OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) monitors offer a superior visual experience due to their self-emissive pixels, which produce light individually. This technology allows for incredibly deep blacks and a high contrast ratio, as each pixel can be turned off completely when displaying black, unlike traditional LCDs that rely on a backlight. Additionally, OLED monitors provide vibrant and accurate colors, wider viewing angles, and faster response times, making them ideal for gaming, graphic design, and high-definition media consumption.
Despite being more expensive than their LCD counterparts, the enhanced image quality and immersive viewing experience make OLED monitors a compelling choice for users seeking the best display performance. Notably, some OLED TVs are doubling as monitor alternatives, and they come equipped with compatible software features like AMD FreeSync Premium and Nvidia G-Sync.
Here are five compelling reasons to consider buying an OLED monitor:
Superior picture quality: OLED monitors deliver exceptional picture quality with vibrant colors and deep blacks. Each pixel emits its own light, allowing for true black levels by turning off individual pixels. This results in a higher contrast ratio and more vivid, lifelike images compared to traditional LCD monitors.
Wide viewing angles: OLED technology offers wide viewing angles without color distortion or loss of brightness. This means you can view the screen from almost any angle and still enjoy consistent color accuracy and image quality, making it ideal for collaborative work or entertainment.
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Faster Response Times: OLED monitors typically have much faster response times than LCDs, reducing motion blur and ghosting in fast-moving scenes. This is particularly beneficial for gamers and professionals who work with high-speed video content, ensuring smooth and clear visuals.
Energy efficiency: OLED monitors are more energy-efficient because they don’t require a backlight. Each pixel lights up individually, consuming power only when needed. This not only saves energy but also reduces heat output, contributing to a cooler and more comfortable workspace.
Slim and lightweight design: The absence of a backlight allows OLED monitors to be incredibly slim and lightweight. This sleek design not only looks modern and stylish but also saves desk space and is easier to mount or move around, enhancing the overall user experience.
If you are planning to buy a new monitor, now is a good time to invest in an OLED. Here’s a look at some of the best ones that you can buy today.
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Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
Alienware 32 QD-OLED
The best OLED gaming monitor
Pros
Fantastic HDR gaming
Incredible out-of-box color accuracy
Excellent console monitor
High resolution, fast refresh rate
Three-year warranty is great
Fairly affordable
Cons
Thick, plastic back
No speakers
Why you should buy this: A premium OLED gaming monitor that justifies its high price point.
Who’s it for: Gamers, developers and content creators who need a bright and color accurate monitor.
Why we chose the Alienware 32 QD-OLED:
The Dell Alienware 34-inch QD-OLED monitor was considered to be one of the best ultrawide gaming monitors on the market, but now we have a new 32-inch version, which is even better. Featuring the latest 32-inch 4K OLED display with an exceptional 240Hz refresh rate from Samsung, the monitor combines cutting-edge resolution with high-speed performance, making it a top choice for gaming enthusiasts. The QD-OLED panel brings OLED’s renowned benefits of deep black levels, high contrast, and remarkable color accuracy to a monitor size, challenging the dominance of larger OLED TVs.
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The AW3225QF boasts a similar design with the black and white Alienware aesthetics as its predecessor along with a subtle curve to the display providing an immersive viewing experience. Its variable refresh rate (VRR), auto low latency mode (ALLM), and G-Sync support ensure a seamless gaming experience with reduced input delay and screen tears.
With features like Dolby Vision support, pixel refresher, and a customizable RGB lighting system, the AW3225QF caters to the diverse needs of gamers. While lacking built-in speakers, the monitor offers an array of video and USB ports, including HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and eARC, ensuring versatile connectivity. With an MSRP of $1,200, the AW3225QF emerges as a premium investment for those seeking a cutting-edge OLED monitor.
Affordable alternative to the Alienware 32 QD-OLED
Pros
Much cheaper than the competition
Some of the best color we’ve seen
Extensive list of OLED burn-in prevention features
1,000 nits of brightness
3-year warranty that covers burn-in
Cons
A rather bland design
Limited to USB 2.0 with integrated hub
Why you should buy this: An excellent OLED monitor that is priced less than the competition.
Who’s it for: Gamers and content creators who care about the best colors and visual quality.
Why we chose the MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED:
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The MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED gaming monitor, offers impressive image quality at a relatively lower cost compared to its competitors, especially the Alienware 32 QD-OLED. Its standout features include exceptional color reproduction, OLED burn-in prevention mechanisms, a brightness of 1,000 nits, and a three-year warranty that covers burn-in. However, it does have some drawbacks such as a plain design and limited USB 2.0 connectivity with an integrated hub.
