Archaeologists Find a Pharoah’s Tomb, the First Since King Tut, Egypt Says
Archaeologists Find a Pharoah’s Tomb, the First Since King Tut, Egypt Says
Archaeologists have found a pharaoh’s tomb in an Egyptian valley west of Luxor, Egypt’s ministry of antiquities announced this week, in what officials called the first excavation of a royal tomb since Tutankhamen’s burial chamber was unearthed over a century ago.
The newly identified tomb belonged to Thutmose II, who is believed to have reigned around 1480 B.C. It was “the last missing royal tomb of the 18th Dynasty,” the Egyptian ministry said in a statement.
The excavation was a joint project by Egyptian and British researchers that began in 2022, when the entrance and main corridor of the tomb were found. The archaeologists at first thought the tomb belonged to a royal consort, because of its location near the burial places of royal wives and that of Hatshepsut, a queen who took the throne for herself after Thutmose II’s death.
The tomb was also in an unlikely place for a king’s burial: beneath two waterfalls and at the bottom of a slope, during the much wetter conditions of the 15th century B.C.
But evidence from within the tomb showed that it had in fact been built for a king, including fragments of alabaster jars naming Thutmose II as the “deceased king,” and inscriptions naming Hatshepsut. Part of the ceiling was still intact, too, showing blue paint with yellow stars on it, which the archaeologists said were only found in king’s tombs.
This image released by Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism shows artifacts uncovered during archaeological excavations that discovered the tomb of King Thutmose II.Credit…via Agence France-Presse — Getty Images
“Sometimes discoveries are made, but only later does their true significance become clear with additional exploration,” said Peter Der Manuelian, a professor of Egyptology at Harvard who was not involved in the excavation.
He noted a similar case when, a few decades ago, a tomb in the Valley of the Kings turned out to be “larger and more unusual than anyone had previously realized.” It turned out to have been built for the many sons of Ramses II, one of the most powerful pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
Thutmose II, Professor Manuelian said, “lived during a fascinating ******* of Egyptian history: the imperialistic and cosmopolitan 18th Dynasty.” His reign was perhaps overshadowed by those of his father, his son and his queen, who reigned for nearly 20 years and built a major temple and tomb for herself.
“We’re still trying to understand the ins and outs of this era,” Professor Manuelian said, “and a ‘new’ tomb will doubtless provide us with additional clues.”
The secretary general for Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, described the find as one of the most significant in decades. “This is the first time funerary furniture belonging to Thutmose II has been discovered,” he said in a statement.
But unlike Tutankhamen’s tomb, whose chambers were found packed with artifacts during a 1922 excavation, the tomb of Thutmose II had been all but emptied out. The archaeologists believe that it flooded shortly after the king’s death, and that its contents were moved to another location.
“Water damage caused severe deterioration, leading to the loss of many original contents, which are believed to have been relocated during ancient times,” according to Mohamed Abdel Badie, the head of the Egyptian side of the archaeological mission.
He said that archaeologists had been able to restore parts of fallen plaster “adorned with intricate designs, including blue inscriptions, yellow star motifs and elements of the Book of Amduat, a key religious text used in royal tombs.”
Source link
#Archaeologists #Find #Pharoahs #Tomb #King #Tut #Egypt
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Canada’s ice hockey win over Trump’s America was her soft power laid bare | Colin Horgan – The Guardian
Canada’s ice hockey win over Trump’s America was her soft power laid bare | Colin Horgan – The Guardian
Canada’s ice hockey win over Trump’s America was her soft power laid bare | Colin Horgan The GuardianJustin Trudeau sends fiery message to US after Canada’s 4 Nations win Fox News4 Nations Face-Off: Canada beats USA in OT on Connor McDavid goal to win championship game Yahoo SportsTrudeau after Canada win over U.S.: “You can’t take our country” or “our game” AxiosConnor McDavid follows Sidney Crosby’s footsteps with classic game-winner for Canada New York Post
Source link
#Canadas #ice #hockey #win #Trumps #America #soft #power #laid #bare #Colin #Horgan #Guardian
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Sinn Féin say they will not attend US St Patrick’s Day celebrations
Sinn Féin say they will not attend US St Patrick’s Day celebrations
Jayne McCormack
BBC News NI political correspondent
BBC
When power-sharing is functioning, it is custom for the first and deputy first ministers to make the trip to Washington DC.
McDonald said she had followed the president’s comments on Gaza with “growing concern” and had listened in “horror” to calls for “mass expulsion of the ************ people from their homes and the permanent seizure of ************ lands”.
“Such an approach is a fundamental breach of international law is deeply destabilising in the Middle East and a dangerous departure from the UN position of peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis and the right of Palestinians to self-determination.”
PA Media
Mary Lou McDonald says Irish people have listened “in horror” to comments made by Donald Trump
O’Neill said Trump’s comments on “forced expulsion of the ************ people of Gaza cannot be ignored”.
On X, formerly Twitter, she said that she will “continue to engage with senior figures in the US for peace and economic growth”.
“In the future, when our children and grandchildren ask us what we did while the ************ people endured unimaginable suffering, I will say I stood firmly on the side of humanity,” she added.
Source link
#Sinn #Féin #attend #Patricks #Day #celebrations
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
This Spring, Try Monochromatic Dressing
This Spring, Try Monochromatic Dressing
With floor-sweeping hems and bold colors, this season’s fashion isn’t messing around.
Source link
#Spring #Monochromatic #Dressing
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Jessica Page: Candidate questions should not have caught Libby Mettam by surprise
Jessica Page: Candidate questions should not have caught Libby Mettam by surprise
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. It’s up to voters to tell the difference if the Liberal party can’t.
Source link
#Jessica #Page #Candidate #questions #caught #Libby #Mettam #surprise
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
7 New Movies Our Critics Are Talking About This Week
7 New Movies Our Critics Are Talking About This Week
Goes bananas on the gore.
‘The Monkey’
After a cursed toy monkey from his childhood reappears, a man (Theo James) tries to stop it in this horror comedy directed by Osgood Perkins.
From our review:
The movie’s presumption is that the more inventive the means of death — and the more quickly those means are visited upon the victim — the more they’ll provoke shocked laughter from the audience. At least in my screening, that was true. The giddily ludicrous demises, doled out at random, are meant to balance out the darker themes in the film.
In theaters. Read the full review.
Critic’s Pick
A romance from earlier times sees light in the present.
‘Compensation’
This romantic drama from 1999, which is receiving its first theatrical release, tells parallel stories of the lives and relationships of two deaf ****** women, one set in 1910 and the other in the 1990s.
From our review:
As a word, “Compensation” evokes labor. In the director Zeinabu irene Davis’s beautifully woven drama of the same name, work does get its close-ups. But it is the loves, labors and vulnerabilities two couples in two different eras experience that make this ******-and-white film from 1999 such an elegant and presciently inventive work.
In theaters. Read the full review.
A surprisingly tender bachelor party movie.
‘Ex-Husbands’
At his bachelor party in Mexico, Nick (James Norton) tries to hide that his fiancée has cold feet, while his father, Peter (James Norton), arrives in the midst of a divorce in this dramedy from Noah Pritzker.
From our review:
Pritzker directs genuine performances and has an ear for conversations with the ring of everyday emotion, like when Peter advises Nick’s friends (“You guys”) to enjoy each other’s company while they can. A death in the family leads to another round of male bonding and reconciliation to life’s disappointments. Even if the film’s wisdom is not earth-shattering, it radiates a kind of paternal salve that lives up to Peter’s best intentions.
In theaters. Read the full review.
Midlife crises never looked so breezy.
‘Millers in Marriage’
This relationship drama written and directed by Edward Burns follows three siblings as they face midlife woes and ensuing changes to their relationships.
From our review:
“Millers in Marriage” is a sincere, sometimes trite attempt to address midlife drift and late-marriage frustrations, its empty nests gaping beneath gleaming countertops and gauzy photography. Its characters may be stressed out, but its rhythms are leisurely, the skill of the actors mostly countering the weaknesses in the script.
In theaters. Read the full review.
These aging hit man movies are getting old.
‘Old Guy’
Christoph Waltz stars as an older hit man who begrudgingly trains his Gen-Z replacement in this tired action comedy directed by Simon West.
