With 2024 coming to a close, I’m looking back on everything that happened with 4K Blu-ray over the past year. Needless to say, it’s been a year of ups and downs. We’ve seen some excellent releases, especially from independent distributors. We’ve also seen brands and retailers exit the 4K Blu-ray market, whether it’s selling discs or players. As one of TechRadar’s TV reviewers, the best 4K Blu-ray players and discs are crucial for testing the best TVs as they provide not only the best picture quality thanks to a higher bitrate than streaming but also better-quality audio for testing a TV’s built-in speakers and the best soundbars. But 2024 really has been a rollercoaster year for us 4K Blu-ray fans. There have been reports of increasing disc sales from major UK retailers, and then elsewhere you read that the state of physical media is in decline and it’s all very doom and gloom. So what did happen in the world of 4K Blu-ray in 2024? Disney and Best Buy sabotage, plus a Sony savior Without Sony, movies like Deadpool & Wolverine wouldn’t have made it to 4K Blu-ray (Image credit: Future) In two of the major news stories for 4K Blu-ray, Best Buy decided to stop stocking 4K Blu-ray discs and then Disney announced its decision to cease 4K Blu-ray releases. Still, 4K Blu-ray remained alive and well thanks to the efforts of smaller distributors like The Criterion Collection and Arrow Video, both of which released superb remasters and gorgeous special editions of classic movies. I bought The Warriors from Arrow Video US and it’s an incredible release. But, these small companies can’t be expected to do all the work and whatever you think of Disney’s current filmography, its back catalog is vast and it owns production companies like Fox. Plenty of critic- and audience-lauded movies, such as All of Us Strangers, would miss out on being presented in the best quality, starving home theater fans of a 4K Blu-ray release. However, an unexpected savior appeared when Sony agreed to take over distribution rights for Disney’s physical media. This meant that movies and TV shows from Disney, Marvel, Fox and others would now get physical releases. It was some much-needed good news for the world of 4K Blu-ray. Retailers and brands come and go Panasonic is one of the few remaining brands offering mid-range 4K Blu-ray players (Image credit: Future) Disney and Best Buy weren’t the only major brands to pull out from 4K Blu-ray, with another blow dealt as recently as December when LG announced it was discontinuing production of 4K Blu-ray players. That leaves Panasonic and Sony as the only remaining mainstream brands providing ‘new’, budget and mid-range Blu-ray players (Oppo and Samsung pulled out of the 4K Blu-ray player market in 2018 and 2019 respectively, and remaining brands like Magentar and Reavon are aimed at the premium end of the market). While some players are still available on the second-hard marketplace, you can expect stock to become increasingly scarce. Despite more woes, some retailers have decided to get on the 4K Blu-ray train. For example, US retailers Fred Meyers and GameStop announced they would stock 4K Blu-ray discs back in May, providing more outlets for 4K Blu-ray fans to get movies. 4K Blu-ray in 2025 My 4K Blu-ray obsession accelerated in 2024, with the best purchase being this stunning 4K Blu-ray Special Edition of The Warriors from Arrow Video. Who knows what I’ll add in 2025? (Image credit: Future) So, what’s the outlook for 4K Blu-ray in 2025? Honestly, I’m hopeful. Here at TechRadar, we’ve noticed an appetite for 4K Blu-ray info, with more readers getting in touch and more eyes on any 4K Blu-ray-related news. So much so that we’ve launched the Blu-ray Bounty, where we look at great 4K Blu-ray releases each month, with our first edition showcasing Double Indemnity, Power of the Dog and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Spending more time with 4K Blu-ray has also fuelled my obsession. Along with The Warriors, I’ve recently added The Crow, The Dark Knight Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings to my collection, among many others that would take too long to list! But, that’s the state of Blu-ray for us here at TechRadar. What about the wider world? Again, signs point to a minor revolution. That may sound exaggerated, but with the best streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video and Disney Plus constantly raising prices people are going to get fed up. Prime Video not only added ads for all users unless you paid $2.99 / £2.99 to go ad-free in January 2024 but it’s set to add even more ads in 2025. This is just one example of streaming services squeezing the pennies out of people, with Netflix also kicking people off its cheapest ad-free tier, forcing an upgrade or a cancellation. I’d list more cases from 2024, but we’d be here all day. Another frustration I’ve found is the constant hot potato that these streaming services play with movies and TV shows. Too many times have I gone to watch a favorite or a classic that’s caught my eye one month to find next month it’s gone. With discs, you own the content and it’s there to watch. I’ll be keeping an eye to see how many other people get fed up with this in 2025 and opt to trust in good ol’ physical media. Final thoughts I’ll be testing the best 4K Blu-ray releases as much as I can in 2025, so expect more Blu-ray Bounty! (Image credit: Future) 4K Blu-ray and physical media in general has faced a year of highs and lows in 2024 and while I’m hopeful for its future in 2025, I know there is still uncertainty. Physical media sales overall remain on the decline and despite rising prices, streaming services are still the main way people watch movies and TV shows. But, 4K Blu-ray is the best way to enjoy movies on your home theater system and the more people get to experience this wonderful format, the more popular it will become. I can recommend two players and five movies that will get you started on your journey if you’re new and, rest assured, I’ll be flying the 4K Blu-ray flag in 2025! You might also like
Author: DA Gadgets
Crypto Scammers Are Reportedly Posing as Job Recruiters to Circulate Malware
Malicious crypto scammers have been found to be fishing for their victims posing as job recruiters online. Popular cyber investigator Taylor Monahan, who goes by the username @tayvano_, has posted an update to his 85,000 followers on X. As per the update, scammers are using recruiting platforms like LinkedIn to reach out to job seekers, asking them to fix issues with video-call software and subsequently injecting malicious malware to get access to the victims’ computers. Monahan works in the security division of crypto wallet MetaMask.
The post, part of a thread on the threat, published by Monahan shared screenshots of the job listing circulated by the scammers. The post shows the fraudulent job opening of “Business Development Lead” at an entity named ‘Halliday’. To entice people to apply for this senior level position, the post boasts an annual salary bracket of $300,000 (roughly Rs. 2.56 lakh) to $350,000 (roughly Rs. 2.99 lakh)
Once job seekers end up answering questions, the scammers ask them to record a video answering the last question. On clicking the ‘Request Camera Access’ button, another prompt pops up asking the people to fix an issue with the camera or the microphone.
