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How long is Avowed? | Digital Trends How long is Avowed? | Digital Trends When it was first revealed, Avowed drew a lot of comparisons to Skyrim. Both are fantasy RPGs playable in first or third-person and set in open worlds, so it made some sense to compare the two. However, Obsidian later clarified that Avowed was not an open world in the same sense as an Elder Scrolls, and was more hub-based like The Outer Worlds. This left fans wondering just how long of an RPG this would be. Even though the game will be available on Game Pass, it is important to know how long or short of a time investment is before deciding when you want to start it. Here’s how long you can expect to spend exploring the Living Lands in Avowed. How long is Avowed? Xbox / Xbox Even though the world in Avowed isn’t anywhere close to as big as Skyrim, each zone is dense with activities, side quests, and secrets. Your playtime will heavily depend on how much optional content you decide to partake in. In our experience, doing most of the primary side content, our playthrough took around 35 hours. Had we focused only on the main story, we predict it could be finished in between 15 and 20 hours depending on the difficulty level and your individual skill. This is roughly the same as The Outer Worlds. For those who want to do and see everything Avowed has to offer, there are likely 40 hours worth of content to keep you occupied. This includes finding collectibles, doing side quests, reaching the max level, and more. This gives players a lot of room to decide for themselves how much time they want to invest in this game but is still on the shorter side in the realm of RPGs. Source link #long #Avowed #Digital #Trends Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This half-price Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is easily the best Presidents’ Day laptop deal This half-price Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is easily the best Presidents’ Day laptop deal A jaw-dropping deal like this only comes around once in a blue moon. We regularly see products dropping by 10% or even 25% but hardly ever by as much as 50%. This is a deal that is seriously hard to pass up on. It’s one of the best laptops on the market right now and boasts OLED technology. Want to know what it is? It’s this Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro at Amazon for $699.99 (was $1,349.99. The last price drop we saw on this laptop only brought it down to $1,149.99, so the price cut for the retailer’s Presidents’ Day ***** is phenomenal. It’s also a truly impressive portable 14-inch ultrabook for anyone seeking style as well as power. Today’s best Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro deal In our Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro review, we praised the performance and battery life – two key considerations in any laptop purchase. Somehow, it manages a battery life of over 10 hours so it’s ideal for your working day. When you think that the laptop also features a sharp 3K AMOLED touchscreen – and a good amount of power thanks to the Core Ultra 5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB SSD – the deal looks even more impressive. Clearly inspired by the MacBook Air, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is the laptop to buy if you want something stylish yet based on the Windows operating system. The only downside here is that the laptop has some fairly weak speakers but you could always team it up with some of the best headphones. Other than that, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro offers a lot of value for this kind of specification. We’ve got loads of laptop deals and MacBook deals if you’re wanting to do some more research before making a purchase. Source link #halfprice #Samsung #Galaxy #Book4 #Pro #easily #Presidents #Day #laptop #deal Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Airbnb gets an upgrade from Baird after the property rental giant posts strong earnings Airbnb gets an upgrade from Baird after the property rental giant posts strong earnings Airbnb could be due for sizable gains over the next several months despite its recent underperformance, according to Baird. The firm upgraded the stock to outperform from neutral and increased its price target by $35 to $175. That updated target now implies 24% upside potential, as of Thursday’s close. Shares jumped more than 13% in premarket trading on Friday after the company’s latest quarterly results beat on the top and bottom lines. Airbnb earned 73 cents per share on $2.48 billion in revenue for the fourth quarter, while analysts surveyed by LSEG were expecting 58 cents per share and $2.42 billion in revenue. That said, the company issued a lighter-than-expected revenue guidance for the first quarter. “Upgrading Airbnb to Outperform, following a strong finish to 2024, with Q1 likely the low-water mark for growth and margins in 2025, and significant platform expansion planned for later this year,” analyst Colin Sebastian wrote in a note. ABNB 1D mountain ABNB, 1-day The stock’s move higher following earnings comes as the stock has significantly underperformed the broader market over the last 12 months. Shares have fallen nearly 5% within that *******, while the S & P 500 has risen more than 22%. “LTM shares meaningfully underperformed … and sentiment is mixed, however, with a fortified core business, Airbnb is now positioned for broader marketplace monetization, and accelerating growth in 2H25 and 2026,” the analyst also said. “Within our SPEED investment framework, Airbnb ranks well with scale, product and engineering, and we expect rapid improvement in efficiency and data/AI with new platform extensions.” Looking ahead, Sebastian pointed to the company’s expected re-launch of experiences this year. That could come with “deeper” apartment and hotel offerings and new potential services like travel packages, event planning, food delivery and car sharing. “Leveraging a revamped tech platform, strong core business, and focus on innovation, we believe Airbnb is well-positioned to expand into adjacent markets and, eventually, new verticals as a ‘travel and lifestyle’ marketplace,” the analyst wrote. Most analysts aren’t as bullish as Sebastian, however. According to LSEG, 28 out of the 44 total analysts with coverage on the stock have taken a neutral stance with a hold rating. Nine, by contrast, have a strong buy or buy rating. The consensus price target of roughly $138 also reflects about 2% downside potential from here. Source link #Airbnb #upgrade #Baird #property #rental #giant #posts #strong #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Footballer handed suspended jail term for filming ******* encounter with woman Footballer handed suspended jail term for filming ******* encounter with woman South Korean footballer Hwang Ui-jo received a suspended one-year jail sentence on Friday for illegally filming ******* encounters with a woman without her consent. The 32-year-old, who plays for Turkish club Alanyaspor, was suspended from the national team in 2023 amid the allegations. The striker was indicted for secretly filming two women without their consent on four occasions between June and September 2022. The Seoul Central District Court convicted him in one case but acquitted him in the other, suspending his sentence for two years. “Considering that he filmed them with a cellphone during ******* intercourse against their will, the number of times the crime was committed and the specific details of the filmed material, the nature of the crime is not good,” the court said, according to Yonhap news agency. “Given the seriousness of the socially harmful effects of ******** filming, it is necessary to punish strictly,” it said. However, the court noted that Hwang admitted to the crime, expressed remorse and that the video was shared on social media by a third party. Hwang Ui-jo’s sister-in-law, who was not named, shared the videos despite “knowing it would be disseminated indiscriminately”, the Seoul Central District Court said in a verdict last year in March. “The content has been widely distributed in and out of South Korea … the nature of her crime is very serious,” the court said. South Korean international footballer Hwang Ui-jo on 14 February received a suspended jail term for illegally filming ******* encounters, the country’s Yonhap news agency said (AFP via Getty Images) The footballer’s sister-in-law was sentenced to three years in jail for sharing private videos of him to blackmail him. Hwang initially denied wrongdoing but later pleaded guilty. “I send out a sincere apology to all those hurt by my wrongful actions,” Hwang said during his final testimony. “I am also sorry for disappointing the people who have adored and cheered for me with my improper behaviour.” File. Hwang Ui-jo of South Korea celebrates after scoring the team’s fourth goal during the FIFA World Cup Asian 2nd qualifier match between South Korea and Singapore at Seoul World Cup Stadium on 16 November 2023 in Seoul, South Korea (Getty Images) On Friday, when asked by reporters if he had anything to say to the victim after the case, Hwang responded that he was “sorry”. “I personally apologise to football fans and genuinely feel very sorry,” he added. Hwang played as a striker for clubs including Seongnam FC, Gamba Osaka, Bordeaux, and was an unused reserve for Nottingham Forest, and had been a key player for the South Korea national team before his suspension. In a statement to the judge last year in October, he said: “I offer my sincerest apologies to the victims who have suffered because of my wrongdoings. I sincerely plead for the utmost leniency.” Source link #Footballer #handed #suspended #jail #term #filming #******* #encounter #woman Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

