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Pelican Press

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  1. Pelican Press
    Seth Meyers Cracks Up at Trump Publicly Roasting His Own Friends and Employees Seth Meyers Cracks Up at Trump Publicly Roasting His Own Friends and Employees Donald Trump publicly roasted several of his friends — and now employees — to the press this week, taking jabs at their professional reputations, weight and more. Seth Meyers was stunned to see it, but of course got a good laugh as well. This week, the president zeroed in on three people in particular: Jeanine Pirro, Mehmet Oz and an unnamed third friend, who he swears people would know if he had dropped the name. During his “A Closer Look” segment on Monday night, Meyers noted that, at least for Pirro and Oz, “people see them not as serious professionals, but as ridiculous TV personalities.” But the NBC host wasn’t making that assessment himself; he was using Trump’s own words. “Oz had a very successful show, but it hurt his reputation. Because when you’re in show business, it hurts your reputation a little bit,” Trump explained to the press of his current administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. “It’s good for you, it’s good for you, but in terms of professionalism and being a doctor, it sort of hurts your reputation.” Trump immediately compared Oz’s bruised reputation to Pirro, who was named this week as the new U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. “She was the toughest, smartest DA maybe in our country’s, in our city’s and state’s history; New York,” he said. “She was really tough, really sharp. Then she did a show, and people didn’t think of it quite the same way. Became more of an entertainment person like us.” As the clip ended, Meyers was quick to note that being “an entertainment person” seems to be a draw for Trump, considering Pirro is the 23rd current or former Fox News employee to be hired by the Trump administration. But, the NBC host wondered how Pirro and Oz are supposed to take Trump’s words as compliments. “Are Dr. Oz and Jeanine Pirro supposed to feel good when they hear their so-called friend Donald Trump talking about them like this?” he asked, before imitating Trump more succinctly: “‘Two amazing people, but then they went on TV, and people lost respect for them. Not just me, everyone!’” Trump also discussed a businessman friend of his during a press conference this week, describing him as “highly neurotic” and “seriously overweight,” and someone who “takes the **** shot drug.” “In the annals of presidential history, we had FDR’s fireside chats. JFK’s inaugural address, and now Donald Trump saying, ‘My overweight friend takes the **** shot drug,’” Meyers said with a wry expression. “Are you talking about Ozempic, or did you fall asleep watching TV and hallucinate again?” Meyers was also pretty amused by Trump saying his friend is neurotic, only to then slowly call out terrible features about the person without actually naming a name. What made matters worse, the late night host argued, is that Trump has proven he can speak very highly about friends. It’s just that the friends he touts are Vladimir Putin, Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping. You can watch Seth Meyers’ full “A Closer Look” segment in the video above. The post Seth Meyers Cracks Up at Trump Publicly Roasting His Own Friends and Employees | Video appeared first on TheWrap. Source link #Seth #Meyers #Cracks #Trump #Publicly #Roasting #Friends #Employees Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  2. Pelican Press
    RTX 5090 with Core 2 Duo? Nvidia driver change opens up bizarre system build options RTX 5090 with Core 2 Duo? Nvidia driver change opens up bizarre system build options Nvidia’s newest drivers no longer require the system CPU to support the POPCNT instruction. We don’t know why this change has been made, however, there are some fascinating implications regarding what you might call mismatched hardware. For example, tech enthusiast Bob Pony observed that due to this driver change, “you could possibly pair an [Nvidia GeForce] RTX 5090 with [an Intel] Core 2 Duo.” We’d like to see it, and surely we will see this exact scenario tested by a TechTuber, shortly. UPDATE: Recent NVIDIA drivers no longer require the POPCNT CPU instruction, this means old CPUs such as the Intel Core 2 Duo will be able to install the latest NVIDIA drivers without any issues.And yes, that also means you could possibly pair an RTX 5090 with Core 2 Duo now. pic.twitter.com/v8h4eduVH5May 12, 2025 In Pony’s screenshot (unfurl the post embedded above) you can see what appears to be an Intel Core 2 Quad Q9650 processor powered system running a version of Windows 11 Pro. That alone might need some system hacking shenanigans. However, Pony asserts that the latest Nvidia driver, version 576.40 which was released just yesterday, now plays nicely with systems packing old Core 2 Duo CPUs (introduced 2006) which lack POPCNT support. The tech enthusiast included a post later in the thread to show that Nvidia didn’t support system CPUs lacking the POPCNT instruction when he checked last August. In fact, unfortunate users trying such an installation might face a ‘soft brick’ and have to wait through a number of boot loops before being able to recover Windows startup. You may like So, what is POPCNT? POPCNT is a CPU instruction and a short form derived from Population Count. Processors use it to determine how many bits are actively set in a given binary number. Notably, it is part of the SSE4.2 instruction set. Given that you have to go back more than a decade and a half to find processors without native POPCNT support, it doesn’t really concern anyone who wants a practical workmanlike PC for typical 2025 workloads. Windows 11 24H2’s POPCNT requirement POPCNT may seem like an obscure processor instruction, but it has been in the news previously, with popular software insisting upon it being supported by the system CPU. Case in point – Microsoft’s Windows 11 24H2 introduced a requirement for POPCNT hardware support. That change came to light around a year ago, and alongside other requirements such as tech as secure boot and TPM support, it ruled out a host of older CPU generations from official Windows 11 OS compatibility. Follow Tom’s Hardware on Google News to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #RTX #Core #Duo #Nvidia #driver #change #opens #bizarre #system #build #options Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  3. Pelican Press
    Here’s the inflation breakdown for April 2025 — in one chart Here’s the inflation breakdown for April 2025 — in one chart Shipping containers are offloaded from a cargo ship at PortMiami on April 15, 2025 in Miami. Joe Raedle | Getty Images Inflation retreated again in April on the back of lower prices for consumer staples like groceries and gasoline, and other items such as used cars and clothing. The consumer price index, a key inflation gauge, rose 2.3% in April from 12 months earlier, down from 2.4% in March, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Tuesday. It was the smallest annual increase since February 2021, just before pandemic-era inflation started to pop. However, economists warn it’s not a matter of if, but when, tariffs levied by President Donald Trump start to re-ignite inflation, at a time at a time when it has nearly been tamed from pandemic-era highs. “It felt like we could just about declare victory on putting inflation back in the bottle, and it’s back out again,” said Mark Zandi, chief economist at Moody’s. He expects tariffs to start noticeably impacting inflation in the May CPI report issued next month. “Soak this report in,” Zandi said. “It’ll be a while before we get another good one.” How tariffs may affect inflation Tariffs are a tax on imports from foreign nations, paid by U.S. companies that import the good or service. Businesses negatively affected are expected to pass on at least some of that additional cost to consumers via higher prices. Trump has imposed — and removed or delayed — tariffs in several tranches during his second term. Tariff policies currently in effect would cost the average U.S. household an extra $2,800 over the “short run,” according to a Yale Budget Lab report issued Monday. (It doesn’t specify a time frame.) The speed at which companies raise prices will vary, economists said. Some may not want to raise them immediately, to avoid alienating consumers. Others may have ample inventory, and can avoid raising prices until their non-tariffed inventory runs low. Some may try to raise prices prematurely, in anticipation of higher costs. A 10% average tariff rate would add as much as 1 percentage point to the consumer price index after about six to nine months, said Joseph Gagnon, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics. That average rate is a “reasonable” guess, given current policy, he said. Currently, there’s a 10% baseline tariff on most U.S. trading partners, and a higher rate on China of at least 30%. There are also 25% duties on specific products like steel, aluminum and some automobiles and auto parts, and on certain goods from Canada and Mexico. Of course, it’s unclear where policy will ultimately land. Even after a temporary trade deal with China announced Monday, “core” CPI inflation will still rise to 3.5% by the end of 2025, Stephen Brown, deputy chief North America economist at Capital Economics, wrote in a note Tuesday. Core inflation — which strips out energy and food prices, which can be volatile categories — was at 2.8% in April. “I think tariffs are the biggest question mark over the inflation outlook,” said Sarah House, a senior economist at Wells Fargo Economics. “There’s all this tremendous trade uncertainty and we have higher tariffs pretty much across everything we import,” she added. ‘Signs of tariff effects’ in the CPI There may have been “some signs of tariff effects” in the CPI report, Brown of Capital Economics wrote. For example, there was a nearly 9% jump in audio equipment prices and a 2.2% increase in photographic equipment prices just in the month from March to April, according to Brown’s note. However, “the overall tariff impact was muted,” signaled by a relatively low 0.1% increase in goods prices for the month, he wrote. Meanwhile, gasoline prices fell slightly — by 0.1% from March to April — on a seasonally adjusted basis, according to CPI data. They’re down 12% for the year. Gasoline prices have fallen (or, deflated) in recent months alongside those of oil, from which gasoline is refined. Oil prices have declined amid fear of recession, which would mean lower demand for oil, and greater supply. More from Personal Finance: How to save on your grocery bill Stagflation is a looming economic risk After *** and China trade deals, tariff rate still highest since 1934 Grocery prices also declined for the month, by 0.4%. Lower fuel costs can translate to reduced costs for transportation of food from farm to store shelves, economists said. A “sharp” monthly fall in egg prices — a 13% decline — also contributed, Brown wrote. Prices for used cars and trucks also declined, by 0.5% for the month, as did those for apparel (-0.2%) and airline fares (-2.8%). Inflation for housing, the largest CPI component, has also tamed though remains elevated, at 4% annually. Broadly, CPI inflation for “services” has gradually declined due to a combination of housing; a weaker labor market in which workers aren’t quitting their jobs as frequently and businesses don’t have to raise wages rapidly; and a lagged effect of “calmer” goods inflation, House said. Source link #Heres #inflation #breakdown #April #chart Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  4. Pelican Press
