Expedition 33 Patch Will Fix One Of The Most Broken Builds In The Game
Expedition 33 Patch Will Fix One Of The Most Broken Builds In The Game
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 developer Sandfall Interactive has revealed that it’ll release a patch this week that will tone down one of the more popular builds from the game. Expedition 33 has a robust system for buildcrafting, and one of them turns the character Maelle into a weapon of mass destruction. It’s primarily an endgame build that revolves around the Stendhal skill, and when done correctly, it’s capable of eliminating enemies in a single blow.
In an update on its social media channels, Sandfall says that Stendhal was “underwhelming for most of development” and that it was boosted before Expedition 33 was released. “We still want you to be able to break the game–and you absolutely still can–but Stendhal was making it a bit too easy,” Sandfall wrote.
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Now Playing: Becoming A Parry Master In Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 In 13 Minutes
The patch to adjust Stendhal’s damage output will roll out to Steam first on May 9 before it lands on other platforms, and Sandfall added that it’ll still be capable of one-shotting enemies, but it’ll be “more in line” with other strategies and builds.
This build does require quite a bit of work up front before you can use it, as you’ll need to acquire a specific weapon and several passive Pictos skills to maximize the damage output. It’s not uncommon to smash through enemies who have health bars in the range of 50 million, and several players have managed to optimize the build to deal billions in damage.
Even with the surprise launch of Oblivion Remastered just days before it was scheduled to arrive, Expedition 33 continues to be one of the big hits of 2025. The game has sold over 2 million copies across PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S, and it was also a day-one launch through Game Pass. The soundtrack is also performing exceptionally well, as it reached No. 1 on Billboard’s Classical Album charts, and it has been streamed over 18 million times since it went live.
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Trump to unveil *** trade deal after tariff pause
Trump to unveil *** trade deal after tariff pause
US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 27, 2025.
Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images
President Donald Trump is set to unveil a trade agreement with the United Kingdom on Thursday.
The deal would be the first by the United States with a country whose imports were subject to new tariffs imposed by Trump.
Trump is set to make the announcement from the Oval Office at 10 a.m. ET. *** Prime Minister Keir Starmer is not in Washington, D.C., but is expected to participate in the event remotely, CNBC’s Eamon Javers reported.
Trump said on Truth Social earlier Thursday, “The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.”
“Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement,” he wrote. “Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!”
This is developing news. Please check back for updates.
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The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered review – ChristCenteredGamer
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered review – ChristCenteredGamer
CCG writes – “Overall, Oblivion Remastered is a mixed bag. While the general stability enhancements are very welcome, the new graphical style may prove divisive to fans of the original. Morally, this is obviously a game meant only for mature audiences. If you want to play Oblivion again or are getting into it for the first time, then this is a pretty decent way to do so, provided you have the hard drive space available.”
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Trump to unveil *** trade deal after tariff pause
Trump to unveil *** trade deal after tariff pause
US President Donald Trump speaks during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on February 27, 2025.
Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images
President Donald Trump is set to unveil a trade agreement with the United Kingdom on Thursday.
The deal would be the first by the United States with a country whose imports were subject to new tariffs imposed by Trump.
Trump is set to make the announcement from the Oval Office at 10 a.m. ET. *** Prime Minister Keir Starmer is not in Washington, D.C., but is expected to participate in the event remotely, CNBC’s Eamon Javers reported.
Trump said on Truth Social earlier Thursday, “The agreement with the United Kingdom is a full and comprehensive one that will cement the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom for many years to come.”
“Because of our long time history and allegiance together, it is a great honor to have the United Kingdom as our FIRST announcement,” he wrote. “Many other deals, which are in serious stages of negotiation, to follow!”
This is developing news. Please check back for updates.
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Putin and Xi Present a United Front as They Face an Unpredictable Trump
Putin and Xi Present a United Front as They Face an Unpredictable Trump
President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia and Xi Jinping, the leader of China, presented their countries as guardians of stability and historical memory on Thursday, at a meeting in Moscow a day before celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.
The leaders made public remarks ahead of talks in the Kremlin, part of a separate state visit that Moscow has organized for Mr. Xi, its most important partner. The ******** leader will also attend a military parade in Red Square on Friday.
Both Mr. Putin and Mr. Xi are having to deal with the unpredictability of President Trump — the Russian president in talks over Ukraine and the ******** leader in a bruising trade war. Each has sought to present their countries as alternative world powers looking to bring about what they call a more equal, multipolar world.
Mr. Trump had employed some of the same nationalist grievance politics and disinformation strategies that Mr. Putin and Mr. Xi have used to cement their power at home, but has failed to reach a deal with either leader since returning to the White House. Talks with Moscow over the war in Ukraine have not curbed the fighting and U.S. officials are set to begin trade negotiations in Switzerland this week with their ******** counterparts.
In Moscow, the summit took place as Mr. Putin was set to welcome what the Kremlin expects to be more than 25 world leaders to the Red Square celebrations. The guests include a veritable “Who’s Who” of authoritarians, with the presidents of Venezuela, Cuba, Equatorial Guinea and Belarus expected to attend.
But none of the leaders is more important to Moscow than Mr. Xi.
Russia’s isolation from the West over its full-scale invasion of Ukraine has dramatically increased Moscow’s dependence on Beijing. China has supported Mr. Putin’s war effort by buying Russian oil, supplying dual-use components for Russian equipment and replacing departed Western brands with ******** consumer goods. Beijing, however, has stopped short of overt military intervention or support.
Mr. Xi described relations between China and Russia today as “more calm, confident, stable and resilient” in his opening remarks at the Kremlin.
He cast the two leaders as defenders of a fair and just world order. And he evoked their countries’ sacrifices during World War II as a symbol of their strength today to push back against “unilateralism and bullying by powerful countries,” an unmistakable reference to the United States and its trade war against China.
The Soviet Union lost some 27 million people during the war, making the memory of the conflict one of the most powerful and emotional forces in Russian life.
Mr. Putin has manipulated that memory to energize his troops, falsely accusing President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine, who is Jewish, of reviving Nazism. Russian forces fighting in Ukraine have been told they must make sacrifices like their forebears did during World War II to once again rid the world of a fascist threat.
“The victory over fascism, achieved at the cost of enormous sacrifices, is of timeless importance,” Mr. Putin told Mr. Xi ahead of their talks.
Mr. Putin said that Russia and China “firmly stand guard over historical truth” and “protect the memory of the events of the war years.” The two countries, he said, “oppose modern manifestations of neo-Nazism and militarism,” a clear reference by the Russian leader to his crusade against Ukraine and its Western backers.
Moscow’s celebration of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany comes more than three years after Mr. Putin launched his full-scale invasion of Ukraine and reordered Russian society with a level of repression, militarism and control over official narratives unseen since the days of the Soviet Union.
Zixu Wang contributed research from Hong Kong.
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GTA 6 Trailer 2 Was Only 30FPS, And It May Be Too Much For Switch 2
GTA 6 Trailer 2 Was Only 30FPS, And It May Be Too Much For Switch 2
Players may have been disappointed when Grand Theft Auto 6 was delayed into next year, but the newly released second trailer has gone a long ways towards raising the anticipation to another level. However, if fans were hoping that GTA 6 would arrive with a robust 60 frames per second then they may be disappointed to hear that the trailer was only 30fps.
Digital Foundry has shared an extensive breakdown of GTA 6’s second trailer, and its analysis is that it was upscaled to 4K at 30fps. DF also suggested that it may not be possible to get GTA 6 to 60fps at launch without drastically reducing the ray-tracing touches that give the game its visual identity.
