fbpx
Connect with us

Business

Improbable Developed The Metaverse Before It Was Cool

Published

on

The term ‘metaverse’ has been popping up a lot lately since Facebook announced its company name change to Meta. First coined in Neal Stephenson’s 1992 sci-fi novel Snow Crash, the metaverse is a virtual reality where people can log in and out as they please. In these worlds, you’re theoretically capable of anything. While Mark Zuckerberg is getting a lot of attention for the metaverse, it’s worth pointing out that Improbable was one of the first to develop it in earnest. 

Improbable enables flexibility for developers to create environments where consumers can have increasingly complex experiences, shared in multiplayer simulations. 

“In the future, these virtual worlds could have near-endless possibilities, a metaverse where ordinary people not only have access to set experiences but agency – agency to consume and produce, agency to participate and create, agency to exchange and add value to the world itself.”

Lincoln Wallen, CTO of Improbable, joined the company in 2019 after successful stints at DreamWorks Animation and EA Mobile. Since age 16, Wallen has had an interest in software development and technology. 

Lincoln Wallen, CTO of Improbable

In the last few years, Improbable has made great strides on its mission to transform the games industry, driven by consumer experience. 

It’s an incredibly exciting time to be at such an innovative business.”

What Does Improbable Do?

Improbable is a British company that creates and powers virtual worlds. Founded in 2012, Improbable has a vision to “bring about rich, interactive environments that will transform economies to make people happier, safer, and more connected.” 

Once people have environments with elements of agency it becomes more like the real world, where we enjoy entertainment, and pleasurable and meaningful experiences to love and nurture each other. 

“Ultimately, metaverse and virtual worlds hold possibilities for people to create new dimensions to what matters most to them, like the relationships we need to thrive. 

“Vital experiences can give humanity an entirely new world of possibilities and that’s what we’re striving to achieve at Improbable.”

How Is This Different From ‘Meta?’

As mentioned previously, Zuckerberg may be getting most of the attention, but what Meta is doing with their virtual reality is completely different from what Improbable is doing. Meta is creating its own digital space while Improbable is supplying that technology to the video game world with the aspiration to create one of their own. 

Improbable is a company dedicated to providing technology for game makers to enable powerful virtual worlds and simulations designed to help solve previously intractable problems with a goal to build a metaverse of our own.”

“We work with customers who invent services, which we support and operate, and provide ingredient technologies. So in that sense, we’re a partner and service provider. 

“We’re also pioneers who experiment ourselves with services and develop content, but our primary business is to service partners who are doing this and our job is to provide the architecture, identifying the difficulties, and building solutions for the future. 

“We believe that it is from this supportive ecosystem that a true metaverse will emerge.

Concerns About The Metaverse

With issues like video game and internet addiction being very real problems, it’s sensible to look at the metaverse with a cautious eye. If you’ve ever seen proposed virtual office spaces (known as the ‘Nth Floor’), they give off very Star Trek Borg vibes. 

While we live in a world where our reality seems to get increasingly dire, the drive to escape said reality becomes more and more attractive. But while that same reality is in trouble, escaping it can only hurt. So, why even dive into the metaverse? What benefits are there? 

It’s probably too soon to know for sure what the consequences of the metaverse will be. But it’s not too soon to have them in the back of developers’ minds. 

To quote Ian Malcolm from Jurassic Park, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they never stopped to think if they should.

Not to, you know, bring the mood down or anything. 

What’s Cool About The Metaverse

While there are valid concerns about every technological advance, that shouldn’t be a deterrent. Jumping into the metaverse will launch us ahead in terms of how we experience the world and each other. 

Being able to put 10,000 people in the same virtual space who can see and interact with each other in real-time is unprecedented and it creates a landscape for the design of services that hasn’t been achieved before. That’s very exciting.

Any fans of gaming will surely jump into the metaverse with excitement and glee. Imagine World of Warcraft or Fortnite, only you’re “there.” It’s hard to imagine anything cooler. 

There is nothing inherently wrong with escaping reality. We’ve been doing it for longer than recorded human history. Do you think cave paintings were an attempt to stay grounded? How about books? Cinema? You get the idea. 

There are plenty of real-world applications to the metaverse that we haven’t even tapped into yet. Improbable is at the forefront of that mission. They have been developing this technology long before Zuckerberg ever got his hands on it. 

Improbable is marching ahead with this technology. It’ll be a treat to see how it all turns out.

Chris Blondell is a Philadelphia-based writer and social media strategist with a current focus on tech industry news. He has written about startups and entrepreneurs based in Denver, Seattle, Chicago, New Haven, and more. He has also written content for a true-crime blog, Sword and Scale, and developed social media content for a local spice shop. An occasional comedian, Chris Blondell also spends his time writing humorous content and performing stand-up for local audiences.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Business

Top 10 Best Places to Buy a Mid Century Modern Office Chair

Published

on

What was once old is new again: mid century modern is back in style. From architecture to furniture, the postwar look is in, and the hype extends all the way to office chairs.

