Mixtapes used to be a way that we cultivated a personal selection of music for our own enjoyment, or to give as gifts to those we wanted to impress with a personal touch. These days, we’d typically try that with a playlist, but it’s less romantic despite also being more ephemeral. Songs fall off streaming services all the time, and few of us have the exact same subscriptions as those we’re trying to flirt with. Thus, [Hunter Irving] whipped up a more lasting solution for this modern age.
The concept is simple—it’s a collection of songs that are packaged together in a easily portable format that won’t disappear because of corporate bureaucratic nonsense. [Hunter] has termed their project Mixapps—because it’s a method of sharing music based around Progressive Web Apps (PWA). To create a custom mix, you start by running a Python script, which will then let you add tracks and reorder them as you desire. From there, you run a second script that builds the web app for you.
You can then upload the prepared app directory to a web host to share it with anyone you like. They can then save the PWA to the home screen of their mobile device, where it will live happily ever after. There’s no need to keep hosting the app online or for the user to remain connected to the Internet; everything is self contained on their device. If you’re curious, there’s a demo you can check out online.
Advertisement
It’s worth noting that there are intellectual property concerns to be had as with any form of music sharing, but what else is new? We’ve explored the magic of mixtapes in the past, anyway, to be sure. If you’re finding new ways to trade music and playlists, romantically or platonically, don’t hesitate to let us know.
AndaSeat is primarily known for its broad range of gaming chairs – and, more recently, the launch of its very first standing desk. And though it wasn’t evident at the time, it was a clear signal of intent: the company is spreading its wings from gamer-focus to home office furniture as a whole.
Ahead of this interview, a representative told me, “In terms of office furniture, we’ve been placing increasing emphasis on how products fit into more compact, multi-functional environments – where a single chair can support both focused work and more relaxed, recreational use.”
That can be a tricky transition to make. As someone who tests chairs and desks, I can tell you that great gaming chairs and great office chairs can be world’s apart. Only a few companies – I’m thinking Eureka Ergonomic and Boulies – have managed it successfully.
Advertisement
Latest Videos From
So, I was keen to find out how AndaSeat’s experience designing and testing gaming furniture helps translate into creating chairs and desks suitable for office spaces.
To find out more, I spoke to Lin Zhou, AndaSeat CEO, about the company’s shift into the home office.
AndaSeat’s DNA is rooted in high-performance gaming chairs. How do the ergonomic principles of gaming chair design translate into professional home office use?
Professionals shift posture constantly; our chairs move with them.
At AndaSeat, we view the transition from the racing cockpit to the home office as a natural evolution of ‘intensity.’ Whether you are in a high-stakes 5v5 match or a back-to-back marathon of video calls, the physiological toll on the body is remarkably similar: static muscle strain and spinal fatigue.
Advertisement
Our DNA allows us to translate high-performance features into the professional space in three key ways:
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Dynamic Support: Our Auto-Tracking Lumbar systems (as seen in the Phantom 4) are designed for ‘Active Sitting.’ Professionals shift posture constantly; our chairs move with them, ensuring the lower back is never left unsupported.
Structural Durability: Our 100% Seamless Steel Frames – a standard from our racing days – provide a level of long-term structural integrity that typical office chairs lack, ensuring the ergonomic ‘geometry’ of the chair doesn’t sag over years of use.
Advertisement
Adaptive Recovery: Gaming requires rapid movement and deep focus. We apply this to office use through high-density molded foam and multi-angle tilt mechanisms, allowing a professional to transition instantly from ‘focus mode’ at 90° to ‘recovery mode’ at 120° for a mental break.
Based on your experience and research, what are the principles of a good home office set-up?
A superior home office setup should be treated as a Performance Ecosystem rather than just a collection of furniture.
A superior home office setup should be treated as a Performance Ecosystem rather than just a collection of furniture. Based on our R&D, we follow four core principles:
Advertisement
The 90-90-90 Rule: Your elbows, hips, and knees should all maintain approximately a 90-degree angle. This is only possible with highly adjustable gear, such as desks with millimetric height precision and 4D/5D armrests that align perfectly with the desk surface to prevent carpal tunnel strain.
Visual Ergonomics: Eye fatigue is the ‘silent’ productivity killer. A good setup uses Mechanical Spring Monitor Arms to ensure the top third of the screen is at eye level, preventing ‘tech-neck’ from looking down.
Movement-First Design: The best posture is the next posture. We advocate for Sit-to-Stand transitions. Alternating between sitting and standing every 45–60 minutes boosts circulation and cognitive function.
Zonal Organization: A clean space equals a clean mind. Integrated cable management (like the ‘Zero Cable’ system in our Xtreme desks) removes visual clutter, which research shows directly reduces cortisol levels and increases focus.
Advertisement
How are you applying these principles within your own range of products – for instance, addressing long hours of sitting with your new mesh chair designs?
With our new mesh chair designs, such as the X-Air SeriesPro, we are tackling the ‘thermal and pressure’ challenges of long-duration sitting. While leather offers a premium feel, mesh allows for high-performance breathability, which is critical for regulating body temperature during 8+ hour sessions.
We apply our core principles here through:
Variable Tension Zones: Not all parts of your back need the same support. Our mesh is engineered with different tension levels—firmer at the lumbar for stability and more flexible at the upper thoracic to allow for natural shoulder movement.
