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Empyreal Review | TheXboxHub Empyreal Review | TheXboxHub Gareth writes: Empyreal is a long old game. Become one with the addictive and fun gameplay loop, and youll have a good time. Source link #Empyreal #Review #TheXboxHub Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chlorinated organic substances can be converted into dioxins in the atmosphere Chlorinated organic substances can be converted into dioxins in the atmosphere Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Are the risks of hazardous chemicals being determined appropriately? In certain cases, apparently not, according to a study published in the journal Angewandte Chemie by a team of ******** researchers. The study indicates that chlorinated volatile organic compounds on mineral dust particles in the atmosphere can be converted into highly toxic polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans by sunlight. Hazardous chemicals are frequently assessed under national and international regulatory frameworks, which primarily focus on their toxic properties, environmental persistence, and accumulation in organisms. Yet, any transformations they undergo in the atmosphere are rarely or not at all taken into account, though secondary conversion products may exhibit higher toxicity and persistence. These should be investigated to adequately evaluate risks posed by commercial chemicals to the environment and human health. In this capacity, a team led by Xiaole Weng at Zhejiang University (Hangzhou, China) has examined chlorinated volatile organic compounds (CVOC). These commercial chemicals are widely used in industry and agriculture, including in paints and varnishes, dry cleaning, and paint stripping. Waste incineration plants and landfills are also significant CVOC emitters. Growing industrialization will increase CVOC emissions still more, especially in developing countries. CVOCs are known to be precursors to dioxin compounds in industrial combustion processes. Catalyzed by flue ash, for example, chlorobenzenes can be converted into polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Many compounds in this group are toxic and carcinogenic, as vividly demonstrated by the devastating chemical accident in Seveso in 1976. However, there is little data about the persistence and potential chemical conversions of CVOCs in the atmosphere. Atmospheric particles contain substances like iron and aluminum minerals, which can be catalytically active. The team hypothesized that these catalyze the conversion of CVOCs into PCDD/Fs under solar radiation, acting as an important, overlooked source of dioxins. To test this hypothesis, the researchers carried out laboratory experiments on a variety of mineral particles and identified possible reaction pathways based on computer models. A subsequent field trial with ambient air and fallen ash in an industrial park confirmed the occurrence of these photochemical conversions in the atmosphere. The results prove that ubiquitous CVOCs, such as monochlorobenzene, dichloromethane and perchloroethylene could be the overlooked precursors for PCDD/Fs. Iron oxides (α-Fe2O3) in particular play a role in the production of chlorophenols and dioxin compounds. Tests on mice also demonstrated that after these photochemical reactions, the iron oxide dust caused severe damage to lung and brain tissue. This study underlines the need to reassess the toxicity of atmospheric precursor pollutants like commercial CVOCs, as well as their conversions. More information: Meiling Chen et al, Uncovering the Photochemical Conversion of Atmospheric Chlorinated Organics on Mineral Dust: In‐Field Evidence of a New Source of Dioxin, Angewandte Chemie International Edition (2025). DOI: 10.1002/anie.202500854 Citation: Chlorinated organic substances can be converted into dioxins in the atmosphere (2025, May 12) retrieved 13 May 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Chlorinated #organic #substances #converted #dioxins #atmosphere Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

A 48GB dual-GPU Intel Arc B580 is reportedly in the works — Computex reveal rumored A 48GB dual-GPU Intel Arc B580 is reportedly in the works — Computex reveal rumored An AIB is reportedly preparing a dual-GPU variant of Intel’s rumored Arc B580 24GB, totalling 48GB of VRAM on a single board, via VideoCardz. According to the source, this model is slated to be revealed at Computex 2025, which is just days away at this point. Specific details like the AIB, interconnect technology, and price are in the dark, but we can expect more details at the trade show, if the rumors are true. This is the third leak that references a 24GB edition of the Arc B580, following EEC filings from Maxsun and an earlier slip-up from Sparkle. It’s quite surprising that a GPU that’s supposed to rival the RTX 4060 is getting a 24GB memory configuration. Many PCs don’t even possess that much system memory. These cards are intended as a cost-effective solution for AI/ML developers, where similar capacity cards from AMD and Nvidia carry a steeper price tag. The most affordable Blackwell GPU with 24GB of memory is the RTX Pro 4000, costing over $1,500 based on preliminary listings. An AIB is apparently doubling down on this approach by building a dual-GPU solution, housing two of these rumored 24GB B580 GPUs on a single PCB. Keep in mind, this product is reportedly a one-time design from the AIB, not a standard reference model from Intel. You may like Traditionally, multi-GPU setups nowadays, like Nvidia’s B200 and Apple’s M1 Ultra, rely on their own advanced interconnect solutions like NVLink and UltraFusion. While Intel does have Xe Link, it likely isn’t compatible with the B580 and would be too costly for a one-off project. The most probable contender is a PCIe bridge linking the GPU’s interfaces, allowing them to communicate through one slot. Even so, the system will likely recognize the card as two separate GPUs. Some simulation programs where latency isn’t a concern could potentially utilize all 48GB as one large resource. However, as the memory isn’t pooled, using both GPUs for AI may require some optimizations on your end, including techniques like model parallelism and data parallelism. With that in mind, don’t expect this GPU to be cheap. My estimate puts it around $700-$800, which should still be significantly lower than the rumored $4,500 figure for Nvidia’s RTX PRO 5000 Blackwell 48GB. However, you’d be sacrificing compute power and the convenience of a shared VRAM pool. Alternatively, you may consider mini-PCs or laptops powered by AMD’s Strix Halo, with up to 128GB of unified memory. 