The James Dwiggins-helmed firm NextHome is the newest real estate brokerage to settle the commission lawsuits. The firm notified the court of its settlement agreement on Tuesday in the consolidated Gibson and Umpa suits suits via a brief filed last week.
The filing does not note how much NextHome has agreed to pay or what, if any, business practice changes it will implement. Additionally, there was no indication of when the settlement may receive preliminary or final approval.
NextHome joins The Keyes Co., HomeSmart, Redfin, United Real Estate, Douglas Elliman, Realty One Group, At World Properties,Anywhere, RE/MAX, Keller Williams, Compass,HomeServices of America and The Real Brokerage in settling the commission lawsuits.
The National Association of Realtors has also settled the commission lawsuits. Its agreement was granted preliminary approval by a court in late April and is slated for a final approval hearing in late November.
NextHome did not return HousingWire’s request for comment.
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Katafray essential oil (Cedrelopsis grevei) “is a guiding strength when there is emotional or physical pain,” according to Working With Unusual Oils. This oil, which has limited availability, is also spelled katrafray, katrafay, or katafay.
Plant family: Rutaceae
Production: Steam distilled from the bark of the katafray tree, native to Madagascar.
Aroma: Woody with an earthy quality.
Perfume/Aromatic note: Middle
Is katafray safe to use during pregnancy? Consult a professional.
Is katafray essential oil safe for children? Consult a professional.
Cautions: None known.
Main components:
alpha-himachalene 11–15%
calamenene 4–6%
beta-caryophyllene 3–6%
beta-elemene 3–6%
beta-pinene 2–6%
Source: Essential Oil Safety, 2nd Edition
Katafray Essential Oil Benefits and Uses
The Aromatherapy Companion: Katafray has an affinity for the musculoskeletal system. Use the oil to help relieve rheumatism, muscle or joint stiffness, and muscle aches, pains, cramps, and spasms. Also use this essential oil to reduce anxiety, irritability, nervousness, nervous tension, and feelings of being overwhelmed, and to improve self-esteem and focus.
Working With Unusual Oils: Katafray can help clear congestion and is cooling and soothing for the skin and mind. For skin care, this essential oil can reduce itching and redness in conditions such as eczema and dermatitis and is useful for mature skin.
This calming and relaxing oil can support sleep, especially if nightmares occur, and may be useful for people who wake up and worry or obsess.
You can also use this oil for reducing pain, especially from arthritis and trauma injuries. The oil can also help relieve emotional pain and is especially useful for people who feel alone, distraught, or in crisis or who have experienced trauma.
Use the following gel for tendon, muscle, or soft-tissue injuries to help relieve inflammation and pain. Do not use on broken skin.
45 ml (about 3 tablespoons) aloe vera gel
5 ml (1-1/16 teaspoon) arnica oil
7 drops katafay essential oil
7 drops helichrysum italicum essential oil
4 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops yarrow essential oil
Blend ingredients in a small jar and store in the refrigerator.
Essential Oils 101: For muscular inflammation or tendinitis, dilute 5 drops katafray in 5 drops St. John’s wort oil. Using this essential oil in a perfume blend will anchor and extend the life of the perfume. The oil is useful in skin care.
Oshadhi Essential Oils: Ways to use katafray:
For massage, blend about 10 to 15 drops of the oil in 2 teaspoons carrier oil.
For a bath, blend 5 to 8 drops essential oil in one tablespoon carrier oil. Stir the blend into the bathwater.
For a calming inhaler, add a few drops to personal aromatherapy inhaler.
Relaxing Blend
4 drops katafray essential oil
3 drops lavender essential oil
Diffuse the blend before bedtime or make a massage oil by adding it to 2 teaspoons carrier oil.
Energizing Morning Diffuser Blend
3 drops katafray essential oil
2 drops grapefruit essential oil
2 drops lemon essential oil
Skin Care Blend
5 drops katafray essential oil
3 drops tea tree essential oil
2 teapoons carrier oil or unscented lotion
Apply a few drops to clean skin to support clarity and vitality.
Stillpoint Aromatics: Energetically, katafray essential oil works with the root, solar plexus, and heart chakras, supporting grounding, confidence, and emotional healing. Use the oil for grounding practices, to enhance meditative practices, and to clear negative energy from your aura or physical space.
This blend soothes joint discomfort and improves mobility:
Stephan Morgenstern is a successful German entrepreneur and philanthropist. He has built a notable career in multi-level and affiliate marketing, excelling in industries such as insurance, real estate, cybersecurity, and health products. Companies like LifePlus, Tahitian Noni International, and Synergy Worldwide have benefited from his marketing expertise. Alongside his business ventures, Morgenstern is committed to charitable work through his foundation, supporting various global causes.