Advertisement
Pressure Distribution: Long hours of sitting lead to ‘hot spots’ on the thighs. We use a waterfall seat edge design combined with high-elasticity mesh to reduce pressure on the popliteal fossa (the area behind your knees), maintaining healthy circulation.
Mechanical Precision: We integrate our racing-grade aluminum alloy components into the mesh frame. This ensures that even though the material is flexible, the structural geometry remains rigid, preventing the ‘slouch’ effect that occurs in lower-quality mesh chairs over time.
How is the integration of living and working spaces influencing AndaSeat’s office furniture designs? And how do you see this continuing to evolve?
The home office will evolve from a workstation into a Wellness Hub.
The boundary between ‘office’ and ‘home’ has permanently blurred, and our design philosophy has shifted toward ‘Seamless Versatility.’
Advertisement
Aesthetic Integration: We are moving away from the aggressive ‘gamer’ aesthetic toward a more refined, minimalist industrial design. Our Kaiser 4 and Xtreme desks feature clean lines and premium textures (like sustainable leather and carbon fiber) that complement a modern living room or bedroom rather than clashing with it.
Space Efficiency: In a home environment, space is a premium. This has led us to develop modular and compact solutions, such as our L-shaped standing desks and monitor arms that reclaim desk real estate.
The Future Evolution: We see the future moving toward ‘AI-Enhanced Ergonomics.’ We are exploring furniture that doesn’t just sit there but actively monitors your health—desks that remind you to stand based on your heart rate or chairs that adjust their tension based on your fatigue levels. The home office will evolve from a workstation into a Wellness Hub.
Advertisement
You describe sitting as a “dynamic activity”, meaning a chair must support a wide range of natural movements. How do you achieve this while designing a chair that encourages proper posture?
The paradox of ergonomics is that ‘proper posture’ isn’t a frozen state – it’s a fluid one.
The paradox of ergonomics is that ‘proper posture’ isn’t a frozen state – it’s a fluid one. A chair that forces you into a single position, no matter how ‘correct’ that position is, will eventually cause muscle fatigue.
At AndaSeat, we achieve this balance through Reactive Support Geometry. Instead of a rigid backrest, we use systems like our 6D Armrests and Gas-Spring Pop-out Lumbar (in the Kaiser 4). These components don’t just stay in place; they have a degree of ‘give’ and adjustability that follows the micro-movements of your skeleton.
For example, when you lean forward to type, the lumbar support maintains contact, and when you pivot to look at a second monitor, the armrests sync with your elbows. By reducing the physical effort required to maintain support during movement, we naturally guide the body back to a neutral spinal alignment without the user feeling ‘locked in.
Advertisement
The market is flooded with ultra-cheap standing desks and hybrid gaming-office chairs. What are the issues with these models – including the invisible corners being cut that people won’t realize until six months down the line?
The ‘six-month wall’ is a real phenomenon in budget furniture. In ultra-cheap models, corners are cut in places the eye can’t see, but the body eventually feels.
The ‘Invisible’ Frames: Many cheap chairs use thin, 1.2mm plywood or stapled elastic bands for support. After six months, these materials lose their tension, causing the seat to sag and your pelvis to tilt incorrectly. We use a 2mm thick, 22mm wide seamless steel frame to ensure the chair’s ‘skeleton’ remains identical from day 1 to year 10.
Motor Longevity & Stability: In low-cost standing desks, manufacturers often use single-motor systems with high-friction plastic glides. Initially, they seem fine, but after a few hundred cycles, the ‘wobble’ becomes unbearable at standing heights, and the motor’s internal gears begin to grind. Our Xtreme Series uses industrial-grade lifting columns tested for 25,000+ cycles to ensure millimetric stability even under full load.
Foam Density: Cheap chairs use ‘recycled’ or low-density foam that feels soft at first but ‘bottoms out’ quickly. Our Re-Dense Molded Foam is designed to maintain 90%+ of its shape even after years of 8-hour daily use.
Advertisement
In our review of the Xtreme Series, we took your standing desk beyond its intended use, setting it up as a coffee tasting table in a busy cafe. What are the most extreme or unexpected real-world stress tests you put your chairs and desks through, and how does having your own testing facility allow you to push your products to their limits?
We perform tests that would destroy standard office furniture.
We love that you tested the Xtreme desk in a high-traffic cafe – it perfectly mirrors our philosophy that furniture should be ‘industrial strength’ for the home.
Because we own our entire supply chain and a CNAS-certified testing lab, we perform tests that would destroy standard office furniture:
The 100,000-Cycle Abrasion Test: We don’t just test our PVC leather for feel; we subject it to 100,000 friction cycles at varying temperatures to ensure no cracking or discoloration.
Advertisement
Uneven Load Impact: For desks, we simulate ‘accidental’ stress—like someone sitting on one corner of the desk while the motor is running. We test the sensors and structural integrity to ensure the frame doesn’t torque or bend.