One of its major advantages is its competitive pricing strategy, significantly undercutting other OLED gaming monitors by $250 to $350. Despite the lower price point, the MPG 321URX doesn’t compromise on performance or image quality, boasting a Samsung Display QD-OLED panel, 4K resolution, 240Hz refresh rate, and a host of gaming features like Adaptive Sync and DisplayHDR True Black 400. While it may lack certain advanced features like Black Frame Insertion (BFI) found in other models, its overall value proposition and comprehensive OLED burn-in prevention features make it a compelling choice for gamers looking for high-quality visuals without breaking the bank.
MSI MPG 321URX QD-OLED
Affordable alternative to the Alienware 32 QD-OLED
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Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP
Best 27-inch OLED monitor
Pros
Insane motion clarity at 480Hz
Useful 24.5-inch crop mode
A slew of burn-in prevention settings
Display Widget Center for monitor control
Cons
No USB-C input
Lacking a KVM
Why you should buy this: Hands down the best-performing OLED monitor at its size.
Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a bright OLED monitor with limited desk space.
Why we chose the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDP:
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The Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27AQDM impresses with its stunning 27-inch OLED display, delivering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and a mind-boggling 480Hz refresh rate. The 1440p resolution strikes a balance between visual clarity and high frame rates, while the fast response times ensure smooth performance. However, the brightness struggles in well-lit environments, and there’s some risk of OLED burn-in, though ASUS’s pixel-refreshing tech helps mitigate that. Overall, it’s an excellent choice for gamers seeking top-tier visuals and fast performance.
On the downside, the monitor’s cooling system is loud under heavy loads, which may distract users during gaming sessions. The lack of HDMI 2.1 also limits its appeal for next-gen console gamers. Despite these minor flaws, the PG27AQDM excels in its core purpose: delivering a premium OLED experience with incredibly smooth motion and vivid picture quality. For serious PC gamers looking for an OLED screen, this monitor offers an immersive and responsive experience, albeit at a steep price.
Asus ROG Swift PG27AQDP
Best 27-inch OLED monitor
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Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 G85SB
Exceptional OLED with smart features
Pros
Exceptional color and HDR
Ultrathin
USB-C power delivery
Dense settings in the OS
Cons
More expensive than the competition
Limited to mini connections
Why you should buy this: As good as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, but with additional smart features.
Who’s it for: Anyone who is looking for a premium OLED monitor that can also double as a multimedia hub.
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8:
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Samsung’s Odyssey G8 OLED is a solid OLED monitor featuring a 34-inch WQHD (3440 x 1440) QD-OLED panel with a 175Hz refresh rate, and an 1800R curve. Like most OLED monitors it looks stunning for any form of media, with perfect black levels. It offers 100% sRGB, 99% coverage of DCI-P3 and 94% coverage of AdobeRGB. In our testing we noticed that at full brightness, the monitor was also very accurate in SDR, offering a color error of only 0.8 (anything under 2 is considered suitable for color work).
The Odyssey G8 also comes with additional smart features. There is Samsung’s Tizen OS built into the monitor, similar to the Samsung Smart Monitor M8. This gives you access to apps like Netflix and YouTube, Samsung’s Game Hub, and more. You also get a remote control, giving you easier access to settings and functionality. While the monitor is also suitable for gaming, it is notable that the Odyssey OLED G8 does not come with native Nvidia G-Sync support.
Why you should buy this: A unique ultrawide OLED that can be converted into a curved monitor.
Who’s it for: Creative professionals, gamers, and content creators who want to experience the best of two worlds.
Why we chose the Corsair Xeneon Flex 45:
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Corsair is a well-known name in the computing industry. It expanded its product range by launching monitors in 2023, and its flagship offering is the Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240. It is a one-of-a-kind OLED gaming monitor that comes with a bendable display.
Essentially, you can use it as a regular flat panel or use the two handles on the side to covert it into a curved monitor with an 800R curve. The 45-inch display comes with a 21:9 aspect ratio and a resolution of 3440 x 1440, which isn’t the highest, so you can expect slightly lower pixel density compared to other OLED 4K monitors.
It uses an LG OLED panel with a high 240Hz refresh rate with low input lag, although it tends to increase at lower refresh rates. The panel supports FreeSync VRR and G-SYNC compatibility, and it also has HDMI 2.1. You get punchy colors and a deep black with almost no blooming effect around bright objects. You also get a KVM switch and Picture-in-Picture/Picture-by-Picture modes, as well as a wide array of I/O ports.
It’s expensive, so if you don’t like the bending gimmick, LG’s UltraGear OLED 45 is a great alternative.