From our review:
Beyond the stale plot and groaners that make up the dialogue, “Old Guy” suffers from haphazard pacing, as if every third scene was cut out in postproduction. Watching, one wonders who this movie is for — even within the target demographic stated in the title.
In theaters. Read the full review.
A big heist, a ******* disappointment.
‘The Quiet Ones’
In this crime thriller directed by Frederik Louis Hviid, three men attempt to rob a cash-handling firm by blocking off major roads with garbage trucks.
From our review:
The heist takes up more than 20 minutes of screen time, but Hviid — who has to juggle the robbers at the firm, the garbage truck drivers, the police and a security guard (Amanda Collin) — makes a hash of the competing perspectives. The road-blocking gambit is barely shown, and Collin’s character, fleshed out specifically for this moment, is forgotten for much of the sequence. The theft that inspired the movie has been called one of the biggest in Denmark’s history. It deserved a sleeker film.
In theaters. Read the full review.
An inspirational film that doesn’t live up to its inspiration.
‘The Unbreakable Boy’
This family drama centers on a young boy who has autism and a brittle bone condition.
From our review:
Jon Gunn, the writer-director and a practiced hand in the inspirational genre (“Ordinary Angels”), adapted the memoir by Scott LeRette, Austin’s father, but flipped the perspective to the boy’s. There are well-deployed bursts of kid’s-eye-view animation and humorous asides, but mainly the story, set in Oklahoma, dispenses its lessons in gratitude, self-forgiveness and sobriety with straightforward sincerity. Sometimes that works, and sometimes it lands with a thud.
In theaters. Read the full review.
Compiled by Kellina Moore.
Source link
#Movies #Critics #Talking #Week
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Parliament to display EU and Ukrainian flags in support of Ukraine | News
Parliament to display EU and Ukrainian flags in support of Ukraine | News
Russia launched its unprovoked, unjustified and ******** attack against Ukraine on 24 February 2022.
Special set-ups of both EU and Ukraine flags will be flown in front of the EP SPAAK building in Brussels, the WEISS building in Strasbourg, and the ADENAUER building in Luxembourg, from Sunday 23 February at 16.00 until Tuesday 25 February at 9.00. On Tuesday 25 February by 11.00, a Ukrainian flag will be displayed next to the EU flag and the 27 EU member states flags, in the same spots in the three cities.
Also in Brussels, the Station Europe building will be illuminated with the colours of the yellow and blue Ukrainian flag on the evenings of Sunday 23 and Monday 24 February, from 19.00 to 1.00.
On February 11 2025 Parliament’s leadership issued a statement reiterating their “steadfast solidarity with the people of Ukraine, who continue to demonstrate extraordinary resilience and courage in defending their sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity”. MEPs are set to adopt a resolution on the EU’s continued and unwavering support for Ukraine during the next plenary session, on 12 March. The vote will wrap up a plenary debate held on 11 February.
You can find pictures and footage in the Parliament’s Multimedia Centre.
Source link
#Parliament #display #Ukrainian #flags #support #Ukraine #News
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Aztech Mountain: A Ski Brand With ‘If You Know, You Know’ Mountain Cred
Aztech Mountain: A Ski Brand With ‘If You Know, You Know’ Mountain Cred
If anyone knows a great ski jacket, it’s Bode Miller. The professional skier has tested countless ski brands over an 18-year career spanning five Winter Olympics, six Olympic medals and 33 World Cup wins. But in 2015, while training in Portillo, Chile, he took a run in the Nuke Suit jacket by Aztech Mountain, a ski label founded by the Aspen, Colo., couple Heifara Rutgers and David Roth. He was stopped … well, in his tracks.
“I could tell it was highly developed because of the founders’ connection to Aspen,” Mr. Miller said. “They had clearly spent a lot of time on the mountain and understood the technical aspects of fabric and design.”
Mr. Miller admired the jacket’s fit, breathability and baffling for better heat circulation and movement. He appreciated its well-placed pockets, open cuffs for easy glove wear — and undeniable cool.
He later met with Mr. Rutgers and Mr. Roth, and the three men teamed up, with Mr. Miller serving as Aztech Mountain’s chief innovation officer and consulting on a few styles, like the Hayden 3L Shell Jacket and Shell Pant. He was also the face of the brand for three years.
“To this day, I think that jacket is, if not the best, then in a very small group of the best ski jackets I’ve ever skied in,” Mr. Miller said.
Ten years later, Aztech Mountain remains an Aspen staple, tailored for those who would rather chase first tracks off the Silver Queen gondola than champagne showers at the Cloud Nine bistro. In a category of over-the-top glitz and logo-heavy excess, where luxury ski labels have turned the slopes into a runway, Aztech Mountain prioritizes performance and precision.
Instead of flashy branding, its clothing is defined by thoughtful details: mountain-shaped zippers, streamlined silhouettes and the right hit of neon and print. It’s a label recognized through knowing nods in the gondola, a quiet badge of insider status.
Aztech Mountain’s fusion of fashion and function is not by accident. Mr. Rutgers, who leads design, merchandising and creative, spent much of his career at Marc Jacobs. In 2013, he started working on a new kind of jacket — originally for Barneys New York — and enlisted a team of friends and former Jacobs designers to bring it to life.
“I had experienced fashion at the highest level, and I was seeing the growth of Moncler and Canada Goose,” said Mr. Rutgers, who, with Mr. Roth and their four-year-old daughter, Liv, splits time between Aspen and TriBeCa, home of the brand’s only stand-alone store.
For Mr. Rutgers, pursuing skiwear was an obvious choice. His father moved his family to Aspen in 1974 and started teaching skiing. Mr. Rutgers grew up ski racing and watching downhill competitions from his perch near Ruthie’s, the lunch hut at Ajax Mountain. His favorite run is Aztec, for which the brand is named. Some early Aztech styles featured vintage photos sourced from the Aspen Historical Society.
“I always say Aspen is our muse,” Mr. Rutgers said. “It’s the backbone of everything we’ve ever done. I loved growing up there and felt lucky to have parents who were in Aspen when it was really happening.”
In 2013, Mr. Rutgers presented a small collection to a family friend, Lee Keating, who, alongside her husband, Tom Bowers, owns the Aspen boutique Performance Ski. The shop became the first wholesaler to support the brand. To this day, Ms. Keating appreciates Aztech’s minimalist aesthetic in a world of more-is-more ski style.
“They stay in their lane,” she said. “They don’t put a ton of fur on their jackets. They don’t bedazzle their jackets. There are no crystals, no feathers, no extra logos. It’s quiet and cool. If you get it, you get it.”
Triana Trujillo, a personal stylist in Aspen, loves to mix and match combinations of Aztech’s prints and solids. She finds the collections to be on-trend without feeling extreme.
“You see a lot of tourists coming in wearing big, crazy pieces and super-tight pants on the mountain,” Ms. Trujillo said. “Locals love Aztech because we tend to dress more on the technical side.”
For those who see the slopes as their personal catwalk, the ski fashion scene has never looked better. Independent labels like Goldbergh, Cordova and Perfect Moment are carving out space in the sector alongside heritage brands like Bogner and Moncler. Even ready-to-wear stalwarts like Zegna, Brunello Cucinelli and Loro Piana are swapping city suits for ski suits. The result is a growing assortment of options that cater to those whose choice of ski is après ski.
“We always say that if you can wear it in New York and Aspen, it’s a good product,” Mr. Rutgers said. Their women’s Super Nuke jacket, for instance, has a cropped silhouette that can work with a ski bib or with jeans and boots.
“But it’s a challenge we face,” he said. “What are we? Are we fashion? Are we ski? The easy answer is that we are ski, true and true.”
Aztech’s fashion campaigns could have you thinking otherwise. Mr. Rutgers collaborates with fashion industry veterans like Casey Cadwallader, the artistic director of Mugler, and Laura Zaccheo, the former head of knitwear at Marc Jacobs. The fashion stylist Jay Massacret, who has worked with McQueen, Kenzo and Calvin Klein, styles the high-concept lookbooks and social campaigns. They shoot the clothing not on a mountain but in unexpected locales, like the Imperial Sand Dunes in California or on the streets of Paris. It’s not what one might find in Backcountry magazine.
