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Best Premium Business Laptops for Professionals in 2026
	
Not so long ago, business laptops were painfully boring. Thankfully, things have changed a lot. In 2026, the best business laptops aren’t just built for Excel sheets and Zoom calls anymore. They now pack desktop-level performance, OLED displays that rival those on premium TVs, AI-powered productivity tools, and battery life that can actually last a long flight without making you fight for the airport charging socket.



This shift has also made choosing the right laptop way more confusing. Some machines focus entirely on portability for people constantly traveling between meetings, while others pack dedicated GPUs and AI chips for creators, developers, and multitaskers. To help narrow things down, we’ve rounded up some of the best business laptops you can buy right now.



1. ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026







The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026 is a business notebook built on premium design and high-end AI performance for professionals and executives. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and an Intel Arc B390M graphics card, the device delivers top-notch AI-assisted performance across a range of applications. It features a 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for superior multitasking and performance. Meanwhile, its 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and delivers accurate Pantone colors with HDR support.



Regarding connectivity, ASUS comes equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. For AI integration, ASUS has included the Intel NPU, Copilot+, and MyExpert AI. In addition, the use of a magnesium chassis ensures the computer is slim, durable, and lightweight, with a weight under 1 kilogram. The device comes with a 70 Wh battery and very fast charging, with the laptop reaching up to 50% in 30 minutes.



Best Features of ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026




Performance-oriented with powerful AI



Super fast solid-state drive (SSD)



Slim, lightweight, and strong body construction



Pantone-certified OLED display screen



Multitasking and creative-friendly




2. Dell 14 Premium






Dell 14 Premium focuses on the needs of professionals seeking a portable yet powerful, premium-design laptop. In terms of performance, Dell 14 Premium is one of the closest equivalents to MacBook Pro among professional-oriented Windows laptops. The inclusion of Intel Core Ultra processors and Nvidia RTX GPUs ensures that productivity and creative applications can be used comfortably while multitasking and performing AI-assisted operations.



Using Intel Core Ultra 7 processors along with an Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics processing unit (GPU) offers reliable computing capabilities in business and creativity-related purposes. It has a maximum memory size of 32 GB with a total storage volume of 2 TB. This laptop also features a 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen display, a slim metallic build, and wireless connectivity.



With its light metal frame, it is perfect for traveling professionals, while its OLED screen enhances viewing quality for any kind of presentations or editing.



Best Features of Dell 14 Premium




Optionally comes equipped with RTX 4050 for creative work



Lightweight premium design



Intel Core Ultra processor



OLED display



Excellent performance for business and productivity




3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13The 






The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 laptop is designed specifically for business professionals who require dependable performance every day. This laptop has a robust carbon fiber design, along with AI features that help ensure privacy.



The laptop can incorporate the most advanced technologies thanks to Intel Core Ultra 7 and Intel Arc processors, enabling seamless multitasking. RAM capacity on the laptop is up to 64 GB, and memory space can go up to 2 TB. Moreover, this laptop incorporates a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display, providing excellent picture quality.



Lenovo has included various AI-based security tools to help business clients use the laptop more easily. Such tools include privacy alerts and tips about using a VPN. Connectivity via Thunderbolt 4, WiFi, and ports makes the laptop easy to use for business. In addition, carbon fiber and magnesium materials increase laptop durability and reduce weight.



Best Features of Lenovo ThinkPad X1




Premium lightweight business design



Excellent keyboard experience



AI-enhanced privacy and security tools



Powerful multitasking performance



High-quality OLED display




4. HP EliteBook Ultra G1i







The EliteBook Ultra G1i by HP is an ultralight laptop designed for business professionals who need improved performance and enhanced security. This device comes equipped with Intel Lunar Lake processors, intelligent AI technology, top-notch security, and an elegant OLED screen, enabling improved efficiency and productivity at work. It serves as a perfect companion for traveling businessmen and executives.



For connectivity, the laptop includes Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 3.2 support, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. The HP also integrates enterprise-grade security features like BIOS protection, malware isolation, and remote lock/wipe capabilities. As for the laptop’s design, it is made of sturdy metal with an impressive matte finish and is quite light, at an estimated 1.18 kg. Furthermore, its battery will ensure that you can use it continuously for 13 hours.



Best Features of HP EliteBook Ultra G1i




Lightweight premium build



Excellent OLED touchscreen display



Strong AI-enhanced productivity performance



Advanced enterprise security tools



High-quality webcam and audio setup






#Premium #Business #Laptops #ProfessionalsBest Laptop

Best Premium Business Laptops for Professionals in 2026

Not so long ago, business laptops were painfully boring. Thankfully, things have changed a lot. In 2026, the best business laptops aren’t just built for Excel sheets and Zoom calls anymore. They now pack desktop-level performance, OLED displays that rival those on premium TVs, AI-powered productivity tools, and battery life that can actually last a long flight without making you fight for the airport charging socket.