“Once you do it, Chrome will prompt you to update/restart to ‘fix the issue’. It’s not fixing the issue. There are SO many malicious actors who spend all day trying to trick you into copy/pasting/run code like this. It will always destroy you,” the Web3 investigator noted.
The screenshot posted by Monahan showed that the malicious ‘fix the issue’ message pops up with the title “Access to your camera or microphone is currently blocked”. The investigator also warned that the scammers could give varying instructions to potential victims for fixing the bug, depending on the system they use – Mac, Windows, or Linux.
How it works / what we’ve seen:
Usually starts with a “recruiter” from known company e.g. Kraken, MEXC, Gemini, Meta.
Pay ranges + messaging style are attractive—even to those not actively job hunting.
Mostly via Linkedin. Also freelancer sites, job sites, tg, discord, etc. pic.twitter.com/vRwJUoKFlB
— Tay :sparkling_heart: (@tayvano_) December 28, 2024
This malware lets the scammers access the victims’ systems through backdoor entries, which can subsequently let them get into crypto wallets and drain funds.
If you follow their instructions, you are fucked.
They vary depending whether you are on Mac/Windows/Linux.
But once you do it, Chrome will prompt you to update/restart to “fix the issue.”
It’s not fixing the issue. It’s fully fucking you. pic.twitter.com/ZEn2HpuAEb
— Tay :sparkling_heart: (@tayvano_) December 28, 2024
The FBI, in its recent report, claimed that crypto scammers had become more sophisticated in terms of identifying and attacking their victims. In July, the Securities division of the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) also said that scammers had spiked up activities posing as professors or academicians on platforms including Facebook, WhatsApp and Telegram to find and communicate with potential victims.
Insiders from the crypto sector like Monahan have asked people to be vigilant and up to date with community alerts and warnings to prevent risking their funds. Earlier this year, Yi He, the co-founder of Binance, had flagged an impersonation scam that was circulating on X where scammers were misusing her identity to promote a fake crypto token on X.
Top 5 Black Hole Discoveries of 2024: Plasma Jet, Intermediate Black Hole, and More
Black holes, known for their unmatched gravitational force and mysterious characteristics, remain a focal point of scientific exploration. This year brought remarkable discoveries, advancing the understanding of black holes’ role in shaping galaxies and their enigmatic behaviours. From the detection of an intermediate black hole to uncovering plasma jets spanning millions of light-years, these findings have captured global attention.
Below is a detailed account of these significant developments as reported by Live Science.
A black hole candidate located in the IRS 13 star cluster, near the Milky Way’s central supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*, could represent a rare “missing link.” Scientists believe confirming its existence would provide crucial insights into how smaller black holes evolve into their supermassive counterparts.
Plasma Jets Stretching Across the Cosmos
A black hole named Porphyrion was discovered ejecting plasma jets that span an astonishing 23 million light-years. Equivalent to 140 Milky Way galaxies laid end to end, these jets are among the largest structures ever observed and highlight black holes’ extraordinary ability to shape their cosmic environment.
Heartbeat Signals Decoded
Researchers have unravelled the mystery behind periodic light pulses detected in X-ray flares emitted by black holes. The signals, resembling a heartbeat, are thought to result from shock waves travelling through material consumed by the black hole, providing a glimpse into the physics of their feeding process.
Sagittarius A’s Unusual Spin Explained*
The Milky Way’s central black hole, Sagittarius A*, exhibits a peculiar rotational axis. Observations by the Event Horizon Telescope suggest this odd spin resulted from a massive collision between two black holes, offering evidence of such events in galactic centres.
Dormant Black Hole Awakens
Astronomers observed a previously dormant black hole springing back to life, likely due to new material being drawn in. While such reactivations are rare, they provide a rare opportunity to study how black holes transition between states of activity.
Astro Bot, Balatro, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and More: Gadgets 360’s Best Games of 2024
This year was supposed to be a slow year for games, a gap year for major releases before 2025 brought out the big guns. But in hindsight, 2024 has been a bountiful year for video games, with some standout titles on all platforms. From Helldivers 2 and Palworld becoming multiplayer phenomenons, to Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree and Black Myth: Wukong lighting up the action-RPG category, past 12 months have seen excellent launches across genres.
It’s been a great year for indie games, too. Balatro, a poker-inspired roguelike deckbuilder developer by a single person, was nominated for Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024. There were some excellent remakes of older games, as well. Silent Hill 2 and Persona 3 Reload brought back classic games in a contemporary package. There were many great games this year, and since 2024 is winding down, it’s time to pick our favourites.
It’s also worth noting that there were several acclaimed titles that we didn’t get to play this year and are hence not part of this list. These include games like Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Metaphor: ReFantazio and more. Our list consists of our favourite picks from the games we did play in 2024. So here are our best video games of 2024 across all platforms (in alphabetical order):
Astro Bot
Sony didn’t have any major first-party launches this year, but a few surprise exclusives helped tide the PlayStation parent over during the period. The best of them all came from the most unexpected place. Team Asobi’s Astro Bot, a sequel to free-to-play PS5 title Astro’s Playroom, arrived like a splash of colour on a dull page. The Nintendo-style family-friendly 3D platformer stands distinct from other PlayStation exclusives in both the way it looks and plays. You play as Astro, the cute robot mascot for PlayStation, faring across the galaxy with his bot buddies, before Nebulax intercepts your PS5-shaped spaceship. The ship crash lands on a strange planet and the bots are scattered and lost across several galaxies.
You’re then tasked with collecting all your friends and repairing your ship by finding the missing parts, as you explore over 80 vibrant levels across multiple galaxies. There’s easter eggs to be found, special VIP bots to be collected and hidden planets to be discovered. Astro Bot is brimming with PlayStation memorabilia, essentially acting as a museum for the brand and its journey through the ages.