The Salt Spray & Humidity Chamber: Since we ship globally, we put our steel components in high-humidity salt chambers to simulate coastal environments, ensuring our anti-corrosion coating prevents rust for years. Having our own facility means we don’t just ‘meet’ BIFMA or ISO standards; we set our own ‘AndaSeat Standard’ which is often 20-30% more rigorous, allowing us to offer industry-leading warranties with total confidence
The Linux 7.1 kernel has added new documentation clarifying what qualifies as a security bug and how AI-assisted vulnerability reports should be handled. Phoronix reports: Stemming from the recent influx of security bugs to the Linux kernel as well as an uptick in bug and security reports from discoveries made in full or in part with AI, additional documentation was warranted. Longtime Linux developer Willy Tarreau took to authoring the additional documentation around kernel bugs. To summarize (since the documentation is a bit too lengthy for a Slashdot story), the AI-assisted vulnerability reports should “be treated as public” because such findings “systematically surface simultaneously across multiple researchers, often on the same day.” It adds that reporters should avoid posting a reproducer openly, instead “just mention that one is available” and provide it privately if maintainers request it. The guidance also tells AI-assisted reporters to keep submissions concise and plain-text, focus on verifiable impact rather than speculative consequences, include a thoroughly tested reproducer, and, where possible, propose and test a fix.
As for what qualifies as a security bug, the documentation says the private security list is for “urgent bugs that grant an attacker a capability they are not supposed to have on a correctly configured production system” and are easy to exploit, creating an imminent threat to many users. Reporters are told to consider whether the issue “actually crosses a trust boundary,” since many bugs submitted privately are really ordinary defects that belong in the normal public reporting process.
All the new documentation can be read via this commit.
Noble Audio is using CanJam Singapore 2026 to introduce the FoKus Apollo Pro, a limited run version of its hybrid wireless headphone platform. Building on the original FoKus Apollo, the Apollo Pro adds upgraded acoustic tuning, more premium fabrics and finishes, new voice prompts, and updated ear pads with two new color choices.
However, its unique driver configuration remains the key point. Most premium wireless headphones focus on ANC, app features, battery life, and codec support, but Noble is leaning harder into acoustic design with a hybrid driver platform that combines dynamic and planar magnetic technology in a wireless over-ear portable design.
Debuting May 16th and 17th, the FoKus Apollo Pro is aimed at listeners who want a more refined version of the Apollo concept. However, its limited run release suggests Noble is testing new tuning before committing to a full production roll-out, since the original Apollo model has been quite popular and won numerous industry awards.
Noble Fokus Apollo Pro
Refined Hybrid Driver Architecture
At the core of the FoKus Apollo Pro is Noble’s hybrid driver configuration, which pairs a dynamic driver with a planar magnetic driver in each earcup. The design is intended to combine the bass weight and impact typically associated with dynamic drivers with the speed, clarity, and detail retrieval often associated with planar magnetic designs.
Tuning
The Apollo Pro also introduces updated acoustic tuning intended to improve tonal balance, clarity, and overall presentation. Noble says the changes deliver deeper and tighter bass, improved detail retrieval, and a more open soundstage. Combined with Noble’s wireless platform and upgraded construction, the Apollo Pro is positioned as a more refined version of the Apollo for both home and portable listening.
Advertisement
Elevated Materials & Premium Craftsmanship
Noble has also updated the Apollo Pro’s materials and finishing details, with changes focused on appearance, comfort, and portability.
The Apollo Pro uses Italian Alcantara on the headband, revised gunmetal accents, upgraded fabric cabling, and new ear pad materials. Noble says the more breathable fabric on the ear cushions is intended to reduce heat buildup during longer listening sessions.
The packaging has also been made more compact, giving the Apollo Pro a more travel friendly footprint while preserving the premium presentation expected from a limited run release.
Voice Prompt
Apollo Pro also introduces Voice Prompt functionality, replacing traditional notification tones with spoken voice confirmations for key functions and mode changes, including ANC activation and other onboard controls.
Noble’s Flagship Wireless Platform
Powered by the Qualcomm QCC3084 chipset and compatible with the Noble FoKus companion app, the Apollo Pro combines high-end wireless audio performance with everyday usability and customization. With the Noble FoKus App (iOS, Android), users can manage playback settings, EQ adjustments, and access additional headphone functionality.
Wireless support includes LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and SBC Bluetooth codecs, giving the Apollo Pro broader compatibility across Android, iOS, and other Bluetooth sources.
Advertisement
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Pro Tip: The Apollo Pro also provides wired connectivity via an included 3.5 mm cable with 6.3 mm and 4.4mm adapters.
3 microphones per side (integrated) + detachable boom microphone
3 microphones per side (integrated) + detachable boom microphone
Frequency Response
10 Hz – 40 kHz
10 Hz – 40 kHz
Impedance
32 Ohms
32 Ohms
Connectivity
Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wired input, USB-C
Bluetooth 5.3, 3.5mm wired input, USB-C
Pro-Specific Upgrade Enhancement Materials
Premium Italian Alcantara on the headband Refined, more breathable, replaceable synthetic goatskin earpads
Frame Material: Anodized Aluminum Earpads Memory foam Korean Protein leather, replaceable
Design
Gunmetal Grey finish on the faceplate and frame, with a lighter, more durable anodized aluminum frame
Aluminum cups, aluminum gimbals, a steel headband, and comfortable, replaceable protein leather/memory foam ear pads
Tuning
Refined acoustic tuning for enhanced audio performance
Not Indicated
Battery Life
Up to 80 hours (ANC off) 60 hours (ANC on) at 50% volume.
Up to 80 hours (ANC off) 60 hours (ANC on) at 50% volume.
