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With Diablo 4’s Lord of Hatred DLC, Blizzard “intentionally” added at least one “basically useless” item just for the new Horadric Cube

Posted on April 24, 2026 by faz_business

Diablo 4‘s second expansion, Lord of Hatred, is on the horizon, but not everything included will be immediately useful.

Aside from the new classes and questline, the Diablo 4 version of the Horadric Cube, first introduced in Diablo 2, is one of the big selling points of the Lord of Hatred DLC. If all goes well, it could shake up endgame itemization in a way that people have been asking for for years. For the uninitiated and in the simplest of terms (I go over it in more detail here), the Cube lets you use items you’d otherwise salvage to upgrade gear or create entirely new items, opening up an unprecedented level of gear customization and dramatically expanding the loot economy.

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“I think players are going to shock us with what they’re going to do with it,” Haroutunian said, adding that those pesky item drops clogging up your inventory, wasting your precious clicking strength, and waiting to be salvaged will soon have a “second life” thanks to the Horadric Cube. “I will say that with Lord of Hatred, there’s at least one item we’re intentionally putting in there that’s basically useless because we know it’s going to be a target for the cube,” said Haroutunian.

The return of the Cube in Diablo 4 is accompanied by a separate and nearly as transformative loot change that’ll bring low-level loot back to the endgame with one huge caveat: it’ll drop with the chance to have a greater affix attached, yet another design tweak purposefully designed to feed into the Horadric Cube, as it means the chump change you pick up in dungeons will have the chance to become your new main weapon, chest piece, or shield. That should, in theory, make endgame runs a whole lot more interesting, which is presumably high up on Blizzard’s priority list as a lack of depth is one of the main pain points for high-level players. We’ll find out when Lord of Hatred launches on April 28.

US Special Forces Soldier Arrested for Polymarket Bets on Maduro Raid

Posted on April 24, 2026 by faz_business

The Department of Justice announced Thursday that it arrested Gannon Ken Van Dyke, an enlisted member of the US Army’s special forces, for allegedly using “classified, nonpublic” information about the capture of Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro to notch more than $400,000 in profits on Polymarket trades. A grand jury indicted him on five counts, including multiple violations of the Commodity Exchange Act.

Van Dyke is the first person to be charged with insider trading on a prediction market in the United States. Lawmakers have been voicing concerns for months about the high likelihood that politicians and public servants could use nonpublic information to profit from trades on leading industry platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi, which have exploded in popularity over the past year.

The arrest comes just weeks after Department of Justice prosecutors met with Polymarket about potential insider tradition violations. In February, Israeli authorities arrested two citizens, an army reservist and a civilian, for allegedly leaking classified information by making wagers on Polymarket related to military operations. Kalshi, Polymarket’s primary rival in the United States, recently fined three politicians for breaking its insider trading rules, but it did not flag the violations for further enforcement to the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), the federal agency that oversees prediction markets.

After Van Dyke’s arrest was made public, Polymarket posted a statement to social media noting that it had “identified a user trading on classified government information” and “referred the matter to the DOJ & cooperated with their investigation.” The company declined to comment further.

According to court documents, Van Dyke has been an active duty US soldier since September 2008 and rose to the level of master sergeant in 2023. At the time of the alleged trading activity, he was stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and assigned to the Army’s Special Operations Command Western Hemisphere Operations.

“I have been crystal clear that anyone who engages in fraud, manipulation, or insider trading in any of our markets will face the full force of the law,” CFTC chair Michael Selig said in a statement. “The defendant was entrusted with confidential information about US operations and yet took action that endangered US national security and put the lives of American service members in harm’s way.”

The complaint alleges that Van Dyke was involved in the planning and execution of Maduro’s arrest and that he was aware that he wasn’t authorized to share nonpublic information about US military operations. The complaint says that Van Dyke signed a nondisclosure agreement that forbade him from revealing sensitive or classified government information “by writing, word, conduct, or otherwise.” The complaint also alleges Van Dyke saved a screenshot to his Google account “displaying the results of an artificial intelligence query” outlining how the US Special Forces maintains many classified files including “operational details that are not available to the public.”

On December 26, Van Dyke allegedly opened an account on Polymarket and took out around $35,000 from his bank account before transferring it to a cryptocurrency exchange.

The following day, Van Dyke allegedly made his first Venezuela-related trade on Polymarket, putting a little less than $100 on a “YES” contract that US forces would be in Venezuela by January 31, 2026. Prosecutors accuse him of ultimately making 13 Venezuela-related transactions on the platform, seven of those—totaling hundreds of thousands of shares—on a “YES” contract for “Maduro out by … January 31, 2026.” In other words, Van Dyke allegedly stood to make an enormous profit if the Venezuelan leader wound up out of power by the end of the month.

Top 36 Cosmetic Packaging Design Companies for CAD Services at Retailers and Manufacturing Firms

Posted on April 23, 2026 by faz_business

Packaging design is more than just a box or bottle. It serves as the brand’s first contact with a customer. Brands combine style with art to look great and practical function to work well to really stand out on the shelf. Coming up with beautiful packaging requires a whole set of technical skills and precise design tools. That’s what CAD is for.

Finding professionals who are experts in the field of packaging design services is not easy. Not all designers can successfully execute functional and aesthetic packaging. This is how Cad Crowd helps brands. They connect retailers and manufacturers with talented freelance design professionals who focus on cosmetic packaging. Cad Crowd makes the search simple, easier, smoother, and enjoyable. Are you ready to showcase your brand’s packaging to the world?

1. Cad Crowd

For brands in search of suppliers of beautiful and functional packaging design, Cad Crowd is the ultimate candidate. It connects brands with experienced CAD designers from all over the world. Instead of deciding between different suppliers, you get the chance to hirean expert who can turn a rough idea into a precise, production-ready blueprint and design model. Whether it’s a simplebottle with a special cap or a vibrant shelf display that focuses on showcasing different product types, their designers focus on the structure just as much as the look. Cad Crowd makes sure the technical details are top-quality standards so the 3D model can proceed to manufacturing without any problem.