Do you need a mid century modern office chair in your life? If so, there’s plenty to choose from. Your office chair should be tailored to your style, whether you like luxury, utility, or something in between.

That’s why we’ve put together our 10 favorite places to find your ideal mid century modern office chair.

What is mid century modern design?

After World War II, spirits were high in the US, and new technology was taking the country by storm. Mid century modern refers to the design concepts that came about during this time.

As opposed to the frilly, ornate designs of classical furnishings, mid century modern designs are angular, material, and functional. Wood is a common design element, especially teak. Mid century modern furniture may also have materials like glass, vinyl, and metal. Designs are simple and geometric, with bold accent colors to make them pop.

The mid century modern aesthetic never really went away, but it’s made a noted comeback in recent years. Some have chalked it up to Boomer and Gen X nostalgia, others point to mid-century-set shows like Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Why should I buy a mid century modern office chair?

A mid century modern office design
source: Modsy

Mid century modern is the perfect fusion of style and utility. If you want to cultivate an office space that commands respect without being ostentatious, mid century modern is the style for you.

When it comes to office chairs, an MCM one is often made with sturdy wood and vinyl. They combine the ergonomics of a modern office chair with old-fashioned grace.

If you’re concerned with utility and utility only, a more bog-standard office chair may suit you. But a mid century modern office chair is great for someone who wants to wow colleagues with a mature, thoughtful business space.

Where can I get a mid century modern office chair?

1) Wayfair

mid-century office chair

When it comes to furniture, Wayfair offers the best of both worlds. Their goods, including their mid century modern office chairs, are stylish and affordable. You can get a sturdy task chair for less than $100 or a more distinguished seat for less than $350.

MCM office chair examples: Dovray ($126), Bradford ($139), Lithonia ($133)

2) France & Son

mid-century office chair

Wayfair’s chairs are affordable, but France & Son is the perfect option for luxury shoppers. Their mid century modern office chairs are robust and sleekly designed. If you dress to impress and enjoy the finer things in life, these are the chairs for you.

MCM office chair example: Brooks ($695)

3) Houzz

mid-century office chair

Started as a community for people to share home decor tips, Houzz has become a great ecommerce platform for finding stylish furniture. They’re more known for home decor than desk chairs, but they have plenty of great, affordable finds if you know where to look.

MCM office chair examples: Arvilla ($173), Rathburn ($259)

4) Laura Davidson

mid-century office chair

The Laura Davidson collection offers a fairly limited selection of classic office furniture. Still, there’s a reason they’re trusted by big-wigs like Apple, Disney, and Salesforce. Their chairs are sturdy and beautifully designed, reimagining classic Eames and Knoll designs.

MCM office chair examples: Rockefeller ($275), SOHO II Soft Pad ($450)

5) Icons of Manhattan

mid-century office chair

Icons of Manhattan has a simple philosophy: do one thing, and do it right. Their office chairs are handcrafted from premium materials and tailored to a mid-century modern style. If you want that Mad Men energy in your office (hopefully with a lot less angst), these are the chairs for you.

MCM office chair example: Ribbed Medium ($219)

6) Amazon

mid-century office chair

Yes, the internet’s premier shopping destination has a robust collection of mid century modern office chairs. Like with most products, their selection of seats is vast and can be hit or miss. Still, they’ve got stunning chairs available for any style, whether you care about comfort, class, or ergonomics.

MCM office chair examples: IDS Home Modern ($219), Art Leon MCM Swivel ($139)

7) AllModern

mid-century office chair

AllModern’s collection of desk chairs and other furniture truly embodies the mid century modern spirit. Their work is tight, angular, and functional above all. They’re part of the Wayfair family and they traffic in a number of modern styles, but their sleek chairs are perfect for any mid century modern space.

MCM office chair examples: Frederick ($229), Kealey ($349)

8) Overstock

mid-century office chair

Overstock is known as a one-stop shop for quality home goods at sub-wholesale prices. If you want a spiffy mid century modern office chair that won’t break the bank, they’re the first place to look. While they’re somewhat less reliable than the more upscale platforms on this list, their selection is massive.

MCM office chair example: Joseph Modern ($163)

9) Walmart

mid-century office chair

Hayneedle’s selection of mid-century modern office chairs falls somewhere between the minimal Laura Davidson and the endless Amazon catalog. Their array of mid-century designs is affordable and versatile, with chairs that match almost any style. While they may be part of the Walmart family, these chairs are anything but second-rate.

