diverse team of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.We are currently working on Project ETHOS, a new free-to-play, 3rd person rogue-like hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre!Who You Are:We’re looking to add a thoughtful and strategic Senior Development Manager to facilitate communication and support one of our content teams in achieving a high level of excellence and player engagement on our high-priority AAA project. You will work with a team of talented Designers, Artists, Producers and cross-discipline Leads to balance scope with capacity, track progress, implement and improve processes, mentor people, and mitigate risks while upholding and maintaining a high quality bar.Responsibilities:Collaborate with a distributed team of Designers, Artists, Producers and dev partners to drive the roadmap and priorities for your team, and work with dependencies across global studio locations.Organize the direction, priority, and strategy for complex projects/teams while ensuring alignment with internal and external leadership.Be deeply involved in features development and resource planning.Build healthy, collaborative relationships with external teams or vendors while fostering an inclusive environment.Facilitate alignment through effective communication, problem-solving, risk identification and mitigation strategies.Maintain understanding of game release schedules and forecast project milestones.Manage and develop the Design team with thoughtful feedback, mentorship and career pathing.Required Qualifications:Proficient project management fundamentals including capacity planning, scope assessment and management, and project milestone planning.Solid grasp of project management software (e.g. JIRA, Microsoft Project, Confluence, Hansoft, etc.)Proven experience managing projects for both short and long iterations; being able to scope varied sizes and length of a project.Possess excellent people leadership skills and consistent record of effective management of senior resources.Leverage experience building cohesive teams; identify resourcing needs, providing developmental opportunities and ensuring that all employees reach their potential.You have an abiding love of video games, playing them, talking about them, creating them!The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $125,000 and $175,000 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an 'at-will position' and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.SECURITY NOTICE - We have recently been made aware of increasing occurrences of bad actors posing as company HR personnel to gain information from "potential candidates", in the form of job interviews and offers. These scams can be quite sophisticated and appear legitimate.Please know that 31st Union and 2K never uses instant messaging apps to contact prospective employees or to conduct interviews.If you believe you have been a victim of such a scam, you may fill out a complaint form at https://complaint.ic3.gov/ and https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ detailing as much as possible. We are taking these matters very seriously and apologize for any inconvenience.Join our mission: Bring fun, inspiration and awe to our lives and to our community: https://thirtyfirstunion.com/values31st Union prides itself on the diversity of its team members, partners, and communities. For this reason, we remain committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all aspects of the employment relationship, from recruitment and hiring through compensation, benefits, discipline and termination. This means that employment at 31st Union depends on your substantive ability, objective qualifications and work ethic – not on your age, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), height, weight, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), alienage or citizenship status, transgender, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition, AIDS/HIV, denial of family and medical care leave, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, pregnancy status, childbirth, breastfeeding (or related medical conditions), marital status or registered domestic partner status, political activity or affiliation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, arrest record, or taking or requesting statutorily protected leaves, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.As an equal opportunity employer, we are also committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the job application and/or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need to request a reasonable accommodation.#LI-Onsite #LI-HybridCreate Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply

Technical Project Manager31st UnionSan Mateo, California, United States11 minutes agoApplyWE ARE GAMEMAKERSWho We AreWe are a diverse group of developers driven by a passion for our art, united by our core values and inspired by a culture of inclusivity to build amazing games that thrill players everywhere. We pursue growth and innovation in an environment of safety and trust. Our culture is built on the belief that the more varied voices in our collective will strengthen our team and our games. We are looking for our next teammate who will raise our bar and make us better.We are currently working on Project ETHOS, a new free-to-play, 3rd person rogue-like hero shooter and an exciting evolution on the genre!Who You Are:You are an experienced Technical Project Manager with a strong ability to lead complex software projects in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. You excel at translating stakeholder needs into clear, actionable plans and user stories. With a keen eye for detail and strong interpersonal skills, you navigate ambiguity, align cross-functional teams, and drive projects to successful completion. You thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about delivering impactful solutions that support both technical and creative teams.Responsibilities:Translate business goals into tactical project plans, forecasts, and measurable KPIs.Lead and align cross-functional teams, ensuring clear communication across global stakeholders.Manage external development teams to deliver effective software solutions.Regularly present project strategies, roadmaps, and progress updates to stakeholders.Identify and manage project risks, issues, budgets, and reporting.Build and maintain strong relationships with internal teams and external studios.Required Qualifications:Proven experience in technical project management, especially in tools and pipelines for both technical and creative teams.Background in managing AAA game development projects and external teams.Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills across all organizational levels.Proficiency in agile methodologies and project management tools.Strategic and analytical thinking with a focus on execution and delivery.Strong project management skills with a proven track record of meeting and exceeding partner and customer expectations.Relevant experience:Extensive experience in the gaming industry, with a focus on AAA titles in the multiplayer shooter genre.The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $100,000 and $140,000 per year. However, base pay offered is based on market location and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an employee receives an offer of employment. If hired, employee will be in an 'at-will position' and the company reserves the right to modify base salary (as well as any other discretionary payment or compensation or benefit program) at any time, including for reasons related to individual performance, company or individual department/team performance, and market factors.SECURITY NOTICE - We have recently been made aware of increasing occurrences of bad actors posing as company HR personnel to gain information from "potential candidates", in the form of job interviews and offers. These scams can be quite sophisticated and appear legitimate.Please know that 31st Union and 2K never uses instant messaging apps to contact prospective employees or to conduct interviews.If you believe you have been a victim of such a scam, you may fill out a complaint form at https://complaint.ic3.gov/ and https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/ detailing as much as possible. We are taking these matters very seriously and apologize for any inconvenience.Join our mission: Bring fun, inspiration and awe to our lives and to our community: https://thirtyfirstunion.com/values31st Union prides itself on the diversity of its team members, partners, and communities. For this reason, we remain committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all aspects of the employment relationship, from recruitment and hiring through compensation, benefits, discipline and termination. This means that employment at 31st Union depends on your substantive ability, objective qualifications and work ethic – not on your age, race (including traits historically associated with race, including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles), height, weight, religion, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity and expression), alienage or citizenship status, transgender, military or veteran status, physical or mental disability (actual or perceived), medical condition, AIDS/HIV, denial of family and medical care leave, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, pregnancy status, childbirth, breastfeeding (or related medical conditions), marital status or registered domestic partner status, political activity or affiliation, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault or stalking, arrest record, or taking or requesting statutorily protected leaves, or any other classification protected by federal, state, or local laws.As an equal opportunity employer, we are also committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the job application and/or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need to request a reasonable accommodation.#LI-Onsite #LI-HybridCreate Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply

The AJ’s special LGBTQ+ issue – out tomorrow – explores thought-provoking discussions about queer culture, about whose voices are heard, about who gets to occupy space – and where, says Emily Booth The AJ’s going Out. And, really, you can’t miss it, given our amazingly colourful cover for this month's issue (photography by Wilson Hennessy, laser cuts by Luka Rocyn, art direction by the AJ’s ever-talented Maria Rodriguez). Indeed, our special edition (out tomorrow, 22 May) has been a whole team effort, led by our brilliant colleagues Gino Spocchia, Rob Wilson and Fran Williams, with a mission to explore, spotlight and, most importantly, celebrate the LGBTQ+ community’s rich contribution to architecture. The magazine lands just in time for Pride month, though we’re conscious that the issues raised within these pages go far beyond a single point in the diary. Advertisement We’ve endeavoured to share a wide range of voices through profiles, interviews, features, photographs and opinion pieces – while being acutely aware we can’t reflect every person, practice or project from such a diverse community. Source: Wilson HennessyBehind the scenes for the cover shoot Within the pages are thought-provoking discussions about queer culture, about whose voices are heard, who gets to occupy space – and where. Space is political, and that feels especially so at present. The RCA’s Gem Barton, who leads the Architecture LGBT+ Academic Champions Network (ACN), has a striking take: ‘To queer is to disrupt. To queer is to stretch, bend, reimagine and reject inherited structures that no longer serve us — if they ever did.’ Despite progress in LGBTQ+ visibility it can still sometimes feel like hard-won inclusivity has fallen behind. There are not, for example, many large practices led by an outwardly LGBTQ+ individual. Even today, coming out can be hard. So, from Gino’s excellent pieces featuring the community’s champions and leaders, looking at why we need LGBTQ+ housing, and even taking a deep dive into nightclub design; and from a special Sketchbook offering, to a detailed diary of upcoming events: we hope that the profession finds much affirmation and inspiration as the AJ goes Out. The May edition of the AJ will be published tomorrow. Subscribers will be able to read the digital edition here, or copies of the printed magazine will be available to buy here. An AJ subscription is better value – click here to view our packages.  Architecture LGBT+ 2025-05-21 Emily Booth comment and share TagsArchitecture LGBT+

PROS: Impressive charging capabilities Generous package including charger and MagSafe compatible case Seamless AI integration through “One-Tap Infinix AI” Versatile camera set up CONS: Limited software update support Not available in the US RATINGS: AESTHETICSERGONOMICSPERFORMANCESUSTAINABILITY / REPAIRABILITYVALUE FOR MONEYEDITOR'S QUOTE:The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G impresses with its robust performance, premium design, and an array of thoughtful features, all wrapped in an affordable price tag of $370. Smartphone shoppers often face a frustrating dilemma: spend a fortune on a premium device with all the bells and whistles, or settle for a budget phone that cuts too many corners to hit its price point. This compromise typically means sacrificing camera quality, display performance, or processing power – the very features that enhance our daily digital experiences. The mid-range market attempts to bridge this gap, but rarely delivers a truly satisfying balance of high-end specifications and reasonable cost without significant compromises in build quality or user experience. The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G boldly challenges this status quo by bringing genuine flagship-level features to the budget-conscious consumer. What makes this offering particularly intriguing is how Infinix has prioritized features that genuinely impact user experience rather than simply checking specification boxes for marketing purposes. Let’s see if it manages to meet those goals or if it cut too many corners to achieve its mouth-watering price point. Designer: Infinix Aesthetics The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G stands out in terms of design, drawing inspiration from automotive engineering. The frame is crafted from Armor Alloy, a robust blend of Damascus steel and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, paired with a durable glass back panel. This combination enhances both strength and premium appeal. The Note 50 Pro+ 5G is available in three color variants: Titanium Grey, Enchanted Purple, and the Racing Edition. We had the chance to review the Racing Edition, which draws influence from BMW’s Physital design philosophy, blending physical and digital aesthetics. The Racing Edition features a matte silver back panel with textured vertical lines, complemented by the iconic tri-color racing stripes, symbolizing dynamism and speed. The device is also defined by its glossy octagonal camera island, located at the upper left corner. The camera island houses a triple camera setup, paired with the Bio-Active Halo AI Lighting System and an LED flashlight. The lighting system reacts to your phone’s activity, changing colors in response to charging, notifications, incoming