There’s also the question of how to scale “Aspen.” As Aztech Mountain expands into global markets, the challenge is not just growth, it’s preserving the label’s distinct Aspen ethos while translating it for destinations steeped in their own ski traditions. In December, the company opened its first shop-in-shop at the Hotel Alberg in Lech, Austria, a move that signaled its commitment to reinterpreting the Aspen mind-set for a discerning European market that’s loyal to legacy brands.
But which Aspen is Aztech selling? Between the influencer brigade and skyrocketing home prices, today’s Aspen is far from the tight-knit ski town of yesteryear. The locals-first spirit of unpretentious powder seekers has given way to a scene in which lift lines are longer, tables at Cache Cache book out months in advance and the cost of entry — for a family of four or a single season pass — has never been steeper.
Still, for those who know where to look, the soul of old Aspen lingers: in the first tracks at Highlands, on a well-worn stool at J Bar and among the subtle nods exchanged in a gondola.
“In the beginning, we thought Aspen was going to be a put-off for people,” Mr. Rutgers said. “Can we talk about Aspen if we’re trying to sell in St. Moritz or Lech or Lenzerheide? What we realized was that we had to lean into it. I’ve been lucky to ski pretty much everywhere, and every time I come back to Aspen, I’m reminded that this place is truly special.”
Source link
#Aztech #Mountain #Ski #Brand #Mountain #Cred
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
When Germany Votes, It Will Be About the Economy
When Germany Votes, It Will Be About the Economy
When ******* voters go to the polls on Sunday, the fate of companies like SKW Piesteritz will be at the top of their minds. The chemical factory halved its annual Christmas bonus for workers last year, and it just shut down one of its two ammonia plants.
Hammered by high energy costs and what they call excessive ******* regulation, executives say they might be forced to move production abroad. That would jeopardize 10,000 jobs in and around the small community of Lutherstadt Wittenberg in the country’s economically depressed eastern region, which has already been hurt by pullbacks at the company.
“It is a catastrophe,” said Torsten Zugehör, the local mayor.
The ******* election has in part focused on hot-button issues like immigration and more recently on the threat to the Atlantic alliance presented by President Trump. But the overriding concern in daily ******* life, according to interviews and polls, and the thing most likely to drive the choice of voters, is the nation’s anemic economy.
Business executives, workers and politicians alike agree that the next ******* chancellor must move quickly to repair the country’s ailing industrial sector, or risk economic and political disaster for years to come.
******* competitiveness, long a source of national pride, “was never as bad as it is today,” said Petr Cingr, chairman of the board of SKW, which makes products such as fertilizers and an additive for diesel motors.
The ******* economy has not grown in five years. Its once-powerful industries are suffering through what corporate and labor leaders call a crisis of competitiveness. Structural problems, including crumbling public infrastructure, from bridges and roads to schools; a lack of high-speed broadband networks; and public services that still work with paper have dragged on growth. So have regulations, tax rates and, in particular, high energy costs.
Energy prices spiked when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. They have fallen slightly since, but remain nearly 20 percent higher than the European average, according to Eurostat. Company leaders say measures from Berlin and Brussels that are meant to reduce fossil fuel emissions and combat climate change have exacerbated the problem.
Increasing competition from China, which is able to produce machinery and other industrial products more cheaply than ******* firms, and the looming threat of tariffs from the United States have added to the pressure on Germany’s industry.
BASF, the world’s largest chemical company, has already begun closing its factories in Germany and shifting production to China and the United States.
SKW fears it could be next.
“If this becomes a permanent loss-making operation, then we can’t rule out the possibility that some of the production will be relocated to France, to Austria,” said Carsten Franzke, the company’s head of operations.
The leading candidates for chancellor have all promised changes to jolt growth. Olaf Scholz, the incumbent chancellor from the Social Democrats, has pledged to increase government spending in targeted industries. Posters across the country cast him as the “Made in Germany” candidate.
The favorite to supplant Mr. Scholz, Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democrats, has promised to slash regulation — including scaling back some climate goals — reduce taxes and build new advanced nuclear fusion reactors in a bid to push energy costs down.
“Germany is stuck in stagnation,” Robert Habeck, the economic minister and the chancellor candidate for the Green Party, said late last month.
Not all the economic news is grim. Even as Germany’s traditional industries, such as auto manufacturing, are suffering, the country has seen its service sector expand in recent years. The unemployment rate is low, at 3.2 percent, and some economists point out that the country has experienced industrial ups and downs before.
“Germany has repeatedly experienced phases of deindustrialization,” said Marcel Fratzscher, president of the ******* Institute for Economic Research. He pointed to the textile industry that disappeared in the 1970s and the electronics industry a decade later. “For the companies and employees affected, it was difficult, but Germany came back stronger in other sectors,” he said.
SKW operates in multiple European countries. But since its founding in 1993, the company, which sits on the Elbe River, has focused on tailoring its products to meet the needs of local farmers.
“We live and die with Germany and Europe,” Mr. Frantzke said.
Lutherstadt Wittenburg lives and dies, for now, with SKW. Aside from its tax bill, the company has opened its on-site day care and medical center to the public. It has donated money for playgrounds, sports teams and local events. Area firefighters train with the factory fire brigade. The company sponsors the local high school prom.
It has stopped new donations this year, and its lack of profits means it will not pay local business taxes. City officials say they will need to cut spending on sports and culture to balance this year’s budget.
If SKW relocated operations, there is no other industry to replace it, said Mr. Zugehör, the mayor. Many of the well-educated, highly skilled workers and their families would leave, gutting a region that has spent the past three decades working to create an attractive standard of living, he said.
“We would not be able to compensate for the loss,” he said.
One of those at risk of leaving would be Valentin Koch, 27, who arrived seven years ago from the western region of Rhineland Palatinate, because he saw more opportunities to find a good job and build a life here. He got a job at SKW and has worked his way up, becoming a plant operator and deputy shift manager.
His hope had been to spend the next two to three decades at the company, but he fears that might not be possible much longer.
Mr. Koch said he was able to handle the unexpected drop in last year’s Christmas bonus, despite having recently purchased his first home. But not everyone was so lucky.
“I know some people who counted on that, who calculated their loans on the bonus payments,” Mr. Koch said. “That makes people more worried. And it all depends on politics.”
Many companies, including SKW, say government directives have raised their costs and hurt profits, especially those aimed at meeting Germany’s ambition to be carbon neutral by 2045. Mr. Franzke hopes that a new government will grant companies more freedom and flexibility to reach carbon neutrality, including by using technologies the government has not championed.
Asked about his preferred future government, Mr. Franzke praised the Christian Democrats. He was on his way last week to personally deliver a letter with industry recommendations for the economy to Mr. Merz, ahead of a campaign rally.
“We hope that at some point common sense will prevail and that competition will reassert itself in Germany,” Mr. Franzke said.
Mr. Koch was also hopeful, but he was less sold on Mr. Merz. A few days before the election, he said he still had not decided which party to back.
“It’s difficult,” he said. “It’s really difficult.”
Source link
#Germany #Votes #Economy
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
After Space Marine II, Saber Interactive Is Picking Up the Reins on One of Hasbro’s “tentpole IPs”
After Space Marine II, Saber Interactive Is Picking Up the Reins on One of Hasbro’s “tentpole IPs”
After the massive success of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine 2, fans were eagerly speculating about what Saber Interactive’s next project would be. It looks like the studio is teaming up with Hasbro to tackle a brand-new AAA game, centered around one of the company’s most iconic tentpole IPs.
The recent announcement of the collaboration has sent waves of excitement. | Image Credit: Saber Interactive
In a recent earnings call, Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks revealed the collaboration, confirming that they are turning to Saber to develop a high-octane AAA game with immersive multiplayer gameplay. This news has sent shock waves in the community as fans try to guess which beloved IP Saber will bring to life next.
Hasbro’s tentpole IPs: A goldmine for Saber Interactive
Fans are speculating about which IP the studio will be working on. | Image Credit: Saber Interactive
With CEO Chris Cocks revealing in the earnings call (reported via Polygon) that Saber is going to work on one of Hasbro’s extensive portfolio of tentpole IPs, the excitement in the gaming community is palpable. He said:
I’m especially excited to announce this one today, being a personal fan of many of this team’s games. Hasbro and Saber Interactive will be collaborating on an all-new video game partnership.