MCM office chair example: Waleaf ($97)

10) Target

mid-century office chair

Why splurge when you can save? As usual, Target is a hidden gem, offering a sturdy selection of mid century modern office chairs for some of the cheapest prices out there. Many of the chairs they offer are from the same designers as these other stores—Christopher Knight, LumiSource, Armen Living, etc.—at reduced prices.

MCM office chair example: Lombardi ($136)

Continue Reading

Business

The Best Online Payroll Services [Updated for 2025]

Published

on

A quality payroll service is one of the most invaluable tools any entrepreneur can have. Whether you’re a small business owner or an HR manager, paying your employees on time is crucial. This makes choosing a service even more weighty, after all, it is a heavy administrative burden. The good thing is, you can outsource this duty to an online payroll processor.

According to statistics, 49% of workers begin a new job search after just two paycheck errors, and with 65% of workers living paycheck to paycheck, it’s more important than ever to ensure an efficient, effective payroll process.

These services can save you precious time and mitigate potential issues. To make it easy for you to choose, we listed the best online payroll services for 2025.

Top 5 Online Payroll Services

Gusto

 online payroll services

Gusto is a great option for both new and experienced payroll administrators, boasting an incredibly clean user interface and a first-rate payroll setup. Gusto lets you manage your employee’s time off (vacation and sick pay), company health insurance, and worker’s comp. Gusto offers excellent mobile access, too. This allows employees to manage aspects of their Gusto profiles, view payday insights, and access Gusto Wallet financial tools. 

Gusto offers four tiers of membership, the most affordable of which is the Contractor’s Only plan, which offers unlimited U.S.-based and global contractor payments, supporting more than 100 countries, plus 1099 creation and filing at a rate of $6 per person per month with no base price.

The other three are Simple, Plus, and Premium. Here’s a deeper look into each plan:

Simple 

Price: 

$40/mo + $6/mo per person

Plan details:

  • Full-service single-state payroll including W-2s and 1099s
  • Employee profiles and self-service
  • Basic hiring and onboarding tools
  • Gusto-brokered health insurance administration
  • Employee financial benefits
  • Payroll and time-off reports
  • Custom admin permissions
  • Integrations for accounting, time tracking, expense management, and more

Plus

Price:

$80/mo + $12/mo per person

Plan details:

(All Simple plan features +)

  • Full-service multi-state payroll including W-2s and 1099s
  • Next-day direct deposit
  • Advanced hiring and onboarding tools
  • PTO management and policies
  • Time tracking and project tracking
  • Workforce costing and custom reports
  • Team management tools
  • Full support

Premium

Price:

Bespoke pricing, reach out for a personalized quote

Plan details:

(All Plus plan features +)

  • HR Resource Center
  • Compliance alerts
  • Access to certified HR experts
  • Full-service payroll migration and account setup
  • Health insurance broker integration
  • R&D tax credit discount
  • Waived fees and exclusive pricing
  • Performance reviews
  • Employee surveys and insights
  • Dedicated support

QuickBooks Online Payroll

online payroll services

Founded in 1983, Intuit is a California-based financial software company. Since its inception, Intuit has developed into one of the best-known providers of accounting software. Their online payroll service, QuickBooks, includes the essential features you need to run payroll.

QuickBooks offers three tiers of membership. The least expensive membership covers basic accounting features, such as invoices. For more features, check out the Essentials and Plus memberships. Each plan’s features are as follows:

QuickBooks Simple Start (2025)

  • Price: $38/month for 1 user
  • Best for: Freelancers and small teams with basic payroll needs

Features:

  • Automated bookkeeping
  • 5 free ACH bank transfers/mo for bills

QuickBooks Essentials (2025)

  • Price: $75/month for 3 users
  • Best for: Small businesses needing deeper financial tracking

Features:

  • Includes all Simple Start features, plus:
  • Recurring invoices

QuickBooks Plus (2025)

  • Price: $115/month for 5 users
  • Best for: Growing businesses with HR and compliance needs

Features:

  • Includes all Essentials features, plus:
  • AI-powered profit & loss insights
  • Anomaly detection and resolution
  • Budgeting

QuickBooks Advanced (2025)

  • Price: $275/month for 25 users
  • Best for: Established businesses with HR and compliance needs

Features:

  • Includes all Plus features, plus:
  • Custom user management and permissions
  • Custom report builder
  • Data sync with Excel
  • Revenue recognition
  • Forecasting

OnPay

online payroll services

OnPay is a cloud-based full-service payroll processing system capable of running payroll according to a preset schedule, automatically disbursing wages, and calculating and withholding taxes. 

OnPay can sync up with several other software your team is already using, making it easy to integrate the service into your team’s system. Another benefit of OnPays model is the simple, transparent pricing structure. No tiers; just one base rate.