Included Accessories
Compact carry case Detachable boom mic 3.5mm cable 6.3mm adapter 4.4mm adapter Airplane adapter
EVA Carrying Case Detachable boom mic 3.5mm cable 6.3mm adapter
Airline Adapter USB-C Cable
Advertisement
The Bottom Line
The FoKus Apollo Pro gives Noble a more serious foothold in full size wireless headphones by leaning on something most rivals are not offering: a hybrid dynamic and planar magnetic driver platform inside a Bluetooth headphone. Add LDAC, AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and SBC support, upgraded materials, revised tuning, Italian Alcantara, more breathable ear pads, and limited run positioning, and this becomes more than a cosmetic Apollo refresh.
What appears to be missing is the broader ecosystem strength of Apple, Sony, Sonos, Bowers & Wilkins, and Bose. Those brands bring deeper app integration, stronger ANC reputations, spatial audio platforms, and mainstream retail muscle. Noble’s play is different: better driver story, enthusiast credibility, premium materials, and a more focused sound-first approach.
Price & Availability
The Noble FoKus Apollo Pro is being shown at CanJam Singapore, May 16-17, 2026. Global availability is available at NobleAudio.com and selected retailers for $699 USD / £649 / €749. However, these may not stick around long as only a limited production run was announced — not a permanent addition to the lineup.
The original Noble FoKus Apollo is available for $649 at Amazon.
What’s going on with the U.S. job market? “The economy is growing. Unemployment is low,” notes the Washington Post. “And yet, for millions of workers, finding a job has become harder than at almost any other point in decades,” with the hiring rate “well below pre-pandemic levels for more than a year.”
Part of the problem? “Of the net 369,000 positions added across the entire economy since the start of 2025, health care alone accounted for nearly 800,000 — meaning every other sector, taken together, shed jobs.” By the end of 2025 nearly half of college graduates ages 22 to 27 were working at jobs that didn’t require a degree, according to stats from New York’s Federal Reserve Bank.
The headline unemployment rate, at 4.2%, looks healthy. But that figure has been buoyed by a shrinking labor force: Fewer people are actively looking for work, which keeps the rate down even as hiring slows…
[Some large tech companies] are trying to recalibrate after their hiring sprees of 2021 and 2022, when many had raised pay, offered flexible schedules and signed people quickly… Higher interest rates have also made expansion more expensive, pushing many firms to invest in technology rather than headcount. Another reason hiring has slowed is uncertainty about AI. Even though the technology has not yet replaced large numbers of workers, it is already shaping how companies think about hiring. “I don’t think this is AI displacement,” said Ben Zweig, chief executive of Revelio Labs, a workforce data company. “What we’re seeing is anticipatory.” Instead of rushing to bring on new workers, some firms are waiting to see how the technology evolves and which tasks it will eventually take over. A 39-year-old web developer tells the Post it took 453 job applications to get a handful of interviews and two offers. And a journalism school graduate said they’d sent hundreds of job applications but most led nowhere, and they’re now couch-surfing to save money.
Advertisement
But the problem seems even worse for young people. One 18-year-old told the Post that in a year and a half of job searching, they’d yet to even meet an employer in person.
The unemployment rate for people ages 22 to 27 who recently completed college hit 5.6% in the final months of 2025 — well above the 4.2% rate for all workers, according to national data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York… At one point last summer, new workforce entrants made up a larger share of the unemployed than at any point since the late 1980s — higher even than during the Great Recession. When hiring slows, the door closes first on those without an existing foothold. For the class of 2026, the timing could hardly be worse.
“It is getting increasingly clear that young people are being more affected by AI than older workers,” Zweig said. Companies are not eliminating jobs at scale, but many are slow to hire junior workers. At the same time, older workers are staying in the labor force longer, leaving fewer openings for new arrivals. Even when jobs are available, the bar has shifted. Positions once considered entry level now often require several years of experience, technical expertise and familiarity with AI tools. With fewer openings and more applicants, companies are holding out for candidates who can do the job immediately and need little training… Employers are also looking for a different mix of skills. An analysis of millions of job postings by Indeed found that communication skills now appear in nearly 42% of all listings, while leadership skills feature in nearly a third — capabilities that are harder to prove on a résumé and harder still to demonstrate without an existing professional network. Christine Beck, a career coach who works with early-career job seekers, said employers are asking more of the people they do hire.
– Releasing in late June – Set to debut on Hulu and Disney+ – No trailer unveiled yet – Main cast all expected to return – Will pick up after last season’s finale – Unclear if any spin-offs are in development
The Bear season 5 is the last course on the hit FX Networks show’s menu. Indeed, the culinary comedy-drama will bow out after serving its final meal on June 25/26, so we’ll have to savor every morsel once it’s released.
Before Carmy and company pre-heat the titular restaurant’s stoves for the final time, you’ll want to know more about The Bear‘s last hurrah — and this guide has got you covered. From its confirmed launch dates and likely cast, to where the story could go and whether any spin-offs could get made, here’s everything we know so far about the series’ forthcoming season.
Advertisement
The Bear season 5 release date
The final season. FX’s #TheBear premieres June 25 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.For bundle subscribers. Terms apply. pic.twitter.com/8eFxuxv57uMay 6, 2026
Advertisement
The Bear season 5 will debut on Thursday, June 25, in North and South America, and Friday, June 26, everywhere else.
Latest Videos From
In the US, it’ll premiere on Hulu, while the rest of the world can check it out on Disney+. All eight episodes are set to drop at once, too, so you’ll be able to binge-watch them all on two of the best streaming services on launch day.
