LSN : News : Our Place’s Wonder Oven is a compact one-stop-shop appliance

Netflix to release 14 video games based on titles such as Emily in Paris

Netflix Games, US

US – Netflix is to release 14 new video games based on popular titles such as Emily in Paris and The Lord of the Rings.

Netflix has announced 14 new video games, expanding its current gaming portfolio with exciting new titles and release dates for highly anticipated games. There will be a game based on the popular tv series Emily in Paris and the mobile version of Tales of the Shire: A The Lord of the Rings Game.

The move highlights a growing trend towards the gamification of entertainment. These new titles join Netflix’s expanding collection of video games, which recently included several mobile games inspired by its hit reality dating series, such as Too Hot to Handle 3 and Netflix Stories: Selling Sunset.

The addition of these games underlines Netflix’s commitment to diversifying its entertainment offerings and providing members with a broader range of interactive content. As the streaming platform continues to innovate, fans can look forward to more immersive experiences based on their favourite shows and genres.

We have previously discussed how brands can make their mark in the thriving gaming scene and also who the true gaming consumers are in our Women Who Play communities report.

Strategic opportunity

How can your business create more interactive and immersive experiences for its users? By diversifying and modernising traditional media formats you give users a more fulfilling experience

Our Place’s Wonder Oven is a compact one-stop-shop appliance

Wonder Oven by Our Place, US

US – Our Place has rolled out a 6-in-1 countertop appliance that combines multiple cooking functions in a sleek design. Building on the success of its Always Pan, the Wonder Oven aims to simplify kitchen tasks with functions like toasting, roasting, reheating, baking, air-frying and broiling.

Unlike popular air fryers, the Wonder Oven features steam infusion technology to deliver versatile cooking options while reducing kitchen clutter. Designed to look so good that users leave it on their countertops, the oven comes in four colourways: steam, spice, blue salt, and char. Shiza Shahid, the founder of Our Place, was inspired by her childhood in Pakistan to develop products that celebrate diverse culinary traditions, without compromising on playfulness or performance. This approach sets Our Place apart, transforming kitchen tools and appliances into exciting products with innovative design and storytelling.

The Posh Pantries section of our Functional Feasting macrotrend explored how brands are elevating cupboard staple foods, and the Wonder Oven mirrors this trend in appliances.

Strategic opportunity

Brands can explore how to revitalise traditional yet underwhelming product categories by integrating cultural narratives and multifunctional designs, with the aim to engage consumers and boost desirability

Lovehoney champions senior sexual health with Queen Bees initiative

Global – Sex toy brand Lovehoney is recruiting ‘senior sexperts’ to advise older adults on enhancing their intimate lives.

Playfully given the title of Queen Bees, the experts will help the brand dismantle the stigmas surrounding sex during the golden years by offering advice on issues such as libido changes and body confidence.

Joining Lovehoney’s existing panel of paid sex and relationship advisers, Queen Bees must be 66 or older. Each sexpert will become a Lovehoney media spokesperson and star in a short film answering the nation’s burning questions about sex in later life.

Despite often being overlooked by sexual wellness brands, our Boomers Now and Next: From Ageing to Becoming macrotrend report revealed how Boomer Bedrockers are a surprisingly sexually active and adventurous demographic. Lovehoney’s Queen Bees will help the brand tap into this largely underserved market.

Celine Van Heel captures her grandfather in his prime senior years, Spain

Strategic opportunity

Sexual wellness is a concern across age groups and Boomers are a lucrative audience for brands to target. How can you ensure your marketing, ambassadors and tone of voice are inclusive of mature consumers?

Stat: Survey shows LGBTQ+ employees still feel marginalised at work

Photography by Charly De Blas

Global – Recruitment agency Randstad has released its Workmonitor Pulse survey, shedding light on the experiences of more than 2,000 LGBTQ+ employees worldwide. The study reveals that while 41% of respondents confirmed their workplaces actively participate in Pride month, 39% feel those efforts are purely for show.

Despite advances in diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, 41% of LGBTQ+ workers report facing discrimination or prejudice at work. In addition, about one-third believe their sexuality or gender identity has negatively affected their career progression, pay or opportunities. More than a third (36%) have felt less motivated or productive because they can’t be themselves at work.

‘Business leaders have a responsibility to continue to make improvements,’ says Sander van’t Noordende, CEO of Randstad. ‘Workers consistently tell us that the ability to be themselves at work means that they feel more productive and motivated, and can reach their full potential at work.’

We have previously provided a framework for the optimised future work state to help organisations design and plan the workplace and embrace inclusivity for different communities.

Strategic opportunity

Is your business genuinely championing its LGBTQ+ community? Implement ongoing, mandatory training programmes on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and allyship, and encourage feedback on how to improve the workplace culture and policies