Family And Childhood
Stephan Morgenstern was born on October 10, 1962, in Berlin, Germany. He was one of five children—alongside a sister and three brothers—raised in a working-class family. His father, a retired military serviceman, became a waiter, while his mother was primarily a homemaker but went on to have a brief career in politics. From March 1990 to December 1990, she held positions in the Volkskammer and Bundestag, respectively.
At the age of 24, tragedy struck Stephan Morgenstern’s family when they received the devastating news of his older brother’s death in a motorcycle accident. This loss weighed heavily on Stephan, as his late brother had been his favorite sibling.
Stephan Morgenstern’s Education
Stephan Morgenstern completed his education up to the 10th grade in 1979. Despite this, he was an intelligent and enthusiastic young man, brimming with self-confidence. He firmly believed that success in the corporate world did not solely depend on formal education and was convinced that his determination and abilities would enable him to thrive without pursuing further academic qualifications.
Initial Work Experiences of Stephan Morgenstern
In 1976, at just 14 years old, Stephan Morgenstern secured his first job as a dishwasher. Growing up in East Germany during difficult times, Stephan sought to alleviate some of his family’s financial burdens, even while still attending school. His determination and work ethic soon earned him a promotion to waiter, a position he held until his mandatory military service. From 1987 to 1988, he fulfilled his one-year service, where he served as the Chief Chef in one of the military kitchens,
Following the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, Stephan Morgenstern seized the opportunity to venture into entrepreneurship. In 1990, he opened a video rental store, which initially proved to be a lucrative endeavor. At the time, television in East Germany offered only a handful of channels, and people were eager for more entertainment options—renting videos became a perfect solution. This business move highlighted Stephan’s strategic mindset, as he recognized and capitalized on the rising demand for alternative entertainment. However, despite early success, the business eventually struggled as expenses began to outweigh profits, leading Stephan to close the rental store.
Ascension Into Chain Marketing
Morgenstern Stephan Dubai
After closing his video rental store, Stephan Morgenstern found himself venturing into chain marketing as East Germany began to open up post-reunification. With new businesses emerging, the demand for skilled marketers soared. In April 1990, Stephan landed an opportunity with Hamburg Mannheimer Insurance Company. Lacking the modern marketing tools available today, his only resource was a phone book. Stephan diligently worked through each page, cold-calling every number and promoting the company’s insurance policies with unwavering determination. Relying on his natural charm and persuasive skills, he successfully convinced potential customers of the value of the company’s insurance products. Within just six months, Stephan had risen to become the fourth-highest-selling marketer in the company, showcasing his exceptional talent and resilience.
Stephan Morgenstern’s next venture in chain marketing came in 1994 when he joined the Canadian firm ProCura, a renowned company known for designing luxurious apartment buildings. Tasked with building and leading a marketing team, Stephan quickly went to work, handpicking a talented group of professionals to promote the company’s properties. Under his leadership, the team successfully closed numerous deals, significantly boosting ProCura’s revenue.
In 1995, Stephan made a pivotal career move by joining Quorum Security, a U.S.-based cybersecurity company providing protection for both private and public entities. With cybercrime on the rise, Stephan saw an opportunity to contribute to the fight against online threats. His passion for cybersecurity, coupled with his exceptional marketing skills, allowed him to thrive in this new industry. Stephan’s efforts not only helped safeguard countless organizations but also earned him recognition as one of Quorum Security’s top marketers.
In 2009, Stephan Morgenstern continued his professional ascent by joining KB Gold, a company specializing in the extraction, processing, and sale of precious metals. Though this industry was vastly different from his previous ventures, Stephan skillfully adapted his marketing expertise to this new sector. His knack for assembling and leading high-performing teams proved invaluable once again. By carefully selecting the right team members and fostering a culture of collaboration, Stephan was able to drive impressive results, positioning KB Gold as a competitive force in the mining industry. His leadership and strategic insights played a crucial role in elevating the company’s profile and success.
Stephan Morgenstern’s next career move took him to Lauretta Larix, a German perfumery and cosmetics company. With his deep appreciation for fashion, style, and personal grooming, he found it easy to market products in an industry he was already familiar with. True to his marketing philosophy, Stephan personally used the products he promoted, allowing him to gain firsthand experience and deliver more authentic, convincing pitches to potential customers. His genuine approach and understanding of the product line enabled him to establish an extensive sales network for Lauretta Larix, significantly boosting the company’s revenue and market presence.
The Era Of Health And Fitness Chain Marketing
Morgenstern Stephan
Stephan Morgenstern’s first foray into the wellness and fitness industry began in 1996 when he joined LifePlus, an American company specializing in premium-quality dietary supplements and health consultations. Drawing on his natural marketing prowess and leadership skills, Stephan assembled a dynamic team that quickly made a transformative impact. Under his guidance, the marketing team dominated the industry, significantly increasing LifePlus’s client base and driving substantial revenue growth. His innovative strategies and hands-on approach helped establish LifePlus as a trusted brand in the health and wellness sector.