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 #48GB #dualGPU #Intel #Arc #B580 #reportedly #works #Computex #reveal #rumored Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ex-girlfriend to speak in Diddy's sex-trafficking trial Ex-girlfriend to speak in Diddy's sex-trafficking trial Sean “Diddy” Combs’ ex-girlfriend Cassie is set to testify in the hip-hop mogul’s sex-trafficking case, a day after jurors saw a video of Combs beating her. Source link #Exgirlfriend #speak #Diddy039s #sextrafficking #trial Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Merge Cat Town is Mobirix’s new, adorable feline merge puzzler Merge Cat Town is Mobirix’s new, adorable feline merge puzzler Merge Cat Town is Mobirix’ adorable new puzzler Merge objects and help repair and revitalise your adorable cat’s home Populate your island and village with new cats and buildings The merge genre is one that we’ve seen nearly limitless iterations on, but sometimes it’s nice to go back to the roots of a cute and relatively inoffensive puzzler. Which is exactly what developer Mobirix have done with their upcoming release, Merge Cat Town, set to arrive on mobile come October 10th (at least, according to the App Store listing)! You can probably guess by the name alone what Merge Cat Town is about, so no prizes for guessing that it’s an adorable match-three puzzler where your job is to help cute cats rebuild their island home. However, simplicity has never been a mark against top releases on mobile. And Merge Cat Town looks to offer a straightforward but still fun and engaging set of core gameplay mechanics. You simply need to select objects from your ‘magic toolbox’, merging them to create items that can then be sold to your cats, raising their level and eventually that of the entire island. Merging It’s certainly rare, if not unheard of, for the description of a new release to ask you ‘please’. But Merge Cat Town is certainly a well-polished looking addition to the merge genre, and I can imagine there are plenty of fans who’ll look forward to restoring the livelihoods of these adorable cats. And it’s also a fine addition to Mobirix’s surprisingly diverse catalogue. As if that’s not enough, Mobirix are also quick to point to a number of in-game events, such as Pandora’s Box and Whisker’s Missions, which will help you upgrade your town further and also grant other unlockable goodies to boost you along. But, Merge Cat Town is a while off yet, so if you’re looking to bust your brain cells a bit beforehand, why not go ahead and check out our list of the top 25 best puzzlers on iOS for plenty of great options, ranging from casual brain teasers to veritable neuron busters. Source link #Merge #Cat #Town #Mobirixs #adorable #feline #merge #puzzler Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

O2 upgrades Wembley Stadium connectivity O2 upgrades Wembley Stadium connectivity *** operator O2 has upgraded its mobile network in and around Wembley Stadium to bring enhanced 5G connectivity to fans, ahead of the FA Cup Final and what the operator is billing as a “blockbuster” summer at the iconic sporting venue. With 90,000 seats, Wembley Stadium is the largest sports venue in the *** and the second-largest stadium in Europe. It has hosted a number of iconic sporting events including the 1966 World Cup Final, Euro ’96 and ’20, the 1948 Summer Olympics, the 2015 Rugby World Cup, and Live Aid in 1985. O2 predicts that more than 2.5 million people are set to descend on the stadium this summer for a record number of events, including seven Oasis shows and the Dua Lipa O2 Priority gig. To that end, the company claims its network upgrade will mean music and sport fans will benefit from improved reliability and faster speeds, even at the busiest times. In addition to supporting popular mobile applications such as video streaming and video calls, the upgrade is also intended to make it easier to navigate digital ticketing and payment. The Wembley upgrade is part of the operator’s ongoing Mobile Transformation Plan, which includes major investments in mobile infrastructure and core network upgrades, which in itself is a constituent of VMO2’s wider 2025 £2bn investment in fixed and mobile networks and services. The Mobile Transformation Plan is focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage, a dedicated small cells roll-out to boost capacity in dense urban areas, and innovative services to address persistent network pain points. Priority areas where the operator is looking to deliver significant improvements include railways roads, dense urban areas, hard-to-reach remote locations, and stadiums and venues such as Wembley. From a technological perspective, O2 customers in the stadium’s stands, concourses and hospitality areas will be able to use the operator’s 5G standalone network, and the operator assures that they will be able to stream, share and connect in real time, even at full capacity. Outside the venue, O2 has installed seven new small cells and the upgrade of two towers in the area to provide enhanced coverage and capacity for residents, businesses and the visitors expected throughout the summer. O2 director of mobile access engineering Robert Joyce said: “Wembley is one of the ***’s most iconic venues, and this summer promises to be one of its biggest in living memory, from the FA Cup Final to the long-awaited return of Oasis. Our investment in and around the stadium is designed to give a huge capacity boost to O2 customers attending these events, so they have the best possible experience.” In a further network quality deployment, just a few miles south of Wembley, O2 recently announced its part in what it called a “railway first” boosting mobile connectivity on the East Coast Main Line in the tunnels outside London King’s Cross mainline railway station. The project – a partnership between the operator and train company LNER, Network Rail and the private sector – has seen the completion of work on a custom-built distributed antenna system fitted inside the Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels. Due to the unique infrastructure needed to maintain a mobile signal, Network Rail, LNER and mobile network operators worked closely to deliver a more reliable and consistent at-seat, mobile phone and on-train Wi-Fi connection. The Gasworks and Copenhagen tunnels are the first on the ***’s operational railway to benefit from this capability. In the coming weeks, customers of operator Three are expected to benefit from the same improved connectivity. Source link #upgrades #Wembley #Stadium #connectivity Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung’s superfast 2TB 9100 Pro M.2 SSD is up for grabs at its lowest *** price Samsung’s superfast 2TB 9100 Pro M.2 SSD is up for grabs at its lowest *** price The latest Gen 5.0 NVMe SSDs have blisteringly fast transfer speeds using the capabilities of the extra pipeline bandwidth over Gen 4.0 drives, with speeds pretty much doubling on the fastest SSDs. This speed increase is great for users who want superfast read and write transfer speeds for workloads such as video editing and rendering, but it isn’t as noticeable for day-to-day gaming needs. If only the best will do for your beloved PC workhorse, then you can’t go far wrong with the latest and greatest 2TB Samsung 9100 Pro SSD for £219. This low-price Samsung option is available at *** retailer SCAN, and is the cheapest 2TB 9100 Pro price I can find in the *** at the time of writing. There are other Gen 5.0 SSDs available for less money, such as Crucial’s T705 with similar speeds, but if you prefer Samsung as a brand or fancy slightly better power efficiency, then take a look at this offer. Samsung’s 9100 Pro goes up against stiff competition in the space, offering a challenge to the Phison E26 controller with its own (Presto) proprietary controller. The 2TB variant is single-sided, and uses 236-layer Samsung TLC for the flash memory. The 9100 Pro’s performance is exceptional with sequential read and write speeds of 14,700 MB/s read and 13,400 MB/s write. Random read/write is 1,850K/2,600K, respectively, and endurance is listed as 1,200 TBW. If you’re looking for more information and benchmark testing results, check out our in-depth review of the Samsung 9100 Pro SSD. We gave the 9100 Pro 3.5 out of 5 stars, praised the power efficiency and good all-around performance of the drive. However, the 9100 Pro came across as slightly underwhelming, but only due to the fact that the drive was late to the Gen 5.0 party, and other SSDs were already putting out very impressive speeds. 