10 incredible new tabletop games for you to play in summer 2025 Lucy Orr Published May 16, 2025 2:00pm Pokémon TCG is in for a hot summer (The Pokémon Company) GameCentral looks at the most exciting new summer tabletop releases, including adaptations of Final Fantasy, Assassin’s Creed, and Citizen Sleeper The tabletop games industry has become an unlikely victim of Trump’s tariff trade war. Just after it was recovering from Covid supply chain issues it now sees itself hit with manufacturing issues and an uncertain future. It’s so bad that board game developer CMON has already shut up shop and Stonemaier, famous for the hugely successful Wingspan, is suing the Trump administration. Meanwhile Cephalofair, developer of fan favourite Gloomhaven, can’t even get their product on to the shelves, as it’s stuck in China. While I don’t expect any empty shelves at the UK Games Expo this month, there’s definitely panic in the air. Although one company that doesn’t seem to be too concerned is Games Workshop, who have always manufactured most of their products in the UK – although accessories and terrain for your favourite Warhammer army might become harder to find in the future. After everyone got into it during lockdown, the tabletop industry was riding a huge boom, with recent industry projections of the market doubling to around £20 billion by 2030. But US tariffs have left the industry reeling and could see the price for tabletop games around the world rise significantly. Despite the doom and gloom there’s plenty of exciting new products already out this year and many more on the way from massive brands such as Pokémon and Disney, as well as new Kickstarters that you can print yourself, thereby completely bypassing any manufacturing issues. There’s also never been a better time to support your local board game shop or Dungeons & Dragons club, as their overheads rise, so here’s a selection of games you might find on their shelves right now and those coming soon, that I’m excited to play during the summer break. Magic: The Gathering – Final Fantasy Square Enix’s iconic Final Fantasy franchise is stepping onto the cardboard battlefield with Magic: The Gathering, and the result is as gloriously nostalgic as it is mechanically exciting. The Universes Beyond initiative brings beloved characters, summons, and settings into Magic’s gameplay, with Cloud Strife leading the charge. The Final Fantasy Starter Kit offers two pre-constructed 60 card decks, packed with flavour and function and perfect for newcomers attracted by the sight of a Chocobo or Moogle. Each deck includes five rares, a foil mythic legendary, deck boxes, and digital codes for Magic: The Gathering Arena. But the real draw? The cards themselves. They are stunning. Cloud channels Final Fantasy 7’s environmental and emotional themes, with equipment-focused synergies that feel spot-on. Stiltzkin the Moogle is a flavourful support piece for donation strategies and the terrifying Tonberry arrives with Deathtouch and First Strike, which is fitting for a creature that’s haunted players for decades. With gorgeous full art treatments by amazing artists such as Takahashi Kazuya and Yoshitaka Amano, underpinned by clever mechanical call backs, this crossover is more than fan service, it’s a lovingly crafted bridge between two gaming giants that’s bound to fly of the shelves. £15.99 on Amazon – releases June 13 Warhammer 40,000 Kill Team: Typhon There’s a possible future where Games Workshop is the final tabletop company left standing, as they dodge tariffs and take down licence infringers like a particularly vicious swarm of tyrranids. You too can act out this future in Kill Team: Typhon, which delivers the chaos of Warhammer 40,000 in a claustrophobic, subterranean brawl between flesh-rending Tyranid Raveners and a desperate Adeptus Mechanicus Battleclade. The latest Kill Team box looks stunning and turns up the tension with asymmetric forces: a lean, elite brood of Raveners – deadly melee predators that can tunnel through terrain – versus a jury-rigged Mechanicus strike team, built from repurposed servitors and guided by a technoarchaeologist scouring ancient relics. But this isn’t Helldivers 2. The Raveners can be customised into deadly variants like the Tremorscythe and Felltalon, each armed with bio-engineered weapons designed for close-quarters carnage. On the other side, the Mechanicus bring massed, lobotomised firepower: breachers, gunners, medics, and overseers to allow for some tactical coordination. Also included are Hormagaunts, the swarming Tyrranids shock troops and new Tyranid-infested terrain – always the standout feature of these kill team boxes, in my opinion, and perfect for narrative or larger 40K battles. Typhon embraces Kill Team’s strength: cinematic asymmetry and high stakes. Price TBA – releases June Scalpers are going to love this (The Pokémon Company) Pokémon Trading Card Game Scarlet & Violet – Destined Rivals Pokémon Center Elite Trainer Box This red and black box is going for gangbusters on eBay, before it’s even supposed to be out. The Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals set reintroduces the beloved Trainer’s Pokémon mechanic, but now with a twist where players can align with iconic duos like Arven’s Mabosstiff and Ho-Oh ex or Cynthia and Garchomp ex. Or fall in with Team Rocket under Giovanni’s command, fielding heavy hitters like Mewtwo ex. It’s a rich throwback to the Gym Heroes era, with cards that spotlight specific trainer and pokémon bonds, each emblazoned with the trainer’s name. The expansion includes 83 cards branded under Team Rocket, 17 new Pokémon ex cards (10 of which are Trainer’s Pokémon ex), and a trove of high rarity collectibles: 23 illustration rares, 11 special illustration rares, and six hyper rare gold-etched cards. But the pre-launch hasn’t been all Sunflora and Jigglypuffs. Since its full reveal on March 24, pre-orders have sparked a frenzy amongst scalpers, with sellouts and early store hiccups are already marring the rollout. Still, between the nostalgia bait and villainous charm, Destined Rivals is shaping up to be one of 2025’s hottest trading card releases. RRP £54.99 – releases May 30 Finspan One game I just can’t put back on the shelf at the moment is Finspan; who’d of thought fish could be so much fun? Since Wingspan took flight in 2019, it’s become a modern classic: part art piece, part engine builder, and a benchmark for gateway games. Finspan, the third entry in the series, swaps feathers for fins, inviting players to explore marine ecosystems across oceanic zones in a beautifully illustrated, medium-lightweight game that last about 45 minutes. Mechanically, Finspan is more accessible than Wingspan, thanks to forgiving resource generation and a gentler deck structure. Strategic depth is still there, whether