Website: Cadcrowd.com

2. Zenpack

Zenpacklooks at a more overall approach to packaging. They see packaging not just as a container, but as part of the entire brand story. As a full-service agency, they handle everything from design and material selection to printing, production, and logistics. Their team is especially known for creating memorable unboxing experiences, which makes them a favorite for luxury and e-commerce brands. With a strong focus on a mix of materials, textures, and finishes, Zenpack helps products feel premium and something to look forward to experiencing.

Website: Zenpack.us

3. STENG Packaging

STENG Packaging specializes in ready-to-use cosmetic and skincare containers. They offer a wide selection of glass bottles, jars, and tubes, giving their brand numerous packaging options. Brands can choose from their other services, like screen printing, UV coating, and hot stamping, to make the final look of the packaging look more elevated. STENG also offers features like airless pumps to keep products fresh and a production process that covers everything from start to finish. They make it easier for brands to launch the packaging directly to the market.

Website: Stengpackaging.com

4. Sutherland Packaging

If you want your products ready for retail, Sutherland Packaging is the team that makes sure brands getnoticed. They’re experts at creating custom displays and strong, sturdy cartons that don’t just protect the product, but can actually attract the attention of shoppers in the store. They offer great options for high-impact colors, plus they promise a fast turnaround in production. Because they handle everything in-house, from the initial design concept to shipping the packaging out, customers feel less stressed about logistics.

Website: Sutherlandpackaging.com

5. IdeaHits

IdeaHits is really where you go for that high-endluxury aesthetic. They’re a specialized agency that really focuses on how a product looks and feels in a customer’s hand. They offer 3D modeling design services to perfect every detail, whether the materialis made of glass, metal, or eco-friendly materials. They really listen to clients’ wants and spend a lot of time making sure the final design isn’t just pretty, but consistent with the brand’s visuals. For brands that want to enter the premium beauty or skincare industry, IdeaHits will help your brand look luxurious.

Website: Ideahits.com

6. Selfnamed

Selfnamed is a great option for startups and small independent brands that focus more on sustainable materials. They’ve built an easy-to-use digital studio where you can design your own look for any type of organic and natural skincare products. The clients are really part of the process. For those who want the product packaging to feel personal and professional, they offer a catalog that can be customized straight from any laptop. With their drop shipping and wholesale options, it’s now possible for small businesses to have professional-looking packaging without expensive initial costs that may be too much for a startup company.

Website: Selfnamed.com

7. Hicos

Hicos world-renowned supplier for primary packaging for beauty and cosmetic products that cover everything from scents to eye makeup. They have facilities all over the world to support their massive production operations. They are the first choice for international brands that need to produce large-scale quantities, complex packaging options, and fast. Their biggest advantage is their trend analysis, where they are constantly looking ahead to see what the next trend in beauty is going to be. Also, with their focus on sustainability, their packaging designers develop new eco-friendly materials that are safe for the environment.

Website: Cosmetics-packaging.com

8. Design Womb

Design Womb focuses less on the packaging but more on the actual brand itself. They’re an award-winning agency that handles everything from naming and logo design to the final art direction. Their philosophy is simple, a design shouldn’t just look good but has to work and result in sales. They’re a great fit for anyone from young entrepreneurs to national retailers who need a cohesive look and identity that tells a story and builds a real connection with customers.

Website: Designwomb.com

9. PakFactory

If you’re looking for high-end custom boxes, PakFactory specializes in luxury packaging. They offer a wide range of products that range from folding cartons to hard, heavy boxes used by designer brands. What’s cool about the company is how their engineers and designers work together to make sure the packaging doesn’t just look amazing with fancy finishes like gold foil, but that it’s also tough enough to survive the retail shelf. PakFactoryships globally, which makes them a good option for orders and shipments of large collections across different countries.

Website: Pakfactory.com

10. Freyr

Freyr not only provides cosmetic packaging design but also handles the part of packaging that often gives business owners the most stress, which is regulatory compliance. Their main focus is high-volume artwork and labeling, making sure every ingredient list and legal disclaimer is 100% correct for whatever country the product is being distributed in. Since they work across over a hundred countries, they use AI and massive databases to track formula rules and labeling laws. Freyr is essentially the safety provider that ensures that a brand’s creative packaging meets the strict technical requirements of global manufacturing.

Website: Freyrsolutions.com

11. Seacliff Beauty

Seacliff Beauty is a leader in the cosmetic packaging design market that is also owned by a woman. They offer personalized packaging and all-in-one solutions. This means that they can handle almost every step of the production process from the initial formulation of the product to assembling the final packaging. The company has been around for over twenty years and really highlights sustainable innovation, like using ocean-bound plastic or refillable systems to replace single-use plastic packaging. For brands with a unique vision, Seacliff Beauty is a great partner that assists clients in navigating the whole process from lab to shelf.

Website: Seacliffbeauty.com

12. The Packaging Company

For brands that need high-quality containers that have been tested by advanced engineering and CAD and CAM design support, the Packaging Company is the top choice. They have a huge inventory of glass and plastic bottles and jars, but their real secret weapon is their ability to make products in-house. Because they can create custom molds, they can help you design a bottle shape that nobody else has. They blend old-school craftsmanship with modern tech to make sure every pump and cap fits perfectly. They are a very reliable packaging concept design partner for your needs, whether you’re a small startup or an international brand.