Aside from being a fun collectathon, Astro Bot features colouful levels, each with a distinct theme and flavour. There is a planet made out of confections, another that’s designed as a construction site, and one that’s a tropical beach paradise. Moving around in these levels using Astro’s modest move set is fun and responsive, especially with the excellent haptic feedback on the DualSense controller. The gameplay doesn’t feature the depth of some of the other games on this list, but a wide variety of inventive abilities adds freshness to each planet.
With its candy-coloured visuals, creative level design and fun-focussed gameplay, Astro Bot stood out in a year full of excellent action-adventure games, winning four trophies at The Game Awards 2024, including Game of the Year.
Astro Bot Review: Team Asobi’s Nintendo-Style Platformer Is an Instant PS5 Classic
Animal Well
Developed by one person, Billy Blasso, Animal Well is an atmospheric Metroidvania platformer that emphasises exploration. There are no tutorials or hints that guide the player through the expanding maze and there is no combat. Players are instead encouraged to be curious and engage with the game’s challenges creatively.
Animal Well puts the spotlight on its puzzles as each section of the map requires inventive thinking to progress through. The labyrinthine levels are full of eerie animals that sometimes help the player and other times stand in their way. The game can be disorienting at first, with multiple branching paths and no clear way through. Early sections of the game can feel like you are stumbling around in the dark with arms outstretched, trying to feel your way through. But then your eyes get accustomed to the darkness, and you begin to see the path forward.
While you can stick to the golden path in your playthrough and rush through the main objectives, inquisitive players will find hidden areas and increasingly complex puzzles. Gear items found during the playthrough also become key to unlocking the maze. And beyond its rewarding platforming and puzzle solving, Animal Well’s dreamlike visuals and pixel art style bring a surreal, immersive experience that you couldn’t find in any other game released in 2024.
Animal Well’s intricate maze is full of animals and spirits
Photo Credit: Shared Memory
Balatro
At this point, there’s little to be said about Balatro that hasn’t already been said. The indie roguelike deckbuilder, also developed by a single person who goes by the psuedonym LocalThunk, became the year’s breakout hit on every platform. The game has sold over 3.5 million copies and it’s easy to see why. Balatro is deceptively simple, increasingly complex and ridiculously addictive. The goal of the game is to play the best poker hands to defeat blinds — Small, Big and Boss blinds, that escalate difficulty by introducing new challenges.
Each blind includes several rounds of playing your hands until you run out of them or hit the target score. You also get access to special cards that come with buffs to tilt the round in your favour by twisting the rules. As the name would suggest, Joker cards are all-important in Balatro. They come with unique effects that alter rules and consequently can help you hit the score.
Balatro received five nominations at The Game Awards 2024, including Game of the Year. It ended up winning Best Independent Game, Best Debut Indie Game, and Best Mobile Game categories. It’s available on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms, and via Apple Arcade subscription. But be warned, downloading Balatro on your phone comes with a risk of getting addicted to its loop.
Balatro is available on PC, Mac, Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms
Photo Credit: LocalThunk
Helldivers 2
Who knew shooting some bugs with your friends could be this fun? Helldivers 2 arrived in a saturated multiplayer market, with new live service games struggling to hold on to players. But with its frenetic PvE action, its distinct humour, and excellent visuals, Helldivers 2 has managed to stand out in a field full of imitations and iterations. In Arrowhead Games’ third-person shooter, you’re recruited as mindless soldier for the fascistic government of Super Earth and thrown into an endless war against Terminids and Automatons. Your aim as a foot soldier for the empire is to listen to orders, kill the targets, and die in service of Super Earth. But instead of playing the militaristic intent and jingoism straight, the game is dripping with biting satire, paying homage to Starship Troopers. Helldivers 2 is constantly making fun of its own premise, bringing a sense of comedic self-awareness that lends itself to the exaggerated objectives.
There’s no PvP element to Helldivers 2, and so its PvE battleground lends itself perfectly to collaborative and rallying online matches, even if you’re playing with strangers. The action itself is quite epic. You land on overrun outposts on far-flung planets to find them crawling with giant bugs. While you take out the scurrying insects and blow up their nests, you also must complete a set of objectives to gain maximum rewards before you fly out.
To aid your extermination efforts, you get some of the most explosive weapons you’ll see in video games. While your start out with standard assault weapons and can call in special weaponry later through your stratagems, your biggest arsenal are the orbital strikes. These strikes are capable of levelling everything that’s in front you in over-the-top fashion and serve as blockbuster moments in fast-paced matches.
Helldivers 2 Review: Democracy Done Right
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Prince of Persia is a beloved and storied franchise that had been dormant for a while before Ubisoft Montpellier, makers of the excellent Rayman games, decided to give the series a new direction. The Lost Crown reinvents Prince of Persia as a Metroidvania action-platformer with intense boss fights, intricate level design and tons of puzzles. In The Lost Crown, you play as Sargon, a member of The Immortals, tasked with rescuing the prince, who has been kidnapped and taken to Mount Qaf.
The mountain becomes the maze where the game’s branching levels rest. As you explore different parts of Mount Qaf, you meet its residents and villains, you discover its hidden secrets and find buried treasures. Along your way, you take on threats in the form of your environment and the enemies that stand in your path. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown features some of the hardest platforming sections in a game this year that demand precision and patience from players.
And its dynamic combat, that emphasises parrying incoming strikes and hitting back during the right window, keeps escalating the difficulty on a steady curve. The Lost Crown, thus, feels challenging, but never unfair. There are some sections that could end up grinding you down, but the developers ensured these areas remain optional. There have been a few excellent Metroidvanias in the past few years and The Lost Crown borrows bright ideas from each of them but ultimately presents an adventure that remains distinctly Prince of Persia.
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Review: A Bold New Path for the Prince
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
We’ve talked about platformers, deckbuilders, action titles and shooters. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is an action-adventure game, but it’s also uncompromisingly focussed on a cinematic vision. The game can only be played in a wide-screen aspect ratio, it features beautiful, near photo-realistic visuals and it is powered by a central performance that can rival some of the best ones in films this year.