This iBuyPower gaming PC with RTX 4060 is under $1,000 — for now This iBuyPower gaming PC with RTX 4060 is under $1,000 — for now Gaming PC deals worth buying still usually cost more than $1,000 after the discounts, but here’s an offer from Best Buy that’s available for a more affordable price. The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh, which is originally sold for $1,300, is down to just $900 following a $400 discount. We’re not sure how much time is remaining before this bargain ends, so if you’re interested in this gaming desktop, you need to push forward with your purchase immediately if you want to secure the savings. Why you should buy the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh gaming PC The iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh is a relatively affordable gaming PC, but it doesn’t sacrifice much in terms of performance. It runs on the AMD Ryzen 7 5700 processor and the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060, which is in our list of the best graphics cards as our recommendation for 1080p gaming. It has 16GB of RAM, which is the best place to start for a gaming PC, according to our guide on how much RAM do you need. With these components, you won’t have trouble playing the best PC games, though you’ll have to go with medium settings for the more demanding titles. With a 1TB SSD, there’s plenty of storage space for your games and other apps on the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh gaming PC, and it comes with Windows 11 Home pre-loaded so you won’t have to deal with installing an operating system. The gaming desktop also comes with a tower air fan and RGB fans for cooling purposes, as well as a gaming keyboard and a gaming mouse so your setup will only require a gaming monitor to get going. If you want to stick to a tight budget in upgrading your gaming PC, you may want to set your sights on the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh. It’s on ***** from Best Buy at $400 off, bringing its price down from $1,300 to only $900. You won’t always get the chance to buy a gaming desktop with these specifications for less than $1,000, so you have to hurry if you don’t want to miss out on this offer. Add the iBuyPower Trace 7 Mesh gaming PC to your cart and proceed with the checkout process today, as tomorrow may already be too late to enjoy the discount. Source link #iBuyPower #gaming #RTX Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Apple is working on a mini-LED Studio Display, but the iMac Pro is nowhere to be found Apple is working on a mini-LED Studio Display, but the iMac Pro is nowhere to be found Table of Contents Table of Contents Are two devices better than one? Another choice for professionals If you’ve been craving a souped-up Studio Display that improves on the original model released in 2022, there’s been some good news: it looks like a new model with a mini-LED panel and a ProMotion 120Hz refresh rate is on the way. Yet it’s left me with more questions than answers about Apple’s long-lost iMac Pro. In the world of Apple leaks, you quickly learn that there are two sources whose reliability stands above the rest: Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman and display industry expert Ross Young. When these two agree on something, it’s pretty much nailed on, and that’s exactly what just happened regarding Apple’s Studio Display. First, Young posted on X that Apple is working on a 27-inch display with a mini-LED panel, and that it could launch as soon as late 2025. Gurman then chimed in on X, agreeing that such a device is coming but stating his belief that it might land “by 2026,” (which, technically, could also mean a 2025 launch). Apple Whatever the release date, it seems apparent that this 27-inch monitor is Apple’s Studio Display, as Gurman endorsed a claim that the mystery monitor was indeed this device. In that case, a mini-LED upgrade would be a big step up for the Studio Display, which is currently using a 5K-resolution LED panel. Mini-LED screens use huge numbers of individual LEDs rather than large lighting zones. That results in deeper *******, better highlights and improved shadows, among other benefits. For a product aimed at professional users, that could be a huge boon. And there’s another intriguing benefit. With a 120Hz refresh rate and 27-inch frame, the Studio Display could make an excellent gaming monitor. Sure, it’s not specifically designed for gaming — don’t expect to find support for Nvidia G-Sync or ultra-high refresh rates — but it would be another option for Mac gamers who want to stay within the company’s ecosystem. Are two devices better than one? Apple Yet amid all this talk of a standalone display, I can’t help but wonder where the iMac Pro is. Apple’s pro-level all-in-one was discontinued in 2021, but talk of a resurrection began almost immediately after. There have been intermittent rumors of a comeback ever since, with sources like Gurman saying that Apple is still working on a new model. The problem? Young specifically claimed that the product mentioned in his X post is a monitor, not a computer. In the end, this latest Studio Display rumor has just highlighted to me the lack of progress and news on the iMac Pro. The main question, then, is what’s taking so long? Part of it could simply be down to what has been released since. Apple says that a combination of the Mac Studio and the Studio Display does the job of the iMac Pro, giving you professional power both in terms of visuals and raw computing output. Yet I don’t agree entirely. For one thing, having two products instead of one takes up more space on your desk. And while the iMac Pro is hardly “portable,” it’s still easier to transport one device than two. That said, I can understand some of Apple’s argument. The cost of purchasing both the base Mac Studio and the Studio Display is $3,598, whereas iMac Pro started at $4,999. As well as that, having a standalone display means you can connect any Mac to it — something you can no longer do with an iMac. Maybe Apple believes its users are happy to get two devices instead of one. Maybe it’s correct. Another choice for professionals Apple Ultimately, this doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. I’m glad that Apple is apparently upgrading the Studio Display, as it will give professional users a welcome visual improvement to a monitor that has been crying out for a more competitive edge to take on all of the best OLED monitors. And yet I’d still like to see a refreshed iMac Pro to provide another option to demanding users who are in the market for a powerful new Mac. Gurman has previously said that it’s unclear whether the iMac Pro Apple is working on will have an M4 chip or something later (like the M5 or even M6), and with the continued dearth of news on this front, my money is on the latter. It sounds like a new iMac Pro could well be coming, but Apple is apparently in no hurry. With an M4 Ultra Mac Studio likely to drop this summer and an upgraded Studio Display in the works, professional users will still have plenty of options. Here’s hoping they get another one in the form of the iMac Pro before too long. Source link #Apple #working #miniLED #Studio #Display #iMac #Pro Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Russia denies Ukrainian claim it struck Chernobyl reactor shell as radiation levels remain normal – The Associated Press Russia denies Ukrainian claim it struck Chernobyl reactor shell as radiation levels remain normal – The Associated Press Russia denies Ukrainian claim it struck Chernobyl reactor shell as radiation levels remain normal The Associated PressUkraine blames Russia for drone attack on Chernobyl’s protective shell, Zelenskyy says damage ‘significant’ Fox NewsA drone damaged the outer shell of Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear plant. Radiation levels are normal Detroit NewsLeaders Meet in Munich to Discuss Ukraine War: Live Updates The New York Times Source link #Russia #denies #Ukrainian #claim #struck #Chernobyl #reactor #shell #radiation #levels #remain #normal #Press Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Chancellor Rachel Reeves can be trusted, says minister Chancellor Rachel Reeves can be trusted, says minister Chancellor Rachel Reeves can “absolutely” be trusted, a minister has said, despite questions about her CV and use of expenses while working at a bank. A BBC investigation discovered that while working at Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS), Reeves was subject to a detailed whistleblowing complaint which raised concerns about her use of company money. A spokesman for Reeves said the chancellor had no knowledge of the investigation, always complied with expenses rules and left the bank on good terms. Defending Reeves on the BBC’s Radio 4 Today programme, Science Secretary Peter Kyle said: “We should be thankful we have an economist by training and by experience delivering for this country.” Kyle also claimed the BBC’s reporting had been “inaccurate”, adding: “The head of HR at that bank at that time says it’s untrue, said that she never, ever received a file on Rachel Reeves. “And she says that before she left the bank, there was no investigation that passed her desk. And she’s also said if there was one, it would have passed her desk.” “I didn’t see any of that reporting included in the story I read yesterday evening on the BBC website.” However, the BBC’s reporting did include quotes from Jane Wayper, who was an HR business partner, not head of HR as Kyle described her. Wayper had told the BBC she “would have been made aware of any investigation which concluded there was case to answer”. She said this was because “I would have been required to organise and oversee a disciplinary process”. The BBC has not reported that Reeves was subject to a conclusive finding or disciplinary action. The initial stage of an investigation found that Reeves and her two colleagues appeared to have broken rules, according to a senior source, but we have not been able to establish what happened next. The BBC has also seen memos, receipts, emails and other documents which suggest that some of Reeves’ expenses spending during her time at HBOS may have breached rules. In the late 2000s before entering politics, Reeves worked at HBOS as a senior manager. The BBC has learnt that during her time at the bank concerns were raised about Reeves, and two other managers, using the bank’s money to “fund a lifestyle”. The concerns raised about Reeves’s spending included a £400 leaving meal for a colleague, a £49 handbag for her PA and £152 spent on another bag, along with some perfume as a present for her boss in a joint gift with another manager. The BBC investigation has also raised questions about the accuracy of Reeves’s online CV on LinkedIn. Last year she was accused of embellishing it. Her profile was then changed to describe her role at HBOS to “retail banking”. It had previously said “economist”. The BBC has now established that she exaggerated her time at the Bank of England. In fact she left nine months earlier than she had claimed on LinkedIn. Reeves was at the Bank of England for five and a half years, but nearly a year of that was spent studying for a Masters at the London School of Economics. As recently as last year, she said she had spent “the best part of a decade as an economist at the Bank of England”. A spokeswoman for Reeves said the dates on her CV were inaccurate due to an administrative error by a member of the team and that Ms Reeves had not seen it before it had been published. On Thursday, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch posted on social media: “Keir Starmer said ‘restoring trust in politics is the great test of our era’. “Until she [Reeves] comes clean – not just about her CV but about the circumstances in which she left Halifax Bank of Scotland, no one will take him seriously.” Defending his colleague on the BBC’s Newsnight programme, Health Secretary Wes Streeting said Reeves was a “serious economist” who was doing a “brilliant and difficult job”. “I think I’ve got a hard enough job trying to turn around the National Health Service and social care. She’s got to worry about that, she’s got to worry about every other public service that’s creaking at the seams.” Source link #Chancellor #Rachel #Reeves #trusted #minister Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Forget President’s Day sales, Apple is selling an M2 Mac mini refurb for just over $300 which could be the PC bargain of the year Forget President’s Day sales, Apple is selling an M2 Mac mini refurb for just over $300 which could be the PC bargain of the year Apple just introduced refurbished Mac mini M4 models to its online store Pricing for M2 models wasn’t corrected, so they ended up more costly than the M4 variants A correction came swiftly though, and there’s now a startling bargain to be had on the entry-level Mac mini M2 Apple has just swiftly corrected pricing on its Mac mini refurbs after these PCs hit the headlines due to the refurbished Mac mini M4 actually being cheaper than the M2 model somehow. However, the new (corrected) pricing on the M2 models not only makes a lot more sense, but it offers up a serious ****** Friday-style bargain with the entry-level model in the US. That’d be the refurbished Mac mini M2 with 8‑Core CPU (10‑Core GPU) partnered with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage, which is now priced at $319 in Apple’s US store (down from $499 originally, price correct at the time of writing). The background to this is that the Mac mini M4 (and indeed MacBook Pro M4) have only just arrived as refurbs on the Apple store (surprisingly early, to be honest), and were priced up at a certain level, clearly without adjusting the M2 models afterwards. MacRumors spotted the discrepancy between M2 and M4 pricing which meant that the newcomer M4 refurbished model, pitched at $509, with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage, was actually cheaper than the same M2 model with the equivalent RAM and storage, which was left priced at $559. Obviously that made no sense, but all it took was a good headline catching the winds of Google (don’t forget, folks – other search engines are out there) to make some Apple staff members sit up, take notice and get adjusting. So, the mentioned M2 model with 16GB of RAM was cut to $459, which lines up with the asking price of $509 for the same M4 Mac mini. However, the 8GB spin on the M2 Mac mini (with 256GB storage also) got a much deeper cut to produce that serious bargain. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. At that level, I’m calling this a must-buy for anyone interested in a compact computer on the cheap, as the M2 Mac mini is still a great machine. This refurbished entry-level model is still in stock right now in the US, though I don’t know if it’ll stay that way for all that long. Today’s best refurbished M2 Mac mini deal (Image credit: Apple) Mac mini bargains outside of the US? Apple has a history of failing to recalibrate refurbished price tags on older Mac models, by all accounts, and so this odd bit of wonky pricing isn’t all that surprising. The change was made swiftly, mind, and you might get a similar bargain on other Apple stores aside from the US. Checking the *** online store, there’s nothing too compelling currently, but the prices of M2 models are in line with the M4 products. What you really want is that baseline model of the M2 Mac mini – with 8GB plus 256GB storage – to get the deep price cut, it’d seem, and that isn’t in stock in the ***. There’s an 8GB version with 512GB storage, but it comes in at £489, so hardly the same level of bargain as the 256GB spin in the US. It’s worth keeping your eyes peeled for bargains, then, if you need a compact PC and are happy with a refurb (and macOS, of course). It’s worth noting that Apple’s official refurbished hardware comes complete with a year’s warranty, and you can get AppleCare coverage for these devices too. You might also like… Source link #Forget #Presidents #Day #sales #Apple #selling #Mac #mini #refurb #bargain #year Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

