Pelican Press

Timberwolves complete historic comeback, stun Thunder in overtime thanks to clutch Anthony Edwards block – CBS Sports Timberwolves complete historic comeback, stun Thunder in overtime thanks to clutch Anthony Edwards block – CBS Sports Timberwolves complete historic comeback, stun Thunder in overtime thanks to clutch Anthony Edwards block CBS SportsAnt caps furious Wolves rally with block on SGA ESPNOKC Thunder stunned by Minnesota Timberwolves in overtime after fourth-quarter collapse Oklahoman.comTimberwolves 131, Thunder 128: WAY TO F****** HOOP Y’ALL Canis HoopusJaden McDaniels propels Wolves from 25-point deficit to upset OKC in overtime Hoops Hype Source link #Timberwolves #complete #historic #comeback #stun #Thunder #overtime #clutch #Anthony #Edwards #block #CBS #Sports Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Call of Duty’s Steam page confirms generative AI use, after months of player speculation Call of Duty’s Steam page confirms generative AI use, after months of player speculation Call of Duty’s Steam page now discloses that the game uses generative AI. While it’s not clear to what extent generative AI is used in the development of the game, the Steam page now includes an AI Generated Content Disclosure section which simply states: “Our team uses generative AI tools to help develop some in game assets.” Some players have been accusing Activision of using generative AI for a number of months now, most notable last December when the Season 1 Reloaded update came to ****** Ops 6. As reported by 80 Level at the time, the update included a loading screen showing an illustration of a Santa zombie with telltale signs of AI generation, such as odd-looking ribbons on his parcel, his left hand in an unnatural pose and his right hand having six fingers. Since January 2024 Steam has been requiring developers to disclose the use of generative AI as part of its terms, which led to some wondering why Call of Duty didn’t have such a disclosure on its Steam page. However, it has now been discovered by Call of Duty news site CharlieIntel that the game’s Steam page now finally features an AI disclosure, albeit a vague one that doesn’t go into detail in exactly which in-game assets are AI generated. COD players believe this loading screen image of a zombie Santa is AI generated. While the discovery appears to suggest that the disclosure has just happened, in reality SteamDB’s records show that the disclosure was added to the page around a month ago, on January 27. It’s likely that people have only just noticed the disclosure due to SteamDB’s newly added ability to filter games that disclose the use of generative AI. Because Call of Duty currently appears at the top of SteamDB’s list, it’s likely that the presence of its AI disclosure was only just discovered by players testing out SteamDB’s new feature. In a GDC survey published in January 2024, nearly 50% of developers said generative AI tools were being used at their workplace, with 84% saying they were concerned about their use. 31% of respondents said they personally used tools such as ChatGPT, DALL-E, GitHub Copilot or Adobe Generative Fill at their company, while a further 18% said they didn’t but others in their workplace did. Source link #Call #Dutys #Steam #page #confirms #generative #months #player #speculation Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Reflecting on three years of cyber warfare in Ukraine Reflecting on three years of cyber warfare in Ukraine As we mark the third anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it is essential to reflect on the profound impact this conflict has had on the global cyber security landscape. The war has not only reshaped geopolitical dynamics but has also significantly influenced the nature and frequency of cyber threats, cyber crime, operational technology (OT) attacks, and hacktivism. In the early stages of the conflict, we observed a disruption in cyber extortion operations by actors based in the region, as the chaos of war created instability for these criminal enterprises as much as for regular citizens. However, as the situation stabilised, cyber extortion surged once again, with actors bouncing back to new levels of activity. The Security Navigator 2025 report highlights that while growth in cyber extortion incidents has since “stabilised,” the tactics employed by cyber criminals have evolved, for example with AI tools being utilised to enhances attackers’ operational performance and makes it relatively easy to produce phishing and other social engineering techniques. The war has also catalysed a rise in targeted cyber threats against critical infrastructure, particularly in Ukraine. The report emphasises that “targeted Operational Technology (OT) threats” have surged, with state-sponsored actors leveraging cyber capabilities to disrupt essential services. Russian Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) groups like Sandworm have been linked to several destructive malware campaigns, including the deployment of ‘HermeticWiper’ and ‘CaddyWiper,’ which aim to erase critical data and disrupt operations within Ukrainian organisations. These attacks have been characterised by their sophistication and sometimes coordination with kinetic military operations, demonstrating a clear strategy to undermine Ukraine’s resilience. Intelligence reports also detail the activities of the Gamaredon group, a Russian state-sponsored actor responsible for extensive cyber espionage campaigns against Ukrainian entities. This group has been active since 2014 and has been exceptionally busy of late, primarily targeting government systems to exfiltrate sensitive information. Its recent campaigns have involved spear-phishing attacks and the deployment of custom malware. The hacktivist element Hacktivism has also evolved dramatically and gained momentum in response to the conflict, with various groups taking sides and launching cyber operations to support their political agendas. The report notes that “sophisticated hacktivism” has become a significant concern, as these actors engage in disruptive activities that can further escalate tensions and complicate the security landscape. Pro-Ukrainian hacktivist groups, such as the IT Army of Ukraine, have mobilised to target Russian entities, while pro-Russian groups like Killnet have launched DDoS attacks against Western organisations. The scale of these operations has been unprecedented, with reports indicating that DDoS attacks targeting Ukrainian websites increasing dramatically in the early months of the conflict. The implications of hacktivism extend beyond mere disruption; they represent a new frontier in cyber conflict. The rise of pro-Russian hacktivism has introduced a layer of complexity to the conflict, as groups like Killnet and NoName057(16) have claimed responsibility for numerous attacks against perceived adversaries, including government institutions and private companies in NATO countries. These groups operate with a level of anonymity, making it challenging to attribute attacks and hold them accountable. In this context, the concept of “cognitive attacks” has emerged as a significant concern. Cognitive attacks exacerbate the impact of DDoS and other technical attacks, and aim to manipulate public perception and sow discord through disinformation campaigns, often leveraging social media and other digital platforms. The Russian government has employed these tactics extensively, using state-sponsored actors to disseminate false narratives and undermine support for Ukraine, but a new generation of pro-establishment hacktivist actors are operating from the same playbook. The Security Navigator highlights that “ disinformation campaigns are designed to erode trust in institutions and create confusion among the populace,” making them a potent tool in modern cyber conflict. As we reflect on the past three years, we acknowledge the resilience of the Ukrainian people and the global community’s response to the crisis. The lessons learned from this conflict serve as a reminder of the interconnectedness of our digital and physical worlds and the need for vigilance in the face of evolving threats. The ongoing war in Ukraine has reshaped the cyber threat landscape. As we face another year characterised by conflict and uncertainty, we must remain committed to fostering a secure and resilient digital environment for all. Charl Van Der Walt is head of security research at Orange Cyberdefense. Source link #Reflecting #years #cyber #warfare #Ukraine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Race