This shift has also made choosing the right laptop way more confusing. Some machines focus entirely on portability for people constantly traveling between meetings, while others pack dedicated GPUs and AI chips for creators, developers, and multitaskers. To help narrow things down, we’ve rounded up some of the best business laptops you can buy right now.

1. ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026

Best Premium Business Laptops for Professionals in 2026
	
Not so long ago, business laptops were painfully boring. Thankfully, things have changed a lot. In 2026, the best business laptops aren’t just built for Excel sheets and Zoom calls anymore. They now pack desktop-level performance, OLED displays that rival those on premium TVs, AI-powered productivity tools, and battery life that can actually last a long flight without making you fight for the airport charging socket.



This shift has also made choosing the right laptop way more confusing. Some machines focus entirely on portability for people constantly traveling between meetings, while others pack dedicated GPUs and AI chips for creators, developers, and multitaskers. To help narrow things down, we’ve rounded up some of the best business laptops you can buy right now.



1. ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026







The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026 is a business notebook built on premium design and high-end AI performance for professionals and executives. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and an Intel Arc B390M graphics card, the device delivers top-notch AI-assisted performance across a range of applications. It features a 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for superior multitasking and performance. Meanwhile, its 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and delivers accurate Pantone colors with HDR support.



Regarding connectivity, ASUS comes equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. For AI integration, ASUS has included the Intel NPU, Copilot+, and MyExpert AI. In addition, the use of a magnesium chassis ensures the computer is slim, durable, and lightweight, with a weight under 1 kilogram. The device comes with a 70 Wh battery and very fast charging, with the laptop reaching up to 50% in 30 minutes.



Best Features of ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026




Performance-oriented with powerful AI



Super fast solid-state drive (SSD)



Slim, lightweight, and strong body construction



Pantone-certified OLED display screen



Multitasking and creative-friendly




2. Dell 14 Premium






Dell 14 Premium focuses on the needs of professionals seeking a portable yet powerful, premium-design laptop. In terms of performance, Dell 14 Premium is one of the closest equivalents to MacBook Pro among professional-oriented Windows laptops. The inclusion of Intel Core Ultra processors and Nvidia RTX GPUs ensures that productivity and creative applications can be used comfortably while multitasking and performing AI-assisted operations.



Using Intel Core Ultra 7 processors along with an Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics processing unit (GPU) offers reliable computing capabilities in business and creativity-related purposes. It has a maximum memory size of 32 GB with a total storage volume of 2 TB. This laptop also features a 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen display, a slim metallic build, and wireless connectivity.



With its light metal frame, it is perfect for traveling professionals, while its OLED screen enhances viewing quality for any kind of presentations or editing.



Best Features of Dell 14 Premium




Optionally comes equipped with RTX 4050 for creative work



Lightweight premium design



Intel Core Ultra processor



OLED display



Excellent performance for business and productivity




3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13The 






The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 laptop is designed specifically for business professionals who require dependable performance every day. This laptop has a robust carbon fiber design, along with AI features that help ensure privacy.



The laptop can incorporate the most advanced technologies thanks to Intel Core Ultra 7 and Intel Arc processors, enabling seamless multitasking. RAM capacity on the laptop is up to 64 GB, and memory space can go up to 2 TB. Moreover, this laptop incorporates a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display, providing excellent picture quality.



Lenovo has included various AI-based security tools to help business clients use the laptop more easily. Such tools include privacy alerts and tips about using a VPN. Connectivity via Thunderbolt 4, WiFi, and ports makes the laptop easy to use for business. In addition, carbon fiber and magnesium materials increase laptop durability and reduce weight.



Best Features of Lenovo ThinkPad X1




Premium lightweight business design



Excellent keyboard experience



AI-enhanced privacy and security tools



Powerful multitasking performance



High-quality OLED display




4. HP EliteBook Ultra G1i







The EliteBook Ultra G1i by HP is an ultralight laptop designed for business professionals who need improved performance and enhanced security. This device comes equipped with Intel Lunar Lake processors, intelligent AI technology, top-notch security, and an elegant OLED screen, enabling improved efficiency and productivity at work. It serves as a perfect companion for traveling businessmen and executives.



For connectivity, the laptop includes Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 3.2 support, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. The HP also integrates enterprise-grade security features like BIOS protection, malware isolation, and remote lock/wipe capabilities. As for the laptop’s design, it is made of sturdy metal with an impressive matte finish and is quite light, at an estimated 1.18 kg. Furthermore, its battery will ensure that you can use it continuously for 13 hours.



Best Features of HP EliteBook Ultra G1i




Lightweight premium build



Excellent OLED touchscreen display



Strong AI-enhanced productivity performance



Advanced enterprise security tools



High-quality webcam and audio setup






#Premium #Business #Laptops #ProfessionalsBest Laptop

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026 is a business notebook built on premium design and high-end AI performance for professionals and executives. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and an Intel Arc B390M graphics card, the device delivers top-notch AI-assisted performance across a range of applications. It features a 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for superior multitasking and performance. Meanwhile, its 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and delivers accurate Pantone colors with HDR support.