The excitement is not only due to Saber being part of it, but this also means that the studio will be working on a treasure trove of potential franchises for its next big project. Among the most obvious choices are G.I. Joe, Power Rangers, and Transformers.
These iconic brands have seen action-oriented games in the past, but none have quite captured their full potential. Transformers and G.I. Joe are especially appealing, given their rich action-based storytelling and large rosters of characters.
Saber’s ability to present a fast-paced, engaging combat system would be a natural fit for these universes, allowing players to experience thrilling battles in ways never seen before. Another IP that is sort of a wildcard is Power Rangers.
Given that it hasn’t had a truly standout game so far, Hasbro might want to change that with the help of Saber Interactive. The IP has numerous villains and minion-heavy battles which would take full advantage of the use of Swarm technology, allowing for epic battles full of fast, dynamic action.
Ultimately, Hasbro’s rich variety of IPs presents a wide range of opportunities, and no matter which franchise the studio is working on, the potential for another hit is high.
The wide range of possibilities increases the anticipation
The anticipation for the collaboration is high. | Image Credit: Saber Interactive
After the massive success of Space Marine 2, players know exactly what Saber is capable of intense, fast-paced action, immersive gameplay, and cutting-edge technology. Now, with a slew of iconic Hasbro IPs on the table, the anticipation has reached a fever pitch.
Whether the next title is about Transformers, G.I. Joe, Power Rangers, or another franchise, one thing is clear: expectations are sky-high. The studio’s proven ability to deliver thrilling experiences coupled with its signature Swarm tech has made the excitement even higher.
Given the background of these franchises, Transformers and Power Rangers seem like the most likely candidates. Both have a long history of action-driven stories and feature numerous characters that could be brought to life through fast-paced combat and multiplayer experiences.
G.I. Joe on the other hand is a great fit for action-based team combat, but it may be a more challenging choice for integrating Swarm tech effectively.
For now, speculation runs wild as fans debate which franchise fits the bill and will be next in line. The excitement is infectious, and with the studio’s track record of delivering high-quality games, it’s clear that whatever they unveil next, it will be a game to watch closely.
In the end, while the specific IP Saber is working is pure speculation, one thing is clear: the future of Hasbro’s gaming ventures is certainly in capable hands. Which tentpole IP are you most excited to see brought to life? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.
Source link
#Space #Marine #Saber #Interactive #Picking #Reins #Hasbros #tentpole #IPs
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: What’s the Difference in Price in India, Features, and More
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: What’s the Difference in Price in India, Features, and More
Apple has added an all-new affordable model to its iPhone 16 range. Yes, we are talking about the iPhone 16e. The latest iPhone model from the Cupertino-based giant brings all the latest features and offers a much cheaper price tag than the current flagship iPhone 16 series. The newest iPhone 16e provides an OLED display, FaceID, the latest A18 chipset, Apple Intelligence support, an action button, and more. So, does it make sense to go for the new iPhone 16e or consider the iPhone 16 instead? In order to help you make informed decisions, we have put both devices against each other to see which one is meant for whom. So, without further ado, let’s get started.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Price in India
The iPhone 16e’s price in India starts at Rs. 59,900 for the 128GB storage option. The 256GB model is available for Rs. 69,900. A top-end variant with 512GB storage costs Rs. 89,900.
The iPhone 16 price in India starts at Rs. 79,900 for the 128GB storage option. The 256GB model is available for Rs. 89,900. There is also a top-end variant that comes with a price tag of Rs. 1,09,900. That said, one can get the iPhone 16 for as low as Rs. 69,999 on the online platform Flipkart at the time of writing.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Design
The iPhone 16e has a sleek design language, which looks similar to the older iPhone models with a notch. The front panel comes with a large notch, while the back panel features a single camera module with an LED flash. The handset comes with an IP68 rating, which makes it water and dust-resistant. The handset is available in two colour options, including ****** and White.
The iPhone 16 comes with a slightly modern design language. The rear panel comes with vertically aligned dual cameras, while the front features the Dynamic Island. The iPhone 16 also offers a customisable Action Button and a Camera Button to control different camera functions. The model also comes with an IP68 rating. The iPhone 16 is available in Back, White, Pink, Teal, and Ultramarine colour options. The phone measures 147.6 x 71.6 x 7.80mm and weighs 199 grams.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Display
The iPhone 16e has a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display with a resolution of 1170×2532 pixels. It also offers up to 1200nits of peak brightness, HDR, True Tone, and Ceramic Shield protection.
The iPhone 16 also has a 6.1-inch OLED Super Retina XDR display. The screen offers a resolution of 1179×2556 pixels. Moreover, the handset comes with up to 2000nits of peak outdoor brightness, HDR, True Tone display, and the latest generation of Ceramic Shield protection.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Performance and OS
Both models are powered by the latest Apple A18 processor. The newest chipset is built using a 3nm process and offers a 16-core Neural Engine. However, there is a slight difference in the GPU section. The iPhone 16e features a 4-core GPU, while the iPhone 16 features a 5-core GPU. Apart from this, both models offer up to 512GB of internal storage. Moreover, both the devices run on iOS 18 and support Apple Intelligence AI features.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Cameras
The iPhone 16e features a 2-in-1 48-megapixel rear camera. This means the camera will function as a wide-angle and telephoto lens to take 2x telephoto shots. The front offers a 12-megapixel TrueDepth camera with f/1.9 aperture. The iPhone 16e can record 4K video recording up to 60fps.
The iPhone 16 comes equipped with a dual-camera setup on the rear panel. The device features a 48-megapixel Fusion camera with f/1.6 aperture that also doubles as a 2x telephoto lens coupled with a 12-megapixel ultra-wide-angle sensor with f/2.2. On the front, the device features a 12-megapixel TrueDepth shooter for selfies and video calling. The iPhone 16 can record 4K video recording up to 60fps.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Battery
In terms of battery, the iPhone 16e comes with a lithium-ion battery that can deliver up to 26 hours of video playback. The handset also comes with a USB Type-C port for fast charging. The iPhone 16 also features a lithium-ion battery that can deliver up to 22 hours of video playback.
iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16: Conclusion
To conclude, both devices are meant for different audiences. Those who want to explore Apple Intelligence features without spending too much on the new iPhone 16 series can consider the iPhone 16e. The newest iPhone model brings almost a similar display and processor. However, the iPhone 16 is meant for those who want to experience the latest features from Apple, coupled with a better set of cameras and slightly better performance.
Apple iPhone 16e vs iPhone 16 comparison
Key Specs
Display
6.10-inch
6.10-inch
Processor
Apple A18
Apple A18
Front Camera
12-megapixel
12-megapixel
Rear Camera
48-megapixel
48-megapixel + 12-megapixel
RAM
8GB
8GB
Storage
128GB
128GB, 256GB, 512GB
OS
iOS 18
iOS 18
Resolution
1170×2532 pixels
1179×2556 pixels
Source link
#iPhone #16e #iPhone #Whats #Difference #Price #India #Features
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Craig O’Donoghue: Don’t tell the public that Sam Mitchell’s wedding chat with Harley Reid was a coincidence
Craig O’Donoghue: Don’t tell the public that Sam Mitchell’s wedding chat with Harley Reid was a coincidence
Given players and clubs are constantly talking about contracts, does anyone really believe Sam Mitchell didn’t use Tom Barrass’ wedding to butter up Harley Reid? Why do clubs keep treating fans like fools?
Source link
#Craig #ODonoghue #Dont #public #Sam #Mitchells #wedding #chat #Harley #Reid #coincidence
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Profits, Not D.E.I., Are Why Companies Exist
Profits, Not D.E.I., Are Why Companies Exist
A prominent group of chief executives said almost six years ago that making profits for shareholders was only part of their business — and not necessarily the main part.
Speaking collectively as the Business Roundtable, C.E.O.s from companies like Johnson & Johnson, FedEx, Wells Fargo and Amazon said that, really, they were devoted to serving employees and customers, protecting the environment and treating suppliers ethically.
Thank you, I wrote in a column back then. And may I sell you a bridge?
Now that many companies are muting their commitments to programs embracing diversity, equity and inclusion, as well as to environmental sustainability, I can’t say I’m shocked.