Website: Thepackagingcompany.us

13. Velocity Production and Packaging

Velocity Production and Packaging is a brand’s behind-the-scenes partner for manufacturing solutions including end-to-end services like delivery and shipment. They will help you develop formulas with expert chemists and even for the final assembly of the products. Since their scope includes logistics and the supply chain, brands can focus on the fun stuff like marketing and growing the brand to reach more potential customers. Plus, they are well known for quality testing, which allows brand owners to relax and feel stress-free because each and every product is safe and maintains high-quality standards.

Website: Velocitypropack.com

14. New High Glass

For brands that have decided on choosing glass packaging, New High Glass is the veteran with over 40 years of experience. They know exactly how to take the initial rough sketch and turn it into a customized mold design that is ready for production. Their product packaging design team will work hard to help clients navigate manufacturing and factory processes to keep costs down. Services like digital engraving, frosting, and silk screening are all available in-house to make it easier and more convenient for clients. All in all, they are a solid choice for luxury brands that also want to explore operations that are ethical and environmentally friendly.

Website: Newhigh.com

15. APC Packaging

APC Packaging can be a very ideal partner for brands that want to experiment with eco-friendly and innovative packaging design. They work with everyone from big global companies to small independent startup businesses. The product line focuses on patented, eco-conscious solutions like refillable jars and easy-to-recycle materials. They’re very fast, using an ultra-lean approach that will help launch brands in the product quickly and smoothly. For high-tech printing, specialty coatings that provide protection, and an attractive design that makes customers want to reach for the product, APC Packaging has got clients covered.

Website: Apcpackaging.com

16. Sun Nature

Sun Nature is a one-stop shop for brands looking for beautiful, fashion-forward gift boxes and specialized packaging for specific skincare sets that are also realistic and practical. They have a massive research and product design team that keeps up to date on modern trends to ensure that artwork on packaging looks current and fashionable. They also offer all kinds of high-end finisheslike gold foil and intricate die-cutting. Plus, Sun Nature also manages the whole process from the first sample drawing to global shipping and warehousing.

Website: Sunnature.my

17. Cosmopak

To stay ahead of the trends, Cosmopak is the ultimate creative partner. They have a global network that specializes in eco-forward materials, like aluminum compacts that are actually recyclable and refillable. For custom packaging shapes and decorations, brands can also choose from different curated sample collections that fit their product. The company focuses heavily on sustainability, offering refillable and biodegradable options that look just as high-end as any traditional packaging in the market.

Website: Cosmopak.com

18. MSLK

MSLK is more of a brand-building studio rather than just a manufacturing company. They help beauty and wellness brands find their unique voice and tell a cohesive origin story. For brands that feel a bit lost in a crowded market with so many competitors, they step in with high-level strategy and action plans to make sure your logo, packaging, and digital marketing all point in the same direction. They focus on the full service experience, ensuring your product doesn’t just look good on a shelf, but also performs well on social media and online shopping platforms.

Website: Mslk.com

19. CP Cosmetic Boxes

If brands are looking for a partner in the U.S. that doesn’t demand a massive upfront commitment, CP Cosmetic Boxes is a top supplier. They’ve done away with minimum order requirements, which is a lifesaver for growing brands that cannot afford to buy large quantities of packaging. The company also specializes in durable, eco-friendly boxes for all types of products, including foundations and even high-end gift sets. Their team even offers free design help and quick turnaround times. This makes it a lot easier for brands to launch their personalized packaging and place them on store shelves without the usual stress.

Website: Cpcosmeticboxes.com

20. CarePac

CarePac, part of the Polyoak Packaging family, focuses on the how and why behind every packaging type making sure that any design always has a positive impact on the environment and community. They don’t just make containers but handle the whole process from R&D to making the mold according to precise and accurate specifications. When clients need a standard bottle or a completely custom shape for a new lotion or shampoo, they’ve got the tech to do it. What’s really unique is their technical support. Brands can be assured that CarePac will handle things like hygiene surveys and microbial testing to make sure the packaging works perfectly while also staying safe for your customers.

Website: Poloapackaging.com

21. BV Packaging

BV Packaging is a high-tech manufacturer that really maintains its objective of innovatingconstantly. They produce everything from airless pump bottles to sustainable containers made from wheat straw, of course while making sure that the manufacturing stations all have food-grade levels of cleanliness and hygiene. Their design team is great at helping brands nail down complex artwork, including cool finishes like holographic printing. Because they use advanced injection and blow molding, every piece fits together perfectly. They also do rigorous inspections throughout production to prevent delivery surprises.

Website: Bvpackaging.com.au

22. RK Global Pack

Based in LA with a strong presence in Korea and China, RK Global Pack plays the role of middleman the best way possible. They handle the entire journey from a brand’s first product concept design to the final form that sits on a retail shelf. Services offered are from start to finish, beginning with creating and managing branding, formulation, up to the point of quality control. They are especially good at finding the best packaging options to fit a client’s specific budget and timeline. As a result, this helps brands avoid expensive mistakes. As a bonus, RK Global Pack can connect brands with major retailers.

Website: Rkglobalpack.com

23. Print Rigid Boxes

When brands want that premiumunboxing experience, Print Rigid Boxes is the place to go. They specialize in those sturdy, high-end boxes with lids that are being usedby luxury designer names. Clients can get really creative with the different options for finishes like soft-touch coatings or foil stamping. This will definitely make the brand stand out. They offer free 3D mockups so clients can see exactly how the packaging looks before signing off to start production for the entire order. With no minimum orders and even fast turnarounds, Print Rigid Boxes is very agile 3D design partner for both online shops and physical boutiques.

Website: Printrigidboxes.com

24. APG

APG is a major player in the beauty and cosmetics industry, producing over 600 million pieces a year for both global brands and private labels. They specialize in very detailed packaging that makes a product feel high-end. Some examples would be packaging with a combination of unique material choices or satisfying magnetic closures on lipsticks and compacts. Even with production reaching a very massive scale, the company stays mindful of its impact on the environment in the future, by offering plenty of eco-friendly and refillable options. For brands that want to scale up quickly in terms of production, APG has the infrastructure to fill these requirements while still maintaining a distinct luxury vibe.