Regarding connectivity, ASUS comes equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. For AI integration, ASUS has included the Intel NPU, Copilot+, and MyExpert AI. In addition, the use of a magnesium chassis ensures the computer is slim, durable, and lightweight, with a weight under 1 kilogram. The device comes with a 70 Wh battery and very fast charging, with the laptop reaching up to 50% in 30 minutes.

Best Features of ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026

  • Performance-oriented with powerful AI
  • Super fast solid-state drive (SSD)
  • Slim, lightweight, and strong body construction
  • Pantone-certified OLED display screen
  • Multitasking and creative-friendly

2. Dell 14 Premium

Dell 14 best enterprise laptop

Dell 14 Premium focuses on the needs of professionals seeking a portable yet powerful, premium-design laptop. In terms of performance, Dell 14 Premium is one of the closest equivalents to MacBook Pro among professional-oriented Windows laptops. The inclusion of Intel Core Ultra processors and Nvidia RTX GPUs ensures that productivity and creative applications can be used comfortably while multitasking and performing AI-assisted operations.

Using Intel Core Ultra 7 processors along with an Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics processing unit (GPU) offers reliable computing capabilities in business and creativity-related purposes. It has a maximum memory size of 32 GB with a total storage volume of 2 TB. This laptop also features a 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen display, a slim metallic build, and wireless connectivity.

With its light metal frame, it is perfect for traveling professionals, while its OLED screen enhances viewing quality for any kind of presentations or editing.

Best Features of Dell 14 Premium

  • Optionally comes equipped with RTX 4050 for creative work
  • Lightweight premium design
  • Intel Core Ultra processor
  • OLED display
  • Excellent performance for business and productivity

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13The

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 laptop is designed specifically for business professionals who require dependable performance every day. This laptop has a robust carbon fiber design, along with AI features that help ensure privacy.

The laptop can incorporate the most advanced technologies thanks to Intel Core Ultra 7 and Intel Arc processors, enabling seamless multitasking. RAM capacity on the laptop is up to 64 GB, and memory space can go up to 2 TB. Moreover, this laptop incorporates a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display, providing excellent picture quality.

Lenovo has included various AI-based security tools to help business clients use the laptop more easily. Such tools include privacy alerts and tips about using a VPN. Connectivity via Thunderbolt 4, WiFi, and ports makes the laptop easy to use for business. In addition, carbon fiber and magnesium materials increase laptop durability and reduce weight.

Best Features of Lenovo ThinkPad X1

  • Premium lightweight business design
  • Excellent keyboard experience
  • AI-enhanced privacy and security tools
  • Powerful multitasking performance
  • High-quality OLED display

4. HP EliteBook Ultra G1i

HP EliteBook Ultra G1i best enterprise laptops

The EliteBook Ultra G1i by HP is an ultralight laptop designed for business professionals who need improved performance and enhanced security. This device comes equipped with Intel Lunar Lake processors, intelligent AI technology, top-notch security, and an elegant OLED screen, enabling improved efficiency and productivity at work. It serves as a perfect companion for traveling businessmen and executives.

For connectivity, the laptop includes Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 3.2 support, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. The HP also integrates enterprise-grade security features like BIOS protection, malware isolation, and remote lock/wipe capabilities. As for the laptop’s design, it is made of sturdy metal with an impressive matte finish and is quite light, at an estimated 1.18 kg. Furthermore, its battery will ensure that you can use it continuously for 13 hours.

Best Features of HP EliteBook Ultra G1i

  • Lightweight premium build
  • Excellent OLED touchscreen display
  • Strong AI-enhanced productivity performance
  • Advanced enterprise security tools
  • High-quality webcam and audio setup
#Premium #Business #Laptops #ProfessionalsBest Laptop

Not so long ago, business laptops were painfully boring. Thankfully, things have changed a lot. In 2026, the best business laptops aren’t just built for Excel sheets and Zoom calls anymore. They now pack desktop-level performance, OLED displays that rival those on premium TVs, AI-powered productivity tools, and battery life that can actually last a long flight without making you fight for the airport charging socket.

This shift has also made choosing the right laptop way more confusing. Some machines focus entirely on portability for people constantly traveling between meetings, while others pack dedicated GPUs and AI chips for creators, developers, and multitaskers. To help narrow things down, we’ve rounded up some of the best business laptops you can buy right now.

1. ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026

The ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026 is a business notebook built on premium design and high-end AI performance for professionals and executives. With an Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and an Intel Arc B390M graphics card, the device delivers top-notch AI-assisted performance across a range of applications. It features a 32GB LPDDR5X RAM and a 2TB PCIe Gen 4 SSD for superior multitasking and performance. Meanwhile, its 14-inch 3K OLED touchscreen display supports a 120Hz refresh rate and delivers accurate Pantone colors with HDR support.