The Trump administration has declared D.E.I. to be “********” and “immoral.” It has derided efforts to ensure “sustainability” and stave off climate change as misguided undertakings that are only weakening America. Faced with the administration’s threats of litigation and investigation, corporate America is, to a large extent, bending with the political wind. My colleagues, here and at other news organizations, have been documenting the retreat on these issues by countless companies, including Target, Meta, Google, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, BlackRock and Vanguard.
The spectacle of corporations changing their posture in waves, like groves of saplings in a storm, may seem startling.
But corporations have always done this. What we’re seeing now is an accelerated version. In fact, it’s what Milton Friedman, who was both a Nobel laureate economist and a high priest of conservative, free-market ideology, said they should do.
Social Responsibility
Professor Friedman chose to explain his views in The New York Times Magazine to a broad swath of Americans, including many who were not entirely comfortable with right-wing political beliefs.
His article, published on Sept. 13, 1970, carried a provocative headline: “A Friedman doctrine — The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits.” In it, he acknowledged that many leading companies in those days — as in the recent past, before the Trump victory — openly advocated a broad sense of corporate responsibility.
This was a grave mistake, he contended. “The businessmen believe that they are defending free enterprise when they declaim that business is not concerned ‘merely’ with profit but also with promoting desirable ‘social’ ends; that business has a ‘social conscience’ and takes seriously its responsibilities for providing employment, eliminating discrimination, avoiding pollution and whatever else may be the catchwords of the contemporary crop of reformers.”
This kind of talk was naïve, vacuous and worse, he said. Professor Friedman, an apostle of unfettered capitalism, said that if anyone took corporate social responsibility seriously, it would lead the United States on the road to socialism. Instead, he wrote, what companies should do was stick to their essential function: Using resources efficiently to maximize profits.
Businesses needed to abide by government rules and regulations, he said. Furthermore, he allowed that sometimes executives had to speak as though they believed that corporations had a responsibility to do more than simply make money.
“If our institutions, and the attitudes of the public make it in their self-interest to cloak their actions in this way,” Professor Friedman wrote, “I cannot summon much indignation to denounce them.” But he did so anyway, calling them “incredibly short sighted and muddle-headed” as well as “socialist” and “collectivist.”
One motivation for writing this full-throated defense of pure profits was clear in his piece: He was troubled by the rise of shareholder proxy campaigns, in which shareholder votes push corporations to act in a progressive manner. Professor Friedman referred specifically to the “G.M. crusade,” a pioneering shareholder rights campaign begun earlier that year and spearheaded by Ralph Nader.
Professor Friedman died in 2006. Mr. Nader, 90, remains active, and this past week, I called him for his perspective on shifting corporate views on D.E.I. and sustainability since the 1960s.
He said that in the General Motors campaign, “We had three goals: to get G.M. to produce safer cars, less polluting cars and more fuel-efficient cars.” The effort centered on a proxy fight — ostensibly, an electoral battle for a plurality of shareholder votes.
But, Mr. Nader said, there was never a serious hope of winning a proxy vote contest because the organizers only owned a handful of shares, while richer and more conservative investors had vastly more resources. Instead, the G.M. campaign was a battle for the nation’s hearts and minds.
Mr. Nader’s tactics were inspired by a proxy battle at Eastman Kodak, started a few years earlier by the community organizer Saul Alinsky. Mr. Alinsky, who died in 1972, said he took on Kodak because it was the most powerful institution in its home base, Rochester, N.Y. The point of the campaign was to persuade the company to use its clout to get Rochester to build decent housing for poor people of color.
In his classic book, “Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals,” Mr. Alinsky wrote, “There was never any thought, then or now, of using proxies to gain economic power inside the corporation or to elect directors to the board.”
He added, “Boards of directors are only rubber stamps of management.”
Similarly, Mr. Nader said that he knew at the outset of the G.M. campaign in 1970 that it would be impossible to “win” a shareholder voting contest outright. But the campaign succeeded in putting pressure on the company for a while, he said. “Kicking and screaming, they started producing safer cars, more fuel-efficient cars and less polluting cars,” he said.
But obviously, he said, “when you look back, it’s clear that they didn’t do nearly enough.” And, he added, proxy campaigns and corporate commitments can only go so far.
That shouldn’t be surprising, he said, because corporate executives and board members “just put their fingers in the wind and when the wind changes, they just back off. It’s a rhetorical cycle, but it doesn’t much change how they actually behave one way or another.”
On the other hand, Mr. Nader said, most corporate executives are pragmatists who understand that having a diverse work force and making efficient use of energy “is in their companies’ own interest.”
If the political cycle shifts again, expect to hear much more from corporate America about the need for social responsibility, Mr. Nader said.
Profits and Politics
I don’t expect — or want — corporate executives to be political leaders. I would prefer that they do the right thing, and I’m troubled when they don’t. But I invest in them anyway.
Maybe that’s because I learned early on to be skeptical of smooth-talking strangers. As an investor, I focus on the money. As I’ve said before, when somebody offers something for nothing, I reach into my pocket to see if my wallet is there.
My wallet is intact. That’s at least in part because I’ve been careful to separate my personal and political opinions from my investments. I don’t necessarily trust all publicly traded companies or approve of all of their practices, but I hold a piece of them through broad, cheap stock and bond index funds that put money into the entire global market. I intend to keep doing so, regardless of changes in fashion or politics.
Now, on a personal note: I’m taking a break — a monthlong sabbatical in Mexico to learn some Spanish and immerse myself in the perspective of people south of the border.
The Strategies column will be back in the spring. Let’s see what the winds of change have done to corporate America by then.
Source link
#Profits #D.E.I #Companies #Exist
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Five Free Movies to Stream Now
Five Free Movies to Stream Now
Maybe Big Tech hasn’t delivered on its disruptive promise for movies after all: We’ve cut our cable cords for price and convenience only to pay just as much (if not more) to jump through hoops and across platforms, with diminishing returns in quality.
But there’s always good work being made. This new column, then, is not about free stuff, but about discovery. It’s a curation of good and great films on free, ad-supported platforms like Tubi, Plex and Pluto TV that often fall through the cracks of our numbingly plentiful, overly content-ified entertainment complexes.
This inaugural column’s picks take us from a small farm to a cramped Japanese apartment, from a restaurant kitchen to an urgent historical record of memory. These are movies that you can watch, contend with and ponder for free.
An undersung trend in recent movies is the artful animal picture, from “EO” (about a donkey) to “First Cow” (a cow) to “Cow” (you get it). “Gunda” is perhaps the simplest and quietest of them all, but somehow contains a stirring, stealthily profound inquiry into human and animal nature.
The Russian documentarian Victor Kossakovsky trains a plainly meditative eye on the titular mother pig and her litter of newborns, watching the piglets quiver in their sleep, or climb over one another for milk. It’s a patient film, lyrical in its slowness, but also undemanding: You might find yourself drifting off as if napping in a pasture, then come back to the sight of a thirsty pig peeking out a barn door, biting at the rain.
And yet, hovering over these idyllic tableaus is a question chased by an almost spiritual urgency — what will happen to these pigs? Or perhaps more acutely: What will we do to them? The purity of the film builds to a suffocating conclusion that seems to contain the whole world and our human capacity to act within it.
‘Shoplifters’ (2018)
Stream it on Pluto TV.
In the aisles of a supermarket, a frumpy dad and his young son exchange glances, twiddle their fingers and are off with the loot: just chocolates and a couple of packets of ramen. It’s an opening that might suggest a cheeky film about a band of ragtag hustlers. But what “Shoplifters” ultimately becomes is a heart-wrenching parable wrapped inside a soap opera and enlivened by Japanese auteur Hirokazu Kore-eda’s lovely sensitivity.
Father and son aren’t exactly that: They’re part of a chosen family who, we slowly gather, aren’t connected by blood but by a crafty will to survive in a mundanely harsh world. As the pair walks home, they find a young girl abandoned, and soon she’s brought into their fold.
The story of the family (a knockout ensemble, headlined by Sakura Ando’s gutting performance as the mother) is one of such delicate humanism and tenderness, your heart is left almost physically aching by the end. Life is hard, but a croquette dipped in ramen never tasted so good, a trip to the beach never felt so joyful, a mother’s hug never felt so safe.