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Corsair Xeneon Flex 45WQHD240
Unique bendable OLED gaming monitor
Jacob Roach / Digital Trends
Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
Best ultrawide OLED monitor
Pros
One of the best OLED displays we’ve tested
Unmatched immersive gaming experience
Speedy 240Hz refresh rate
Dense settings options
Full Tizen operating system
Cons
Massive and expensive
32:9 doesn’t play nicely with everything
Why you should buy this: An impressive ultrawide OLED monitor offering excellent vibrancy, color reproduction, and response time.
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Who’s it for: Those who care for peak immersion in games without having to compromise on real estate for productivity.
Why we chose the Samsung Odyssey OLED G9:
The Samsung Odyssey OLED G9, is hailed as a revolutionary gaming monitor, offering unparalleled immersion and a speedy 240Hz refresh rate. It carries a hefty price tag and its massive 32:9 aspect ratio may not be universally compatible with all content, but the monitor’s OLED display delivers exceptional image quality and a truly immersive gaming experience.
With its expansive screen real estate that’s equivalent to two 27-inch monitors, the Odyssey OLED G9 provides unmatched productivity potential alongside its gaming capabilities. The inclusion of the Tizen operating system enhances its versatility, offering access to streaming apps and gaming services, making it a multifunctional addition to any setup. However, its unique aspect ratio may present challenges with certain games and content formats, detracting from the otherwise stellar gaming experience. Despite its drawbacks, the Odyssey OLED G9’s innovative design, impressive image quality, and extensive feature set make it a compelling choice for discerning gamers, particularly when available at discounted prices.
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Samsung Odyssey OLED G9
Best ultrawide OLED monitor
Zeke Jones / Digital Trends
LG C3 OLED
Best OLED smart TV
Pros
Delightful contrast
Excellent color performance
Very good processing
Killer gaming features
Five-year warranty
Cons
Low-level color shift
Too-frequent updates
Why you should buy this: It is one of the best OLED TVs on the market.
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Who’s it for: Those who want a high-quality console gaming experience.
Why we chose the LG C3 OLED:
The new LG C3 OLED TV continues the legacy of its predecessor and is our pick for the best OLED smart TV. Available in range of sizes starting from 42-inches all the way up to 83-inches, the new C3 is an excellent choice if you are looking for a premium OLED experience, especially if you are into console gaming. Expect flawless contrast, deep and inky blacks with minimal blooming around bright objects. The impressive viewing angle eliminates any concerns about discoloration and overall the TV provides a consistent and immersive experience.
It is worth noting that the C3 deviates from a standard RGB subpixel layout, resulting in less clear text when used as a monitor, and its SDR brightness takes a hit when the PC mode enabled. On the other hand, it is a fantastic TV for playing the latest games in HDR. The TV offers low input lag, making games incredibly responsive and supports popular resolutions like 1440p at 120Hz and 4K at 120Hz. Its excellent reflection handling, combined with satisfactory HDR brightness ensures an enjoyable gaming experience.
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Other notable features include LG’s proprietary webOS smart interface, four HDMI 2.1 ports and the company’s latest processor that ensures improved image processing through LG’s Brightness Booster Max and AI Tech technologies.
Why you should buy this: A well-made compact OLED monitor that offers excellent color accuracy.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a thin, portable monitor they can carry around.
Why we chose the Asus ZenScreen OLED MQ16AH:
Portable monitors, although in a niche category, prove valuable as secondary displays during travel. The Asus ZenScreen OLED stands out as an excellent choice, as it features a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) panel with up to 400 nits of brightness and an impressive contrast ratio of 100,000:1 (with HDR contrast reaching 1,000,000:1). Asus claims a swift 1ms response time (GtG) from the 60Hz panel, while the monitor itself features high-quality plastic construction.
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The OLED panel on the portable monitor is capable of producing great colors with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut and Delta E < 2 color accuracy. It also features an embedded proximity sensor that helps in saving power and preventing image burn-in as it switches the monitor to a power-saving mode when it detects the user has moved away.
There is no mounting hardware or a built-in kickstand, but you do get a magnetic origami-style case that can be used to prop the display in both horizontal or vertical modes. In terms of ports, the monitor features a headphone jack, two USB-C/DisplayPort ports, an additional USB-C port for power, and one mini-HDMI port.
OLED is short for Organic Light-Emitting Diode, which is a type of display technology used in screens commonly seen on TVs, monitors, smartphones, and other devices. OLED screens are made up of individual organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied to them. Unlike traditional LCD screens that require a backlight, OLED screens emit their own light on a pixel-by-pixel basis. This allows for deeper blacks, higher contrast ratios, and more vibrant colors, as each pixel can be turned on or off independently. OLED technology also often results in thinner and more flexible displays compared to traditional LCDs.