Regarding connectivity, ASUS comes equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. For AI integration, ASUS has included the Intel NPU, Copilot+, and MyExpert AI. In addition, the use of a magnesium chassis ensures the computer is slim, durable, and lightweight, with a weight under 1 kilogram. The device comes with a 70 Wh battery and very fast charging, with the laptop reaching up to 50% in 30 minutes.

Best Features of ASUS ExpertBook Ultra 2026

  • Performance-oriented with powerful AI
  • Super fast solid-state drive (SSD)
  • Slim, lightweight, and strong body construction
  • Pantone-certified OLED display screen
  • Multitasking and creative-friendly

2. Dell 14 Premium

Dell 14 best enterprise laptop

Dell 14 Premium focuses on the needs of professionals seeking a portable yet powerful, premium-design laptop. In terms of performance, Dell 14 Premium is one of the closest equivalents to MacBook Pro among professional-oriented Windows laptops. The inclusion of Intel Core Ultra processors and Nvidia RTX GPUs ensures that productivity and creative applications can be used comfortably while multitasking and performing AI-assisted operations.

Using Intel Core Ultra 7 processors along with an Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics processing unit (GPU) offers reliable computing capabilities in business and creativity-related purposes. It has a maximum memory size of 32 GB with a total storage volume of 2 TB. This laptop also features a 14.5-inch OLED touchscreen display, a slim metallic build, and wireless connectivity.

With its light metal frame, it is perfect for traveling professionals, while its OLED screen enhances viewing quality for any kind of presentations or editing.

Best Features of Dell 14 Premium

  • Optionally comes equipped with RTX 4050 for creative work
  • Lightweight premium design
  • Intel Core Ultra processor
  • OLED display
  • Excellent performance for business and productivity

3. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13The

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 laptop is designed specifically for business professionals who require dependable performance every day. This laptop has a robust carbon fiber design, along with AI features that help ensure privacy.

The laptop can incorporate the most advanced technologies thanks to Intel Core Ultra 7 and Intel Arc processors, enabling seamless multitasking. RAM capacity on the laptop is up to 64 GB, and memory space can go up to 2 TB. Moreover, this laptop incorporates a 14-inch 2.8K OLED display, providing excellent picture quality.

Lenovo has included various AI-based security tools to help business clients use the laptop more easily. Such tools include privacy alerts and tips about using a VPN. Connectivity via Thunderbolt 4, WiFi, and ports makes the laptop easy to use for business. In addition, carbon fiber and magnesium materials increase laptop durability and reduce weight.

Best Features of Lenovo ThinkPad X1

  • Premium lightweight business design
  • Excellent keyboard experience
  • AI-enhanced privacy and security tools
  • Powerful multitasking performance
  • High-quality OLED display

4. HP EliteBook Ultra G1i

HP EliteBook Ultra G1i best enterprise laptops

The EliteBook Ultra G1i by HP is an ultralight laptop designed for business professionals who need improved performance and enhanced security. This device comes equipped with Intel Lunar Lake processors, intelligent AI technology, top-notch security, and an elegant OLED screen, enabling improved efficiency and productivity at work. It serves as a perfect companion for traveling businessmen and executives.

For connectivity, the laptop includes Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB 3.2 support, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 5.4. The HP also integrates enterprise-grade security features like BIOS protection, malware isolation, and remote lock/wipe capabilities. As for the laptop’s design, it is made of sturdy metal with an impressive matte finish and is quite light, at an estimated 1.18 kg. Furthermore, its battery will ensure that you can use it continuously for 13 hours.

Best Features of HP EliteBook Ultra G1i

  • Lightweight premium build
  • Excellent OLED touchscreen display
  • Strong AI-enhanced productivity performance
  • Advanced enterprise security tools
  • High-quality webcam and audio setup

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#Premium #Business #Laptops #Professionals


The future of Star Trek on TV isn’t terribly optimistic, but the new season of Strange New Worlds—its fourth, ahead of a shortened fifth and final outing—looks stuffed full of excitement and wonder. Paramount just shared the latest trailer ahead of the show’s return in July, featuring a meaningful chat between future dynamic duo Spock (Ethan Peck) and Captain Kirk (Paul Wesley).

“In season four of the Paramount+ Original Series, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise—led by Captain Christopher Pike—embark on a series of thrilling and emotional adventures across the stars,” reads the official synopsis, which makes no mention of the puppet episode we know full well is coming.

“As they journey to strange new worlds, they will battle inner demons and external threats, encounter colorful new characters, reunite with familiar faces, and confront terrifying aliens. Through it all, they strive to embrace a bright, hopeful future.”