    Microsoft is cutting 3% of all workers Microsoft is cutting 3% of all workers Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella leaves after attending a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 30, 2024. ****** Kurniawan | Reuters Microsoft on Tuesday said that it’s laying off 3% of employees across all levels, teams and geographies. “We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC. The company reported better-than-expected results and an upbeat quarterly forecast in late April. Microsoft had 228,000 employees worldwide at the end of June, meaning that the move will affect thousands of employees. It’s likely Microsoft’s largest round of layoffs since the elimination of 10,000 roles in 2023. In January the company announced a small round of layoffs that were performance-based. These new job cuts are not related to performance, the spokesperson said. One objective is to reduce layers of management, the spokesperson said. In January, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told analysts that the company would make sales execution changes that led to lower growth than expected in Azure cloud revenue that wasn’t tied to artificial intelligence. Performance in AI cloud growth outdid internal projections. “How do you really tweak the incentives, go-to-market?” Nadella said. “At a time of platform shifts, you kind of want to make sure you lean into even the new design wins, and you just don’t keep doing the stuff that you did in the previous generation.” On Monday, Microsoft shares stopped trading at $449.26, the highest price so far this year. They closed at a record $467.56 last July. WATCH: Microsoft will continue as the best performing mega-cap stock in 2025: D.A. Davidson’s Gil Luria Source link #Microsoft #cutting #workers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  5. Pelican Press
    Star Wars Zero Company Upholds a Tradition That a Future Game Should Break Star Wars Zero Company Upholds a Tradition That a Future Game Should Break Vits9d ago It’s the current logic. People are paying more, for less. If that “saved” money were actually spent on improving the single-player experience, that’d be one thing. But anyone who actually plays games knows that’s not what happens. We’re in the era of “safe” games, stripped-down, polished packages full of shiny lighting, big setpieces, and all the interactivity of a NES-era background. Multiplayer modes, extra features, modding tools, things that used to add value for players, keep getting cut. Why? Because they don’t add value for the company. And, as always, the useful idiots will cheer, pay more all while getting less than before. So of course companies will keep doing it. Source link #Star #Wars #Company #Upholds #Tradition #Future #Game #Break Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  6. Pelican Press
    Microsoft is cutting 3% of all workers Microsoft is cutting 3% of all workers Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella leaves after attending a meeting with Indonesian President Joko Widodo at the Presidential Palace in Jakarta, Indonesia, on April 30, 2024. ****** Kurniawan | Reuters Microsoft on Tuesday said that it’s laying off 3% of employees across all levels, teams and geographies. “We continue to implement organizational changes necessary to best position the company for success in a dynamic marketplace,” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC. The company reported better-than-expected results and an upbeat quarterly forecast in late April. Microsoft had 228,000 employees worldwide at the end of June, meaning that the move will affect thousands of employees. It’s likely Microsoft’s largest round of layoffs since the elimination of 10,000 roles in 2023. In January the company announced a small round of layoffs that were performance-based. These new job cuts are not related to performance, the spokesperson said. One objective is to reduce layers of management, the spokesperson said. In January, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told analysts that the company would make sales execution changes that led to lower growth than expected in Azure cloud revenue that wasn’t tied to artificial intelligence. Performance in AI cloud growth outdid internal projections. “How do you really tweak the incentives, go-to-market?” Nadella said. “At a time of platform shifts, you kind of want to make sure you lean into even the new design wins, and you just don’t keep doing the stuff that you did in the previous generation.” On Monday, Microsoft shares stopped trading at $449.26, the highest price so far this year. They closed at a record $467.56 last July. This is breaking news. Please check back for updates. Source link #Microsoft #cutting #workers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  7. Pelican Press
    An options strategy to play a potential rebound in this beaten down delivery giant An options strategy to play a potential rebound in this beaten down delivery giant UPS reported earnings on April 30, and while they managed to beat estimates, the outlook for the upcoming quarter fell short of expectations. They also announced 20,000 job cuts following their recent split with Amazon — news that didn’t exactly inspire confidence. Amid all this negativity, several analysts have slashed their price targets. That said, the average target still hovers around $110 — noticeably higher than where the stock is trading now. For this trade, I’m taking a contrarian stance on this beaten-down name, especially as the technical charts start to hint at a possible bounce. It’s also worth pointing out that UPS tends to move in tandem with rival FedEx, so any strength in that name could serve as an early signal for upside in UPS. Beyond the headlines, let’s break down what the technicals are saying. Here’s a look at the 6-month daily chart of UPS. The MACD is a popular tool not just for identifying the current trend but also for spotting potential reversals. On April 21, the MACD began signaling a possible shift in momentum, marking the early signs of a trend change. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) helps gauge the strength behind a stock’s price movement. With the MACD already pointing bullish, the RSI offers further confirmation — it’s been climbing sharply, reinforcing the case for growing momentum behind this move. The trade setup: UPS bull call spread To initiate a bullish position on UPS, I’m using a strategy called a “bull call spread.” This involves buying an at-the-money (ATM) call option while simultaneously selling an out-of-the-money (OTM) call — combining both legs into a single, defined-risk trade. In this setup, UPS only needs to move $1 in the right direction for the position to deliver a 100% return, effectively doubling the capital at risk. Here is an example trade setup assuming UPS is trading at $101/share after market open. Buy $101 call, June 6 expiry Sell $102 call, June 6 expiry Cost: $50 Potential Profit: $50 Notes: Strike selection : Strikes will vary based on UPS’s price at the time of entry. The ideal setup involves buying an in-the-money (ITM) call and selling an out-of-the-money (OTM) call, effectively creating an at-the-money bull call spread. Expiration : It’s best to give these setups 24–35 days to work, especially when trading around sharp moves or knee-jerk reactions. Profit target : If UPS reaches or exceeds the short strike by expiration, the trade can return 100% on the capital risked. For example, with 50 contracts, you’d be risking $2,500 for a potential $2,500 gain. I dive into setups like these in much more detail in my book Mean Reversion Trading , and you can explore hundreds of real trade examples on my site: tradingextremes.com . -Nishant Pant Founder: Author: Mean Reversion Trading Youtube, Twitter: @TheMeanTrader DISCLOSURES: Pant has a UPS 101-102 call spread expiring on June 6. All opinions expressed by the CNBC Pro contributors are solely their opinions and do not reflect the opinions of CNBC, NBC UNIVERSAL, their parent company or affiliates, and may have been previously disseminated by them on television, radio, internet or another medium. THE ABOVE CONTENT IS SUBJECT TO OUR TERMS AND CONDITIONS AND PRIVACY POLICY . THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND DOES NOT CONSITUTE FINANCIAL, INVESTMENT, TAX OR LEGAL ADVICE OR A RECOMMENDATION TO BUY ANY SECURITY OR OTHER FINANCIAL ASSET. THE CONTENT IS GENERAL IN NATURE AND DOES NOT REFLECT ANY INDIVIDUAL’S UNIQUE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES. THE ABOVE CONTENT MIGHT NOT BE SUITABLE FOR YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES. BEFORE MAKING ANY FINANCIAL DECISIONS, YOU SHOULD STRONGLY CONSIDER SEEKING ADVICE FROM YOUR OWN FINANCIAL OR INVESTMENT ADVISOR. Click here for the full disclaimer. Source link #options #strategy #play #potential #rebound #beaten #delivery #giant Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  8. Pelican Press
    Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra Delayed To Early 2026 ‘To Add More Polish’ Marvel 1943: Rise Of Hydra Delayed To Early 2026 ‘To Add More Polish’ Skydance Games has delayed Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra to 2026, stating it will use the additional time to add more polish to the game. Rise of Hydra, which is led by Amy Hennig of Jak and Daxter and Uncharted fame, was initially set to launch sometime this year. While this delay is likely disappointing for Marvel fans excited about the single-player action-adventure team-up of Captain America and ****** Panther Azurri (T’Challa’s grandfather) during World War II, it’s not too surprising. The last time we heard about this game was in March of 2024, when Skydance released the first cinematic trailer for the game. “We have an important update: Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra will now be launching in early 2026,” a statement from Skydance Games posted to X reads. “Taking this additional time will allow us to add more polish, and make sure we give you the best possible experience, and one that lives up to our vision. We have some exciting things in store and look forward to sharing more soon!” You can learn more about what Skydance has planned for Marvel 1943 Rise of Hydra by reading our 2022 interview While waiting to learn more about what Skydance is cooking up for Rise of Hydra, check out Game Informer’s list of upcoming superhero games. Source link #Marvel #Rise #Hydra #Delayed #Early #Add #Polish Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  9. Pelican Press
