Pelican Press

****** will free six hostages and hand over bodies ****** will free six hostages and hand over bodies A top ****** leader has flagged the militant group will release six living Israeli hostages on the weekend and the bodies of four others in the coming days, including the remains of the Bibas family, who for many Israelis have embodied the captives’ plight in Gaza. Israel has said it is gravely concerned about Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, but has not confirmed their deaths. ****** said they were killed in an Israeli air strike early in the war. Kfir, who was 9 months old at the time, was the youngest hostage taken in ******’ October 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war. A video of the abduction showed Shiri swaddling her red-headed boys in a blanket and being whisked away by armed men. ****** leader Khalil al-Hayya, in pre-recorded remarks on Tuesday, said the “Bibas family” would be included in the handover of four bodies on Thursday — the first to be released under the current ceasefire. The six to be released on Saturday are the last living hostages to be freed under the ceasefire’s first phase. Three had been expected to be freed. It was not immediately clear why ****** had changed the plan. But an Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to allow long-requested mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza as part of efforts to accelerate the hostages’ release. ****** last week threatened to hold up the release of hostages, citing the refusal to allow in mobile homes and heavy equipment among other alleged violations of the truce. The hostage releases have come in exchange for hundreds of ************ prisoners held by Israel. The ceasefire that began in mid-January has paused the deadliest fighting ever between Israel and ******, surged aid into devastated Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to their homes as Israeli forces withdrew from much of the territory. The sides have yet to negotiate the second and more difficult phase, in which ****** would release dozens more hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. Major challenges are ahead. Israel’s government says it wants to eliminate ******’ military and governing capabilities in Gaza. However, the militant group quickly reasserted its control of the territory during the ceasefire despite losing leaders and many fighters. US President Donald Trump’s new proposal to relocate the Palestinians out of Gaza so the US can redevelop the territory has been rejected by the Arab world and by the Palestinians, who fear they’ll never be allowed to return. But Israel has embraced the plan, and it and the Trump administration have emphasised they share the same goals in the war. Egypt has postponed an emergency Arab summit to counter Trump’s proposal. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday that the summit would be held in Cairo on March 4 to allow for further “logistical and objective preparations”. The summit, which had been scheduled for February 27, came after Trump’s proposal sent shock waves across the region. Source link #****** #free #hostages #hand #bodies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

AI could widen the wealth gap, experts say AI could widen the wealth gap, experts say Robot hand holding cash Getty Images/Paper Boat Creative The world experienced a seismic shift in November 2022 when San Francisco-based OpenAI‘s ChatGPT, a generative AI chatbot, was introduced to the public. Much like the arrival of the internet in the mid-1990s, artificial intelligence is impressive for its time but merely a glimpse of what’s to come. AI has already transformed every walk of life. But it also makes many of us wonder: Will artificial intelligence be the great equalizer or just another tool for the rich to get richer? Artificial intelligence is making our lives easier, but it has also started replacing some jobs. This has left many worried that this technology could make them redundant in the workforce and exacerbate wealth inequality. A survey by IPSOS showed that 50% of Americans believe the increased use of AI will result in greater income inequality and a more polarized society. Around 64% believe that governments should take action to prevent AI from taking people’s jobs, and 46% of the younger generation believes it’s likely or at least somewhat likely that they’ll lose their jobs to AI within the next five years. But according to Taylor Jo Isenberg, executive director of the Economic Security Project, the way AI impacts economic inequality will largely depend on the decisions made in the next decade. “We’re at a critical juncture. The choices we make in the next decade will determine whether we deliver on a vision of broad-based prosperity or further entrench economic and political power into the hands of a few,” she explained. If left unchecked, corporations driven by profit incentives may develop AI in ways that concentrate wealth and power at the top. However, Isenberg believes that if governments can deploy smart policies such as interoperability and nondiscrimination, they can foster innovation in the AI space while preventing monopolization. The government’s intervention could also help solve societal problems that might not have a big payday attached to them, such as health care and medicine. “If we imbue government with the expertise to proactively regulate, build public infrastructure to ensure access and affordability, and double down on fair and healthy competition across the industry, I think we’ll be off to a pretty good start,” Isenberg said. “However, I think it’s going to take political muscle and true leadership to put us on that trajectory, given the tremendous interest in staying the current course of letting a few players dominate the industry.” Carlos Gershenson-Garcia, a SUNY Empire Innovation professor at the Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering at Binghamton University, agrees. “Taxing successful AI companies and investing those resources in broader fields like health care and education would be wise,” he said. “The problem is that these companies fund and lobby politicians, giving them huge leverage over the government.” Story Continues AI has the potential to widen the wealth gap not only within our country but also globally. In a recent analysis, the International Monetary Fund staff examined the potential impact of AI on global labor using an AI Preparedness Index. After assessing the readiness of 125 countries based on areas such as digital infrastructure, human capital and labor-market policies, they found that wealthier economies tend to be better equipped for AI adoption than low-income countries, with Singapore, the U.S. and Denmark leading the way. In other words, because wealthy countries have the infrastructure and skilled workforces to harness the benefits of AI, they may see a greater boost in productivity and economic growth. Meanwhile, less developed countries that lack the necessary technology and training programs will risk falling further behind. Over time, as AI technology accelerates in wealthy countries, it might only exacerbate the inequality that already exists among nations. Big tech companies leading the AI revolution, like Amazon, Google, Microsoft and OpenAI, are amassing a tremendous amount of wealth. And because these firms dominate cloud computing, data access and AI research, it makes it difficult for smaller businesses and individuals to compete. Similarly, wealthier nations with the infrastructure and capital to invest in artificial intelligence will reap the benefits, while lower-income countries will be left in the dust. There are winners and losers in the labor market as well. With some jobs gradually being automated, lower-income and less-educated workers will be disproportionately affected by it since they often don’t have the financial resources to upskill themselves. On the other hand, the future seems pretty promising for workers with expertise in AI, machine learning and data science, but not everyone has access to the education and training needed to break into these fields. That said, Gershenon-Garcia thinks the fear of AI taking over all jobs may be slightly overblown. “It might seem that AI is taking our jobs, but a closer look at the statistics should reveal that the change is not that different from previous technologies that had a similar effect,” he said. “We can learn from what worked and what didn’t in those previous cases and implement programs to minimize an adverse effect on the workforce.” Johnny Gabriele, head analyst of blockchain economics and AI integration at The Lifted Initiative, sees AI as part of a broader shift in technological evolution. He believes AI will follow the historical trend of widening wealth inequality unless financial structures change fundamentally. “Looking back at history, large technological leaps have only widened wealth inequality. In my opinion, the only technology that has the power to do the opposite is cryptocurrency.” Gabriele said. “At the end of the day, this tech revolution will reward those who can master it and punish those who ignore it. If things get bad enough, there are already talks about universal basic income, but the jury is still out on whether this will lead to utopia or dystopia.” He believes that as long as our financial structures maintain their centralization, the rich will get richer, and the poor will get poorer. “At