Website: Apackaginggroup.com

25. ICONS America

For brands that want to keep production close to home, ICONS America is the ideal choice to keep top of mind. Based in North Carolina, they focus on domestic manufacturing for both masstigeand luxury brands. They are experts in sustainable injection-molded tubes and caps, using recycled resins and mono-materials that are easier on the planet. Their in-house engineering team uses 3D printing services to move from a concept to a final product fast. The company helps brands navigate the confusion and hassle of global supply chains and worldwide delivery by keeping things local and efficient.

Website: Icons-america.com

26. Innovative Cosmetic Concepts

Innovative Cosmetic Concepts offers what the industry calls a turnkey partner, where a brand’s rough idea or concept is worked on and shaped into a refined finished product that is ready for the shelf. It’s like turning a key and everything is ready to go. They have a huge library of existing formulas that clients can use, or better yet, they can help a client build something entirely custom-made, unlike any other. With factories in both the U.S. and Asia, they offer a lot of flexibility on pricing and order volumes. They also handle the complex paperwork like regulatory rules and quality checks, so brands can focus on all the fun, creative elements.

Website: Innovativecosmeticsus.com

27. PRECISE Cosmetics Packaging

Based in California, PRECISE highlights its flexibility and personal service as its main strengths. They offer a huge range of glass bottles, jars, and compacts. One of the best things about this company is that they are especially friendly to growing brands because they offer low minimum order quantities. A team of product engineers works side-by-side with the client to customize containers, even other value-added services, including options for high-end finishes like silk screening or water transfer printing. On top of it all, they also handle the filling and assembly, which really simplifies the whole supply chain for the client.

Website: Precisecosmetics.com

28. 99designs

99designs by Vista has a more collaborative, community-driven approach to design. Instead of acting like a traditional agency, they connect you with a global network of freelance product designers. You can either start a contest to see a bunch of different creative ideas for packaging or work one-on-one with a specific expert. It’s a great way to avoid generic-looking templates and find a design that actually has some personality. They also handle the copyrights and the technical briefs, which becomes an easy, professional, and budget-friendly way to get custom artwork that any brand can apply to their own products.

Website: 99Designs.com

29. Packagly

Packagly is a specialist in custom boxes that are built to look elegant and stay sturdy. Whether clients need perfume boxes, lotion cartons, or soap sleeves, all these packaging options are available to be upgraded with premium finishes like gold foil and matte lamination. It doesn’t matter if a business is a startup needing a small batch to begin with or a large retailer that needs industrial-scale production. They even have a 3D mockup tool and a dieline generator on their site, so clients can see exactly how the designs will look before they go to production.

Website: Packagly.com

30. Access Iconix

Access Iconix is a great resource for brands that are at the very early stages of life. They use modern digital tools to help startups build a solid visual foundation by creating designs for the logos and even icons that end up on the packaging. They have a very clean, contemporary aesthetic that is made for today’s tech-savvy shoppers who are used to different retail platforms. Their goal is to make professional branding fast and accessible, giving brands the high-quality assets they need to move smoothly from a digital image to an actual, physical product.

Website: Accessiconix.com

31. HCP Packaging

HCP Packaging has global operations that can produce all types of makeup and skincare containers. They have an international network of factories that use high-end engineering for things like compacts, mascaras, and lipstick cases. Their new product development team uses 3D modeling to turn a quick sketch into a finished industrial product with very little lead time. They also keep a close eye on global trends while still focusing on sustainability, often leading the way with refillable and easy-to-recycle designs that have not been introduced by any other company in the cosmetic industry.

Website: Hcppackaging.com

32. WeCustomBoxes

When it comes to being a one-stop shop for creative boxes, WeCustomBoxes is a strong candidate. They focus on helping brands connect with their audience through a huge variety of shapes, sizes, and textures in their packaging. Their design team is very hands-on, helping clients brainstorm from the very start to make sure the final layout matches the vision of the brand and the product. Whether brands need a big bulk order or just a limited supply enough to launch the product, the final packaging design is guaranteed to look sharp and precise thanks to their high-quality printing technology and 3D prototyping services. Their customer service is also unparalleled because of their team’s ability to provide instant quotes and transition from design to manufacturing in a short amount of time.

Website: Wecustomboxes.com

33. Runkbottle

Runkbottle specializes in the high-performance side of packaging, covering innovative types like airless pump bottles and fine-mist sprayers. They focus on using eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics without sacrificing quality. While the company also offers a wide variety of shapes and sizes ready to go, clients can still avail of customization options like silk screening and UV coating to give the product a premium feel. Since they keep a large amount of inventory that is ready to ship anytime, Runkbottle proves that they are a great partner for clients who need to scale up quickly but want to keep the overall design and look of the packaging consistent.

Website: Runkbottle.com

34. Pixellent Design

Based in Los Angeles, Pixellent Design is an award-winning agency that markets itself as a brand development firm that looks at the entire picture. They have a very research-heavy approach, making sure every design choice actually helps the brand’s business hit its goals. The team handleseverything from logo creation to creating mockups for complex structural packaging that can be used by both startups and big corporations. Their team has a great track record of creating those memorable unboxingexperiences. A brand’s product is guaranteed to stand out the moment it’s taken out of the shipping box because of smart use of textures and images, elevating the look and feel of the box.

Website: Pixellent-solutions.com

35. Wow Cosmetic Boxes

Wow Cosmetic Boxes upholds its commitment to customer experience by providing extra touches in the packaging that make a product feel expensive. They specialize in rigid paperboard and folding cartons with high-end finishes like holographic foiling, magnetic closures, and soft-touch lamination. The experienced 3D design team also provides detailed 3D mockups so clients can see exactly how the branding looks before production starts. With no minimum orders and fast delivery, Wow remains a very flexible partner for businesses of all sizes that need sturdy, beautiful packaging that can survive shipment and mail delivery without getting damaged.