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Now Playing: GTA 6 (Grand Theft Auto VI) – Official Release Date Reveal | Trailer 2
The Digital Foundry team gushed over the trailer’s reflective surfaces, particularly during an early scene with Jason in his car that features multiple moving reflections simultaneously. Even small touches like the condensation in Jason’s beer bottles and the movement of the liquid inside were well-executed.
Although a Rockstar Games representative told GameSpot that the trailer included some gameplay, Digital Foundry’s experts are convinced it was all cutscenes. They also suggested that the sheer size of the game and the power needed to render it are beyond the capabilities of Nintendo’s Switch 2 or even Steam Deck.
“I’m sorry. This is probably too big for Switch 2,” said Digital Foundry’s Alex Battaglia. “Everyone’s going to hate me in the comments for saying that, but like, we have to be really realistic. This is some of the best real-time rendering we’ve ever seen. I don’t expect a Steam Deck to run this. I don’t really expect a ROG Ally X to run this.”
Mike Dailly, one of the designers for the original GTA, was also very impressed by the new GTA 6 trailer. Additionally, Dailly praised Rockstar for not rushing the game out in its current state.
Grand Theft Auto 6 will hit PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S on May 26, 2026. A PC port of GTA 6 hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s likely to arrive at some point in the future.
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How Operation Sindoor brought justice for beheaded American journalist Daniel Pearl – Times of India
How Operation Sindoor brought justice for beheaded American journalist Daniel Pearl – Times of India
How Operation Sindoor brought justice for beheaded American journalist Daniel Pearl Times of IndiaPakistan vows retaliation after India launches strikes in wake of Kashmir massacre CNNMilitant group chief says relatives killed in India strike BBCIndia fires missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, killing at least 26 AP News‘No deterrent value’: Will India’s strikes on Pakistan stop armed attacks? Al Jazeera
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Nintendo Brings On Inventor Of Flying Machines And Real Back To The Future Hoverboard
Nintendo Brings On Inventor Of Flying Machines And Real Back To The Future Hoverboard
Nintendo has appointed Japanese designer Kazuhiko Hachiya to its board of directors. You might not know him by name, but Hachiya is known for his ambitious products, like a flying machine inspired by the works of Miyazaki and his own take on a real version of the hoverboard from the movie Back to the Future.
Hachiya created the “OpenSky” project that led to the creation of a motor glider based on the Mowe plane from the Miyazaki anime Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind. Hachiya succeeded in creating a glider version of the aircraft and a jet-powered version. Take a look at the plane for yourself in the video below.
Before building his Miyazaki-inspired plane, Hachiya made wearable devices that would allow the wearers to see through each other’s eyes. He also made an “AirBoard,” which was billed as a real-life version of the hoverboard from Back to the Future.
Nintendo did not specifically cite any one reason for its pursuit of Hachiya to join Nintendo’s board of directors, but clearly, the man has passion and ambition.
Prior to his work on experimental airplanes and hovercraft, Hachiya joined Spazio Institute for Advanced Thinking Inc. in 1989, before becoming a top boss at doll company PetWorks Co., a position he still holds today. In addition to being a director at PetWorks, Hachiya is currently a professor of fine arts at Tokyo University of the Arts and the Director of the Art Media Center at Tokyo University of the Arts.
Hachiya is also known for developing the email app PostPet. This software attempts to make corporate emailing more fun by having a little creature–a dancing pink bear named Momo is one of them–who lives in your computer personally deliver emails.
Nintendo will vote on whether or not to confirm Hachiya’s appointment to the board during the company’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders on June 27, 2025.
This will happen not long after Nintendo releases the Switch 2 on June 5. It’s expected to be popular, but tariffs and other economic concerns might impact sales and availability, Nintendo has warned.
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Benefits and challenges of underground data centers
Benefits and challenges of underground data centers
The ever-growing demand for data storage warrants the construction of more powerful, larger data centers that threaten to overwhelm the Earth’s limited surface land. Underground data centers serve the same functions as their above-ground counterparts while using less land.
This article explores the advantages and disadvantages of underground data centers, their design, environmental impact and construction requirements, as well as real-world examples.
Pros of underground data centers
An underground data center can operate more efficiently, consume less energy and have a lower carbon footprint than above-ground facilities.
Boost construction speed
Underground structures can be repurposed for data centers. Repurposed structures are usually old mines or bunkers that have been renovated as an empty shell — a space that can be filled with data halls. This method is significantly cheaper and faster than constructing a new data center above ground.
Limit surface land use and community impact
Above-ground data centers take up anywhere from 100,000 square feet for an average-sized facility to millions of square feet for the largest of hyperscale data centers. This takes away from valuable uses of land, like farming and nature preservation. Construction of above-ground data centers leads to deforestation and excessive noise that affect the environment and local communities.
Underground data centers use significantly less surface area, enabling the preservation of Earth’s limited available land. Underground facilities also produce less noise pollution, as construction is faster in a preexisting environment, and noise from operating facilities is absorbed through the data center’s insulation and the earth that surrounds it.
Provide low latency
The physical distance between data centers and users impacts data latency. Due to land restrictions, traditional data centers might be located further away from users than is ideal, which can affect the quality of service. Underground data centers, however, can be more strategically located, making it easier to place the facility near users to enhance response time and reduce delay.
Use sustainable energy
Many data centers are moving to sustainable energy sources to power their operations. Underground data centers are prime candidates for geothermal energy use, which involves using natural heat from under the Earth’s surface to power turbines that produce electricity. This method provides an on-site source of renewable and clean energy generation that decreases dependence on the grid and can be performed at any time of day.
Underground data centers can also reuse and recycle waste heat to warm nearby communities and buildings above ground.
Naturally cooling environment
Underground facilities avoid unexpected temperature fluctuations, like heat waves. Since the earth provides insulation and cooler temperatures at depth, underground data centers can expect stable, consistent and predictable temperatures. An underground environment can provide more granular control of cooling and better cooling efficiency, making it easier to maintain an optimal environment for data center equipment.
Consume less energy
With proper ventilation, the naturally cool environment of underground data centers enables less energy consumption than above-ground facilities. Lower energy use indicates energy savings, manageable operational costs and less strain on the grid.
Secure from physical threats
Data centers that store highly sensitive and valuable information might be the target of physical attacks and bad actors. Underground data centers provide a defensive advantage against such attacks, as no part of the structure is externally facing. Underground facilities can also avoid natural disasters like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and wildfires.
Cons of underground data centers
Underground data centers do have some disadvantages, such as location restrictions, the need for advanced humidity control and limitations to expansion.
Location challenges
There are many considerations to analyze before choosing a location for an underground data center. Preexisting underground facilities, such as mines and bunkers, might not be readily available or are in remote locations that don’t offer a latency advantage. Other considerations include the structural integrity of the space, the distance from power grids and environmental safety concerns. Building near faults and volcanoes can trigger earthquakes, while building near water sources increases the risk of leaks and dampness.
Expensive to build
It can be more expensive to construct a new underground data center than an above-ground facility, especially without access to an underground cavern, pocket or other open environment. Higher construction costs are due to the complexity of building underground.
Construction requires drilling and creating a shell strong enough to withstand air and soil pressures. It also involves extensive insulation installation for waterproofing and reinforcements to maintain structural integrity in the face of environmental challenges, such as earthquakes and plate movement.
Proper ventilation and humidity concerns
While underground facilities might not consume as much energy for cooling as above-ground facilities, they typically consume more energy to maintain air quality and humidity levels. Heat and pollutants build up quickly in enclosed spaces, and high humidity levels endanger sensitive equipment. Intricate ventilation systems, humidity control systems and advanced monitoring tools are necessary to optimize the data center’s environment for continual operation and safety.
