Halo Infinite will soon receive a patch to tackle the Big Team Battle (BTB) matchmaking issues that have affected the game since its launch, while a following major update is scheduled for mid-February to target cheating and other player issues.

Outlined in a blog post on Halo Waypoint , a fix for the BTB matchmaking issues, which have prevented players and larger groups from successfully connecting to the 12v12 matches, is currently in hand. The post says the development team has identified a fix for the issue that’s still undergoing testing.

No release date for the hotfix was given, although the post mentions it will be rolled out as soon as possible while ensuring it doesn’t have any other unintended impacts on the game.

“It won’t be this week, but we hope it’s not too much further out and we’ll share an update as soon as we have line of sight on a release date (once we clear ‘cert’ [certification] we are then ready to ship),” the post states.

Following the patch, a further update is planned for mid-February, which will address instances of cheating and other issues raised by the community. We can expect more details about that update closer to the time. The developers again emphasize they’re trying to include as many fixes as possible in the February update without undermining existing parts of the game.

Analysis: a necessary fix

Halo Infinite’s BTB matchmaking has been wonky since the game launched last year. While the game mode has always been playable, large parties of players trying to connect to the 12-person-a-side battles are often met with error screens, spontaneous disconnections, or looping loading screens that last forever. Not exactly a smooth experience.

It’s been a persistent source of disappointment for those that are excited to hop into the chaos of a large Halo deathmatch with their buddies. Often, you’ll have better luck ditching your friends entirely, and can quite quickly make it into a BTB game if you're searching solo, but that somewhat ruins the magic.

This matchmaking fix will be welcome news for much of the game’s community. While many players would have liked to have seen a patch released before the holiday season, a complete fix that tidies up the issue without breaking other segments of the game will be well worth the wait. Game development can’t be rushed.

Although only several days into January, it’s not been a quiet year for Halo Infinite. Last week, its time-limited Fracture: Tenrai multiplayer event returned, introducing several improvements to its progression system in response to fan feedback.

Mattress protectors vs mattress pads: what’s the difference?

A clean and comfy mattress is a must for healthy sleep, and two accessories that help you create exactly that are mattress pads and protectors. While they look similar at first glance, there are key differences between the two, which we explore in our mattress protectors vs mattress pads comparison.

Whether you have recently invested in the best mattress for your sleep or you have an older bed that you’re keen to look after, one of the best mattress protectors will do the job with ease. This easy-to-fit layer of fabric defends against sweat, spills, dust mites and, depending on the design, bed bugs.

But when it comes to comfort, there’s a little more on offer with mattress pads, which deliver around an inch of cushioning. That isn’t enough to rival a good mattress topper , but pads do offer more comfort than protectors while offering some basic hygiene features.

In our mattress protectors vs mattress pads comparison, we look at their differences, drawbacks and benefits, and highlight some of our go-to options.

Mattress protectors vs mattress pads: What are they?

While both accessories keep your mattress fresh, mattress protectors are specifically designed for the task and often have a waterproof fabric that creates a barrier against accidental spills and bedwetting. They also safeguard against yellow sweat stains, and block allergens such as dust mites, with full mattress encasements stopping bed bugs from getting in.

While mattress pads also offer some protection, few are completely waterproof. However, they do have a thin layer of plushness that subtly alters the feel of your bed. Pads are usually one to two inches thick at the most, compared to toppers that are usually two to four inches thick.

So mattress pads won’t drastically change your bed’s feel or firmness, or offer pressure relief like a proper topper, but they can make your bed feel more plush.

Mattress protectors vs mattress pads: Benefits

A mattress pad is a quick and easy way to give your mattress a little boost of comfort, but don't expect them to perform in the way a bed topper would. They don't offer pressure relief or extra support, though some made with natural materials are cooling.

If you are looking to keep your mattress in great condition while adding a little extra plushness, then a mattress pad is a great solution. It offers enough of a defence against wear and tear without adding much bulk.

To protect against spills, stains, germs, dust mites, bedwetting and even bed bugs, a mattress protector is by far the better of the two. These thin, often waterproof layers create a strong barrier against liquids seeping through. Many brands offer rustle-proof versions too, so you don’t need to worry about a plasticky feel or noisy rustling whenever you move around in bed.

Mattress protectors vs mattress pads: Differences

While mattress pads aren’t as thick as toppers, they still offer a touch of plushness. Mattress protectors offer a thin layer of waterproof fabric that can barely be felt and are more effective at keeping dust mites and other critters at bay.

The barrier provided by protectors not only keeps your bed clear of accidental spills (or bedwetting), but if you sleep hot and are prone to sweating, then your mattress will stay fresh and free of bacteria too.

While both accessories can be cleaned in a washing machine, a mattress protector will fit into the machine more easily and dry quicker, making them a more practical choice. They are also more portable, as well as simple to fold, pack or store away when not in use.

For more plushness and protection against wear and tear, then a mattress pad is the better option. While not all pads are waterproof, they still offer some protection against sweat and spills, but you might want to consider using a protector beneath a pad to ensure your mattress stays dry and clean.

Mattress protectors vs mattress pads: Prices

Both accessories come in options to suit most budgets. Because mattress protectors use fewer materials, they are more affordable, plus you will often find them given away as part of free bedding bundles when you buy a boxed mattress. But as they are flimsier and washed more often, they generally won’t last as long as pads.

Prices generally start from under $15 from online retailers such as Amazon, Target and Walmart. Factor in organic materials or waterproofing and the price rises. Luxury sleep brands such as Purple and Saatva design premium mattress protectors, with prices starting from $79 and $95 respectively.

Mattress pads are also pretty cheap compared to thick mattress toppers, but this depends on the materials used. Expect to pay more for one made using organic materials. The most common materials are feather, wool and fiber (polyester fill).