‘It’s like shutting the door … and not visiting for a decade’ ‘It’s like shutting the door … and not visiting for a decade’ Areas of England protected for their ecological significance have fallen behind on assessments, leaving conservationists and agencies in the lurch. “The protected site network is critical natural infrastructure supporting wildlife, health and wellbeing, and a resilient economy,” Richard Benwell, the chief executive of Wildlife and Countryside Link, told the Guardian. “But with over three-quarters of sites not inspected in the last five years, regulators will have no idea whether they are in good condition and the government won’t know where it should be targeting its efforts in order to reach critical 2030 targets. … Wildlife could be disappearing in the dark while ecosystems break down. It’s like shutting the door on a new power plant and not visiting for a decade.” What’s happening? Sites of Special Scientific Interest are designated by government agency Natural England to provide additional protections to sensitive regions. Together, these sites amount to roughly 8% of British land area. An interactive map of their locations is available here. The condition of these areas is rated during regular inspections, and those ratings range from destroyed to favorable. The problem is that over 10,000 of these sites haven’t been inspected since 2019. Natural England says it conducts assessments at least every six years for most sites, but may take as long as once every 10 years in areas like woodland that experience slower rates of change. As of Natural England’s last assessments, more than 5,000 of the sites (or 39% of the total) were rated as being in an unfavourable state. Why are ecological assessments important? Ecosystems are changing fast in the face of growing climate change. Assessments not being kept up-to-date could leave agencies and the public unable to react quickly enough to new problems emerging. Without intervention, vitally important biodiversity may be at risk. What’s being done about ecological assessments? In the U.S. we’ve seen large land purchases help to preserve ecosystems, but federally mandated protections play a big role here too. The previous U.K. government pledged to protect 30% of the U.K.’s land and seas for nature by 2030, including the protection of Sites of Special Scientific Interest and other areas. Watch now: Local hero single-handedly repopulates endangered butterfly species “Protected sites are at the heart of our vision for making space for rare habitats and threatened species to thrive as well as green spaces for us all to enjoy,” said a spokesperson for the U.K. Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. “It’s why this government has wasted no time in establishing a rapid review of our plan to deliver on our legally binding targets for the environment, including measures to improve the condition of protected sites. We will deliver a new statutory plan that will help restore our natural environment.” Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don’t miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Source link #shutting #door #visiting #decade Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

****** releases name of three hostages to be freed on Saturday – BBC.com ****** releases name of three hostages to be freed on Saturday – BBC.com ****** releases name of three hostages to be freed on Saturday BBC.comHamas says it will free more Israeli hostages on Saturday as originally planned Fox NewsLIVE: ******, PIJ name three captives to be freed in Gaza Al Jazeera EnglishHamas, Islamic ****** name three hostages set for Saturday release The Jerusalem PostHamas says it will release hostages as planned, potentially resolving ceasefire spat with Israel CNN Source link #****** #releases #hostages #freed #Saturday #BBC.com Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What’s up, DOGE? Diving into Elon Musk’s hack on America What’s up, DOGE? Diving into Elon Musk’s hack on America We joked about “President Musk” shortly after Donald Trump took office, but it turns out that wasn’t far from the truth. Over the past few weeks, Elon Musk and his DOGE team wasted no time in trying to dismantle the American administrative state. They’ve illegally accessed the Treasury Department’s federal payment system, pushed for USAID to be dismantled, and have also infiltrated the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In this episode, we chat with 404 Media’s Jason Koebler about what Musk and his young tech cronies are up to, and how it ties into Silicon Valley’s approach to the new Trump administration. Listen below or subscribe on your podcast app of choice. If you’ve got suggestions or topics you’d like covered on the show, be sure to email us or drop a note in the comments! And be sure to check out our other podcast, Engadget News! This embedded content is not available in your region. Subscribe! Topics Move Fast and Break Things: What is Elon Musk’s DOGE doing to the United States government? – 1:04 iPhone SE 4 announcement expected soon – 34:54 Elon Musk makes $97.4 billion offer for OpenAI, Altman declines in a tweet – 39:03 France wants to build a gigawatt of new nuclear plants to power AI ambitions – 41:27 Working on – 44:05 Pop culture picks – 44:48 Credits Hosts: Devindra Hardawar Guest: Jason Koebler from 404 Media Producer: Ben Ellman Music: Dale North If you buy something through a link in this article, we may earn commission. Source link #Whats #DOGE #Diving #Elon #Musks #hack #America Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tiny Plasma Jets on Sun Identified as Key Drivers of Solar Wind Tiny Plasma Jets on Sun Identified as Key Drivers of Solar Wind New findings have revealed that tiny plasma jets on the Sun play a significant role in driving both the fast and slow solar wind. Observations have been made using high-resolution imaging and direct measurements, offering a clearer picture of how the solar wind originates and moves through space. The study sheds light on a longstanding mystery surrounding the Sun’s influence on space weather and its potential impact on Earth. Observations from Solar Orbiter Provide Crucial Data According to the research published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, data from the European Space Agency’s Solar Orbiter has provided compelling evidence linking small-scale plasma jets, known as picoflares, to the solar wind. The spacecraft, during its close approach to the Sun in late 2022 and early 2023, captured high-resolution images of these jets emerging from coronal holes. These structures, which appear as dark patches on the Sun’s surface, serve as channels through which charged particles escape into space. Implications for Space Weather and Future Studies Lakshmi Pradeep Chitta, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research, has highlighted the significance of these observations while talking to Space.com. The energy produced by a single picoflare jet, lasting no more than a minute, is comparable to the annual power consumption of thousands of households. These jets have now been directly linked to both fast and slow components of the solar wind, challenging previous assumptions that separate processes were responsible for their formation. Further Investigations Expected with Upcoming Missions Future close approaches by Solar Orbiter, scheduled to take place twice a year, are expected to provide additional insights into how these jets contribute to the solar wind. The findings could refine predictions of solar storms, which have the potential to disrupt satellite communications and GPS signals, and pose risks to astronauts. Scientists are optimistic that continued research will enhance understanding of solar activity and its far-reaching effects on Earth’s space environment. Source link #Tiny #Plasma #Jets #Sun #Identified #Key #Drivers #Solar #Wind Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Trump tariff VAT threat raises prospects of hit to *** Trump tariff VAT threat raises prospects of hit to *** Michael Race Business reporter, BBC News Getty Images Concerns are growing the *** could be hit with higher US trade taxes after President Donald Trump announced he would target VAT in his latest move. Trump has instructed his staff to develop custom “reciprocal tariffs” – charging the same amount as levies imposed on American exports – for each country. The ***’s trading relationship with US had suggested it would be less exposed to tariffs than others, but the surprise inclusion of VAT to calculate potential tariffs has prompted questions over the impact on British businesses. Analysts have suggested tariffs of 20% or more could be placed on the *** as well as the European Union. The British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) business group warned that cars, pharmaceuticals, and food and drink were specific goods which could be “significantly hit” by the measures, which were announced by the White House on Thursday. The latest announcement by Trump administration was wide-ranging and threatened retaliation by the US for not just trade tariffs, but for other “unfair or harmful acts, policies or practices”. One of the justifications Trump has given to date for imposing tariffs on countries is whether they have a trade surplus with the US – i.e. they sell more to the US than they import from the country. The use of tariffs is part of Trump’s efforts to protect American businesses and boost manufacturing. Both the *** and US claim to have trade surpluses with each other due to discrepancies in how the countries collect data. It remains uncertain whether Trump would exempt the *** from tariffs, but the introduction of Value