the end of the day, it’s centralization, not technology, that affects wealth and equality,” he explained. Source link #widen #wealth #gap #experts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lenovo’s leaked ThinkBook Flip is a wild take on dual screen laptops Lenovo’s leaked ThinkBook Flip is a wild take on dual screen laptops At CES 2025, Lenovo showed off a laptop with a rollable extending screen. It seems there is more weird laptop innovation still left in the bank at Lenovo. Evan Blass has shared what appear to be product renders of a folding dual-display laptop. Imagine a book-style foldable phone, and add a keyboard to it. Or maybe, one of those Asus or HP laptops with a flexible folding screen, with a real keyboard deck attached at the bottom. That’s roughly the vision behind Lenovo ThinkBook Flip AI PC, and it will make an appearance at MWC in the coming days. This one should technically be less fragile than a rollable panel, which is far more exquisite than mainstream flexible display panels. What are the innards? How much will it cost? Who exactly needs it? All those details are still under the wraps. But look at the leaked image above, and try to imagine why you would want the other half of the screen facing away from you, and in the view of a total stranger. Evan Blass / Substack Maybe, showing a presentation to a client, teaching kids, or even for real-time translation and transcription between two people in a meeting? It’s not hard to imagine some of the scenarios where a tent-format for two screens can lead to a shared computing experience. Now, turn your gaze to this outrageous format where the screen extends vertically upwards, matching your eye level in an upright posture or even peeking above the head. It is going to be a rather “public” computing experience, unless you’re in a cabin. I’ve had people giving me weird looks when I worked with a pair of Xreal smart glasses tethered to a MacBook Air in a coffee shop, or the days I propped open the dual 14-inch OLED panels on the Asus ZenBook Duo. Evan Blass / Substack The extra screen real estate is no gimmick. Lenovo certainly knows that. Lenovo’s dual-screen YogaBook 9i won praise for its fantastic build, beautiful display units, reliable performance, and sheer functional flexibility. With the upcoming Lenovo ThinkBook Flip AI PC, the company apparently wants to deliver a dual-screen laptop experience in every engineering format you can imagine. Rolling, folding, or book-style. You name it, the ******** electronics giant has got it. I am just intrigued about the asking price, and whether the product booklet tells you to be mindful about taking up too much space on a shared workplace desk, or just bringing an all-screen distraction for every other laptop user around in a cozy coffee shop. Source link #Lenovos #leaked #ThinkBook #Flip #wild #dual #screen #laptops Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

One of our favorite budget robot vacuums is 44 percent off right now One of our favorite budget robot vacuums is 44 percent off right now The is one of our , and it’s now 44 percent off at Amazon, making it only $140. This affordable robot vacuum from a few years back can still trade blows against newer models even without Wi-Fi connectivity. The 11S Max has three power modes — Standard, BoostIQ and Max, and the company claims a noise level of around 55 dB. Even so, its suction power is nothing to scoff at. And should it accidentally try to ******** a charging cable, the beeping alerts are loud enough to hear from the opposite end of an apartment. eufy One of our favorite budget robot vacuums is 44 percent off right now. It may be an older vacuum, but it still holds up against newer machines. $140 at Amazon As with the latest robot vacuums, the 11S Max has sensors that prevent collisions and falling down the stairs. Our tests show that it occasionally bumped into objects but also avoided the tester’s cat play tunnel when other budget vacuums didn’t. The 11S Max doesn’t have Wi-Fi, but we didn’t find that to be a major issue in our testing. The has buttons for scheduling auto cleaning, selecting cleaning modes, manually returning the robot to the charging base and more. Follow @EngadgetDeals on Twitter and subscribe to the Engadget Deals newsletter for the latest tech deals and buying advice. Source link #favorite #budget #robot #vacuums #percent Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Judge orders Eric Adams, DOJ lawyers to explain case dismissal request Judge orders Eric Adams, DOJ lawyers to explain case dismissal request New York City Mayor Eric Adams speaks with members of the media as he arrives for an Adult Town Hall at Sunnyside Community Services Older Adult Center on Feb. 12, 2025 in the Queens borough of New York City. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images A federal judge on Tuesday ordered New York Mayor Eric Adams, his attorneys, and Department of Justice prosecutors to appear in court Wednesday to explain the DOJ’s controversial request to dismiss criminal charges against Adams. Manhattan U.S. District Judge Dale Ho’s order suggests he will not rubber stamp the highly unusual dismissal request, which has sparked concerns that the DOJ struck a deal with Adams to toss the case in exchange for his cooperation with President Donald Trump’s immigration orders. Top DOJ lawyers on Friday asked Ho to toss the case after seven prosecutors — including the acting Manhattan U.S. Attorney — resigned rather than comply with an order to file that request. Danielle Sassoon, the former acting U.S. Attorney, has said that the DOJ’s dismissal bid creates “obvious ethical problems” by implicitly threatening future prosecution of Adams if he does not comply with Trump’s demand that he and other local officials cooperate with federal authorities in enforcing immigration laws. Ho set a hearing for 2 p.m. Wednesday on the dismissal bid. “The parties shall be prepared to address, inter alia, the reasons for the Government’s motion, the scope and effect of Mayor Adams’s “consent[] in writing,” Ho wrote in his order Tuesday. This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. Source link #Judge #orders #Eric #Adams #DOJ #lawyers #explain #case #dismissal #request Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Samsung savings: Take $900 off the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark Samsung savings: Take $900 off the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark A dedicated PC gamer needs a fast and lag-free monitor, and we’re always keeping an eye out for the best monitor deals. The stars have aligned today, folks, as Samsung has graced us with the following offer: For a limited time, when you purchase the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark Gaming Monitor (2nd Gen) at Amazon, Best Buy, Samsung, and a handful of other retailers, you’ll only pay $1,800. The full MSRP on this model is $2,700. Why you should buy the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark A gaming command center like no other, the 55-inch Odyssey Ark leans on Samsung’s years of TV experience to bring you a mini-LED-backlit monitor with the works. Featuring a 1000R curved display to pull you deep into the action, Samsung’s Multi View feature lets you use the Odyssey Ark in both portrait and landscape modes and gives you the ability to stack multiple opened apps, tabs, and sources. The Odyssey Ark is a fantastic gaming monitor with minimal input lag, fast response times, and some of the brightest imagery we’ve seen from a PC-optimized screen. Thanks to advanced local dimming and class-leading HDR performance, you’ll be blown away by the peak illumination and rich colors the Ark is able to achieve. You’ll also get HDMI 2.1 connectivity on all four inputs, along with VRR and a native 165Hz refresh rate. Should you want to stream a Netflix show or movie, the Odyssey Ark leans on Samsung’s long-standing Tizen OS partnership for all things apps and casting. While it’s difficult to say how long this ***** is going to be around, we wouldn’t wait much longer if you’re interested. Save $900 on the Samsung 55-inch Odyssey Ark Gaming Monitor (2nd Gen) when you purchase today. And before you head out, we also recommend checking out our lists of the best Samsung deals and best Samsung TV deals for even more discounts on top tech! Source link #Samsung #savings #Samsung #55inch #Odyssey #Ark Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Forge Your Destiny in Avowed With PC Game Pass on Day One Forge Your Destiny in Avowed With PC Game Pass on Day One Obsidian Entertainment is renowned for their masterful storytelling, delivering unforgettable RPGs. Now they’re bringing us a new adventure with Avowed, a first-person fantasy RPG set in the world of Pillars of Eternity. Launching day one on PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate, this brand-new adventure invites players to explore a rich, untamed world filled with danger, magic, and mystery. Avowed takes players to the Living Lands, a remote and enigmatic island brimming with adventure and secrets. As an envoy of the distant kingdom of Aedyr, you’re tasked with investigating a mysterious plague spreading across the land. But what begins as a mission of duty quickly transforms into something deeply personal as you uncover a long-buried secret that ties you to the fate of the Living Lands itself. The combat in Avowed offers something for everyone. Whether you want