to save eight Indian workers trapped inside tunnel Race to save eight Indian workers trapped inside tunnel Authorities in the southern Indian state of Telangana are racing against time to save eight construction workers trapped inside a tunnel for more than 72 hours. Around 50 workers had been working inside the 43km (26.7-mile)-long tunnel, located in Nagarkurnool district, when a part of its roof caved in early Saturday morning. Officials say 43 of them managed to come out safely but efforts to reach the remaining eight men have faced repeated setbacks due to loose soil, mud and slush inside the tunnel. They have also been unable to establish contact with the trapped men, or provide them with oxygen and other essential supplies. Jupally Krishna Rao, a state minister overseeing the rescue effort, told PTI news agency that “the chances of their survival are very remote.” On Monday an expert team of “rat-hole miners” – people trained in narrow tunnel navigation – arrived to clear the debris and get to the workers. The same team had sucessfully rescued 41 construction workers trapped in a tunnel after a landslide in the Himalayan state of Uttarakhand in 2023. Approximately 33km of excavation has been completed so far and roughly 10km remain, officials said on Tuesday. Rescuers are using a train to get to a point from where they need to climb on to a conveyor belt to remove the debris. Reports say they are also continuously pumping out water to ensure oxygen supply within the tunnel. But the rough terrain of the region has slowed them down. As rescue efforts continue, families of the trapped workers – most of whom are daily wage workers – are anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. “I just hope that this time my son comes back safe. I will never send him away to earn again,” said Rampratap Sahu, a resident of Jharkhand state. Others expressed anger at authorities for letting their family members “come in harm’s way”. “Why did they send the men to work there when they knew of the risks involved in the project?” asked Jaspreet Kaur, whose brother is among those trapped. A portion of the under-construction Srisailam Left Bank Canal (SLBC) collapsed around 13km from its opening at 8:30 local time (03:00 GMT) on Saturday. The accident took place after a slab of concrete covering seepage on the roof slipped and fell off. At least a dozen workers were injured in the chaos. The tunnel is part of the longest-running irrigation project of the Telangana government. Located in a hilly forested area, it passes through the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam tiger reserve which is the largest in India. Officials said construction work had resumed just four days before the accident, after a gap of almost three years. Various relief teams, including personnel from the National Disaster Response Force, firefighters and soldiers from the Indian army, are at the spot. Officials told BBC Telugu that a team of firefighters was the first to go inside on Sunday. “We covered 11km by train, 2km by conveyor belt and the remaining distance on foot,” an official, who wanted to stay anonymous, said. “But then we hit a roadblock.” “There were tall mounds of mud and soft soil. The boring machine that was being used by the workers lay upside down, blocking all passage beyond.” The rescuers said they were forced to return from that point as they did not have the necessary tools and machines to clear the slush. “We shouted and screamed, whistled and pointed torches, hoping for a response but didn’t hear anything.” Relatives of some of the trapped men are now desperately hoping for a miracle. “When I left home, my wife held me, wept and said, do not come back empty handed. Bring back my son,” said Rampratap Sahu, father of one of the workers. “But what can I do? I can only sit here and pray to god to return my son to me. I want nothing else.” Source link #Race #save #Indian #workers #trapped #tunnel Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Konami and Bloober Team are working on a new game following the success of Silent Hill 2 Konami and Bloober Team are working on a new game following the success of Silent Hill 2 Konami and Bloober Team have announced that they will be working together again on a new game. Bloober Team enjoyed critical success with its remake of Silent Hill 2, but now the studio will work on a new game. While it would appear that a new Silent Hill game would almost certainly be on the cards, Bloober Team’s statement simply says it will be working on “a new game based on Konami‘s IP”. As such, it’s not yet definitively confirmed that the next game will be set in the Silent Hill universe. More to follow… Source link #Konami #Bloober #Team #working #game #success #Silent #Hill Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ubisoft confirms game leaks genuine Ubisoft confirms game leaks genuine Tom Richardson BBC Newsbeat Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed Shadows is seen as a pivotal release for Ubisoft The makers of Assassin’s Creed Shadows – the forthcoming entry in one of video gaming’s biggest franchises – have confirmed footage leaked online is real. Some players managed to get their hands on the game – due to be released on 20 March – ahead of its official release. Developer Ubisoft said gameplay videos shared online “did not represent the final quality of the game”. In a statement posted online, the company said it was “still working on patches” and urged fans not to share spoilers. Shadows will be the first Assassin’s Creed instalment set in Japan – something fans have long been asking for. The new release, seen by many as a make-or-break title for the French gaming giant, has already been delayed twice. Early authorised previews of the game have been positive, and its developers have insisted they pushed back its release to polish certain features. It was previously due to come out for PC, PlayStation and Xbox on 14 February. Reports suggest that leaked footage came from physical copies of the game, and it is possible that copies had been printed on to discs to meet this date. Modern games frequently receive downloadable release-date updates to address any issues that are discovered after physical versions have been produced. Ubisoft Players can choose hulking warrior Yasuke or stealthy Ninja Naoe Set in 16th Century Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows features two playable protagonists. They are Naoe – a female ninja – and Yasuke – who’s based on a real-life figure often referred to as “the African samurai”. Shadows’ developers have defended the inclusion of Yasuke against critics who argued that a native Japanese character would have been preferable. Opponents have accused those complaining of racism, pointing out that they have not taken issue with depictions of the character in other video game franchises. Ubisoft is one of the biggest gaming companies in the world, employing more than 18,000 people in multiple international offices. Last year was seen as a tough 12 months for the publisher, after a disappointing launch of its major release, Star Wars Outlaws. Its other 2024 titles, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown and pirate-themed online game Skull & Bones, were also reported to have fallen below the company’s expectations. Ubisoft also discontinued online shooter XDefiant and closed three of its studios. CEO Yves Guillemot has said Ubisoft is “taking decisive steps” to reshape the company and “drive significant cost reductions”. It is thought to be seeking a buyer and has already made layoffs this year, including the closure of its office in Leamington Spa, England. Listen to Newsbeat live at 12:45 and 17:45 weekdays – or listen back here. Source link #Ubisoft #confirms #game #leaks #genuine Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw has again refused to publicly detail when PM briefed on Dural caravan AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw has again refused to publicly detail when PM briefed on Dural caravan AFP Commissioner Reece Kershaw has explained why he won’t provide details of when the Prime Minister was briefed on the discovery of a caravan full of explosives. Source link #AFP #Commissioner #Reece #Kershaw #refused #publicly #detail #briefed #Dural #caravan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Gaza Cease-Fire Could End in Days, With No Extension Agreed. What Happens Next? Gaza Cease-Fire Could End in Days, With No Extension Agreed. What Happens Next? When Israel and ****** agreed