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. Source link #Samsungs #superfast #2TB #Pro #M.2 #SSD #grabs #lowest #price Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Bowser tosses Trump resistance playbook for a new strategy – Politico Bowser tosses Trump resistance playbook for a new strategy – Politico Bowser tosses Trump resistance playbook for a new strategy PoliticoD.C.’s Dem Mayor Rolls Her Eyes as Trump Talks Deportations The Daily BeastTrump, Congress and city council: Managing relationships, DC’s mayor walks a tightrope The Argus-PressD.C. Mayor Battles Budget Cuts, Stadium Disputes NewsLooks‘Hopeful’: Bowser optimistic about DC budget after meeting with Trump NBC4 Washington Source link #Bowser #tosses #Trump #resistance #playbook #strategy #Politico Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Oppo’s Find X9 Family Tipped to Include Four Models; Chipset, Display Details Leaked Oppo’s Find X9 Family Tipped to Include Four Models; Chipset, Display Details Leaked Oppo Find X8 and Find X8 Pro were unveiled in November last year in India. The ******** smartphone brand expanded the lineup last month by unveiling the flagship Find X8 Ultra alongside the Find X8s, and Find X8s+. The Oppo Find X9 series is still months away from its potential launch, but early leaks about the lineup have now started appearing on the Web. A new leak suggests that Oppo will include at least four smartphone models in the Find X9 family. Oppo Find X9 Series Details Appear Online Tipster Digital Chat Station on Weibo claimed that the Oppo Find X9 series will include four models. Three models of the Find X9 lineup are said to run on MediaTek’s upcoming Dimensity 9500 chipset. They are tipped to come with 6.3-inch, 6.59-inch, and 6.78-inch displays. All three models are said to feature flat screens with 1.5K resolution. Oppo could incorporate LIPO (low-injection pressure over-molding) technology into these three Find X9 smartphones to minimise bezel sizes. They could feature similar triple rear camera units comprising a periscope telephoto sensor. Although the tipster hasn’t confirmed the exact model names, Oppo’s previous naming pattern suggests the upcoming series could include the standard Oppo Find X9, Find X9 Plus, Find X9 Pro, and the flagship Find X9 Ultra. Among them, the Oppo Find X9 Ultra is expected to stand out, and is anticipated to run on the upcoming Snapdragon 8 Elite 2 chipset. It’s also rumoured to boast a 200-megapixel telephoto camera, paired with a 50-megapixel periscope lens offering 10x optical zoom. The Oppo Find X8 and Oppo Find X8 Pro landed in the Indian market last year with a starting price tag of Rs. 69,999 and Rs. 99,999, respectively. They have a MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chip under the hood. Oppo announced the Find X8 Ultra in China last month alongside the Find X8s and Find X8s+ models. The former is equipped with the Snapdragon 8 Elite mobile platform, while the Find X8s versions run on the MediaTek Dimensity 9400+ chipset. Source link #Oppos #Find #Family #Tipped #Include #Models #Chipset #Display #Details #Leaked Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fallout Renewed For A Third Season, But Heading To New Vegas First Fallout Renewed For A Third Season, But Heading To New Vegas First There’s more Fallout on the horizon–Amazon has just announced that the live-action TV adaptation has been renewed for a third season. Season 2 officially wrapped production just last week, and is still over six months out from its scheduled premiere in December. Actor Aaron Moten, who plays Maximus in the show, recently revealed the series could go for five or six seasons. Shortly after, Variety reported that a third season has been officially confirmed by Prime Video. “Together with our amazing partners at Bethesda Games and Bethesda Softworks, we are delighted to announce a third season of Fallout, well ahead of the much-anticipated debut of Season Two,” said global head of television at Amazon MGM Studios, Vernon Sanders. The early renewal shows that Prime Video has a lot of faith in the video game adaptation, and for good reason. The first season of Fallout was critically well-received and beloved by audiences, and has since become one of Prime Video’s top three most successful titles. You need a javascript enabled browser to watch videos. The Fallout TV Show’s Biggest Easter Eggs 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 Shirking the trend of terrible video game adaptations, Fallout was a hit with fans of the games while also being approachable for newcomers to the franchise. The TV show’s success even saw a wave of players picking up Fallout games, with multiple games in the series shooting up the Steam charts in the weeks following the show’s premiere. The second season of Fallout “will pick up in the aftermath of Season 1’s epic finale and take audiences along for a journey through the wasteland of the Mojave to the post-apocalyptic city of New Vegas,” Prime Video has teased. The second season will see the return of the main cast, including Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, and Sarita Choudhury, as well as some new characters–including one who will be played by beloved former child star Macaulay Culkin. Source link #Fallout #Renewed #Season #Heading #Vegas Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Archaeologists reveal vast Aztec trade networks behind ancient obsidian artifacts Archaeologists reveal vast Aztec trade networks behind ancient obsidian artifacts Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain New archaeological research by Tulane University and the Proyecto Templo Mayor in Mexico reveals how obsidian—a volcanic glass used for tools and ceremonial objects and one of the most important raw materials in pre-Columbian times—moved across ancient Mesoamerica and shaped life in its capital, Tenochtitlan. The study sheds new light on the economic networks, rituals and political influence of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire. Published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study analyzed 788 obsidian artifacts excavated from the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, the main temple and core of the Mexica Empire located in what is now Mexico City. The research represents the largest compositional study of obsidian ever conducted at the site. Archaeologists found that while the Mexica primarily used green obsidian from the Sierra de Pachuca source, they also acquired obsidian from at least seven other locations, including regions beyond their political borders, such as Ucareo, in the Purépecha territory in West Mexico. The findings suggest a sophisticated economy that relied not only on conquest but on active long-distance trade, even with rival polities. “Although the Mexicas preferred green obsidian, the high diversity of obsidian types, mainly in the form of non-ritual artifacts, suggests that obsidian tools from multiple sources reached the capital of the Empire through market instead of direct acquisition in the outcrop,” said lead author Diego Matadamas-Gomora, a Ph.D. candidate in Tulane’s Department of Anthropology. “By studying where this material came from, we can explore the movement of goods across Mesoamerica.” The analysis showed that nearly 90% of the obsidian artifacts in the sample were made with Sierra de Pachuca obsidian—prized for its green hue and symbolic connection to the mythical city of Tollan. Almost all the ceremonial artifacts found inside buried offerings at the Templo Mayor were made with this type of obsidian, including miniature weapons, jewelry and inlays for sculptures. A smaller but significant portion of the obsidian came from places like Otumba, Tulancingo, Ucareo and El Paraíso, some of which lay outside the control of the Mexica Empire. These