As a video game, Senua’s Saga isn’t offering a lot; It can be finished in about six hours and its gameplay systems are purposely shallow. But the game packs an unsparing amount of detail and care into its narrative and visual presentation, resulting in an immersive experience like no other in the medium in 2024. From its binaural audio that attempts to capture Senua’s psychosis in an authentic way to its industry leading facial animations, Senua’s Saga is a technical powerhouse.
The game utilises Unreal Engine 5 to present natural landscapes that are evocative. Walking through desolate and jagged hills and Norse ruins helps sell a sense of isolation, reflecting Senua’s state. And her determined march forward is reflected in the game’s strictly linear levels. There are action-adventure titles that tell an affecting story while bringing a deeper gameplay experience, where players get to define their time with the game in their own ways. But Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II aims to create a singular experience that obsessively adheres to the developer’s intensions. And that is an admirable approach in a medium that’s ever ready to bend to the will of the player.
TV winners and losers of 2024: OLEDs got brighter and 8K strained for relevance
2024 was another great year if you love TVs. Both QLED QLED and mini-LED sets have continued to improve at pace, while OLED continues to dominate our picks of the best TVs thanks to the brightness-boosting excellence of both quantum dot and MLA tech. There’s simply never been a better time to own a quality smart TV. Over the past 12 months, Samsung’s sterling output has impressed us more than any other manufacturer, while we’ve also been pleasantly surprised by the resurgence of the best 4K projectors. It’s not all been sunshine and roses, though. With another 365 days in the book, 8K has yet to impact the market. Thankfully, the biggest TV winners of 2024 easily outnumber the losers of the year just gone. Winner: Samsung dominates our best TVs picks Samsung’s QN90D mini-LED is TechRadar’s Best TV for Sports pick (Image credit: Future) The stranglehold on the high-end TV space that Samsung has developed over the last few years is pretty remarkable. The South Korean firm wasn’t content with regularly churning out the best mini-LED TVs, oh no. Instead, it went and stole the crown in the OLED market thanks to its QD-OLED panel tech. A third of our top 9 best TV list is currently dominated by Samsung – more than any other manufacturer. Not only does the Big S continue to body the opposition with QLEDs, but it’s amazingly stolen the mantle from LG in the OLED space – quite the shocker, seeing as LG is wholly responsible for putting the premium TV tech on the map.There’s simply no denying the dominance of Samsung. From the unbeatable value of the Samsung S90C to the high-end dream performance of the Samsung S95D (our TV of the Year), the current king of TV manufacturing is the iconic South Korean brand. Over to you, LG. Winner: Projectors rise again Sony’s new Bravia 9 and 8 projectors with XR for Projector video processing (Image credit: Future) The best projectors of 2024 were no longer only for obsessive cinephiles with gargantuan walls. With an increased focus on affordability and less intimidating form factors, projectors feel like a genuinely viable alternative to high-end TVs for the first time in years. New high-end models from Epson, Sony, and Samsung dominated TechRadar’s Best of CEDIA Expo 2024 awards, with the Epson QL7000, a model capable of 10,000 ANSI lumens brightness, offering a projector alternative to massive 100-inch-plus TVs and micro-LED video walls for those who don’t want to watch in a dark theater room. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. On the affordable and portable side of the spectrum, new projectors like the LG CineBeam Q offered up design sophistication and 4K resolution in an under-$1,000 model, while the Anker Nebula Mars 3 combined high brightness and 2.5-hour battery life in a rugged, roadworthy case. Companies are taking note, too. A recent tvOS beta for the exceptional Apple TV 4K included support for a wider range of projector-friendly aspect ratios, including 21:9 and 32:9. Projectors are having a moment. Here’s hoping it lasts through 2025 and beyond. Winner: OLEDs continue to astound LG’s new G4 OLED TV uses second-gen MLA tech to increase brightness (Image credit: Future) Traditional W-OLEDs have long been our favorite TV type, and the gap between LCD and the best OLED TVs has only become more cavernous over the last year with brighter forms of ‘organic light-emitting diode’ tech. The sensational Samsung S95D shows that quantum dot tech is now firmly established as the OLED technology to beat. Thanks to its effective anti-glare coating and a hugely impressive peak HDR brightness of 1,868 nits, it’s capable of showcasing pictures that are almost as bright as the best mini-LED TVs while also delivering better contrast through its perfect black levels. Not that QD-OLEDs don’t still face stiff competition. The LG G4 floored us with its dazzlingly vivid images that get incredibly bright thanks to the set’s second-gen MLA (Micro Lens Array) technology. The Panasonic Z95A with its ‘Master OLED Ultimate’ MLA panel is also a stunner. This trio of sets leaves us in no doubt about OLED’s vice-like grip on the high-end TV market, though Sony’s new flagship Bravia 9 with its innovative XR Backlight Master Drive with High Peak Luminance tech gave a strong indication that mini-LED tech is making inroads in the premium TV space. You don’t necessarily have to blow your life savings to own a terrific OLED TV. The LG B4 is one of the best budget OLEDs we’ve ever reviewed, and thanks to its quartet of HDMI 2.1 ports and new Dolby Vision Filmmaker mode, it’s fantastic for both gamers and movie lovers. 2024 was the year of OLED. We’d be surprised if every year until 2034 wasn’t, too. Loser: 8K… again The Samsung QN900D is TechRadar’s pick for best 8K TV, a category that has yet to really break through due to high cost and limited 8K content (Image credit: Future) Until we’re all forced to have Minority Report-mandated cornea upgrades, the long-touted 8K future of TVs should probably be shelved for the time being. Though the recently released PS5 Pro is trying to make 8K console gaming a thing, the likelihood of Sony’s expensive new machine moving the needle in terms of 7,680 x 4,320 gaming (if you’re down with your pixel count lingo) is extremely unlikely. The Samsung QN900D is our current choice for the best 8K TV, and it’s unquestionably a fantastic television. Yet at the time of writing, it’s also an unessential one, because the best streaming services, Blu-rays and video games aren’t yet at the level to deliver 8K at the price point people are interested in or demand. Until the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Sony with its PS5 Pro take 8K seriously, even the most fanatical of TV fans should keep hold of their 4K sets. Winner: You still can’t beat 4K Blu-ray Our love for 4K Blu-ray discs endures… (Image credit: Future) Despite the best efforts of Disney and Best Buy to either reduce or flat-out stop support for 4K Blu-rays, our beloved Ultra HD discs aren’t going anywhere quite yet. 2024 was another strong year for 4K Blu-rays. When a movie transfer is done correctly on the format, it still looks comfortably crisper than on streaming services and also has superior audio quality. This year spoiled us with some incredible 4K transfers, even if the movies themselves couldn’t quite match up with the image quality. Despite not being great films, the likes of Alien: Romulus and Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes look absolutely pristine on one of the best 4K Blu-ray players. As for Dune: Part 2, the sweeping sci-fi epic continues Denis Villeneuve’s incredible run of drool-worthy 4K transfers. When it comes to 4K Blu-ray vs streaming, the scoreline continues to read ‘Discs 1- Internet 0’. You might also like…