to a six-week cease-fire in January, there were hopes that it would evolve into a longer and more stable truce. Now, those hopes are dwindling. Both sides have accused each other of breaking the terms of the existing deal, which have allowed for the exchange of Israeli hostages and ************ prisoners. Over the weekend, Israel delayed the release of several hundred prisoners, protesting the humiliating manner in which ****** had paraded hostages before handing them over. With just days before the current truce elapses on Sunday, the sides have yet to begin negotiations for an extension. Steve Witkoff, the ******** envoy for the Trump administration, said he would return to the region on Wednesday to push for a new truce. While a brief extension is possible, the likelihood of a long-term arrangement — preventing the revival of fighting — seems remote. Both sides have preconditions that make it hard to reach a permanent resolution. Israel’s leaders say they will only end the war once ****** no longer exerts military and political power in Gaza. ****** has indicated it could give up some civil responsibilities but its leaders have largely dismissed the idea of disarmament, at least in public. Here’s how we got here, and what could happen next. What was supposed to happen? The deal struck in the final days of the Biden administration allowed for an initial six-week truce, which ends on March 1. The sides agreed to use that time to gradually exchange roughly 1,500 ************ prisoners in Israeli jails for 33 hostages captured by ****** and its allies during their raid that ignited the war in October 2023. The two sides were supposed to use the six weeks to negotiate the terms for a permanent truce that would have begun as soon as March 2. Those negotiations were expected to focus on who should govern postwar Gaza, as well as the release of roughly 60 other hostages. Though punctured by disruptions, most of the exchanges have gone roughly to plan. The negotiations for a second phase have not. They have yet to begin in earnest — even though, under the terms of the January agreement, they were supposed to conclude by this past Sunday. That failure is partly because, according to the agreement, the truce can only formally roll over if both sides agree to end the war. But Israel and ****** have such differing visions of a postwar Gaza that the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has been unwilling to even restart talks. Do ****** and Israel want to restart the war? Weak and isolated, ****** has avoided explicit calls for a resumption in hostilities, even if the group has made war more likely by refusing to surrender. By contrast, Mr. Netanyahu directly stated on Sunday that Israel was ready to resume fighting if ****** would not disarm itself voluntarily. In a speech to soldiers, Mr. Netanyahu said he was only open to negotiations on the terms of ******’s surrender. Many Israelis want the prime minister to agree to an extended truce in order to free the remaining hostages, even if it comes at the expense of keeping ****** in power. But Mr. Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition allies see a defeat of ****** as a ******* national priority and are pressing him to restart the conflict. Is Israel getting ready for a new offensive? The Israeli military has already made extensive preparations for a new and intense campaign in Gaza, according to three defense officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity to speak more freely. The officials said the new operations would include the targeting of ****** officials who siphon off aid supplies meant for civilians, as well as the destruction of buildings and infrastructure used by the ******-run civilian government. While the plan has yet to be approved by the Israeli cabinet, two of the officials said they believed that only President Trump could dissuade Mr. Netanyahu from renewed war. What does President Trump want? The president has made several competing demands in recent weeks, variously calling for sustained peace, renewed war, as well as the expulsion of Gaza’s two million residents. The clearest recent signal from his administration was that it was seeking a temporary extension to the truce, perhaps involving a few more hostage-for-prisoner exchanges. On Sunday, Mr. Witkoff, Mr. Trump’s ******** envoy, said in an interview with CNN that he would return to the region on Wednesday to prolong truce’s first phase. He later told CBS that he would spend five days touring Egypt, Israel, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia to build momentum toward an extension. Mr. Witkoff also said that he believed it was possible to achieve a longer agreement. If there’s no extension, will fighting immediately resume? Not necessarily. The initial deal said that the “temporary cessation of hostilities” could be sustained beyond the March 1 deadline as long as Israel and ****** were still negotiating over the terms of a permanent cease-fire. That allows for some wiggle room: If the sides do return to negotiations over a formal extension, the truce can technically continue even if the talks are far from a resolution. Still, there will be fewer guardrails to keep the truce from collapsing. During the initial cease-fire, the sides were motivated to sustain the deal through several crises because every passing week allowed for the exchange of more captives. That arrangement suited both Israel and ****** — every liberated hostage brought relief to the Israeli population, while ******’s prestige was bolstered among Palestinians every time a prisoner was released. Those swaps are set to end on Thursday, with the release of four more Israelis, most likely captives who have died, for several hundred Palestinians. Unless new exchanges are arranged, both ****** and Israel will have fewer reasons to keep the truce going. When is the truce’s biggest stress test? There is particular concern about what happens after March 8. In the January deal, Israel agreed to withdraw its forces by that date from the Gaza-Egypt border. But Mr. Netanyahu explicitly said last year that Israel would never pull back from the area, known in Israel as the Philadelphi Corridor, leading to predictions that he would break the terms of the cease-fire. If those forces do not withdraw, the Israeli defense officials say they expect that ****** may fire rockets at Israel, giving Israel a pretext to retaliate. Johnatan Reisscontributed reporting from Tel Aviv. Source link #Gaza #CeaseFire #Days #Extension #Agreed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Open-World RPG Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Gets Massive Demo on Steam; PC Specs Revealed Open-World RPG Game of Thrones: Kingsroad Gets Massive Demo on Steam; PC Specs Revealed Netmarble had a surprise today for fans of Game of Thrones in the form of a demo of the upcoming open-world RPG Game of Thrones: Kingsroad. Source link #OpenWorld #RPG #Game #Thrones #Kingsroad #Massive #Demo #Steam #Specs #Revealed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

British Couple Arrested by Taliban in Afghanistan, Family Says British Couple Arrested by Taliban in Afghanistan, Family Says A British couple who spent almost two decades running education programs in Afghanistan were detained by the Taliban earlier this month, their children said in interviews with a number of British news outlets. The couple, Peter Reynolds and Barbie Reynolds, were arrested on Feb. 1 when returning to their home in the country’s Bamiyan Province, according to accounts first given to The Sunday Times of London. The pair, who are in their 70s, have long run a program that offers education and training in Afghanistan. After the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021 and the withdrawal of Western troops from the country, the couple decided to stay despite the potential risk, according to one of their four children. “They were just trying to help the country they loved,” Sarah Entwistle, the couple’s eldest daughter, told The Sunday Times. When the Taliban came to power, it imposed an Islamic republic government and rolled back rights for women and other groups, including restricting access to education for women after the sixth grade. Women are also banned from most workplaces, and public spaces like parks, gyms and salons under Taliban law. Ms. Entwistle told the BBC that she and her siblings were able to message their parents for a few days after their arrest. Her parents told them they were being held by the interior ministry but were