to wield powerful spells, master melee weapons like swords and shields, or take a tactical approach with bows and firearms, the game lets you craft a playstyle that fits your vision of a hero. You can summon elemental magic to trap, burn, or freeze enemies, clash head-on with brutal melee attacks or strike from a distance with precision. Every battle is designed to be dynamic, rewarding creativity and strategy in equal measure. What makes Avowed special is that you won’t be facing the Living Lands alone but with an entourage of companions. In Avowed, you’ll journey alongside a cast of unique allies, from a hardened mercenary to an eccentric wizard, each with their own abilities and personal stories. Your choices and actions will shape the growth and loyalty of your companions as they fight by your side, as well as the immersive world around you. For RPG fans, the value of Avowed being available on PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate is unparalleled. Joining a stellar lineup that includes games like Call of Duty: ****** Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed is another incredible addition to the growing Game Pass library. Plus, with cloud gaming support, you’ll be able to dive into this epic fantasy world anywhere, anytime. And if you want to take your adventure even further, Game Pass members can upgrade for just $24.95 to unlock Premium Skin Packs, featuring two sets of bonus skins for your companions, along with access to the Avowed Digital Artbook and Original Soundtrack. Whether you’re a longtime Obsidian fan, a lover of fantasy RPGs, or someone looking for the next big adventure, Avowed is a must-play title. With its deep storytelling, engaging combat, and unforgettable companions, it’s set to deliver a truly epic experience. Source link #Forge #Destiny #Avowed #Game #Pass #Day Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Judge orders Mayor Eric Adams, DOJ lawyers to appear in court to explain case dismissal request – CNBC Judge orders Mayor Eric Adams, DOJ lawyers to appear in court to explain case dismissal request – CNBC Judge orders Mayor Eric Adams, DOJ lawyers to appear in court to explain case dismissal request CNBCNew York governor weighs Eric Adams future after corruption case scandal BBC.comHochul to Meet With City Leaders to Discuss the ‘Path Forward’ for Mayor The New York TimesFour top deputies to Eric Adams have resigned, New York mayor says CNN Source link #Judge #orders #Mayor #Eric #Adams #DOJ #lawyers #court #explain #case #dismissal #request #CNBC Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Acer to increase laptop prices as tariffs hit U.S. market Acer to increase laptop prices as tariffs hit U.S. market Acer’s CEO, Jason Chen, has announced that the company will implement a 10% price increase on its laptops sold in the United States, starting in March 2025. This decision is a direct response to the import tariffs introduced by the Trump administration, which impose additional taxes on products manufactured in China. In an interview with The Telegraph, Chen stated, “We will have to adjust the end user price to reflect the tariff. We think 10% probably will be the default price increase because of the import tax. It’s very straightforward.” This price adjustment is set to affect new stock entering U.S. channels post-February, as products shipped from China before this ******* remain exempt from the tariffs. It’s anticipated that both incoming and existing inventory will be subject to this price hike as new stock arrives. Take for instance the Acer Swift AI 14, that we recently reviewed, is currently priced at $1,200. With the proposed price hike, it could go up to $1,320. Chen also highlighted concerns that competitors might use the tariff as a pretext to implement price increases exceeding the 10% directly attributed to the import tax. As of now, no other PC manufacturers have publicly commented on their pricing strategies in response to the new tariffs. In response to the evolving trade landscape, Acer has relocated its desktop PC assembly operations out of China during Trump’s earlier tenure. The company is currently exploring alternative supply chain options beyond China, including potential production within the United States. The Consumer Technology Association reports that 80% of U.S. laptop imports originate from China. The newly imposed tariffs could collectively cost U.S. consumers an estimated $143 billion, potentially leading to a 45% surge in retail prices. Despite these measures, U.S. domestic production is projected to increase by only 8%. This also raises concerns about the broader impact of a 100% tariff on semiconductors, which could affect companies like Nvidia, AMD, and Apple, potentially leading to further pricing challenges due to limited overseas manufacturing capabilities. As Acer seeks to identify U.S.-based suppliers for its laptops, the immediate effect of the tariffs is expected to be passed on to consumers. Source link #Acer #increase #laptop #prices #tariffs #hit #U.S #market Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Xbox Game Pass Wave 2 Titles for February 2025 Revealed Xbox Game Pass Wave 2 Titles for February 2025 Revealed Xbox has revealed the Wave 2 Game Pass titles for February 2025, which include Day 1 games like Avowed and other popular titles like Watch Dogs Legion, F1 24 and more. Xbox Game Pass Wave 2 Games February Avowed is this month’s Day One Game Pass release, available for cloud, Xbox Series X/S and PC today, February 18, through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The latest action RPG by Obsidian will take players through a mystical and dangerous adventure in the fictional world of Eora, which was first seen in the Pillars of Eternity franchise. Next is EA Sports F1 24, which will be available for cloud consoles and PC on February 20 through Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. F1 24 is the latest instalment in the popular racing series, featuring a Driver Career Mode, EA Sports Dynamic Handling, Challenge Career, and Fans Zones as the newest additions. On the same day, players can also try out Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, available for cloud, Xbox Series X/S and PC through Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Standard and PC Game Pass. It is an isometric RPG by Owlcat Games with players commanding a starship, assembling a crew, exploring the Imperium and engaging in strategic turn-based combat. This month’s last Game Pass Wave 2 title is Watch Dogs Legion, which will arrive on February 25 for cloud, console, and PC through Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and Game Pass Standard. It is the latest instalment in Ubisoft’s open-world cyber adventure series, where players strive to retrieve a fallen futuristic London. In other news, here are February’s Wave 1 Game Pass titles. Also, future Xbox showcases will highlight more multi-platform games. What are your thoughts on the Wave 2 Game Pass titles for February 2025? Let us know in the comments or on our community forum! For more information from Insider Gaming, read about PlayStation Plus removing 10 games in March. 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 #Xbox #Game #Pass #Wave #Titles #February #Revealed Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Suspect rang friend after Lisa Smith shooting Suspect rang friend after Lisa Smith shooting Tom Symonds BBC News, Knockholt Zac Sherratt BBC News, South East Gunshots heard on CCTV at time of Kent shooting The man suspected of fatally shooting Lisa Smith outside a pub in Kent called friends after it happened and revealed what he had done, the BBC has been told. Edvard Stockings, also known by the surname Smith, called Leslie Thompson less than two hours after the shooting outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt and told him: “She’s dead, I love you. I’ll see you on the other side.” Mr Thompson said the call had convinced him Mr Stockings shot his wife after having a breakdown. Police said officers believed Mr Stockings then drove to the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, near Dartford, and entered the River Thames. His body has not been found after more than three days of searches along the river. Supplied Ms Smith, 43, was shot dead at the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt Ms Smith, 43, was shot dead in the car park of the pub shortly after 19:00 GMT on Valentines’ Day. A CCTV camera nearby captured the sound of three gunshots, followed by shouting and screaming. Mr Thompson told the BBC that his phone rang at around 20:50, and Mr Stockings told him: “I can’t live, we’ve all gone together” and that “armed police will probably shoot me.” Police said call handlers had received reports of a man “on the wrong side of the barrier” on the bridge on Friday. The force also said officers found a vehicle containing a gun on the bridge. PA Media A large number of police officers have been at the scene since the shooting Those close to the couple said they were “bewildered” by their deaths, another friend said on Monday. Ms Smith, who also used the surname Stockings, leaves behind two children – one of them in his 20s, the other younger. A family social media post paying tribute to the couple has received hundreds of comments, with friends and relatives saying they are “heartbroken”. Jo Burn Tributes to Lisa Smith, 43, have been left outside the pub in Knockholt Mr Thompson said