calls, and gaming, adding a touch of flair to everyday interactions. It is also a sensor for measuring heart rate and blood oxygen levels. While the concept is intriguing, the term “AI” seems a bit of a stretch, as the feature feels more gimmicky than groundbreaking. Ergonomics With dimensions of 163.36 x 74.35 x 7.99 mm and a weight of 209 grams, the device feels solid and premium in hand. However, this solid build comes with a slight downside. That is, the phone is a bit top-heavy, creating an unbalanced feel when holding it. Another notable ergonomic issue occurs when the phone is placed face up on a flat surface. Due to the pronounced camera island, the device has a tendency to wobble, making it less stable when resting on a desk or table. While the phone’s design is generally comfortable for regular use, gaming is where the camera island becomes an ergonomic hurdle. When holding the device horizontally for gaming, the raised camera module interferes with your grip, which can be distracting and uncomfortable during longer sessions. The fingerprint scanner, located near the bottom of the display, also presents a bit of a challenge. The placement makes the transition from unlocking the device to navigating through the interface somewhat awkward. Overall, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G is solidly built, but the top-heavy design, wobbling issue, and less-than-ideal fingerprint scanner placement can make for an occasionally frustrating user experience. While it’s not uncomfortable to hold, these small design decisions can impact long-term usability. Performance The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G boasts a 6.79-inch AMOLED display with a resolution of 1080 x 2436, supporting a 144Hz refresh rate, HDR10+, and up to 1300 nits peak brightness (550 nits typical). The display is vibrant and fluid, offering rich colors and smooth animations whether you’re browsing, watching videos, or gaming. Even in direct sunlight, the screen stays bright and readable. Additionally, it remains responsive when used with wet fingers or in wet conditions, ensuring precision without any issues. The bezels are impressively thin and nearly symmetrical, enhancing the immersive viewing experience. Complementing the display is a dual speaker setup tuned by JBL, which promises a more premium audio experience on paper. However, in practice, the speakers felt inconsistent. Volume remains relatively quiet up to around 80%, then suddenly spikes when pushed beyond that. The overall sound lacks balance. Bass is weak, and the mids and highs don’t carry much depth. For casual use, it’s adequate, but audio enthusiasts may find it underwhelming. Under the hood, the Note 50 Pro+ 5G is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 Ultimate chipset, coupled with 12GB of RAM (expandable virtually to 24GB) and 256GB of storage. Running Android 15 with Infinix’s XOS 15 skin, the phone delivers a smooth, responsive experience across the board. Performance holds up impressively well even during graphically intense games like Call of Duty: Mobile and Genshin Impact, with no noticeable lag or stutter. For the first time in an Infinix smartphone, the Note 50 Pro+ 5G introduces a comprehensive suite of AI features. What stands out, however, is how these tools are seamlessly integrated through “One-Tap Infinix AI”. By simply long-pressing the power button, regardless of the app you’re using, Folax, Infinix’s AI assistant, is instantly accessible. From summarizing or translating on-screen content to describing images or even editing photos, the AI offers a wide range of functions. The addition of Google’s Circle to Search further enhances the experience. This integration feels incredibly well-thought-out, as it consolidates multiple AI tools under a single gesture, eliminating the need to switch between apps. It’s a convenient, user-friendly feature that simplifies multitasking without compromising functionality. Another interesting addition is the ability to measure heart rate and blood oxygen levels by placing your finger on the Bio-Halo AI lighting sensor. While it may not replace dedicated health devices, it’s a novel feature to have built into a smartphone, particularly at this price point. Its usefulness will vary depending on user habits, but it adds an unexpected layer of utility. The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G boasts, which is relatively rare in this price range. The system consists of a 50 MP main sensor, a 50 MP 3x telephoto lens, and an 8 MP ultra-wide camera, offering great versatility for mobile photography. While this combination is a standout feature at this price point, the real question is how well it performs in everyday use. Let’s dive in and see how it stacks up. The main camera uses a 1/1.56-inch Sony IMX896 sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilization (OIS). In well-lit conditions, it produces sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors, though the contrast can sometimes be a bit strong. Night mode performance is solid, capturing clear and well-exposed shots with minimal noise, although light sources can