fine, she said. But she added that she has not heard from them in over two weeks and said she feared for their well-being because of their age and because her father is currently taking medication, after recently suffering from a stroke. Mr. Reynolds, 79, and Ms. Reynolds, 75, were working on a number of educational projects as part of Rebuild, a research and training company that they founded in 2009. One program helped to teach parenting skills to mothers, according to their daughter. “The idea they are being held because they were teaching mothers with children is outrageous,” Ms. Entwistle told The Sunday Times. The couple’s connection to Afghanistan extends back to their youth. According to their development company’s website, they married there more than 50 years ago. Rebuild is based in Kabul, but has programs across the country. “Under the new Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Rebuild has grown and developed new enterprises with new staff, eager to help and support their country’s future,” the company website reads. In a video on the website, published months after the Taliban took control, Mr. Reynolds explains the practical training they offer. Footage shows women in head scarves and men taking part in courses, including “communication skills” and management training. In other clips, children are shown apparently learning the alphabet. The couple’s children have written to the Taliban, in a letter shared with The Associated Press, urging them to release Mr. and Ms. Reynolds. “They have always been open about their presence and their work, diligently respecting and obeying the laws as they change,” their children wrote. “They have chosen Afghanistan as their home, rather than with family in England, and they wish to spend the rest of their lives in Afghanistan.” In their letter, the family said that the Taliban were aware of the couple’s work and had previously supported their training efforts. “We kindly ask for the release of our father and mother so they can return to their work in teaching, training and serving Afghanistan, which you have previously supported.” The Taliban government and local officials in Bamiyan did not immediately respond to a request for comment. A representative for Britain’s Foreign Office confirmed in an emailed statement that it is “supporting the family of two British nationals who are detained in Afghanistan,” but declined to provide further details. The foreign office advises against all travel to Afghanistan, pointing to a “heightened risk of British nationals being detained” and to the British government’s “extremely limited” ability to help those in need of consular support, as it has no embassy or diplomatic relationship with the Taliban. The United States also has no diplomatic representatives in the country and has likewise warned against travel to Afghanistan by American citizens. A number of Westerners have been detained in the country since the Taliban seized control, and two Americans were freed in a prisoner swap in January. Safiullah Padshah contributed reporting Source link #British #Couple #Arrested #Taliban #Afghanistan #Family Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Honor Teases Cross-Platform Connectivity With Other Ecosystems Ahead of MWC 2025 Honor Teases Cross-Platform Connectivity With Other Ecosystems Ahead of MWC 2025 Honor will introduce cross-platform connectivity with other ecosystems as part of its larger initiative dubbed “Alpha Plan” at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2025 in Barcelona next week. As per the company, Honor users will be able to link their devices across other ecosystems for carrying out activities such as sharing files with their family and friends. With this proposed feature, the company is said to eliminate the need of using third-party file-sharing applications. Cross-Platform Connectivity on Honor Smartphones In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Honor teased its upcoming Alpha Plan which will now include cross-platform connectivity. The company aims to convert the currently available separate systems into “seamless ecosystems”. Users will be able to share files across other ecosystems leveraging the Honor Share app, a move aimed at “redefining seamless interaction and integration across our ecosystem”. This is all part of the Honor Alpha Plan which has also been teased to offer protection against deepfakes powered by artificial intelligence (AI). Honor says its technology can detect face swaps in real time, protecting users against manipulated video calls or other online interactions. Notably, the aforementioned feature was first announced alongside the release of the Android 15-based MagicOS 9.0. Through subsequent social media posts, the company has also teased other AI features, several of them already available on its smartphones and other devices. Announcing the Alpha Plan last week, Honor highlighted that it will focus on “fostering an open and collaborative environment”, potentially hinting towards the brand’s likelihood to lean towards an open-source community. Further, it is also claimed to “build a robust AI ecosystem”. Since details remain scarce, the ******** OEM’s strategic initiative is difficult to understand at present. It will be announced during Honor’s keynote session on March 2 at 4:30pm CET (9:00pm IST) at the Hyatt Regency Barcelona Tower, on the sidelines of MWC 2025. For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Design Renders, Specifications Leak Ahead of Anticipated Launch in July Source link #Honor #Teases #CrossPlatform #Connectivity #Ecosystems #Ahead #MWC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Putin offers to sell minerals to Trump, including from Russian-occupied Ukraine – POLITICO Europe Putin offers to sell minerals to Trump, including from Russian-occupied Ukraine – POLITICO Europe Putin offers to sell minerals to Trump, including from Russian-occupied Ukraine POLITICO EuropePutin offers to sell rare earth minerals to US, including from Russian-occupied Ukraine – live The GuardianPutin offers Russian and Ukrainian rare minerals to US BBC.comPutin Dangles Deals for Rare Earth Metals for U.S. The New York TimesTrump wants Ukraine’s rare metals. Putin just offered Russia’s. The Washington Post Source link #Putin #offers #sell #minerals #Trump #including #Russianoccupied #Ukraine #POLITICO #Europe Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Oxford Mini electric car plan ‘delayed, not cancelled’ Oxford Mini electric car plan ‘delayed, not cancelled’ The business and trade minister has emphasised that BMW’s decision to delay the production of two electric Mini models at its plant near Oxford was “commercial”. Sarah Jones said the company remained committed to its investment in the ***. Responding to an urgent question in the Commons from the Conservative shadow minister, Greg Smith, she emphasised that the plan had been delayed, not cancelled. She added that contact with BMW management was ongoing. BMW currently manufacturers electric Minis at a facility in China. In September 2023, it announced plans to manufacturer them at its factory in Cowley, as well. The plan required a £600m investment. Over the weekend, the company confirmed that work on upgrading the factory had been suspended due to “multiple uncertainties facing the automotive industry”. It said it was “reviewing the timing for reintroducing battery-electric production in Oxford.” The BBC understands that a number of issues have fed into BMW’s decision. But the slower than expected pickup of electric car sales in a number of key markets is believed to be a key factor, meaning extra production is not currently needed. Mr Smith said BMW’s decision was the “disastrous consequences of Labour’s rigid approach to Net Zero, BMW hitting the brakes on a £600m investment into Plant Oxford”. Source link #Oxford #Mini #electric #car #plan #delayed #cancelled Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New player ******** group aims to stop ‘players falling trough the cracks’ of current system New player ******** group aims to stop ‘players falling trough the cracks’ of current system A new group set to provide support for players post their AFL careers says fans would be ‘shocked’ by how many players are still struggling to transition out of football. Source link #player #******** #group #aims #stop #players #falling #trough #cracks #current #system Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