Strange New Worlds season four stars Anson Mount (Pike), Rebecca Romijn (Una Chin-Riley/Number One), Ethan Peck (Spock), Jess Bush (Christine Chapel), Christina Chong (La’an Noonien-Singh), Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura), Melissa Navia (Erica Ortega), Babs Olusanmokun (Dr. M’Benga), and Martin Quinn (Scotty); Carol Kane (Pelia) and Paul Wesley (Kirk) guest star.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season four begins July 23 on Paramount+. It runs weekly, with new episodes arriving Thursdays through September 24.

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.

#Strange #Worlds #Season #Trailer #Teases #Journey #Beginning #Star #TrekStar Trek: Strange New Worlds">‘Strange New Worlds’ Season 4 Trailer Teases the Journey to the Beginning of ‘Star Trek’
                The future of Star Trek on TV isn’t terribly optimistic, but the new season of Strange New Worlds—its fourth, ahead of a shortened fifth and final outing—looks stuffed full of excitement and wonder. Paramount just shared the latest trailer ahead of the show’s return in July, featuring a meaningful chat between future dynamic duo Spock (Ethan Peck) and Captain Kirk (Paul Wesley). [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85nfSzEho68[/embed] “In season four of the Paramount+ Original Series, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise—led by Captain Christopher Pike—embark on a series of thrilling and emotional adventures across the stars,” reads the official synopsis, which makes no mention of the puppet episode we know full well is coming. “As they journey to strange new worlds, they will battle inner demons and external threats, encounter colorful new characters, reunite with familiar faces, and confront terrifying aliens. Through it all, they strive to embrace a bright, hopeful future.”

 Strange New Worlds season four stars Anson Mount (Pike), Rebecca Romijn (Una Chin-Riley/Number One), Ethan Peck (Spock), Jess Bush (Christine Chapel), Christina Chong (La’an Noonien-Singh), Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura), Melissa Navia (Erica Ortega), Babs Olusanmokun (Dr. M’Benga), and Martin Quinn (Scotty); Carol Kane (Pelia) and Paul Wesley (Kirk) guest star.

 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season four begins July 23 on Paramount+. It runs weekly, with new episodes arriving Thursdays through September 24.  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.      #Strange #Worlds #Season #Trailer #Teases #Journey #Beginning #Star #TrekStar Trek: Strange New Worlds

Star Trek on TV isn’t terribly optimistic, but the new season of Strange New Worlds—its fourth, ahead of a shortened fifth and final outing—looks stuffed full of excitement and wonder. Paramount just shared the latest trailer ahead of the show’s return in July, featuring a meaningful chat between future dynamic duo Spock (Ethan Peck) and Captain Kirk (Paul Wesley).

“In season four of the Paramount+ Original Series, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise—led by Captain Christopher Pike—embark on a series of thrilling and emotional adventures across the stars,” reads the official synopsis, which makes no mention of the puppet episode we know full well is coming.

“As they journey to strange new worlds, they will battle inner demons and external threats, encounter colorful new characters, reunite with familiar faces, and confront terrifying aliens. Through it all, they strive to embrace a bright, hopeful future.”

Strange New Worlds season four stars Anson Mount (Pike), Rebecca Romijn (Una Chin-Riley/Number One), Ethan Peck (Spock), Jess Bush (Christine Chapel), Christina Chong (La’an Noonien-Singh), Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura), Melissa Navia (Erica Ortega), Babs Olusanmokun (Dr. M’Benga), and Martin Quinn (Scotty); Carol Kane (Pelia) and Paul Wesley (Kirk) guest star.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season four begins July 23 on Paramount+. It runs weekly, with new episodes arriving Thursdays through September 24.

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.

#Strange #Worlds #Season #Trailer #Teases #Journey #Beginning #Star #TrekStar Trek: Strange New Worlds">‘Strange New Worlds’ Season 4 Trailer Teases the Journey to the Beginning of ‘Star Trek’‘Strange New Worlds’ Season 4 Trailer Teases the Journey to the Beginning of ‘Star Trek’
                The future of Star Trek on TV isn’t terribly optimistic, but the new season of Strange New Worlds—its fourth, ahead of a shortened fifth and final outing—looks stuffed full of excitement and wonder. Paramount just shared the latest trailer ahead of the show’s return in July, featuring a meaningful chat between future dynamic duo Spock (Ethan Peck) and Captain Kirk (Paul Wesley). [embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=85nfSzEho68[/embed] “In season four of the Paramount+ Original Series, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise—led by Captain Christopher Pike—embark on a series of thrilling and emotional adventures across the stars,” reads the official synopsis, which makes no mention of the puppet episode we know full well is coming. “As they journey to strange new worlds, they will battle inner demons and external threats, encounter colorful new characters, reunite with familiar faces, and confront terrifying aliens. Through it all, they strive to embrace a bright, hopeful future.”