materials were more commonly used for tool production and found in the construction fill, indicating that these obsidian types were available to the general population through local markets rather than being tightly controlled by the state. The study also tracked how obsidian use shifted over time, from the city’s earliest phases around 1375 CE through its fall in 1520 CE. During the empire’s early phases, more diversity in obsidian sources appeared in both ritual and everyday objects. After the Mexica consolidated power around 1430 CE, obsidian for ritual purposes became almost exclusively sourced from Sierra de Pachuca, suggesting growing religious standardization and centralized control. “This kind of compositional analysis allows us to trace how imperial expansion, political alliances and trade networks evolved over time,” Matadamas-Gomora said. The research was made possible through a partnership between Tulane and Mexico’s Proyecto Templo Mayor of the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH), with artifacts analyzed using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), a non-destructive method that identifies the geochemical fingerprint of each artifact. “This work not only highlights the Mexica Empire’s reach and complexity but also demonstrates how the archaeological sciences can be leveraged to study ancient objects and what they can tell us about past cultural practices,” said study co-author Jason Nesbitt, an associate professor in Tulane’s Anthropology Department. More information: Diego Matadamas-Gomora et al, Compositional analysis of obsidian artifacts from the Templo Mayor of Tenochtitlan, capital of the Mexica (Aztec) Empire, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2500095122. doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2500095122 Provided by Tulane University Citation: Archaeologists reveal vast Aztec trade networks behind ancient obsidian artifacts (2025, May 12) retrieved 13 May 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Archaeologists #reveal #vast #Aztec #trade #networks #ancient #obsidian #artifacts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Outrage as Peru archaeological site defaced Outrage as Peru archaeological site defaced Vanessa Buschschlüter BBC News CRIS BOURONCLE/AFP via Getty Images The Chan Chan archaeological site draws thousands of visitors each month A vandal has daubed an image of a ****** on a wall at a centuries-old Peruvian city recognised by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. The man was filmed while spraying the graffiti on one of the original walls of Chan Chan, a pre-Columbian city 500km (300 miles) north of Lima that is visited by thousands of people a month. Peru’s ministry of culture said the culprit showed “a grave disrespect toward our history and cultural heritage, as well as a violation of the regulations that protect archaeological heritage sites”. Some Peruvians questioned how he was able to damage the wall unchallenged, while others said they were disappointed that the site was not better protected. The video of the incident was widely shared on social media. The culprit could face up to six years in prison if caught. Chan Chan was the capital of the Chimú kingdom before it fell to the Incas in the 15th century and it remains one of Peru’s most important archaeological sites. Unesco describes it as the largest city in pre-Columbian America, stretching for miles and divided into several “citadels” by thick walls. The spray paint attack comes just months after a man chipped the 12-Angle Stone, a famous Incan artefact in the city of Cusco. Watch: Moment man vandalises ancient Incan artefact Source link #Outrage #Peru #archaeological #site #defaced Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

WoW Legion Is Getting The Remix Treatment, Blizzard Confirms WoW Legion Is Getting The Remix Treatment, Blizzard Confirms The next WoW Remix event is coming, and this time it’s fan-favorite expansion Legion in the spotlight. The upcoming Legion Remix event had already been teased by Blizzard, but it was officially announced at the Evolving Azeroth panel at PAX East over the weekend. World of Warcraft associate game director Jeremy Feasel officially announced the new Remix event, as picked up by Wowhead, and shared some insight into the ongoing process of remixing Legion. “Legion has a lot of content–way more content than Mists of Pandaria–and it has a huge amount of different systems,” he reminded fans. “The team is currently hard at work delving deep into ‘how we are going to integrate all these systems in a remixed way. Which systems are we gonna remix? Which systems are we gonna remix and add new things to?'” The extra complexity in Legion means we don’t have many details or even a release date for Legion Remix yet, but Feasel did share a few tidbits on what fans can expect. First in line to get the Remix treatment are Mythic Keystones, which were first introduced to WoW in the Legion expansion. “Hey, wouldn’t it be cool if you could do Mythic Keystones with the wild item scaling of Remix, and see how high you can go? We think that would be cool. We’re really excited about folks getting a chance to do that and just figuring out how to completely break that game,” Feasel said, adding that he fully expects players to break the game with the remixed Mythics–and have a lot of fun doing it. The second feature of Legion Remix that Feasel announced on the panel was the addition of a new increased-difficulty world tier called the Shattered Timeline. “It’s a timeline where everything went worse, and everybody is significantly more difficult,” Feasel explained, adding that the addition of world tiers was heavily inspired by the Diablo team. WoW’s first Remix event was Mists of Pandaria, which dropped around this time last year. The event, which saw players power-levelling through Pandaria and picking up powerful new gear and items, was a hit with fans, leaving players speculating what other expansions would be up for the Remix treatment next. Source link #WoW #Legion #Remix #Treatment #Blizzard #Confirms Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Uncovering the evolution of Hezbollah’s political communication strategy Uncovering the evolution of Hezbollah’s political communication strategy Quantitative text analysis of news coverage by Al-Manar suggests Hezbollah’s stance towards rival parties in Lebanon is driven by strategic considerations. Credit: Prof. Kota Suechika / Ritsumeikan University, Japan Lebanon’s consociational democracy is geared toward maintaining political stability in a society that is deeply divided along religious lines. Under this power-sharing system, seats in the parliament and top government offices are allocated to representatives of the nation’s major religious sects. However, the democratic system is characterized by severe political rivalry, which has often resulted in political vacuums. The lack of political consensus has resulted in major positions such as the seat of president lying vacant for several months and severe delays in government formation. Hezbollah, a major political party in Lebanon, is often blamed for the dysfunction in the country’s democracy. Although Hezbollah plays a leading role in the political coalition, the March 8 Forces, and actively participates in the electoral process, the party continues to maintain its military wing, the Islamic Resistance in Lebanon. Hezbollah is also known to take hardline stances against rival parties, particularly during disputes over disarmament of its military wing. In a recent study, Professor Kota Suechika from the College of International Relations, Ritsumeikan University, Japan, examined