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Peacock, NBCUniversal's streaming platform, has experienced a surge in growth since its arrival on the scene in July 2020. Though not as large as some of its rivals, the platform looks similar toNetflix,Hulu,Disney PlusandHBO Max, with a tiled interface lined with famous network shows.

But unlike those other services, Peacock has a version that's completely free to watch with ads. In that respect it's similar tofree streaming servicessuch as Pluto TV, Tubi and Roku Channels, but with a better selection. Peacock's free tier offers about 40,000 hours of ad-supported content. You'll find shows, movies, news,live sportsand skit-style clips, with standouts including The Office, Parks and Recreation, Modern Family, 30 Rock and Downton Abbey: A New Era.

The catch? Many marquee series only include the first two seasons with the free tier -- you'll need to upgrade to Peacock Premium at $5 a month to binge it all. Popular shows like Bel-Air and Yellowstone also only offer one episode on the free tier, with the rest behind the Premium paywall. And some shows, like Parks and Recreation and The Office, are only available as complete series on Premium.

Peacock's live sports offering is a strength, although most live events require a Premium subscription. It has NFL Sunday Night Football, theUS Open,MLBon Sunday mornings, WWE wrestling, Premier League and more.

If you upgrade to the Premium tier ($5 a month or $50 a year, with ads) or the PremiumPlus tier ($10 a month or $100 a year), you'll get access to the full catalog of 60,000 hours of content. You'll also get next-day access to new episodes of all current NBC shows and even early access to Late Night with Seth Meyers and The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon the night they air.

The free version of Peacock is worth exploring, but whether you're willing to pay $5 to $10 a month when you already have the other major streaming services will depend on how much you want to watch favorites like The Office, Yellowstone and live sports.

Read more:Peacock free or Premium? Ads or no ads? Here's how to pick the right streaming plan

I tested out Peacock's ad-supported free tier and its ad-supported $5-a-month Premium tier. (You don't need a credit card to sign up for the free account, just an email address, which is nice.) Peacock promises that you'll see 5 minutes or less of ads per hour across both ad-supported tiers.

My experience varied depending on the show and device. While watching The Hitman's Bodyguard on a Roku TV, there were six ads sprinkled throughout the film, ranging from 20 to 60 seconds each. Peacock even marks midroll ad breaks so you know when to expect them. But when it played on the iPhone app, there was a notice that we would watch 135 seconds of ads at the beginning, and none for the rest. That option would be great to have on the Apple TV too to get the ads out of the way, but unfortunately it's not (yet).

After scrolling around and watching a bunch of ads, when I went back to start The Hitman's Bodyguard again, there were no ads at all, because I had already seen 5 minutes' worth in the previous hour. It does seem like if you pop in and out of a movie or show, the ad count may reset.

On episodes of Saturday Night Live, there were seven to nine ads sprinkled throughout the episode on both mobile and TV. This is about the same ad experience as watching onHulu's $7-a-month ad-supported plan, or on regular live TV -- except it's free.

It's also worth mentioning that some subscribers to the most-expensive ad-free paid version will still see ads on "a small amount of programming, Peacock channels, live events, and a few TV shows and movies," according to Peacock.

Peacock's homepage and Browse section is similar to other streaming services. There's a big carousel of "hero" tiles at the top and rows of thumbnails below, labeled Peacock Picks, Continue Watching, Riveting Stories, Peacock Originals, Featured Films, What's Your Sign? and so on.For Pride Month, there's also some carousels highlighting LGBTQ movies and TV shows including Modern Family and Queer as Folk. You can also seamlessly search for specific titles, but if you type in "originals," it won't spit out a list of Peacock Originals.

Peacock does have a Kids page with a couple of shows like Barney and Curious George on its free tier, but its most popular shows, including Dreamworks' Dragons: Riders of Berk and The Croods: Family Tree, are only available with a paid subscription. Parents do have the option of setting a PIN-enabled parental lock to limit the age range of content displayed, but there's unfortunately no option to filter out Premium content, which may leave kids frustrated at how many shows are unavailable to them.

Premium shows are mixed in with free offerings, denoted by a little purple feather in the top left corner. It reminds me a bit of Amazon Prime Video, which has shows included in your subscription mixed in with those you have to pay extra for. The app isn't forceful in trying to get you to upgrade, though: You'll only be asked if you want to change to premium if you click on a premium-only show, or if you go to your Account page.