 Strange New Worlds season four stars Anson Mount (Pike), Rebecca Romijn (Una Chin-Riley/Number One), Ethan Peck (Spock), Jess Bush (Christine Chapel), Christina Chong (La’an Noonien-Singh), Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura), Melissa Navia (Erica Ortega), Babs Olusanmokun (Dr. M’Benga), and Martin Quinn (Scotty); Carol Kane (Pelia) and Paul Wesley (Kirk) guest star.

 Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season four begins July 23 on Paramount+. It runs weekly, with new episodes arriving Thursdays through September 24.  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.      #Strange #Worlds #Season #Trailer #Teases #Journey #Beginning #Star #TrekStar Trek: Strange New Worlds

The future of Star Trek on TV isn’t terribly optimistic, but the new season of Strange New Worlds—its fourth, ahead of a shortened fifth and final outing—looks stuffed full of excitement and wonder. Paramount just shared the latest trailer ahead of the show’s return in July, featuring a meaningful chat between future dynamic duo Spock (Ethan Peck) and Captain Kirk (Paul Wesley).

“In season four of the Paramount+ Original Series, the crew of the U.S.S. Enterprise—led by Captain Christopher Pike—embark on a series of thrilling and emotional adventures across the stars,” reads the official synopsis, which makes no mention of the puppet episode we know full well is coming.

“As they journey to strange new worlds, they will battle inner demons and external threats, encounter colorful new characters, reunite with familiar faces, and confront terrifying aliens. Through it all, they strive to embrace a bright, hopeful future.”

Strange New Worlds season four stars Anson Mount (Pike), Rebecca Romijn (Una Chin-Riley/Number One), Ethan Peck (Spock), Jess Bush (Christine Chapel), Christina Chong (La’an Noonien-Singh), Celia Rose Gooding (Uhura), Melissa Navia (Erica Ortega), Babs Olusanmokun (Dr. M’Benga), and Martin Quinn (Scotty); Carol Kane (Pelia) and Paul Wesley (Kirk) guest star.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds season four begins July 23 on Paramount+. It runs weekly, with new episodes arriving Thursdays through September 24.

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.

#Strange #Worlds #Season #Trailer #Teases #Journey #Beginning #Star #TrekStar Trek: Strange New Worlds

A TikTok livestream host waves an iPhone box in front of the camera as around 250 viewers place their bids.

“This could be yours, chat,” the host says. “Wake it up.” The host’s face is hidden from view, with just their hands visible in front of stacks of iPhone, iPad, and MacBook boxes. The TikTok auction starts at $1. As the timer counts down, the price quickly shoots up, with a bid of over $100 scoring the win. After the bidding closes, a digital prize wheel appears and spins through multiple possible products before landing on what the high bidder just won: a teddy bear.

The winner was pissed. “I just paid $147 for a stuffed animal,” they wrote in the stream’s chatlog. “When I was bidding, you said that I could win that iPhone, and it gave me a BB3 Zodiac,” they said, referring to the Labubu-style plushie that retails for about $20. “That’s a scam. Please return my money.”

This person was not alone in their frustration. Multiple viewers of the stream were outraged when they placed high bids hoping to score Apple devices, only to learn their reward was the chance to spin a digital prize wheel that landed on something cheap. “Man, hell no. This is false advertising. Why would I pay $55 for a damn charger?” wrote another angry bidder. “Calling my bank now.” The demand for refunds was a common refrain.

This is all part of TikTok’s feature, called a “Surprise Set,” where auction hosts create buckets of up to 500 products and whoever bids the most walks away with a random pick from the available prizes. These streams often include a few big ticket items, like iPhones and iPads, to lure viewers in. The rest of the items are less desirable, like charging cords and pencil cases. This feature was added late last year to the platform and remains an invitation-only feature for sellers on TikTok.

Many of the streaming set-ups for these TikTok “Surprise Sets” look very similar: a pile of expensive products is shown on screen, with different hosts rallying a couple hundred concurrent viewers to bid higher and higher amounts. If a viewer taps on a small button in the lower left corner of the screen, they can see the live probability of winning each item as well as the full list of what items are still available.

The popularity of “Surprise Sets” on TikTok are emblematic of how gambling-like interactions currently dominate the experience of going online, where prediction markets and sports betting reign. People can even wager on the outcome of reality TV shows.

WIRED reached out to TikTok for comment on Wednesday of last week to share examples of frustrated viewers who felt scammed. One day later on Thursday, TikTok rolled out a change to its livestream policies and what hosts are allowed to do for “Surprise Sets.” (It’s a policy update that TikTok claims was already in the works.) Hosts are no longer allowed to include iPhones, iPads, televisions, diamonds, gift cards, or precious metals as part of the prizes available for viewers to win during surprise auctions. Following this rule change, hosts seem to be following the new guidelines, with no iPhones appearing in livestream “Surprise Sets” seen by WIRED.