Got a new TV? Here are 6 mistakes people make when setting up their TV and how you can avoid them
Buying a new TV should be fun. Upgrading from an old set to a fresh one instills excitement as you look forward to better picture and sound quality when watching your favorite movies and TV shows. But what if you get the TV home, set it up and it doesn’t look how you expected? Well, fear not, because you’re not alone in that experience. Many obscure settings that affect a TV’s performance are hidden in its menus. This is not just true of budget sets; even the best TVs have some of these annoying settings. While TV picture settings are generally subjective, with some people preferring a brighter and more colorful image and others a more natural one, some settings should be turned off regardless. Below, I’ve picked six important adjustments people often miss when setting up their new TV, and having worked in AV retail, I know it can take some people quite a while to notice. But, worry not as I’m going to tell you how to change these settings. For photos, I used the Panasonic MZ1500 OLED and although the menu on your TV will most likely look different, the principle should still be the same. Turn off Eco and Power Saving Modes Your TV may have Eco settings that could affect picture quality, such as an Eco picture mode or a light sensor that dulls the picture in darker environments, as shown here on a Philips OLED806. (Image credit: Future) Did you get your new TV all set up and think it looked a little… dull? It’s most likely in Eco mode. The majority of TVs now ship with their picture mode set to Eco out of the box and while this will save you some money on energy costs, it will also affect the quality of the picture. Eco mode often has an extremely low brightness setting, which takes away the dynamic color and detail from a TV’s picture, making movies and TV shows look drab. To turn this off you’ll need to go Settings and navigate to Picture Settings. There will be a list of Picture Presets (also referred to as Picture Modes) and this will most likely be set to Eco. You’ll want to change this to Movie, Filmmaker or Standard as these are the more accurate and brighter picture modes. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Some TVs have other power-saving modes hidden away as well. If you once again navigate to Settings and then System Settings, there may be a section called Power Saving or Energy Saving. While these will often have to do with timers, there can sometimes be a power-saving setting that you’ll want to turn off. Take the TV out of Dynamic or Vivid Picture Mode Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Future) A TV’s Dynamic mode (Picture 1) may be brighter, but it oversaturates the image and takes away detail, so other modes such as Filmmaker (Picture 2) are better. (Image credit: Future) A TV’s Dynamic (also sometimes called Vivid) picture mode is just as bad for picture quality as Eco. Often, it’s the most inaccurate mode and it’s one we are not fans of here at TechRadar. A Dynamic mode offers significantly higher brightness, but with oversaturated colors and exaggerated textures, giving the picture a fake look. If you want your movies and TV shows to look natural, avoid this at all costs. Brands like Samsung used to swear by the Dynamic mode, but models like the Samsung S95D, its 2024 flagship OLED, and the Samsung QN90D, one of the best mini-LED TVs, look far better in their Filmmaker, Movie and even Standard modes. Check for the latest software update It’s important to check for the latest software updates for security and to add new features (Image credit: Future) Most TVs will automatically search for the latest software update on the first startup. But I’ve had experiences during my testing where a TV hasn’t done that, so I always go and check for the latest update regardless. Why is a software update important? Not only does it make sure you have the latest features, with smart TV platforms like Roku, webOS, Tizen, Google TV and more all providing regular free upgrades, but it’s also critical for the security of your TV. Because your TV is connected to the internet, it’s always at some form of risk, but making sure software is regularly updated will reduce that risk dramatically. To do this, you’ll need to navigate to your TV’s System Settings once again. Thankfully, brands make it obvious by labeling this setting ‘Check for Update’ or ‘Software Update’. Sometimes this can be found in the About TV section, but that varies from set to set. Changing or disabling motion smoothing Motion smoothing or interpolation (referred to as Intelligent Frame Creation on the Panasonic MZ1500 shown above) can drastically affect picture quality (Image credit: Future) Probably one of the most controversial settings on TVs is motion smoothing or motion interpolation. This is where a TV uses blur and judder reduction to process fast-moving images to give them a smoother appearance. To do this, a TV will analyze the video signal and insert new frames in between the actual video frames to compensate for a faster-moving object, say a ball during a soccer game. While it can be useful for sports, motion smoothing often makes movies look too smooth, with an artificial quality that can give some a feeling of motion sickness. Tom Cruise personally asked viewers to turn off motion smoothing for Top Gun: Maverick as it ruined the look of the movie. And as someone who regularly uses that movie to test TVs, I agree! That being said, budget TVs and those with 60Hz panels can struggle with fast-moving pictures and sports, so some motion smoothing can help. To alter or turn off motion smoothing, go to Picture Settings and look for the Motion submenu. There, you’ll most likely find custom Blur Reduction and Judder Reduction sliders along with preset motion smoothing modes (like those found on the Hisense U7N). Depending on your preference, you’ll want to reduce motion smoothing or turn it off altogether for a more natural picture. The level of the settings can also depend if you’re watching a movie or sports. Set HDMI to Enhanced for Gaming Changing the HDMI format is essential for getting the most out of your gaming device. This photo is of the Hisense UXN (Image credit: Future) If you’ve bought one of the best gaming TVs, you’ll find it has a Game Mode, whether that’s a picture preset or an option in the settings menu. But despite turning this on, you may find you’re not getting the full 4K 120Hz support you expected if you bought a TV like the LG C4. Although Game Mode prevents this from happening, there is an important HDMI setting that often goes unnoticed. Go to Settings and look