    Meizu Note 16 Pro With 6,200mAh Battery, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Launched Alongside Note 16: Price, Specifications Meizu Note 16 Pro With 6,200mAh Battery, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 Launched Alongside Note 16: Price, Specifications Meizu Note 16 Pro and Meizu Note 16 have gone official in China. The new handsets run on Flyme AIOS 2 based on Android 15 and feature 6.78-inch displays. The Meizu Note 16 Pro runs on a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset, while the Meizu Note 16 has a Unisoc T8200 chip under the hood. The Pro model is backed by a 6,200mAh battery with 80W wired charging, whereas the Meizu Note 16 gets a 6,600mAh battery with 40W charging support. Meizu Note 16 Pro, Meizu Note 16 Price and Availability Meizu Note 16 Pro price starts at CNY 1,499 (roughly Rs. 17,000) for the 8GB + 256GB variant. The 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB and 16GB +512GB RAM and storage variants cost CNY 1,699 (roughly Rs. 20,000), CNY 1,899 (roughly Rs. 22,000) and CNY 2,099 (roughly Rs. 24,000), respectively. It comes in Cloud White, Light Boat Blue and Star Chaser Gray (translated from ********) shades. On the other hand, the standard Meizu Note 16 is priced at CNY 799 (roughly Rs. 8,000) for the base 8GB + 128GB variant. The 8GB + 256GB variant is sold for CNY 999 (roughly Rs. 11,000), while the 12GB + 256GB is priced at CNY 1,199 (roughly Rs. 14,000). It is released in Child Red, Rock ******, Snow White (translated) colourways. Both handsets are currently up for pre-orders in China via the official Meizu website, and they will go on ***** from May 16. Meizu Note 16 Pro Specifications, Features The Meizu Note 16 Pro runs on Android 15 with Flyme AIOS 2 and features a 6.78-inch 1.5K resolution AMOLED screen with HDR10+ support and 144Hz variable refresh rate. The display is touted to deliver 4,500 nits peak brightness. It runs on a Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 chipset alongside Adreno 720 GPU, up to 16GB RAM and up to 512GB storage. For optics, the Meizu Note 16 Pro has a dual camera setup with a 50-megapixel main sensor and an 8-megapixel ultra-wide camera. On the front, it boasts an 8-megapixel selfie shooter. Connectivity options on the Meizu Note 16 Pro include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, GPS, and A-GPS. It has an in-display fingerprint sensor for authentication. The Meizu Note 16 Pro has a 6,200mAh battery with 80W wired charging support. It has an IP66+ IP68 dust and water-resistant build. Meizu Note 16 Specifications, Features The Meizu Note 16 runs on the Flyme AIOS 2 based on Andorid 15 and sports a 6.78-inch full-HD+ (1,080×2,460 pixels) IPS display with 120Hz refresh rate and up to 1,050 nits of peak brightness. It is powered by a Unisoc T8200 paired with up to 12GB of RAM and 256GB of inbuilt storage. On the rear, the Meizu Note 16 has a dual camera setup, including a 50-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel depth sensor. It has an 8-megapixel selfie shooter like the Note 16 Pro. Other notable features of the Meizu Note 16 include a side-mounted fingerprint scanner for authentication and an IP65-rated build. It houses a 6,600mAh battery with 40W charging support. Source link #Meizu #Note #Pro #6200mAh #Battery #Snapdragon #Gen #Launched #Note #Price #Specifications Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  10. Pelican Press
    FTC’s new rule on ticket prices won’t bring costs down, experts say FTC’s new rule on ticket prices won’t bring costs down, experts say Fans watch Taylor Swift perform onstage during “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour” at La Defense on May 10, 2024 in Paris, France. Kevin Mazur | TAS24 | Getty Images The Federal Trade Commission’s new guidelines on price transparency — known as the junk fees rule —will change how ticket prices are presented, which is a rare victory for consumers, experts say. According to the FTC, businesses selling live-event tickets or short-term lodging must prominently show the total cost upfront, including “all charges or fees the business knows about and can calculate,” before asking for payment. They must also “avoid vague phrases like ‘convenience fees,’ ‘service fees,’ or ‘processing fees'” and “conspicuously disclose the amount and purpose of those charges,” the FTC explained. “More transparency is always a win for consumers,” said Andrew Mall, an associate professor of music at Northeastern University. However, “if there are any consumers who have been expecting fewer fees as a result, they will be disappointed,” he added. More from Personal Finance: Many Americans are struggling with food price inflation Stagflation is a looming economic risk Here’s what experts say about selling gold jewelry for cash Consumers have grown increasingly frustrated with ticket sellers in recent years, especially as a number of blockbuster tours tested the limits of what concert goers were willing to pay. “Concert ticket pricing is a very elastic economic model,” Mall said, “there is no limit.” Post-pandemic, ticket prices soared, also known as “funflation.” The prevalence of tacking on “junk fees” as well as implementing “dynamic pricing,” which is when ticket-selling platforms charge more per ticket depending on demand at any given time, caused costs to escalate even more, often unexpectedly. Neither of these strategies are prohibited under the FTC’s new rule. “This is not about capping fees or saying what fees companies can or cannot charge,” said Teresa Murray, director of the consumer watchdog office for U.S. PIRG, a nonprofit consumer advocacy research group. “It’s about transparency and it’s about making things fair, not just for consumers but also for other businesses,” she added. The rule is narrower than what the FTC proposed in 2023. That rule would have broadly banned hidden charges as part of former President Joe Biden’s wide-ranging crackdown on junk fees that drive up costs without providing visible benefits. Ticket sellers can continue to charge whatever they want for concerts, sporting events, music, theater and other live performances, Murray said. “They just have to give the total price upfront.” Consumers will see some immediate changes Ticketmaster on Monday launched “All In Prices” in the U.S., which now shows the full price of tickets, including all fees before taxes and shipping charges. “Ticketmaster has long advocated for all-in pricing to become the nationwide standard so fans can easily compare prices across all ticketing sites, and we commend the FTC for making that a reality,” Ticketmaster COO Michael Wichser said in a statement. “Paired with the recent executive order targeting abuse in the secondary market, it marks a meaningful step forward for our industry and we’ll continue pushing for additional reforms that protect both artists and fans.” Secondary-market seller SeatGeek also announced in a press release Monday it will now display the price of tickets with fees included upfront on its platform, in line with the FTC’s new guidelines. “Fans deserve pricing that’s clear from the start,” Jack Groetzinger, SeatGeek’s co-founder and CEO, said in the release. “This is an important step forward.” There may also be a knock-on effect to come, Murray said. “In the secondary market, where there is a lot of competition, maybe those companies will shave off a few of those fees so they appear to be the lowest cost,” she said. “We wouldn’t be surprised if some fees went away.” Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Source link #FTCs #rule #ticket #prices #wont #bring #costs #experts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  11. Pelican Press
    MEPs support proposals to simplify EU carbon leakage instrument | News MEPs support proposals to simplify EU carbon leakage instrument | News Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Climate Change and Food Safety today endorsed the Commission’s proposal, which is a part of the “Omnibus I” simplification package presented on 26 February 2025. MEPs adopted only technical amendments for clarification purposes and support a new de minimis mass threshold of 50 tonnes, which would exempt the vast majority (90%) of importers − mainly small and medium-sized enterprises and individuals − who import only small quantities of CBAM goods. The CBAM’s environment goal is maintained, as 99% of total CO2 emissions from imports of iron, steel, aluminium, cement and fertilisers would still be covered by the rules. For the imports covered, the changes also simplify authorisation of declarants (parties wishing to import goods subject to the CBAM), the calculation of emissions and the management of CBAM financial liability, while strengthening anti-abuse provisions. Quote After the vote, rapporteur Antonio Decaro (S&D, IT) said: “A majority in the committee agreed to limit amendments to the specific proposals by the Commission and to not reopen other provisions of the CBAM legislation, which is so crucial to prevent carbon leakage. This approach enables us to simplify matters for companies without dismantling or weakening the CBAM. We will continue to work as fast as possible to bring legal clarity and certainty to all CBAM stakeholders.” Next steps MEPs adopted the text by 85 votes in favour, 1 against and with 1 abstention. On 22 May 2025, Parliament as a whole is scheduled to adopt its mandate for negotiations with Council on the final shape of the legislation. Background The EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism is the EU’s tool to equalise the price of carbon paid for EU products operating under the EU emissions trading system (ETS) with that of imported goods, and to encourage higher climate ambition in non-EU countries. In early 2026, the Commission will assess whether to extend the scope of the CBAM to other ETS sectors at risk of carbon leakage. Source link #MEPs #support #proposals #simplify #carbon #leakage #instrument #News Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  12. Pelican Press
    Lawyers called in after potential Eurovision hack Lawyers called in after potential Eurovision hack The Eurovision Song Contest has brought in lawyers, following rehearsal footage of the competition being leaked online, after a “potential hack” of an online feed. Switzerland, where the competition began in Lugano in 1956, will host Tuesday’s first 2025 semi-final in Basel. It will see the Netherlands return to the stage after their act was kicked out of the competition shortly before the final last year. When asked about rehearsal leaks at a press briefing on Tuesday, the European Broadcasting Union’s Eurovision director Martin Green said: “We have to send signal out to the juries during those shows and amongst our different members, technology differs in how modern it is. “And therefore, sadly, if you have the intent to do it, you can potentially hack into that … is what I understand. It’s sad that people do that. “It also shows you what a demand there is out there for it. Every year we manage to tighten up a bit more, and we will continue to do it.” He added that they “don’t want to spoil it for everyone”, and his “understanding is we managed to take a lot of it down, and I will say (the) cyber security team are on it, and our lawyers are on it”. An EBU spokeswoman said: “We regret that despite our best efforts to keep the content of our shows a surprise for the millions watching around the world it’s regrettable that some people spoil the experience by publishing dress rehearsal content online. “Where possible we work with platforms, EBU Members, cyber security experts and lawyers to remove this content to protect artists and the integrity of the live shows.” It is unclear what was shared, but there was some social media content of excerpts from the dress rehearsals on social media on Monday evening. There have been reports that ********* singer Celine Dion sent a video message, which aired during rehearsals, wishing the contestants luck, and appearing to rule out her return to the Eurovision stage. However, this appeared to be dismissed by Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR which insisted there “are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion – we are still in close contact with her”. Dion has stepped away from touring in recent years, because of increasing health issues while living with stiff-person syndrome (SPS), but made an emotional come back at the 2024 Paris Olympics singing Edith Piaf’s classic Hymne A L’Amour while in the Eiffel Tower. The 57-year-old won in Dublin 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, and there had been speculation that since no further act representing Switzerland won until Nemo clinched victory with The Code last year in Malmo, she would make a comeback this year. Protests are expected throughout the week, and a pro-************ group is planning a large demonstration on both Wednesday, and Saturday. The Wednesday action will be a “silent march” against Israel competing with singer Yuval Raphael, the group Basel for Palestine has said. On Tuesday, a spokesman for Basel police said “an application for a demonstration is currently still pending”, but “no date” for it has been set. Israel’s government shared a clip on X from the protest on Sunday, and said: “Israel’s Eurovision representative Yuval Raphael, a Nova massacre survivor, was ‘welcomed’ in Basel by a hostile crowd of pro-****** protesters. Discussions on Israel’s participation have been called for by broadcasters from countries such as Spain, Ireland and Iceland but the EBU has defended Kan’s inclusion, saying that it has nothing to do with the Israeli government. Source link #Lawyers #called #potential #Eurovision #hack Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  13. Pelican Press