In 2005, Stephan Morgenstern embarked on a new professional chapter with Life Wave, a U.S.-based company specializing in anti-aging supplements. With his deep commitment to a healthy lifestyle, Stephan was naturally drawn to products that support and enhance human health. His enthusiasm for these products fueled his drive to market them globally, allowing others to benefit from their potential. Within just one year, Stephan’s dedication and expertise propelled him to become the primary distributor of Life Wave’s products across Europe, solidifying his reputation as a leading advocate in the health and wellness sector.
In 2007, Stephan Morgenstern took on a new challenge by joining Synergy Worldwide, a company renowned for its premium health supplements. This time, his focus was on the Austrian market. Despite the inherent challenges, Stephan’s extensive experience in chain marketing proved invaluable. He concentrated on health-conscious individuals, leveraging his deep understanding of scientifically proven benefits to build trust and credibility. Stephan’s strategic emphasis on the supplements’ efficacy resonated with customers, leading to significant success and establishing a strong foothold for Synergy Worldwide in Austria.
FutureNet Foundation
Stephan Morgenstern
Stephan Morgenstern considers his time with FutureNet to be the most impactful and fulfilling chapter of his professional career. He first engaged with FutureNet in 2014 as an external consultant, where he offered valuable insights and coaching to the company’s marketing team. FutureNet, an innovative social platform specializing in strategic and commercial aspects of telecommunications, was at a pivotal stage in its development. By 2016, Stephan’s exceptional performance and deep understanding of the industry led to his transition into a full-time role. His contributions during this period were instrumental in shaping the company’s success and solidifying his legacy within the organization.
In 2017, Stephan Morgenstern relocated to Dubai to align with FutureNet’s expansion into the UAE. Recognizing the region’s economic and financial dynamism, he understood that being based in Dubai would offer significant professional and personal advantages. Reflecting on his experience with FutureNet, Stephan Morgenstern shared in an interview:
“The concept was both simple and powerful: create a social media platform that also allowed users to earn money. We launched in 2014, starting from the ground up. The growth was phenomenal—by 2017, we had reached one million partners. Such rapid expansion is impressive for any chain marketing company.”
Stephan Morgenstern’s impact at FutureNet is significant and enduring. His dedication, determination, and creativity played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for the company’s exponential growth, which continues to this day. Stephan’s contributions were instrumental in establishing a strong foundation that fueled FutureNet’s success. He remained with the company until 2019, when he decided to sell his shares and transition to working as an independent marketing consultant. Since then, he has been applying his expertise to various companies, offering strategic guidance and innovative solutions in the marketing field.
Personal Life
Stephan Morgenstern is an extrovert who loves to laugh and sees the good in everyone around him. He identifies as agnostic and speaks three languages fluently: German, English, and Polish.
Stephan Morgenstern is married to Anna Morgenstern, a distinguished tax consultant, author, and business owner. The couple currently resides in Dubai and has a mutual affinity for the city. They enjoy long walks on the beach, hiking, traveling, and trying out delicacies at the city’s best restaurants.
Involvement In Charity
Through the FutureNet company, Stephan Morgenstern was able to launch a charity foundation called the FutureNet Foundation. Along his journey from his difficult days in Berlin to reaching the pinnacle of his career, Stephan Morgenstern has gained so many experiences that have shaped him into a man of sympathy and compassion. While traveling all over the world, he encountered not only influential and wealthy individuals but also the poor and less privileged. As a result, he made a promise to himself that once he became successful, he would establish a way to give back to society, and he fulfilled that promise through the foundation.
The foundation has provided funding for many charitable causes, such as offering meals to those starving in impoverished communities around the world, providing pipe-borne water in Africa, funding surgeries for sick children, and more. While doing all these good deeds, he is not interested in taking credit for them. He prefers to make his impact felt in silence rather than seeking public acclaim.
Stephan Morgenstern took his charity involvement to another level when he got involved with the NGO Intergovernmental Institution for the use of Microalgae Spirulina Against Malnutrition (IIMSAM). Spirulina is a nutrient-dense blue-green algae rich in protein, vitamins, and antioxidants, often used as a dietary supplement to boost health and combat malnutrition. Stephan Morgenstern’s dedication to ensuring that no child dies from malnutrition inspired his deep involvement with IIMSAM, as he aspired to bring positive change to the world.
FAQ
How did Stephan Morgenstern’s early experiences shape his career and philanthropic efforts?