New details emerge in the case against Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students New details emerge in the case against Bryan Kohberger, the man accused of fatally stabbing four University of Idaho students More than two years after a quadruple ********* devastated Moscow, Idaho, a judge unsealed the transcript of a recent hearing in the case against Bryan Kohberger – the man accused of stabbing four students to death in an off-campus home. The hearing, which was closed to the public, came after defense attorney Anne Taylor claimed investigators acted inappropriately when using investigative genetic genealogy to try to isolate a suspect. Investigative genetic genealogy, or IGG, is a relatively new forensic technique combining DNA analysis with genealogical research. Authorities can take an unknown suspect’s DNA profile and upload it to a public database to learn about the suspect’s family members. Investigators can use that information and other evidence to build a family tree and identify potential suspects. But the defense’s attempt to get a judge to suppress the IGG evidence failed. And Kohberger’s ******* trial is expected to begin this summer – with the prosecution seeking the death penalty if the 30-year-old is convicted. Due to a wide-ranging gag order, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and attorneys for victims’ families and witnesses are prohibited from saying anything publicly, aside from what is already in the public record. Here are some of the new details revealed from the transcript of the closed-door hearing: Detective learned Kohberger’s name only after genetic genealogy A lead detective in the case, Moscow Police Detective Cpl. Brett Payne, said he didn’t hear Bryan Kohberger’s name mentioned until December 19, 2022 – more than a month after the killings. “That was a result of investigative genetic genealogy that was being undertaken by the FBI. We had a phone call that evening, and we were told Bryan Kohberger’s name,” Payne testified. But IGG wasn’t cited in a probable cause affidavit Payne acknowledged he didn’t mention the investigative genetic genealogy in a probable cause affidavit for Kohberger. “What led to that decision?” Taylor asked. “That decision was a collaborative decision,” the detective responded. “We made that decision in an effort to independently verify the information that was provided to us as a tip from the FBI, in much the same way we would any other tip in law enforcement. So it was not in any way meant to obfuscate any sort of information, it was simply can we validate Mr. Kohberger’s involvement in this incident or can we not. That was it.” “As a group effort, you decided to intentionally leave that out of your affidavit?” Taylor asked. “Yes, ma’am,” Payne responded. Only one person’s DNA was detected on a knife sheath DNA testing on parts of a knife sheath detected a single source, said Rylene Nowlin, an Idaho State Police forensic laboratory manager. The lab tested samples from the knife sheath for “touch DNA” – which can come in the form of skin cells that are shed on items being touched. An analyst swabbed “the entire leather portion of the strap, both top and bottom, and then the underside of the button,” Nowlin testified. “She did not swab the top of the button because that was determined to be the most likely place for fingerprints to be found.” Idaho authorities traveled with the DNA to Texas Idaho State Police had a contract with Houston-based Othram laboratory for certain types of forensic work, Nowlin said. Othram specializes in DNA sequencing combined with genealogy mapping. “That DNA sample was delivered by Moscow Police Department in person to them at Othram labs,” Idaho State Police Laboratory System Director Matthew Gamette testified. “I accompanied the officer from Boise down to Houston and down to the Othram laboratory. I didn’t have possession of the sample, but I was with the investigator that did.” After Idaho authorities delivered the DNA sample, Gamette stayed in touch with Othram “about what type of analysis we were asking them to do, also what type of searching,” he said. “I remember they asked specifically for consent to do certain types of searching. We had to authorize things through memos and whatnot of them doing certain searching, specifically I believe it was FamilyTreeDNA that they needed an authorization for,” said Gamette. Many popular genealogy sites don’t allow law enforcement searches FamilyTreeDNA is one of two main genealogical databases that allow searching by law enforcement, Payne said. Another genealogical database that law enforcement can use is GEDMatch PRO, genetic genealogist Leah Larkin testified. “Those are the only two databases of any significant size that allow [forensic investigative genetic genealogy] searching,” Larkin said. “Ancestry forbids it, 23andMe forbids it, MyHeritage forbids it.” Many of the biggest genealogy sites cater to customers who simply want to know about their ancestry – and might not want their DNA data to potentially be used by law enforcement. In recent years, after law enforcement used some of the most popular genealogy sites for criminal investigations, many companies changed their terms of service. An expert claims authorities used an unauthorized database Othram, the lab company in Texas, stopped its work for the case on December 10, 2022, Taylor said. “The FBI took over, and we’ve heard that by December 19th, nine days later, they’d made an identification,” the attorney said. That timeline is significant “because Othram’s matches were, as in their own words in their report, those matches were low,” Larkin testified. She noted Othram had recommended testing four brothers “to get more information.” But “if you went out and if you approached those men, and even if one of them said, yes, you can test my DNA, the testing itself would have taken some time; getting a kit to a person, getting the *****, sending it into the lab, having it analyzed. And it wouldn’t have led to the crime scene profile because it was the wrong family branch,” Larkin testified. “So going from low matches to an ID or at least a tip, whatever they were calling it, within nine days, that right there told me they had gone into a database they were not supposed to be in.” CNN has reached out to the FBI for a response to the accusation that it used a genealogical database inappropriately. Prosecutors did not directly respond to that claim during the hearing. Larkin said she also saw “screenshots from GEDMatch” in email communications. Unlike GEDMatch PRO, which is smaller and allows law enforcement searches, “GEDMatch is just a super open database” and does not allow searches for criminal investigations, Larkin said. GEDMatch has far more users, and “any kit in the system that is public, you can see their matches.” “So if you are in GEDMatch and I am in GEDMatch and let’s say we were cousins, I could go in and look at my kit and I would see you in my match list, but I could also go into your kit and see me in your match list,” Larkin testified. In GEDMatch PRO, law enforcement might not see those same matches. Eventually, the FBI “admitted they had uploaded to MyHeritage” – a database off limits to law enforcement, Larkin said, citing a document shared with the court. What happens next Kohberger’s trial is expected to begin in August and last several months. Prosecutors have said they will seek the death penalty if Kohberger is convicted. In the meantime, the families of victims Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin continue the long wait to learn the suspect’s fate. But Goncalves’ family expressed relief that the judge did not suppress the genetic genealogy evidence. “We are thankful to the Court for a timely decision and appreciate the work [the] prosecution has put in thus far,” the family posted on Facebook last week. “In the big picture of life, justice is just moments away.” CNN’s Taylor Romine and Eric Levenson contributed to this report. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Source link #details #emerge #case #Bryan #Kohberger #man #accused #fatally #stabbing #University #Idaho #students Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