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Are OLED displays expensive?
OLED displays tend to be more expensive compared to traditional LCD displays. This is primarily because the manufacturing process for OLED panels is more intricate and can be costlier. The organic materials used in OLED screens can be sensitive to moisture and oxygen, requiring specialized manufacturing facilities and techniques.
What are the downsides of OLED monitors?
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OLED monitors have a potential issue: burn-in. All OLED displays can suffer from burn-in, where static images will slowly fade into the screen over time, becoming a permanent blemish. OLED monitors are particularly prone to this problem due to desktop use, where you often have several parts of the screen occupied by static images. Thankfully, most OLED monitors come with burn-in prevention features like pixel shifting, and some displays such as the Alienware 34 QD-OLED, include multiyear warranties with burn-in protection.
What is the difference between OLED and LCD?
LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) are two distinct display technologies. LCDs use a backlight to illuminate pixels, with liquid crystals acting as shutters to control light passage. OLEDs, in contrast, utilize organic compounds that emit light when an electric current is applied, making each pixel self-emitting.
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In terms of contrast ratio, LCDs may struggle to achieve true black levels due to the always-on backlight, resulting in a higher black level and lower contrast. OLEDs, however, can achieve perfect black levels, delivering a higher contrast ratio for more vibrant images. Viewing angles on LCDs may experience limitations, while OLED offers superior viewing angles, with consistent image quality from nearly any perspective.
There was a time when LCDs offered faster response times than OLEDs, but that is no longer the case. With improvements over time, modern OLED panels are extremely fast, offering up to a 360Hz refresh rate with up to 0.03ms response time. LCDs also consume more power due to the always-on backlight, whereas OLEDs are more energy-efficient, as each pixel is individually lit, consuming power only where needed.
Regarding life span, LCDs generally have a longer one, while OLEDs may experience degradation of organic compounds over time, potentially leading to a gradual decline in brightness and color accuracy. With that in mind, the choice between LCD and OLED depends on specific use cases, preferences, and budget considerations.
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What is the difference between OLED and mini-LED?
OLED and mini-LED are distinct display technologies with unique characteristics. OLED displays achieve deep blacks and infinite contrast by individually controlling pixel light emission, making them ideal for vibrant colors and high contrast ratios. On the other hand, mini-LED displays utilize thousands of smaller LEDs for backlighting, providing improved brightness, HDR performance, and local dimming compared to traditional LEDs. While OLED panels are thin and flexible with excellent color accuracy, they are susceptible to burn-in. In contrast, mini-LED displays offer enhanced brightness and HDR capabilities with reduced burn-in risks, but may they have uniformity issues and blooming. Overall, OLED is known for superior contrast and color accuracy, while mini-LED excels in brightness and HDR performance.
What is QD-OLED?
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QD-OLED, or Quantum Dot OLED, is a relatively new display technology that combines the benefits of OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) and Quantum Dots to enhance color accuracy, brightness, and efficiency. In QD-OLED displays, blue OLEDs act as the light source, and quantum dots convert this light into red and green colors, creating more vibrant, accurate colors compared to traditional OLEDs. This technology delivers deeper blacks, better contrast, and a wider color gamut, making it ideal for high-end TVs and monitors, particularly for gaming and media.
– Renewed by Netflix in February – Arriving in late 2025 – Production officially wrapped in June – No trailer or confirmed release date yet – Main cast all set to return – Plot will focus on a new mission – Showrunner has signed deal with Netflix – Season 3 already confirmed by Netflix
The Night Agent season 2 is on the way, though we’ll have to wait a little longer. After a hugely successful launch on Netflix, the action-packed thriller was swiftly renewed, but what’s next for FBI agent Peter Sutherland? Season 1 saw Sutherland deep in government conspiracy, which he successfully uncovered, but not without some incredibly perilous moments. For season 2 then, how will Peter cope with the move to a higher plain with a brand new position as a night agent.
The fact that one of the best Netflix shows is returning should come as no surprise, though. The Night Agent has become Netflix’s new TV show darling boasting some seriously impressive viewing figures. During season 1’s first week on Netflix, it racked up 168.7 million viewing hours catapulting it to the top of numerous charts on one of the best streaming platforms. With all these stats, there’s also some exciting news around season 3. For now, let’s focus on The Night Agent season 2 and everything we know about it, from a release date prediction, to a confirmed cast list, to the possible plot, and much more.
To be more specific, Netflix has said it’s coming in Winter 2025. So, if we’re to make a release date prediction, we’d say that means it’ll air between December 2025 and February 2026. To narrow it down even further, we’re predicting it’ll launch in December as the streamer’s flagship show for the holiday season.