Difficult to expand
Expanding an underground data center is difficult and potentially dangerous. Extensive drilling and blasting might be necessary, threatening seismic activity or a cave-in. An expansion could have layout constraints, leading to workarounds that might not be ideal for mechanical and electrical equipment placement. This can affect the data center’s organization and efficiency.
From a time, cost and safety perspective, scaling an underground data center is often not feasible unless the facility was specifically designed for future expansions.
Limited access
Underground facilities typically have fewer access points than above-ground buildings. This makes it easier to secure the facilities, but it can also make it difficult for staff to enter or exit promptly. This is a particular concern in emergencies, but it can also pose logistical challenges for construction and maintenance.
Underground data centers in use today
Data centers have grown worldwide, but underground data centers are a mere fraction of the total. That said, some notable examples exist today.
Iron Mountain has underground data centers in Kansas City and Western Pennsylvania. These facilities are more than 200 feet below the surface, are surrounded by natural limestone, and use an underground lake for natural cooling. The year-round ambient temperature hovers around 52 degrees Fahrenheit, offering energy efficiency advantages.
Bluebird Fiber has an underground data center in Springfield, Mo., more than 85 feet below the surface in a limestone cavern. The facility enjoys a constant year-round temperature of 64 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit and a fixed humidity point, which reduces energy consumption and operational costs.
Data Journey has an underground bunker facility in Houston, Texas, with over 40,000 square feet of data center floor space. The Bunker, as it’s called, was originally built as a nuclear fallout shelter to house 300 people for an extended *******. Its 3-foot-thick concrete walls create an ideal data center environment.
Green Mountain has a data center in Rennesøy, Norway, that features six halls, each with two-story concrete buildings built within a mountain. Built in 2013, the data center was repurposed from a former ammunition storage facility designed to withstand nuclear bombs and natural disasters. It’s located near a fjord for natural cooling and uses 100% renewable hydropower.
Underground data centers are not as prevalent as traditional facilities, but the trend is gaining momentum. While there are some considerations to weigh, the design and functionality of underground data centers are evolving rapidly, making it an area worth watching for those looking for more secure and sustainable locations to house their computing equipment.
Jacob Roundy is a freelance writer and editor with more than a decade of experience specializing in a variety of technology topics, such as data centers, business intelligence, AI/ML, climate change and sustainability. His writing focuses on demystifying tech, tracking trends in the industry, and providing practical guidance to IT leaders and administrators.
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The big Death Stranding 2 preview / Eurogamer
The big Death Stranding 2 preview / Eurogamer
I can confidently say that it’s excellent.
My first go-round with Death Stranding was a complicated one.
Longtime fans of Hideo Kojima were salivating at the prospect of the first project coming out of his post-Konami studio. No one knew quite what to expect. Early trailers didn’t help much. Was this just … a delivery game? Were we in store for a Metal Gear Solid 2-like gotcha moment when we played the final product? Not really! It was, in many ways, a “delivery game.” Albeit one wrapped in a narrative and universe that made Metal Gear Solid (samurai President clones and all) seem like a realistic depiction of tactical stealth action by comparison.
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StanChart analyst apologizes $120K bitcoin price call ‘too low’
StanChart analyst apologizes $120K bitcoin price call ‘too low’
Vcg | Visual China Group | Getty Images
A Standard Chartered analyst who predicted bitcoin hitting $120,000 by the second quarter now says his price call is “too low.”
“I apologise that my USD120k Q2 target may be too low,” Geoffrey Kendrick, head of digital assets at Standard Chartered, said in a tongue-in-cheek comment shared with clients via email Thursday.
Last month, Kendrick wrote a note saying that he expects bitcoin to reach an all-time high of around $120,000 in the second quarter of 2025 on the back of a “strategic asset reallocation away from US assets” and “accumulation by ‘whales’ (major holders).”
“We expect these supportive factors to push BTC to a fresh all-time high around USD 120,000 in Q2,” Kendrick said at the time. “We see gains continuing through the summer, taking BTC-USD towards our year-end forecast of 200,000.”
On Thursday, Kendrick said his $120,000 bitcoin price call now “looks very achievable” and that this may even be too low a target.
“The dominant story for Bitcoin has changed again,” the Standard Chartered analyst said. “It was correlation to risk assets … It then became a way to position for strategic asset reallocation out of US assets.”
“It is now all about flows. And flows are coming in many forms,” he added.
His comments come as bitcoin once again approaches the $100,000 level. The price of the cryptocurrency was last seen trading up by more than 3% at $99,293.54, according to Coin Metrics. Earlier, it rose as high as $99,897.00.
In recent years, analysts have picked up on a pattern that shows bitcoin trading in a similar way to risk assets such as U.S. technology stocks — the rationale being that increased inflows of more institutional capital into bitcoin makes it more prone to the same market risks equity markets face.
Kendrick — who has long held a bullish position on the cryptocurrency — said that U.S. spot bitcoin exchange-traded funds have seen $5.3 billion of inflows in the past three weeks, suggesting more institutional money is piling in.
He pointed to several examples of large investors allocating part of their portfolios to bitcoin, including software firm MicroStrategy ramping up bitcoin purchases, the Abu Dhbai sovereign wealth fund holding BlackRock’s IBIT bitcoin ETF, and the Swiss National Bank buying shares of MicroStrategy.
MicroStrategy is widely considered a proxy for bitcoin.
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Real estate and gold vs. stocks: Best long-term investment
Real estate and gold vs. stocks: Best long-term investment
Brendon Thorne | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Some Americans believe real estate and gold are the best long-term investments. Advisors think that’s misguided.
About 37% of surveyed U.S. adults view real estate as the best investment for the long haul, according to a new report by Gallup, a global analytics and advisory firm. That figure is roughly unchanged from 36% last year.
Gold was the second-most-popular choice, with 23% of surveyed respondents. That’s five points higher than last year.
To compare, just 16% put their faith in stocks or mutual funds as the best long-term investment — a decline of six percentage points from 2024’s report, Gallup found.
The firm polled 1,006 adults in early April.
More from FA Playbook:
Here’s a look at other stories impacting the financial advisor business.
Financial advisors caution that this preference is likely more about buzz than fundamentals. Be careful about getting caught up in the hype, said certified financial planner Lee Baker, the founder, owner and president of Claris Financial Advisors in Atlanta.
Carolyn McClanahan, a CFP and founder of Life Planning Partners in Jacksonville, Florida, agreed: “People are always chasing what’s hot, and that’s the stupidest thing you could do.”
Here’s what investors need to know about gold and real estate, and how to incorporate them in your portfolio.
Why gold and real estate are alluring
Baker understands why people like the idea of real estate and gold: Both are tangible objects versus stocks.
“You buy a house, you can see it, feel it, touch it. Your investment in stocks perhaps doesn’t feel real,” said Baker, a member of CNBC’s Financial Advisor Council.
While the preference for gold grew this year, the share of Gallup respondents who think it’s the best long-term investment is still below the record high of 34% in 2011. Back then, gold investors sought refuge amid high unemployment, a crippled housing market and volatile stocks, Gallup noted.
Gold prices have been trending upward this spring. Spot gold prices hit an all-time high of above $3,500 per ounce in late April. One year ago, prices were about $2,200 to $2,300 an ounce.
Real estate has also drawn more interest in recent years amid high demand from buyers and accelerating prices. The median ***** price for an existing home in the U.S. in March was $403,700, according to Bankrate. That is down from the record high of $426,900 in June.
Why stocks are the better bet
While real estate and gold are two assets that can appreciate in value over time, the stock market will generally grow at a much higher rate, experts say.
The annualized total return of S&P 500 stocks is 10.29% over the 30-year ******* ending in April, per Morningstar Direct data. Over the same time frame, the annualized total return for real estate is 8.78% and for gold, 7.38%.