How a Demographic ‘Doom Loop’ Helped Germany’s Far Right How a Demographic ‘Doom Loop’ Helped Germany’s Far Right The Alternative for Germany party came in second in federal elections on Sunday, doubling its vote share from four years ago, in the strongest showing for a ******* far-right party since World War II. Some segments of the party, known as the AfD, have been classified as extremist by ******* intelligence. How could that happen in Germany, a country whose history has taught a bitter lesson about the dangers of right-wing extremism? Many experts have pointed to the role of immigration, particularly the surge of ******* refugees from Syria and other Middle Eastern countries in the mid-2010s, which has persuaded many people to abandon the long-dominant parties of the center-left and center-right. But new research suggests an additional factor. The AfD posted its biggest wins in the former East Germany, where young people have been moving away from former industrial regions and rural areas to seek opportunities in cities. Those poorer regions have entered into a demographic doom loop: a self-reinforcing cycle of shrinking and aging populations, crumbling government services and sluggish economic growth, which has created fertile ground for the AfD. And because the far-right party is strongly anti-immigration, its rise has created pressure to cut immigration levels — which further exacerbates the problems of a shrinking, aging population. Similar trends have the potential to play out in much of the developed world. The left-behind regions For years there has been a very strong correlation between the level of out-migration and the level of AfD support, particularly in the eastern part of the country, where the party came in first in most constituencies on Sunday. (The chart below shows data from 2021, but Sunday’s results largely followed the same trend.) In the decades after the country was reunified in 1990, much of the population in eastern Germany began to leave for cities and wealthy western regions that offered better opportunities. Many people from East Germany also expected a post-unification peace dividend that never materialized. “I studied in eastern Germany, so I’ve seen that firsthand,” said Thiamo Fetzer, an economics professor at the University of Warwick in England and the University of Bonn in Germany, who studies how austerity measures and cuts to local services trigger support for far-right populist parties. Unlike other Eastern European economies like Poland, which had a few years to adjust their economies before joining the European Union in 2004, eastern Germany got the equivalent of “shock therapy,” he said. “People with human capital would leave, and the people who stayed behind were sort of left behind, quite literally.” The people who moved away from those regions tended to skew younger and female, and were more likely to have advanced degrees — all characteristics that also, statistically, make people less likely to vote for the far right. The people who remained were disproportionately from the demographics most likely to support the AfD. If that sorting effect was all that was going on, it might not actually make much of a difference in a political system like Germany’s, which is designed to be strongly proportional: The parties are represented in the ******* Parliament based on their percentage of the national vote, so it shouldn’t matter too much whether a party’s voters are clustered in cities or distributed evenly across the country. But it’s not all that’s going on. A new paper found that as emigration reduces the quality of life in “left-behind” regions in Europe, the local population tends to blame the national government and mainstream political parties for the decline — and turn even more to the far right in response. “There is a sense in a lot of left-behind places that the government is not taking care of them,” said Hans Lueders, a fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University who is working on a book about internal migration and ******* politics. He has found that mainstream parties campaign less in left-behind regions and recruit fewer candidates there, further diminishing the sense of connection between local issues and national politics. “That feeds into this whole far-right populist narrative that the mainstream parties are abandoning those areas,” Lueders said. Far-right parties, which tend to position themselves as populists standing up for ordinary people against a corrupt or co-opted elite, are well placed to appeal to people who have lost faith in the status quo. The ‘doom loop’ kicks into higher gear The AfD, like other far-right parties, explicitly blames immigrants for Germany’s problems. It has demanded limits on new immigration and has called for the “return” and “repatriation” of immigrants. There have been proposals to improve the quality of life and economies in the left-behind areas. But most experts say that immigration is one of the few solutions to the growing problems of aging, shrinking populations — not just in Germany, but across the developed world. So the success of the AfD and other far-right parties threatens to create a self-perpetuating cycle, in which the political reaction to the problems of left-behind regions ends up making those problems worse. Over the long term, that could make all of Germany start to look more like the left-behind regions: an aging, shrinking population struggling to maintain public services and economic growth. Limits on immigration make it harder to find the workers needed to provide health care and other essential services to shrinking and aging populations. “It’s precisely the places that would be most benefiting from immigration — in terms of getting help for elderly care, child care, you know, any other care work and service-sector jobs — that are the ones that seem to be most opposed to this,” Lueders said. And while the divide between the former east and west makes that issue especially stark in Germany, a similar process is playing out across much of the developed world. “This is true in Europe and in the U.S. and in many other advanced economies. In these peripheral regions, across these countries, working-age people are departing,” Rafaela Dancygier, a professor of political science at Princeton University and the lead author of the new paper on the consequences of internal migration, told me last year. As in Germany, the trend is fueling the rise of the far right and causing mainstream parties to take anti-immigration stances in an attempt — usually unsuccessful — to win back those disaffected voters. “The doom loop continues,” she said. Thank you for being a subscriber Read past editions of the newsletter here. If you’re enjoying what you’re reading, please consider recommending it to others. They can sign up here. Browse all of our subscriber-only newsletters here. I’d love your feedback on this newsletter. Please email thoughts and suggestions to *****@*****.tld. You can also follow me on Twitter. Source link #Demographic #Doom #Loop #Helped #Germanys Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Arabia Had Five Times More Rainfall 400 Years Ago, Study Finds Arabia Had Five Times More Rainfall 400 Years Ago, Study Finds Extreme rainfall in Arabia was five times more intense 400 years ago, as indicated by recent climate reconstructions. The data suggests that the region, currently defined by arid desert, once had significantly higher precipitation levels, resembling a lush savannah. The findings highlight the necessity for improved climate preparedness as urbanisation expands in the region. Study Reveals Significant Rainfall Variability Over Centuries According to the study published in Science Advances, researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science discovered that the Arabian Peninsula had significantly higher rainfall over the last 2,000 years. The landscape, now barren, was once covered with vegetation and inhabited by wildlife such as lions, leopards, and wolves. Findings indicate that 200 years ago, rainfall was still double what it is today. Deep-Sea Brine Pools Provide Uninterrupted Climate Record As per reports, sediment cores were extracted from a deep-sea brine pool in the Gulf of Aqaba using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the research vessel OceanXplorer. The brine’s chemistry enabled the preservation of undisturbed sediment layers, allowing an accurate reconstruction of Late Holocene rainfall trends. Implications for Climate Preparedness in the Middle East Speaking to Phys.org, Sam Purkis, Professor and Chair of the Department of Marine Geosciences at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, stated that the study underscores the importance of climate resilience as development projects like NEOM in Saudi Arabia reshape the region. The assumption of long-term climate stability is not reliable, according to Amy Clement, a Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at the same