Website: Wowcosmeticboxes.com

36. The Visions Packaging

The Visions Packaging focuses on tailored solutions that fit any client’s specific product profile. They’re great at finding that right balance between a luxury look that stays within a reasonable budget, especially for serum cartons and gift sets. Their design team works closely with the client to make sure the box actually reflects the quality of the formula inside. All the important product processes, starting from the initial layout of the design concept to distributing the final products to retail worldwide, Visions Packaging offers seamless and smooth services.

Website: Thevisionspackaging.com

How Cad Crowd can help

At the end of the day, cosmetic packaging is a mix of science, art, and clever marketing. It is never just the physical design that you see with your eyes. Whether the client is looking for a sleek lipstick tube, a custom jar, or a luxury gift box, it takes the right CAD service to turn a good concept into a product that actually wows customers.

If you’re looking for help from expert designers, Cad Crowd is a great place to find freelance professionals who specialize in exactly this kind of packaging design work. Browse the large network, check out detailed portfolios, and connect with pros who know how to bring your vision to life. Your next big product launch might just be in the hands of one freelancer who is the right fit for your vision. Get a free quote today!

MacKenzie Brown is the founder and CEO of Cad Crowd. With over 18 years of experience in launching and scaling platforms specializing in CAD services, product design, manufacturing, hardware, and software development, MacKenzie is a recognized authority in the engineering industry. Under his leadership, Cad Crowd serves esteemed clients like NASA, JPL, the U.S. Navy, and Fortune 500 companies, empowering innovators with access to high-quality design and engineering talent.

Connect with me: LinkedIn ✦ X ✦ Cad Crowd

Microsoft is reportedly offering voluntary buyouts to up to 7 percent of its employees

Posted on April 23, 2026 by faz_business

Microsoft is planning to get rid of more US employees via its first voluntary buyout program, CNBC reports. The buyout program will reportedly be offered to US employees at “the senior director level and below whose years of employment and age add up to 70 or higher,” and could cover up to 7 percent of the company’s US workforce.

With around 125,000 employees in the US as of June 2025, that could mean up to 8,750 will be offered a paid exit when Microsoft begins its program in May. That’s a smaller figure than the 15,000 or so employees the company laid off in May and July of 2025, but still significant, particularly if the majority of employees do take the buyout.

“Our hope is that this program gives those eligible the choice to take that next step on their own terms, with generous company support,” Microsoft’s executive vice president and chief people officer Amy Coleman shared in a memo viewed by CNBC.

Engadget has contacted Microsoft to confirm the existence of the voluntary buyout program and other details CNBC reported. We’ll update this article if we hear back.

Microsoft used its 2025 layoffs to streamline layers of management and its video game business, but these new cuts may have a lot more to do with AI. Not necessarily because the company’s adoption of AI tools has made employees redundant, but rather because Microsoft continues to aggressively spend on AI infrastructure. The company said it spent $37.5 billion in capital expenditures during Q2 2026, much of which went toward data center buildout.

Bluesky now supports better quality photos

Posted on April 23, 2026 by faz_business

Bluesky is beefing up its social network as a better place to post photos. Late Wednesday, the company announced a new version of its app (version 1.121), which boosts the quality of images in posts both in terms of upload size and resolution.

Before, Bluesky only supported photo uploads of 1MB or less. Now, that limit has doubled to 2MB. In addition, photos will render at up to 4000px, instead of 2000x, as before.

In addition, the company replaced its old image grid with a swipeable carousel that can handle mixed aspect ratios without cropping. (Although early feedback from some Bluesky users indicates that they would prefer the choice between posting as a grid or carousel.)

The changes could make Bluesky’s app more competitive with other social networks, like X or Meta’s Threads.

The latter became well known after its launch as a showcase for photos, thanks to its support for a variety of aspect ratios and its carousel, which offered clever ways to split up larger photos for viewing in this way. In fact, it even inspired a developer to create a standalone app to help users post their panoramic photos to Threads. (Threads still supports a larger maximum image size, though it isn’t published in Threads’ documentation.)

The Power of Connection: Why Bilingual Speakers are the Heart of Impact Sourcing

Posted on April 23, 2026 by faz_business

In today’s global economy, “connection” is often discussed in terms of high-speed internet and seamless software. But on the Arise® Platform, the most powerful connections are human. They are built through shared language, culture, and the empathy that comes from being truly understood.

As we continue to scale our mission, two pillars have become inseparable: the elevation of bilingual speakers and our commitment to impact sourcing within underrepresented communities.

Beyond Translation: The Bilingual Advantage

For a customer, being able to speak their native language during a high-stakes interaction, whether it’s a healthcare inquiry or a travel emergency, isn’t just a convenience. It is a bridge to trust. Bilingual Service Partners bring more than just linguistic fluency to the platform; they navigate cultural nuances and provide a level of comfort that technology alone cannot replicate.

By prioritizing bilingual proficiency, we aren’t just expanding a “service offering.” We are ensuring that every customer, regardless of their primary language, feels seen and heard.

“ Being a bilingual Service Partner has empowered me to serve my community while building a purpose-driven business. My business is not just answering calls, we’re removing language barriers and providing a lifeline to individuals who need clear, compassionate support. It’s an opportunity to make a real difference while creating meaningful growth.”—  Celines Castro, Javiste Corp

Impact Sourcing: Purpose-Driven Growth

The Arise® Platform’s role in impact sourcing is rooted in intentionally creating pathways for Service Partners from underrepresented communities – including rural areas, military families, and minority-owned micro-enterprises – to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

By bringing the work to where people live, we catalyze local economic growth. This is especially true for bilingual Service Partners, many of whom reside in vibrant, diverse communities that have long been overlooked by traditional corporate hubs.