‘Farha’ (2021)
Stream it on Tubi.
Since the war started in 2023, thousands of the children of Gaza — where children account for nearly half the population — have been killed. To watch “Farha” is to see the past ripple into the present. In the Palestine of 1948, young Farha’s greatest wish is to go to school. But when violence invades her small village, her only hope is to survive. When she asks her friend Farida what she wants to be when she grows up, the shock of a bomb interrupts their conversation. They flinch and run, their tree swings left swaying.
Based on a real ************’s experience, the Jordanian director Darin J. Sallam’s harrowing film witnesses this childhood innocence abruptly cut short. It is spare and claustrophobic, taking place primarily inside a storage cellar, where Farha’s father has shut her amid the sudden chaos, with the promise he’ll return. Through the slivers of the cellar door, we get a faint glimpse of what Palestinians refer to as the Nakba — Arabic for “catastrophe” — when 700,000 people fled or were forced out by Zionist paramilitaries and eventually by the newly formed Israel Defense Forces. But mostly we witness the breathtaking violence of the ******* as reflected on the face of Farha, the child, who, by the film’s end, has become something quite different.
‘Boiling Point’ (2021)
Stream it on Tubi.
This British film is like “The Bear” (and debuted months before it), but with a little more vérité grit and a little less hard-earned hope. “Boiling Point” is shot entirely in one take, twisting through the corners of a high-end restaurant and the gradually simmering crises of its head chef, Andy (Stephen Graham), during one busy night in the kitchen. It’s hell in there, but what’s left of Andy’s life outside is also an escalating nightmare.
The movie is a technical feat in its single-shot tableau of turmoil. Graham is the fulcrum here, but his performance is not built upon Gordon Ramsay-esque explosions; rather his perpetual clenched-jaw stoicism hides a mournful mess underneath.
Raoul *****’s documentary on James Baldwin was vitally urgent when it was released eight years ago, and it remains so now. Narrated by Samuel L. Jackson and structured loosely after an unfinished book by Baldwin, the film is not so much a biographical portrait of one man as it is a fragmented picture of a brutally racist nation, revealed through the writer’s bracing words.
It is a relatively impressionistic work, shuttling between various pieces of archival footage and skipping across Baldwin’s reflections; you will be unsatisfied if expecting to get a legible view of his inner life. Yet every moment Baldwin appears onscreen is a lightning bolt, and you’re instead left with a disquieting confrontation — of the ****** realities he laid so painfully and rousingly bare, and how starkly present it all is today.
“What can we do?” Baldwin wonders. “Well, I am tired.”
Source link
#Free #Movies #Stream
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
The best foldable phones for 2025
The best foldable phones for 2025
Foldable phones are no longer a gimmick — they’re here to stay, and they’re better than ever. Whether you love the nostalgia of a flip phone or want the versatility of a near tablet-sized display that fits in your pocket, today’s new foldable devices are packed with cutting-edge tech. Brands like Samsung, Google and Motorola are leading the charge, pushing the boundaries of what a smartphone can do with sleek designs, powerful AI features and seamless multitasking.
Unlike traditional smartphones, foldable phones give you the best of both worlds: a compact form factor when you need portability and a big screen when you want to stream, game or get work done. Plus, with advancements in durability, better outer screens and flagship-level specs, these phones are more practical than ever. Whether you’re eyeing the latest Samsung phones or curious about what’s next for foldables, we’ve rounded up the best options to help you decide.
Note: For this guide, we’re focusing on devices that are widely available in North America and Europe. That’s because while there are even more options for people who live in Asia (especially China), they are often difficult to buy from abroad and may not support your local carriers.
Table of contents
Best foldable phones for 2025
Google
Read our full Pixel 9 Pro Fold review
Full screen size: 8 inches | Folded screen size: 6.3 inches | Storage capacity: Up to 512GB | Weight: 9.1 oz | Max battery life: Up to 27 hours
The small but mighty improvements Google brought to its new second-gen foldable have pushed it to the front of the pack. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold turns the somewhat unfinished original Pixel Fold into a solid handset ready for prime time. Google refined its design to have an aspect ratio that mimics the standard Pixel 9 smartphones, with a familiar 6.3-inch, 20:9 outer display, that’s both easier to use and hold. The inner display has a more square aspect ratio as well with a bit more screen real estate than before. The handset overall has a more premium feel and certainly a more polished look thanks to its matte back and satin metal frame.
Along with solid performance (and battery life) and an upgraded design to match, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold still has the best cameras out of any foldable handset we’ve tried, despite not having any hardware upgrades from the original version. Plus, Google’s AI image editing tools like Magic Editor give you more control over your photos, and Pixel-only software support like Made You Look make Google’s handset a more compelling foldable. — Valentina Palladino, Deputy Editor
Pros
Slick design
Better cameras than the competition
Thinner and lighter than previous model
Runs cooler than before
Cons
Still expensive
Some software quirks
$1,799 at Google
Photo by Sam Rutherford/Engadget
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 review
Full screen size: 7.6 inches | Folded screen size: 6.3 inches | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | Weight: 239g | Max battery life: Up to 23 hours
While we would have liked to see some more drastic design changes, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6 remains one of the most versatile and well-rounded examples of a big, premium foldable phone. The Galaxy Z Fold 6’s cover display is larger and more usable than its competitors, and its new Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip delivers strong performance and improved energy efficiency while its Enhanced Armor Aluminum chassis is noticeably lighter than before (and a bit more durable too). There’s also a new ultra-wide angle camera sensor and a boatload of AI-powered features scattered throughout the phone. Plus, the Z Fold 6 remains one of the few foldables with native stylus support, though you’ll need to pay extra for one of Samsung’s S Pens. Perhaps the biggest downside is that Samsung’s latest flagship now costs $100 more than its predecessor. — Sam Rutherford, Senior Reporter
Pros
Super bright and colorful display
Even lighter chassis
Great battery life
Native stylus support
Cons
Even more expensive than before
Same main camera as the previous two Z Folds
S Pen not included
Charging speeds could be faster
$1,900 at Samsung
Photo by Sam Rutherford / Engadget
Read our full OnePlus Open review
Full screen size: 7.8 inches | Folded screen size: 6.3 inches | Storage capacity: Up to 512GB | Weight: 239g | Max battery life: Up to 25.5 hours
For those who want a big foldable that isn’t quite as expensive, the OnePlus Open is a very interesting option. Starting at $1,700, its Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chip offers similar performance to the Z Fold 5, but the Open features displays that are slightly larger and brighter. It’s also thinner and lighter while packing a larger battery and its Open Canvas software delivers an innovative tile-based UI for multitasking, allowing you to manage apps and widgets seamlessly. Sure, its triple rear camera module is bulky, but image quality is as good if not slightly better than the Z Fold 5 (though, still short of the Pixel Fold). But the best part is that, thanks to OnePlus’ trade-in deal, you can exchange any old phone you have lying around for $200 off, which brings the Open’s final price down to $1,500. That still isn’t cheap, but it pushes the Open closer to being somewhat affordable. — S.R.
Pros
More affordable than the competition
Good performance
Thinner and lighter design
Good battery life
$1,699 at OnePlus
Photo by Mat Smith / Engadget
Read our full Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 review
Full screen size: 6.7 inches | Folded screen size: 3.4 inches | Storage capacity: Up to 1TB | Weight: 187g | Max battery life: Up to 23 hours
Samsung’s foldables have been leading the charge in the flip-style category, and the Galaxy Z Flip 6 is no exception. It has an upgraded camera and a larger battery than its predecessor, making it a more tempting option, even in the face of rival flagship phones. The leap from a 12-megapixel to 50MP camera means you can choose to capture more detail, or crop in for, effectively, a digital zoom. The cover display provides enough space for framing selfies, checking notifications and using widgets like weather or calendar, and its new Auto-Zoom feature means it can even frame unsupervised group shots for you. Photography is augmented by Samsung’s improved AI photo editing tools, which is much easier to use.
The Z Flip 6 now has a powerful Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, so it’s just as powerful as the S24 Ultra and Z Fold 6. Unfold the main screen and you’ll find one that’s brighter than ever (up to 2,600 nits). Samsung says this is its brightest foldable display yet, making it easier to use and read outdoors.