institution. Urgency for Enhanced Flood and Drought Management The Middle East, already vulnerable to extreme weather, faces rising instances of flash floods and droughts. The catastrophic flooding seen across the Arabian Peninsula in early 2024 reinforces the need to study historical rainfall patterns to improve disaster preparedness. Mattie Rodrigue, Science Program Director at OceanX, highlighted the importance of technological advancements in climate research to better predict future hydroclimate trends. Source link #Arabia #Times #Rainfall #Years #Study #Finds Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Syria Begins National Dialogue but Without Kurdish-Led Militia Syria Begins National Dialogue but Without Kurdish-Led Militia Syria’s interim government is bringing together people from the country’s many religions and sects for a two-day national dialogue that began on Monday. What is the national dialogue? Ahmed al-Shara, the country’s interim president, whose rebel coalition seized control of Syria in early December, promised to hold a national dialogue to discuss the formation of a representative government. His government set a March 1 deadline to begin the process. Invitations for the event were sent out on Sunday, Feb. 23, to hundred of participants, including community leaders, academics and religious leaders, only one day before the conference was set to begin. Also invited were journalists, businessmen, activists, former detainees of the Assad government and the families of people who were killed or wounded in Syria’s brutal, 13-year civil war. What about the Kurds? Mr. al-Shara has spoken of the need to unite Syria’s many fractious populations to build a new Syria. Syria is a Sunni ******* majority country but has many religious and ethnic minorities, including Alawites, Druse, Christians and Kurds. But attempts at unity have already run into challenges. Some Kurds, who make up some 10 percent of Syria’s population, were invited to the dialogue. But the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed militia that controls much of Syria’s northeast, was not. Syria’s interim government has demanded that the militia disarm and join a unified national military force, as a condition of joining the dialogue. The committee organizing the conference has previously said that the SDF does not represent all Syrian Kurds. Turkey, a close ally of the rebel group that led the overthrow of the Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad, has for years sought to curb the power of the Syrian Democratic Forces, maintaining that the militia is linked to Kurdish separatist insurgents inside Turkey. What will come out of the dialogue? Many Syrians are skeptical about what a national dialogue may bring, especially in a deeply divided country where sectarian tensions are spilling over into revenge killings. Syrians are also wary of the promises of inclusivity coming from a government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, an Islamist group that has given government and ministerial positions to its own loyalists. It has yet to include in the government other rebel groups that helped to oust Mr. Assad. The conference organizers have said that there is no direct link between the formation of the new Syrian government and the dialogue conference, though they are happening at the same time. Conference participants will issue recommendations for the new government, as well as for the writing of a new constitution and laws. But those recommendations appear to be nonbinding. “Recommendations from the National Dialogue will not be mere advice and formalities, but will be the basis for the provisional constitutional declaration, economic identity and institutional reform plan,” said Hassan al-Dughaim, the committee’s spokesman. Source link #Syria #Begins #National #Dialogue #KurdishLed #Militia Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia (NVDA) Is About to Report Q4 Earnings Tomorrow. Here Is What to Expect – TipRanks Nvidia (NVDA) Is About to Report Q4 Earnings Tomorrow. Here Is What to Expect – TipRanks Nvidia (NVDA) Is About to Report Q4 Earnings Tomorrow. Here Is What to Expect TipRanksNvidia’s earnings to be a test of AI chip demand as DeepSeek sows spending doubts ReutersGuru Fundamental Report for AVGO NasdaqShould You Buy Nvidia Stock Before Feb. 26? Wall Street Has a Clear Answer for Investors. The Motley Fool Source link #Nvidia #NVDA #Report #Earnings #Tomorrow #Expect #TipRanks Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Learning From the Airbending Scroll Fiasco, Fortnite Slaps a Nerf on Sub-Zero Gauntlet Learning From the Airbending Scroll Fiasco, Fortnite Slaps a Nerf on Sub-Zero Gauntlet When it comes to collaborations, nothing comes close to the exciting offering presented by Fortnite. But not all these partnerships go as planned. While the collaboration theme and equipment are always top-tier, it’s the balancing that often gets dragged through the mud. Players are enjoying the latest season. | Image Credit: Epic Games There are various collabs that provide way too much advantage, making the gameplay tedious. However, it looks like the game is also aware of the situation and with the new collab with Mortal Kombat, it is already applying a much-needed nerf to the sub-zero gauntlet for its movement. Fortnite learning from past mistakes and adjusting fast The gauntlet’s movement power was a little too overpowered. | Image Credit: Epic Games With Fortnite‘s Chapter 6 Season 2, players were introduced to a thrilling new collaboration with Mortal Kombat. This collaboration brought the iconic Sub-Zero into the game, along with his powerful Mythic Sub-Zero Gauntlet. The gauntlet provided players with a range of abilities, including a potent movement buff that allowed them to slide across the map with ease, in addition to hand-to-hand combat. The item has been a fun addition, and players are enjoying the new power it provides. However, as players began using the gauntlet, they noticed a significant issue: the cooldown (CD) on Sub-Zero’s Mythic Sliding ability was far too short. This gave players an unfair advantage, allowing them to move around the map at an almost unstoppable pace. This is like a deja-vu moment as a similar thing happened with Avatar Collab where air-bending scrolls granted infinite movement. That made the game boring as players rushed around the map, killing or dying, essentially making the last circle snooze fest. Sub-Zero’s Mythic Sliding Cooldown has just been INCREASED from 0.6s to 1.2s pic.twitter.com/6zzqy4NETi — HYPEX (@HYPEX) February 24, 2025 well atleast there balancing the game — omanyt (@not_Omanyt) February 24, 2025 I haven’t played this season yet, but something tells me this is a good thing. — KO (@KnightOw7) February 24, 2025 Here we gooooooo mannn — ZadyVerse (@ZadyVerse) February 24, 2025 It seems the developers noticed this and have already nerfed the Cooldown for the movement ability. It looks like they don’t want to repeat the same mistake and act quickly. The developers are learning from past missteps and making fast, effective changes to keep the game fresh and fair. The importance of thoughtful adjustments The developers are keeping the balance in check. | Image Credit: Epic Games Epic Games has built a strong reputation for keeping the balance of Fortnite in check, even as they continue to expand the game with exciting collaborations. With every new crossover, from Star Wars to Marvel to Mortal Kombat, there are fresh new abilities, items, and skins in the game. The challenge, of course, is ensuring that these additions don’t disrupt the core gameplay that players love and enjoy. While there’s always the potential for slip-ups Epic has consistently shown its ability to make quick adjustments. It has learned from past experiences, such as the Avatar Airbending Scroll debacle, and Mechas, and continues to fine-tune the gameplay with nerfs, buffs, and other fixes to keep things fair. This is no easy feat. With constant updates, additions, and a rotating cast of collaborators, keeping the game in check requires a level of finesse that most games don’t attempt. In the end, Sub-Zero gauntlet frosty powers may have been cooled down, but players can rest assured that each collaboration is an opportunity for Fortnite to refine its mechanics and deliver an even better experience. Source link #Learning #Airbending #Scroll #Fiasco #Fortnite #Slaps #Nerf #SubZero #Gauntlet Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard stepping down NHS chief executive Amanda Pritchard stepping