Added Tax (VAT) into the equation complicates matters. The president’s latest announcement cited VAT as an “unfair, discriminatory or extraterritorial tax”. VAT tax is the tax people have to pay when people buy goods or services. The standard rate in the *** is 20% and it is levied regardless of whether a product has been imported from overseas or not. George Saravelos, global head of FX research at Deutsche Bank, said if the US imposed taxes based on existing tariffs and VAT combined, British businesses exporting to the US could face charges of 21%. “If reciprocal tariffs are applied on a VAT basis, European countries would be much higher on the list of impacted countries,” he said. William Bain, head of trade policy at the BCC, said the *** had a “level of insulation” due to it not exporting as many goods to the US in comparison to other countries. But he warned Trump’s proposals would “create more cost and uncertainty” and “upend established trade norms”. Paul Ashworth, chief *** economist for Capital Economics, said that most people would regard VAT as a non-discriminatory tax as it is applied to all goods whether they were produced domestically or imported. But he noted one of Trump’s advisers had argued that given the US applied a much lower average sales tax at state level, VAT was a “form of discriminatory tariff”. Mr Ashworth said it appeared the US president now favoured tariffs to be imposed on a “country-by-country basis” as opposed to his original idea of introducing universal tax on all imports to the US. ‘Difficult to predict’ A tariff is a tax on imports collected by a government and it is paid by the company importing the good. Countries typically ****** tariffs in a bid to protect certain sectors from foreign competition. But in protecting domestic businesses, prices for consumers can go up if a company importing goods from abroad passes higher costs on, rather than absorbing them or reducing imports. Caroline Ramsay, partner and head of international trade at law firm TLT, said it was “difficult to predict” what the latest announcement would mean for the ***. She suggested the word “reciprocal” did not mean what people might have first assumed, adding an assessment by the US would be made on what it considers to be fair. “It does not mean that the USA is going to check what the *** tariff is on paper imports and match that tariff percentage for paper exports to the US from the ***,” she added. Mr Bain argued it was “vital” that the *** government negotiated with Trump and did not get “sucked into a trade war of ****-for-tat tariffs”. Senior *** government minister Pat McFadden said the government would wait before reacting. “The most sensible thing to do with all of these announcements is to digest them, see if they actually come to pass, and then decide what you do.” Source link #Trump #tariff #VAT #threat #raises #prospects #hit Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Eternal Strands Review – Making Aang Proud | TNS Eternal Strands Review – Making Aang Proud | TNS TNS: In Eternal Strands you command the elements to take down towering enemies, scavenge resources, and lead your troupe to greatness. Source link #Eternal #Strands #Review #Making #Aang #Proud #TNS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

DR Congo singer killed while filming video in conflict-hit Goma DR Congo singer killed while filming video in conflict-hit Goma A popular musician in the Democratic Republic of Congo has been killed while filming a music video in the conflict-hit eastern town of Goma. The body of Delphin Katembo Vinywasiki, better known as Delcat Idengo, was found in a street on Thursday with his head partially covered with blood. Unconfirmed reports say the artist was shot. Idengo, famous for his songs critical of both the government and the rebels, was among hundreds of inmates who escaped from a prison in Goma, after M23 militants seized the city last month. The east of DR Congo has been engulfed in fighting as armed groups and the army battle it out for control of the mineral-rich region. It is not clear who was behind the killing. The musician had just released a track called Bunduki (meaning “weapon” in Swahili), condemning the rebel occupation in Goma. “Justice will be done,” government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya posted on X platform, terming the musician’s killing an “abominable act”. He blamed the M23. But the M23 pointed the finger at government-aligned forces, calling on them to hand over their weapons. The killing comes amid growing tension in the area after the Rwanda-backed M23 captured Goma, in a major escalation of the fighting in late January. Around 2,900 people have been killed and about 700,000 others forced from their homes in the recent hostilities, the latest UN figures suggest. The rebels are now pushing towards Bukavu, the capital of South Kivu – another key city in the region – despite regional peace efforts to end the conflict. Idengo’s death has sparked fresh fears in North Kivu as protesters took to the streets of Beni, where he was born, to demand justice. Videos shared on social media showed the musician’s body lying on the ground after the incident in the Kilijiwe area, in the north of Goma. According to the witnesses, Idengo, who was wearing military trousers for the video, died on the spot after the attack. The Congolese ministry of arts and culture described the incident as an “assassination”. “A committed voice, he carried, through his music, the aspirations and hopes of an entire generation,” the ministry posted on X. Idengo was awaiting trail after his jailing last year for inciting people to take up arms and force UN peacekeepers to leave the country. In 2021, he was prosecuted for insulting President Félix Tshisekedi and spreading “false rumours” in one of his songs where he accused the president of not fulfilling his promises. He was sentenced to 10 years, but was later acquitted. “The nation has lost a patriot committed to national cohesion. I mourn the loss of Idengo. It is high time for this war to end. Humanity above all!” Martin Fayulu, an opposition leader who came third in the 2023 general election, posted on X. Moïse Katumbi, another opposition figure who came second in the election, condemned Idengo’s killing. “His murderers, whoever they are, must be quickly identified and very severely condemned,” Katumbi posted on X. Source link #Congo #singer #killed #filming #video #conflicthit #Goma Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

I used a 600Hz esports monitor, but it didn’t make me any less terrible at Counter-Strike I used a 600Hz esports monitor, but it didn’t make me any less terrible at Counter-Strike The Intel Extreme Masters in Katowice, Poland is the prototypical esports event: massive screens replaying crisp headshots, a huge arena with a screaming crowd, and (presumably) a few hundred thousand Polish złoty worth of on-stage pyrotechnics. But I wasn’t there for the love of the game: I was there for the hardware. As exciting as watching IEM’s Counter-Strike 2 pros go head-to-head is – and even as someone who has historically been pretty ambivalent about esports in general, it is genuinely exciting to watch live – my focus was on the kit those competitors were using. In order to prevent any unfair advantages, the players must compete on standardized displays, and in the case of IEM Katowice, the official monitor of the event is the Zowie XL2586X+. The XL2586X+ isn’t the most visually striking monitor, but it’s aiming for function over form. (Image credit: Future) Zowie is actually a brand owned by well-known monitor maker BenQ, with a focus specifically on hardware for competitive gaming. The XL2586X+ lives up to this idealogy and then some, with a rich feature set geared explicitly towards esports professionals (and hopefuls). The main draw is, unsurprisingly, the ridiculous 600Hz refresh rate. In twitchy shooters like CS2 and Valorant, where framerates and latency can often be the difference between securing a win and an AWP shot to the face, high-refresh-rate monitors are considered standard equipment – but 600Hz is truly nutty, virtually guaranteeing that your display will never hold back your framerates. Smooth as silk Refresh rates alone do not an esports monitor make, however. The Zowie team has packed the XL2586X+ with other nifty features beneficial to competitive gamers, like side-mounted shielding to minimize distractions (and potentially also deter screen-peeking), a fully rotatable and height-adjustable mount, and a physical Zowie ‘S-Switch’ – essentially a small control panel for the monitor that lets you switch between preset display modes at the tap of a button. Most intriguing to me, though, was the actual screen itself. While gaming monitors targeting the esports space often forgo higher resolutions and fancy panel types like OLED or Mini-LED (the XL2586X+ ostensibly just uses a 1080p LCD panel) in