for HDMI Control. Click on that and you should see Standard, Enhanced and possibly other settings. Set it to Enhanced and that should activate the TV’s HDMI 2.1 features, including 4K 120Hz support. This is most often an issue with older TVs, but you can never be sure. Check sharpness, color and detail enhancement Some picture adjustments such as the Resolution Remaster setting at the bottom of the menu shown on the Panasonic MZ1500 shown above can drastically alter image quality and should be tweaked or turned off (Image credit: Future) The final settings to check are more of a personal choice than a necessary change. If you explore your TV’s picture settings, you’ll sometimes notice ones that enhance color, sharpness, resolution and more. Some may find they like these but in many cases, they can negatively impact your TV’s picture. One example is the Super Resolution feature on Hisense TVs such as the Hisense U6N. I have found that having this setting turned on gives textures and details an overly sharp, fake look. But this is just one example, and all TV brands have some related setting that can give pictures an over-enhanced look. In the images of the MZ1500 above, you can see settings such as Noise Reduction and Resolution Remaster turned on in Dynamic, the most inaccurate mode, and turned off in Filmmaker, the most accurate one. While you may find you like some of these settings, it’s best to pick a favorite ‘base’ picture preset you like and play around with settings until you get the picture you’re most comfortable with. You might also like
Beyoncé’s NFL Christmas Halftime Show Now Streaming on Netflix: Everything You Need to Know
Beyoncé’s much-anticipated halftime performance, part of Netflix’s NFL Christmas Gameday event, is set to release as a standalone streaming special. Originally delivered on December 25, 2024, the show was hosted at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, during the Texans versus Ravens matchup. Fans worldwide will now have the opportunity to experience the concert, which captivated the live audience with its vibrant energy and cultural homages. The performance was produced by Parkwood Entertainment in collaboration with Jesse Collins Entertainment
When and Where to Watch Beyoncé’s Halftime Show
The performance will be available exclusively on Netflix now. Subscribers can access the show through the platform, allowing those who missed the live event to witness the artist’s electric stage presence and dynamic setlist.
Official Setlist and Highlights of Beyoncé’s Halftime Show
The setlist featured a mix of iconic and new tracks, including “16 Carriages,” “Blackbird,” “American Requiem,” and “Texas Hold ‘Em.” A star-studded ensemble joined Beyoncé on stage, with appearances by Post Malone, Shaboozey, Reyna Roberts, Tanner Adell, Brittney Spencer and Tiera Kennedy. A standout moment featured Blue Ivy Carter, Beyoncé’s eldest daughter, as a central dancer, showcasing her talent and charisma.
Cultural tributes were woven throughout the show, spotlighting Texas heritage with appearances by Myrtis Dightman Jr., Mexican cowgirl Melanie Rivera, and former Miss Rodeo Texas Princess. The Texas Southern University Ocean of Soul Marching Band’s 200 performers added grandeur to the spectacle.
Reception of Beyoncé’s Halftime Show
Audience response has ranged from praise for its cultural representation and choreography to debates about its artistic direction. Early reviews reflect admiration for the show’s visual appeal, with speculation about its impact on Beyoncé’s legacy in halftime performances. The NFL’s Christmas Gameday event has already garnered significant attention, positioning this special as one of Netflix’s most awaited releases of the year.
ISRO’s Spadex Mission to Demonstrate Satellite Docking on December 30
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to close the year with the Spadex mission, scheduled for launch at 9:58 pm on December 30 from the Sriharikota spaceport. This mission involves two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), aimed at demonstrating docking capabilities in orbit. By showcasing the alignment, connection, and power transfer between these satellites, the mission is expected to pave the way for future endeavours, including the Chandrayaan-4 and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
Mission Details and Objectives
According to reports, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) will place the 220-kg satellites into a 470-km circular orbit. The satellites will begin by separating to a distance of 10–20 km using relative velocity adjustments provided by the rocket. The Target satellite’s propulsion system will then maintain this distance to prevent further drift, marking the start of what is referred to as the “far rendezvous.” Gradual approaches by the Chaser satellite will follow, reducing the gap in calculated stages until docking is achieved.
Once docked, the satellites will demonstrate electrical power transfer and joint spacecraft control. Following separation, both satellites will operate their respective payloads, which are designed to function for two years.
Technological Highlights and Payloads
The Spadex mission is reported to employ innovative technologies, including docking mechanisms and advanced sensors, ensuring precision during the docking process. A relative orbit determination and propagation system, based on navigation constellations, is also part of this mission. The Chaser satellite features a high-resolution miniature surveillance camera, while the Target satellite carries a multispectral payload for monitoring vegetation and natural resources. A radiation monitor onboard the Target will collect space radiation data for analysis.
Additional Experiments
As per several reports, the rocket’s final stage will host experiments involving 24 payloads, including a robotic arm for debris capture and a study on seed germination and plant growth. The mission marks a significant leap in demonstrating small satellite docking, a challenging feat requiring precise control and coordination.
Strategies for Cloud Contact Center Platform API Management
Cloud contact centers connect agents with customers across multiple channels, including voice, email, SMS, social media, live chat, and more. Cloud contact center platform API management plays a critical role in maintaining all of these channels.
Unlike traditional on-premises phone systems and hosted contact center solutions, cloud contact centers aren’t bound by physical locations or servers. Instead, all of your reps can access the software they need from anywhere via a computer, smartphone, or other VoIP-enabled device.
When implemented and managed correctly, APIs improve customer personalization, ensure agents have anytime access, boost agent productivity, and deliver real-time data for improved analytics.
Cloud contact center APIs ultimately unify communication channels with other business-critical tools. This allows you to provide better support through custom applications so you can future-proof your contact center at scale.
Overview of API management in cloud contact centers
APIs connect two or more applications, expanding the functionality of one or both of the systems. In many cases, an API passes data from one program to another or embeds functionality of one application into the other.