down Amanda Pritchard, the first female chief executive of the NHS in England, is stepping down from the role. Her departure comes less than a month after two influential House of Commons committees discussed her suitability to lead the NHS through a ******* of what PM Keir Starmer has said will be the biggest overhaul of the service. She took up the post in 2021 and has overseen some of the management of the Covid pandemic. Before that, she was NHS England’s chief operating officer, head of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Trust in London and an adviser in Tony Blair’s government. In a statement she said it had been a “hugely difficult decision for me to stand down”. “It has been an enormous privilege to lead the NHS in England through what has undoubtedly been the most difficult ******* in its history.” Source link #NHS #chief #executive #Amanda #Pritchard #stepping Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** Ops 6 Reprises Modern Warfare 2019’s Popular Killcam Feature but Twists It Into a Microtransaction Trap ****** Ops 6 Reprises Modern Warfare 2019’s Popular Killcam Feature but Twists It Into a Microtransaction Trap Fans are extremely furious with Activision’s petty schemes that lure people into more microtransactions in the game. ****** Ops 6 is currently facing a backlash for turning a good feature of Modern Warfare into a microtransaction trap. ****** Ops 6 has tainted the killcam feature from Modern Warfare. Image Credit: Activision ****** Ops 6 has reprised the killcam feature from 2019’s Modern Warfare with a twist. In the earlier version of the killcam, players were able to copy enemy loadouts. This feature used to come in handy for a lot of new players who could try out different weapons after being killed by a stronger foe. Unlike Modern Warfare ****** Ops 6’s killcam enables microtransaction The ****** Ops series is not what it used to be. Image Credit: Activision Instead of copying loadouts like in Modern Warfare, ****** Ops 6 enables players to wishlist the weapon blueprints of the one who killed them to later buy from the store. This is a needless feature since it does not aid players in any way and only helps the developer earn more money. These techniques for luring players into buying cosmetics are not celebrated in a paid game like ****** Ops 6. Free-to-play games rely on microtransactions for sustenance and expansion, however, a game that is already paid does not need to go that extra mile. So this is insane.. ****** Ops 6 gives players the ability to “Wishlist Blueprint” for a weapon you see in the killcam that’s available in the store and that you do not own. pic.twitter.com/biZfjUvlr5 — CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) February 24, 2025 This was initially a feature in MW2019 as “Copy Loadout.” Now it’s a wishlist a bundle. [Hidden Content] — CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) February 24, 2025 acting like its a f2p game… — Skyrroz (@FRSkyRRoZ) February 24, 2025 they took this out of the MW19 beta and never put it back in to put this in instead lol pic.twitter.com/MUEwwt9YJ0 — Futives (@futiveslol) February 24, 2025 There was a time when developers like Activision used to dominate the market with its FPS titles, however, that era of gaming is long gone and there is a lot of competition in the market from some of the newer and better FPS that have come out in recent years. On top of that Activision failed to build upon its legacy which further decreased its games’ demand. The recent killcam feature is the biggest example of how the developer is not thinking about its player base but is only focused on filling its pockets. The golden days of Call of Duty are long gone Those days are gone when fans used to wait for a Call of Duty game. Image Credit: Activision Call of Duty’s popularity seems to be fading with time and Activision is least bothered with it. Some of the recently released games lack the same finesse that the earlier games had and this could become a serious problem for the developers in the future. ****** Ops 2 had one of the most fun and successful multiplayer modes. It was not only better than the current one but also allowed players to focus on getting better at the game rather than appearing cool by purchasing cosmetics. The earlier games were more about the gameplay rather than cosmetics, however, things have changed. Do you like the direction in which Call of Duty games are headed? Let us know in the comments below. Source link #****** #Ops #Reprises #Modern #Warfare #2019s #Popular #Killcam #Feature #Twists #Microtransaction #Trap Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Police suspend search for missing Sydney fisherman Paul Barning Police suspend search for missing Sydney fisherman Paul Barning NSW Police have provided an update on the search for missing fisherman Paul Barning after a desperate three-day effort to find his body. Source link #Police #suspend #search #missing #Sydney #fisherman #Paul #Barning Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Design Renders, Specifications Leak Ahead of Anticipated Launch in July Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Design Renders, Specifications Leak Ahead of Anticipated Launch in July Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to launch in the coming months, and design renders of the purported successor to last year’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 model have surfaced online. This year, Samsung is expected to introduce a book-style foldable with a custom Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip, along with an upgraded outer camera. The Galaxy Z Fold 7 is also expected to run on One UI 7 out-of-the-box, and could sport a much slimmer body than its predecessor. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 Design (Leaked) Tipster Steve H. Hemmerstoffer (@onleaks) collaborated with Android Headlines to leak multiple computer-aided design (CAD) renders of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7, which is expected to launch in global markets in mid-July, in a single ****** colourway. The device appears to be much slimmer, and might hold its own against the Oppo Find N5, which was recently launched in China and global markets. The handset will reportedly measure 158.4×143.1×4.5mm when unfolded — that implies a 1.1mm reduction in thickness and a 11mm wider outer display, when compared with the Galaxy Z Fold 6. It is seen with three outer cameras, housed in a raised camera island that closely resembles the one on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 design renders (tap to expand) Photo Credit: Android Headlines/ @Onleaks The report states that the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 will be equipped with the same Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy chip that arrived last month with the Galaxy S25 series. However, the slightly less powerful variant of the chipset (with seven cores instead of the regular octa-core processor) might be used on the smartphone. For photos and videos, the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is expected to feature a 200-megapixel outer camera, up from the 50-megapixel main camera on the Galaxy Z Fold 6. On the other hand, the 12-megapixel ultrawide and 10-megapixel telephoto cameras on the upcoming foldable are said to remain unchanged from the company’s current handset. It is also expected to feature a 10-megapixel selfie camera on the cover display and a 4-megapixel under-display camera on the inner screen. Unlike the new Snapdragon chipset and primary outer camera, Samsung is expected to use the same 4,400mAh battery from the Galaxy Z Fold 6 on the upcoming foldable phone. This could be due to the anticipated reduction in thickness of the Galaxy Fold 7. If the company’s previous launch timelines are any indication, the Samsung Galaxyy Z Fold 7 could be launched in India in July. The publication states that the handset is likely to launch in mid-July, and we can expect more details of the handset to surface online in the coming weeks and months. Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #Fold #Design #Renders #Specifications #Leak #Ahead #Anticipated #Launch #July Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Palestinians in northern Gaza wait for hours to buy bread Palestinians in northern Gaza wait for hours to buy bread Palestinians in northern Gaza wait for hours to buy bread Source link #Palestinians #northern #Gaza #wait #hours #buy #bread Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]