Stephan Morgenstern’s early experiences, including his challenging upbringing in East Germany and his subsequent work in various sectors, significantly influenced his career and philanthropic efforts. Growing up in a working-class family and facing the tragic loss of his older brother instilled in him a sense of empathy and determination. His early work experiences, from being a dishwasher to launching a video rental store, demonstrated his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. These formative experiences fueled his drive to succeed and eventually led him to establish the FutureNet Foundation, through which he channels his compassion into charitable activities.
What inspired Stephan Morgenstern to pursue a career in chain marketing and how did he achieve success in this field?
Stephan Morgenstern’s entry into chain marketing was inspired by the emerging business opportunities in post-reunification East Germany. His success began with Hamburg Mannheimer Insurance Company, where he used innovative methods, such as cold-calling from a phone book, to excel in sales. His subsequent roles with ProCura, Quorum Security, KB Gold, and Lauretta Larix showcased his ability to adapt and thrive in various industries. His strategic mindset, leadership skills, and natural marketing talent were key factors in his achievements across these diverse sectors.
What were the key milestones in Stephan Morgenstern’s career with FutureNet, and how did they impact his professional trajectory?
Stephan Morgenstern’s career with FutureNet marked significant milestones, including his initial role as an external consultant in 2014 and his transition to a full-time position in 2016. His contributions were crucial during FutureNet’s expansion into the UAE in 2017. Stephan’s strategic insights and leadership played a vital role in the company’s rapid growth, helping it achieve a remarkable one million partners by 2017. His tenure with FutureNet was instrumental in shaping his professional trajectory, leading him to sell his shares in 2019 and pursue independent consulting roles.
How does Stephan Morgenstern balance his personal interests with his professional and philanthropic activities?
Stephan Morgenstern maintains a balance between his personal interests and professional commitments by embracing an active and fulfilling lifestyle. He enjoys various activities such as long walks on the beach, hiking, traveling, and exploring fine dining in Dubai with his wife, Anna. His passion for fitness and wellness aligns with his professional focus on health and wellness products. Additionally, his philanthropic activities through the FutureNet Foundation and involvement with IIMSAM reflect his commitment to making a positive impact, integrating his personal values with his professional and charitable endeavors.
What are some of the specific charitable initiatives supported by the FutureNet Foundation?
The FutureNet Foundation supports a range of charitable initiatives aimed at addressing global needs. Key initiatives include providing meals to individuals in impoverished communities, supplying clean water to regions in Africa, and funding medical surgeries for sick children. The foundation’s efforts are driven by Stephan Morgenstern’s desire to give back to society and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those less fortunate. The foundation’s commitment to these causes exemplifies its broader mission of philanthropy and social impact.
Key Takeaways
Stephan Morgenstern faced significant challenges growing up in East Germany, including a working-class background and the tragic loss of his older brother. These experiences shaped his resilience and determination, influencing both his career and philanthropic outlook.
He demonstrated early entrepreneurial talent by starting a video rental business in 1990, capitalizing on the demand for entertainment in post-reunification East Germany. Although the business eventually struggled, it highlighted his strategic thinking and adaptability.
Hiscareer in chain marketing began with Hamburg Mannheimer Insurance Company, where he excelled through innovative techniques like cold-calling. His subsequent roles in companies like ProCura, Quorum Security, and KB Gold showcased his ability to drive sales and build successful marketing teams across various industries.
Histime with FutureNet was marked by significant achievements, including his role in expanding the company’s reach and contributing to its rapid growth. His work with FutureNet solidified his reputation as a key player in the marketing field and led to his move to Dubai.
His foundation supports initiatives such as providing meals, clean water, and medical funding for children, reflecting his commitment to giving back to society.
His dedication to combating malnutrition led him to support the NGO IIMSAM, which uses Spirulina to address nutritional deficiencies. His involvement with IIMSAM highlights his broader commitment to improving global health and fighting malnutrition.
His his professional and philanthropic activities with a vibrant personal life. Residing in Dubai with his wife, he enjoys outdoor activities, travel, and exploring fine dining. His active lifestyle aligns with his professional focus on health and wellness.
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A minor earthquake with magnitude 3.68 (ml/mb) was reported 72 kilometers (45 miles) from San Antonio in Puerto Rico on Tuesday. The temblor was picked up at 03:22:16 / 3:22 am (local time epicenter). The epicenter was at a depth of 76 km (47 miles). Exact location of earthquake, longitude -67.2618 West, latitude 19.1261 North, depth = 76 km. Event ids that are associated to the earthquake: pr2024261000. Id of event: pr2024261000. Date and time of earthquake in UTC/GMT: 17/09/24 / 2024-09-17 03:22:16 / September 17, 2024 @ 3:22 am.