you chase high value fish, go wide with schools, or balance both. It’s more of a solo puzzle, and less about blocking opponents, which might suit more casual groups. Replayability is strong, and with one to five player support it scales well. The art is stunning, and the fish facts make you feel like a would-be marine biologist. But I missed the funny components (no birdhouse dice tower), so this is missing some of that Wingspan magic. Finspan is a fantastic entry point to the series and an accessible and fun addition to the franchise. It’s not as perfect as Wingspan, but it swims confidently in its own current. Could we see whale and crustacean expansions? I hope so. RRP £41.99 – available now Star Wars Unlimited – Jump To Lightspeed While you might have missed the Star Wars Celebration in Japan last month, and be bereft over the end of Andor Season 2, don’t worry – there are plenty of alternatives for Star Wars fandom. Fantasy Flight Games is revving its hyperdrive with Jump To Lightspeed, the fourth set for trading card game Star Wars Unlimited. A dramatic shift from previous ground-focused releases, this set propels players into orbit, with an emphasis on space combat and a host of gameplay refinements. Headlining the release are two new Spotlight Decks, each featuring a classic rivalry, such as Han Solo vs. Boba Fett. These 50-card preconstructed decks introduce Pilots, a brand-new card type that changes how space units operate. Pilots can be deployed to enhance ships with improved health and damage dealing abilities, offering fresh tactical depth. The set also debuts the Piloting keyword, a hyperspace mechanic, and five special rarity cards per deck, including one new Leader per Spotlight release. It’s a sleek continuation of Unlimited’s mission, with deep strategy wrapped in Star Wars flair. Fantasy Flight isn’t just releasing a new set; they’re effectively entering year two of the game with a soft reboot, that smartly rebalances and refreshes. For new and returning players, the standalone Spotlight Decks offer a refined on-ramp into the meta, while the stellar art and fan favourite make this one of the best sci-fi trading card games around. RRP: £34.99 – available now An indie tabletop game adapting an indie video game (Jump Over the Age) Citizen Sleeper: Spindlejack I was gutted I didn’t manage to nab some physical Cycles of the Eye Data-Cloud dice from Lost in Cult, before they sold out, so I was ecstatic to see the shadow drop of Citizen Sleeper: Spindlejack, especially as it’s completely free. It’s a lean, solo tabletop role-player set in the neon-drenched corridors of the Far Spindle, part of the Citizen Sleeper universe. Released on May 5th (aka Citizen Sleeper Day), it’s a print-and-play experience that trades dense narrative for kinetic delivery runs and tactical movement through a crumbling space station. Inspired by Kadet, the courier from Citizen Sleeper 2, Spindlejack casts you as one of the eponymous daredevils: airbike mounted messengers who dodge cargo haulers and urban decay to deliver sensitive payloads in a haunted, half-dead network. The draw? Not just the cryo or reputation, but the thrill, the competition, and the culture. Using your 10 six-sided dice, a pencil, and some printed sheets you’ll chart courses across randomly generated intersections, upgrade your bike, and edge toward Spindlejack legend status. Designed by Gareth Damian Martin, with stylish, gritty art from Guillaume Singelin, this is a tight, systems-focused dive into a beloved sci-fi setting. No campaign scheduling. No group required. Just you, your dice, and the Spindle’s rusted arteries. For fans of Citizen Sleeper or those craving a focused, atmospheric solo experience, Spindlejack is a no-brainer. DIY or DIE. Available now Disney Lorcana has become a certified hit (Ravensburger) Disney Lorcana – Reign Of Jafar Set 8 and Illumineer’s Quest: Palace Heist The internet has been on fire with the announcement that forthcoming Lorcana sets are to include Darkwing Duck and The Goofy Movie cast, emphasising that Disney Lorcana has become something of a juggernaut since its 2023 debut, captivating collectors and competitive players with a blend of nostalgic charm and evolving mechanics – judging scandals aside. During the Next Chapter of Lorcana livestream earlier this month, Ravensburger dropped major news. The autumn 2025 set, Fabled, will introduce Lorcana’s first ever set rotation, a sign the game is maturing into a competitive force. To support this shift, Fabled will include reprints from earlier sets, while also debuting two new rarity levels: epic and the ultra-rare Iconic. Reign Of Jafar, the game’s eighth set, sees Jafar rise as the new central villain, corrupting Archazia’s Island and bringing a darker twist to the narrative. Familiar faces like Mulan, Stitch, Rapunzel, and Bruno return, alongside new cards and accessories, including updated sleeves and deck boxes featuring classic Enchanted artwork. The new Illumineer’s Quest: Palace Heist PvE box expands on the beloved Deep Trouble, letting players face Jafar co-op style. Expect pre-built decks (Amethyst Amber and Ruby Steel), booster boxes, and enough lore-packed cardboard to fuel your summer break. £16.99 starter pack – releases May 30 The Lord Of The Rings: Fate Of The Fellowship While Finspan might be missing a dice tower, Fate Of The Fellowship more than makes up for that with a dice tower Barad-dûr. This is a one to five player co-op strategy game that builds on the Pandemic System but adds enough fresh features to feel distinct, deeper, and more precious than ever. Players take on the roles of Fellowship members and allies, racing to protect havens from surging shadow troops and helping Frodo sneak past the Nazgûl en route to Mount Doom. Unlike previous Pandemic adaptations, Fate Of The Fellowship leans hard into narrative mechanics. You’ll juggle four resources – stealth, valour, resistance, and friendship – across a sprawling map as you battle despair and shifting objectives. Each player commands two characters, with asymmetric abilities and layered decisions every turn. With 24 rotating objectives, a constant threat from the Eye of Sauron, and a cleverly tuned solo mode, designer Matt Leacock has crafted his richest Pandemic variant yet. I’ve seen plenty of tabletop gamers saying this will be their must-play at UK Games Expo. RRP £69.99 – releases June 27 Assassin’s Creed Animus Animus brings the Assassin’s Creed universe to the tabletop in a wholly fresh, narrative-driven experience. Up to four players select historical eras, each tied to a legendary assassin like Ezio or Eivor, resulting in distinct, asymmetric playstyles, unique objectives, and specialised mechanics. Rather than a miniatures skirmish, this is a competitive, timeline-jumping adventure where players dive