The Bear season 5 trailer: is there one?
Staring into the abyss waiting for this season’s trailer to drop like… (Image credit: FX)
No. However, with The Bear 5 due out in just over a month, I suspect a teaser will be released very soon.
Advertisement
Will we get an actual trailer ahead of launch as well? Maybe, but that’s dependent on how much footage FX wants to show before the final season airs. Regardless, once a trailer of some description is shared online, I’ll update this section.
The Bear season 5 likely cast
Richie, Sydney and Carmy will return in The Bear season 5 (Image credit: Disney Plus)
Here’s who I expect to see in The Bear season 5:
Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more.
Advertisement
Jeremy Allen White as Carmen ‘Carmy’ Berzatto
Ebon Moss-Bachrach as Richard ‘Richie’ Jerimovich
Ayo Edebiri as Sydney ‘Syd’ Adamu
Lionel Boyce as Marcus Brooks
Liza Colón-Zayas as Tina Marrero
Abby Elliot as Natalie ‘Sugar’ Berzatto
Matty Matheson as Neil Fak
Edwin Lee Gibson as Ebraheim
Oliver Platt as Jimmy ‘Cicero’ Kalinowski
Jamie Lee Curtis as Donna Berzatto
Molly Gordon as Claire Dunlap
Corey Hendrix as Gary ‘Sweeps’ Woods
Gillian Jacobs as Tiffany ‘Tiff’ Jerimovich
Annabelle Toomey as Evie Jerimovich
Chris Witaske as Pete Katinsky
Ricky Staffieri as Theodore ‘Teddy’ Fak
Will Poulter as Luca
Rene Gube as Rene
Sarah Ramos as Jessica
Andrew Lopez as Garrett
Carmen Christopher as Chester
Robert Townsen as Robert Adamu
Adam Shapiro as himself
Like previous seasons, there are bound to be plenty of guest stars — new and returning — who’ll show up for The Bear‘s final round, too.
Where the latter is concerned, Bob Odenkirk’s Lee, Sarah Paulson’s Michelle, John Mulaney’s Stevie, Brian Koppelman’s Nicholas, aka ‘The Computer’, Rob Reiner’s Albert, and Josh Hartnett’s Frank seem like safe bets. Depending on how its primary story and subplots play out, it’s also possible that Brie Larson’s Francie, Olivia Colman’s Andrea, John Cena’s Sammy, and Joel McHale’s David could return.
Last but by no means least, no season would be complete without Jon Bernthal’s Michael ‘Mikey’ Berzatto appearing via flashbacks, too.
Bernthal’s deceased character recently starred in a special flashback episode of The Bear, titled ‘Gary’, alongside Moss-Bachrach’s Richie. Given that season 5 will be the show’s big send-off, I highly doubt that ‘Gary’ is the last time we’ll see Mikey before The Bear‘s last-ever end credits crawl.
Advertisement
The Bear season 5 story rumors and predictions
Sydney was put in charge of The Bear after last season’s blind-side of a finale (Image credit: FX Network/Hulu/Disney+)
Full spoilers immediately follow for The Bear season 4.
Here’s this season’s plot brief: “The Bear season 5 picks up the morning after Sydney, Richie, and Natalie discover that Carmy has quit the food industry, leaving the restaurant to them.
“With no money, the threat of a sale, and a torrential storm in their way, the new partners must band together with the rest of the team to achieve one last service, hoping they’ll finally earn a Michelin star. Ultimately, they learn that what makes a restaurant ‘perfect’ might not be the food, but the people.”
Advertisement
As the above synopsis lays out, chief among the biggest questions we have heading into this season is what lies in store for the titular restaurant and its former head chef.
Indeed, with Carmy quitting, it’s now up to new co-partners Sydney, Richie, and Natalie to keep The Bear’s head above water. The good times have started to flow at the eponymous eatery, but, with time running out to repay Cicero for his investment in the business, as well as the outward pressure to turn it into a success story, it’ll take everyone — Carmy notwithstanding — to not only keep The Bear afloat, but ensure it becomes an established part of the Chicago food scene.
As for the retiring chef himself, he’s set to embark on a journey to learn who he is outside of the kitchen, and hopefully make peace with his demons and trauma-filled past. Of course, that won’t be easy, but with Carmy finally putting in the legwork to become a better and more emotionally stable person in season 4, he could get the happy ending he deserves.
Carmy’s sister Natalie will continue to give her all for The Bear, too (Image credit: FX Network/Hulu/Disney+)
Other narratives and character-driven moments need to be resolved before the series ends, too.
Advertisement
For one, everyone involved in the titular restaurant will continue working towards earning that elusive Michelin star that they desperately crave. Key to that will be Ebraheim’s plan to expand the business’s daytime sandwich window, aka The Beef, which will help increase its revenue streams.
Meanwhile, we need to see if Sydney and Richie can truly step up and become the leaders that The Bear needs them to be. Tina’s growth into another vital cog in the restaurant’s machine, Marcus’ decision about whether to stay or leave to start his own bakery, and Natalie’s juggling of her professional and personal lives are other major character arcs that have to be explored and wrapped up.
Lastly, The Bear season 5 has to address two of the show’s biggest ‘will they, won’t they’ situations – those involving Carmy and Claire, and Richie and Jessica.