“TikTok Shop requires all sellers, including those running Surprise Sets, to accurately present what is being offered. We will take enforcement action on violations of our policies, including removing products and suspending accounts,” TikTok spokesperson Ben Rathe said in a statement to WIRED. If a buyer feels like they were misled, they can reach out to TikTok’s customer support to review the purchase.

#TikTok #Shoppers #Thought #Bidding #iPhones #Won #Teddy #Bearstiktok,gambling,livestreaming,social media">TikTok Shoppers Thought They Were Bidding on iPhones. Instead, They Won Teddy BearsA TikTok livestream host waves an iPhone box in front of the camera as around 250 viewers place their bids.“This could be yours, chat,” the host says. “Wake it up.” The host’s face is hidden from view, with just their hands visible in front of stacks of iPhone, iPad, and MacBook boxes. The TikTok auction starts at . As the timer counts down, the price quickly shoots up, with a bid of over 0 scoring the win. After the bidding closes, a digital prize wheel appears and spins through multiple possible products before landing on what the high bidder just won: a teddy bear.The winner was pissed. “I just paid 7 for a stuffed animal,” they wrote in the stream’s chatlog. “When I was bidding, you said that I could win that iPhone, and it gave me a BB3 Zodiac,” they said, referring to the Labubu-style plushie that retails for about . “That’s a scam. Please return my money.”This person was not alone in their frustration. Multiple viewers of the stream were outraged when they placed high bids hoping to score Apple devices, only to learn their reward was the chance to spin a digital prize wheel that landed on something cheap. “Man, hell no. This is false advertising. Why would I pay  for a damn charger?” wrote another angry bidder. “Calling my bank now.” The demand for refunds was a common refrain.This is all part of TikTok’s feature, called a “Surprise Set,” where auction hosts create buckets of up to 500 products and whoever bids the most walks away with a random pick from the available prizes. These streams often include a few big ticket items, like iPhones and iPads, to lure viewers in. The rest of the items are less desirable, like charging cords and pencil cases. This feature was added late last year to the platform and remains an invitation-only feature for sellers on TikTok.Many of the streaming set-ups for these TikTok “Surprise Sets” look very similar: a pile of expensive products is shown on screen, with different hosts rallying a couple hundred concurrent viewers to bid higher and higher amounts. If a viewer taps on a small button in the lower left corner of the screen, they can see the live probability of winning each item as well as the full list of what items are still available.The popularity of “Surprise Sets” on TikTok are emblematic of how gambling-like interactions currently dominate the experience of going online, where prediction markets and sports betting reign. People can even wager on the outcome of reality TV shows.WIRED reached out to TikTok for comment on Wednesday of last week to share examples of frustrated viewers who felt scammed. One day later on Thursday, TikTok rolled out a change to its livestream policies and what hosts are allowed to do for “Surprise Sets.” (It’s a policy update that TikTok claims was already in the works.) Hosts are no longer allowed to include iPhones, iPads, televisions, diamonds, gift cards, or precious metals as part of the prizes available for viewers to win during surprise auctions. Following this rule change, hosts seem to be following the new guidelines, with no iPhones appearing in livestream “Surprise Sets” seen by WIRED.“TikTok Shop requires all sellers, including those running Surprise Sets, to accurately present what is being offered. We will take enforcement action on violations of our policies, including removing products and suspending accounts,” TikTok spokesperson Ben Rathe said in a statement to WIRED. If a buyer feels like they were misled, they can reach out to TikTok’s customer support to review the purchase.#TikTok #Shoppers #Thought #Bidding #iPhones #Won #Teddy #Bearstiktok,gambling,livestreaming,social media

iPhone box in front of the camera as around 250 viewers place their bids.

“This could be yours, chat,” the host says. “Wake it up.” The host’s face is hidden from view, with just their hands visible in front of stacks of iPhone, iPad, and MacBook boxes. The TikTok auction starts at $1. As the timer counts down, the price quickly shoots up, with a bid of over $100 scoring the win. After the bidding closes, a digital prize wheel appears and spins through multiple possible products before landing on what the high bidder just won: a teddy bear.

The winner was pissed. “I just paid $147 for a stuffed animal,” they wrote in the stream’s chatlog. “When I was bidding, you said that I could win that iPhone, and it gave me a BB3 Zodiac,” they said, referring to the Labubu-style plushie that retails for about $20. “That’s a scam. Please return my money.”

This person was not alone in their frustration. Multiple viewers of the stream were outraged when they placed high bids hoping to score Apple devices, only to learn their reward was the chance to spin a digital prize wheel that landed on something cheap. “Man, hell no. This is false advertising. Why would I pay $55 for a damn charger?” wrote another angry bidder. “Calling my bank now.” The demand for refunds was a common refrain.

This is all part of TikTok’s feature, called a “Surprise Set,” where auction hosts create buckets of up to 500 products and whoever bids the most walks away with a random pick from the available prizes. These streams often include a few big ticket items, like iPhones and iPads, to lure viewers in. The rest of the items are less desirable, like charging cords and pencil cases. This feature was added late last year to the platform and remains an invitation-only feature for sellers on TikTok.