into ancestral memories via the titular Animus. Strategic stealth and precision matter: while one player might rush to the end, victory favours those who stay synchronised with their ancestor’s memory by completing tasks efficiently and, of course, stealthily. While there’s still not much information about this game at the moment, Animus looks to employ modular and evolving dynamics driven by interactive card play. Players can impact each other’s timelines, which will hopefully keep the experience reactive and organic. With deep lore integration, and Ubisoft’s full support, this could the most ambitious Assassin’s Creed tabletop title yet. Crowdfunding starts summer 2025 Some like it Hoth (Days of Wonder) Star Wars: Battle Of Hoth Days of Wonder, the studio behind tabletop classic Ticket To Ride, has unveiled its next major release, with Star Wars: Battle Of Hoth. Designed for two to four players, aged 8 and up, this fast-paced board game runs around 30 minutes per session and leans on the accessible, card-driven Commands & Colors system. More Trending Players will face off as Imperial or Rebel forces across 17 scenario-driven missions, with options to escalate into campaign mode. Leader cards introduce familiar names like Vader, Luke, Leia, and Han to influence the tide of battle. Although it should be easy to learn, concerns linger about the scope of the battlefield. A cramped board could reduce tactical play to simple dice duels, something fans of strategic depth may find frustrating. Questions also remain about unit range and movement dynamics. Still, Battle Of Hoth promises cinematic nostalgia and the potential for layered tactics, and all for a very reasonable price. RRP: £49.99 – crowdfunding starts summer 2025 Email gamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter, and sign-up to our newsletter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader’s Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. GameCentral Sign up for exclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Sam Altman's OpenAI launches Codex, an AI tool to write codes and fix bugs for developers. Jonathan Ernst/REUTERS 2025-05-16T22:17:35Z Save Saved Read in app This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now. Have an account? OpenAI launched Codex, an AI tool to write codes and fix bugs for developers. As an AI Agent, Codex could also help users with an Amazon order or a dinner reservation. Codex and GPT-4.5, which was launched in April, both come with a heftier price tag of $200 per month. OpenAI on Friday rolled out a powerful new tool for software developers, as the company pushes further into automating coding tasks with AI.The new product, called Codex, is an AI agent designed to help programmers write code, fix bugs, and run tests — often simultaneously."Technical teams at OpenAI have started using Codex as part of their daily toolkit," OpenAI said in a blogpost. "It is most often used by OpenAI engineers to offload repetitive, well-scoped tasks, like refactoring, renaming, and writing tests, that would otherwise break focus.""When uncertain or faced with test failures, the Codex agent explicitly communicates these issues, enabling users to make informed decisions about how to proceed," OpenAI added.Unlike traditional chatbots that respond to prompts and generate responses in mostly words, AI agents like Codex can interact with other software and online services, such as helping you with a DoorDash order or booking a dinner reservation.The Codex rollout came after OpenAI launched GPT-4.5 in February. A livestream demo highlighted its improved reasoning, intuition, and reduced hallucinations.CEO Sam Altman described it as "the first model that feels like talking to a thoughtful person," but also said that its intelligence and nuance comes at steep computational cost. Due to GPU shortages, GPT-4.5 was initially available only to $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro users.Codex is now available to subscribers of OpenAI's ChatGPT ProOpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comments. Recommended video

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There’s a reason that Steven Spielberg has the reputation that he has. For decades, Spielberg has been considered one of the best directors in film history, and he’s got the movies to back that assertion up. Opinions are, quite naturally, going to differ on which movies of Spielberg’s are the best. One movie that often winds up near the top of the list is Saving Private Ryan. The film, which follows a group of soldiers in the aftermath of the D-Day invasion as they are given a mission to receive a fellow soldier in France, is considered one of the greatest World War II epics ever made. Here are three reasons you should watch the movie on Peacock this May. Recommended Videos The opening sequence is iconic for a reason Although Saving Private Ryan may or may not be Spielberg’s best film, almost everyone can agree that the opening sequence, which is an extended look at what the beaches of Normandy were like on D-Day, is among the most riveting and harrowing things he’s ever made. That opening sequence is the most important part of the film, a reminder that the men fighting were just regular people and that they were faced with the kinds of horrors that they would carry with them forever. It’s not easy to watch, exactly, but it is among the most awe-inspiring sequences ever put to film, not least because it feels so raw and visceral. It’s anchored by an unusual premise Dreamworks The question of whether it’s even possible to make an anti-war movie has existed for as long as war movies have, but Saving Private Ryan uses its premise to emphasize the pointlessness of all the death it depicts. The soldiers at the center of the mission have been asked to put their lives at risk to rescue a single man, and many of them lose their lives along the way. Because of this, we come to understand that the soldiers on the frontline have almost no control over their own fates. The movie wants you to wonder why so many people should die for a single man and whether any of this was worth the cost. It features a roster of great performers Dreamworks On top of being the first time that Spielberg and Tom Hanks collaborated on a movie, Saving Private Ryan is filled with great actors from top to bottom. Matt Damon’s Ryan feels like the kind of man worth saving and does a lot with a relatively small amount of screen time. Jeremy Davies, Adam Goldberg, and Tom Sizemore are also standouts, as is a young Vin Diesel, who had not yet become an action icon. It’s an indelible cast, expertly chosen so that they don’t look like movie stars but instead like an actual platoon of young soldiers who are fighting for their country. You can watch Saving Private Ryan on Peacock.