he had known Mr Stockings for more than 30 years and the shooting did not make sense, adding: “They were both the life and soul of the party. We really don’t know why he has done it. I’m baffled.” He added that Mr Stockings was “unbelievably close” to his father and had been deeply affected by his death two years ago. “He’s had a breakdown,” Mr Thompson concluded, adding he was “one million percent sure… [Mr Stockings is] in the river.” Source link #Suspect #rang #friend #Lisa #Smith #shooting Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi Review: Well-rounded $210 mini-ITX, but no USB4 ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi Review: Well-rounded $210 mini-ITX, but no USB4 The last time we reviewed a Mini-ITX board was about six months ago, and it featured the B650 chipset. Fast forward to today and we have AMD’s latest and greatest budget chipset on the test bench in the form of the ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi. This inexpensive offering (at least by today’s motherboard standards) gives you an updated aesthetic, enough USB ports for most people, capable power delivery, a solid audio solution, Wi-Fi 6E, and, of course, a PCIe 5.0-capable M.2 socket and PCIe slot. You can jam quite a bit into this small package. But is it better than its similarly priced predecessor? Well, that depends on your needs and plans. Still, for $10 more (you can find the B650I Lightning for $199, sans rebate), the newer model has a better design, more robust power delivery, faster memory support, and upgrades to a PCIe 5.0 x16 slot…for whatever that’s worth (testing shows negligible differences vs. 4.0 x16 and even 4.0 x8/3.0 x16). Our B850I Lightning’s overall performance was good, often finishing above average or even first in some benchmarks. It proved itself a competent gamer and effortlessly handled productivity tasks, letting our upper mid-range Ryzen 9 9900X stretch its legs under our 3x140mm AIO. The Ryzen 9 9950 X would also fare well. Below, we’ll examine the board’s features and performance to see if it deserves a spot on our Best Motherboards list (it is an excellent value). But before we share test results and discuss details, we’ll list the specifications from ASRock’s website. Specifications of the ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi Swipe to scroll horizontally Socket AM5 (LGA 1718) Chipset B850 Form Factor Mini-ITX Voltage Regulator 12 Phase (10x 110A SPS MOSFETs for Vcore) Video Ports (1) USB 3.2 Gen2 Type-C (DP 1.4) Row 5 – Cell 0 (1) HDMI (v2.1) USB Ports (1) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (20 Gbps) Type-C Row 7 – Cell 0 (2) USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Row 8 – Cell 0 (1) USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Row 9 – Cell 0 (4) USB 2.0 (480 Mbps) Network Jacks (1) 2.5 GbE Audio Jacks (2) Analog + SPDIF Legacy Ports/Jacks ✗ Other Ports/Jack ✗ PCIe x16 (1) v5.0 (x16) PCIe x8 ✗ PCIe x4 ✗ PCIe x1 ✗ CrossFire/SLI ✗ DIMM Slots (4) DDR5-8200+(OC), 256GB Capacity M.2 Sockets (1) PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) / PCIe (up to 80mm) Row 21 – Cell 0 (1) PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps) / PCIe (up to 80mm) Row 22 – Cell 0 (Supports RAID 0/1/10) SATA Ports (2) SATA3 6 Gbps (Supports RAID 0/1) USB Headers (1) USB v3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Type-C Row 25 – Cell 0 (1) USB v3.2 Gen 1 (5 Gbps) Row 26 – Cell 0 (2) USB v2.0 (480 Mbps) Fan/Pump Headers (3) 4-Pin (CPU, Chassis, AIO) RGB Headers (2) aRGB Gen 2 (3-pin) Diagnostics Panel ✗ Internal Button/Switch ✗ SATA Controllers ✗ Ethernet Controller(s) (1) Killer E3100G (2.5 GbE) Wi-Fi / Bluetooth Wi-Fi 6E – 160 MHz, 6 GHz, BT 5.2 USB Controllers ✗ HD Audio Codec Realtek ALC1220 DDL/DTS ✗ / ✗ Warranty 3 Years Inside the Box of the ASRock B850I Lightning WiFi ASRock includes a few accessories to get you going. You get SATA cables (two), the Wi-Fi antenna, a thermistor cable, and two screws for the M.2 sockets. Not much to the accessories here, but not much is needed. I like the included thermistor, which you can utilize for thermal management. Design of the Lightning WiFi Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: ASRock) (Image credit: ASRock) (Image credit: ASRock) A Mini-ITX board doesn’t offer a lot of real estate for design, and it’s usually left for the VRM and M.2 heatsinks to catch your eye. ASRock decorates the VRM heatsink with a reflective metal that fades from purple to blue with the PG (Phantom Gaming) branding in the middle. Below is a ****** brushed aluminum finish with “Lighting” on it. The M.2 heatsink is simple, with more branding on the miter-cut cooler. The 8-layer PCB is matte ******. Oh, you won’t find any integrated RGBs. But there are headers to connect your own. There’s not much to it, but the board will look good with most build themes. (Image credit: ASRock) Starting in the upper-left corner, we see a single 8-pin EPS connector to power the processor. Sliding focus to the right, we run into the 2-pin thermistor header and two 3-pin ARGB headers. With the BIOS, you can use the additional data from the included thermistor to help with thermal management. The Polychrome RGB application controls the RGB headers. Next are the first two (of three) 4-pin fan headers. All three output up to 3A/36W, which is plenty, especially in a Mini-ITX case where you can’t stuff a half-dozen fans inside (although we’re sure someone will find a way). The FAN-Tastic Tuning portion is inside the Phantom Gaming Tuning (AKA A-Tune) application, where you can tune each fan individually. The DRAM slots on the right lock in from the top, giving your fingers ample room to reach them. ASRock lists support up to DDR5-8200+(OC), which is plenty fast for the platform. We did have issues with our Klevv DDR5-8000 kit (it wasn’t stable for the 30-minute stress test), but the Teamgroup DDR5-7200 sticks got through it in Gear 2. The Klevv set wasn’t on the QVL list, so it wasn’t guaranteed to work (although similar Klevv DDR5-8000 kits were). Along the right edge is the 24-pin ATX power connector, two SATA ports (supports RAID 0/1), 19-pin front panel USB 3.2 Gen1 (5 Gbps) header, USB 2.0 and front panel headers, and finally a USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10 Gbps) Type-C front panel connector. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware) Twelve VRMs, 10 dedicated to the Vcore/processor, are only located on the left side (not across the top as on larger motherboards). Power moves from the 8-pin EPS connectors to the Renesas RAA 229620 PWM controller and then to the 10 Renesas R2209004 110A SPS MOSFETs. The processor has 1,100A available, which is plenty, even for flagship-class processors and overclocking. (Image credit: ASRock) The main feature across the bottom of the board is the sole PCIe 5.0 x16 slot. There are no EZ latches; it is just the traditional latch you have to push and unlock. THis is expected on such a small and low-priced board. Above the PCIe slot and below the heatsink is the B750 PROM21 chipset and the primary PCIe 5.0 x4 (128 Gbps) socket, M2_1. Our PCIe 5.0 drive did fine with its own heatsink, but I wonder how effective it is while cooling the chipset. Of course, this would be under longer sustained loads, but it’s always worth considering if that’s your use case. The other M.2 socket, M2_2, is on the backside of the board and runs up to PCIe 4.0 x4 (64 Gbps) speeds. Both M.2 sockets fit 80mm or smaller modules. Finally, the third 4-pin fan header, front panel audio, and speaker are on the left. Wedged between that is the Realtek ALC1220 audio codec. While not the latest and greatest, most users should be satisfied with the audio solution, and the accompanying Nahimic 3 software offers plenty of control over your audio experience. (Image credit: ASRock) The all-important rear IO has enough connectivity, but I wouldn’t call it abundant. But again, it’s a budget board with more limited resources from the chipset to consider. That said, we have eight USB ports. Seven Type-A (2x 2.0, 2x 3.2 Gen1, 1x 3.2 Gen2) and one Type-C (3.2 Gen2). Seven USB ports could limit some users, and remember, there’s no room for expansion. The audio stack has a SPDIF optical port and mic-in/line-out 3.5mm jacks. The small button between that and the Wi-Fi 6E antenna connections is for the BIOS flashback feature. Last but not least is the Killer (Intel) E3100 2.5 GbE. MORE: Best Motherboards MORE: How To Choose A Motherboard MORE: All Motherboard Content Source link #ASRock #B850I #Lightning #WiFi #Review #Wellrounded #miniITX #USB4 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** says it will free 6 living Israeli hostages on Saturday and four bodies before then ****** says it will free 6 living Israeli hostages on Saturday and four bodies before then CAIRO (AP) — A top ****** leader says the militant group will release six living Israeli hostages on Saturday and the bodies of four hostages on Thursday, including the remains of the Bibas family that has become symbols of Israeli suffering in the war. The fate of Shiri Bibas and her two young sons, Ariel and Kfir, reflected the feeling of helplessness as dozens of hostages remain in Gaza after ******’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack. Israel has said it is extremely concerned about their condition but has not confirmed their deaths. ****** leader Khalil al-Hayya, in prerecorded remarks on Tuesday, did not elaborate beyond saying that the “Bibas family” would be included in the handover of four bodies. Trusted news and daily delights, right in your inbox See for yourself — The Yodel is the go-to source for daily news, entertainment and feel-good stories. The six to be released on Saturday are the last living hostages to be freed under the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza. Three hostages had been expected to be freed on Saturday. It was not clear why ****** changed the plan. The warring sides have yet to negotiate the second and more difficult phase, in which ****** would release dozens more hostages in exchange for a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal. The hostage releases have come in exchange for hundreds of ************ prisoners held by Israel. The ceasefire that began in mid-January has paused the deadliest fighting ever between Israel and ******, surged aid into devastated Gaza and allowed hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to return to their homes as Israeli forces withdrew from much of the territory. ___ Follow AP’s war coverage at Source link #****** #free #living #Israeli #hostages #Saturday #bodies Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