You can stream on up to three devices simultaneously from one account. One negative: Unlike on Netflix, there's no "skip intro" button, so you'll have to hear theme songs over and over unless you manually fast-forward.

One of Peacock's biggest advantages is its access to NBC's strong catalog of content, and its sister networks and entertainment properties, including Bravo, USA Network, Syfy, Oxygen, E!, CNBC, MSNBC and Universal Pictures. There's also some content licensed from rivals, including A&E, ABC, Fox, History, Nickelodeon, DreamWorks Animation, Focus Features and Lionsgate.

Some of the best shows available on the free tier now are Saturday Night Live, 30 Rock, and Downton Abbey and you get all seasons of each (with the exception of 30 Rock, which is missing one season). Upgrade to premium to get the complete run of older shows including Cheers, Frasier, House and Two and a Half Men. For some shows, however, you get only a recent handful of seasons or episodes, even on premium. For example, you'll only find a few episodes of This Is Us.

The catalog is far from complete, however. Some shows you might associate with NBC, like Friends, Seinfeld and Scrubs aren't on Peacock, and don't seem to be coming any time soon. So far, the most successful Peacock originals have been the Fresh Prince prequel drama, Bel-Air, and Bravo reality showsincluding The Real Housewives of Miami and The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip. None have garnered quite the same buzz as other streaming platforms' originals, such as Obi-Wan Kenobi on Disney Plus or HBO Max exclusive The White Lotus.

In the Movies category, you'll find hundreds of titles, organized by genre, franchise, or what's new in theaters. There are helpful carousels dedicated to '80s and '90s nostalgia, with titles including E.T., Back to the Future, Pretty Woman, and Schindler's List. And there are Peacock Originals such as Psych 3: This Is Gus.

However, Peacock's big-name movies don't alwaysstick around for long. The Twilight saga and Sam Raimi's Spider-Man trilogy are set to leave Peacock at the end of June, for example. Others that have come and gone include Reservoir Dogs, Do the Right Thing and Phantom Thread. They may come back, though, a company representative said. And soon, you'll be able to see how long you have to watch a given movie before it expires across all platforms.

Peacock helpfully displays Rotten Tomatoes ratings, both showing the critics' score and the audience score. Movie thumbnails may include a red-tomato, "fresh" rating but don't display a score if the movie is rated "rotten." You can see the score for any movie with a Rotten Tomatoes rating, alongside the audience score, after selecting it. The platform has boasted some immediate streaming rights for theatrical releases, including Jennifer Lopez's Marry Me, Halloween Kills and 2022's Firestarter. In October 2022, Halloween Ends will have a same-day premiere on Peacock.

Michael Myers will close out the newest Halloween saga in theaters and on Peacock.

From Browse, you can navigate to the Channels section of the app, which is another hodgepodge of free content. Channels looks kind of like a cable box grid guide, but instead of various networks and cable channels, you get themed channels around Peacock's programming. These include NBC News Now, Best of WWE, Dateline 24/7, True Crime, and Today: All Day. In addition to more recent programming, some channels focus on older content, from Fallon Tonight, which shows old episodes of The Tonight Show, to SNL Vault, Classic TV, and the Bob Ross Channel. There is also Spanish-language content from Telemundo.

The biggest appeal to Channels for many will likely be its live sports and news programs, which offer a decent selection of live NBC programming without the need for a subscription. These include NBC News Now, Sky News, NBC channels for major cities like New York and Los Angeles, and NBC Sports. You'll also find NBC's new 24-hour version of the Today Show, calledToday All Day, though that includes repackaged Today segments and more lifestyle programming than straight news. However, unlike live TV streaming platforms such as YouTube TV or Hulu With Live TV, there's no option to record programming to a DVR.

Scroll through Peacock channels for 24/7 content.

While there's not too much to complain about in the free tier, the premium offerings still lack several features that competitors like Netflix and Hulu already have.

For one, mobile downloads are still limited to Premium Plus subscribers, the service's most expensive tier. Peacock also still lacks support for4K HDR videoorDolby Atmos, though the company says both of these are also on the future roadmap.

It's free, so why not try it out? If the ads bug you or you want to watch one of the original shows, you can try out its premium tiers free for seven days as well, orfind other dealsdepending on your platform and cable provider; somecable customers can get it for free.