Close country/countries that might be effected, Puerto Rico (c. 3 917 000 pop). Event epicenter was 79 km (49 miles) from Aguadilla (c. 16 100 pop), 74 km (46 miles) from Isabela (c. 12 500 pop), 85 km (53 miles) from Hatillo (c. 5 600 pop), 80 km (50 miles) from Quebradillas (c. 5 600 pop), 83 km (51 miles) from Moca (c. 5 000 pop), 84 km (52 miles) from Camuy (c. 4 200 pop). Nearest cities/city/villages to epicentrum/hypocenter was Hatillo, Camuy, Aguada (min 5000 pop).
Every year there are an estimated 130,000 minor earthquakes in the world. Earthquakes 3.0 to 4.0 are often felt, but only causes minor damage. In the past 24 hours, there have been two, in the last 10 days seventeen, in the past 30 days thirty and in the last 365 days one hundred and fifty-five earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 or greater that has struck near.
Did you feel it?
What was your situation during the earthquake? Leave a comment or report about damage, shaking and activity at your home, city and country. This data comes from the USGS Earthquake Notification Service. Read more about the earthquake, Seismometer information, Distances, Parameters, Date-Time, Location and details about this quake, that has occurred near: 72 km NNW of San Antonio, Puerto Rico.
The Penguin arrives this week on HBO, expanding the gritty crime world of Matt Reeves’ The Batman movie into a spin-off series focused on Colin Farrell’s villainous character. Though his rogues’ gallery moniker remains the same, the Penguin’s real name was changed in the 2022 movie from Oswald Cobblepot, his name since his 1941 Detective Comics debut, to “Oz Cobb.” At long last, we have some details about why that happened.
As reported in SFX Magazine (via Comic Book Movie), “Oz Cobb” should not be interpreted as the character having shortened his admittedly sort of goofy last name.This guy is Oz Cobb, full stop. Speaking to the magazine, producer Dylan Clark explained what happened, pointing first to an earlier Batman villain name change as a precedent. “They never got around to changing his name in the comics like they did with the Riddler, going from Edward Nigma to Edward Nashton, from an unreal name to a real name. By doing that they grounded the character,” Clark said.
The Penguin team got what sounds like an enthusiastic go-ahead from DC Comics boss Jim Lee. “They had thought about changing his name at some point but had never done it. Matt asked, ‘Can I call our character Oz Cobb?’ And Jim said, ‘Absolutely!’ So we got a blessing from the king himself. That small change of the name allowed us to look at this character in a grounded way.”
Lauren LeFranc, The Penguin showrunner and creator, explained that like The Batman, the show is “creating new canon,” bringing its own flavor to familiar characters. “It felt like in the Gotham City that Matt created in his film, Cobblepot seemed less of a real person in the way that Cobb is a real last name. He’s a gangster and it just kind of felt more correct.”
“Cobb” may roll off the tongue a bit more sharply, but isn’t it actually more terrifying to have a ruthless guy after you who answers to “Cobblepot”?
DC Comics fans will get to know a lot more about Farrell’s breakout character when The Penguin, which also stars Cristin Milioti (as Sofia Falcone), Rhenzy Feliz (as Victor Aguilar), Michael Kelly (as Johnny Viti), Shohreh Aghdashloo (as Nadia Maroni), Deirdre O’Connell (as Francis Cobb), Clancy Brown (as Salvatore Maroni), James Madio (as Milos Grapa), Scott Cohen (as Luca Falcone), Michael Zegen (as Alberto Falcone), Carmen Ejogo (as Eve Karlo), and Theo Rossi (as Dr. Julian Rush), arrives September 19 on HBO.
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.
Back in December, I reviewed Square Enix’s monster collecting RPG Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on Switch. I loved my time with it despite its many technical issues. I expected it to hit PC like Dragon Quest Treasures, another Nintendo Switch exclusive, but I didn’t expect a mobile release. Square Enix’s newest release of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on iOS, Android, and Steam brings all prior paid DLC into the game at a lower entry point, but removes one feature. This is the online real-time multiplayer battles. Beyond that, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on Steam and mobile is already a massively better experience just on value with its lower price point and the content included, but is the game worth your time in this crowded release period and with its premium price? That’s what I aim to answer with my Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince mobile review also covering the game on Steam Deck.
If you aren’t familiar with Dragon Quest Monsters itself, it is a spin-off series of the main Dragon Quest games featuring turn-based combat, but instead of the main player fighting, you capture, breed, and raise monsters to fight for you. When I played Dragon Quest Treasures, I enjoyed it, but was told that it is a “Monsters-lite” game so when Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince was announced for Switch, I was excited to play it. I ended up loving it as you can see from my review linked above, but I think it is a very strong monster collecting RPG with turn-based combat regardless of if you like Dragon Quest or not. What made Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince more interesting, is in how it feels like a side story and prequel to Dragon Quest IV. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince also had a seasonal feature where the monsters changed depending on the season and area you’re in.