VALORANT 10.03 Full Patch Notes VALORANT 10.03 Full Patch Notes · · February 18, 2025 Another small patch for VALORANT has been deployed, with patch 10.03 giving the minimap a visual upgrade and updating the effect of slow abilities. The smaller patch size is due to the soon-to-start Masters Bangkok event, and the patch will deploy a day later than usual due to a Riot holiday. Full VALORANT 10.03 Patch Notes The slowing abilities of Chamber, Skye, and Harbor will now slow dash abilities. Dash abilities include Jett’s Tailwind and Neon’s Slide. Previously, agents like Jett and Neon could dash at full speed even if they were caught by a slow, but now slowing abilities will slow a dash by 50 percent. These abilities now all slow dashes: Chamber’s Trademark Skye’s Trailblazer Harbor’s Cascade and High Tide Concussive abilities: Astra’s Nova Pulse Breach’s Fault Line and Rolling Thunder Cypher’s Trapwire Deadlock’s Sonic Sensor Gekko’s Wingman Harbor’s Reckoning Neon’s Relay Bolt Tejo’s Special Delivery The minimap visuals have been updated, providing “increased gameplay clarity and fidelity.” The minimap now uses shading to clearly show elevated spots across the whole map, as well as ziplines. VALORANT Patch 10.03 Bug Fixes Fixed issues where explosive damaging utility could kill sentinel trap abilities like Vyse’s Arc Rose from vastly outside its intended radius. Fixed an issue where you could not move/use the buy menu while the remake vote screen is displayed. This new voting widget also color corrects the confirmation button to be green and the decline button to be red. (Console): You can now add and edit friend notes for your Riot friends. You can use the friends list search field to filter your friends list by player name or tag. When you have more than four party invites, the friends list will now hide them so you can still see your friends. You can click ‘Show More’ to display any hidden invites. (Console): Fixed an issue where Remake-ended matches in Competitive ****** would display incorrect end-of-game screens after the game. (Console): Fixed an issue where navigating players on the Leaderboard would sometimes highlight multiple players. (PC): Fixed an issue on the Premier tournament bracket screen where match score was occasionally displayed in ******. PC: Fixed an issue where the Premier tournament bracket was not properly centered on some ultrawide displays. How nice is the new VALORANT minimap? Let us know what you think of patch 10.03 down below or in the official Insider Gaming forums. Check out more of the latest esports news, and 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 #VALORANT #Full #Patch #Notes Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

When did time begin? Hint: It wasn’t at the big bang When did time begin? Hint: It wasn’t at the big bang NASA/Adboe Stock/ Ryan Wills Our universe is expanding, so it must have been smaller in the past. Indeed, if we rewind our cosmological movie, we see the universe shrinking back almost to a point – the big bang – some 13.8 billion years ago. Is this when time began? Alas, things aren’t so simple. Albert Einstein’s general theory of relativity tells us that the backdrop of the universe is a fluid continuum, space-time, in which neither space nor time has an absolute meaning. What’s more, at the big bang, space-time distorts into a point of infinite density called a singularity. We can’t say this is where time begins, only that it marks a rupture beyond which we cannot extrapolate. Even so, some cosmologists believe there was a “before” the big bang. Some suggest that another universe preceded ours, and that this one contracted and then “bounced” at the big bang, resulting in the expanding era we now observe. More radically, cosmologist Roger Penrose has proposed that new universes can emerge from ones that don’t contract, through a dramatic “rescaling” of all space-time. In both these scenarios, time is eternal, but that’s just one possibility. The late cosmologists Stephen Hawking and James Hartle suggested that time was once an ordinary dimension like space, which got derailed at the big bang into space-time. Another outlandish idea is that space-time is made of particle-like pieces. If so, these could be arranged in different phases, akin to steam and liquid water. Maybe the big bang was the point at which they “condensed” into the fluid, continuous space-time we observe today.… Source link #time #Hint #wasnt #big #bang Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

South Korea plots to become home to world’s largest AI datacentre South Korea plots to become home to world’s largest AI datacentre A newly created public-private partnership looks set to oversee the creation of the world’s largest artificial intelligence (AI) datacentre in South Korea. Work on the datacentre, which has a projected total cost of $35bn, is set to begin later this year and is expected to create a 3GW (gigawatt) datacentre by the time of its scheduled completion in 2028. Overseeing the project will be investment company Stock Farm Road, which has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with South Korean governor Kim Young-rok of the Jeollanam-do Province that will pave the way for the site’s development. “The facility will feature advanced cooling infrastructure, regional and international fibre bandwidth, and the ability to handle significant and sudden variations in energy load,” according to a statement. “It will serve as a foundation for next-generation AI enablement, fostering innovation and economic growth in the region and beyond.” The statement further claims the project will lead to the creation of 10,000 jobs in a variety of disciplines spanning energy supply and storage, renewable energy production, equipment supply, and research and development. “This is more than just a technological milestone; it’s a strategic leap forward for Korea’s global technological leadership,” said Stock Farm Road co-founder Amin Badr-El-Din. “We are incredibly proud to partner with Stock Farm Road and the Jeollanam-do government to build this crucial infrastructure, creating an unprecedented opportunity to build the foundation for next-generation AI.” Stock Farm Road has a background of using data analytics and AI tools to manage energy resources, and operates its own proprietary energy-to-intelligence platform, known as e2i². The company said its expertise in this area will come into play during the datacentre’s construction, while other parts of its business will provide access to capital to fund the build. Meanwhile, the Jeollanam-do government side of the partnership will provide support by enabling the developers to secure the permits and approvals needed to allow construction of the datacentre to start. Stock Farm Road co-founder Brian Koo said the project could have a transformational impact on the region. “Having witnessed first-hand the immense technological capabilities of large Asian enterprises, I recognise the potential of this project to elevate Korea and the region to a new level of technological advancement and economic prosperity,” said Koo. “This datacentre is not merely an infrastructure project, but the launchpad for a new digital industrial revolution.” Looking ahead, Stock Farm Road said in its statement that the South Korean project marks the delivery of the first phase of its broader global strategy, whereby the company will seek to establish similar AI infrastructure partnerships across Asia, Europe and the US over the next 18 months. The decision to site the datacentre in the Jeollanam-do province of South Korea is notable, and in keeping with the direction of travel the country’s government has been going in for some time, with regard to supporting the spread of datacentre developments outside of the central Seoul area. “The general policy direction is for the decentralisation of datacentres away from the greater Seoul area to regional areas for the establishment of purpose-led districts,” said John Pritchard, Korea datacentre advisory team lead at real estate consultancy Cushman & Wakefield, in a late 2024 research note. “However, this provides challenges for users, whereby latency and proximity to [the] end user are key considerations, and as such datacentres operating