The 2025 Pride Edition Band is out now. I went wrist-on with it: here are the full details.

The government announcement on 14 May about how it sees the future of the digital identity market operating means the uncertainty of the last few months is over. Investors had stopped investing and several identity service providers (IDSPs) have had to put their plans on hold waiting for this day. Those barriers have now been lifted. IDSPs are working though what the government wallet means for them and the disruptive change it will bring to the market. Business cases are being re-examined. The good news is that the 14 May meeting promises to mark a welcome shift in government and identity industry relations. There is understanding and recognition that the secretary of state’s decision to press ahead with announcing the Gov.uk Wallet in January was a bold and reasonable one to make with the information he had available. There is also understanding and recognition by the secretary of state, Peter Kyle, of the unintended consequence of that decision on industry. Identity is like time – it seems simple until you realise it’s all relative. It’s that complexity that government and industry now need to wrestle with together. The consensus is that both sides can learn from the experience and build forward together with more certainty. Let’s take a moment to consider the future this new partnership can unlock. The government’s digital wallet and credentials can be likened to the role of the Bank of England in the financial system – it acts as the identity provider of last resort. Relying parties, such as retailers, can’t directly access what’s inside someone’s wallet - instead, they must go through a registered digital verification service (DVS). Think of these organisations as the retail banks of the identity ecosystem, with the Office for Digital Identity and Attributes (OfDIA) playing a role similar to the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Of course, unlike the Bank of England or the FCA, neither the government wallet nor OfDIA are independent – but perhaps that’s a question for the next generation to solve. The point is this: the banking system offers a useful role model for how the identity and personal data market could evolve – where a person’s data, like their money, is something they own, store securely, and choose to share through trusted intermediaries. And here’s the other exciting thing about that analogy. The UK is the global powerhouse in financial and regulatory technology (fintech and regtech) – streets ahead of what’s brewing in Silicon Valley. We sometimes forget that. This is not just hype - it’s rooted in the real-world muscle of London, still the financial capital of the world. It’s this deep, practical, and highly specialised expertise – built in the crucible of high-trust, high-stakes finance – that’s now being unlocked for something new: a sovereign identity and personal data market. While the big tech giants have the global reach to roll out platforms at scale, it’s the UK that holds the keys to making the data economy actually work – in a way that fits with western democratic values. Not big tech surveillance. Not top-down state control. But something more balanced. More human. More trusted. That’s the real prize this new government partnership holds – not just for the digital identity sector, but for the future of the UK economy. A chance to lead the world once again – this time, in building the data layer of democracy. Now comes the hard part. For the past two decades, working in digital identity in the UK was often a lonely road – misunderstood, underfunded, and sometimes even ridiculed. Yet a small group of pioneers kept the flag flying, laying the groundwork that has now led to the creation of OfDIA – a regulatory framework that finally unlocks the innovative potential of the private sector. With the starting gun fired, identity is now going mainstream. A new wave of ideas – powered by trusted digital credentials – is about to flood the market. But identity alone won’t be enough to survive, let alone thrive. What matters now is value. Take banking. Customer-owned personal data stores – shared voluntarily, under their control – are a far richer source of information than anything a credit reference agency can offer. If banks became certified under the Digital Identity and Attributes Trust Framework (DIATF) and the government added a domestic PEP (politically exposed persons) flag to the wallet, they could cut compliance costs by millions. The same goes for major recruiters, NHS trusts, and universities. With DBS certificates, HM Revenue & Customs data, qualifications, and right-to-work credentials in the wallet, time-to-hire and onboarding costs could be dramatically reduced – if these institutions become DVS certified. This isn’t evolution. It’s disruption. Supply chains will shift. Whole new categories of value-added identity services will emerge. Startups will rush in. Competition will intensify. And current identity providers? They’ll need to level up – fast – or risk being left behind. Meanwhile, in the short term, the tasks ahead are a bit messy and incomplete – but necessary. First, the government has set an ambitious goal - to introduce the public to digital ID through age verification for alcohol sales by Christmas. It’s a bold target, and one we should support – but with less than six months to go, it’s a tall order. Proof of concepts will be ready, but full-scale roll-out? Unlikely. Still, the urgency is welcome. Even if we miss the mark, it pushes the whole system forward and identity providers will have to forge new collaborations and ways of working they have not had to consider before. More importantly, this initiative can serve a greater purpose – unlocking regulatory resistance to digital identity across the wider economy. Right now, regulators aren’t aligned, and until they are, in-house compliance teams have no choice but to block innovation. But once the rules change, the brakes come off. Compliance professionals can become allies of change, working with technologists to enable business, not hold it back. And when that alignment happens – regulators, compliance, and tech all pulling in the same direction – the stage is set for the real magic. For the entrepreneurs, the builders, the investors - with government setting the guardrails and the market delivering the innovation - the future won’t just be an upgrade, it’ll be a transformation. Communication, education, and outreach programmes can transform every community – even those post-industrial regions