Where the former is concerned, the pair reconciled after Carmy’s apology, but their relationship, while now amicable, doesn’t seem like it can go back to the way it was in season 2. For many viewers, keeping them apart will be a relief — after all, some of the fanbase don’t like Claire as a character. Regardless, I can’t see a way for Carmy and Claire to get back together, and that might be for the best.
Advertisement
As for Richie and Jessica, there’s been a spark between them since season 3. And, with Richie’s ex-wife now married to Frank, Richie’s growing confidence as The Bear’s Maitre d’, and Richie and Jessica growing closer with each passing season, it would make sense for them to finally get together before the show ends.
Are there any spin-offs of The Bear in development?
There’s no word on whether The Bear will get any offshoots (Image credit: FX)
Currently, there’s been no public acknowledgement that any spin-offs are in development. It’s always possible, though, that one-off specials or an offshoot could be made.
Indeed, just recently, a flashback chapter titled ‘Gary’, which starred Bernthal’s Mikey and Moss-Bachrach’s Richie, was shadow-dropped on Hulu and Disney+. Clearly, if there’s a story worth telling, showrunner Christopher Storer will tell it.
Advertisement
Of course, whether we’ll get a sequel show or other standalone episodes is up for debate. Maybe Storer will consider The Bear season 5 as the final piece of the puzzle once it airs and allow its eclectic cast of characters to proverbially ride off into the sunset. He could also decide that, with the passage of time, the time is right to reunite us with certain individuals post-The Bear, or even give us more prequel adventures regarding Mikey before The Bear‘s beginning.
Right now, then, nobody knows if The Bear franchise will continue after the main show’s final season — but you’ll certainly hear me and many other fans shout “Yes, chef!” if we’re ever asked if we want to see Carmy and company again down the road.
On May 20, Amazon will end support for the following Kindle devices:
Kindle 1st Generation
Kindle 2nd Generation
Kindle DX
Kindle DX Graphite
Kindle Keyboard
Kindle 4
Kindle 5
Kindle Touch
Kindle Paperwhite 1st Generation
Kindle Fire 1st Generation
Kindle Fire 2nd Generation
Kindle Fire HD 7
Kindle Fire HD 8.9
The move means users will only be able to use their devices to read content that’s already downloaded. So, naturally, people are jailbreaking them.
Jailbreaking refers to bypassing the software restrictions imposed by Amazon on Kindle devices. This process allows users to install custom fonts, new screensavers, alternative reading apps, and even third-party tools that expand the Kindle’s functionality.
However, it’s important to note that jailbreaking a Kindle might violate Amazon’s terms of service. In many jurisdictions, jailbreaking isn’t considered a criminal offense for personal use, but it may become a crime if it involves copyright infringement, illegal software distribution, or the sale of modified devices.
Advertisement
This guide is for informational purposes only. Always comply with the law and proceed with caution.
How are people jailbreaking older Kindles?
Many Kindle owners who opt to jailbreak view it as a method to gain control over a device they purchased that is still functional, rather than being forced to buy a new device.
However, jailbreaking is technical and carries risks, including the possibility of rendering the device unusable if something goes wrong. It also isn’t possible on every Kindle model or firmware version, so before proceeding, Kindle owners should first spend some time researching if their device is compatible.
Once an owner confirms compatibility, they will take a number of other steps:
Advertisement
Disable Wi-Fi or use airplane mode to prevent Amazon from updating the Kindle and closing jailbreak loopholes.
Download a jailbreak package from trusted online forums. Only download files from reputable sources, as there is a risk of malicious files from unknown sources. (The MobileRead Forum is widely regarded as a reliable option.)
Download the Kindle jailbreak zip file, which includes a hotfix to maintain the jailbreak.
Connect the Kindle to a computer using a USB cable. Then, copy the .bin files directly to the main folder on your Kindle. After that, either type “;log mrpi” in the search bar on the Kindle or go to the settings and select “Update Your Kindle” to start the installation process.
Install the Kindle Unified Application Launcher (KUAL) for managing apps and customizations on a jailbroken Kindle.
Users can also install KOReader, a popular open-source e-book reader for jailbroken Kindles. It offers features like support for multiple file types (including EPUB), enhanced PDF handling, and a built-in file browser.
Drawbacks to consider
Jailbreaking has its trade-offs. Running unofficial software can lead to unexpected issues, such as frequent app crashes or, in the worst case, a completely non-functional device. Additionally, jailbreaking and using third-party apps may negatively affect battery life.
For those seeking a safer alternative, you can always sideload books onto your Kindle using a USB cable and a computer without modifying the system software.
There are also plenty of other similar devices available, such as the Boox Palma, Vivlio e-reader, and even this tiny Xteink X3 that can attach to the back of your phone.
When you purchase through links in our articles, we may earn a small commission. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.
Cotton candy is probably the best way to eat pure sugar, which makes having your very own cotton candy vending machine to automate making it a bit of a dream. The machine that [Block’s Retro Repairs] got should therefore make him very happy, but unfortunately it was bought as defective. After digging into the machine in an earlier video, this time around there’s some actual success and proper cotton candy to enjoy.
The PCB with the rather frayed temperature sensor. (Credit: Block’s Retro Repairs, YouTube)
The way that cotton candy is made involves spinning thin threads of sugar, which are created by the heating and rapid crystallization of the sweet stuff. Unfortunately this machine wasn’t even really extruding sugar any more, so it had to get a deep clean to remove probably years of crusty buildup. After this things still weren’t working right, although cranking up the temperature on the induction heated head improved the results somewhat.