The design hasn’t changed much and a focus on new AI software and tricks comes at the cost of limited cover screen utility, but it’s still as pocketable as ever and is still the most mainstream foldable yet. — Mat Smith, Editor, *** Bureau Chief, Newsletter
Pros
Better cameras
Longer battery life
Fun generative AI tricks
Cons
More expensive than its predecessor
Design is almost identical to last year
Limited front-screen utility
Sluggish charging
$900 at Amazon
Photo by Cherlynn Low / Engadget
Read our full Motorola Razr+ review
Full screen size: 6.9 inches | Folded screen size: 3.6 inches | Storage capacity: Up to 256GB | Weight: 189g | Max battery life: Up to 23 hours
While the Razr+ (or the Razr 40 Ultra for those outside North America) may not be quite as sophisticated as the Galaxy Z Flip 5, what it lacks in tech it makes up for with its personality. It’s available in three colors, with the magenta model featuring a soft vegan leather back. It features a sleek design with a cover display that wraps around its cameras and is slightly more user-friendly than Samsung’s. Plus, the software is smooth and intuitive, making it easier to access and use your favorite Android phone apps. And for those who are nostalgic for the original Razr from the early 2000s, Moto even included an easter egg that features a retro UI. Unfortunately, its water resistance is much less substantial, as it’s only rated to withstand spills or small splashes. — S.R.
Pros
Useful and roomy external display
Folds in half to become very compact
Can be own tripod for photos or videos
Cons
Cameras cannot compare to flagships
Long-term durability and security remains a concern
$400 at Amazon
Photo by Mat Smith / Engadget
Read our full Motorola Razr review
Full screen size: 6.9 inches | Folded screen size: 1.5 inches | Storage capacity: Up to 256GB | Weight: 189g | Max battery life: Up to 23 hours
The non-plus Moto Razr (aka the Razr 40 internationally) is the company’s first attempt to make a more affordable flip-style foldable. Starting at £800 (U.S. pricing still TBA), it’s one of the least expensive options on ***** today. However, it features a much smaller 1.5-inch exterior display along with a slower Snapdragon 7 Gen 1 chipset and somewhat underwhelming cameras. On the bright side, it features the same display you get on its more expensive sibling. The one difference is that it’s limited to 144Hz instead of 165Hz due to its less powerful processor. And, similar to the magenta Razr+, all the colors of the basic Razr (Sage Green, Vanilla Cream, Summer Lilac) come with a soft vegan leather back. — S.R.
Pros
A cheaper foldable phone
Decent battery life
Tactile soft finish
Cons
Unremarkable external screen
Underwhelming cameras
£800 at Motorola
How we test foldable phones
When evaluating new foldable phones, we consider the same general criteria as we do when we’re judging the best smartphones. Devices need to have good battery life (at least a full day’s use), bright inner displays (peaks of at least 1,000 nits), sharp cameras and responsive performance. That said, foldable phones come in different shapes (and sizes); there are varying designs that may appeal to different types of people.
For those who prefer more compact and stylish devices, flip phone-style foldables resemble old-school namesakes but with flexible interior displays (typically six to seven inches diagonally) and smaller outer screens, often referred to as the cover display. Alternatively, for power users and people who want to maximize mobile productivity, there are larger book-style foldables (with seven to eight-inch main displays) that can transform from a candy bar-style phone to essentially a small tablet when opened.
Are foldable phones worth it? A note on durability
Aside from their displays, the biggest difference between foldable phones and more traditional handsets is durability. That’s because while some models like the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and Samsung’s foldables offer IPX8 water resistance (which is good for submersions of up to five feet for 30 minutes), their flexible screens – which are largely made from plastic – present some unique challenges.
Most foldables come with factory-installed screen protectors. However, unlike regular phones, users are instructed not to remove them without assistance from approved service centers. Thankfully, Samsung phones do offer one free screen protector replacement for its foldables, while Google charges between $29 and $129 depending on the warranty status of your device. That said, while we can’t do long-term testing for every new foldable phone on the market, after personally using the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Galaxy Z Fold 4 each for a year, I’ve found that Samsung’s pre-installed screen protector tends to start bubbling nine to 12 months after purchase. So you’ll probably want to factor in that your foldable may need some sort of servicing after about a year unless you plan on removing the screen protector entirely (which is possible, but goes against most manufacturers’ instructions).
Furthermore, foldable phone owners need to be mindful about keeping sharp objects away from their flexible displays, as rocks, keys or even pressing down very hard with a fingernail can leave permanent marks. In the event that you need to get a flexible screen serviced, you’re potentially facing a much higher repair bill when compared to a typical phone (up to $500 or more depending on the model and the severity of the damage). In short, while the ruggedness of foldable phones has improved a lot, they’re still more delicate than traditional handsets, which is something you need to account for.
However, foldables continue to evolve, with better AI features, improved specs and a more refined form factors that makes them even more practical. Whether you’re after a flip phone for nostalgia or a big screen device for multitasking, today’s foldable phones offer exciting possibilities — you just have to decide if they’re the right fit for you.
Source link
#foldable #phones
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
Federal judge orders Trump admin to comply with previous order to lift foreign aid freeze – Fox News
Federal judge orders Trump admin to comply with previous order to lift foreign aid freeze – Fox News
Federal judge orders Trump admin to comply with previous order to lift foreign aid freeze Fox NewsMajor Lawsuits Against Trump And Musk: Judge Declines To Hold Administration In Contempt For Suspending Foreign Aid Funds ForbesJudge again orders US to unfreeze foreign aid, stops short of contempt Reuters
Source link
#Federal #judge #orders #Trump #admin #comply #previous #order #lift #foreign #aid #freeze #Fox #News
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
The King of Fighters XIII Global Match Finally Released on Steam – With Rollback Netcode
The King of Fighters XIII Global Match Finally Released on Steam – With Rollback Netcode
WTMG’s Leo Faria: “Even though The King of Fighters XIII: Global Match is, by and large, the same game originally released in 2011 for Xbox 360, with just a handful of technical improvements, that’s not exactly a bad thing. Granted, it suffers from having a particularly small roster (for KoF standards, that is), and its story mode is a waste of time, but it’s still a top-notch King of Fighters game that’s well worth your time if you want a brand new fighting game fix with some juicy rollback netcode. It’s not King of Fighters 2002, but it’s no KoF XII either. To have this available on PS4 and Nintendo Switch is still a great deal for some multiplayer action and game preservation.”
Source link
#King #Fighters #XIII #Global #Match #Finally #Released #Steam #Rollback #Netcode
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]
WNCL: Western Australia finish season with upset win over South Australia but can’t dodge wooden spoon
WNCL: Western Australia finish season with upset win over South Australia but can’t dodge wooden spoon
Western Australia has finished their Women’s National Cricket League season with a rare win, but it wasn’t enough to pull them off the bottom of the ladder.
Source link
#WNCL #Western #Australia #finish #season #upset #win #South #Australia #dodge #wooden #spoon
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Bill Gates says the next generation should be ‘very afraid’ of these four issues
Bill Gates says the next generation should be ‘very afraid’ of these four issues
Bill Gates said he grew up worrying about nuclear war, but future generations will have to be concerned about that as well as bioterrorism and climate change—to name a few.
Bill Gates has laid out what he believes should be on the agenda for the next generation to address.
Having been born in the 1950s, the Microsoft cofounder said one of his greatest fears growing up was the threat of nuclear war.
And while this issue is far from resolved, the billionaire philanthropist also highlighted a handful of further issues that people his children’s age will need to address.
Speaking to Patrick Collison of the Computer History Museum last week, Gates explained: “A nuclear war or a super bad bioterrorism event, or not shaping AI properly or not bringing society together a little bit around the polarization. Those four things, yes, the younger generation has to be very afraid of those things.”
Gates, 69, then retrospectively added climate change to the to-do list for millennials and Gen Z to rectify.
But even with all of these major concerns on the horizon, the man worth $168 billion added that the headlines of life in the 2020s and beyond are only looking more positive.
“It’s fine that people are worrying about the problems we face, including how we shape AI and polarization and we’re arguably less ready for a pandemic now than after the last one because of the divisiveness that’s come in around that.