The Night Agent season 2 cast
Catherine Weaver, Night Action program veteran, joins the cast in season 2 (Image credit: Netflix)
When it comes to returning cast members of The Night Agent season 2, both Gabriel Basso and Luciane Buchanan are confirmed to be reprising their roles as Peter Sutherland and Rose Larkin respectively. Other than that, there’s no news from Netflix on who else will be returning, although the death count in season 1 tells us who won’t be.
We would speculate that Chief of Staff Diane Farr and Gordon Wick could return, but we’ll get into that in the plot section below. We may also see former VP, Ashley Redfield, his daughter, Maddie, as well as Chelsea Arrington in season 2 given where season 1 left us.
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There is plenty to talk about when it comes to new cast members though, and the list below for The Night Agent season 2 is plentiful, as confirmed by Netflix. Here’s The Night Agent season 2 series regulars:
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Brittany Snow as Alice
Teddy Sears as Warren
Amanda Warren as Catherine
Arienne Mandi as Noor
Louis Herthum as Jacob Monroe
Navid Negahban as Abbas
Berto Colon as Solomon
Michael Malarkey as Markus
Rob Heaps as Tomás Bala
Keon Alexander as Javad
Brittany Snow joins as Alice, Peter’s partner and mentor for his first Night Action assignment; Teddy Sears as Warren, a high-level intelligence officer who becomes a subject of a Night Action investigation; Navig Negahban as Abbas, the “distinguished and measured” Iranian ambassador to the UN; and Rob Heaps as Tomas, a “British-educated, rich, entitled but driven man” who is desperate to return his family to power after his dictator father’s conviction of war crimes.
Amanda Warren joins as Catherine, a veteran of the Night Action program who trains and oversees the Night Agents. As described by Netflix, she’s “a fierce defender of her agents, but finds it difficult to earn Peter’s trust when he struggles with betrayal issues from his experiences in season 1.”
Then, there’s Jacob, an international businessman with powerful global connections, Solomon, a former Marine turned right-hand man/fixer for a powerful business, and Markus, a trained military leader loyal to his dictator uncle who was recently convicted in the Hague of war crimes.
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There’s also Noor, a low-level aide in the Iranian mission to the United Nations in New York looking to leverage her access to top secret information into a better life for her and her family. As well as Javad, the head of security for the Iranian mission that Noor is on.
Tudum also confirmed a few guest stars for season 2 including Marwan Kenzari as Reza, a decorated soldier joining as a night agent, Elise Kibler as Sloane, Tomás’ smart, savvy, and glamorous British socialite girlfriend, and Dikran Tulaine as Viktor Bala, once leader of his country, now convicted of war crimes.
With all these new characters joining The Night Agent season 2, we can speculate where the story goes next in our plot section below.
The Night Agent season 2 possible plot
Will Peter and Rose’s relationship be put to the test in The Night Agent season 2? (Image credit: Netflix)
Full spoilers follow for The Night Agent season 1.
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Unlike season 1, there’s no book from author Matthew Quirk to follow. So, what direction will it take? Well, the official plot synopsis from Tudum says, “The new season picks up after the thrilling events of Season 1, when Peter Sutherland’s efforts to save the president earn him an opportunity to become a Night Agent. Working in the secretive organization of Night Action in Season 2 will propel Peter into a world where danger is everywhere and trust is in short supply.”
Peter really made a name for himself in season 1, cementing his first mission as an official night agent leading into season 2. Well, unofficially, given the Night Action program is ‘off the books’. After he unraveled a huge conspiracy within the Oval Office and ultimately saved the life of President Michelle Travers, it’s unsurprising his efforts are being rewarded.
Viewers also watched the romance between Rose Larkin and Peter blossom throughout season 1, and they now face a new challenge as Peter embarks on his new dangerous job. So, there’s certainly more to explore on how they cope moving forward.
It’s certainly been discussed by showrunner Shawn Ryan, who spoke to Tudum, “That’s one of the big questions we’d love to answer in Season 2. What does Peter getting on this plane and going somewhere (presumably overseas to enter into some new wild adventure mean, with Rose going back to California to try to pursue her Silicon Valley dreams again? We certainly have some initial ideas.”
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Could Diane Farr return after escaping in The Night Agent season 1 finale? (Image credit: Netflix)
We also know that while Peter successfully uncovered the White House conspiracy, he wasn’t able to prevent a couple of season 1’s villains from getting away. Both Diane Farr, presidential chief of staff, survived a gunshot wound in the final episode, and Gordon Wick, managed to escape while the dust settled.