McClanahan also points out that unlike gold and real estate, stocks are diversified assets, meaning you’re spreading out your cash versus concentrating it into one investment.
“When you talk about stocks, you’re not talking about one big asset,” she said. “You’re talking about thousands and thousands of companies that do different things.” McClanahan is also a member of the CNBC FA Council.
While the tangibility of gold and real estate may provide a sense of comfort, it also makes them illiquid, or difficult to cash out, McClanahan said.
How to include gold, real estate into your portfolio
If you are among the Americans that want exposure to real estate or gold, there are different ways to do it wisely, experts say.
For real estate, financial advisors say investors might look into real estate investment trusts, also known as REITs, or consider investments that bundle real estate stocks, like exchange-traded funds.
An REIT is a publicly traded company that invests in different types of income-producing residential or commercial real estate, such as apartments or office buildings.
In many cases, you can buy shares of publicly traded REITs like you would a stock, or shares of a REIT mutual fund or exchange-traded fund. REIT investors typically make money through dividend payments.
Real estate mutual funds and exchange-traded funds will typically invest in multiple REITs and in the real estate market broadly. It’s even more diversified than investing in a single REIT.
Either way, you’re exposed to real estate without concentrating into a single property, and it will help diversify your portfolio, McClanahan said.
Similar to gold — instead of stocking up on gold bullions, consider investing in gold through ETFs.
That way you avoid having to deal with finding a place to store or hide physical gold, you wash off the stress of it getting stolen or making sure it’s covered by your home insurance policy, experts say.
“With the ETF, you actually get the value of the return of gold, but you don’t actually own it,” McClanahan said.
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John Swinney says he will not support assisted dying bill
John Swinney says he will not support assisted dying bill
First Minister John Swinney has said he will not support a bill which would allow assisted dying in Scotland.
Legislation to allow terminally ill parents to take their own life is being put forward at the Scottish Parliament by the Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur and will be voted on by MSPs on 13 May.
If the bill passes it would allow a patient to request medical assistance to end their life, but only if they had a terminal illness and had been ruled mentally fit to make the decision by two doctors.
A Holyrood committee which is scrutinising the legislation has said members should vote at the first stage of the process as a “matter of conscience”.
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Wild New Game Has One Million Chessboards Operating Simultaneously
Wild New Game Has One Million Chessboards Operating Simultaneously
The developer behind viral browser game One Million Checkboxes is back, and this time there’s One Million Chessboards. The online browser game has no real rules or win states: It simply lets players loose on a playground–or battlefield–made up of a million chessboards.
The rules of One Million Chessboards are simple: “Moving a piece moves it for everyone, instantly. There are no turns. You can move between boards.” Other than that, players are free to do what they wish within the bounds given–whether that’s capturing as many enemy pieces as possible, capturing as many enemy kings as possible, taking on another player in live combat, or just getting creative with it.
The game tracks a number of stats that add depth to how players may choose to engage with it–the total number of pieces remaining on the board for both ****** and white teams, and the total number of kings remaining for each team. You can also track your stats as an individual player by number of captures and number of moves made, and you can even find a nearby online player to engage in live battle by clicking the skull icon in the navigation panel.
One Million Chessboards
Every piece on the board also tracks how many moves it’s made, how many pieces its captured, and even collect special tags based on its activity. Extra-lethal pieces even pick up an icon that’s visible to all players without the piece being selected.
The project comes from experimental developer Nolen Royalty, who also goes by Eieio. “I like putting games in surprising places and helping strangers interact on the internet,” Nolen says of his work, and One Million Chessboards is the most ambitious manifestation of that ethos yet.
Nolen says the project is the “most technically challenging thing” he’s worked on in some time, and his website gives a brief rundown of what’s happening under the hood to keep its 1 million chessboards tracking.
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Baidu developing AI-driven animal to human translator – Dr Doolittle plans revealed in patent application
Baidu developing AI-driven animal to human translator – Dr Doolittle plans revealed in patent application
Animal owners seeking a deeper understanding of their beloved Fido or Tiddles have new hope after a recently filed patent from ******** search giant Baidu was unearthed by the South China Morning Post (SCMP). The Hong Kong-based organ reports that Baidu’s patent seeks to translate animal communications leveraging machine and deep learning with a mix of inputs including “voice, body language, behavioral changes and other biological signs.” However, this isn’t quite Dr Doolittle ‘talk to the animals’ territory.
From our understanding of the details shared regarding Baidu’s patent, it will rely on a multitude of inputs to deliver a human language rendering of an animal’s current emotion. So, you aren’t going to be using this AI tool for anything much more than recognizing whether your **** is hungry, or has some other pressing need. You weren’t expecting to chat with your Burmese feline about geopolitics, were you?
It will be interesting to see any eventual applications based upon Baidu’s work. We’d expect to be able to enjoy a wider gamut of ‘conversation’ with one of the intelligent dog breeds than a feline, caged bird, or fish friend. Of course, the machine learning will have to be rejigged for each species.
Previous and current smart device apps with touted ‘animal translation’ ability are said to be quite a popular phenomenon. The SCMP notes that a Japanese dog translation device (not app) was crowned one of the ‘best inventions of 2002’ by Time Magazine. However, some more recent and more sophisticated attempts at animal translators have fallen by the wayside.
Some of the most popular **** translator apps (Image credit: Future)
A quick look on my Android mobile for animal translation apps reveals that there are a multitude of these ‘quack’ apps (pun intended) currently available. Several of these apps, usually targeting either dogs or cats, have enjoyed tens of millions of downloads. However, they are almost universally badly rated (no surprise). If someone got this right, even with a little accuracy, we are sure the app(s) would be very lucrative.
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Uber’s Earnings Offer Clues on the Stock and Broader Economy
Uber’s Earnings Offer Clues on the Stock and Broader Economy
In an investor’s lifetime, only a few companies become so dominant that their names turn into verbs. These brands grow so large and their services become so integrated into daily life that people stop using generic terms for certain actions—instead, they use the company’s name itself.
One such example is Uber Technologies (NYSE:), a stock that had seen its fair share of bears and doubters over the years, but one that undoubtedly has managed to swing its finances and business model in the right direction, which is especially important in today’s uncertain and volatile stock market.
Closing on the idea of market share, investors can recall how often they’ve referred to someone “Ubering” somewhere, and that’s enough said.
While price action favors Uber stock today, investors need to justify what lies behind this recent price action, and it is that time of the quarter when they can do just that.
As the company releases its latest quarterly financials, investors will get a chance to cover some of the most important factors and developments that could bring Uber stock to higher highs in the coming months and quarters.
Uber Catches a Ride Higher
This technology stock is not that different from most others in its driving factors, ones that investors can start with to build their bullish thesis moving forward. The first set of key performance indicators (KPIs) can be taken from the number of users who rely on Uber’s platform for their transportation needs.
Over the past 12 months, Uber reported monthly active user growth of 14%, which is impressive considering the company’s size. Not only are users growing overall, but so is their activity. Uber shows that trips taken (or bookings) grew by a staggering 18% over the year, totaling a high of three billion rides and deliveries.
Now, for the exciting part, all of this additional usage translated into a net revenue level of $11.5 billion, showing a net annual growth rate of up to 14%, which added another layer of double-digit percentage expansion to this business. What’s impressive is seeing such fantastic growth even during a time when the average consumer is as uncertain as ever, thanks to trade tariffs.
That being said, Uber is focusing on the right things, which is delivering value to its users and shareholders alike in order to attract more momentum and buyers to its stock. Today, shareholders are being rewarded by Uber, which delivers up to $2.3 billion in free cash flow (operating cash flow minus capital expenditures).