    Parkinson’s risk higher for those living close to a golf course: study – National Parkinson’s risk higher for those living close to a golf course: study – National Living near a golf course might come with an unexpected health concern: a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease, according to a recent study. The study, published May 8 in JAMA Network Open, found a potential link between living near golf courses, where pesticides are commonly used, and higher rates of the neurodegenerative condition. It found people living within one mile (1.6 kilometre) of a golf course have a 126 per cent higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to living more than six miles (9.6 kilometres) away, said co-author Dr. Ray Dorsey, a neurologist and the director of the Center for the Brain and the Environment at Atria Health and Research Institute in New York. “This isn’t the first study that links Parkinson’s disease with pesticides. This just adds additional evidence that this isn’t just happening among farmers. This is happening to people living in suburban areas that have an increased risk of getting Parkinson’s disease simply because of where they live,” he said. Story continues below advertisement “But they’re not the ones to bring the pesticides, it’s like secondhand smoke. They’re just likely breathing it in or consuming it in the water that they’re drinking.” 3:58 GNM – New drug molecule research could help treat Parkinson’s disease There’s been so much extensive research connecting pesticides to Parkinson’s disease that Dorsey said that in his view, it’s no longer just a possible link — it’s one of the causes. It’s important to note that this study was based in the United States, where some pesticides used on golf courses, like paraquat (a herbicide) and maneb (a fungicide), have been linked to a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease. However, these specific pesticides have been banned in Canada. While the study mentions paraquat and maneb, it doesn’t list all the pesticides used. Other pesticides are still allowed in Canada. Story continues below advertisement Parkinson’s link to pesticides Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement, often causing tremors, stiffness and difficulty with balance and coordination. According to Parkinson Canada, more than 110,000 people in Canada are currently living with the disease; a number expected to rise in the coming years as the population ages. Get weekly health news Receive the latest medical news and health information delivered to you every Sunday. There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s disease and no treatments available that can slow its progression. Although it is still not fully understood what causes the disease, research suggests it’s the result of a potential combination of genetic and environmental factors, said Dr. Karen Lee, the CEO of Parkinson’s Canada. “It’s probably a perfect storm. Meaning, you have genes that prime you to potentially get Parkinson’s, and if you’re put in the right environment, potentially that is what sets off the onset of Parkinson’s disease,” she told Global News. Story continues below advertisement 2:12 ‘Just to see the top was amazing:’ Peterborough man climbs Mount Kilimanjaro for Parkinson’s disease research For years pesticides have been in the spotlight as a potential environmental trigger. While farming communities and agricultural workers have been studied extensively, much less is known about the potential risks posed by more urban or suburban sources of pesticide exposure — like golf courses, the study argues. Golf courses are often treated with pesticides to maintain the aesthetic standards for putting greens and fairways, and these chemicals have been linked to the development of Parkinson’s disease. To explore this possible link, researchers from the Mayo Clinic conducted a population-based study using data from the Rochester Epidemiology Project between 1991 and 2015. Data were analyzed between June and August 2024. They looked at medical records and environmental data for 419 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease and more than 5,000 people living without the condition. The researchers then viewed residential histories and their distance to 139 golf courses in southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin. Story continues below advertisement People who lived within a one to three-mile radius of a golf course showed the highest risk of developing the disease. Specifically, those residing within one mile had 126 per cent increased odds compared to those living over six miles away. This risk generally decreased as the distance from the golf course increased, the study said. Proximity was not the only factor linked to elevated risk. The study also found that the type of drinking water mattered. Trending Now Case of 2 missing N.S. children enters 10th day as police remain tight lipped Foreign student asylum claims hit record high in 2024, set to grow in 2025 People who got their tap water from groundwater sources in areas with a golf course had almost double the odds of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to those in similar areas without a golf course, the research found. The risk was even higher for people living in regions where the groundwater was classified as vulnerable, meaning it was more susceptible to contamination due to soil type or shallow bedrock. Story continues below advertisement The researchers believe this is because pesticides from golf courses may enter groundwater and contaminate municipal water supplies. 5:30 Efforts to combat Parkinson’s disease Although water seemed to be a key factor, the study found that people living within one to two miles of a golf course still had a higher risk, even after considering water vulnerability. This suggests that pesticides drifting through the air might also play a role in the increased risk, the researchers argued. Lee said the findings didn’t come as a surprise and viewed them as one more piece of a larger puzzle. She emphasized that the more researchers understand, the better they can tailor treatments — and eventually work toward prevention. “We have already shown that there’s a higher risk of getting Parkinson’s due to these pesticides,” she said. “But it is really important to remember that there isn’t one thing that causes Parkinson’s right now. We haven’t said ‘this is it,’” she said. Story continues below advertisement Dr. Michael Okun, the national medical advisor at the Parkinson’s Foundation, agreed. He said the study is intriguing but not surprising, as golf courses use various pesticides and herbicides to maintain their greens. “Living close to a golf course and sharing water services nearly doubles the odds of developing *** (Parkinson’s disease). This is strongly suggestive that environmental exposure to chemicals used in golf course maintenance could be a contributing factor,” he said. Not just Parkinson’s disease Meanwhile, other studies have linked golf courses to neurological disease. Research published in The Journal of Neurological Sciences in 2024 found that outdoor recreational activities, such as golfing and gardening, may increase the likelihood of developing amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), especially in men. Pesticides are neurotoxic, Dorsey said, so it’s not surprising that exposure to some of them has been linked to other neurological disorders in humans. Story continues below advertisement “We think Parkinson’s disease is largely a man-made disease. The chemicals in our food, water, and air are fueling the rise of a fast-growing brain disease,” he said. He and the researchers hope the study will raise awareness about the potential risks of pesticide use on golf courses and encourage public health policies to reduce groundwater contamination and airborne exposure. In the meantime, Okun said that while the study highlights a potential link, there is still no cause-and-effect relationship. “Therefore, it’s premature to make broad recommendations solely based on this finding. However, it does underscore the importance of evaluating and potentially regulating the use of certain chemicals in residential and recreational areas.” More on Health More videos Source link #Parkinsons #risk #higher #living #close #golf #study #National Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  14. Pelican Press
    Switch 2’s Price Could Affect “Early Adoption,” Nintendo Says Switch 2’s Price Could Affect “Early Adoption,” Nintendo Says If you think Switch 2’s price of $450 seems a tad steep, then you are not alone. In fact, Nintendo has admitted the entry cost–especially considering the original Switch debuted at $300–could affect early hardware sales for the upcoming hybrid system. During a recent financial results briefing, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa was asked about the company’s forecast to sell 15 million Switch 2 systems in this fiscal year (which would roughly be 10 months for the console itself). Furukawa implied that the price point is one of the biggest factors into the calculation. You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. Size:640 × 360480 × 270 Want us to remember this setting for all your devices? Sign up or Sign in now! Please use a html5 video capable browser to watch videos. This video has an invalid file format. Sorry, but you can’t access this content! Please enter your date of birth to view this video JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember12345678910111213141516171819202122232425262728293031Year202520242023202220212020201920182017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420032002200120001999199819971996199519941993199219911990198919881987198619851984198319821981198019791978197719761975197419731972197119701969196819671966196519641963196219611960195919581957195619551954195319521951195019491948194719461945194419431942194119401939193819371936193519341933193219311930192919281927192619251924192319221921192019191918191719161915191419131912191119101909190819071906190519041903190219011900 By clicking ‘enter’, you agree to GameSpot’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy enter Now Playing: Nintendo Switch 2 – Official System Overview Trailer “Nintendo Switch 2 is priced relatively high compared to Nintendo Switch, so we recognize that there are corresponding challenges to early adoption,” said Furukawa. “That being said, Nintendo Switch 2 can play compatible Nintendo Switch software, so there is continuity between the platforms. We are taking steps like bundling software with the hardware to accelerate adoption in the first fiscal year, aiming to get off to the same start we did with Nintendo Switch.” Furukawa seemed to dismiss the idea that production or the US tariff situation factored into the numbers. Instead, the Nintendo president continued stressing Switch 2’s price point as well knowing “it will not be easy to keep that momentum [with hardware sales] going over the long term through the holiday season and beyond.” Switch 2 preorders are off to a hot start, and they sold out almost immediately in the US last month. Nintendo is launching Switch 2 on June 5, with Mario Kart World releasing alongside the system. Source link #Switch #Price #Affect #Early #Adoption #Nintendo Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  15. Pelican Press