To really fix the machine, this head with its clearly dodgy thermocouple had to be disassembled. This revealed that said sensor was looking rather frayed, potentially shorting out against the aluminium head and likely not in the entirely right position any more. After adding some insulation back and making sure that the thermocouple was located closer to the top of the head, it was time for more testing.
Repairing the thermocouple seems to have fixed most ills, with still some calibration of the temperature required, but finally resulting in fancy shaped cotton candy in its myriad of colors. Along with the looming hazard of potentially acquiring Type II diabetes from all the testing, there was still a problem involving the remote management feature of this Red Rabbit machine.
These $6,000 vending machines do feature an Android 7-based software with a Rockchip SoC and access to a lot of settings via its large touch screen, but features such as setting prices for the products are locked away via a remote account. The machine was sadly still linked to someone else’s account, and so far Red Rabbit support had not responded to any documentation, repair help or account unlinking requests. This has left the machine in somewhat of a pickle.
Advertisement
It was possible to dump the software of the machine, which can be fetched from Archive.org, so if anyone would like to pitch in and break this remote lock, that would be very welcome. It’s also considered to replace the cash reader with a simple button or so, but where’s the fun in that?
A sign at the Allen Institute for AI headquarters in Seattle, with the Space Needle in the background. (GeekWire Photo / Todd Bishop)
The wave of departures from the Allen Institute for AI to Microsoft is bigger than previously known: A total of at least 10 former Ai2 staffers and researchers have joined the tech giant, including the core of the Seattle-based institute’s flagship OLMo open-source model effort.
In addition to the previously reported Microsoft hires — former Ai2 CEO Ali Farhadi, former COO Sophie Lebrecht, and research leaders Hanna Hajishirzi and Ranjay Krishna — former Ai2 researchers now at Microsoft include Luca Soldaini, Kyle Lo, Dirk Groeneveld, Pete Walsh, Matt Jordan, and Jake Poznanski.
They have joined the Superintelligence team led by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, working on its core mission and AI model post-training, a Microsoft spokesperson confirmed in response to GeekWire’s inquiry. Formed in November, the team is developing what Suleyman has called “humanist superintelligence,” advanced AI systems in areas such as health care, energy, and AI companions.
More broadly, Microsoft is working to reduce its dependence on OpenAI for its own AI models. The hiring of the Ai2 group brings Microsoft a team with deep expertise in efficient, fully open model development, an area where Ai2 has punched well above its weight.
Ai2 confirmed that the researchers are no longer with the institute.
Advertisement
“While we saw a small number of departures earlier this year, Ai2’s mission remains unchanged,” a spokesperson said. “We remain focused on developing a fully open AI ecosystem and advancing AI for good across health, science, and environmental research.”
As evidence of Ai2’s continued momentum, the spokesperson cited a new computing cluster brought online last week as part of the $152 million initiative backed by the NSF and Nvidia, known as Open Multimodal AI Infrastructure to Accelerate Science, or OMAI.
When Farhadi’s departure as CEO was announced in March, Ai2 board chair Bill Hilf said the cost of competing at the frontier of AI as a nonprofit had become a fundamental challenge.
“The cost to do extreme-scale open model research is extraordinary,” Hilf said at the time, adding that it’s “really hard to do extreme-scale model work inside of a nonprofit.” He said the board had to weigh whether philanthropic dollars were best spent trying to keep pace with tech giants spending billions on infrastructure to train the most advanced models.
Advertisement
Behind the scenes, the changing nature of Ai2’s funding environment has also been playing a role in the exits, according to people with knowledge of the situation. Ai2’s primary backer is now the Fund for Science and Technology, a $3.1 billion foundation created under Allen’s instructions. The funding process has shifted from providing an overall annual budget to a proposal-based process.
A spokesperson for FFST said previously that Ai2’s “work and mission remain the same.”
Ai2’s approach to open-source AI has set it apart in the industry. Unlike most leading AI labs, the institute releases the full weights, training data, code, and evaluation tools behind its models, allowing outside researchers to inspect, reproduce, and build on the work.
Among the leaders remaining at Ai2 is Noah Smith, the Ai2 senior research director and University of Washington professor who leads the $152 million OMAI project.
Advertisement
The late Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen started Ai2 in 2014, with the mission of advancing AI research for the common good. Farhadi had led the institute since July 2023, succeeding founding CEO Oren Etzioni. The Ai2 board is searching for a new permanent CEO.
In a Q&A posted May 4 on the Ai2 site, interim CEO Peter Clark outlined the path forward, emphasizing longer-term research, open models, and applied AI in areas such as scientific discovery, embodied AI, and environmental science.
“Ai2 was created to take that longer-horizon view,” Clark said in the Q&A. “From the beginning, Paul Allen’s vision was to advance AI in ways that push science forward while also delivering meaningful benefit to the world, and, critically, doing it in the open.”
He said that commitment has “become even more important in the current landscape.”
AI-generated videos are getting so realistic now that spotting a fake version of someone online is becoming harder by the week. And for creators, that opens up a pretty uncomfortable problem: what happens when your face starts appearing in videos you never made? YouTube seems to be taking that concern seriously.