Many of the streaming set-ups for these TikTok “Surprise Sets” look very similar: a pile of expensive products is shown on screen, with different hosts rallying a couple hundred concurrent viewers to bid higher and higher amounts. If a viewer taps on a small button in the lower left corner of the screen, they can see the live probability of winning each item as well as the full list of what items are still available.

The popularity of “Surprise Sets” on TikTok are emblematic of how gambling-like interactions currently dominate the experience of going online, where prediction markets and sports betting reign. People can even wager on the outcome of reality TV shows.

WIRED reached out to TikTok for comment on Wednesday of last week to share examples of frustrated viewers who felt scammed. One day later on Thursday, TikTok rolled out a change to its livestream policies and what hosts are allowed to do for “Surprise Sets.” (It’s a policy update that TikTok claims was already in the works.) Hosts are no longer allowed to include iPhones, iPads, televisions, diamonds, gift cards, or precious metals as part of the prizes available for viewers to win during surprise auctions. Following this rule change, hosts seem to be following the new guidelines, with no iPhones appearing in livestream “Surprise Sets” seen by WIRED.

“TikTok Shop requires all sellers, including those running Surprise Sets, to accurately present what is being offered. We will take enforcement action on violations of our policies, including removing products and suspending accounts,” TikTok spokesperson Ben Rathe said in a statement to WIRED. If a buyer feels like they were misled, they can reach out to TikTok’s customer support to review the purchase.

#TikTok #Shoppers #Thought #Bidding #iPhones #Won #Teddy #Bearstiktok,gambling,livestreaming,social media">TikTok Shoppers Thought They Were Bidding on iPhones. Instead, They Won Teddy Bears

A TikTok livestream host waves an iPhone box in front of the camera as around 250 viewers place their bids.

“This could be yours, chat,” the host says. “Wake it up.” The host’s face is hidden from view, with just their hands visible in front of stacks of iPhone, iPad, and MacBook boxes. The TikTok auction starts at $1. As the timer counts down, the price quickly shoots up, with a bid of over $100 scoring the win. After the bidding closes, a digital prize wheel appears and spins through multiple possible products before landing on what the high bidder just won: a teddy bear.

The winner was pissed. “I just paid $147 for a stuffed animal,” they wrote in the stream’s chatlog. “When I was bidding, you said that I could win that iPhone, and it gave me a BB3 Zodiac,” they said, referring to the Labubu-style plushie that retails for about $20. “That’s a scam. Please return my money.”

This person was not alone in their frustration. Multiple viewers of the stream were outraged when they placed high bids hoping to score Apple devices, only to learn their reward was the chance to spin a digital prize wheel that landed on something cheap. “Man, hell no. This is false advertising. Why would I pay $55 for a damn charger?” wrote another angry bidder. “Calling my bank now.” The demand for refunds was a common refrain.

This is all part of TikTok’s feature, called a “Surprise Set,” where auction hosts create buckets of up to 500 products and whoever bids the most walks away with a random pick from the available prizes. These streams often include a few big ticket items, like iPhones and iPads, to lure viewers in. The rest of the items are less desirable, like charging cords and pencil cases. This feature was added late last year to the platform and remains an invitation-only feature for sellers on TikTok.

Many of the streaming set-ups for these TikTok “Surprise Sets” look very similar: a pile of expensive products is shown on screen, with different hosts rallying a couple hundred concurrent viewers to bid higher and higher amounts. If a viewer taps on a small button in the lower left corner of the screen, they can see the live probability of winning each item as well as the full list of what items are still available.

The popularity of “Surprise Sets” on TikTok are emblematic of how gambling-like interactions currently dominate the experience of going online, where prediction markets and sports betting reign. People can even wager on the outcome of reality TV shows.

WIRED reached out to TikTok for comment on Wednesday of last week to share examples of frustrated viewers who felt scammed. One day later on Thursday, TikTok rolled out a change to its livestream policies and what hosts are allowed to do for “Surprise Sets.” (It’s a policy update that TikTok claims was already in the works.) Hosts are no longer allowed to include iPhones, iPads, televisions, diamonds, gift cards, or precious metals as part of the prizes available for viewers to win during surprise auctions. Following this rule change, hosts seem to be following the new guidelines, with no iPhones appearing in livestream “Surprise Sets” seen by WIRED.

“TikTok Shop requires all sellers, including those running Surprise Sets, to accurately present what is being offered. We will take enforcement action on violations of our policies, including removing products and suspending accounts,” TikTok spokesperson Ben Rathe said in a statement to WIRED. If a buyer feels like they were misled, they can reach out to TikTok’s customer support to review the purchase.

#TikTok #Shoppers #Thought #Bidding #iPhones #Won #Teddy #Bearstiktok,gambling,livestreaming,social media

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