    Company to slash another 11,000 jobs, close 7 plants Company to slash another 11,000 jobs, close 7 plants Nissan on May 13 announced sweeping cuts across the company with plans to lay off another 11,000 employees and close more than a half-dozen plants across the globe. The latest cuts bring the carmaker’s total workforce reduction to roughly 20,000 jobs, which accounts for 15% of the Japan-based automakers workforce, according to Reuters and The Associated Press. Following a whirlwind year, the company announced it would also close seven plants, Reuters reported. The move will cut the number of its production plants from 17 to 10. It was not immediately clear which positions were being slashed and which plants were shuttering. USA TODAY has reached out to Nissan. Nissan employs more than 133,000 people worldwide, according to Nissan’s Global website, with about 21,000 people, including manufacturing employees, in the United States. The new layoffs will bring Nissan’s total workforce cuts to about 20,000 jobs. Last year, the automaker announced plans to cut 9,000 workers and previously announced nixing plans to build a plant in Japan. Newly named Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa has rekindled optimism at the automaker. “As you can see, our full-year financial results are a wake-up call,” newly named CEO Ivan Espinosa said during a press conference, according to Reuters and The Japan Times. The reality is very clear. Our variable costs are rising. Our fixed costs are higher than our current revenue can support.” Espinosa, who replaced former CEO Makoto Uchida (2019-2025) recently revealed a handful of upcoming vehicles to the public recently including the new Leaf EV and the Kicks. The hidden costs of owning a car: How fuel, maintenance and depreciation add up The move comes on the heels of Nissan facing a plethora of challenges including new management, falling sales, and potential merger or acquisition. But analysts don’t see the company failing anytime soon, the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network reported last month. Employees inspect the vehicles through an assembly line at Nissan Smyrna Assembly Plant in Smryna, Tenn., Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024. In December 2024, Nissan and Honda announced a plan to merge, but Nissan retreated from the negotiations in February. This is a developing story. Contributing: Reuters; Mark Phelan with The Detroit Free Press Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at *****@*****.tld and follow her on X @nataliealund. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Nissan layoffs, plant closures: Carmaker announces more cost cuts Source link #Company #slash #jobs #close #plants Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  16. Pelican Press
    Real Reason Todd Howard Won’t Let Unreal Engine 5 Power The Elder Scrolls 6 Real Reason Todd Howard Won’t Let Unreal Engine 5 Power The Elder Scrolls 6 As we keep waiting for The Elder Scrolls 6, the questions regarding the game keep piling up. One of the most debated questions that we’ve seen is whether Todd Howard and Bethesda should switch from their own Creation Engine 2 to Unreal Engine 5. There are a lot of pros and cons for the switch, but it won’t happen because of one simple reason. Despite all the demands from fans and the benefits that Unreal Engine has, the team at Bethesda is standing firm. Because it’s not just about better graphics and technology, it’s about the investment that the company has put into Creation Engine 2 and the fact that the devs already know it to a tee. Todd Howard and Bethesda will stick to Creation Engine 2 Todd Howard and the team at Bethesda have made it clear that Creation Engine 2 is more than just an upgrade; it’s a full overhaul designed specifically for the types of massive, systemic RPGs Bethesda is known for. As we know, it was initially developed for Starfield and could now be the foundation for The Elder Scrolls 6. Starfield modders with some tweaks to the ini files have managed to make Starfield look insane, really showing off just how much the Creation Engine 2 can do when it’s let off the hook! This is a glimpse of how The Elder Scrolls 6 might actually look:pic.twitter.com/VNP6gn9Inr — VGT Gaming News (@GAMERNEWSonX) November 28, 2023 Todd Howard even described it as the “largest engine overhaul in Bethesda’s history,” back in 2020 when Bethesda’s parent company was acquired by Microsoft. But that’s not why Unreal Engine 5 isn’t a good idea for The Elder Scrolls 6. Digital Foundry recently explained why using Unreal Engine 5 wouldn’t fix existing issues with Bethesda’s games, like world fragmentation, that are rooted in legacy systems like Gamebryo. The company has invested a lot in Creation Engine 2, not just in money, but in time and talent. Todd Howard himself said in 2023 that the work on Creation Engine 2 “took so long to do.” Walking away from that now would not only mean throwing out years of R&D, but also starting from scratch to rebuild Bethesda’s complex gameplay systems in a new engine. Comment byu/SirSpud124 from discussion inElderScrolls Former Skyrim and Starfield designer Bruce Nesmith has said that the engine has been meticulously refined to suit Bethesda’s unique brand of immersive, reactive open-world games. According to him, Creation Engine 2 is “perfectly tuned” for what the studio aims to achieve (via VideoGamer), and switching to Unreal just wouldn’t be worth it. Other devs have switched over, but it doesn’t make sense for Bethesda Games like The Witcher 4 will be built on Unreal Engine 5. | Image Credit: CD Projekt Red Many developers in the industry, like 343 Industries and CD Projekt RED, have started using Unreal Engine 5, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Nesmith pointed out that plenty of mediocre games have used Unreal—it’s not a magic bullet. “The engine is in service to the game,” he said. “Is the game good? I don’t care what the engine is.” And in the end, that really is what matters. Bethesda announced The Elder Scrolls 6 in 2018, and with development still ongoing in 2025, the studio clearly isn’t rushing. Sticking with Creation Engine 2 has allowed them to maintain their proven formula and way of doing things without needing to switch engines. Unreal Engine 5 may look more impressive at first, and there are tons of fan-made videos and actually released games that have shown it. But for Bethesda, for The Elder Scrolls 6, it just isn’t the right fit. The studio has bet on the Creation Engine 2, and we won’t know if it pays off until the game comes out. Source link #Real #Reason #Todd #Howard #Wont #Unreal #Engine #Power #Elder #Scrolls Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  17. Pelican Press
    GM unveils new EV battery tech, aims to be first to market GM unveils new EV battery tech, aims to be first to market General Motors battery technician Steven Petty Jr. focuses on aligning electrodes on an anode sample for a prototype LMR battery cell in the making. Photo by Steve Fecht for General Motors WARREN, Mich. — General Motors expects to pioneer a new “groundbreaking” EV battery technology that the automaker says will reduce costs and boost profitability of its largest electric SUVs and trucks. GM is targeting the new batteries and chemistry inside them — called lithium manganese-rich (LMR) prismatic battery cells — to be used in full-size electric vehicles such as its Chevrolet Silverado and Escalade IQ beginning in 2028. The new batteries use more-prevalent, less-expensive minerals like magnesium instead of larger amounts of cobalt and nickel that are currently used in EV batteries from GM and other automakers. Different EV battery chemistries impact everything from the range and safety of EVs to energy efficiency and charging capabilities, among other needs. “LMR unlocks the premium range and performance at an affordable cost,” said Kurt Kelty, GM vice president of battery, propulsion and sustainability, during a media event at the automaker’s tech and design campus in suburban Detroit. “It’s a game-changing battery for electric trucks.” GM’s first-to-market expectations come after crosstown rival Ford Motor earlier this month announced its intention to launch what it similarly called “game-changing” LMR batteries before 2030. GM Research and Development Battery Cell Systems Research Director Mei Cai, Ph.D., oversees engineers developing coating materials for next-generation battery prototypes in the coating lab at GM’s Global Technical Center in Warren, Michigan in 2021. GM LMR batteries have been around for decades, but they’ve historically offered a far shorter lifespan, according to Sam Abuelsamid, vice president of market research at auto advisory firm Telemetry. It’s a problem GM believes it has solved with its LMR batteries, which are being developed in partnership with LG Energy Solution. Ultium Cells, a GM and LG Energy Solution joint venture, plans to start commercial production of LMR prismatic cells in the U.S. by 2028, with preproduction expected to begin at an LG Energy Solution facility by late 2027. LMR prismatic cells Prismatic cells references the form, or shape, of the square battery cells. They’ve historically been used in hybrid vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, followed more recently by EVs. GM, for several years, has been using rectangular “pouch” cells in the U.S., while also also utilizing cylindric cells in China. GM says it first started researching manganese-rich lithium-ion battery cells in 2015, accelerating the technology development in recent years. GM expects the new prismatic LMR batteries and supporting technologies to cut hundreds of pounds from its large EVs. The new battery packs will have 50% fewer parts as well as a significant reduction in the number of modules, or cell cases, inside the vehicles’ battery packs, GM said. An employee holds a full-size prototype LMR battery cell at the General Motors Wallace Battery Cell Innovation Center. GM has prototyped approximately 300 full-size LMR cells as it worked with LG Energy Solution to crack the code on the chemistry. Photo by Steve Fecht for General Motors For EVs, battery cells are typically combined into battery modules, which are then installed in battery packs that get integrated into a vehicle. Kelty said the LMR batteries will be supplemental to GM’s current pouch cell batteries, formerly known as Ultium, as well as upcoming LFP — lithium iron phosphate — prismatic battery cells that are expected to be used in smaller, entry-level EVs. “We’re going through a massive growth phase in our EV side of the business,” Kelty said, noting that GM has surpassed Tesla as the top EV battery manufacturer in North America. “We’re really building a electrification powerhouse.” GM expects the LMR prismatic battery cells to have 33% higher energy density, providing addition miles of range, compared with the best-performing LFP cells, but at a comparable cost.   