The Path Forward

The future of customer experience is diverse, inclusive, and multilingual. By investing in impact sourcing, Arise is doing more than just filling seats. We are empowering entrepreneurs and closing the opportunity gap.

And bilingual Service Partners represent the best of what we do: combining skill, culture, and passion to create a world where every conversation matters.

Celines Castro, owner of Javiste Corp, may profit if Agents sign up under her business. Circumstances vary from person to person and her experience may not be representative.

The Creator and Director of ‘Widow’s Bay’ on Crafting Their Quirky, Spooky New Series

Posted on April 23, 2026 by faz_business

Cursed islands are a well-worn horror trope, but you’ve never been to one quite like the setting of Apple TV’s new series Widow’s Bay. The locals know there’s a darkness hanging over them—it’s just another part of life in this quaint village located 40 miles off the coast of New England.

Here, there’s no wi-fi, but there are plenty of strange creatures, odd weather patterns, and legends that hew far closer to actual history than to folklore. That becomes a problem when the town’s ambitious mayor, Tom Loftis (Matthew Rhys), launches his plan to turn Widow’s Bay into a bougie tourist destination at the exact moment the island starts “waking up” in all sorts of supernatural ways.

Across 10 episodes, Widow’s Bay mixes offbeat humor with freaky scares. Ahead of the show’s premiere next week, io9 talked to creator, showrunner, and executive producer Katie Dippold (Parks and Recreation, The Heat, Ghostbusters: Answer the Call) and director and executive producer Hiro Murai (Atlanta, Station Eleven) to learn more.

This interview has been slightly edited and condensed.

Cheryl Eddy, io9: Apple TV is such a destination for sci-fi, but we haven’t seen it do too many horror shows. What does it mean to you to be one of the first horror shows on the streamer?

Katie Dippold: It’s exciting. I mean, I have to give Apple credit. In the pitch, we didn’t necessarily say “horror show,” but we said we wanted to do both horror and comedy and that we didn’t really have a direct [comparison] for it. And so to Apple’s credit—that’s nerve-wracking for a studio to hear.

Hiro Murai: Yeah, they really didn’t flinch.

Widows Bay Sheriff — Kevin Carroll in *Widow’s Bay*. © Apple TV

io9: Widow’s Bay has some obvious influences—including John Carpenter’s The Fog and Halloween, Jaws, and H.P. Lovecraft. What was the genesis of the Widow’s Bay story, and how did you decide to incorporate those inspirations?

Dippold: I would say the inspiration was trying to capture a certain feeling that I’ve always wanted. As a kid in New Jersey in the ‘80s, there was a haunted house that I would always go to with my family. It’s terrifying. I was way too young for it. But I loved that I would go, and it was terrifying, and I would scream, but we would also laugh, and it’s very communal. And so I’ve wanted to capture that feeling. And I’ve always wanted a place like this to actually exist. Like, I want to go to this island. I want to go to the weird inn, and I want to go to the Salty Whale. Just to feel like there’s these nooks and crannies you can discover is very exciting to me.

[As for the inspirations], you’re absolutely correct. We especially talked about Jaws a lot, and I think it was important for us to feel like [we weren’t doing] a parody of it or doing it exactly—but just [feeling] the spirit of it.

Murai: I also think this island [is] remote and it’s kind of disconnected from time, and they don’t have modern technology, and there’s something kind of inherently nostalgic about it. I think when we’re touching on things like Jaws and The Fog, to us it was conjuring the nostalgia of being kids and watching those movies at the same time. That was something that we were trying to harness, the feeling of watching those movies more than the movies themselves maybe.

io9: Widow’s Bay has an offbeat tone that shifts between deadpan humor and dark horror. How did you go about getting that balance just right?

Dippold: We tried to make sure the horror never felt too bleak. The show goes to dark places, but I think the balancing act of horror and comedy—it kind of wants to feel in the same spirit of joy, even if it’s just truly scary. Another important thing is that the scary thing isn’t usually funny. That was important to us, to really take it seriously and not let the comedy undercut the horror. So to be honest, we were constantly molding and finding things and discovering things that worked and didn’t work. And it was a very organic, creative journey.

Murai: Yeah. Sometimes we would film things, we’d do a take, and then we’d just look at each other like, “That didn’t feel good. And we don’t know why.” And so we would change the way it was staged or the performances. It was very much a discovery process.

Widows Bay Matthewrhys — Matthew Rhys in *Widow’s Bay*. © Apple TV

io9: The character of Tom has to be a guy you root for even as he’s doing things he knows he shouldn’t. How did you know Matthew Rhys was the right choice?

Dippold: Not until we met him, because we had been thinking about it for a long time. Casting was one of the hardest parts, because it’s like—there’s so many people that are so funny that would be a dream to work with, but then it just doesn’t feel right for the tone of the show, and you wouldn’t necessarily buy them living on this island. And then if that’s the case, then you wouldn’t really feel the tension. Matthew [is] an amazing dramatic actor; we were both big fans. We met with him on Zoom, and he was just so funny and just so lovely, and we just had a great meeting. When Hiro and I got on the phone afterwards, [we were] like, “This feels good!”

io9: The lore of the island is so detailed. Did you come up with a huge list beforehand of stuff you wanted to include, or did it come up organically while the episodes were being written?

Dippold: It was a lot of trial and error. There were so many different things that I just wanted to see and just wanted to do, and sometimes we know we would brainstorm that in [the writers’] room, and it just didn’t feel right for the show, and then some stuff did feel right for the show. Also, a key component was making sure we’re using the horror tropes to also explore the characters. A lot of the horrors of being a human being are really the most important, and just using that sort of as a way to explore it.

io9: I loved the weirdly sinister board games that Tom finds at the inn. It’s definitely a “pause and look twice” moment.