occasionally appear overexposed. The telephoto camera delivers 6x optical zoom with lossless clarity and extends up to 100x zoom. Between 3x and 6x, photos are rich in detail, with a good dynamic range that performs well across different lighting conditions. Beyond 6x, image quality starts to degrade, which is expected at higher magnifications. The ultra-wide camera also performs admirably. While it’s not as sharp as the main or zoom cameras, it still captures vibrant and clear images. Selfies from the 32 MP front-facing camera are generally good, though they can sometimes appear a bit faded. For video, the Note 50 Pro+ 5G can record up to 4K at 60 FPS with the main and telephoto cameras, while the ultra-wide is limited to 2K at 30 FPS. The front-facing camera is capped at 4K at 30 FPS. Video footage from the main and telephoto cameras is smooth, though there are some minor hiccups. Unfortunately, you cannot switch between cameras while recording. Additionally, panning can cause stuttering in the viewfinder, and rapid movement results in judder in the video. Fortunately, you can turn on ultra-stabilization at 4K 60 FPS, and it works quite well. With its sizable 5,200 mAh silicon-carbon battery, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G ensures you can go about your day without worrying about battery life. It easily lasts a full day of regular use. But the impressive battery specs don’t end there. The device supports 100W wired charging and 50W wireless charging, both of which are flagship-level capabilities. Additionally, the phone offers reverse charging, providing 10W through wired connections and 7.5W wirelessly, adding even more versatility to its power management. Sustainability The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G is designed with durability in mind. The phone’s side frame is made from Armor Alloy, a robust blend of Damascus steel and aerospace-grade aluminum alloy, ensuring the phone is built to last. Paired with a durable glass back panel, this combination enhances the phone’s overall sturdiness, making it a reliable option for everyday use. Additionally, the phone comes with an IP64 rating, offering protection against dust and water splashes. While this level of protection is not the highest available, it provides sufficient durability for typical day-to-day scenarios, giving users confidence that their device can handle the occasional exposure to water or rough environments. However, when it comes to software longevity, the phone’s sustainability potential falls short. Infinix promises two years of Android updates and three years of security updates only, which is relatively limited when compared to other devices in the same price range. Many competing smartphones offer three or more years of operating system updates and security patches for up to four or five years, which means that the Note 50 Pro+ 5G may require a replacement sooner than some users might expect in order to stay up-to-date with the latest features and security improvements. Value At a price of $370, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G delivers exceptional value for money. With a feature set that includes a 6.79-inch AMOLED display, powerful performance, and a versatile triple-camera setup, it competes well in the mid-range smartphone market. Infinix has certainly packed a lot of premium features into an affordable device. What truly sets the Note 50 Pro+ 5G apart is the inclusivity of its package. Along with the phone, Infinix includes a 100W charger brick, a USB-C to USB-C cable, earphones, a MagSafe-like phone case, and a glass screen protector, offering a generous bundle that enhances the overall value of the device. That said, it’s worth noting that the Note 50 Pro+ 5G isn’t available in the US. Verdict The Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G impresses with its robust performance, premium design, and an array of thoughtful features, all wrapped in an affordable price tag of $370. It stands out in the mid-range segment by offering a large, vibrant AMOLED display, a capable triple-camera setup, and strong performance driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 8350 chipset. Additionally, the generous package that includes a 100W charger, USB-C cable, earphones, a MagSafe-like case, and a glass screen protector further enhances its value proposition, making it a complete package for those who want more out of their device. While the device has a few ergonomic quirks, such as a top-heavy design and camera island wobbling, the overall user experience remains solid. The AI integration through “One-Tap Infinix AI” is a standout feature, providing quick and effortless access to a wide range of AI tools. Despite some limitations in software support, the Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G remains a well-rounded, feature-packed option for tech enthusiasts, gamers, and photographers who don’t want to break the bank. However, its absence in the US market is a downside for those hoping to purchase locally. The post Infinix Note 50 Pro+ 5G: Flagship features packed in a budget phone first appeared on Yanko Design.