that have been left behind. There should be no reason why people have to leave their hometowns to seek work and opportunity. We can find new and diverse ways of working once we know who we all are. In conclusion, 14 May could well be remembered as a watershed moment – not just for government and the identity industry, but for the future of the UK economy. And that’s before we even begin to explore the power of person-centric, controlled artificial intelligence (AI) – AI that serves individual creators, not big tech monopolies. So, hats off to Peter Kyle for his bold decisions and refreshing honesty. This is a moment that demands goodwill and open collaboration. Government and industry must move as one – the stakes are too high for division. This isn’t just about digital identity. It’s about sovereignty. It’s about dignity and rebuilding trust in an age of data. If we get this right in the UK, we won’t just be rebuilding the country and creating economic growth. We’ll empower people. We’ll unlock opportunity. And we’ll show the world how democracy can evolve – and thrive – in the digital era. The game is now well and truly on. And everything’s to play for. Let’s rise to meet it. David Crack is chair of the Association of Digital Verification Professionals, a trade body representing companies involved in the electronic validation of documents and digital identities. Read more about digital identity A driving licence in an app is a boost for digital identity - but not for angry suppliers - It’s rare that a digital government development attracts interest from mainstream media, but the announcement of a digital driving licence brought widespread national coverage. Distrust builds between digital ID sector and government amid speculation over 'ID cards by stealth' - The latest meeting of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on digital identity was more exciting than it sounds. European Digital Identity Wallet: One ID for EU citizens - The European Digital Identity Wallet is a personal digital wallet with which you will be able to identify yourself digitally in the future. Is this the solution for a centralised ID?

It began with a tip–an email from a San Francisco resident who had read The Secret, Byron Preiss’s 1982 book about hidden treasures. That message set off a chain of events that led to a 1974 building plan drawn by architect William Pereira, a visit to an underground pump room, and the eventual discovery, beneath six feet of concrete, of a long-lost time capsule buried deep within the Transamerica Pyramid. The capsule, a 14-by-16-inch metal cylinder, was unearthed during a recent renovation of the building. Buried in 1974, it offers a glimpse into life in San Francisco during the tower’s construction and reveals key details about the project itself. Its contents will be displayed in a new exhibit curated in partnership with Foster + Partners opening May 18 in the building’s lobby. The capsule was located based on an email tip and a 1974 building plan labeled “Time Capsule” drawn by architect William Pereira. (Courtesy SHVO) The capsule, a 14-by-16-inch metal cylinder, offers a glimpse into life in San Francisco during the tower’s construction and reveals key details about the project itself. (Courtesy SHVO) When the Transamerica Pyramid officially opened in 1972, it was hailed as a symbol of the city’s growth and ambition. Local media buzzed with anticipation. Two years later, as the Transamerica Corporation moved out of the building, the company assembled the capsule’s contents and commemorated its burial with a celebratory event. A plaque was installed above the site, instructing that the capsule remain untouched for 50 years. As decades passed and renovations altered the building’s layout, the plaque disappeared—and the capsule was (almost) forgotten. That is, until the email tip arrived. Fifty years after it was buried, just ahead of when it was intended to be opened, the capsule was located. This flyer was circulated in 1969 to stop the Transamerica Pyramid’s construction. It was among the objects inside the time capsule. (Courtesy SHVO) The timing of its burial coincided with a chaotic chapter in San Francisco’s history. In 1974, Mayor Joseph Alioto’s wife mysteriously vanished, only to reappear two weeks later claiming she’d staged her disappearance to punish him for ignoring her. Around the same time, 19-year-old heiress Patty Hearst was kidnapped at gunpoint by members of the radical Symbionese Liberation Army. The Transamerica Pyramid too made headlines: The San Francisco Chronicle dismissed it as “the world’s largest architectural folly,” and the city’s own planner derided it as “an inhumane creation.” These turbulent moments, and the spirit of the era, were captured in the time capsule’s contents, along with a recipe for Pisco Punch, the famed cocktail invented at the nearby Bank Exchange Saloon. Once buried and nearly forgotten, the capsule now takes center stage in a curated exhibit in the building’s lobby, offering a vivid snapshot of a city in the midst of transformation. “Through moments of prosperity and periods of challenge, the Transamerica Pyramid has stood tall as one of the iconic silhouettes of San Francisco’s skyline. I see it now not just as a symbol of bold design, but of resilience–for this neighborhood, and for our city,” said San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Fifty years from now, my hope is that we will look back on this era–this exact moment in time–as the beginning of a new chapter for San Francisco,” he added. Opening to the public on May 18, the exhibition aims to honor the legacy of the Transamerica Pyramid while highlighting the design of its recent renovation. (Nikki Richter) SHVO and Deutsche Finance America purchased the Transamerica Pyramid in 2020 for $650 million, pledging to preserve its historic legacy. In 2024, the landmark reopened following extensive renovations by Foster + Partners, marking a major step in the broader revitalization of downtown San Francisco, which had been deeply impacted by widespread office closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This exhibition serves as a reminder of the significance of the Transamerica Pyramid as a global icon since its inception more than a half century ago,” said Michael Shvo, chairman and CEO of SHVO. “By sharing the contents of the time capsule publicly, as a thoughtfully designed exhibition, we are honoring Transamerica Pyramid’s legacy and seamlessly complementing our meticulous remastering.” The Time Capsule Exhibition opens to the public on May 18.