The platform is now expanding its AI likeness detection system to a much larger group of creators, giving eligible users new tools to track and report videos that digitally imitate them using artificial intelligence. The feature was previously limited to a smaller pilot group within the YouTube Partner Program, but YouTube says it will begin rolling it out to all eligible creators over 18 in the coming weeks.
YouTube wants creators to catch AI clones faster
The new system lives inside YouTube Studio and is designed to help creators identify when their face may have been used in altered or synthetic videos uploaded to the platform. This means YouTube’s detection tools scan for AI-generated content that appears to replicate a creator’s likeness. If the system finds something suspicious, creators can review the content and request removal if it violates YouTube’s privacy policies.
Credit: Bing Image Generator / Bing
That matters because AI-generated impersonation is becoming a growing issue online. Deepfake-style videos can now mimic facial expressions, voices, and even speaking patterns with alarming accuracy. For creators who build trust through their online identity, fake videos can quickly become damaging or misleading. YouTube says the tool is meant to give creators more visibility into how their images are used while helping audiences avoid confusion about manipulated content.
Setting it up is fairly simple — but matches may take time
Once the feature becomes available for your account, you can set it up directly through YouTube Studio on desktop. Here’s how to do it:
Open YouTubeStudio on desktop.
Go to Content Detection > Likeness > Start Now.
Give YouTube permission to use likeness detection.
Complete the one-time identity verification process.
Once setup is complete, the platform will start scanning for AI-generated or altered videos that may be using your face. If any matches are detected, you’ll be able to review the content and request removal directly through YouTube Studio.
Interestingly, YouTube also warns that creators may not immediately see flagged videos after enrolling. That doesn’t necessarily mean the feature is broken — it could simply mean there aren’t many AI-generated uploads using their face in the first place.
Advertisement
The company says the system continues working quietly in the background even when no matches appear. This rollout also highlights a bigger shift happening across online platforms right now. AI tools are evolving faster than most moderation systems can keep up with, and companies are increasingly being pushed to build safeguards around identity misuse, synthetic media, and deepfakes before those problems spiral further. For YouTube creators, this new detection system may become one of the platform’s most important AI-era safety tools yet.
Supermassive Games (Until Dawn, The Quarry) is back with the second season of its Dark Pictures series. The first entry in said season is Directive 8020. As you might expect, this is a survival horror game with a large emphasis on narrative decisions, with your choices ultimately determining which characters survive. This time around, Supermassive is leaning into sci-fi with a story inspired by The Thing.
After a colony ship crash lands on a planet that seemed like it could be a safe haven for a dying Earth, the crew is hunted by an alien creature that can morph into other lifeforms, including humans. There are five main characters, including pilot Brianna Young, who is portrayed by Lashana Lynch (No Time to Die). You can play solo or pass the controller between a few friends in a couch co-op mode, with each taking charge of a character or two. Online multiplayer will be added later.
One thing that makes Directive 8020 distinct from other Supermassive projects is a new feature called Turning Points. This allows you to return to previous decisions and select a different option. The idea here is to make it easier for players to experience all of the outcomes in the branching narrative.
Advertisement
Directive 8020 is out now on Steam, PS5 (where you can check out a free trial) and Xbox Series X/S. It’ll run you $50.
Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes is a strategy game that’s set in — surprise! — the universe of the beloved sci-fi series Battlestar Galactica. It’s said to build on developer Alt Shift’s previous game, Crying Suns, a narrative-driven, tactical roguelite that itself drew inspiration from BSG.
You’ll take charge of a fleet of ships that’s attempting to escape the destruction of the Twelve Colonies and return to the eponymous carrier ship. You’ll have to take care of disputes within your fleet, deal with bad actors in your ranks, manage resources and make upgrades and repairs.
Advertisement
However, the Cylons are hot on your trail and you’ll need to prepare yourself as best as possible for your next encounter with the deadly robots. The battles are more about survival and sustaining as little damage as possible than securing victory in all-out combat.
My colleague Igor Bonifacic tried an early build of the game last year and enjoyed it. Reviews I’ve seen are generally positive. You can try Battlestar Galactica: Scattered Hopes by picking it up on GOG or Steam (a demo is available on the latter). It’ll usually cost $25, but there’s a 20 percent discount until May 18.
The Caribou Trail looks pretty interesting. It’s a first-person walking sim set in the trenches of World War I, in which you take on the role of a young soldier who hails from Newfoundland. Said to be inspired by the true stories of troops who served in the Gallipoli campaign, the game tells a tale of friendship and survival, with some “folklore and psychological tension” mixed in.
Advertisement
The Caribou Trail, which is from Unreliable Narrators and Gambit Digital, is out now on Steam and the Epic Games Store (usually $13, 10 percent off on Steam until May 28). The developers had planned to release a PS5 version at the same time, but were unable to resolve a critical problem with that build in time. As such, they delayed the PS5 version until July 7.
I really enjoyed my time with Minos, a roguelite in which you construct a maze that takes out raiders with traps. Mazebound — from Absam Studios — is a completely different flavor of procedurally generated maze game. It’s a first-person survival horror title in which you’ll gather materials, craft weapons, hunt for nourishment and try to fend off the terrifying creatures that lie in wait.
Thankfully, you don’t have to go alone (it’s dangerous to do that, after all). You can bring friends with you in multiplayer. I would probably have to do just that.
Advertisement
Mazebound is available on Steam. It’ll usually cost $10, though it’s 20 percent off until May 20.
You must be logged in to post a comment Login