“It’s weird the things that we all wish would be better and the things that we worry about, but if anybody thinks it was [better] back in 1955 for women or people who are gay or people who have got heart disease or *******—it’s just insane.
“The big headline is people are living longer, people are learning more, people are more literate.”
Gates, the former CEO of Microsoft and the cofounder of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation—now known as the Gates Foundation—also pointed out that as these issues rise up the agenda, they may be overemphasized to ensure action.
He explained: “They’ll actually, to some degree, exaggerate the likelihood and the impact of some of those things in order to activate people to make sure we steer clear of those things.”
Provided focus is put on these problems, Gates’s outlook for the world he is leaving to the next generation is positive: “We’re going to be so much better off: Alzheimer’s, obesity, we’ll have a cure for ****, will have gotten rid of polio, measles, malaria. The pace of innovation today is greater than ever.”
USAID issue
In the more immediate time frame, the tech titan has a more pressing concern: the lives that will be lost if the funding freeze on U.S. aid to foreign countries isn’t rescinded.
Under Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency and with support from President Trump, work at the USAID department has been halted, and tens of millions of dollars in funding have been canceled.
Earlier this week Gates was asked by PBS how many lives could be lost if this ban wasn’t rectified, to which he responded: “It’s definitely in the millions.”
He went on to add that PEPFAR—a project that has provided $110 billion in funding to the prevention of **** and AIDs since its inception more than 20 years ago—”has kept over 20 million alive with **** drugs, started by President Bush and continued on a bipartisan basis literally up to the day Elon decided it wasn’t a good organization.”
“I know a lot of those workers, I know that work,” Gates continued in his conversation with PBS. “A very, very high percentage of it is stuff every taxpayer would be proud of.”
This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Source link
#Bill #Gates #generation #afraid #issues
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
You Choose The Protagonist in the ****** Panther Game, It’s Claimed
You Choose The Protagonist in the ****** Panther Game, It’s Claimed
Details about Cliffhanger’s upcoming ****** Panther game have surfaced online thanks to a popular leaker, and it seems players will be able to try out characters like T’Challa, Killmonger, Shuri and more.
The new information about Cliffhanger’s ****** Panther game comes from the popular Call of Duty leaker TheGhostOfHope. Their latest post on X (formerly Twitter) provides players with exclusive details on the upcoming game, such as character choice, combat details, POV, exploration, narrative aspects, etc.
The details reveal that the upcoming ****** Panther game will allow players to choose their protagonist, which varies from T’Challa to M’Baku, Azari, Shuri, Killmonger, and more. Each ****** Panther will have unique weapons, armour, and gadgets. Regarding combat, players can expect “authentic African Martial Arts mixed with Superhuman strength/agility” along with tech.
Regarding exploration, the upcoming ****** Panther game will feature cities, savannahs, and other locations where players will experience different cultures and interact with new characters. The game will feature an over-the-shoulder POV. Lastly, ****** Panther’s story will react to your choices and actions, providing players with “unique stories, missions & dynamics” in return.
The ****** Panther game was announced by EA in 2023, with Cliffhanger Games developing the AAA title. Monolith’s Kevin Stephens is leading the project, and the team includes veterans from top franchises like Halo Infinite, God of War, Call of Duty, and others. A job listing from last year confirmed an open-world setting for the game.
In other news, Marvel Rivals has crossed 40 million players in three months. Also, NetEase has released a statement on the recent layoffs. What are your thoughts on the new details about the ****** Panther game? Let us know in the comments or on our community forum!
For more information from Insider Gaming, read about Sony being sued for artificially high prices on the PlayStation Store. Don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter.
SUBSCRIBE to our newsletter to receive the latest news and exclusive leaks every week! No Spam.
Source link
#Choose #Protagonist #****** #Panther #Game #Claimed
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
What you need to know
What you need to know
The Brief
The Department of Insurance is warning drivers about a vehicle hostage scam sweeping SoCal.
Authorities have investigated multiple cases, leading to charges against 16 individuals.
You are urged not to sign any documents until you have talked to your insurance company.
LOS ANGELES – The California Department of Insurance is warning drivers about a rise in scams involving tow truck companies in Southern California.
The scammers target car accident victims, holding their vehicles hostage for cash, officials said.
An investigation by the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force has led to charges against 16 individuals involved in a large-scale auto insurance fraud ring.
It starts with a fake tow truck
What we know
The fraud ring allegedly conspired to create fraudulent insurance claims, collecting over $216,932 illegally. The scams include holding vehicles hostage and orchestrating collusive collisions.
A tow truck often appears immediately after an accident, officials said, offering to tow the vehicle to a body shop, which then demands a large payment not covered by insurance to release the vehicle.
What we don’t know
While the investigation has uncovered significant details about the fraud ring’s operations, the full extent of the network and all individuals involved is not clear.
The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests or charges could follow as authorities continue to unravel the scheme.
CHP employee goes rogue
Timeline
The investigation began in November 2022 when it was discovered that a California Highway Patrol employee, Rosa Isela Santistevan, 56, of Irvine, was unlawfully selling traffic collision report face pages. This led to the identification of the fraud ring, which involved multiple individuals and entities across Southern California.
During the numerous search warrants, additional evidence was obtained showing the alleged ring was engaged in other types of insurance fraud schemes, including collusive collisions.
Fraud ring operations
The backstory
The fraud ring’s activities included stealing vehicles under false pretenses and bringing them to a body shop in San Bernardino County.
After the task force served numerous search warrants they seized over 3,500 CHP traffic collision report face pages from the residence of Esmeralda Parga, 27, of Pomona, who the task force determined was connected to Santistevan through the organized ring’s ringleader, Andre Angelo Reyes, 37, of Corona.
“The conspiracy began after Reyes befriended Santistevan and other CHP employees by donating to various CHP events and parties. Santistevan printed and unlawfully sold thousands of traffic collision face pages to Reyes who would then provide the reports to E. Parga. E. Parga would then contact the parties involved in the collision, pretending to be from their insurance company and coordinate having their vehicle towed to a repair center that they misrepresented as approved by the insurance company,” officials said.
What to look out for
What they’re saying
Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara stated, “This type of scam is preying on drivers at their most vulnerable moments—immediately after an accident—when they should be focused on their safety and next steps, not fighting to get their vehicle back.”
Authorities also issued the following red flags to be aware of:
Tow truck shows up within minutes of accident, you may not even have had time to call anyone yet.
Tow truck driver tells you which body shop your car is going to instead of working with you to identify where you want your vehicle to go.
Tow truck driver tells you someone will contact you by phone or asks you to sign documents.
Tow truck driver requests a rideshare for you.
Tips on staying safe
What you can do
Drivers are urged to verify tow trucks with their insurance company or wait for CHP verification.
Avoid signing documents until consulting with your insurance provider. For more information or to report suspected fraud, contact the California Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357 or visit insurance.ca.gov.
Further legal proceedings expected
What’s next
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case, and further legal proceedings are expected. The investigation continues, with authorities working to dismantle the fraud ring and prevent future scams.
The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has also charged Reyes and Diana Villa Pineda, 34, of Corona with tax evasion of $136,408.The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is prosecuting this case.
Defendants include:
Andre Angelo Reyes, 37, of Corona
Diana Pineda Villa, 34, of Corona
Rosa Isela Santistevan, 56, of Irvine
Esmeralda Parga, 27, of Pomona
Anthony Gomez, 36, of Jurupa Valley
Antonio Terrazas Perez Jr., 20, of Los Angeles
Israel Avila Sandoval, 46, of Pomona
Luis Alberto Ramirez Jr., 32, of San Bernardino
Antonio Ramirez Perez, 45, of Los Angeles
Brian Anthony Lopez, 25, of Anaheim
Emily Marie Boatman, 27, of Ontario
Ricardo Parga Jr., 24, of Pomona
Steven Anthony Alfaro, 39, of Buena Park
Henry Castellano, 68, of Whittier
Elizabeth Gutierrez, 34, of Long Beach
Steve Allen Higgs, 72, of Corona
The Source
Information for this story is from the California Department of Insurance.
Source link
Pelican News
View the full article at [Hidden Content]
Privacy Notice: We utilize cookies to optimize your browsing experience and analyze website traffic. By consenting, you acknowledge and agree to our Cookie Policy, ensuring your privacy preferences are respected.