Will Peacock make it onto your daily streaming routine, alongside Netflix and Hulu? Probably not, at least in the short-term. But is it a great free option for finding some older movies and shows you might have missed (or want to watch for the millionth time)? Definitely. If you don't mind watching a few ads, it's a fun place to explore older movies and a big mix of TV shows, and keep up with current NBC shows, news and some live sports in one spot -- especially if you're alreadya cord-cutterand looking to expand your options for free.

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Peacock Review: Lots of Free TV, But You'll Need a Paid Plan to See Everything - CNET

From Software's Elden Ring only released in February, but already its next game - still a mystery for now - is in the "final stages" of development.

As spotted by Gematsu (thanks, PC Gamer), back in 2018, studio boss Hidetaka Miyazaki said that "3.5" of the games the team was currently working on were unannounced, and 4Gamer reached out to ask Miyazaki on their progress.

Since that time, we've had Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, PSVR game, Dracin, and Elden Ring, of course. That leaves just one mysterious game yet to be announced, which may or may not be that heavily-rumoured Armored Core instalment.

At the time, a player reported that they had received a consumer survey directly from the developer which offered plot details, eight screenshots, and even two videos about the unannounced sequel... which does indeed sound like a game in the "final stages" of development.

Whatever it is, though, Miyazaki says "development is currently in the final stages", and is already looking towards the "medium- to long-term" where he'd like to work "on a more abstract fantasy than anything we've done in the past", especially as not all the "ideas and images" from existing game development made it to the final versions.

Interestingly, some have been led by other directors, too.

"We're developing several titles by directors other than myself in addition to the titles that I'm directing, but we're not at the stage where I can share any details yet," he added, adding that when it comes to sequels, "there are merits to both taking over the numbering and creating a new work with a new title".

Miyazaki also confirmed - like other Japanese firms - From has pledged to address starting salaries, and will be increasing the (presumed, but not explicitly specified) monthly starting salary of new graduates to 260,000 - that's around 1500 - as well as make changes to its bonus structure.

As for what those that mysterious game may be about? Well, that's still a mystery for now. However, chances are it'll still feature challenging gameplay; Miyazaki has said that the challenge of From Software's game is "not something [the studio is] willing to abandon", even though he himself "dies a lot" in games.

"We are always looking to improve, but, in our games specifically, hardship is what gives meaning to the experience," Miyazaki said earlier this year. "So it's not something we're willing to abandon at the moment. It's our identity."

Read more:
From Software's next game is in the "final stages" of development - Eurogamer.net

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Near-infrared light reduces glia activation and modulates neuroinflammation in the brains of diet-induced obese mice | Scientific Reports - Nature.com

The modern construction workforce has become increasingly remote, shifting toward a location-agnostic setting. Market reports show that 61% of employees prefer being remote full-time.

While remote work has its advantages in terms of accessibility and convenience, your business will need the right tools for optimized communication for teams deployed across job sites. From video conferencing platforms to collaborative documents, it is essential to integrate intuitive communication solutions that promote virtual teamwork.

You can decide on the most suitable communication solutions for your construction team by first assessing the specific needs of your employees and providing suitable technology in response to their priorities.

Remotely-conducted site management has set the stage for greater workplace flexibility where empathy will remain a driving force across communication channels, creating a powerful feedback loop that drives constant improvement. On the other hand, the lack of an organized collaborative platform might result in communication delays and disruptions that could compromise your construction processes, resulting in reduced productivity and increased safety issues.

Every construction employee has a preferred communication channel or method. Some individuals prefer email exchanges while others would rather communicate via video conference or voice call. For optimal results, you might consider a versatile platform that offers various communication methods that you can conveniently alternate between according to your on-site tasks and collaborations.

For example, you might implement instant messaging programs that support group webinars when sharing content or documents in a complex project. This arrangement makes it easier to convey a message to multiple participants, rather than relying on personalized email exchanges and individual calls.

Another thing to consider is unified communications as a service (UCaaS), which enables your organization to streamline tools via the cloud, including voice calls, video, and text messaging according to immediate organizational objectives of remote worksites.

Collaboration platforms with built-in messaging enable various construction professionals to communicate seamlessly while sharing information or content. Ideally, these solutions should optimize single and large-scale discussions, making it easy to navigate and manage chat or video calls that involve varying group sizes.

Communication platforms with built-in messaging should make it extremely convenient for participants to group conversations into channels, which makes it more simple to share documents for specific collaborations and conversations. However, you may choose to conduct private conversations with certain participants for the exchange of confidential content and topics.