Dippold: One of the things I love about the way that [Hiro] shot it is, like, just [moving the camera past a game called] She Shouldn’t Have Said That. And it’s never explained, which is my favorite kind of humor, where you’re not saying, “Here is the joke.” I think Hiro is especially awesome at [that]: “Oh, did you catch it? Okay. Well, maybe not, but keep moving.” And so that did tickle me.

Widows Bay Kate — Kate O’Flynn in *Widow’s Bay*. © Apple TV

io9: Without spoiling any plot points, when we get to the end of the season, it feels like there could be additional chapters to this story. Did you envision it as a contained, single season, or is there a possibility to do more?

Dippold: I like a season ending where you feel satisfied but also could continue. So there’s definitely much more that could be done.

Widow’s Bay stars Matthew Rhys (who’s also an executive producer) along with Kate O’Flynn, Stephen Root, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Kevin Carroll, Dale Dickey, K Callan, and Jeff Hiller. It premieres April 29 on Apple TV.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

MOCORO and MSTRETCH Express Tools: Tuesday Tips With Frank | AutoCAD Blog

Posted on April 23, 2026 by faz_business

Reading this blog series, you might get the idea that I’ve used AutoCAD all of my professional life. Well, that’s close, but not entirely true. There were others, and most had some cool feature that I really liked and recall fondly.

When I left college, I immediately got a job using CAD that was required by the U.S. Navy programs we were working on. I have no clue what the software was, but I used a Tektronix 4014 during my second shift work. It was unbelievably slow, and the software itself was unremarkable, but the thing I remember most is the built-in cursor controls.

About 15 years later I took a job that required me to use a CAD software called VisionAEL. It ran on UNIX workstations, and had a really cool feature that I later reproduced with AutoLISP. When you copied something, after designating the second target point, you’d have the option to rotate it in 15* increments by using the arrow keys on your keyboard. So cool!

What’s my point? There are some great ideas that you can incorporate into your AutoCAD work. Fortunately, Autodesk has already created some of these, and they come packaged as the Express Tools in AutoCAD.

Today, I’m going to discuss a couple of favorites. One that packages multiple functions together, and another that extends the functionality of the original command. You’ll find them in the Modify panel of the Express Tools tab of the ribbon.

Screenshot of Express Tools in AutoCAD ribbon

MOCORO

The first is officially called MOCORO, short for MOve – COpy – ROtate. I alluded to it back in a post I did about Insights, but I never explained it, so here it goes. First of all, it’s slightly mis-named. It also lets you change the Basepoint and Scale, but I imagine the powers that be thought the way MOCORO rolls off the tongue is better than MOCOROBASC.

In any regard, below you can see an animation of how it works. Let’s say our task is to copy the furnishings from Arnold Green’s office number 6073 into the empty 6100 office, but aligned for the upper left corner. Your conventional move might be to copy the desk, chair, and equipment into the new office space, then rotate them, and then move them to the corner.

That’s way too much work for this lazy old drafter. Let MOCORO help you out. After each operation, you’ll get a drop-down menu (as long as you have Dynamic Input turned on) where you can choose your next function. Below, I launch MOCORO, select the objects, specify the corner, choose the rotate function next, and position it accordingly.

Each time I complete an operation, the options reappear, enabling me to choose another operation using the same selected object and basepoint. If needed, however, I can change the basepoint by selecting the Base option. Select Exit when you’re done.

MSTRETCH

Next up is MSTRETCH. This command enhances the stretch command by allowing you to select multiple objects to stretch. To demonstrate, I’ll use three rectangles that all need to be stretched by the same amount. We’ve all learned from our early days using AutoCAD that the Stretch command requires a crossing selection.

Short of remembering the CP selection option, stretching these three rectangles would require three stretch operations. The animation below will show you how the Stretch Multiple tool can help out.

Final Thoughts

AutoCAD has plenty of cool features sprinkled throughout the Express Tools. Way back in my first year of writing these Tuesday Tips, I wrote about finding them (and more). Don’t forget to expand the five panels in the Express Tools tab that have additional tools in their pull-down menus. Until next time!

More Tuesday Tips

Check out our whole Tuesday Tips series for ideas on how to make AutoCAD work for you.

Best Pragmata Mods To Enhance Hugh And Diana's Adventures

Posted on April 23, 2026 by faz_business

Pragmata is shaping up to be another massive action-adventure success for publisher Capcom, but you can make the experience even better by using different mods. Naturally, these mods are only available for PC players, so anyone on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S will have to stick with the default game. Fortunately for fans playing Pragmata on PC, there are already a number of mods that improve the game in multiple ways. You can download standard quality-of-life mods to fix a slight annoyance or change the game in a more drastic way by downloading a mod that alters gameplay.

While you can always browse Nexus Mods for all of the mods on offer, we have taken it upon ourselves to compile the best mods you can currently download. As time goes on and more mods are created, we’ll add to this list, but for now, here are the best Pragmata mods from the community.

Lunafilament Multiplier

Created by: capn0b
Download link: Nexus Mods

Lunafilament is the primary currency that you’ll spend during your time with Pragmata, and while it’s not in short supply, you constantly find yourself needing more for upgrades. The Lunafilament Multiplier mod simply increases the amount of the currency you receive every time you loot it. So when you defeat some enemies, you’ll gain around 1,000 Lunafilament instead of the normal 100 or so. Now, you should have a much easier time purchasing all of the upgrades at the same rate you unlock them during the main story.

Longer Scan

Created by: xyzkljl1
Download link: Nexus Mods

Diana’s scan ability is quite useful in Pragmata, as it helps with locating loot as well as guiding you to your next story destination. However, the default time of the scan is pretty short, and you might not be able to look at everything you need to during the course of a single scan. Fortunately, the Longer Scan mod increases the time of the scan, giving you a much longer look at your surroundings and not forcing you to scan an area multiple times.