This metric matters because it is the lifeblood of any business, and its plans to expand and reinvest capital into further value compound down the line. These benefits can, of course, be quantified, and in Uber’s case, they are through a return on invested capital (ROIC) rate of up to 25.2%, considerably high for a company that is still growing by this much.
Uber’s Message on The Economy
The average consumer may still have enough liquidity or credit left to use Uber as a reliable transport source. However much truth there is to that theme, the bulk of growth actually came from Uber’s delivery segment, which is considerably more “cyclical” than transportation needs.
Revenue from transportation pales compared to the 22% growth reported by Uber deliveries, which might have a double meaning. Ordering takeout is not the same as dining out, and ordering through an Uber membership for discounts is not the same as ordering takeout; it’s more frugal and budget-friendly.
So, regarding Uber’s message, maybe the consumer is not in outright depression, but things are getting a bit more defensive today.
The Market’s Path for Uber Stock
A 22.2% rally over the past 12 months and the fact that Uber stock trades at its 52-week high today should tell investors that this name’s bias and momentum are bullish. However, price action is often just the start of something much deeper.
Wall Street analysts currently see a consensus valuation of $89.8 per share on Uber stock, which calls for a net upside potential of 4.3%.
However, before some doubters say that all of Uber’s growth is now priced in, they should look to the highest target set at $115 and the fact that its latest earnings, a standout report, have yet to be fully reflected in updated ratings and valuations.
What can be taken to the bank is the fact that institutional buyers justified a purchase of up to $1.7 billion in Uber stock as of the most recent quarter (made up of April and May 2025 only so far), giving investors another solid fact to lean on when it comes to positive and bullish outlooks.
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Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Preview – Game Informer
Death Stranding 2: On The Beach Preview – Game Informer
I can confidently say that it’s excellent.
My first go-round with Death Stranding was a complicated one.
Longtime fans of Hideo Kojima were salivating at the prospect of the first project coming out of his post-Konami studio. No one knew quite what to expect. Early trailers didn’t help much. Was this just … a delivery game? Were we in store for a Metal Gear Solid 2-like gotcha moment when we played the final product? Not really! It was, in many ways, a “delivery game.” Albeit one wrapped in a narrative and universe that made Metal Gear Solid (samurai President clones and all) seem like a realistic depiction of tactical stealth action by comparison.
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Google Messages is finally getting a group chat upgrade it should have had years ago
Google Messages is finally getting a group chat upgrade it should have had years ago
Google Messages looks to be getting an update to its group chat function that would allow you to add custom icons to your group chats.
If the new feature, which has already been spotted by some users, is fully rolled out, it would mark the latest upgrade in Google’s messaging service for Android after the announcement of four new design upgrades last week.
9to5Google first spotted the change in Google Messages, sharing that a handful of users have noticed that they have the freedom to set their own group chat icons. However, while some users apparently have access to the new feature, the upgrade isn’t available for everyone yet, and no official roll-out date has been announced.
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You can check to see if the feature is available for you by opening a group conversation and tapping the top bar to reveal the group details. If a pencil icon appears at the right of your group chat’s existing image, it means you can set your own icon.
Elsewhere, a recent Reddit post notes that GIFs can’t be set as group chat icons, and adds that you can’t return to the previous icon once you’ve set a new custom one.
Custom group icons rolling out! from r/GoogleMessages
Right now, group chat icons in Google Messages only show up to four circle profile images, which doesn’t make it easy to differentiate chats. The addition of custom group chat icons would introduce a smoother way to distinguish between chats, as opposed to relying solely on group chat names, and would definitely be an improvement to Google Messages’ ecosystem.
Google Messages is catching up to WhatsApp
In comparison to rival services, and in particular WhatsApp, Google Messages has fallen behind when it comes to implementing relatively minor upgrades to improve the users experience. Since January, though, Messages has been subject to some minor design changes and functionality improvements, giving the service a long overdue makeover.
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One of the first changes, introduced earlier this year, allowed users to once again set names and profile images for their contacts, reversing an earlier change that had annoyed many users. This was followed by the discovery of code hinting that group chat read receipts were coming to Google Messages.
Another APK teardown in March pointed at the possible addition of WhatsApp-style group chat mentions, and in April more group chat muting features were teased in another teardown. So it looks like Google is making up for lost time in attempting to bring its messaging service up to speed – let us know what you think of the latest changes in the comments below.
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I Played 30 Hours of Death Stranding 2 And I Can’t Wait To Do It All Again / Gamespot
I Played 30 Hours of Death Stranding 2 And I Can’t Wait To Do It All Again / Gamespot
I can confidently say that it’s excellent.
My first go-round with Death Stranding was a complicated one.
Longtime fans of Hideo Kojima were salivating at the prospect of the first project coming out of his post-Konami studio. No one knew quite what to expect. Early trailers didn’t help much. Was this just … a delivery game? Were we in store for a Metal Gear Solid 2-like gotcha moment when we played the final product? Not really! It was, in many ways, a “delivery game.” Albeit one wrapped in a narrative and universe that made Metal Gear Solid (samurai President clones and all) seem like a realistic depiction of tactical stealth action by comparison.
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Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM 4K 240 Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor review: High-end in every way
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM 4K 240 Hz QD-OLED gaming monitor review: High-end in every way
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High-end gaming PCs demand the best gaming monitors, and when you’re shopping, the first three filters you should check are “4K”, “OLED” and “240 Hz.” Most of the hits will be 32-inch panels, but if you need a smaller footprint, or are looking for maximum pixel density, there are a few 27-inch screens out there as well. Though they are a little smaller, you’re looking at 163ppi versus 138, which you can distinguish in a side-by-side comparison.
Asus looks to fill that desire with its ROG Swift PG27UCDM. This QD-OLED panel will come up in the filter set I just mentioned and deliver a full list of features, premium build quality, terrific performance, and addictive gaming. Let’s take a look.
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM Specs
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Panel Type / Backlight
Quantum Dot Organic Light Emitting Diode (QD-OLED)
Screen Size / Aspect Ratio
27 inches / 16:9
Max Resolution and Refresh Rate
3840×2160 @ 240 Hz
Row 3 – Cell 0
FreeSync and G-Sync Compatible
Native Color Depth and Gamut
10-bit / DCI-P3+
Response Time (GTG)
0.03ms
Brightness (mfr)
SDR 100% field: 250 nits
Row 7 – Cell 0
SDR 25% window: 450 nits
Row 8 – Cell 0
HDR 3% window: 1,000 nits
Contrast
Unmeasurable
Speakers
None
Video Inputs
1x DisplayPort 2.1
Row 12 – Cell 0
2x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB-C
Audio
3.5mm headphone output
USB 3.2
1x up, 3x down
Power Consumption
48.4w, brightness @ 200 nits
Panel Dimensions
WxHxD w/base
24 x 17.2-21.6 x 8.6 inches
(610 x 437-549 x 218mm)
Panel Thickness
2.8 inches (71mm)
Bezel Width
Top: 0.28 inch (7mm)
Row 19 – Cell 0
Sides: 0.43 inch (11mm)
Row 20 – Cell 0
Bottom: 0.55 inch (14mm)
Weight
16.8 pounds (7.64kg)
Warranty
3 years
Today’s best ASUS ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM deals
The PG27UCDM is every bit a flagship display, and its price of $1,200 reflects that. You can spend that same money on a 32-inch 240 Hz OLED monitor from Dough, Acer, and others. But those screens won’t give you the highest pixel density available in the mainstream, 163ppi. That’s a level of sharpness you can clearly see. The PG27UCDM makes the most of that with a Quantum Dot layer that covers over 103% of DCI-P3. Accuracy is excellent right out of the box with no need for calibration and a pro-level sRGB mode.