Google I/O, Google’s biggest developer conference of the year, is nearly upon us. Scheduled for May 20 to 21 at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, I/O will showcase product announcements from across Google’s portfolio. Expect plenty of news relating to Android, Chrome, Google Search, YouTube, and — of course — Google’s AI-powered chatbot, Gemini. Earlier this week, Google hosted a separate event dedicated to Android updates: The Android Show. During it, the company announced new ways to find lost Android phones and other items, additional device-level features for its Advanced Protection program, security tools to protect against scams and theft, and a new design language called Material 3 Expressive. Here’s what else you can expect. Gemini and AI Image Credits:Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty Images AI is the tech du jour, and Google, like its rivals, has been investing heavily in it. A shoo-in for I/O is a new addition (or several) to Google’s flagship Gemini family of AI models. Leaks over the past few weeks suggest that an updated Gemini Ultra model is on the way, Gemini Ultra being Google’s top-of-the-line Gemini offering. With this upgraded Gemini Ultra may come a pricier Gemini subscription. Techcrunch event Join us at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot for our leading AI industry event with speakers from OpenAI, Anthropic, and Cohere. For a limited time, tickets are just $292 for an entire day of expert talks, workshops, and potent networking. Exhibit at TechCrunch Sessions: AI Secure your spot at TC Sessions: AI and show 1,200+ decision-makers what you’ve built — without the big spend. Available through May 9 or while tables last. Berkeley, CA | June 5 REGISTER NOW Google offers a single premium tier, Gemini Advanced ($20 per month), to unlock additional capabilities in its Gemini chatbot, which is powered by the company’s Gemini models. But Google may soon launch two new plans, Premium Plus and Premium Pro. It’s not yet clear what benefits might be attached and how these plans might be priced relative to Gemini Advanced. Google will almost certainly talk about Astra, its wide-ranging effort to build AI apps and “agents” for real-time, multimodal understanding. Also probably on the agenda is Project Mariner, Google’s AI “agents” that can navigate and take action across the web on a user’s behalf. Folks on X spotted references to “Computer Use” in the code for Google’s AI Studio developer platform, which could well pertain to Mariner. Everything else Going by the official I/O schedule, Google will have plenty to discuss following The Android Show and I/O keynote addresses. The schedule lists sessions dedicated to Chrome and Google Cloud, Google Play (the Android app store), Android development tools, and Gemma, Google’s collection of “open” AI models. Last year, Google unveiled a few AI-themed surprises at I/O, including a set of models fine-tuned for education applications called LearnLM. An upgrade to Google’s viral podcast-generating NotebookLM could be one such surprise. Leaked code reveals a “Video Overviews” tool that presumably would create video summaries, most likely leveraging Google’s Veo 2 video-generating model. Updated: 3:19 p.m. Pacific: Added a list of new Android features announced during The Android Show.

Just Why UPDATE: Fortnite's now letting people squad up with a Darth Vader AI chatbot for, sigh, reasons, so of course streamers have already made it swear and talk about boobs Heads up: if you're under 13 (this varies by region), you'll need to get your parents' permission to ask this thing why it exists. Image credit: Epic News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Updated on May 16, 2025 UPDATE (16/05/25, 5:20 PM BST): Kotaku's Ethan Gach reports that Epic Games has already pushed an update to try and stop people being able to make AI Vader say the F word. "We pushed a hot fix within 30 minutes of this happening in-game, so this shouldn’t happen again," the publisher said. I'm so tired. Here we go. It's 2025, so Fortnite now includes a Darth Vader chatbot you can have stilted AI-powered conversations with after recruiting him into your squad. Naturally, a streamer has already managed to get it to say a bad word and talk about boobs. I shouldn't be surprised. This game already has Tesla's shitty Cybertruck in it. At least people in the US who only game on their Iphones are being spared for now. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. "Strategize with the ultimate Sith Lord. With your voice. And he’ll respond back using conversational AI," reads Epic's announcement that this - which uses Google’s Gemini 2.0 Flash model and ElevenLabs’ Flash v2.5 model to deliver AI-generated chatter using James Earl Jones' actual voice - is a thing. Perhaps the one silver lining, though it's not really a silver lining because it helps normalise this kind of thing, is that the late actor's estate has given its permission to let Epic do this. "James Earl felt that the voice of Darth Vader was inseparable from the story of Star Wars, and he always wanted fans of all ages to continue to experience it," reads a statement from Jones' family, "We hope that this collaboration with Fortnite will allow both longtime fans of Darth Vader and newer generations to share in the enjoyment of this iconic character." "Ask him all your pressing questions about the Force, the Galactic Empire... or you know, a good strat for the last Storm circle. The Sith Lord has opinions," Epic says. So, what are people asking him? Well, Australian streamer Loserfruit has already managed to get the Vader chatbot to swear, call them "Mummy", and talk about breasts, the latter of which you can see in the clip below. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. It's also enquired if a Rebel Alliance of Skibidi Toilets exists in a chat with another player. To see this content please enable targeting cookies. It's still early days too, and you can only imagine the kinds of things certain people are and will be trying to get it to say. Oh, it's also worth noting that because laws exist, Epic's Vader chatbot FAQ makes it clear that "players under 13 or their country’s age of digital consent, whichever is higher" will need to get their parents' permission to be able to talk to AI Vader. It's like a depressingly 2025 version of getting your mum to approve you hopping on Club Penguin, except this time they're saying yes to a parental control to “allow voice and written communication with AI Features” Epic's added to the game's settings and some other places detailed in the FAQ. That's it. This is a thing.