Balancing between synchronous and non-synchronous communication remains key in optimized remote discussions. The increase in remote communications has led to Zoom fatigue among professionals.

Video calls remain essential for team members to communicate effectively with the right visual cues that eliminate the risk of miscommunication. However, supplementing real-time solutions with recorded/asynchronous content makes for smooth collaboration between participants from varying time zones and schedules.

Asynchronous content works best for multiple scenarios, such as:

For instance, asynchronous tools make it extremely convenient for you to record a video and upload screen-sharing guidelines in a matter of seconds.

Synchronous communication solutions, such as team chat messaging platforms, enable teams to communicate in real-time to address issues and roll out responses in urgent scenarios, such as follow-ups in a construction work site accident.

Similar to asynchronous video tools, whiteboard platforms serve as an effective means of sharing design plans and visuals across each stage of construction. Some digital whiteboarding solutions enable the presentation of concepts in a simple and effective manner.

Flexible kanban-style platforms can inspire innovation with multiple templates that will expedite the whiteboarding experience. You may choose from a range of template categories that include consulting, sales and customer success, and technology for optimized outcomes across your construction projects.

Some common features in a whiteboarding solution include sticky notes, built-in messaging, audio and video call communication, file upload capabilities, and a dynamic library of templates for frictionless presentations.

Fellow participants in an asynchronous whiteboarding solution can conveniently respond to posted content at their own pace, adding comments and files through diagramming, mapping, and private mode messaging capabilities.

Collaboration across remote worksites may result in poor time management and reduced cost-productivity without a proper tracking solution.

A well-placed timer within your communication tools ensures that participants keep meetings and collaborations concise and optimized while minimizing the risks of time overrun. Remember to factor in some break time for longer online sessions to make the process more manageable for your participants to sustain their focus and attention.

Timer applications provide close monitoring of your online video sessions to avoid delays and disruptions that may occur during a virtual meeting. Some advanced applications provide an auto-join setting for each of your video conference sessions for a fuss-free process.

While remote work has many benefits, including greater work-life balance, enhanced productivity, and company cost savings in the long term, it is critical to choose the right combination of tools for optimized communication among teams.

More importantly, you will need to frequently review your communication stack to keep up with shifting employee demands, making sure to always keep on top of the latest technology and workplace trends.

Read more here:
5 Systems To Improve Teamwork Across Remote Worksites - Software Advice

Image source: Getty Images

ThePayGroup Ltd(ASX: PYG) share price hit a record high of 93.5 cents during early morning trade today. This comes following the companys latest takeover news.

Since then, shares in the human capital management (HCM) solution company have slightly retraced to 92.5 cents, up 153.43%.

Lets take a look below at what the company updated the market on.

In itsrelease, PayGroup announced it has entered into a Scheme Implementation Agreement with Deel, Inc. and Deel Australia.

Established in 2019, Deel helps businesses hire independent contractors and full-time employees by using a tech-enabled self-serve process. The company has a presence in over 150 countries and services more than 8,000 customers.

By way of a scheme of arrangement, Deel is seeking to acquire 100% of the ordinary shares in PayGroup.

Under the terms of the deal, PayGroup shareholders will receive cash consideration of $1 for each PayGroup share held. This represents a 174% premium when compared to yesterdays closing price of 36.5 cents.

The consideration implies a total value of around $119.3 million, subject to certain customary conditions.

The PayGroup Board noted that it unanimously recommends that all shareholders vote in favour of the Scheme.

If approved along with the court order, the deal is expected to be complete in October 2022.

With investors digesting the companys latest news today, the PayGroup share price has soared into uncharted territory.

PayGroup managing director, Mark Samlal commented:

We are delighted by this proposed transaction with Deel.

The value offered is testament to the strength of the PayGroup business we have grown over the last 4 years since listing on the ASX in 2018.

We have built a high-quality business with strong, recurring revenues from blue-chip customers across Asia-Pacific and beyond.

We are immensely proud of the achievements of the PayGroup team and we look forward to continuing to build this together as part of Deel, one of the worlds fastest growing and leading global compliance and payroll solution companies.

Adding to todays euphoric gains, the PayGroup share price has accelerated by 172% since the start of 2022.

When looking at the past 12 months, the companys shares are up 101%.

Based on todays price, PayGroup commands amarket capitalisationof around $43.19 million.

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Guess which ASX software share just rocketed 150% on takeover news - The Motley Fool Australia