Hezbollah’s political communication strategy towards its rival parties from 2017 to 2023 by conducting a quantitative text analysis of news articles from Al-Manar, the party’s primary media outlet. The findings of the study were published in Nationalism and Ethnic Politics. The analysis of the tone of coverage in Hezbollah’s main media outlet revealed Hezbollah’s rational, strategic, and pragmatic political stance in its political communication. In addition, it was found that Hezbollah was increasingly critical of its rival parties during nationwide crises like the October 17 Revolution and the Beirut port blast. The party also adopted a more critical stance during confrontations with Israel. Moreover, it became more cooperative with its rival parties after the restoration of diplomatic relations between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, it expressed more positive views of its rivals during parliamentary election campaigns. “This study, by employing quantitative text analysis methodologically, contributes to an underdeveloped area of Arabic-language political discourse in Middle Eastern studies. The findings of the study revealed that Hezbollah’s political communication is shaped by institutional constraints and strategic considerations within Lebanon’s consociational democracy, challenging the essentialist interpretations of Hezbollah’s conduct,” explains Prof. Suechika. Thus, the study presents a novel approach, diverging from the primary concept of Islamism or sectarianism. It further highlights that the party is strategically choosing the best option for the organization’s survival in a changing Lebanon’s internal and external political environment. This suggests that Lebanon’s socio-economic and political crises stemmed not from Hezbollah’s uncompromising political stance but from the inherent failures of consociational democracy itself, which fosters the unaccountable elite rule of Lebanon’s long-lasting sectarian oligarchy. “This paper is a practical example of Area Studies 2.0, which can address the issues of prejudice and discrimination faced by the Middle East and more broadly, the Islamic world from other regions by promoting data-driven and evidence-based research,” concludes Prof. Suechika. More information: Kota Suechika, Hezbollah’s Political Communication Strategy in Consociational Democracy: a Quantitative Text Analysis of Al-Manar, Nationalism and Ethnic Politics (2025). DOI: 10.1080/13537113.2025.2472488 Provided by Ritsumeikan University Citation: Uncovering the evolution of Hezbollah’s political communication strategy (2025, May 12) retrieved 13 May 2025 from This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only. Source link #Uncovering #evolution #Hezbollahs #political #communication #strategy Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Samsung Reportedly Developing ‘Listen’ Function for AI-Powered Now Brief in One UI 8 Samsung Reportedly Developing ‘Listen’ Function for AI-Powered Now Brief in One UI 8 Following the successful rollout of Android 15-based One UI 7, Samsung is already said to be developing the next iteration, dubbed One UI 8. As per a report, the company will introduce additional functionality for the Galaxy AI-powered Now Brief feature. One such feature will let users get an audio version of their daily brief. Such a feature is said to eliminate the need to glance at the phone’s screen and reading the summarised brief. Listen Brief in One UI 8 Android Authority reports that evidence of the feature dubbed “Listen Brief” was discovered after digging into a leaked One UI 8 firmware. It is said to bring an option to let users play/pause, or stop the audio via a dedicated toggle, with snippets of code in the firmware referencing this functionality. They may also be able to choose between Google and Samsung’s own text-to-speech engines which would deliver an audio version of the brief. Introduced with One UI 7 on the Galaxy S25 series, Now Brief leverages Samsung’s Galaxy AI suite to deliver a personalised briefing with suggested content including health and wellness metrics, event reminders, travel updates, traffic conditions, and news, in the morning, afternoon, or evening. It presents this information in a card-style interface. When paired with a Galaxy Watch or the Galaxy Ring, Now Brief can display health and activity metrics too. The feature essentially provides overviews of the user’s device usage and activities across the day. However, since the feature was discovered after delving into the code of One UI 8’s early build, its public release remains unconfirmed. While Samsung and OEMs test many features in beta versions of the OS, not all of them make it to the public release. Thus, the news must be taken with a pinch of salt. In addition to Listen Brief, Samsung is also said to be working on new features for Now Bar — an extension of the Now Brief feature on the lock screen. Past reports indicate it may get additional functionalities such as phone calls and a Do Not Disturb option. Source link #Samsung #Reportedly #Developing #Listen #Function #AIPowered Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

A western suburbs primary school is investigating what is believed to be major security breach A western suburbs primary school is investigating what is believed to be major security breach A western suburbs primary school is investigating what is believed to be a major data breach after a former staff member contacted families trying to drum up business in her new role as a real estate agent. Source link #western #suburbs #primary #school #investigating #believed #major #security #breach Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Cooper backs PM over ‘island of strangers’ remark Cooper backs PM over ‘island of strangers’ remark Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has defended the language used by Sir Keir Starmer in a speech to unveil plans to cut immigration. The prime minister said on Monday the *** risked becoming an “an island of strangers” without stricter controls. The phrase has led some Labour MPs to accuse him of divisive language – a claim rejected by Cooper. She added the PM had been seeking to highlight the impact of rising migration in recent years and “support for integration,” including English language tests. She rejected a comparison made by a small number of Labour MPs, notably former shadow chancellor John McDonnell, to the language of Enoch Powell. Cooper said she didn’t know whether the PM or his speech writers were aware of any similarity to a line in Enoch Powell’s notorious Rivers of Blood speech in 1968, in which the Conservative MP described a future in which Britons “found themselves made strangers in their own country” due to immigration. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, she added that Starmer’s speech was “completely different”, adding: “I don’t think it’s right to make those comparisons”. “The prime minster said yesterday, I think almost in the same breath, talked about the diverse country that we are and that being part of our strength… “I know that everybody always gets caught up in focusing on different phrases and so on, but we do have to be talking about the policies.” Asked on BBC Breakfast whether she thought Starmer’s language was toxic, she replied: “I don’t agree, no”, adding the PM was “right to say we need to change”. Conservative shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick echoed the prime minister’s comments, adding Sir Keir’s warning the *** could become an island of strangers was “already” true in parts of the country. The comparison to Powell was made by McDonnell, who lost the Labour whip last year after rebelling on a ******** vote, when questioning Cooper in the Commons on Monday. The Hayes and Harlington MP said: “When legislation of this nature is being introduced that is serious and could be contentious, it’s critically important that ministers use careful language. “When the prime minister referred to… an island of strangers, reflecting the language of Enoch Powell, does she realise how shockingly divisive that could be?” In the same debate, Labour MP Nadia Whittome said immigrants were being “scapegoated for problems that they didn’t cause” and that “the rhetoric surrounding this” risked stirring racial abuse. The Nottingham East MP asked: “Why are we trying to ape Reform [***], when that will do nothing to improve our constituents’ lives and just stoke more division?” The launch of the government’s immigration measures on Monday follows local elections in England earlier this month that saw Labour lose the Runcorn and Helsby seat to Nigel Farage’s Reform *** in an historically close by-election. Reform, which has campaigned heavily on the issue of immigration in recent years, also picked up its first two metro mayors and now controls 10 county councils, challenging the dominance of both Labour and the Conservatives. Also speaking on the Today programme, Jenrick, who was immigration minister from 2022-2023, said the public was “sick of rhetoric, they want action”. Jenrick claimed the Conservatives’ failure to reduce net migration over 14 years in power was because of “catastrophic mistakes” and claimed Labour’s plans were a “**** by Keir Starmer to trick the British public into believing that he’s going to take action”. He added Sir Keir’s words “repudiated everything” he had previously stood for, claiming the prime minister had stood for the Labour leadership in 2020 on a policy of “supporting mass migration”. Source link #Cooper #backs #island #strangers #remark Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Private cellular business deployments to reach more than 7,000 by 2030 Private cellular business deployments to reach more than 7,000 by 2030 Just weeks after releasing data showing that market growth has been slow despite the clear advantages and increasing need for enterprises to deploy private cellular networks, a study from specialist comms analyst Juniper Research predicts that the number of businesses deploying private networks will reach more than 7,000 globally by 2030, growing 194% from almost 2,500 in 2025. The Global private cellular networks market 2025-2030 report analysed the private cellular networks market in more than 60 countries based on a dataset containing over 82,000 market statistics in a five-year *******. The study attributed the expected substantial growth to rising demands for greater data control and security as regulations surrounding data tighten, with enhanced reliability and ultra-low latency enabling real-time threat detection and response. On a vertical sector basis, manufacturing was identified as dominating growth, due to its high level of process automation and well-developed infrastructure. The sector is expected to account for 49% of the total market value in 2030. By contrast, the report states that other sectors, including healthcare, will account for much smaller proportions of the market, due to higher costs and underdeveloped infrastructure significantly inhibiting additional revenue streams To break into other key sectors, the study found adopting neutral host business models would be essential to suppliers’ portfolios. This would see a network infrastructure model whereby a third-party leases indoor telecom network equipment to multiple communication service providers. Juniper noted that applying this infrastructure to private networks lowers overall cost for both enterprises and mobile network operators (MNOs). Among the end results of this would be enabling enterprises access to secure private networks and allowing MNOs to offer enhanced indoor connectivity to their customers. “Neutral host models will not only lower the barrier to entry for many sectors, they will also accelerate the adoption of private 5G, which has been historically slow,” said research author Michelle Joynson. “Vendors must focus on providing seamless integration services, enabling rapid deployment and reduced costs.” The topline finding of the previous study was that global private cellular network revenue will reach $12.2bn, representing a growth rate of 114% compared with that expected by the end of 2025. Assessing the forecast, Juniper said that given the slow growth of this market in previous years – principally due to several challenges, including the cost and integration complexity of deploying these networks – this growth represents a pivotal shift in the market as more enterprises look to invest in private networks. From this figure, 5G-based revenues are set to account for just $5.6bn of market value by 2028 despite 5G technology having been commercially available for private networks since 2019. Although 5G provides key benefits such as faster speeds, lower latency, increased reliability and flexibility, and higher capacity, the analyst concluded that 4G and LTE currently meet the requirements of most mobile customers, making 5G an unnecessary expense and has inhibited its market growth. The lower operational cost of 4G technologies and its sufficiency in providing connectivity services to markets such as manufacturing and logistics were seen as key drivers to the continued of growth of 4G private networks. Juniper also noted that private networks are themselves also a key driver for 5G adoption and present a key opportunity for MNOs and network operators to monetise 5G networks. Source link #Private #cellular #business #deployments #reach Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The West *********** Pulse 2025: Manami Teo has cooked up a work of art for her dedicated The West *********** Pulse 2025: Manami Teo has cooked up a work of art for her dedicated A teens stunning depiction of her father toiling away over the stove in the kitchen of the Old Perth Road diner hangs in the Art Gallery of WA as part of this year’s The West *********** Pulse exhibition. Source link #West #*********** #Pulse #Manami #Teo #cooked #work #art #dedicated Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Microsoft shows us discarded Windows 11 Start menu designs – and I’m so glad they were chucked in the bin in favor of the revamp we’re getting Microsoft shows us discarded Windows 11 Start menu designs – and I’m so glad they were chucked in the bin in favor of the revamp we’re getting Windows 11 has a redesign of the Start menu incoming Microsoft has shared info on the process of that revamp and how it took in a wide range of feedback We also get to see some of the abandoned designs for the Start menu Windows 11 is getting a major revamp for the Start menu and in an interesting move, Microsoft has shared the feedback which drove that redesign, as well as some of the concepts that fell by the wayside. In case you overlooked the emergence of that Start menu overhaul, Microsoft gave us a first look at it recently. Essentially, it changes the menu into a single scrollable panel (rather than two separate efforts) and applies some other useful tweaks. Broadly speaking, I’m a fan and I think it’s a clear step forward (more so now that a point of doubt has apparently been clarified, and I’ll come back to that momentarily). You may like Windows Central picked up on the blog post Microsoft published about the process of redesigning the Start menu, explaining why the new layout was chosen, and also looking at other treatments that were discarded based on user feedback. Indeed, Microsoft says it combed through a whole lot of notes on the Feedback Hub (where testers and enthusiasts give their opinions on Windows 11) as well as conducting “thousands of remote interviews” in order to get the redesign of this part of the interface right. On top of that, we’re told: “Over 300 Windows 11 fans joined unmoderated studies and dozens more hopped into live co-creation calls.” Apparently, from all this, a key message repeatedly came through from those people: “Help me find my apps faster. Let me bend Start to fit the way I work. And please – keep the magic, don’t lose the soul.” Yes, I’m guessing the final part of that quote was never something Microsoft heard – it sounds more like something Freddie Mercury sang in a Queen song back in the eighties – but the first two points fully make sense. Windows 11 users want the Start menu to be, most of all, the place where they find and fire up their apps, and a part of the interface that they can customize. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. I think the latter is a particularly crucial factor, and elsewhere in the post, Microsoft talks about the Start menu providing: “Recommendations made just for you that learn in real time and a way to hide them if you don’t find them helpful.” Regarding the second half of that sentence, I take this as confirmation that Microsoft is indeed incorporating a switch to remove the recommendations panel from the Start menu entirely, for those who don’t want it. I don’t, and I know I’m not alone in that, and this option was spotted in testing with the Start menu revamp. So, this comment about giving users a ‘way to hide’ recommendations surely refers to turning them off. For me, this represents indirect confirmation that a key part of the redesign is indeed coming. It’s also good to see Microsoft becoming more transparent here, and showing off the discarded Start menu concepts, too. Are any of them any good? Obviously, this is a subjective matter to an extent, but for me, some of them definitely deserved to be chucked in the bin, while others seem sensible enough. Let’s take a look at the candidates which stand out from the efforts that ended up being dumped. (Image credit: Microsoft) This is a more tablet-focused take on the Start menu (where the background is blurred out), although that’s not going to be ideal for traditional desktop PCs (obviously). I don’t like that it takes a step back in terms of still having the ‘All apps’ list as an entirely separate panel. It’s quite a clean layout to be fair, but there is some suggestion-related stuff here that I’m not so keen on. Pass. (Image credit: Microsoft) Essentially, this is the Start menu from Windows 10 ported to Windows 11, although the design elements kind of clash for me (the category lists for apps, bottom-left, feel particularly out of place). Despite it all feeling shoehorned into Windows 11, I don’t mind the idea of just having the Windows 10 Start menu back in some ways. I’m surprised Microsoft even considered the idea, though. (Image credit: Microsoft) Erk, what is this? It looks like someone’s lobbed a hand grenade into the guts of Windows 11’s Start menu, and this is the aftermath of the almighty explosion – bits of interface all over the place. It’s too busy, suggestion-heavy, and again like the first concept above, it grows limbs and splits off other sections into separate panels. No thanks. (Image credit: Microsoft) This one I quite like – it keeps things simple, and it’s mainly focused on the apps, with some recommendations and reminders in the left panel. Note that Copilot has crept into the reminders, bottom-left, but overall, I think this is my favorite of the abandoned designs. However, the Start menu redesign Microsoft has chosen is the winner for me, although you may well have a different opinion (Windows Central certainly does). Why? Because it keeps things simple, with everything on one panel, and the new category view for the full list of apps ensures that’s more tamed – plus you can (hopefully) drop the recommendations panel to make more space, too. (Worries about Phone Link have been swerved as well, with a simple button to retract the panel, for those who use this app). Is Microsoft’s chosen revamp too boring? Well, yeah, maybe. I guess it is the safe, not overly adventurous option, but it works for me. I don’t want a fancied-up Start menu. I want a functional one, a streamlined system, and yes, that crucial ability to customize and further trim anything I don’t need (while those who like recommendations can have them). You might also like… Source link #Microsoft #shows #discarded #Windows #Start #menu #designs #glad #chucked #bin #favor #revamp Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

An improving market outlook makes this oil refiner a buy, Goldman Sachs say An improving market outlook makes this oil refiner a buy, Goldman Sachs say A more upbeat outlook for the oil market could lead to more upside for Valero Energy shares, according to Goldman Sachs. The firm upgraded the refiner to buy from neutral and hiked its price target to $154 from $127, implying 18% upside from Monday’s close. “We believe supply/demand dynamics have improved and point to two key developments: (1) OPEC+ announced adding incremental supply into the market and (2) demand has held in better than expected,” analyst Neil Mehta wrote in a Tuesday note to clients. “Given these developments, we see a more constructive refining backdrop and view Valero as a primary beneficiary.” VLO XLE YTD mountain VLO vs. XLE, year-to-date Mehta thinks that improving supply and demand fundamentals should support continued growth in the name from here, seeing OPEC+ raising output as well as oil demand and consumption growing globally over the coming years. The analyst added that Valero’s Gulf Coast exposure helps make it a beneficiary of the improving crude outlook. Beyond that, he holds an optimistic view of the supply side for refiners specifically. Mehta noted that larger refinery closures — such as LyondellBasell’s in Houston — should “partially offset capacity additions” and be beneficial for Valero. “We expect to see continued improvement in Gulf Coast margins, further supported by wider light-heavy crude differentials,” Mehta also wrote. The upgrade comes as shares have already risen more than 6% in 2025. The Energy Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLE) has fallen more than 1% in the same *******, in contrast. Mehta’s bullish call puts him in the majority of Wall Street analysts. LSEG data shows 16 of 20 analysts rate the stock a buy or strong buy. The average price target implies upside of 9%. Source link #improving #market #outlook #oil #refiner #buy #Goldman #Sachs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Abandoned kittens adopted by surrogate mum Abandoned kittens adopted by surrogate mum Two abandoned kittens who were hand-reared by RSPCA staff have been adopted by a surrogate mother moved to the Isle of Wight to help them. Ember and Lumen were fed every two hours by RSPCA staff on the Isle of Wight after they were found. They helped find a suitable mother with a litter of a similar age from West Sussex’s Mount Noddy RSPCA centre, near Chichester, and she and her three kittens were moved to the island. Ember and Lumen were introduced to the mother, Brook, along with her kittens, and she immediately accepted them as her own. Her three kittens appeared “briefly bemused” at sharing their milk with Ember and Lumen initially, the RSCPA said, but quickly adapted. Brook, a former stray, and the kittens will remain at the centre and are on course to be put up for adoption in about seven weeks. “This touching story is a testament