In terms of cloud contact centers, APIs extend communication methods into other pieces of software. For example, you can add calling capabilities within Microsoft Teams.
You can also use APIs to enable inbound and outbound texting, chat, and calling directly within your CRM. This integration gives agents the ability to communicate without switching back and forth between solutions. It also means agents can see caller information while they’re talking to them.
It can work the other way too — you can pull CRM data into your VoIP solution, allowing agents to see critical details about the caller before they answer.
APIs are commonly used to automate outbound text or email reminders for things like upcoming appointments, balances due, and order status updates via rules-based triggers and custom settings.
Another popular way cloud contact centers use APIs is to centralize social media communication. You integrate various platforms into a single solution so your agents can manage all inbound messages from Facebook, X, Instagram, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, and more without having to navigate to each platform.
With API access, modern contact centers can truly customize the way agents interact with customers and each other.
SEE: Learn how to use APIs, the different types of APIs, and all about API security.
Strategies for the cloud contact center platform API management cycle
Cloud contact center APIs are not plug-and-play, one-click setups that you can configure once and move on. They require ongoing developer support and IT resources for deployment and regular maintenance.
Think about the resources you’d need to build and maintain any other type of software, like a mobile app or web application.
The same applies here because you’re essentially creating custom software that requires ongoing attention.
It’s particularly important for you because disruptions or outages will have immediate consequences to many people on your team, or even your customers. If agents are no longer able to receive calls in Salesforce, for example, everything will come to a grinding halt until it’s fixed.
The following cloud contact center platform API management strategies can help you avoid these problems and ensure everything runs as smoothly as possible.
Development
Before anything else, you’ll need to define the scope of your project and get a team of developers to help you accomplish your goals.
Large organizations setting up complex integrations may need multiple developers working on this together. It should be treated like any other software development project run by a project manager with sprint planning and other agile project management practices.
Your developers will likely need to use documentation provided by each piece of software you want to connect.
They typically provide developer guides that explain exactly what you can do with their APIs and how to do it. They may even provide sample code for your team to start with, plus resources for various programming languages (JavaScript, Java, Python, PHP, C#, Ruby, etc.).
The best vendors also provide a complete SDK (software development kit) that contains more than basic instructions. These include a full collection of tools, libraries, and documentation to simplify the development process. SDKs ultimately make it easier for your team to access and utilize the API for whatever specific functionality you’re looking for.
SEE: Check out the best API management tools to manage APIs at scale.
Testing
Next, you need to ensure that the API works as intended. To do this, you’ll run various API calls to verify everything. You should also test more complex scenarios and situations in which the API should fail to validate that it works.
For example, you might have an agent answer a call from your CRM, send a text message, and set up an automated text reminder.
You can also test out more complicated workflows like real-time escalations to a manager, call transfers, handling duplicate contacts, screen pop, and more.
Beyond functionality, you’ll also need to test performance. At this stage, you should simulate high call volumes to ensure your setup can handle peak traffic. Many APIs have per-minute, per-hour, or simultaneous limits you have to comply with — this is often overlooked and can have frustrating consequences.
If something isn’t working properly or your team finds bugs, they should be fixed before you roll out the new solution to your entire team.
SEE: Learn about common API issues and how to fix them.
Deployment
If everything’s good to go, you can roll it out. Depending on the complexity, this can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.
Even if you think it’s going to be a relatively quick deployment, I suggest doing this when most of your team won’t be using either piece of software. If you can’t avoid that, try to choose a timeline that’s historically low volume.
You can look back at historical data to determine specific days of the week and times you have the lowest usage. It’ll likely be in the middle of the night, on a weekend, or on a holiday.
Ideally, issues should have been resolved during the testing phase. But things don’t always go according to plan. Leave yourself plenty of wiggle room to identify and fix problems that arise before your team starts using it.
Monitoring
API monitoring should happen 24/7 whenever possible.
Developers and quality assurance agents can do this using third-party tools to gather data and analyze performance in real time. These are built to track different metrics, like API response time, error rate, availability, downtime, and more.
You can also set up automated alerts and ask your team or customers to let you know as soon as they spot something that isn’t working as intended.
Automatic alerts can help you stay ahead of potential problems before they start interfering with communication, so they should be your first line of defense.
Versioning
It’s important to track and manage changes to your cloud contact center APIs over time. There are several benefits of doing so, but the most common for contact centers is backward compatibility.
Cloud-based software can update at any time, and these updates can cause major problems with your APIs.
When updates happen, it’s important for your APIs to continue functioning as best as possible until you can resolve any unforeseen issues.
Versioning also helps your development team work on new features without affecting the version your agents and customers are actively using. It lets you test and make sure everything’s working without impacting anyone else.
Developers can release a beta or V1 so your team has something to work with while they focus on rolling out more features and putting together a more robust solution.
Check out our guide on versioning best practices to learn more.
Roblox Arm Wrestle Simulator Codes (December 2024)
Roblox’s Arm Wrestle Simulator has gained significant popularity since its release. In the game, players work to build strength and become powerful enough to compete in arm wrestling challenges. With the help of various Arm Wrestle Simulator codes, players can unlock boosts, improve their stats, and receive exclusive in-game rewards. These codes provide a significant advantage to anyone looking to level up and succeed in this competitive game. Below, you’ll find the latest active codes for December 2024 and a guide on how to redeem them and play the game!