Outfit Unlocker

Created by: WuhanBiohazard
Download link: Nexus Mods

The available outfits you can unlock for both Hugh and Diana in Pragmata look incredible in-game, and they’re all certainly worth grinding for. Of course, it takes hours of playtime and purchasing a specific edition of the game to unlock every possible outfit for both characters. To bypass all of that, you can download the Outfit Unlocker mod, which immediately gives you access to all outfits at the Shelter. If you’re looking to do this without skipping corners so much though, check out our Pragmata Outfits guide.

Unlimited Auto Hack

Created by: Kazzy
Download link: Nexus Mods

Hacking plays a major role in all aspects of Pragmata. However, in combat, hacking becomes essential, as your weapons barely deal damage to enemies until after you’ve hacked them. Whether you want to cheese the system to make combat easier or you’re not a fan of the hacking mini-game during a fight, you can download the Unlimited Auto Hack mod. This gives you infinite access to Auto Hack, which immediately hacks an enemy when you use the command during combat. With this always enabled, you can solely focus on dealing damage with your weapons.

Pragmata Brutal Vision

Created by: Kassina
Download link: Nexus Mods

Pragmata features a gorgeous setting that makes for jaw-dropping visuals in every sector you visit. However, if you want a “more intense” graphical experience while playing, then download the Pragmata Brutal Vision mod. This mod rebalances the color palette, sharpens the visuals, and adds a stronger contrast for starker graphics overall. You’ll still see the core of Pragmata’s original art direction, but the mod adds more cinematic and realistic visuals.

Pragmata 100% Save

Created by: dragonitemods
Download link: Nexus Mods

There are technically two endings in Pragmata: the default ending and the true ending. The default ending is what you get when you first play through the game and see the credits roll. The true ending comes by completing the Unknown Signal feature, which is only added after you see the default ending. If you want to skip the entirety of the Unknown Signal part of the game, though, then download the Pragmata 100% Save mod, which fully completes the game with the exception of the Mk. II version of the final boss. This allows you to see the true ending without having to put in all of the work associated with Unknown Signal.

Infinite_Hacking_Thruster_Gauge

Created by: OverZ3
Download link: Nexus Mods

Diana’s Overdrive Protocol ability is basically your ultimate ability in Pragmata, and it allows you to temporarily halt enemies from performing any action. This is incredibly useful to have, but you can only power it up by killing enemies or collecting Data Shards. If you always want access to Overdrive Protocol, though, then just download the Infinite_Hacking_Thruster_Gauge mod. This makes it so your ability gauge is always full and ready to go whenever you need it.

Hugh – Scribble Suit

Created by: linkthehyliann
Download link: Nexus Mods

During Pragmata’s Sketchbook demo in December 2025, we saw a different suit for Hugh than we have in the full version of the game. The suit looked like it had Diana’s colorful scribbles all over it, and players loved the uniqueness of the design. Currently, there’s no way to use the Scribble Suit for Hugh in Pragmata, but we can change that with the Scribble Suit mod. Now, you can use this one-of-a-kind suit during the entirety of the game rather than remember it fondly from the demo.

Workspace Intelligence is Google’s agentic AI era for true assistance with Gemini

Posted on April 23, 2026 by faz_business

What you need to know

Google’s giving some Workspace Intelligence this week, as it detailed the agentic AI future for users during Cloud Next 2026.
Workspace Intelligence is integrated into every app, understanding what matters to you, so it can produce it for you via automation.
Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Chat all receive Gemini, Workspace Intelligence-infused updates for file creation and AI assistance.

Workspace gets businesses (big and small) through their days, and now Google is detailing major AI-focused updates to make their time even easier.

Amid Google’s Cloud Next 2026 event, the company debuted Workspace Intelligence as part of its agentic push to help users work smarter. According to Google, this new approach aims to deliver “real-time understanding” to your apps by merging your projects into an automated process. It reports that Workspace Intelligence understands the relationships between your apps, projects, collaborators, and more.

Gemini to know “what’s important to you.” For this, you can think of dates, emails, files, and the like.

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The personalization aspect of this comes into play, as the agentic AI learns who you are and how you speak, even understanding your workstyle and formatting preferences. While Workspace Intelligence is the huge umbrella that’s tying all of its apps together, Google announced a few updates for those apps.

Ask Gemini in Chat

Updates for the big three—that is Docs, Slides, and Sheets—bring Gemini up a few notches, as well as Workspace Intelligence. For Google Docs, Gemini’s involvement can create infographics using your data, make edits based on other comments, and “edit multiple images,” thanks to the new agentic AI upgrade. Gemini in Sheets can scour your emails, documents, chats, and web info to “visualize all of your data.”

Workspace Intelligence will take into account your files and your company’s visual style to create presentations in Slides. Google Chat receives “Ask Gemini in Chat,” a unified experience that is said to merge the AI with every chat you have with colleagues and partners. If you need assistance, Google says you can query the AI, and its results will appear in chat once it’s compiled.

What’s more, Ask Gemini in Chat can provide a daily brief of unread messages and “urgent action items,” generate new Docs or Slides, schedule meetings, and find files for you. The company then highlights the new AI Inbox for Gmail, which launched early in April. This new inbox makes sure you’re privy to important emails about upcoming bill payments, appointments, and messages from “priority” contacts.

After testing, AI Inbox is here and ready to roll, but only if you’re interested. Google is offering this feature at $250 per month for Google AI Ultra subscribers in the U.S.

Android Central’s Take

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: this is where Google’s AI truly shines. The usefulness of Gemini merging with Workspace Intelligence is when you start seeing a true work assistant. For larger companies and people tasked with keeping an eye on so many things and working on projects, this will likely be a boon to them. I’m not sure how I feel about the AI trying to generate something in my voice or my company’s image. That just sounds like a recipe for disaster, but everything else? I’m with it.