As with most things, it’s worth spending a little more to guarantee a good quality product that will last longer and won’t end up in landfill within a year. More affordable protectors and pads are also a good solution for beds used less often, such as in guest bedrooms.

Mattress protectors vs mattress pads: Materials

Pads and protectors are made to fit all standard mattress sizes, both UK and US. Both accessories are easy to fit, with mattress protectors usually attaching in the same way as a fitted sheet or fully zipped cover around the bed. Meanwhile, pads simply rest on top of the mattress, attach with elastic straps, or use the same fitted-sheet design as a mattress protector.

Mattress pads are available in different materials from natural organic wool covered in crisp cotton covers, to synthetic foams and soft polyester. The feel will alter depending on the material, so if you’re looking to stay cool, you may prefer to choose natural materials such as wool or bamboo. For extra softness, choose mattress pads made with feather or wool, like those sold by Saatva and Birch Living.

Mattress protectors are usually made with polyester or cotton, and have added polyurethane for waterproofing. When choosing one for your bed, try to find one that’s rustle-free so that it doesn’t create any noise as you shift position.

Mattress protectors vs mattress pads: Key brands

There is generally a wider range of mattress covers available compared to pads. Nearly all the major sleep brands offer both, and as mentioned earlier, quite often manufacturers throw in a free protector along with other bedding when you buy a mattress.

Here are a few of our go-to pads and protectors to give you an idea of what’s good…

US MATTRESS PADS AND PROTECTORS

UK MATTRESS PADS AND PROTECTORS

Mattress protectors vs mattress pads: Which one should you buy?

When it comes to the one essential item you should buy for your bed, a mattress protector is it. Not only does this humble bit of fabric safeguard against spills, sweat, allergens and bacteria, it will keep your mattress protected for the duration of its sleep trial or warranty.

But if you need a bit of extra comfort or durability, then a mattress pad should give you what you need, creating more protection against wear and tear, and making your bed just that little bit snugglier.

While not all pads are waterproof, they do offer plenty of protection, so it’s worth adding one if you need slightly more comfort. If you want to radically alter the feel of your mattress, making it firmer, softer, or cooler, then you should consider a mattress topper, which is thicker and a great way to upgrade a mattress. Don’t forget, you can use a mattress protector with a pad or topper for the ultimate in protection and comfort.

Finally, some mattress manufacturers will give away protectors as part of a free bedding bundle, which nearly always include the brand’s best pillows and sheet sets, giving you everything you need for a comfy night’s sleep. So if you are buying a new bed, check to see whether you can get a free cover for it before buying your own.

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Amazon's Lord of the Rings forges a title to rule us all

Amazon Studios has officially unveiled the title for its upcoming Lord of the Rings TV series – and, given its ties to Sauron and Middle Earth's Second Age, it sounds very ominous indeed.

Revealed in a post on Amazon Prime Video 's Lord of the Rings Twitter account, the studio's live-action prequel series will now be known as The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power .

A one-minute long teaser accompanied the title reveal, which included a voice over recounting one of the most famous passages from J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy:

New (albeit slim) details about Amazon's Lord of the Rings TV series emerged alongside its title. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter (THR), showrunners J.D. Payne and Patrick Mackay elaborated on their decision to focus on the creation of the Great Rings as part of the show's overarching plot.

“This is a title that we imagine could live on the spine of a book next to J.R.R. Tolkien’s other classics," the duo said in a statement. "The Rings of Power unites all the major stories of Middle Earth’s Second Age: the forging of the rings, the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, the epic tale of Númenor, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

“Until now, audiences have only seen on-screen the story of the One Ring — but before there was one, there were many… and we’re excited to share the epic story of them all.”

As THR also reports, The Rings of Power aspect of the title puts an end to speculation that Sauron wouldn't appear in Amazon's prequel series. Currently, there's no word on who is set to portray the Dark Lord. But, given that another Prime Video series – The Wheel of Time – didn't reveal which actor had been cast as its villain until the season 1 finale, we may have to wait for Amazon's Lord of the Rings to officially launch before we find out who'll play Sauron.

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power will be released exclusively on Prime Video on September 2, 2022.

Analysis: Putting the Lord of the Rings puzzle together

As most Lord of the Rings fans will have gleaned from the title and reveal trailer, The Rings of Power relates to the 19 other rings that were forged by the elf Celebrimbor at Sauron's request.

Diehards and fans of the movies should remember that three rings were delivered to the elves, seven to the dwarves, and nine to the lords of men. The latter group of this trio eventually succumbed to their rings' influence and become the Nazgûl, some of Sauron's most trusted lieutenants.

Given the big-budget fantasy show's setting – that is, Middle Earth's Second Age – it shouldn't be a huge surprise that we'll see the Great Rings being forged and distributed before Sauron truly attempts to lord it over Tolkien's fictional world.

Still, it's good to know that this vital story thread will be covered in detail. Amazon Studios couldn't tell a tale set in the Second Age and simply just gloss over the creation of the Rings of Power, so we're pleased that the Lord of the Rings TV show will do so in some capacity.

It'll be interesting to find out how much time will be devoted to the Great Rings' forging in the TV show, though.

In Tolkien's novels, we know that Sauron befriended the elven smiths of Eregion, including Celebrimbor, to persuade them to create the rings. But, while we've had some confirmation about which actors will play certain characters – Saint Maud's Morfydd Clark will portray Galadriel, for instance – Amazon hasn't revealed every role for its 39-strong cast.

So it's unclear whether Celebrimbor will be the only elven smith who appears in The Rings of Power, or if other prominent figures will aid him in creating the magical artefacts. Now that we have an official title, hopefully it won't be too long before Amazon Studios releases a full list of the show's cast of characters.