Ryan added, “We liked the idea that this wasn’t so clean. That there is one person who, because of his resources and everything, is able to slink away. Maybe we’ll deal with him again in some way.” He’ll certainly have a vendetta against Peter and a bank roll that allows him to commit traitorous acts.
And when it comes to Farr’s future, Gabriel Basso told Tudum, “Due to his belief in due process, he’s not going to be bummed she’s alive.” Adding, “But if Farr eludes justice, he’ll be a little more wary of Travers. To be a traitor and not receive justice is not OK with Peter.”
What’s next for Peter Sutherland as he embarks on his first Night Action mission? (Image credit: Netflix)
From the new cast members joining The Night Agent season 2, we’ve also got hints around what the first Night Action mission could entail with characters including a new powerful businessman and his Marine-turned-fixer, a dictator convicted of war crimes with a son and nephew both out for revenge, plus an Iranian mission, and a new night agent partner for Peter.
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Shawn Ryan also told Deadline that, when it comes to The Night Agent, each season will have its own story to tell, “…the initial pitch for this show that we sold to Netflix was that each season would tell its own, mostly self-enclosed, a beginning, a middle and end story, and any future seasons would include a few but not most of the characters that we saw in the previous season.”
The official plot remains firmly under wraps for The Night Agent season 2, but we’ll be sure to update here as soon as we know more.
Where to watch The Night Agent
Season 1 of The Night Agent can be streamed on Netflix (Image credit: Netflix)
All 10 episodes of The Night Agent season 1 can be streamed on Netflix. While you wait for season 2, there’s seven more spy shows like The Night Agent to add to your watchlist.
Will The Night Agent get a third season?
There’s plenty more to investigate as The Night Agent is renewed for season 3 (Image credit: Netflix)
In an early move by Netflix, The Night Agent season 3 was recently confirmed by Tudum. Given its previous swift renewal and ongoing success on the streaming platform, it’s not really all that surprising. According to Netflix, “The Night Agent Season 3 will begin a production unit in Istanbul at the end of 2024 before returning to film in New York in 2025.” No rest for the cast and crew then given season 2’s winter 2025 release date.
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It doesn’t feel like it’ll end there though. In June, Deadline revealed that showrunner Shawn Ryan had signed an four-year overall deal with Netflix, which started in October when his deal with Sony expired. With such an impressive agreement in place, it hints at the show expanding into a franchise, with Deadline discussing rumors of potential The Night Agent spin-offs.
Strands is a brand new daily puzzle from the New York Times. A trickier take on the classic word search, you’ll need a keen eye to solve this puzzle.
Like Wordle, Connections, and the Mini Crossword, Strands can be a bit difficult to solve some days. There’s no shame in needing a little help from time to time. If you’re stuck and need to know the answers to today’s Strands puzzle, check out the solved puzzle below.
You start every Strands puzzle with the goal of finding the “theme words” hidden in the grid of letters. Manipulate letters by dragging or tapping to craft words; double-tap the final letter to confirm. If you find the correct word, the letters will be highlighted blue and will no longer be selectable.
If you find a word that isn’t a theme word, it still helps! For every three non-theme words you find that are at least four letters long, you’ll get a hint — the letters of one of the theme words will be revealed and you’ll just have to unscramble it.
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Every single letter on the grid is used to spell out the theme words and there is no overlap. Every letter will be used once, and only once.
Each puzzle contains one “spangram,” a special theme word (or words) that describe the puzzle’s theme and touches two opposite sides of the board. When you find the spangram, it will be highlighted yellow.
The goal should be to complete the puzzle quickly without using too many hints.
Despite all the inroads AMD has made in recent years with its Zen desktop CPUs, Intel has broadly managed to maintain one critical edge against its longtime rival: gaming performance. For those looking to eke every possible frame out of the latest AAA games, the company’s recent Core 5/7/9 often outperformed their AMD counterparts. Historically, however, that performance has come at the cost of power efficiency and thermals. Intel’s best 13th-genereation processors are absolute power-hungry beasts. That has limited their appeal, especially as small-factor PC builds have become more popular.
On Thursday, Intel detailed it’s long-awaited Arrow Lake processors, announcing five new models arriving on October 24. With the new CPUs, Intel is promising a paradigm change. Compared to its previous generation Raptor Lake chips, the company said its goal was to reduce power consumption by 40% and internal package temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Celsius. Judging by the benchmarks Intel shared ahead of today’s announcement, the company did just that.