in the metropolitan area will become crucial enabling tools for digital groups.” Source link #South #Korea #plots #home #worlds #largest #datacentre Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Trump plan to end taxes on Social Security benefits would help high earners Trump plan to end taxes on Social Security benefits would help high earners Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump arrives to speak at a campaign event at Harrah’s Cherokee Center on August 14, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Grant Baldwin | Getty Images On the campaign trail, President Donald Trump touted a plan to eliminate income taxes on Social Security benefits. Now in the White House, Trump administration officials told CNBC.com last week that the president “doubles down” on that promise. A bill to eliminate those levies — the Senior Citizens Tax Elimination Act — was recently reintroduced in the House. Yet, nixing taxes on Social Security benefits may reduce U.S. government revenues by $1.5 trillion over 10 years and increase the federal debt by 7% by 2054, according to a new analysis by the Penn Wharton Budget Model, a nonpartisan, research-based initiative at the University of Pennsylvania. For some high-income households, the policy change may result in gains of up to $100,000 over their lifetimes, the research also found. Yet, individuals under age 30 — and particularly people who have not yet been born — may face the largest losses as the federal debt increases and incentives to work and save for retirement decline. For beneficiaries who have paid into the program for their entire working lives, there is a sense that their benefits should not be taxed, said Kent Smetters, professor of business economics and public policy at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. How Social Security benefits are taxed When Social Security reform was passed by Congress in 1983, benefits became subject to taxes for the first time. Then in 1993, lawmakers added a second taxation tier. Today, beneficiaries who have what is known as “combined income” below $25,000 if they file taxes individually — or $32,000 if they are married and file jointly — generally pay no taxes on their Social Security benefits, the Penn Wharton Budget Model notes. Combined income is the sum of adjusted gross income, non-taxable interest and half of Social Security benefits. Individual beneficiaries may pay taxes on up to 50% of their benefits on combined income between $25,000 and $34,000, or for married couples with between $32,000 and $44,000. More from Personal Finance: ‘Keep your hands off our Social Security,’ lawmakers warn amid DOGE budget cuts Here are changes Americans would make to close Social Security’s funding gap Why retirees may feel the 2025 Social Security COLA isn’t enough Up to 85% of the benefits would be subject to taxation if they have more than $34,000 in combined income; for married couples that applies if their combined income is more than $44,000. Those thresholds are not adjusted for inflation, which means more people over time have become subject to taxes on their Social Security benefits. How taxes on benefits may be eliminated Any changes to Social Security would require a bipartisan consensus from both the House and the Senate. Both Congressional chambers overwhelmingly recently voted to push through the Social Security Fairness Act, a new law that ends benefit reductions for individuals who also receive pensions from work that did not include payment of Social Security payroll taxes. That change is estimated to cost almost $200 billion over 10 years and move the Social Security Trust Fund insolvency six months closer, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Before the change, Social Security’s trustees projected the program’s combined funds may run out in 2035, at which point 83% of retirement, disability and other benefits will be payable. Eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits would be more expensive — reducing revenues by $1.5 trillion over 10 years — according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model, provided the policy change is implemented in 2025. Social Security’s trust fund depletion date would move two years closer, the analysis found. Because Congressional lawmakers are already dealing with a “really alarming budget situation,” there will be some “pretty strict limits on the tax cuts that would be allowed,” said William McBride, chief economist at the Tax Foundation. In particular, if Republican efforts to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are successful, that will cost about $4 trillion, he said. That tax package, which was originally passed in 2017, excludes Social Security. That doesn’t leave much room for exempting Social Security income from taxes or many of the other “more expensive” ideas that Trump mentioned on the campaign trail, McBride said. Importantly, changes to Social Security cannot be enacted through the reconciliation process, which may be used to fast-track other budget and tax measures. Future generations pick up the bill If taxes on Social Security benefits are eliminated, those at the top of the household income distribution would see the largest tax reductions, according to the Penn Wharton Budget Model. That would range from annual gains of $1,625 to $2,450 in 2026, and it would increase to $4,075 to $5,080 by 2054. Lower-income earners would see much smaller gains, with those in the second and third quartiles receiving a bump of between $15 and $340 in 2026 and between $275 and $1,730 in 2054, Wharton’s analysis finds. While all future generations would be worse off, the pinch would be more pronounced for those born further in the future, according to the analysis. To be sure, another proposal in Congress has likewise called for eliminating taxes on Social Security benefits while also requiring high earners to pay more taxes into the program to help mitigate the benefit increases. However, the concern with those changes is that while older people would see higher benefits, it would put financial pressure on younger generations, Smetters said. Economists often refer to this as implicit debt, where an intergenerational imbalance causes future generations to be saddled with higher costs. “Who pays for that benefit is actually younger people,” Smetters said. “They now pay higher taxes to pay for that.” Source link #Trump #plan #taxes #Social #Security #benefits #high #earners Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Tesla picks showrooms in New Delhi, Mumbai to start India sales: Reuters Tesla picks showrooms in New Delhi, Mumbai to start India sales: Reuters Tesla signage is seen at a Tesla showroom on July 05, 2024 in New York City. Michael M. Santiago | Getty Images Tesla has selected locations for two showrooms in the Indian cities of New Delhi and Mumbai, moving closer to its long-delayed plans to sell its electric cars in the country, Reuters sources familiar with the matter said. The U.S. carmaker has been hunting for showroom space in India since late last year in order to start sales in the world’s third biggest auto market, after putting market entry plans on hold in 2022. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Tesla CEO Elon Musk in the United States last week and discussed issues including space, mobility and technology. Tesla has selected space to lease in the Aerocity area near New Delhi’s international airport for a showroom, said two people familiar with the discussions, who declined to be named as the matter is private. The Aerocity area boasts hotels, retail outlets and offices of global corporations. In Mumbai, the carmaker has chosen space in the business and retail hub of Bandra Kurla Complex near the city’s airport, the first person said. Both the Delhi and Mumbai showrooms will be around 5,000 square feet (464.52 square metres) in size, the source said. Opening dates for the outlets have not yet been decided, but Tesla plans “to sell imported EVs in India … these deals are for showrooms, not service centres,” the first person said, adding that Tesla will operate the outlets. Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The company also posted job ads this week for 13 mid-level roles in India, including some store and customer relationship managers. Musk has long criticised India for having high import tariffs of around 100% on EVs. Tesla has repeatedly lobbied to relax them but has faced opposition from local automakers who think Tesla’s entry could hit their EV plans. U.S. President Donald Trump last week called out India’s high duty on cars, but agreed with Modi to work towards an early trade deal and resolve their standoff over tariffs. Source link #Tesla #picks #showrooms #Delhi #Mumbai #start #India #sales #Reuters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Xbox – 1, Sony – 0: Forza Horizon 5 Shatters Own Record Even before Hitting PS5 Xbox – 1, Sony – 0: Forza Horizon 5 Shatters Own Record Even before Hitting PS5 Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division has certainly seen better days. With an overall slump in console sales compared to the glorious Xbox 360 era, Microsoft seems to have shifted its strategy with regards to console exclusivity entirely – bringing what used to be exclusive titles to rival platforms such as the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The ever-popular Forza Horizon 5 is just one of the many exclusives slated to launch for the PS5, and it would appear that despite an initially rocky start, the game has managed to amass a sizable player base before heading on to the PS5. Forza Horizon 5 gains over 44 million players Forza Horizon 5 gathers over 44 million players | Image Credit: Xbox Game Studios As per multiple reports online, Forza Horizon 5 has managed to reach a rather impressive milestone – amassing over 44 million registered players. This does not take into account the upcoming PlayStation 5 release of the game, following which the number count is sure to increase by a significant margin. Forza’s popularity cannot be understated enough, and it remains one of the best racing games on the market currently – especially in a field that has seen giants such as Need for Speed and Gran Turismo falter and shrink down over the years. As such, it makes perfect sense for Forza to be as popular as it is now – it still is a pretty solid game after all. While the numbers likely are projected for a total number of registered players, it still remains quite an impressive feat, proving that Xbox is still alive and kicking, even if it’s not the same as it used to be. While the numbers are definitely inflated, they still are quite impressive | Image Credit: Xbox Game Studios Another thing to note is that these numbers are likely inflated as a result of the game being available via Xbox Game Pass, which has a very low barrier for entry, offering a great number of games at a very modest asking price. The numbers also take into consideration PC Game Pass and Steam (PC) figures, which likely contribute to a large number of players. While the PS5 release is still a while away, going by this current trend, Forza should also be an instant hit on the rival platform as well. Xbox is still going strong Xbox is still going strong | Image Credit: Xbox Despite everything pointing to the contrary, Xbox is still going strong. They managed to release quite a few decent games (with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle coming to mind as recent accomplishments), which used to be a rarity for Xbox, at least after the glory days of the Xbox 360. The company is set to set things on course, with its very recent developer direct being one of the most powerful showcases of the brand in recent memory. Games like Doom: The Dark Ages and Ninja Gaiden 4 seem to have reignited the spark amongst Xbox fans which was quite desperately needed. After all, Xbox was going through a pretty bad time, with multiple losses, poorly reviewed first-party games and the overall loss to PlayStation. All of this resulted in massive layoffs from first-party studios, along with Xbox completely abandoning the tried and tested exclusivity formula. While the move is generally good for consumers as a whole, it still remains to be seen how Xbox will fare in a world where they really don’t have the same hold on gaming as they used to. Competition is good, and it is hoped that Xbox’s new strategy pays out. Source link #Xbox #Sony #Forza #Horizon #Shatters #Record #Hitting #PS5 Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The 7 most consequential moments in the history of everything The 7 most consequential moments in the history of everything If there is one word associated with scientific curiosity, it’s “why”. Why is the universe expanding? Why are cases of ******* rising in young people? Why is the sky blue? In contrast, it is rare for us to give so much attention to questions that begin with “when”. Indeed, it is often written almost in passing that the universe began 13.8 billion years ago, that our planet is 4.5 billion years old or that ***** sapiens evolved 300,000 years ago. Yet these confident statements conceal plenty of scientific intrigue, mystery and uncertainty. All of which might make one wonder, well, why? Why don’t we focus on “when” a little more? Asking when forces us to sharpen our thinking, to carefully define our terms and think through what beginnings really look like. It is in this spirit that we tackle seven of the most crucial “when” questions in a special package beginning here “When did time begin? Hint: It wasn’t at the big bang “. Each piece shows that “when?” can be one of the most interesting questions it is possible to ask. Asking when has already taught us so much about the grand sweep of cosmic history To take one example, we have recently begun to find that the first galaxies appeared far earlier than we thought possible. The “when” here dramatically changes our understanding not only of the early universe, but also of how the chemical elements that went on to create life as we know it could have come about. Without “when”, there is no “how”, and certainly no “why”. Science is increasingly well-equipped to investigate when things happened. We can deduce dates in the distant past using evidence from radioactive isotopes or by extrapolating from known points in history. Our special feature serves as a reminder of how much asking when has already taught us about the grand sweep of cosmic and terrestrial history, from the switching on of the first stars to the first life on this planet. Asking why is also an important part of scientific curiosity, of course, and something we do often, but let’s not give it all the glory. It’s time “when” got some of the limelight too, because if not now… This article is part of a special series exploring seven of the biggest chronological conundrums of all time. To read the other stories in this series, come back later today: When did time begin? Hint: It wasn’t at the big bang Why it’s so hard to tell when ***** sapiens became a distinct species When did the first galaxies form? Far earlier than we thought possible Tomorrow: When did life begin on Earth? New evidence reveals a shocking story When did plate tectonics begin? The question is crucial to early life We’re uncovering a radically different view of civilisation’s origins Why geologists can’t agree on when the Anthropocene Epoch began Topics: Source link #consequential #moments #history Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Realme Neo 7 SE, Realme Neo 7x Launch Date Announced: Expected Specifications, Features Realme Neo 7 SE, Realme Neo 7x Launch Date Announced: Expected Specifications, Features Realme Neo 7 SE and Realme Neo 7x are set to launch in China soon. After teasing the arrival of these smartphones over the past few days, the smartphone maker has finally announced the launch date of these smartphones in China. The Realme Neo 7 SE is teased to come in three colour options. It is already confirmed to be powered by a MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Max chipset. Both models are currently up for pre-reservations in the country. They are likely to arrive as a sibling of the Realme Neo 7. The latest Weibo posts by Realme reveal that the upcoming Realme Neo 7 SE and Realme Neo 7x will launch on February 25. The launch event will take place at 4pm local time (1:30pm IST) in China. The brand is currently taking pre-orders for the phones via its website and other e-commerce platforms. Realme Neo 7 SE Design Realme has shared a teaser video showing off the complete design and colour options of the Realme Neo 7 SE. It is confirmed to be available in ******, blue, and silver colour options. The blue colour version is called Blue Mecha Edition, and it is claimed to be scratch-resistant. It is shown with a rectangular rear camera module accommodating dual-camera sensors and an LED flash. The company hasn’t divulged the detailed specifications of the Neo 7 SE. However, the brand previously confirmed the smartphone will run on a MediaTek Dimensity 8400-Max SoC. It will be priced under CNY 2,000 (roughly Rs. 24,000). Meanwhile, the Realme Neo 7x is teased to debut in the CNY 1,000 (roughly Rs. 12,000) range. The Realme Neo 7 SE is likely to come as a slightly affordable variant of the standard Realme Neo 7. As per past leaks, the Realme Neo 7 SE will feature a 6.78-inch 1.5K (1,264×2,780 pixels) AMOLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is said to carry a dual rear camera unit comprising a 50-megapixel main rear camera and an 8-megapixel ultrawide camera. The handset is tipped to feature ca 16-megapixel selfie camera and an in-display fingerprint sensor. It is expected to house a 7,000mAh battery with support for up to 80W wired fast charging. Source link #Realme #Neo #Realme #Neo #Launch #Date #Announced #Expected #Specifications #Features Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Man jailed for abusive emails to Jess Phillips and Sadiq Khan Man jailed for abusive emails to Jess Phillips and Sadiq Khan A 39-year-old man has been jailed for sending malicious communications to a government minister, the Mayor of London and a senior Met Police officer. Jack Bennett, of Newlands Park, Seaton, Devon, pleaded guilty to four counts of sending malicious emails; one to Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, one to Metropolitan police officer Matt Twist, and two counts to Sadiq Khan. Bennett was also charged with one count of using a public communication network to send offensive emails. District judge Stuart Smith said the emails were “utterly deplorable, foul, abusive and saturated in hate”. Exeter Magistrates Court heard how during the Covid-19 pandemic Bennett became exposed to right wing propaganda. Mr Smith said Bennett’s “angry, poisonous and hateful rhetoric showed disdain for Muslims and immigrants”. He said the three prominent