Last month, the UK’s highest court unanimously ruled that a woman is defined by biological sex under equalities law. The court sided with campaign group For Women Scotland, which brought a case against the Scottish Government, arguing that sex-based protections should only apply to people that are born female. While the judgement does not remove trans people’s protection from discrimination under the 2010 Equality Act, among the outcomes of the ruling are bans on trans women from using women’s toilets and trans men using men’s toilets. All public buildings must provide single-sex toilet facilities following the ruling.Advertisement Writing in an open letter addressed to LGBTQ+ architects, planners, engineers and others, which was shared exclusively with the AJ, the UK’s largest built environment institutions said they acknowledged concerns raised over the court’s decision. The professional membership bodies also made promises to create an inclusive built environment in the letter, which reiterated ‘protections and provisions’ that ‘remain firmly in place’ despite the ruling. The six bodies said: ‘We acknowledge the recent Supreme Court judgment, and we need time to fully consider its implications [but] Our determination to foster an inclusive sector remains unchanged’. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Queerscapes (@_queerscapes) The response comes after the LGBTQ+ and trans-founded platform Queerscapes argued in a letter dated 18 April that its members were ‘deeply concerned and worried’ by the gender ruling. Queerscapes, at the same time, called for the professional bodies to show ‘clarity and courage’ on the issue. Writing in the open letter, the group said: ‘The recent UK Supreme Court ruling, redefining “sex” in the Equality Act 2010 as “biological sex,” has left many of us fearful.Advertisement ‘The ruling opens the door to exclusion’ ‘While legal protections for trans people under “gender reassignment” remain, the ruling opens the door to exclusion — from spaces, services, and workplaces — at a time when hate and hostility are already rising. ‘Our institutions must act decisively to support the trans and gender-diverse professionals in our sector.’ The letter in response to Queerscapes was signed by the RIBA, the Chartered Institute of Building, Institution of Civil Engineers, The Landscape Institute, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, and the Royal Town Planning Institute. The RIBA and joint bodies admitted in their letter that they were unable to publish data on trans and gender-diverse members until they are ‘confident that its collection and publication will not put any member at risk’. This was in response to Queerscapes calling for action following a 2022 memorandum on inclusion and diversity. Other commitments made in 2022 on EDI included improving understanding of gender transition from education into employment, and training on EDI. This was part of a 45-point action plan agreed by the six bodies. Letter in response to Queerscapes Thank you for your letter dated 18 April. In 2022, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and its associated action plan as a demonstration of our collective commitment to creating a built environment sector that is inclusive and supportive of our entire membership. We are dedicated to ensuring that all members, regardless of their personal characteristics, thrive in this environment. We acknowledge the recent Supreme Court judgment, and we need time to fully consider its implications. Our determination to foster an inclusive sector remains unchanged. The MoU is set to expire this summer, and we expect all original signatories to re-sign, alongside welcoming new signatories, to further cement our commitment to supporting all our members. Consistent and robust data collection is the bedrock of our commitment. Since signing the MoU, we have agreed a consistent set of data collection practices, which include gathering data on trans and gender-diverse individuals. We intend to publish this data; however, we are currently working on improving our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to ensure that the data we collect can be stored safely and accurately. We will share the data once we are confident that its collection and publication will not put any member at risk. Additionally, we have provisions and protections in place for members and staff that ensure everyone is treated with dignity and respect. These policies remain firmly in place. At this time, we do not offer member services or benefits based on gender identity, and we have no plans to introduce such services. However, in terms of Continuing Professional Development (CPD), we are committed to promoting the use of the Inclusive Design Overlay across our membership and beyond. This framework is designed to ensure that spaces are inclusive and welcoming for all, including trans individuals. We recognise that some members and built environment professionals may be feeling increased levels of vulnerability and concern. Please be assured that we remain steadfast in our commitment to creating inclusive professions and, by extension, inclusive places and spaces. Discrimination of any kind has no place in society, and we will continue to do our part in eradicating it. Thank you again for reaching out. Members of the professional institutions with additional questions or concerns are encouraged to get in touch with their respective organisation. Yours sincerely, Chartered Institute of Building Institution of Civil Engineers The Landscape Institute Royal Institute of British Architects Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors Royal Town Planning Institute