Intel
Intel’s new flagship, the Ultra 9 285K, features a 24-core CPU design consisting of eight ‘Lion Cove’ performance cores and 16 ‘Skymont’ efficiency cores, and a maximum boost clock of 5.7GHz. It, alongside the rest of the current Arrow Lake family, also comes with a neural processing unit (NPU), a first for one of Intel’s desktop CPU. But those specs aren’t what’s interesting about the 285K and its siblings.
In “lightly-threaded” workloads, including tasks such as Zoom calls and select Cinebench benchmarks, Intel recorded the 285K drawing up to 58% less power than the 14900K, the company’s 14th generation flagship. When it comes to gaming performance, the results are even more interesting. In Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, for instance, Intel said it saw the 285K run the game on average 4% faster, while drawing 165W less of system power. Even in more GPU-intensive games such as Black Myth: Wukong, the 285K offers promising efficiency gains, with Intel noting it saw the CPU draw 34 fewer watts of total system power compared to the 14900K.
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Those efficiency improvements translate to equally impressive thermal gains, with Intel noting its data shows the 285K runs, on average, about 13 degrees Celsius cooler than the 14900K during gaming loads. The new processor even offers similar gaming performance when users limit its power draw from Intel’s default of 250W to 175W or 125W. For those who like to undervolt their CPU or plan to go with an ITX case and motherboard for their next build, that’s exciting news.
“I think it’s safe to say this is a huge turn of the corner for our desktop portfolio,” said Robert Halleck, general manager of Intel’s AI and Technical Marketing units. “I’m confident your testing will match the numbers we’re talking about today.”
Intel
On paper, Arrow Lake is exactly what Intel needs to claw its way back to sustainability; it’s easily the most efficient family of desktop processors the company has put out in a long time. However, whether that alone will be enough to turn Intel’s fortunes around is less clear.
In the short term, the company faces a rival AMD that is more competitive than ever. In the long term, it’s difficult to say how much of Arrow Lake’s efficiency should be solely attributed to Intel’s engineers. As recently as 2022, the company had maintained it would build the new processors using a combination of its own 20A fabrication process and TSMC’s 3-nanometer technology. But then Intel recorded a $1.6 billion loss in Q2 of this year and said it would cut more than 15,000 jobs in an effort to reduce costs by $10 billion. Part of that plan involved fully outsourcing Arrow Lake manufacturing to a third party. At the time, Intel didn’t specifically name TSMC. However, the list of companies capable of producing silicon at the density and scale required for Arrow Lake is very short. With Intel reportedly hitting a recent snag to get its next-generation 18A process off the ground, it’s clear the company still has a long ahead.
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When the Intel Core Ultra 9 285K arrives on October 24, it will cost $589. For those looking for a more affordable entry into Intel’s Arrow Lake ecosystem, the company will also offer the 14-core Ultra 5 245KF for $294 and the 20-core Ultra 7 265K for $394. Alongside its KF sibling, which comes without an integrated Intel Xe GPU, the 265K looks like it will be the dark horse of Intel’s Arrow Lake line. The company said that 265K runs about 15 degrees cooler than the 14900K and draws up to 188W less system power.
Alongside its new Arrow Lake processors, Intel also shared more information about its upcoming Arrow Lake H laptop chips, which the company said would arrive at the start of next year.
With October in full swing, you might be looking for some of the best horror movies to stream. But outside of the classics and the spooky new movies, one of the best streaming services has just dropped a contender for my favorite horror series of the year, a perfect adaptation of Junji Ito’s manga Uzumaki. After being let down by the 2000 movie (which is available on Prime Video in the US and Shudder in the UK), it is refreshing to finally see it done properly.
Uzumaki: Spiral Into Horror is a four-part adaptation of Ito’s frankly massive manga that throws you in the deep end from the first episode alone. The show is streaming on Max and Adult Swim in the US and Channel 4 in the UK. It wastes no time in establishing this terrifying world, where citizens in the town of Kurouzu-cho are plagued by spirals. Surreal as the concept is, it grips you immediately, with this obsession and paranoia around spirals resembling that of a disease. People are terrified of it, to the point where some seriously crazy stuff happens. It’s gritty, it’s dark, and Max is really delivering that tone especially when you look at DC hit The Penguin, which we compared to The Sopranos, and rightfully so.
I was also pleased to discover that even people who have never read the manga could get sucked in. My partner watched the first episode with me and since then has been keen to tune in when it airs each week, and ironically, we found ourselves becoming just as invested in the spirals as the people on-screen. With less horrifying stuff happening, of course.