to the compassion shown by staff across the RSPCA network,” Georgina Davies, cattery manager, said. “We are deeply grateful to Mount Noddy for working with us to ensure the best possible outcome for this newly blended family. “And of course, the team and I are looking forward to a little more sleep.” You can follow BBC Hampshire & Isle of Wight on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Related internet links Source link #Abandoned #kittens #adopted #surrogate #mum Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Hogwarts Legacy on Switch 2 appears to have a $10 upgrade for owners of the digital Switch version Hogwarts Legacy on Switch 2 appears to have a $10 upgrade for owners of the digital Switch version Owners of the Nintendo Switch version of Hogwarts Legacy may be able to upgrade to the Switch 2 version for $10. Players have been reporting that if you own the digital version of Hogwarts Legacy on Switch, when you access the eShop listing for the Switch 2 version it will be listed for $10 / €10 instead of the usual $59.99 / €59.99. Others are reporting that if players buy the DLC for the Switch version, this will unlock the ability to upgrade to the Digital Deluxe Edition for $15 instead of $69.99. The original Switch version is also currently on ***** on the US eShop for $17.99 until May 19, meaning players who don’t already have the Switch version in their library can theoretically get the Switch 2 version for $27.99, less than half price. This Switch ***** isn’t active in all regions – it’s full price in the ***, for example – so players in those regions will have to use a separate account to access the US eShop and buy the Switch version for $17.99 there. Warner Bros has yet to officially announce any Switch 2 upgrade offer for the Switch version, so assuming this isn’t an error it’s possible that it’s gone live on the eShop earlier than expected, or that Warner Bros is waiting for the discount on the Switch version to lift on May 19 before making the announcement. While Nintendo has already announced that a number of existing Switch games will get Switch 2 Editions which are sold separately or as a paid upgrade, this is one of the first examples of a third-party publisher enabling owners of a Switch game to upgrade it to a Switch 2 version. Looks like Hogwarts Legacy has a Upgrade pack for the Nintendo Switch 2 you can Purchase if you own the Nintendo Switch version.#NintendoSwitch2 pic.twitter.com/I47AXVzVil — Chito (@ChitoGamingLive) May 12, 2025 Last week Deltarune developer Toby Fox announced that players who buy the digital Switch version of the game will get the Switch 2 version too at no added cost, and vice-versa, essentially meaning that buying one version will add both versions to their library. Nintendo has already confirmed Switch 2 Editions for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Super Mario Party Jamboree, Kirby and the Forgotten Land, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Each upgrade will vary in price, with the Switch 2 upgrades for the Zelda games costing £7.99 / $9.99 each and the upgrades for Kirby and Mario Party costing £16.99 / $19.99. Players subscribed to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will get the Switch 2 upgrades for both Zelda games as part of their subscription. Source link #Hogwarts #Legacy #Switch #appears #upgrade #owners #digital #Switch #version Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nintendo president says Switch 2’s price a key factor in lower-than-expected sales projection Nintendo president says Switch 2’s price a key factor in lower-than-expected sales projection Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has explained the company’s lower-than-expected Switch 2 sales projections, acknowledging that the console’s relatively high price point could make it more challenging to sell compared to the original console. In its results published last week, Nintendo said it expects to sell 15 million Nintendo Switch 2 consoles during its launch window. That would be a very strong performance, putting Switch 2 roughly in line with the original console, which was one of the fastest-selling consoles ever. However, many industry analysts expected much higher projections for Switch 2, especially following strong pre-orders for the system, which previously caused president Shuntaro Furukawa to warn of shortages in Japan. During an investor Q&A published on Tuesday, Furukawa was asked about the forecast and why it was more conservative than many analysts’ estimates. “Nintendo Switch 2 is priced relatively high compared to Nintendo Switch, so we recognize that there are corresponding challenges to early adoption,” he replied. “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 claimed that hardware production capacity was “not a factor” in setting its Switch 2 sales forecast. “Additionally, the tariff situation in the U.S. or a possibility of a recession did not affect our sales volume forecast either,” he said. “In order to achieve sales of 15 million units, we will need to manufacture the hardware in quantities greater than that. Our first goal is to get off to the same start we did with Nintendo Switch, and we are working to strengthen our production capacity so we can respond flexibly to demand.” Switch 2 launches on June 5. The president went on to acknowledge the positive feedback from its many hands-on events held around the world, and the pre-orders via its My Nintendo Store, but again returned to what he called Switch 2’s “relatively high” price compared to Switch 1. “Even if there is momentum around the launch, we know it will not be easy to keep that momentum going over the long term through the holiday season and beyond,” he said. “We have been working to ramp up Nintendo Switch 2 hardware production since even before we held the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events and began My Nintendo Store applications. Our sales volume forecast was not determined based on any limit to production capacity.” During the Q&A, Furukawa was also asked about the effect of US tariffs on Nintendo Switch 2. US President Trump’s tariffs have already forced Nintendo to raise some hardware prices in the US. “Our financial projections were created based on the assumption of U.S. tariffs of 10% on products produced in Japan, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and 145% on China,” Furukawa said. “Our hardware is produced in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, and hardware for North America is mainly produced in Vietnam. While there are also some accessories and amiibo produced in China, we do not disclose the impact of tariffs on individual products.” He added: “Our basic policy is that for any country or region, if tariffs are imposed, we recognize them as a part of the cost and incorporate them into the price. On the other hand, the fiscal year ending March 2026 is the launch ******* for our first new dedicated video game system in eight years. “If the tariff assumptions change, we will consider how to handle the situation while keeping in mind the importance of platform momentum and growth of the hardware install base.” Source link #Nintendo #president #Switch #price #key #factor #lowerthanexpected #sales #projection Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

President Trump Arrives in Saudi Capital on 4-Day Gulf Tour President Trump Arrives in Saudi Capital on 4-Day Gulf Tour President Trump was greeted by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia as he stepped off Air Force One on Tuesday. Source link #President #Trump #Arrives #Saudi #Capital #4Day #Gulf #Tour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]