Kelty declined to discuss the specific cost of the batteries, commonly measured in dollars per kilowatt-hour, or kWh, but confirmed the company achieved a cost reduction of $60 per kilowatt-hour last year. Electric Chevrolet Silverado shown at the New York Auto Show, April, 2022. Scott Mlyn | CNBC The average cost of battery packs for EVs dropped 20% to $115 per kilowatt-hour in 2024, according to a BloombergNEF battery price survey released in December. Abuelsamid, a former engineer turned analyst, estimates GM’s packs with LMR prismatic batteries are likely around a cost of $80 to $90 per kWh. That compares with at least $125 per kWh for GM’s current batteries, he said. GM declined to disclose whether vehicles with LMR batteries will be profitable upon launch. The Detroit automaker said nearly 50% of its current EVs in the first quarter were variable profit positive, meaning they generated enough revenue to cover their production costs. ‘Next step’ Kelty described LMR as the “next step” in GM’s EV plans. The automaker has sunk billions of dollars into electrification as part of an ongoing, yet scaled back, plan under GM CEO Mary Barra. In 2021, Barra said GM would exclusively offer EVs by 2035, investing $35 billion between 2020 and 2025. The company has since said customer demand — which has been slower than expected — will dictate its EV plans. It also has not disclosed its total EV investment thus far. GM believes the LMR batteries will assist in lowering barriers for consumer adoption of EVs. Most notably, concerns around cost and range. Other hurdles, such as charging infrastructure and consumer education, remain. GM aims to offer more than 400 miles of range in an electric truck while achieving significant battery pack cost savings compared with today’s EVs.  Don’t miss these insights from CNBC PRO Source link #unveils #battery #tech #aims #market Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  18. Pelican Press
    New Virtua Fighter Art Director Discusses Innovation; 5 R.E.V.O. Announced for Switch 2, PS5, & Xbox New Virtua Fighter Art Director Discusses Innovation; 5 R.E.V.O. Announced for Switch 2, PS5, & Xbox ***** had a few reveals about Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. and the new game code-named New Virtua Fighter Project. Source link #Virtua #Fighter #Art #Director #Discusses #Innovation #R.E.V.O #Announced #Switch #PS5 #amp #Xbox Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  19. Pelican Press
    OnePlus Pad 2 Pro With 13.2-Inch 3.4K Display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Launched: Price, Features OnePlus Pad 2 Pro With 13.2-Inch 3.4K Display, Snapdragon 8 Elite Launched: Price, Features OnePlus Pad 2 Pro was launched in China on Tuesday. The tablet comes with a 13.2-inch LCD screen with a 3.4K resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate. It is backed by a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset and a 12,140mAh battery with support for wired fast charging. The gaming-focused tablet is equipped with a 34,857sq mm vapour chamber cooling system for thermal management. It is the successor to the OnePlus Pad Pro, which launched in June 2024 with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 SoC, a 9,510mAh battery and a 12.1-inch 3K display. OnePlus Pad 2 Pro Price, Availability OnePlus Pad 2 Pro price in China starts at CNY 3,199 (roughly Rs. 37,900) for the 8GB + 256GB option. The 12GB + 256GB, 12GB + 512GB and 16GB + 512GB variants cost CNY 3,499 (roughly Rs. 41,500), CNY 3,799 (roughly Rs. 45,000) and CNY 3,999 (roughly Rs. 47,400), respectively. It is offered in Deep Sea Blue and Glacier Silver (translated from ********) colourways. The tablet is currently available for pre-order in the country and will go on ***** via the official e-store and select online retail websites starting May 20 at 10am local time (07:30am IST). OnePlus Pad 2 Pro Specifications, Features The OnePlus Pad 2 Pro boasts a 13.2-inch 3.4K (2,400×3,392 pixels) LCD screen with up to 144Hz refresh rate, 315ppi pixel density, 89.3 percent screen-to-body ratio, 900 nits brightness level and Dolby Vision support. It is powered by an octa core Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset, paired with up to 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and 512GB of UFS4.0 onboard storage. The tablet ships with Android 15-based ColorOS 15. It has a 34,857sq mm cooling system for improved heat dissipation. In the camera department, the OnePlus Pad 2 Pro comes with a 13-megapixel rear camera. It also has an 8-megapixel front facing camera for selfies and video calls. The tablet can support up to 2.1K resolution images at 120 frames per second for select games. The OnePlus Pad 2 Pro packs a 12,140mAh battery with 67W fast charging support. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, and a USB Type-C port. It is equipped with several AI features and eight speaker units. The tablet measures 289.61×209.66×5.97mm in size and weighs 675g Source link #OnePlus #Pad #Pro #13.2Inch #3.4K #Display #Snapdragon #Elite #Launched #Price #Features Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  20. Pelican Press
    Trump to speak at U.S.-Saudi investment forum Trump to speak at U.S.-Saudi investment forum [The stream is slated to start at 9:45 a.m. ET. Please refresh the page if you do not see a player above at that time.] President Donald Trump on Tuesday is set to deliver remarks at a U.S.-Saudi investment conference in Riyadh. Trump’s participation in the event at the King Abdul Aziz International Conference Center came after he signed a series of bilateral agreements with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Subscribe to CNBC on YouTube. Source link #Trump #speak #U.S.Saudi #investment #forum Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  21. Pelican Press
    Quordle hints and answers for Wednesday, May 14 (game #1206) Quordle hints and answers for Wednesday, May 14 (game #1206) Looking for a different day? A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing ‘today’s game’ while others are playing ‘yesterday’s’. If you’re looking for Tuesday’s puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, May 13 (game #1205). Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers. Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc’s Wordle today column covers the original viral word game. SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers. You may like Quordle today (game #1206) – hint #1 – Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today? • The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*. * Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too). Quordle today (game #1206) – hint #2 – repeated letters Do any of today’s Quordle answers contain repeated letters? • The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1. Quordle today (game #1206) – hint #3 – uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today? • No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today’s Quordle answers. Quordle today (game #1206 – hint #4 – starting letters (1) Do any of today’s Quordle puzzles start with the same letter? • The number of today’s Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2. If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you’re not ready yet then here’s one more clue to make things a lot easier: Quordle today (game #1206) – hint #5 – starting letters (2) What letters do today’s Quordle answers start with? • F • M • P • M Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM. Today’s best Get Better At Wordle deals Quordle today (game #1206) – the answers (Image credit: Merriam-Webster) The answers to today’s Quordle, game #1206, are… Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Today’s Quordle posed an extra challenge for players who use British English rather than American English, with a word that’s spelled differently depending on where you’re based in the world – FAVOR, which is FAVOUR in the ***. Sometimes trying to think American can trip you up, but today it was a wild gamble, rather than second-guessing US spelling, that led to my error of entering RAZOR instead of FAVOR. Sometimes hunches about rare letters pay off, some days it’s better to go for the more obvious choice. How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below. Daily Sequence today (game #1206) – the answers (Image credit: Merriam-Webster) The answers to today’s Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1206, are… Quordle answers: The past 20 Quordle #1205, Tuesday, 13 May: SCENT, AGAPE, POLAR, YEARN Quordle #1204, Monday, 12 May: ROYAL, ARGUE, BUNCH, READY Quordle #1203, Sunday, 11 May: QUASH, MUNCH, ALTER, UNDUE Quordle #1202, Saturday, 10 May: RELIC, BADGE, CHAMP, SATIN Quordle #1201, Friday, 9 May: MINUS, CRIME, NOSEY, SLAIN Quordle #1200, Thursday, 8 May: ELUDE, GREET, POPPY, ELITE Quordle #1199, Wednesday, 7 May: QUOTH, TRUNK, BESET, NAIVE Quordle #1198, Tuesday, 6 May: UNITE, SOGGY, FILET, PORCH Quordle #1197, Monday, 5 May: WREAK, COWER, STEAD, ****** Quordle #1196, Sunday, 4 May: PINCH, SMOKE, SCARY, CANNY Quordle #1195, Saturday, 3 May: PLUSH, VERGE, WROTE, CONDO Quordle #1194, Friday, 2 May: CAUSE, RISEN, MACAW, SMELT Quordle #1193, Thursday, 1 May: IDIOM, EXILE, SPOOF, DRAPE Quordle #1192, Wednesday, 30 April: BATON, TORSO, ANNEX, DROWN Quordle #1191, Tuesday, 29 April: HOVER, HENCE, OCTAL, COPSE Quordle #1190, Monday, 28 April: JAUNT, ALLOW, FRUIT, BURNT Quordle #1189, Sunday, 27 April: PRIOR, YOUTH, CREDO, CHIDE Quordle #1188, Saturday, 26 April: LINGO, LOCUS, THROW, CLICK Quordle #1187, Friday, 25 April: SHALT, WRATH, MAMBO, HUMPH Quordle #1186, Thursday, 24 April: CHOKE, COLOR, FRAME, CAIRN Source link #Quordle #hints #answers #Wednesday #game Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  22. Pelican Press