When it comes to the story, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince, the bits from IV already made it more interesting than the usual spin-off, but I found myself focusing more on getting my own dream monster party rather than worrying about the narrative. I’m super pleased with how well thought out the mechanics are and how the large zones, hundreds of monsters, and combat made me want to keep playing it more even on Switch when I first beat it let alone now on iPhone, iPad, and Steam Deck. Beyond the normal turn-based battles and recruiting new monsters, Synthesis in Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is like Shin Megami Tensei’s fusion, and there is just so much you can do with skills here. The seasons here don’t just change monsters, but also areas you can explore with map changes. This means a water body that you can’t cross will be frozen in one season letting you access a new secret.
Combat in games like this can get monotonous so I’m glad to see the many quality of life features here like the tactics menu that plays out similar to the original Persona 3, direct commands, and more. You aren’t here to just defeat enemies, but also scout them to bring to your party and become stronger. I didn’t end up testing the online multiplayer on Switch much, so I can’t comment on how big a loss that is here, but it is a game mode being cut nonetheless. If you did play it on Switch, keep that in mind as it is the only area the mobile and Steam versions are lacking compared to Switch.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince already shipped with a lot of content, but the DLC only elevated the experience. This DLC was sold in the Digital Deluxe Edition or as standalone DLC for the base game. Just the DLC was over $25 on Switch, so having the full base game with all DLC included for $24 on mobile makes it an amazing deal, but I’ll get to that in a bit. This DLC included The Mole Hole, Coach Joe’s Dungeon Gym, and Treasure Trunks. The Mole Hole was a dungeon that lets you scout (recruit) monsters you’ve fought before and it made min-maxing a lot easier during the game. The DLC was also good to speed things up since you could also easily scout monsters who only appear during a specific season or through synthesis.
The Coach Joe’s Dungeon Gym DLC has randomly generated maps and they are meant to be postgame challenges rather than experienced while playing the game. The final DLC is just a chest that can be opened once an hour with 10 items in total. This is like a cheat DLC if you may. I didn’t think it was good to have useful game modes or content in paid DLC, but that isn’t a problem anymore with all of it included on iOS, Androidl, and Steam in the base asking price.
Now let’s get to the mobile port features. With Square Enix, you can never be sure what features will make it into the final game. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince does not have controller support. This is beyond disappointing since the game is literally a console title ported to mobile. I tried 6 different controllers without any luck to be sure. Aside from controller support, Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on iOS has cloud saves and a few graphics options. The cloud saves work well.
When it comes to controls, I was surprised at how well Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince felt with touch controls. It uses a floating joystick on the left for movement and a jump button mainly while exploring. The one minor issue you might run into is some touch targets being a bit small on the non Plus/Max phones. These aren’t an issue on iPads at all though. The controls feel good, but Square Enix should’ve left full controller support in since this is a console game ported to mobile after all.
One of my only real issues with Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on Switch was on the technical side. The frame rate was rough at launch with visuals not being great either. The former got addressed to some degree unlike Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, but the latter never got fixed. On iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 12, and even iPad Pro, I had no major issues with the visuals or performance. There are some hiccups on iPhone 15 Pro when running at the highest graphics quality setting and moving through some locations, but it isn’t remotely as bad as on Switch. The game feels massively better to play on iOS. Check out the comparison below for the low and high graphics options on iPhone 15 Pro:
There aren’t specific visual or frame rate settings on mobile outside of the resolution option in display settings. This lets you play at low, medium, or high graphical quality options. These presets also affect other settings like the frame rate limit and post-processing. This setting can only be changed from the title screen on mobile while you can adjust it on the fly on PC. I stuck to the high setting on all my iPhones. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince sadly has some minor performance issues even on iPhone 15 Pro as I mentioned above. The low setting seems unusable with how blurry it gets. On my 2020 iPad Pro, the high preset has more regular frame drops than iPhone, and it also seems to be running with some tweaked settings. Overall, even the older iPad Pro runs it well, but not as good as iPhone 15 Pro as expected. Every device I tested on including the iPhone 12 ran it a lot better than Nintendo Switch.
Visually, it looks a lot cleaner than Switch even on older iOS devices when played at high. Square Enix didn’t just do a bare-bones port here. It has fullscreen support during gameplay on my iPhone 15 Pro, and even has a pattern or artwork to fill the screen during areas with pre-rendered or static 16:9 elements. This pattern or artwork is mainly used on my iPad Pro since it doesn’t support fullscreen there for gameplay. This also applies to Steam Deck to make up for that aspect ratio in parts. I’m glad to see Square Enix put in the work here to make sure it still looks good regardless of aspect ratio.
Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince Steam Deck impressions
On Steam Deck, regardless of my settings, I couldn’t get Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince to run at a locked 90fps even at the low preset when played at 800p. I decided to opt for a 60fps target, and that was a lot easier to achieve. One oddity is the game not letting you adjust resolution when playing on Steam Deck normally. You can do this by forcing the resolution from the game’s properties before launching it. Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on PC lets you adjust graphical quality (low, medium, high), anti-aliasing (off, low, medium, high), maximum frame rate (30 to uncapped), toggle v-sync, and adjust display mode (windowed, fullscreen, borderless). If you play at 60fps, I recommend setting your Steam Deck OLED refresh rate to 60 to avoid jitter as well.
Having now played Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on iOS, iPadOS, Steam Deck, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite, there’s no doubt that the Switch version is the worst of the lot despite the online mode being removed from mobile and Steam. The massive increase in performance and better visuals with all DLC included at a much lower asking price only makes it better. One thing to note is that the game is marked as Steam Deck Playable and not Verified because Valve says some in-game text is small and may be difficult to read. I didn’t have any issues with this, and I feel like Valve has marked games with smaller text as Verified before. Either way, you can safely buy this one to play on Steam Deck.
If you skipped Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince on Switch, the new mobile and Steam ports are the way to go. While the mobile version lacking controller support is disappointing, it is still a game I see myself playing regularly with its improvements over switch and fantastic core gameplay loop. Having all the DLC included means you will have enough content to last you even longer. If you do value controller support in a game like this, the Steam Deck is the way to go. Hopefully we see Square Enix keep bringing more Dragon Quest games to mobile in the future. Right now, the iOS version of Dragon Quest Monsters: The Dark Prince is easily one of the best mobile releases of the year.
Aside from the launch of the original Google Pixel phone back in 2016, no other release was as important as the Google Pixel 6. It ushered in what became the defacto Pixel design language, launched Google’s own Tensor processor line, and proved that Google could make a truly premium phone without the premium price.
It also marked the first time that Google promised five years of software updates, but that promise came with a catch: it only guaranteed three years of Android OS updates. While the phone will still see security updates for another two years, the release of Android 15 marks the final Android upgrade the phone will ever receive.
Which leads me to the question at hand: is it time to upgrade your aging Pixel 6 or Pixel 6 Pro? As a whole, I don’t think so. You should wait for the Pixel 10, but there are a few scenarios where upgrading to a Pixel 9 might make sense.
Why you should upgrade from your Pixel 6
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
The Google Pixel 9 series just came out, and while the new, even more premium design certainly can be tempting, the real reason to upgrade to a Pixel 9 this year is the choice of size.
For the first time ever, Google is offering a smaller Pixel 9 Pro with the same hardware configuration as the Pixel 9 Pro XL. That means folks looking to keep the excellent zoom detail of their Pixel 6 Pro can upgrade to a Pixel 9 Pro series and have a choice between sizes without sacrificing one of the best parts of a high-end smartphone camera experience.
Since the Pixel 6, Google has flattened its phone displays and reduced the bezels, meaning that big, beautiful display can be easily covered with a tempered glass Pixel 9 screen protector. While I love the look and feel of curved glass, there’s no denying it’s much harder to protect than flat glass, especially when it’s got a tempered glass layer on top.
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
Google has also further improved its software update promise since the Pixel 6 and now offers seven years of promised operating system and security updates for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 series. That means if you want to hold on to your Pixel 9 even longer than you did with your Pixel 6, you’ll still get the latest version of Android up until Android 21.
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The Pixel 6’s fingerprint scanner was always pretty awful, and while Google improved it with software updates, there’s no denying it’s one of the worst in-display fingerprint scanners since the Galaxy S10. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 9 both offer substantially improved fingerprint scanners, but each does it with a different technology.
For me, the Pixel 8 series has the best in-display fingerprint scanners of any Pixel phone on the market. It uses optical scanning technology, which means the display gets super bright underneath your finger so an optical sensor can read your print. The main complaint with this type of scanner is, of course, that blindingly bright light if you accidentally tap it in a dark room, but I find its accuracy is more than worth the trade-off. Most in-display fingerprint sensors use this type of technology.
The Pixel 9 series launched with an ultrasonic in-display fingerprint sensor, which many people prefer because it doesn’t use light at all to read your fingerprint. Instead, an ultrasonic sensor uses high-frequency sound waves to read your fingerprint. But it doesn’t work so well for everyone, and people like me find them to be frustrating to use as they regularly fail to read my fingerprints. So far, only a handful of companies have chosen ultrasonic including Samsung’s Galaxy S24 series.
Get Pro features in a smaller size with the Google Pixel 9 Pro, the first fully-featured Pixel phone that’s more comfortable to use with one hand. Plus, with seven years of software updates, you won’t need to upgrade for a very long time.