Junji Ito’s lines come to life on screen
(Image credit: Adult Swim)
For me, the most striking thing of all is just how stunning this is to look at. It’s the reason the manga gripped me too, I found myself desperate to turn to the next page to see what horrific, albeit beautifully drawn thing would greet me this time, and watching the TV adaptation is no different. Sticking to the original black and white design, it’s like watching a moving version of the manga. This is exactly where the movie failed, in my opinion, because it was a color live-action take on the tale and it simply did not work. Ito’s terrifying world is best when it’s devoid of any color at all, I say let’s keep it that way.
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The art is beautiful. It’s also the worst thing you’ll ever see. I have omitted some of the really awful imagery to not spoil it. If you have read the manga already, you’ll no doubt find yourself anticipating certain famous moments, and even when I knew what was about to happen I still found myself cringing. From transformations to mutations to people having psychotic breaks due to the spirals, nothing can fully prepare you for it. If you we wondering, yes, it is even worse when it’s animated.
Uzumaki has been in the works for a long time, and I am glad they spent so much time making it as accurate to the source material as possible. There’s little point diverting from it too much when Ito has given us such a great story. It’s up there with some of the best anime shows you’ll watch.
When you’re done here, there are plenty of other spooky offerings to sink your teeth into as well. I also recommend James Wan’s Teacup and some of these indie horror games (Cult of the Lamb is my favorite!). But until then, please do step into the horrifying world of Uzumaki. You won’t regret it.
It was an astonishing spectacle. A 70-meter-tall SpaceX rocket performing a controlled descent toward a tiny target where two giant mechanical arms were waiting to clasp it just meters above the ground.
Thousands of distinct vehicle and pad criteria had to be met prior to catching the Super Heavy booster. Thanks to the tireless work of SpaceX engineers, we succeeded with catch on our first attempt. pic.twitter.com/6wa5v6xHI0
Well, the immediate goal for SpaceX is to use the Super Heavy booster to carry a modified version of the Starship spacecraft — called the Starship Human Landing System (HLS) to a lunar orbit in NASA’s Artemis III mission, which could take place as early as 2026.
But until that can happen, the Elon Musk-led spaceflight company will need to carry out many more tests of the Starship system, which comprises the first-stage Super Heavy booster — the most powerful ever to fly — and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft.
In these upcoming tests, which SpaceX will be keen to launch before the end of the year, the team will attempt to repeat and perfect the astonishing “catch” maneuver that it performed for the first time on Sunday. Bringing it home in this way enables SpaceX to quickly refurbish what will soon be multiple Super Heavy boosters before quickly launching them again as part of a reusable system that drastically reduces operational costs.
SpaceX also needs to demonstrate the ability to refuel Starship in Earth orbit, which is essential for the proposed lunar missions. Additionally, it has to perform at least one uncrewed demonstration mission that sees the Starship HLS land on the lunar surface and then lift off.
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The Artemis III mission will see up to four astronauts fly to a lunar orbit aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft, which will be launched by the space agency’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket.
Meanwhile, the Starship HLS will also arrive in a lunar orbit after being launched by the Super Heavy. The Starship HLS will then dock with the Orion, enabling two of the crew members to transfer to SpaceX’s vehicle, which will then descend to the moon’s surface for the first crewed lunar landing since the final Apollo mission in 1972. Finally, the Starship HLS will carry the two astronauts back to a lunar orbit so they can return to the Orion spacecraft for the journey home.
More ambitious goals involve using the Starship for the first crewed mission to Mars, and even for building a permanent astronaut base on the red planet.
Musk has an even grander plan, however. Commenting on Sunday’s successful mission, Musk wrote in a post on social media that the first flight and landing of the world’s most powerful rocket on Sunday marked a “big step towards making life multiplanetary.” The SpaceX CEO stated in 2016 that the company has an ambition to move 1 million people to Mars to create a self-sustaining city, though that’s surely a challenge for engineers that haven’t even been born yet.
Venmo has both payments and requests, which has been a long-desired feature. People can use this toolset to send out one-time payments or requests, or schedule things to go out monthly, weekly or bi-weekly.
Users will receive a push notification reminder the day before a payment goes out, just in case the funds aren’t available. To that end, the platform will pull from the connected bank account if the Venmo account is dry. These tools are rolling out right now.
Venmo
This is an obvious boon to those with roommates, as that one roommate who somehow got roped into handling all of the utility bills can let Venmo do the heavy lifting of bothering everybody else. Venmo says that 84 percent of consumers use peer-to-peer payment services to handle stuff like rent, utilities and other living expenses.
It’s also good for those with poor life organization skills. I can’t tell you the number of times I forgot to pay a bill, even though I had the money. Setting everything up in advance could be pretty darn helpful.
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This is just the latest quality of life feature added by Venmo. The company recently integrated , with no card reader necessary. The payment platform also now lets users .
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