Pricing: 

$49/mo + $6/mo per employee

SurePayroll

online payroll services

SurePayroll’s award-winning service supports W-2 employees and 1099 contractors. Additionally, it handles 401(k) deductions and manages flexible spending accounts (FSA) and health savings accounts (HSA).

SurePayroll also offers a mobile app— available on both Apple and Android devices. 

SurePayroll offers live support through its United States-based support team through chat, email, or phone.

Small Business Payroll

  • Price: No Tax Filing: $20/month + $4 per employee, Full Service: $29/month + $7 per employee
  • Best for: Small businesses and startups

Features:

  • We file and deposit your federal and state taxes!
  • Run payroll in 3 simple steps
  • Schedule payroll to run automatically
  • Unlimited payroll runs and free 2-day direct deposit
  • Reports and pay stubs are available online 24/7
  • Supports W-2 employees and 1099 contractors

Nanny & Household Payroll

  • Price: Full-Service Household, $39/month, includes 1 employee, $10 per additional employee

Best for: Homeowners

Features:

  • Signature-ready Schedule H
  • We file & deposit your federal and state taxes!
  • Run payroll in 3 simple steps
  • Schedule payroll to run automatically
  • Unlimited payroll runs and free 2-day direct deposit
  • Reports & paystubs available online 24/7
  • Supports W-2 employees & 1099 contractors

Be sure to choose a payroll service that works for your business, and provides you with the peace of mind that comes with a reliable bookkeeping system. Your employees will thank you.

Continue Reading

Business

Merck Seagen Buyout: What to Know About the Deal

Published

on

Team talking about merck seagen buyout

Merck is currently in talks to acquire Seagen, a biotech company. The Wall Street Journal reports that the transaction is valued at $40 billion. And what happens if Merck acquires Seagen, and how would this acquisition benefit cancer research and treatment? Read more about the Merck Seagen buyout here.

Merck Seagen Buyout

Merck and Seagen are still deciding on their share prices. So far, talks have yet to reach an agreement on $200 per share. Both companies want to settle and finalize their deals before Merck announces its quarterly earnings on July 28. At the time of writing, Seagen’s stock was at $176.19.

With an estimated market value of $235 billion, Merck is looking to expand its presence in the cancer treatment space. The Merck Seagen Buyout could play a major role in that strategy. Since Seagen specializes in targeted cancer therapies, the acquisition would give Merck access to a broader range of oncology products.

Shareholder reactions to the new deal are overwhelmingly positive, and the stocks have been up since talks about the deal have been made public.

But this is not the first time that Merck and Seagen have made the news. Back in 2020, they collaborated because of cancer treatments. Seagen has a drug conjugate (ladiratuzumab vedotin) which would be used in conjunction with Merck’s Keytruda.

Merck reveals that Keytruda is its highest-selling product. It’s immunotherapy for cancer.

And this deal could help Merck offset the possibility of reduced sales because it will lose patent protection in 2028.

As promising as this deal is, there could be scrutiny from antitrust officials since there might be a litigation case from the Federal Trade Commission or Justice Department.

The Seagen buyout isn’t the only deal Merck has made recently. They’ve been busy closing another deal, but with Orion too.

Seagen

As a cancer biotech company, Seagen has therapies to ensure that patients benefit from the treatment and reduce any adverse side effects. Their treatments involve the therapy attacking tumors with toxins.

Merck partnering with Seagen isn’t a bad idea considering that Seagen made $1.4 billion in sales in 2021, most of it coming from Adcetris and Padcev (a treatment for urothelial cancers).

Merck-Orion Deal

In the middle of the Merck Seagen Buyout, Merck has recently partnered with Orion for the ODM-208 and other drugs. These drugs are related to the production of steroids. Orion found how it can combat hormone-dependent cancers and further developed this inhibitor.

Their deal includes that they should develop ODM-208 and promote it to the public together. And Orion will receive a $290 million payment from Merck.

Although they’re co-developing and marketing the new inhibitor, Orion will oversee the manufacturing side.

Co-developing the ODM-208 can help Merck with its current research and treatments for prostate cancer. President and CEO of Orion, Timo Lappalainen, says that this partnership will benefit Merck’s goals of treating cancer worldwide.

Other Ventures: Merck’s Role in the Pandemic

You may have heard about COVID-19 pills, which are a form of treatment for those diagnosed with mild to moderate COVID-19. Merck introduced an antiviral COVID-19 pill to the public. The name: Molnupiravir.

The COVID-19 pill is not a replacement for a vaccination. Instead, it stops the replication of the COVID-19 genetic code and keeps the patient out of the hospital. Not yet FDA-approved, Molnupiravir has been authorized for emergency use since December 23, 2021.

And for other stories, read more here at Owner’s Mag!

Continue Reading

Trending