The panel is capable of 1,000-nit peaks in HDR mode when measuring a 3% window pattern. I got 465 nits from a 25% window, which tracks with the competition. The PG27UCDM is plenty bright, and you can see that same output in SDR mode if you turn off the Constant Brightness option. That adds another option for picture enhancement that isn’t universally available. One thing you won’t find in more than a handful of monitors is Dolby Vision. While that codec is widely supported by televisions, gaming screens rarely include it. Its dynamic tone mapping delivers a superior HDR image to HDR10’s static metadata.
Video processing starts with a 240 Hz refresh rate that can be enjoyed over any of the four video inputs. The DisplayPort is version 2.1 with 80 Gbps bandwidth, and the two HDMI 2.1 ports can move 48 Gbps. The USB-C port covers the same DisplayPort functions and adds 90 watts of power. You also get KVM with one upstream and three downstream USB 3.2 ports. And a 3.5mm headphone jack delivers audio. There are no internal speakers. ELMB is included, which operates a ****** frame insertion routine up to 120 Hz. And Asus has included its anti-flicker tech that maintains consistent brightness during frame rate transitions.
Peripheral features include Asus’ full array of LED lighting with Aura RGB and Light In Motion displayed by a large ROG logo in the back. The show can be synced with on-screen action if you like. Panel longevity is supported by multiple OLED care options like logo protection and pixel refresh. Extensive cooling via heatsink is also provided. Gaming aids run the full array with aiming points, sniper mode, timer, stopwatch, frame counter, and multi-display alignment marks. You can control all the fun through an extensive OSD, or with Asus’ DisplayWidget Center app
Assembly and Accessories
Asus is transitioning to fully recyclable packaging, and the PG27UCDM is from the new generation with molded pulp forms protecting the contents. The base and upright mate with a captive bolt, and the ROG log projector lens attaches with magnets. The panel snaps on to create a solid package. An included adapter provides a 100mm VESA mount if you’d rather use an arm. The accessory bundle comes in a nice zippered pouch and includes USB cables, DisplayPort, HDMI, and IEC for the internal power supply.
Product 360
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(Image credit: Asus)
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The PG27UCDM’s front view is minimalist with thin flush borders around the panel and no graphics except a backlit ROG logo on a small protrusion at the bottom center. It also contains a proximity sensor to dim the screen when no user is present as part of the OLED care option package. The front layer is shiny like most OLEDs, with an optical coating to cut glare. It’s reasonably effective, but some thought should be given to optimal placement by avoiding sunny windows and bright light sources.
The stand features classic ROG styling with a cast metal base and a stout upright with a cable hole in the middle. A logo projector shines onto the desktop at the bottom. It’s part of the lighting system and can show in multiple colors and effects. More lighting adorns the base and back, where you’ll find a large, pixelated ROG logo that reminds me a bit of the Lite Brite toy from the 60s and 70s where you’d stick colored pegs into a light box to make pictures. Ah, the nostalgia! Ergonomics include 5/20 degrees tilt, 30 degrees swivel, 4.4 inches of height range, and a 90-degree portrait mode. Movements are smooth and solid as I’d expect from a high-end display.
Underneath you’ll find a well-stocked input panel with a DisplayPort 2.1 (80Gbps), two HDMI 2.1 (48Gbps), a USB-C (DP functions with 90 watts of power), a 3.5mm headphone jack and USB 3.2 ports, one upstream and three down. You can also see the OSD joystick and two control keys, which toggle power and exit the menu.
OSD Features
The PG27UCDM’s OSD is extensive and includes everything imaginable to control gaming, image parameters, KVM and more. You can also download Asus’ DisplayWidget Center app, which mimics the OSD and adds firmware updates and app sync.
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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
GamePlus delivers a full set of gaming aids with multiple aiming points, sniper mode, timers, stopwatch, FPS counter and display alignment marks. GameVisual is Asus’ term for picture modes, and you get nine of them aimed at specific tasks or game types. The default is Racing, and it is spot-on accurate for color and grayscale with a slightly light gamma. It can be calibrated to an even higher standard with fixed color temps, RGB sliders, gamma presets and gamut options.
The only video processing options are an Adaptive-Sync toggle and ELMB. Extra Low Motion Blur is the same as backlight strobing for an LCD, but in OLED form, it’s ****** frame insertion. At speeds above 150fps, it’s unnecessary because, like all fast OLEDs, there is no motion blur to remove. It’s useful at lower frame rates though and that’s a good thing because it’s limited to a maximum of 120 Hz.
The PG27UCDM includes both uniform and variable brightness options for both SDR and HDR. Using the latter punches up contrast noticeably, but can be harsh for workday tasks. The uniform setting keeps the light level constant regardless of content. A super cool touch is that the brightness slider setting stays where you set it when switching Constant Brightness on and off. That way, you can balance output without readjusting every time. This is something all OLEDs should have. Asus is the only company I know of that includes Anti-Flicker. It’s a subtle enhancement that appears during rapid changes in frame rate by keeping brightness consistent.
HDR10 and Dolby Vision are fully supported here, and the latter is a rare thing indeed. There aren’t many games that use it, but it is common in video, especially from Netflix. This makes the PG27UCDM great for content creators. HDR content enables four new picture modes with a toggle for brightness and contrast adjustment. You can also tweak grayscale if you like.
OLED care options are extensive and include screensavers, pixel cleaning, orbiter, logo and edge dimming and a proximity sensor. When activated, the screen dims if you aren’t sitting in front of the PG27UCDM. At the bottom, you can track panel hours and automatically run a refresh cycle every eight hours.
If you want to view two video sources at once, there are options for PBP and PIP with independent color settings. Lighting is controlled by Aura RGB and Light In Motion options where you can pick from different colors and effects, and sync the light show to what’s happening on the screen. The four joystick directionals can be programmed to a variety of quick access functions like picture modes and gaming aids. In the System menu is the KVM feature which gives you many options for configuring the USB hub and video/peripheral bindings. Finally, if you need backward compatibility for the DisplayPort, it can be set to version 1.4 or 1.2.
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
If you prefer to control the PG27UCDM from the Windows desktop, Asus offers DisplayWidget Center. It mimics all OSD functions and adds some extras like firmware updates and app sync. This lets you bind games or other applications to monitor settings for automatic mode switching when the appropriate program is run. This is something you won’t find anywhere else.
Asus ROG Swift PG27UCDM Calibration Settings
The PG27UCDM has many calibration options and picture modes but the only one you really need is Racing. It can be used sans calibration out of the box, but I noticed that gamma was a tad light. I selected the User color temp and adjusted a very precise set of RGB sliders. This not only reduced color errors, but it also tightened up gamma tracking to perfection. The choice between variable and constant brightness is made easier by the fact that brightness settings made in each mode are independent. That allows one to equalize picture brightness without readjusting the slider each time, very cool. My settings below reflect both configurations.
You only need to pick between Dolby Vision and HDR10 in HDR mode. For HDR10, there are four picture modes, of which Gaming is the default and best choice. A True ****** mode is included, but it measured almost identically to Gaming. HDR color was spot-on from my sample, but you can tweak RGB and gamma if you like. You can also engage a toggle to allow brightness adjustments.
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Picture Mode
Racing
Constant Brightness
On / Off
Brightness 200 nits
78 /42
Brightness 120 nits
45 /23
Brightness 100 nits
37 / 18
Brightness 80 nits
28 / 14
Brightness 50 nits
17 / 12 (min. 7 / 24 nits)
Contrast
80
Gamma
2.2
Color Temp User
Red 96, Green 98, Blue 100
Gaming and Hands-on
While it’s easy to be seduced by large and colorful monitors, I’m talking about 32 inches or more, there is something about high pixel density that is equally enticing. In the mainstream, there isn’t anything with more density than a 27-inch 4K panel and its sharpness and clarity is something you can see in a side-by-side comparison.