All Arm Wrestle Simulator Codes
Check out the full list of active Arm Wrestle simulator codes available for this month:
- rocket – 5% Stat Boost and 2 hours of 2x Wins
- shiny – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- noob – 1 Spin
- cavefortune – 3x Stat Boost for 8 Hours + 25 Miner’s Crystals
- merryxmas – 5% Stat Boost, all potions x10, and 1,500 Candy Coins
- enchant – 3 Rebirths
- Hacker – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- 500MILLION – 5 hours of 2x Wins
- sharkattack – 3x Stat Boost for 8 Hours
- billion – 3x Stat Boost for 72 Hours
- christmas – 3x Stat Boost for 72 Hours
- spooky – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 3,500 Candy
- polar – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- clans – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- slimeonallpets – 3x Stat Boost for 2 Hours (SECRET CODE)
- soon – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- vacation – 3x Stat Boost for 5 Hours
- ghosthunting – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 1 Halloween Card
- ITSHULKTIME – +15% on all strengths
- jazzclub – 3x Stat Boost for 12 Hours
- 1million – 10% Stat Boost, 48 hours of 3x Wins, 2 Banana Seeds, and 2 Apple Seeds
- Leagues – Win Boost
- heavenly – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- tradeplazasoon – 3x Stat Boost for 4 Hours
- wizard – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 35 Wizard Gems
- wasteland – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- royalty – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- atlantis – 3x Stat Boost for 8 Hours
- performance – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- rework – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- paradise – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 1 Gold
- candy – 20K Candy
- bigupdatesoon – 10% Stat Boost
- magicworld – 3x Stat Boost for 6 Hours
- SEASON4 – +500 Season Pass XP + HIDDEN SURPRISE
- hauntedmanor – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 3,500 Candy
- LIKES – 5 hours of 2x Wins and 2x Luck
- pinksandcastle – 1 Spin
- ghosthunting – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours + 1 Halloween Card
- flames – 3x Stat Boost for 4 Hours
- 200m – +5% to Stats
- secrect – Sand Egg
- soon – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- axel – 50 Wins
- supermembership – 3x Stat Boost for 6 Hours
- wednesday – Stat Boost and 2x Wins for 5 hours
- LIKES – 5 hours of 2x Wins and 2x Luck
- hatching – 3x Stat Boost for 24 Hours
- fixd – +5% to Stats
- billion – 3x Stat Boost for 72 hours
Expired Arm Wrestle Simulator Codes
- jazzclub – 50 Wins
- Knighty – 1 Spin
- onthehunt – 3x Stat Boost for 4 Hours
- quality – 3x Stat Boost for 2 Hours
- doubletrouble – 3x Stat Boost for 9 Hours
- eastereventstays – 3x Stat Boost for 12 Hours
- itschocotime – 3x Stat Boost for 4 Hours
- casting – 3x Stat Boost for 6 Hours
- nextweek – 3x Stat Boost for 8 Hours
- doitagain – +50% Candy Boost
- flames – +50% Candy Boost
- merryxmas – +50% Candy Boost
- XMASUPDATESOON – +50% Candy Boost
- CANDY – 25 Cauldron Eggs
- FORGIVEUS – 25 Cauldron Eggs
- SCARY – +50% Candy Boost
- Greek – +50% Candy Boost
- SORRYAGAIN – +50% Candy Boost
- BOOST – Gets you a general boost
- release – Gets you a boost
- noobs – Gets you 1 Spin
How to Redeem Arm Wrestle Simulator Codes
Redeeming codes in the Arm Wrestle Simulator is straightforward, even for newcomers. To redeem codes, follow these simple steps:
- First, open Roblox and start the Arm Wrestle Simulator game.
- On the game’s main screen, look for the “Store” icon, usually on the screen’s left side above the “Pets” button.
- In the “Store” section, you’ll find a button labelled “Codes.” Click on this to open the code entry screen.
- Type one of the active codes from the list provided and click the “Verify” button.
- If the code is valid, you’ll instantly receive your rewards.
It’s important to note that these codes are typically valid for a limited time, so they should be used as soon as possible.
How to Play Arm Wrestle Simulator
In the Arm Wrestle Simulator, players start with minimal strength and work their way up by training. The game revolves around improving stats like hand strength, bicep power, and cardio ability, essential for winning arm wrestling matches.
Here’s an overview of how to play:
- Train Your Stats: Players can increase their strength by training in different ways, such as lifting weights or completing various in-game tasks.
- Compete in Matches: Once you have built enough strength, you can challenge NPCs or other players in arm wrestling contests. Players must click rapidly and strategically on the screen to win these matches.
- Collect Pets and Items: Pets play an essential role in the Arm Wrestle Simulator. They offer boosts and additional stat enhancements. Players can acquire pets by completing tasks or redeeming codes.
- Unlock New Arenas: As you progress, you’ll unlock new areas to compete against tougher opponents and earn more rewards.
The game’s core mechanics are simple yet engaging, offering a compelling mix of training, competition, and progression that keeps players invested.
Best Arm Wrestle Simulator Alternatives
While the Arm Wrestle Simulator offers an entertaining experience, several other Roblox games feature similar gameplay mechanics, such as training and competing to become the strongest. Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Super Power Training Simulator: This game allows players to train different superpowers, from strength to agility, and compete against others in battles.
- Weight Lifting Simulator: Similar to the Arm Wrestle Simulator, this game focuses on strength-building and competitive weightlifting.
- Anime Fighting Simulator: Players train their characters and engage in anime-style combat, offering a unique twist on the training simulator genre.
- Pet Simulator X: While not directly related to arm wrestling, Pet Simulator X features a pet collection and a variety of competitive elements.
Each game provides a fun alternative for those seeking gameplay similar to that of the Arm Wrestle Simulator. Whether you’re looking for more training-focused games or combat-based simulators, there’s a wide selection of options to explore.
FAQs
Is Arm Wrestle Simulator free to play?
Yes, Arm Wrestle Simulator is free to play on Roblox. Players can access all of the game’s basic features without spending money, although in-game purchases are available.
What are Arm Wrestle Simulator codes?
Arm Wrestle Simulator codes are special promotional codes that offer players in-game rewards. These rewards may include boosts for stats, candy, pet-related items, and more. They are usually released during updates, events, or milestones.
How often are new Arm Wrestle Simulator codes released?
New codes are typically released during special updates or events. The frequency of new codes can vary, but players can often find new codes added to the game every few weeks.
Do Arm Wrestle Simulator codes expire?
Yes, most Arm Wrestle Simulator codes have expiration dates. Once a code expires, it can no longer be used, so players are encouraged to redeem them as soon as they are available.
Can I use the same Arm Wrestle Simulator code multiple times?
No, each code can only be used once per player. Once a code has been redeemed, it cannot be entered again on the same account.