    Find out how a playlist could impact your safety behind the wheel Find out how a playlist could impact your safety behind the wheel Songs with a faster tempo can have a negative impact on driving behaviours, according to new research that revealed that some of our favourite tunes can hamper crucial decision-making. Songs with more than 120 beats per minute (BPM) were found to be the music that affected some drivers’ speed, alertness and reaction time. The research by Allianz Australia revealed that of the 32 per cent of people who responded that they are affected by music while driving, nearly one in three admitted that the pace or tempo makes them drive faster. Another 33 per cent noted a decrease in overall concentration when listening to music. Camera IconSongs with a fast beat have been found have the worst affect on drivers’ making decisions about speed and reactions. NewsWire / Naomi Jellicoe Credit: News Corp Australia With many of the hit songs of the season falling in this range – including Charli xcx’s Bratand Troye Sivan’s Rush– road safety experts are asking drivers to be aware of how music can affect their mood when behind the wheel. According to experts, the ideal BPM for music while driving is 60-80, which studies suggest can promote safer driving by encouraging a calmer and more focused state. Conversely, songs with a BPM between 120 and 125 are believed to be the best for jogging, as they can help people to synchronise their stride to the beat. Although music can be a helpful tool to stay focused on drives involving long monotonous roads, road safety expert Andry Rakotonirainy said it was important that drivers think about their song choice. “Music has been created to generate emotion,” Dr Rakotonirainy said when asked why some music impacts our behaviour more than others. “Enhanced situational awareness is paramount for road safety. “Research, including studies by Allianz, has shown that faster-paced music directly correlates with increased driver distraction, leading to poor decision making.” Although Dr Rakotonirainy said music wouldn’t affect everyone the same, choosing slower-paced music was one way to enhance road safety. Camera IconAccording to experts, the ideal BPM for music while driving is 60-80, which studies suggest can promote safer driving by encouraging a calmer and more focused state. NewsWire / Daniel Pockett Credit: News Corp Australia To ensure that drivers can listen to their favourite songs while travelling safely on roads, Allianz Australia have joined forces with Spotify to launch ‘Seat Belters’, an in-app function that creates personalised playlists that only include songs with lower beats per minute. The feature has been launched to coincide with National Road Safety Week, taking place from May 11–18. Dr Rakotonirainy reminded drivers to organise their playlists before they begin driving to avoid distractions. “While Allianz’s research specifically highlights the link between music and driver safety, revealing that nearly a third of drivers believe music affects how they drive, it’s important to also consider other potentially harmful habits like phone-use, smoking, eating and drinking, and speeding,” he added. To access the function, search ‘Seat Belters’ in the Spotify app. Source link #Find #playlist #impact #safety #wheel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  23. Pelican Press
    Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been delayed to 2026 Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been delayed to 2026 Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra has been delayed to next year, the game’s publisher has announced. In a statement posted on X, Skydance Games said the game, which was previously set to release in 2025, will now come out early next year instead. “We have an important update,” the post reads. “Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra will now be launching in early 2026. “Taking this additional time will allow us to add more polish, and make sure we give you the best possible experience, and one that lives up to our vision. We have some exciting things in store and look forward to sharing more soon.” Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra was first revealed in March 2024 during an Unreal Engine showcase at the Game Developers Conference. The game, which stars Drew Moerlein as Captain America and Khary Payton as ****** Panther, is the latest adventure from Any Hennig, the writer and creative director of the first three Uncharted games. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly last December, Hennig said the game’s 1943 setting allowed her and the rest of the game’s development team to “do a bunch of interesting things”. “One of which was to not only tell a story with a young Steve Rogers who’s still trying to find his feet – as opposed to the more seasoned guy that we’ve seen in a lot of the films – it also let us introduce a new ****** Panther of 1943. “It led us to tap into all the things that I love, all of the wonderful tropes of World War II-era adventure films, classic men-on-a-mission movies and all of that,. There’s a lot of intrigue in our story, a lot of twists and turns, fascinating characters, and interesting locations.” According to the official plot synopsis for Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra: “In the chaos of war, worlds collide. Captain America and Azzuri, the ****** Panther of the 1940s, must overcome their differences and form an uneasy alliance to confront their common enemy. “Fighting alongside Gabriel Jones of the Howling Commandos, and Nanali, a Wakandan spy embedded in Occupied Paris, they must join forces to stop a sinister plot that threatens to turn the havoc of WWII into the ultimate rise of Hydra.” Source link #Marvel #Rise #Hydra #delayed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]
  24. Pelican Press
    Asus ROG Delta II Review: Good, but not great Asus ROG Delta II Review: Good, but not great Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test. Flagship gaming headsets these days have everything — finely-tuned drivers, fancy wideband mics, simultaneous wireless audio connection mixing, and lights you probably don’t need — and Asus’ ROG Delta II headset is no exception. The ROG Delta II features everything you expect in a premium wireless headset, including 50mm titanium-plated drivers, a detachable 10mm super-wideband ***** microphone, attractive, on-ear lighting, and simultaneous 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth connections, as well as up to 110 hours of battery life over its 2.4GHz connection. It features the Delta line’s signature triangular earcups and comes in both ****** and white colorways — and it costs $230, which isn’t too expensive for a flagship headset, but is still pretty pricey. The Delta II is a very good gaming headset, but you can get some of the best gaming headsets for quite a bit less than $260 — Asus might have to step it up if it wants to compete. Design and Comfort of the ROG Delta II ASUS ROG Delta II (******) at Amazon for $227.16 The Delta II is a wireless over-ear (circumaural) headset with a detachable ***** microphone. It features a padded, leatherette-covered headband, aluminum yokes, and plastic earcups in the Delta line’s classic “D”/triangle shape, with Asus’ ROG logo and RGB lighting on the face of each cup. (As far as additional branding goes, the headband has “Republic of Gamers” debossed across its leatherette top, while the yoke of the left earcup has “For Those Who Dare” printed along it.) You may like Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The headband is thin and flexible, with fabric-covered memory foam padding at the top. The padding is somewhat thin, and it did put enough pressure on the top of my skull that I needed to take it off every couple of hours to take a break. This wasn’t a size issue — the headband is actually pretty large, measuring about 10 inches at its smallest and 13 inches with both earcups extended — it was just the way the headset sat on my head. Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Each earcup extends 1.5 inches, delineated by 10 subtle notches, and also swivels (flat) and tilts for adjustability. The earcups’ D-shape already works very well with ear shape, and the earcups are large enough that there’s plenty of room for the headset to be fully over-ear (and not on-ear). The earcups come with leatherette-covered memory foam padded earpads installed; these do a decent job of passive noise cancellation but can be a little hot, so Asus also includes replacement/alternative earcups with an athletic mesh-type fabric. The earpads aren’t super easy to replace — they stretch around the rim of the earcup instead of twisting off easily like many earpads. It’s not too difficult, but it stands out as a little clunky for a premium headset. Image 1 of 4 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The headset is fairly lightweight, weighing just 11.22 ounces (318g). That makes it lighter than SteelSeries’ Arctis Nova Pro (11.96oz / 339g) and HyperX’s Cloud III S Wireless (12.05oz / 341.5g), but neither of those headsets put pressure on the top of my skull the way the Delta II did. Minus the pressure issue, however, the headset is fairly comfortable: it has a mild clamping force and well-padded, roomy earcups with plenty of adjustment nuance. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Delta II has several controls and ports on the earcups. On the left earcup, from back to front, there’s a volume wheel and a multifunction button for the 2.4GHz wireless connection, as well as a power switch, a USB-C charging port, and a 3.5mm port for the detachable ***** mic. The volume wheel click also acts as a mute button. On the right earcup, there’s a volume wheel (not clickable) and a multifunction button for the Bluetooth connection, as well as a 3.5mm jack for the analog connection. The headset features simultaneous wireless connectivity — meaning you can connect to both 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth at the same time and listen to audio from both connections at the same time, and you can use the separate volume wheels to mix that audio. I will say that this is probably the best way to implement this kind of mixing feature, as opposed to something like the Logitech G735, which has only one volume wheel for both connections. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) In the box, the Delta II comes with a 2.4GHz wireless USB-C dongle, a detachable ***** mic, a 5-foot (1.5m) USB-C to USB-A charging cable, a 6.5-foot 3.5mm aux cable, and an extra set of earpads with a sporty, mesh fabric covering. Spec Swipe to scroll horizontally Driver Type 50mm titanium-plated dynamic Impedance 32Ω Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz Design Style Circumaural (over-ear) Microphone Type Unidirectional detachable ***** mic Connectivity 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wired (3.5mm analog) Weight 11.22oz / 318g Cord Length 6ft. / 2m 3.5mm cable 5ft. 1.4m USB-C to USB-A Battery Life Up to 110 hours (2.4GHz wireless, lighting off) Lighting Yes Software Asus Armoury Crate MSRP / Price at Time of Review $229.99 Release Date Sept. 12, 2024 Today’s best ASUS ROG Delta II deals Audio Performance of the ROG Delta II The Delta II sports 50mm titanium-coated dynamic drivers with a frequency response range of 20 Hz – 20,000 Hz, which is typical for a gaming headset but perhaps a little underwhelming for an expensive flagship headset. We’ve seen a lot of other flagship headsets with wider frequency response ranges, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro (10 Hz – 22,000 Hz) and the HyperX Cloud III S Wireless (10 Hz – 21,000 Hz), and while frequency response range isn’t the only (or primary) measure of audio quality, I did expect more from a headset that retails for $260. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Delta II’s sound profile is fairly balanced, which isn’t too surprising as it’s what I’ve been seeing from a lot of high-end gaming headsets — gaming companies are trying to move into the audiophile realm, at least somewhat, with their tuning. It features somewhat restrained bass, solid but slightly thin mids, and highs that are decently bright without being too painful. The bass offered enough detail in songs like Lorde’s Royals and Kaskade’s POW POW POW, but it still felt… underwhelming. The lack of bass did highlight the slight stringiness of the mids, though my favorite mid-heavy song — K-391’s Lonely World — still had some fullness. Overall, this isn’t a headset I’d pick for listening to music — it just sounded a bit boring, even after I fiddled around with the EQ in Armoury Crate. While music playback was a little disappointing, games sound great on the Delta II. Bass isn’t usually a major player in games, and the Delta II’s drivers do feature very detailed, precise, and well-layered sound — I was able to easily pick out the details in noisy, layered environments in Baldur’s Gate 3 and Uncharted 4. Voices also sounded good — full and detailed, and clear enough that I could hear what was going on even with various explosions in the background. Directional audio was also excellent, and the headset’s slightly too-bright highs were very good for picking up footsteps and gunshots in first-person shooters like Counter-Strike 2. Microphone of the ROG Delta II The Delta II has a detachable ***** mic that plugs into a 3.5mm audio jack and has a unidirectional polar pattern. The mic sits at the end of a flexible 3.5 inch (88.7mm) gooseneck arm and comes with a foam pop filter. It features a small light ring at the end of the gooseneck arm that lights up red when the microphone is muted, but this is pretty difficult to see even when the microphone is bent up toward your mouth and it’s in your peripheral vision. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) I’m not a big fan of the microphone’s placement on the Delta II: the jack is located right at the point of the earcup, which is too low and pointed too far downward. I had to bend the mic up awkwardly in order for it to be near my mouth, and I needed it to be near my mouth, both so it would pick up my voice and so I could see the red mute light ring — it just felt like I was bending the gooseneck arm up at an awkward angle. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The mic itself is decent — it’s a pretty typical flagship headset mic, meaning it sounds a little better than many headsets but it doesn’t otherwise stand out. My voice came across loud and clear to friends I was chatting with, and it sounded full enough but not particularly warm. The mic did pick up a lot of pops when it was close to my mouth — the external foam pop filter did little to fix that — and it has no built-in noise cancellation so it also picked up a lot of background noise, including my PC’s fans. Asus’ Armoury Crate software, which we’ll look at in detail in the next section, does have some microphone tweaks, including noise gate, but then you have to use Armoury Crate. Features and Software of the ROG Delta II Image 1 of 5 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Delta II can be customized using Asus’ Armoury Crate app, which is — in my opinion — the worst peripheral software on the market. Asus does have a “Lite” version of Armoury Crate, but it’s still terrible — and it still asks you ridiculous things, like whether you want to install Asus’ virtual **** (no, Asus, I have never wanted a virtual **** from a piece of software I use to program a headset or mouse), and it still took several minutes to install and required me to reboot my PC and then update my headset and every other Asus product I’ve ever used and then reboot my PC again before I could use it. Asus also has new device-specific versions of Armoury Crate (“Armoury Crate Gear”), but after looking around for several minutes and not being able to figure out how one finds or installs these versions, I gave up. Image 1 of 7 (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Armoury Crate has a few features you can use to customize your headset, though it may not be worth the hassle. There’s an 8-band equalizer with a handful of basic presets (hiphop, jazz, metal, rock, voice, etc), and some audio settings that can be toggled such as reverb, bass, and voice clarity. The EQ is fine, but it’s not so impressive that I’d install Armoury Crate just to use it. For the microphone, there’s noise gate and “perfect voice,” as well as software-based sidetone which sounds terrible and distracting (like most software-based sidetones). The software-based noise cancellation works decently well for consistent background noise (like my PC fans). You can also change the lighting, see the headset’s battery life and charging status, and change how long it takes for the headset to automatically shut off, as well as update the firmware. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) The Delta II is one of only a few gaming headsets that have built-in lighting, because built-in lighting in headsets is largely pointless — you’re not going to see it, the people you’re talking to aren’t going to see it, even your viewers probably won’t see it if you’re a streamer. So all it really does is look attractive when you’re not using the headset, and drain battery life. But if you want a headset that will look cool on your desk when you’re not using it, the Delta II does have very attractive, customizable RGB lighting in the form of a strip around the earcup and on Asus’ angry eye logo on the face of each cup. The lighting customization in Armoury Crate is fairly basic as far as lighting customization goes — it’s only one zone and you can pick from five presets (static, breathing, strobing, color cycle, and rainbow) or sync it with your other Asus peripherals using Aura Sync. Battery Life of the ROG Delta II The ROG Delta II has three forms of connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired (3.5mm aux), and it also features dual wireless connection mixing — you can listen to audio from two sources simultaneously. This is a feature that we haven’t seen in too many headsets recently, though it still exists in some flagship headsets, and it’s one that I love — I am the type of person who loves multitasking and hates having to interrupt my music to do something like take a phone call. (This only works with 2.4GHz wireless and Bluetooth, though, not with the 3.5mm analog connection.) Asus says the Delta II will get up to 110 hours of battery life over a 2.4GHz wireless connection with the lighting turned off. This is better than average — many headsets these days are touting somewhere closer to 70 hours of battery life. Bottom Line The Delta II is a fairly solid gaming headset, and it sounds especially good in games — but I’m not sure it can compete with other flagship gaming headsets on the market. Even with the Delta II’s top-of-the-head comfort issue aside, while it’s a well-made headset it’s still mostly plastic and cheapish-feeling leatherette — it’s geared more toward gamers, aesthetically, than other high-end headsets, such as the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro or the Audeze Maxwell. While it does have simultaneous dual-wireless connections, there are other headsets with this feature — the Arctis Nova Pro is one, Corsair’s Virtuoso Max is another (though the Virtuoso Max is even less comfortable). And while gaming sounds excellent on the Delta II, music is only so-so — and even if you’re not buying it for music, if you’re spending over $200 on a headset, you probably don’t want to buy a second headset just to listen to music. HyperX’s recently released Cloud III S Wireless sounds just as good, feels better, and is $50 cheaper. ASUS ROG Delta II: Price Comparison Source link #Asus #ROG #Delta #Review #Good #great Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
  25. Pelican Press
    Parkland survivor David Hogg to be ousted from DNC following investigation into his election Parkland survivor David Hogg to be ousted from DNC following investigation into his election A Democratic National Committee panel has found that gun control activist David Hogg and a colleague were not properly elected to be among its five vice chairs earlier this year, paving the way for their removal. Hogg, 25, rose to national prominence after surviving the mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, on February 14, 2018, and co-founding March for Our Lives. He has since become a vocal political commentator, critical of President Donald Trump and the Democratic Party’s failure to earn the trust of the electorate. Hogg made waves last month by announcing that his new organization, Leaders We Deserve, co-founded with Kevin Lata – the former campaign manager of Florida Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost, the first Gen-Z member of Congress – intends to support primary challengers to “out-of-touch, ineffective” House Democrats occupying safe congressional seats that, it believes, have not done enough to oppose the Trump administration. David Hogg (Andrew Harnik/AP) In what has already been interpreted as an attack on that strategy, the DNC’s Credentials Committee on Monday upheld a complaint brought by Oklahoma activist Kalyn Free, who lost out on one of the vice chair positions in February 1’s elections and subsequently accused the DNC of breaking its own rules on gender diversity, potentially invalidating the elections of Hogg and Malcolm Kenyatta. A full DNC vote will now be held on the committee’s findings, which could mean new elections being staged, with the same five candidates, including Hogg and Kenyatta, on the ballot once again. “While this vote was based on how the DNC conducted its officers’ elections, which I had nothing to do with, it is also impossible to ignore the broader context of my work to reform the party which loomed large over this vote,” Hogg responded in a statement. “I ran to be DNC Vice Chair to help make the Democratic Party better, not to defend an indefensible status quo that has caused voters in almost every demographic group to move away from us. “The DNC has pledged to remove me, and this vote has provided an avenue to fast-track that effort.” Kenyatta also reacted strongly, calling it “a slap in the face” and complaining that he had “worked [his] a** off to get this role and have done the job every day since I’ve held it.” He also rejected media framing of the ruling as an internal effort to oust Hogg, saying the story was not only about his colleague, “even though he clearly wants it to be.” For his part, DNC Chairman Ken Martin said: “I am disappointed to learn that before I became chair, there was a procedural error in the February vice chair elections. David Hogg speaking at a March for Our Lives gun safety rally following a fatal shooting at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill on August 30 2023 (Hannah Schoenbaum/AP) “The Credentials Committee has issued their recommendation, and I trust that the DNC members will carefully review the committee’s resolution and resolve this matter fairly. “I thank all of our officers for their service, including Vice Chairs Kenyatta and Hogg, and look forward to continuing to work with them in their officer posts as this matter is resolved.” Before Monday’s ruling, Martin had posted on X: “I am more committed than ever to introduce the slate of structural reforms that enshrine these values into the official rules of the Democratic Party. These reforms will require all party officers – including myself – to remain neutral in primaries. “They will ensure no party official can abuse their position to tilt the outcome of an election. Whether you’re a challenger or an incumbent, 18 or 80, the rules must apply equally. “Do I have opinions? Of course. But when you lead the institution tasked with calling the ****** and strikes, you don’t get to also swing the bat.” His thread could likewise be construed as a rebuke of Hogg, whose plans to put the heat under Democrats he considers complacent have ruffled the feathers of party elders, most notably Bill Clinton’s former strategist James Carville, who labelled him “a contemptible little twerp” in a NewsNation interview before changing his tune. Source link #Parkland #survivor #David #Hogg #ousted #DNC #investigation #election Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

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