Principal Narrative AnimatorActivisionSanta Monica California 90405 United States of America1 hour agoApplyJob Title:Principal Narrative AnimatorRequisition ID:R025330Job Description:Elsewhere Entertainment is looking for a Principal Narrative Animator to join the development of our next AAA title—an exciting new Narrative Driven IP.Feed your creativity while driving the development of our game’s world and story! Collaborate with our highly skilled team to build something innovative, exhilarating, and expansively entertaining.As a member of the animation department, you’ll guide the creation of memorable moments in telling an epic player driven story. You’ll also oversee the project’s cinematic pipelines, tools, and best practices, and you’ll manage your team by tasking and reviewing work, providing growth opportunities in skill and career progression, and tending to the emotional health of the team. You’ll work closely with Narrative, Content, Gameplay, and Art leads to coordinate, design, implement, and polish animation and cinematic content of the game.As a leader on the project, you’ll help take the studio and our game from great to even better—with a focus on inclusivity, mutual respect (for ourselves and our players), thoughtfulness, empathy, professionalism, and collaboration.If you’re a passionate creator and a positive, respectful collaborator who enjoys cross-department communication and creative problem-solving as a part of your workflow, we’d love to talk to you!You’ll help us by…Ensuring consistency of tone and style is depicted across the entire cinematic experience that matches the vision set by the Creative Director.Using traditional animation principles, gameplay fundamentals and motion-capture to craft high quality animations and systems.Take narrative ownership of the cinematic and dialogue presentations and pipelines, helping bring the characters, world, and story to life.Assist in the development and direction of storyboarding and animatics to develop the cinematic pipeline.Support in developing the presentation of the games dialogue, cinematic sequences, etc.Becoming proficient in using the game's proprietary animation tools.Providing constructive feedback on others’ work.Acting as a liaison to other departments, conveying the consistent cinematic & animation vision of the project.Working with directors, animators, narrative designers, cinematics designers, and campaign designers to develop the best visual storytelling practices for the game.Working with 3rd party vendors/clients to help facilitate asset creation, pre-rendered assets both for the game and media support.Mentoring the staff of cinematic animators and designers.Ensuring all tasks are completed according to given specifications and deadlines.Performing any additional cinematic responsibilities as assigned by Studio Leadership.You’re awesome because you have…13+ years of credited CG directorial experience working in either videogame cinematics or TV/film – with mocap and keyframed animation direction.A strong understanding of composition and camera language and how it helps tell our stories.One or more shipped titles as a cinematics director.Fluent in Maya.Experience with technical cinematics content (animation, camera presentation, facial animations, and conveying mood and emotions).The ability to collaborate and thrive as part of a creative team.An eagerness to work independently; are self-driven in taking ownership of tasks in a highly confidential environment.Creativity in problem solving and a positive, respectful team-first attitude.Organization methods and the capability to meet deadlines.Comfort with self-critique and accepting outside feedback.A habit of regularly playing and understanding modern video games and popular media.Bonus points for…Experience with directing cinematics and dialogue for AAA Open World Games.Credited CG Work in other media (Film, television, shorts, etc...)Experience developing both bespoke cinematic content as well as dialogue in systematic systemsExperience working with Hollywood talent and/or reputable VO recording studios and directorsMajor recognition in your field of workFamiliarity with many of the major games released in the last decadeEnjoyment of playing a variety of video game genres and titlesExperience in adjacent disciplines such as quest design, narrative design, environment art, programming, etc...Not sure you meet all the qualifications? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other under-represented groups tend to not apply to jobs when they think they may not meet every qualification, when, in fact, they often do! At Activision, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly encourage you to apply.Our WorldAt Activision, we strive to create the most iconic brands in gaming and entertainment. We’re driven by our mission to deliver unrivaled gaming experiences for the world to enjoy, together. We are home to some of the most beloved entertainment franchises including Call of Duty®, Crash Bandicoot™, Tony Hawk’s™ Pro Skater™, and Guitar Hero®. As a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and products, our “press start” is simple: delight hundreds of millions of players around the world with innovative, fun, thrilling, and engaging entertainment experiences.We’re not just looking back at our decades-long legacy; we’re forging ahead to keep advancing gameplay with some of the most popular titles and sophisticated technology in the world. We have bold ambitions to create the most inclusive company as we know our success comes from the passionate, creative, and diverse teams within our organization.We’re in the business of delivering fun and unforgettable entertainment for our player community to enjoy. And our future opportunities have never been greater — this could be your opportunity to level up.Ready to Activate Your Future?#elsewhereRewardsWe provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered! Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company. You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/ .In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $134,000.00 - $247,900.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed. While we strive to provide competitive offers to successful candidates, new hire compensation is negotiable. Create Your Profile — Game companies can contact you with their relevant job openings. Apply