public figures felt fearful after receiving the emails, especially the Birmingham Yardley MP, Ms Phillips, following the ******* of her colleague, MP Jo Cox. The incidents took place between February 2024 and January 2025. Bennett pleaded guilty to all five charges and was jailed for 28 weeks. He was also given a restraining order stopping him from contacting the three public figures for five years. Source link #Man #jailed #abusive #emails #Jess #Phillips #Sadiq #Khan Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Phil Spencer just gave a rare update on the elusive Everwild Phil Spencer just gave a rare update on the elusive Everwild In a recent interview with XboxEra, Phil Spencer gave an inadvertent update on Everwild, Rare’s upcoming third-person adventure title that’s been conspicuously absent from nearly every Xbox event since its debut in 2019. A report from 2021 said development had been restarted from the ground up, with a planned 2024 release, although Microsoft denied those claims. Although that release window has clearly been missed, it’s reassuring to know the game is still slated for release. In the interview, when asked about an exclusive reveal, Spencer said, “It’s nice to see the team with Everwild and the progress that they’re making.” He then went on to say, “We’ve been able to give those teams time in what they’re doing which is good and still have a portfolio like we have.” Everwild hasn’t had a trailer since 2020 — or any real updates, for that matter — so it could be completely different from its initial announcement. At the time, Everwild was described as a third-person action/adventure game with a dash of god game elements. Spencer didn’t give any indication as to when the game would be ready, but if the team originally planned for a 2024 release, there’s hope it will release sometime this year. The Xbox Developer Direct last month made no mention of the game, though, so don’t get your hopes up too much. If the title does launch this year, it will most likely be towards the end of 2025. Please enable Javascript to view this content But chances are higher that it will release in 2026 or beyond. Everwild is just one of several games that have been in development for a long time now, including the new Fable, whatever follows Halo Infinite, and The Elder Scrolls 6. Despite their long development times, these games hold a lot of potential for Microsoft and Xbox. Source link #Phil #Spencer #gave #rare #update #elusive #Everwild Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Elon Musk’s Grok 3 is now available, beats ChatGPT in some benchmarks — LLM took 10x more compute to train versus Grok 2 Elon Musk’s Grok 3 is now available, beats ChatGPT in some benchmarks — LLM took 10x more compute to train versus Grok 2 Elon Musk just launched Grok 3, the latest version of xAI’s LLM that was trained at the Colossus Supercluster in Memphis, Tennessee using 100,000 Nvidia H100 GPUs. He had previously said, about a week ago, that its full release was imminent and claimed that it would outperform its rivals. Today he launched the AI model via a live stream on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing impressive performance benchmark results. Early Grok-3 benchmarks show it dominating the field. pic.twitter.com/KXubPhaA5xFebruary 18, 2025 Musk began the presentation by saying “The mission of xAI and Grok is to understand the universe,” and explaining that he wants to answer questions like, “What’s going on? Where are the aliens? What is the meaning of life? How does the universe end? How did it start?” He added, “Of course, that’s to be a maximally truth-seeking AI even if that truth is sometimes at odds with what is politically correct.” After speaking about his goals with AI, Musk proclaimed that Grok 3 is an order of magnitude more capable than Grok 2, and that it was trained in a very short *******. This was likely possible because of the massive number of GPUs xAI used for parallelized training, which also took just 19 days to set up — a record time especially since Nvidia’s CEO Jensen Huang said that that usually takes four years. Grok 3 isn’t just a single LLM though — instead, it’s a family of several models, with the first ones launched being Grok 3 and Grok 3 mini. xAI also showed off Grok 3 Reasoning and Grok 3 mini Reasoning, which are similar to OpenAI 03-mini and DeepSeek R1 models and will solve problems through a step-by-step logical process. Image 1 of 2 (Image credit: xAI) (Image credit: xAI) Benchmarks shown by the xAI team reveal Grok-3 and Grok-3 mini models outperforming its competition, including Gemini-2 Pro, DeepSeek-V3, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, and GPT-4o, in several tests, including Math (AIME), Science (GPQA), and Coding (LCB). The reasoning models, which are accessible via the Grok app, also outperform the competition using the same benchmarks. Aside from this, the Grok app will have a new feature called DeepSearch, which scours the internet when questioned to then distill all the information into a single answer. Other experts have been given access to Grok 3 in advance and were able to test these claims. For example, former Tesla Director of AI and OpenAI founder Andrej Karpathy shared his test results on X, saying that Grok 3 + Thinking feels similar to OpenAI’s o1-pro model while being a bit better than DeepSeek-R1 and Gemini 2.0 Flash Thinking. This is actually quite a feat, especially since OpenAI and Google have had a massive head start over xAI. I was given early access to Grok 3 earlier today, making me I think one of the first few who could run a quick vibe check.Thinking First, Grok 3 clearly has an around state of the art thinking model (“Think” button) and did great out of the box on my Settler’s of Catan… pic.twitter.com/qIrUAN1IfDFebruary 18, 2025 Grok 3 will be available to X Premium+ subscribers first. However, those who want to access more advanced features will need to sign up for SuperGrok, which is rumored to cost around $30 a month or $300 annually. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Elon #Musks #Grok #beats #ChatGPT #benchmarks #LLM #10x #compute #train #Grok Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Asteroid 2024 YR4: Odds of collision with Earth in 2032 have reached new high Asteroid 2024 YR4: Odds of collision with Earth in 2032 have reached new high An artist’s impression of what asteroid 2024 YR4 could look like as it approaches Earth in December 2032 NASA NASA has upgraded the risk of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 to 2.6 per cent, or about a 1-in-38 chance, the highest odds yet of collision. Astronomers discovered that the asteroid was barrelling towards Earth in December and it has been a focus of the world’s telescopes and space agencies ever since. As they gather more data on the asteroid’s precise orbit, astronomers have been able to calculate the likelihood of it hitting Earth with greater precision. The asteroid is thought to be between 40 and 90 metres wide and has the potential to release energy equivalent to 7.7 megatonnes of **** should it hit Earth – enough to destroy a city. According to NASA, the odds of collision in 2032 have been edging up from a 1-in-83 chance since it was first spotted. It has since moved to 1-in-67, to 1-in-53, to 1-in-43 and now to 1-in-38. The European Space Agency has slightly different odds, currently giving the asteroid a 2.41 per cent chance of collision. This steady increase does not necessarily mean that the asteroid is actually more likely to hit Earth, however, and the odds may yet come down. “Just because it’s gone up in the last week, doesn’t mean that it’s going to continue to do that,” says Hugh Lewis at the University of Southampton, ***. But we are running out of time to forecast the asteroid’s risk. One issue is that 2024 YR4 will fly behind the sun in April, placing it out of the view of most Earth-based telescopes. That limits how much astronomers can refine their predictions, says Lewis. “Any observations we can make between now and when it’s out of view will obviously help us to refine the orbit and to make better predictions. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it will go down before April. It could continue to go up, but still ultimately miss us.” Once the asteroid does fly out of view, it is unlikely that we will gain any more information before it comes into view again in 2028. However, astronomers could comb through past data to uncover previously overlooked observations of the asteroid, which would help refine its trajectory. That process is already being undertaken by the world’s space agencies, says Lewis. Crucial information on the asteroid’s size and composition will hopefully be gathered by the James Webb Space Telescope in the coming months, says Lewis. This will help us understand whether the asteroid could make it through Earth’s atmosphere intact and how large an explosion it could cause if it does make impact. “That will help us determine what we need to do about it, because if it’s a stony asteroid, that’s very different from a high proportion of iron-metal asteroid,” says Lewis. An iron-rich asteroid would be worse, as a stony asteroid would potentially break up during impact. “The mass makes a huge difference in terms of the energy and whether or not the atmosphere has an effect on it.” Topics: Source link #Asteroid #YR4 #Odds #collision #Earth #reached #high Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]