Here’s why you should wait to upgrade
(Image credit: Nick Sutrich / Android Central)
It’s not too hard to find a handful of reasons to upgrade, but I think it’s worth holding on to that Pixel 6 for one more year for one huge reason: Google Tensor G5. Before the Pixel 9 was launched, Android Central contributor Brady Snyder wrote about this very topic, as the Tensor G4 inside the Pixel 9 was rumored to be a pretty minimal upgrade over the Tensor G3 inside the Pixel 8.
It turned out that not only was he right, but Tensor G4 actually downgrades performance in some categories. As I noted in my Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL review, Tensor G4 is slower than the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor inside the Galaxy S22. Considering that Samsung will likely launch the Galaxy S25 in just four months, the Pixel 9 will be at a substantial disadvantage.
Some people have noted that the Pixel 9’s daily performance feels just fine and that more power isn’t necessary. Others say that the Tensor G4 is designed specifically to make the phone feel as Google-like as possible, which means the processor is designed specifically with Pixel-exclusive features in mind.
While I don’t disagree with that, I do worry about how the Pixel 9 will feel in just a few years’ time. If it’s already as slow as a phone from 2021, how will it feel when it receives the Android 18 update in 2027, let alone the Android 21 update a few years after that?
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
I also have to question Google’s pricing structure this year. It’s rare that someone will pay full price when upgrading to a new phone, whether that’s because they got a great Pixel 9 deal or they got hundreds off by trading in their new phone. But Google raised the prices of its Pixel 9 line by another $100 this year, which stacks on top of the $100 price hike on 2023’s Pixel 8 series.
That means you’re now paying $200 more for a phone that still performs at 2021 phone levels, which is only a few months after your Pixel 6 was released. Daily performance of the Tensor G4 over the Tensor G1 in the Pixel 6 isn’t much better either. Single core performance is only 13% faster, while multicore performance is only 20% faster.
I can’t think of a single other processor that’s only seen a maximum of 20% performance improvement over four generations—most processor upgrades achieve this metric each year—and I think this is the most embarassing part about the Pixel 9’s price hike.
The Pixel 10 is supposed to fix this problem with the launch of Tensor G5, a new Tensor redesigned from the ground up and fully designed in-house by Google. Tensor G1 to G4 have all been co-developed with Samsung and suffer from the same issues that Samsung’s Exynos line of processors does.
Using the Pixel 9’s fingeprint scanner isn’t much better than the Pixel 6’s. (Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
On to the rest of the phone, charging is faster than ever, but it’s still nowhere near the speed offered by phones like the OnePlus 12, which fully charges in around 30 minutes from zero percent. At best, the Pixel 9 will do about half that in the same time period.
The Pixel 9 series delivers the best battery life on any premium Pixel phone to date, but that doesn’t help much on those occasions when you might have forgotten to charge before heading out for the day.
The display is also as harsh as ever, as Google continues to chase specs like max brightness and pinpoint color accuracy at the expense of eye health. Anyone who is PWM sensitive, like me, will find that the displays on the Pixel 9 series are super uncomfortable to use for a long time. If you’re already comfortably using a Pixel, this probably won’t affect you, but it’s the main reason I no longer use a Pixel as my main device.
If you love the round edges and comfortable curves of your Pixel 6, you may not like Google’s design for the Pixel 9. The side rails are completely flat now, and coupled with the flat front and back of the phone, they make the phone less comfortable to hold.
My colleague Harish disagrees with me on this part, though, and the best Pixel 9 cases may completely solve these issues for you anyway. I don’t think this design will change much next year, but I can at least hope.
(Image credit: Nicholas Sutrich / Android Central)
If you’re planning on keeping your next Pixel for three years or more, I’d recommend waiting until the Pixel 10 to upgrade. Android 15 will still feel fresh until June 2025, when the Pixel 6 receives its last scheduled Pixel Feature Drop, and by then, we’ll be fully in the thick of Pixel 10 leak and rumor season, where you’ll be able to make the best decision about upgrading. Plus, by then, Pixel 9 prices should be at an all-time low.
The Pixel 10 is expected to launch with Android 16 unless something happens like it did this year. The Pixel 9 marks the first time that Google hasn’t launched a new Pixel alongside a new version of Android, adding more arrows in the quiver of disappointment for Google’s latest Pixels.
If you desperately need to upgrade now because of some kind of hardware issue with your Pixel 6, I’d recommend getting the Pixel 8a instead. Pixel 8a deals from companies like AT&T will get you the phone for under $6 a month, and you can always upgrade to the Pixel 10 when it comes out next year by using the company’s trade-in promos.
The Pixel 8a is the best little Pixel the company has ever made. With two amazing rear cameras, an upgraded selfie camera, and the same Tensor G3 processor as its more expensive cousins, the Pixel 8a is a winner and a half at a reduced price.