Though Doom Eternal is a frenetic fragfest, there is a lot of fine detail and texture in its virtual world that should be paused and enjoyed when playing on a monitor like the PG27UCDM. Compared to other OLEDs, it’s equally colorful and boasts equal contrast. But the 163ppi is something you won’t see on a 32-inch screen. I stopped many times, when I wasn’t being attacked, to appreciate what the game’s creators had done, especially on surfaces. Reflective metal looked particularly realistic with different levels of shine that depended on color and texture. Little chips and scratches were rendered clearly and the word “tactile” came to mind on many occasions. This is a case where size does not matter. Spend five minutes playing your favorite game on the PG27UCDM and you won’t wish for a larger screen.
Video processing is OLED-excellent with perfect motion resolution at all frame rates above 150fps. My test system kept the action above 220 and I never saw the slightest hesitation or blur. There are a few QHD monitors out there with less input lag but the PG27UCDM never failed to deliver on my wishes. I can’t imagine anyone not thinking it’s fast.
To test its Dolby Vision capability, I hooked up an Apple TV 4K. To enable the codec, I had to select the format in the OSD, then test it from the source. It worked without any issues when playing Netflix shows like Formula 1 Drive To Survive and Car Masters Rust To Riches. I also noted that it correctly matched frame rates with content mastered in 24p and 50p. The PG27UCDM is a great personal TV although since there are no internal speakers, you’ll need a good pair of headphones to enjoy the show.
I had installed Asus’ DisplayWidget Center during a previous review and noted that when I ran it, the PG27UCDM was instantly detected along with the settings I had already made in the OSD. It’s a super convenient way to make adjustments and I appreciated the added function of app binding where you can change picture modes automatically when running specific games or programs, very cool.
For productivity, there is nothing better than 4K when viewing fine photo detail or writing prose using ornate fonts. Pixel density is a clear asset for workday tasks and though my vision isn’t fighter pilot worthy, I had no trouble making everything out. That’s another instance where I didn’t notice the 27-inch size even though I’m accustomed to a 32-inch screen.
Takeaway: During my time with the PG27UCDM, I could find nothing to complain about. It serves incredibly well for gaming, entertainment and work and makes those activities a pleasure. Gameplay has the addictive quality I’ve come to expect from any fast OLED and that high pixel density is something you won’t regret paying extra for.
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Fremantle Dockers improve, but can’t stop Jamie Elliott as Collingwood Magpies claim gutsy road win in Perth
Fremantle Dockers improve, but can’t stop Jamie Elliott as Collingwood Magpies claim gutsy road win in Perth
Different style, different moves, different intent, different margin – but same result.
Fremantle changed plenty from their horrible performance against St Kilda last week but still walked off Optus Stadium disappointed following a 14-point loss to Collingwood on Thursday night.
On a night where they won the inside-50s by a whopping tally of 63-34, the clearances 44-29, and restricted Nick Daicos to only 18 possessions, Fremantle simply couldn’t find a way to kick a winning score. Collingwood’s class prevailed as Jamie Elliott kicked six goals to lead his team to a 15. 7 (97) to 12.11 (83) victory.
Fremantle couldn’t afford a repeat of last week, and the best way to avoid that type of performance was to be different.
They began the game with Sean Darcy on the bench and Luke Jackson in the ruck. They handed Corey Wagner the tagging job on Nick Daicos. They played Shai Bolton as a genuine midfielder and they selected a smaller backline with Cooper Simpson replacing Josh Draper.
It took just 15 seconds for Fremantle’s energy to give them rewards as Josh Treacy kicked the first goal of the game.
Four minutes later, they overtook their first half score from the loss to the Saints. When Treacy kicked a goal from a long bomb, the crowd was up and about. Collingwood didn’t get the ball inside 50 for seven minutes.
Caleb Serong had an early shot for goal. He hadn’t scored since round two. He missed but it displayed the midfield’s intent. Matthew Johnson had a shot too. He hadn’t scored since Gather Round.
Bolton was on fire. He had eight disposals for the first term – one more than he managed for the entire game last week. Bolton also had five clearances
Camera IconShai Bolton. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West ***********
Jordan Clark had 11 disposals and just kept attacking. He refused to let Fremantle be slow from half-back
Fremantle stormed to a 20-point lead but there’s a damn good reason why the Magpies are in the top two on the ladder. Every time the Dockers made a mistake or the Pies got a half chance, they made the most of the opportunity.
Will Hoskin-Elliott took a specky and kicked their first goal. Elliott capitalised after Luke Ryan copped an unlucky bounce and then Mason Cox snared another goal from a pack.
On one of the few times Fremantle didn’t play on immediately in the back half, Collingwood got another major from an intercept. When Bobby Hill booted their fifth just before quarter time, the Magpies led by five points despite trailing in every key stat.
But Fremantle remained different. Jye Amiss started on the wing after only touching the ball once in the first quarter and then Alex Pearce booted a rampaging goal. That meant the Dockers had equalled their score from the entire game against the Saints.
The midfield kept pushing forward. Johnson missed with another attempt before Brayshaw kicked truly.
Camera IconAndrew Brayshaw. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West ***********
Now it was Collingwood’s turn to be different. Daicos responded to his tag by moving to full-forward to test the Dockers in different ways. It worked as he got two shots and kicked one goal. Fremantle countered the move by shifting Clark onto him.
Then we saw the biggest change. When Karl Worner marked the ball on Collingwood’s goal line, he didn’t waste time. Treacy took a contested mark, then he kicked to Amiss for another contested grab. He played on and the Dockers got themselves through the pressure before Jeremy Sharp put them back in front. It was a coast-to-coast goal.
But Collingwood did as Collingwood does and kicked the last two goals of the term to lead by10 points at half-time. That was despite Fremantle leading both the inside 50s and clearances by nine.
The Dockers had fired so many shots and were still behind. What if Collingwood hit their straps?
Camera IconLuke Jackson. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West ***********
Two early goals to Bobby Hill threatened to blow the game to shreds but when he missed with another shot, the Dockers again went to coast-to-coast and Voss kicked his second with a banana kick from the boundary line.
That goal summed up Fremantle’s quarter. They had 16 inside 50s to five for the term yet had to fight so hard for their only goal. Collingwood kicked two goals and led by 15 points with one quarter to play.
Fremantle couldn’t afford to make any mistakes from here. They made one within seconds of the game re-starting.
Simpson shoved Nick Daicos after he kicked the ball which gave Elliott a free kick down the field. He was on the boundary line and 50m from goal but we’ve seen Elliott kick goals from there before. He did it again.
Camera IconJamie Elliott celebrates. Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images
When Elliott nailed his fifth goal moments later, Collingwood led by 27 points.
Fremantle refused to quit and kicked the next three goals to make it a 10-point contest and give themselves a chance.
They fought. They were different. They simply weren’t good enough.
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Transformers: Eternal War launches Closed Beta Test in select regions for a limited time
Transformers: Eternal War launches Closed Beta Test in select regions for a limited time
Transformers: Eternal War is an upcoming strategy RPG, now in Closed Beta Testing
Players in select countries can dive into the game’s tactical battles between Autobots and Decepticons
Assist with Transformers: Eternal War’s development by reporting bugs and errors
Hoolai Games has officially kicked off the Closed Beta Test for Transformers: Eternal War, letting Nordic fans of the strategy RPG get first dibs from May 8th to the 20th. Apart from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, the limited-time test also includes Southeast Asia (Singapore and the Philippines), Australia and New Zealand.