Sometimes you need a hug, and sometimes the softest bed sheets are just as good, if not better. Bedrooms are often referred to as sanctuaries, so it is no wonder that outfitting your bed with the best sheets is a path to serenity while you sleep.AD editors know that ending the day with high-quality bedding is a worthwhile investment. We’ve put on Sleep Week for the last five years to prove it, spotlighting our team’s favorite essentials to get a good night’s rest. We have tested dozens of brands—including Brooklinen, Boll & Branch, and Quince—that include luxury sheets, Amazon best sellers, and sets with special qualities like temperature regulation. Here, 15 of the softest sheets that will convince you that crawling into bed at 9 p.m. is equivalent to self-care.Our Top Picks for the Softest Bed Sheets:The Softest Bed Sheets, Overall: Boll & Branch Linen Sheet Set, $349Hotel-Quality Cotton Sheets: Matouk Bergamo Fitted Sheet, $374Silky Bamboo Sheets: Quince Bamboo Sheet Set, $130A Luxe Sateen Set: Brooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet Set, $189For Hot Sleepers: Sijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet Set, $185A T-Shirt-Inspired Set: Parachute Brushed Cotton Fitted Sheet, $110 $77Browse by CategoryThe softest bed sheets, overallPhoto: Yelena Moroz AlpertPhoto: Yelena Moroz AlpertBoll & Branch Linen Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesSix colorwaysKing with standard case optionDeep fitted sheet pockets, 17 inchesMade in Fair Trade-certified factoryDownsidesExpensiveMay feel oversizedSize OptionsTwin, twin XL, full, queen, king, king with standard cases, California king, split KingWhat's included1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, 2 pillowcasesTwin and twin XL sets include 1 pillowcaseSplit King sets include 2 twin XL fitted sheets and 2 king pillowcasesMaterial100% European flaxWhen it comes to the linen sheets, contributor Yelena Alpert, who has quite literally compared four linen bedding brands side to side in one day, says that the Boll & Branch linen sheet set definitely stands out for its softness factor. “It’s a noticeable difference,” says Alpert in her review. “The linen is almost velvety and drapes like a cozy embrace over my body. Whenever these are on, I never want to leave and sometimes end up working from bed in my PJs.” While these are not inexpensive, the set can be used all year and is an investment, but you can request free swatches before committing. “I don’t see myself swapping these out anytime soon,” she says.Hotel-quality cotton sheetsMatouk Bergamo BeddingUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesCooling500 thread countDeep pockets, 17 inchesDownsidesExpensiveOnly two colors, white and boneSize OptionsFull, queen, king, California kingWhat's included1 fitted sheetMaterialEgyptian cotton percaleThe Matouk Bergamo fitted sheet may look simple, but the airy percale is as soft as silk—all thanks to a unique combination of Giza 87 and 92 Egyptian cotton yarns. Allie Weiss, US digital director, calls it the “cream-of-the-crop bedding” in the best bed sheets review. “I hate scratchy sheets, and breathed a sigh of relief when I slipped into these,” she says. “They are both lightweight, crisp looking, and soft to the touch—talk about a win-win.”Silky bamboo sheetsNashia BakerNashia BakerQuince Bamboo Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides11 colors availableAvailable in a duvet bundleOption with or without flat sheetHypoallergenicDownsidesUsing fabric softener in laundry care routine can cause pillingSize OptionsTwin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingWhat's included1 fitted sheet, 1 flat sheet, and pillowcase(s) [(1 standard included in twin size, 2 standard included with full/queen, 2 king included with king/cal king]Material100% viscose from organic bambooLeave it to Quince, a beloved AD brand for all things bedding, to offer organic bamboo sheets that feel like a decadent cocoon. “This set feels smooth and cool to the touch but still cozy enough to bundle up with during the winter months,” says senior commerce editor Nashia Baker, who has the brand’s sheets in a warm hue that evokes earthy desert tones and transforms her bedroom into a serene escape. That’s one reason these sheets ended up as a top pick on our best bamboo sheets list. What’s more, the 300 thread count sheet set is also hypoallergenic.A luxe sateen setBrooklinen Luxe Sateen Core Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides21 colors availableAvailable in a duvet bundle?High thread count (480)DownsidesPopular colors sell out quicklySize OptionsTwin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingWhat’s included1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcasesTwin and twin XL sets include 1 pillowcaseKing and California king sets include king-size pillowcasesMaterial100% long-staple cottonBrooklinen does a lot of things well, but the Luxe Sateen Core sheet set is unmatched in terms of softness. In fact, two AD team members love them. This set is “super classic, smooth, and has a crisp feel,” says commerce director Rachel Fletcher in her review. It’s also perfect for anyone with sensitive skin, she adds, emphasizing that the fabric is that “not at all scratchy or harsh on my skin, like some of the less expensive options I’ve tried in the past.” For contributor Erika Owen these sheets are just what she needs, battling a New York City heatwave. It comes in more than 20 colorways, including the abstract Sunshell pattern that looks like a cross between a shell and a flower.For hot sleepersSijo AiryWeight Eucalyptus Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides13 colors availableOption with or without flat sheetDownsidesCan snag if washed with items that contain zippersSize OptionsTwin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingWhat’s included(1) fitted sheet, (1) optional flat/top sheet, and (2) pillowcases. Twin and twin XL sets include (1) pillowcaseMaterial100% Tencel lyocell (eucalyptus fibers)For tester Mel Studach, AD PRO senior editor, sheet fabric “has to be ultra-soft” and the Sijo AiryWeight eucalyptus sheet set reminds her of a favorite silk shirt that is “airy and comfortable yet elegant.” Studach uses these year-round because they feel lightweight and breathable in the summer and still cozy under a down comforter in the winter. “I’ve