While Transformers: Eternal War is still under development, the CBT should offer tactical battles you can dive into using iconic Autobots and Decepticons, along with convenient offline progression. You can also forge bonds with like-minded individuals in your alliance, with paid functionalities available so you can give the full experience a go.
The data will be wiped once the test ends, so it’s worth tinkering around while you can to allow the devs to fine-tune the RPG based on community feedback.
If all that sounds absolutely fab to you, you can join the CBT via the official download link. Be sure to report any bugs, raise any red flags, or simply offer your two cents on the game via the Login Page > Account > Contact Service.
You can also join the community of followers over on Facebook, or dive into the discussion on Discord to play an active part in the RPG’s development. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #TransformersEternalWar to make sure your voice is heard!
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FTX claims against Steph Curry, Tom Brady, other celebs dismissed
FTX claims against Steph Curry, Tom Brady, other celebs dismissed
Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors drives to the basket in the second quarter against Dyson Daniels #11 of the New Orleans Pelicans at Chase Center on April 12, 2024 in San Francisco, California.
Kavin Mistry | Getty Images
A Florida federal judge has dismissed most of the claims against high-profile celebrities and YouTubers who promoted the now-defunct cryptocurrency exchange FTX, including stars like Tom Brady, Gisele Bündchen, Kevin O’Leary, and Stephen Curry.
The ruling narrows the scope of a sprawling multidistrict litigation accusing them of using their fame to market a fraudulent platform.
The lawsuit stemmed from FTX’s catastrophic collapse in November 2022, which wiped out billions of dollars in customer funds and triggered investigations worldwide. The plaintiffs accused the stars of being paid millions of dollars to endorse FTX without disclosing their financial incentives, a violation of federal and state advertising laws.
In an order filed Wednesday, U.S. District Judge K. Michael Moore ruled that the plaintiffs, a group of FTX investors, failed to demonstrate that the celebrities had sufficient knowledge of FTX and CEO Sam Bankman-Fried’s misconduct to be held liable for promoting the exchange.
The judge dismissed nearly all of the claims against the “Celebrity Defendants,” which include sports stars and others. The court also cleared the “YouTuber Defendants,” including influencers who allegedly marketed FTX through social media, of most claims.
The ruling comes after a protracted legal battle in which plaintiffs alleged that the celebrities and influencers were liable for promoting unregistered securities and engaging in deceptive practices.
Read more about tech and crypto from CNBC Pro
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Bill Gates pledges his remaining fortune to the Gates Foundation, which will close in 20 years
Bill Gates pledges his remaining fortune to the Gates Foundation, which will close in 20 years
SEATTLE (AP) — Bill Gates says he will donate 99% of his remaining tech fortune to the Gates Foundation, which will now close in 2045, earlier than previously planned. Today, that would be worth an estimated $107 billion.
The pledge is among the largest philanthropic gifts ever – outpacing the historic contributions of industrialists like John D. Rockefeller and Andrew Carnegie when adjusted for inflation. Only Berkshire Hathaway investor Warren Buffett’s pledge to donate his fortune — currently estimated by Forbes at $160 billion — may be larger depending on stock market fluctuations.
Gates’ donation will be delivered over time and allow the foundation to spend an additional $200 billion over the next 20 years.
“It’s kind of thrilling to have that much to be able to put into these causes,” Gates said in an interview with The Associated Press.
His announcement Thursday signals both a promise of sustained support to those causes, particularly global health and education in the U.S., and an eventual end to the foundation’s immense worldwide influence. Gates says spending down his fortune will help save and improve many lives now, which will have positive ripple effects well beyond the foundation’s closure. It also makes it more likely that his intentions are honored.
“I think 20 years is the right balance between giving as much as we can to make progress on these things and giving people a lot of notice that now this money will be gone,” Gates said.
In a league of its own
The Gates Foundation has long been peerless among foundations — attracting supporters and detractors but also numerous unfounded conspiracy theories.
In addition to the $100 billion it has spent since its founding 25 years ago, it has directed scientific research, helped develop new technologies, and nurtured long-term partnerships with countries and companies.
About 41% of the foundation’s money so far has come from Warren Buffett and the rest from the fortune Gates made at Microsoft.
Started by Bill Gates and Melinda French Gates in 2000, the foundation plays a significant role in shaping global health policy and has carved out a special niche by partnering with companies to drive down the cost of medical treatments so low- and middle-income countries could afford them.
“The foundation work has been way more impactful than I expected,” Gates said, calling it his second and final career.
The foundation’s influence on global health — from the World Health Organization to research agendas — is both a measure of its success and a magnet for criticism. For years, researchers have asked why a wealthy family should have so much sway over how the world improves people’s health and responds to crises.
Gates said, like any private citizen, he can choose how to spend the money he earns and has decided to do everything he can to reduce childhood deaths.
“Is that a bad thing? It’s not an important cause? People can criticize it,” he said, but the foundation will stick to its global health work.
The Associated Press receives financial support for news coverage in Africa from the Gates Foundation and for news coverage of women in the workforce and statehouses from Melinda French Gates’ organization, Pivotal Ventures.
Major ambitions for the remaining 20 years
The foundation’s most prized metric is the drop in childhood deaths from preventable causes by almost half between 2000 and 2020, according to United Nations figures. The foundation’s CEO Mark Suzman is careful to say they do not take credit for this accomplishment. But he believes they had a “catalytic role” — for example, in helping deliver vaccines to children through Gavi, the vaccine alliance they helped create.
The foundation still has numerous goals — eradicating polio, controlling other deadly diseases, like malaria, and reducing malnutrition, which makes children more vulnerable to other illnesses.
Gates hopes that by spending to address these issues now, wealthy donors will be free to tackle other problems later.
The Gates Foundation had planned to wind down two decades after Gates’ death, meaning today’s announcement significantly moves up that timetable. Gates plans to stay engaged, though at 69, he acknowledged he may not have a say.
In its remaining two decades, the foundation will maintain a budget of around $9 billion a year, which represents a leveling off from its almost annual growth since 2006, when Buffett first started donating.
Suzman expects the foundation will narrow its focus to top priorities.
“Having that time horizon and the resources just puts an even greater burden on us to say, ‘Are you actually putting your resources, your thumb down, on what are going to be the biggest, most successful bets rather than scattering it too thinly?’” Suzman said, which he acknowledged was creating uncertainty even within the foundation about what programs would continue.
Gates is the only remaining founder
Major changes preceded the foundation’s 25th year.
In 2021, Melinda French Gates and Bill Gates divorced, and Buffett resigned as the foundation’s trustee. They recruited a new board of trustees to help govern the foundation, and in 2024, French Gates left to continue work at her own organization.
French Gates said she decided to step down partly to focus on countering the rollback of women’s rights in the U.S. At the ELLE Women of Impact event in New York in April, she said she wanted to leave the foundation at a high point.
“I so trusted Mark Suzman, the current CEO,” she said. “We had a board in place that I helped put in place, and I knew their values.”
Even as the foundation’s governance stabilizes, the road ahead looks difficult. Enduring conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, global economic turmoil and cuts to foreign aid forecast fewer resources coming to global health and development.
“The greatest uncertainty for us is the generosity that will go into global health,” Gates said. “Will it continue to go down like it has the last few years or can we get it back to where it should be?”
Even facing these obstacles, Gates and the foundation speak, as they often do, with optimism, pointing to innovations they’ve funded or ways they’ve helped reduce the cost of care.
“It’s incredible to come up with these low-cost things and tragic if we can’t get them out to everyone who needs them,” Gates said. “So it’s going to require renewing that commitment of those who are well off to help those who are in the greatest need.”
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Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit [Hidden Content].
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