certainly noticed a less humid sleep experience in comparison to my past sheet sets,” she says. The earthy clay hue reads modern, while the grey stripe can go coastal or cottagecore.A T-shirt-inspired setRachel FletcherParachute Brushed Cotton Fitted SheetUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesOeko-Tex Standard 10060 days to returnDownsidesCompared to other sheets, limited colorway (6)Size OptionsFull, queen, king, California kingWhat's included(1) fitted sheetMaterial100% cottonThe Parachute brushed cotton fitted sheet has over 800 five-star reviews, and for good reason. This durable bedding is comforting thanks to its plain weave construction that’s a cross between cozy cotton sheets and your favorite t-shirt. “There’s no stretchy action like you might expect with sheets of a lesser quality,” says Fletcher. They’re also made in Portugal, which is known for producing excellent linens, and the factory that Parachute works with has been family-owned for generations, adds Fletcher, who originally tested the organic fitted sheet.More AD-Approved Soft Bed SheetsBrooklinen Classic Percale Core Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides18 colors availableLong-staple cotton and matte finishOeko-Tex certifiedDownsidesReturns are subject to a $9.95 return fee deducted from your refund amountSize OptionsTwin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingWhat's included1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcasesTwin and twin XL sets include 1 pillowcaseKing and California king sets include king-size pillowcasesMaterial100% long-staple cotton, 270 thread countThe Brooklinen percale core set may be known to keep hot sleepers comfortable, but the matte finish of these sheets, made with long-staple cotton fibers is ridiculously smooth. “Usually, percale cotton is just airy, but these sheets are light but actually feel as if they cameo as something like sateen,” says contributor Yelena Alpert, who tested these in the blue Oyster pattern. “I love them so much that I got the duvet cover in the same material and now my bed is this oasis of softness.” The magic sauce lies in Brooklinen using long-staple cotton, which keeps the fibers from fraying and feeling rough.The Company Store x Rifle Paper Co. Sateen Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsidesOeko-Tex Standard 100Fitted sheets accommodate mattresses of up to 18 in. deepPairs with matching duvet cover, comforter, shams and shower curtain (sold separately)DownsidesNot included in promotionsOnly three color optionsSize OptionsTwin, full, queen, kingWhat's included1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, and 2 standard pillowcasesTwin sets include 1 pillowcaseKing sets include king-size pillowcasesMaterial100% combed cotton sateen, 300 thread countSuper soft sheets tend to come in more traditional patterns and solid colorways—not the ones from the Company Store x Rifle Paper Co. “I was originally drawn to the peacock print because it is just so whimsical and livens up my guest bedroom,” says Alpert, who has them in queen size. “But these are also buttery soft. Maybe too soft—my guests never want to leave.” The higher thread count, 300, is surely part of the reason. If it wasn’t for the true-to-Rifle print, you’d think these are hotel sheets.Sferra Grande Hotel Flat SheetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides16 colors availableSignature satin stitch embroideryGet softer with every washDownsidesExpensiveSome colors out of stockNot available in California kingSize OptionsTwin, full/queen, kingWhat's includedFlat SheetMaterial100% long-staple cotton“Whenever I put these percale sheets with a double row of satin stitch embroidery I feel as if I am on a set of Wes Anderson’s Grand Budapest Hotel,” Alpert says. “I’ve had these for a year and they only get softer and softer with every wash.” At this price, the sheets are definitely in the luxury bedding category and might spoil you into thinking that all cotton sheets should feel like this (they don’t).Buffy Breeze Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides34 colors availableOeko-Tex certifiedIncludes three year protection planFree 7 day sleep trialVegan, does not contain silkDownsidesPopular colors sold outSize OptionsTwin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingWhat's included1 flat sheet, 1 fitted sheet, and 2 pillowcasesTwin and twin XL sets include 1 pillowcaseKing and California king sets include king-size pillowcasesMaterial100% Tencel lyocell from eucalyptus, 300 thread countBuffy Breeze cooling sheets are moisture-wicking but still velvety because the brand uses SilkShape fabric (but it is vegan and doesn’t actually use silk) which is made of strands that feel easy on the skin. “I am a little obsessed with my Breeze pillowcases,” says Alpert, who has them in the earth colorway. “It’s like I am sleeping on a cloud. As a side sleeper, I am always rubbing my cheeks against the pillow case and these have absolutely no friction.”Ettitude CleanBamboo Signature Sateen Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides8 colors availableOeko-Tex Standard 100HypoallergenicDownsidesPriceySize OptionsTwin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California kingWhat's included1 flat sheet, 1 fitted Sheet, and 2 pillowcasesTwin and twin XL sets include 1 pillowcaseKing and California king sets include king-size pillowcasesMaterial100% CleanBamboo Lyocell (organic, FSC-certified bamboo)More than 5,000 customers gave the Ettitude CleanBamboo sheet sets a five-star rating and for good reason, these silky smooth sheets are worth the hype. "These sheets are buttery—pun intended,” says Baker, who has the set in the Butter colorway. “Sinking into these sheets is a dream thanks to their glossy feel that rivals the best silk sheets out there. It also doesn't hurt that the set comes in a warm yellow hue, which just so happens to be my favorite color!" The company makes the sheets in Peru and focuses on sustainability—the bedding is made from FSC-certified bamboo.Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet SetUpsides & DownsidesUpsides11 colors availableFitted sheet fits well on both regular and deep pocket mattresses up to 20 inchesOeko-Tex certifiedDownsidesPopular colors and sizes sell out quicklySize OptionsTwin, twin XL, full, queen, king, California king, split king