favor of maximizing refresh rate and sharpness, this monitor using something called a ‘Fast TN’ panel. I had literally never heard of this, so I had to investigate. I had a fiddle with the adjustable mount on the XL2586X+, and it felt very sturdy – one would hope so, for the high asking price. (Image credit: Future) Turns out, ‘Fast TN’ is a bit of clever branding by BenQ, but it’s not without merit. ‘TN’ stands for ‘twisted nematic’, and while I’m not going to get into the real nitty-gritty of how that works here, I’ll simplify it by saying that it’s basically a different type of internal liquid crystal structure to the more common IPS and VA panel types. TN panels typically provide poorer contrast and color vividity, but superior response time – the most crucial feature for esports displays. Even at the same refresh rate, IPS or VA panels can produce more visual noise (blurring, essentially) when trying to display fast-moving objects, while TN screens retain more sharpness, an advantage that Zowie hopes will help make high-level players more accurate. The Fast TN panel type is a TN panel that has been customized by BenQ to produce better color vibrance and contrast without sacrificing those response time benefits, as well as delivering Zowie’s ‘DyAc 2’ technology, which is shorthand for ‘Dynamic Accuracy’. As the name suggests, this technology (which specifically alters the backlighting of individual pixels) works to improve image accuracy by further reducing screen shake and motion blur. In other words, the XL2586X+ is far more than a humble LCD monitor. Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Playing at 600Hz Naturally, when I got the chance to jump into a game of Counter-Strike 2 on the Zowie XL2586X+, I seized the opportunity. This could be my big break, I thought. I could finally be good at Counter-Strike, a game that has baffled me for years. Every gamer is just a temporarily embarrassed esports champion, after all. Needless to say, I won’t be competing at IEM any time soon. I still ***** at CS2, and I doubt this monitor would make me any better at similar FPS titles like Valorant and Rainbow Six Siege (I’m more of a card-based roguelike kind of guy). Even just in a regular deathmatch game against other attendees, I barely managed to scrape a meager single-digit kill count. Apologies to this guy for accidentally including him in my photo – a common occupational hazard of working at expos, I suppose. (Image credit: Future) I can’t deny that the Fast TN panel works, though. Even at 1080p, everything was fantastically sharp and smooth, colors were vibrant, and I couldn’t detect even the slightest bit of motion blur or after-imaging even in the fiercest of short-lived gunfights on the XL2586X+. For a Counter-Strike pro, playing on this monitor versus using a bog-standard 60Hz or even 120Hz display must be a revelation. So while I don’t think the official monitor of IEM Katowice is going to turn a Counter-Strike klutz like me into an expert head-clicker, I have a newfound appreciation for esports hardware, and I do feel confident saying that any serious budding pro should consider investing in a monitor like Zowie’s 600Hz monster. You might also like… Source link #600Hz #esports #monitor #didnt #terrible #CounterStrike Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

Jihadist motivation in Munich attack, prosecutors say Jihadist motivation in Munich attack, prosecutors say Paul Kirby Europe digital editor VIFOGRA/PAUL/EPA-EFE The attacker admitted using his Mini Cooper to drive into the crowd in Munich An Afghan man arrested on suspicion of driving into a crowd of people in Munich, injuring 36, has admitted carrying out the attack and appears to have had a religious motivation, say prosecutors. Munich public prosecutor Gabriele Tilmann told reporters that the suspect had said “Allahu Akbar” (God is greatest) in Arabic when he was detained and she described the attack as “Islamist motivated”. A two-year-old girl is among two people who were critically injured in the attack near Munich central station on Thursday. She is in intensive care. Another eight people were seriously hurt. Updating details of the casualties, police said 32 were male and four were female. Thursday’s car-ramming in the heart of Munich came 10 days before Germans go the polls in federal elections overshadowed by a series of earlier attacks carried out by immigrants. Two of the alleged attackers had come from Afghanistan. As snow fell in Munich on Friday, President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited the scene of attack and said “the brutality of this act upsets us and leaves us stunned”. Police chief Guido Limmer said the Munich suspect, identified as Farhad N who is 24, had been questioned for two hours after the attack. During questioning, he told police that he had driven his Mini Cooper car intentionally into the crowd, who were taking part in a trade union protest at the time. Farhad N was due to appear in court on Friday afternoon. He had no previous criminal record and police said there was no evidence of a link to a jihadist group. He also appears to have acted alone, police say. He arrived in Germany in 2016 and although his application for asylum was turned down he was allowed to stay in Germany and had a valid residence and work permit. The Munich prosecutor confirmed to reporters that Farhad N had been living in Germany legally. The attack happened on the eve of the Munich Security Conference. After arriving in the city on Friday US Vice-President JD Vance expressed his condolences to the 36 people injured in the attack. Authorities initially suggested that the suspect had been convicted of shoplifting, but Bavaria’s Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann later clarified that he had been working as a store detective and had appeared as a witness in shoplifting trials rather than as an alleged offender. Source link #Jihadist #motivation #Munich #attack #prosecutors Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Keir Starmer backs Nato membership for Ukraine despite US view Keir Starmer backs Nato membership for Ukraine despite US view Sir Keir Starmer has reaffirmed Britain will back Ukraine’s “irreversible path” to joining Nato despite US President Donald Trump appearing to rule out membership. The prime minister told Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky the *** stood by a pledge made alongside ex-president Joe Biden at last year’s Nato summit in Washington, to back Ukraine’s bid for membership. The two leaders spoke on the phone ahead of global leaders meeting for fresh talks in Munich on Friday. Sir Keir’s comments are in stark contrast to those of the Trump administration, which has said this week that Nato membership for Ukraine is not a “realistic prospect”. In a readout of the call, a Downing Street spokeswoman said: “The Prime Minister began by reiterating the ***’s concrete support for Ukraine, for as long as it’s needed. “He was unequivocal that there could be no talks about Ukraine, without Ukraine. “Ukraine needed strong security guarantees, further lethal aid and a sovereign future, and it could count on the *** to step up, he added. “The prime minister reiterated the ***’s commitment to Ukraine being on an irreversible path to Nato as agreed by allies at the Washington Summit last year.” The leaders agreed it was an “important moment to demonstrate international unity and support for Ukraine” and “agreed to stay in close contact”, the statement added. Source link #Keir #Starmer #backs #Nato #membership #Ukraine #view Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ex-Federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg to chair new not-for-profit aimed at standing against anti-Semitism Ex-Federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg to chair new not-for-profit aimed at standing against anti-Semitism ‘Combating anti-Semitism is not just the Jewish community’s fight, it is Australia’s fight.’ Source link #ExFederal #treasurer #Josh #Frydenberg #chair #notforprofit #aimed #standing #antiSemitism Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Government launches consultation on plan to streamline business through e-invoicing Government launches consultation on plan to streamline business through e-invoicing The government has asked businesses for comment on a *** approach to electronic invoicing (e-invoicing), which is part of its plan to grow the economy. A 12-week consultation on e-invoicing in business asked firms and other stakeholders for feedback on topics including different models of e-invoicing, if a mandated or voluntary approach is best and whether e-invoicing should be complemented by real-time digital reporting. This is part of the government’s plan for change, which has “kickstart economic growth” as one of its five missions. Both HMRC and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) are behind the plans, which could improve tax collection and business efficiency. According to the government announcement, the consultation “will gather views on standardising e-invoicing and how to increase its adoption across *** businesses and the public sector”. It will also look at different e-invoicing models, with evidence sought from businesses whether they currently use e-invoicing or not. The government said the use of e-invoicing technology could help businesses “get their tax right first time, reduce invoicing and data errors, improve the accuracy of VAT returns, help close the tax gap, and save time and money”. It added that e-invoicing can speed up business-to-business payments, which improves cash flow and reduces paperwork. DBT minister Gareth Thomas said small businesses are at the heart of the economy and vital to the country’s growth. “The potential of digitising taxes, speeding up payments and streamlining administrative tasks will provide real benefits to the economy, supporting smaller firms and boosting growth,” he said. “This is why we want to make sure e-invoicing works for SMEs [small and medium-sized enterprises], because cash flow can make all the difference between staying afloat or going under.” The government cited success stories where e-invoicing has speeded up payments for business. It said an unnamed NHS trust has used e-invoicing to reduce the time it takes to get invoices ready for processing from 10 days to 24 hours, with queries from suppliers reduced by 15%. It also said that in Australia, government agencies are settling e-invoices in five days rather than 20 days with traditional invoices. It also highlighted research from *** accounting software firm Sage, which found that e-invoicing streamlines routine tasks including data entry and tax filing, resulting in 3% productivity gains. The consultation, Promoting electronic invoicing across *** businesses and the public sector, is open until 7 May. “E-invoicing simplifies processes, reduces errors and helps businesses to get paid faster,” said James Murray, exchequer secretary to the Treasury. “By cutting paperwork and freeing up valuable time and money, it will help improve firms’ productivity and their ability to grow and succeed. “As part of the prime minister’s plan for change, we have begun our work to transform the ***’s tax system into one that is focused on helping businesses and the economy to grow.” The government said about 130 countries already have or are in the process of implementing e-invoicing structures and standards, which includes what data they should include and its format. Source link #Government #launches #consultation #plan #streamline #business #einvoicing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pope Francis hospitalised with bronchitis Pope Francis hospitalised with bronchitis Pope Francis was admitted to hospital on Friday for tests and treatment for bronchitis, the latest in a series of health problems for the 88-year-old pontiff. Francis, who has been breathless in recent days and has delegated officials to read his speeches, held his morning meetings as planned before heading to Rome’s Gemelli hospital, the ******** said. He was hospitalised for “some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for ongoing bronchitis in a hospital setting”, it said. The Argentine pontiff, who took over as head of the Catholic Church in 2013, will be staying in a suite used exclusively by popes, which has its own chapel. The pope, who had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man, has been suffering with breathing difficulties for over a week, asking aides several times to read his speeches aloud on his behalf. At his weekly general audience on Wednesday, Francis said he “cannot yet” read his own speeches, adding with a smile: “I hope that next time I can.” He also held meetings at home on February 6 and 7 in an attempt to rest and recover. On Friday morning, the ******** confirmed he had audiences with five visitors including the prime minister of Slovakia, Robert Fico. – Defying health woes – The Argentine pontiff has been plagued in recent years by health issues, although he continues to maintain a very busy schedule. He pulled out of a Good Friday event in March last year after catching what the ******** called a “light flu”, but went on to lead Easter services as planned. A year earlier, in March 2023, Francis was admitted to hospital for three nights with bronchitis, which was cured with antibiotics. Another bout of bronchitis caused him to cancel a December 2023 visit to Dubai to participate in the United Nations COP28 climate change conference. The pope also underwent a hernia operation in June 2023, and in 2021 underwent surgery for a type of diverticulitis, an inflammation of pockets that develop in the lining of the intestine. He has been using a wheelchair since 2022 due to persistent knee pain and uses a cane during rare moments standing up. Francis has also fallen a couple of times in the past few months, bruising his forearm in January and sporting a large bruise on his right jaw in December, caused by toppling from his bed. Yet despite his health troubles, Francis rarely rests. In September 2024, he completed a four-nation Asia-Pacific tour, the longest of his papacy in terms of duration and distance. He never takes holidays and keeps a busy schedule, sometimes with a dozen meetings in one morning. Francis’s health issues regularly spark speculation over his future, particularly as his predecessor, Benedict XVI, quit over failing health in 2013. While Francis has left open the option of resigning should he be unable to carry out his duties, he has said that for now he is going nowhere. In a memoir published last year, Francis wrote that he did “not have any cause serious enough to make me think of resigning”. Resignation is a “distant possibility” that would be justified only in the event of “a serious physical impediment”, he wrote. ar-ide/yad Source link #Pope #Francis #hospitalised #bronchitis Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Jolly Match, the match-3 puzzler where you rebuild lost icons, is now available on Android and iOS Jolly Match, the match-3 puzzler where you rebuild lost icons, is now available on Android and iOS Four heroes travel from one place to another, rebuilding iconic sites Collect cookie coins, shovels, and keys to progress Numerous social features to explore JollyCo has just announced the release of their latest match-3 puzzle adventure, Jolly Match, which has hit the iOS and Android app storefronts. This story-driven journey takes you across the world, where you’ll help restore famous landmarks that have been left in ruins after a devastating tornado. In Jolly Match, you’ll follow a team of four heroes as they travel from one location to the next, working to rebuild these iconic sites. Each level presents a new match-3 challenge, where solving puzzles earns stars that unlock restoration tasks. Along the way, you’ll collect cookie coins, shovels, and keys to progress further. Special boosters and character power-ups give you an edge when tackling more difficult puzzles. You’ll be kept on your toes with a lives system that encourages careful planning. Each failed attempt costs a life, so you’ll need to think through your moves. Cookie coins can be used for extra turns, while stars allow you to unlock new restoration tasks. The dynamic difficulty system adjusts puzzles based on your progress, keeping the experience balanced whether you’re new to the genre or an experienced player. Beyond solving puzzles, you can also take advantage of a number of social features. You can take on special events like Treasure Hunt and Kart Duel, either on your own or as part of a team. Team-based challenges introduce a cooperative element, with new exclusive events planned for the future. On the hunt for similar games to pass your time? Take a peek at this list of the best match-3 games to play on iOS right now! Begin rebuilding all the iconic landmarks by downloading Jolly Match now by clicking on your preferred link below. It is free-to-play with in-app purchases. You can also visit the official website for more information and to stay updated on all the latest developments. Source link #Jolly #Match #match3 #puzzler #rebuild #lost #icons #Android #iOS Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content] For verified travel tips and real support, visit: [Hidden Content]

iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Design Renders Leak Online Showing Rear Camera Bar iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Design Renders Leak Online Showing Rear Camera Bar Apple is not expected to launch the purported iPhone 17 series of smartphones for a few more months, but the details of the handsets have already surfaced online. Renders of two models in the series — the iPhone 17 and iPhone 17 Pro — suggest that they will feature an elongated camera bar on the rear panel. The iPhone 17 seen with two horizontally aligned rear cameras in the leaked render, while he Pro model could feature the same camera layout as its predecessor, the iPhone 16 Pro. iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro Design (Leaked) A render of the standard iPhone 17 model leaked by X (formerly Twitter) user @MajinBuOfficial suggests that the handset could arrive with a redesigned rear camera layout. Last year, Apple equipped the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus with a vertical camera layout, instead of the diagonal alignment used on previous models. According to the information I’ve managed to obtain, there is a version of the iPhone 17 design that mainly changed the camera layout compared to the previous version. It is assumed that the camera module of the base version is wider than that of the Air version with a single… pic.twitter.com/Egl2rw2iDl — Majin Bu (@MajinBuOfficial) February 13, 2025 The new render indicates that the primary and ultrawide camera will be horizontally aligned, on a camera bar that extends to both sides. We can also see an LED flash on the right side. The camera bar appears to be dark, while the render shows the phone in a white colourway, which suggests the bar might sport the same colour on all colourways. On the other hand, the rumoured iPhone 17 Pro can be seen in a video on Jon Prosser’s FrontPageTech YouTube channel. While the handset is seen with the same elongated camera bar as the iPhone 17, it is “taller” as it houses the three rear cameras with a very familiar design. Unlike previous renders that showed the iPhone 17 Pro models with three horizontally aligned rear cameras, the FrontPageTech renders show the handset with the exact same layout as the iPhone 16 Pro. The LED flash is seen on the right end of the camera bar. It’s worth noting that there are several months until the iPhone 17 series is launched, and it’s worth taking these leaks with a grain of salt. This year, Apple is tipped to launch an ‘Air’ model in place of the the successor to the iPhone 16 Plus. More details about these phones are likely to surface in the months leading up to their debut. Source link #iPhone #Pro #iPhone #Design #Renders #Leak #Online #Showing #Rear #Camera #Bar Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Zuckerberg’s rightward policy shift hits Meta staffers, targets Apple Zuckerberg’s rightward policy shift hits Meta staffers, targets Apple Priscilla Chan, left, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, and Lauren Sanchez are among guests attending Donald Trump’s inauguration as the 47th U.S. president in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., Jan. 20, 2025. Saul Loeb | Afp | Getty Images Mark Zuckerberg kicked off 2025 with an Instagram video that outlined his vision for what he called restoring “free expression” to Meta’s platforms and for working with President Donald Trump to push back on governments Zuckerberg said have gone after American companies and stifled innovation. What Zuckerberg didn’t say in his five-minute monologue was that Meta would use its own internal moderators to censor employee criticism of his plan. He also didn’t say that by cozying up to the new president, his company might be able to shift Trump’s ire in the direction of Meta’s loathed rival Apple. For Meta’s staff of almost 75,000 people, the singular power of its 40-year-old founder and CEO is more evident than ever in the company’s rightward shift since Trump’s election victory in November and inauguration in January. On Feb. 6, Zuckerberg visited the White House in order “to discuss how Meta can help the administration defend and advance American tech leadership abroad,” Meta spokesperson Andy Stone said in a post on X. Based on interviews with over a dozen current and former employees who asked not to be named in order to speak candidly on what they see happening inside the company, there’s a profound sense of uncertainty as to how Meta’s culture will change in the coming years of Trump’s second presidency. At headquarters in Silicon Valley, tensions are palpable as Meta goes through its latest round of job cuts. In January, the company announced plans to lay off its lowest performers, or 5% of its overall workforce, and began the cuts this week. Meta has been trying to thwart pushback from employees by censoring criticism within its Workplace in-house social network, people familiar with the matter said. Employees who left comments that management viewed as negative on Workplace were told that their statements would be used in performance reviews, potentially affecting their employment, they said. Sources also told CNBC that employees who might otherwise leave because of their disillusionment with policy changes are concerned about quitting now because of how they will be perceived by future employers given that Meta has said publicly that it’s weeding out “low performers.” Meta, like many of its tech peers, began downsizing in 2022 and has continued to trim around the edges. The company cut 21,000 jobs, or nearly a quarter of its workforce, in 2022 and 2023. Among those who lost their jobs were members of the civic integrity group, which was known to be outspoken in its criticism of Zuckerberg’s leadership. Some big changes are now taking place that appear to directly follow the lead of Trump at the expense of company employees and users of the platforms, the people familiar with the matter said. Most notably, Meta recently ended its diversity, equity and inclusion program and relaxed content-moderation guidelines, both areas that Trump has attacked in his war on “woke policies.” When Meta filed its annual report with the Securities and Exchange Commission in late January, the document noted its drastic shifts, listing them in the section about business risks. “In January 2025, we announced certain changes to our content policies and enforcement efforts to further free expression on our platform and mitigate over-enforcement of certain of our content policies,” Meta said. “If we are not able to maintain and enhance our brands, our ability to maintain or expand our base of users, marketers, and developers may be impaired, and our business and financial results may be harmed.” Meta declined to comment. Taking aim at Apple Zuckerberg is willing to take on such risks because of the potential benefits that come with smoothing his relationship with Trump, the people familiar with the matter said. In contrast to Meta’s previous strategy of advocating for an even playing field across the tech industry, Zuckerberg now sees opportunities to gain a strategic advantage for his company, the people said. One major concern for Zuckerberg is Elon Musk’s central position in the Trump administration, where he’s focused on slashing regulations. Meta competes with Musk’s X and is also investing heavily in artificial intelligence, an area of particular interest to Musk and his startup xAI. Musk’s role in the White House could put Meta at a disadvantage when it comes to policies surrounding AI. But more than AI and Musk, Zuckerberg is looking for a leg up on Apple, the people said. Apple CEO Tim Cook, center left, attends Apple’s iPhone 16 launch in New York City, Sept. 20, 2024. Timothy A. Clary | Afp | Getty Images Zuckerberg hopes that Meta’s improved relationship with the White House could help put pressure on the iPhone maker, after a yearslong battle between the two tech heavyweights. Both companies were targets of antitrust suits from the U.S. government. The Meta founder is still upset about Apple’s 2021 iOS privacy update, which made it harder for Meta to track users across the internet and which put a $10 billion dent in the company’s 2022 advertising revenue. Internally, this ******* has come to be known among some Meta employees as “the Tim Cook recession.” Many app developers, including Spotify and Epic Games, have battled Apple either in public or in court over the company’s app store rules and control over its ecosystem. Zuckerberg has been one of the loudest critics of Apple in the past, but he has become even more antagonistic toward the company in recent public interviews. Sources told CNBC that it’s all part of an effort to shift antitrust scrutiny off Meta and onto Apple. In a January interview with podcast host Joe Rogan, Zuckerberg claimed that Apple is becoming less innovative and that it’s putting resources toward preventing third parties from creating hardware peripherals that integrate smoothly into Apple’s mobile operating system. “They build stuff like Air Pods, which are cool, but they’ve just thoroughly hamstrung the ability for anyone else to build something that can connect to the iPhone in the same way,” Zuckerberg said. Meta’s business has recovered from its downdraft that followed the iOS changes, due mostly to the company’s investments in AI and the new capabilities they’ve provided to advertisers. In January, the company reported $160.6 billion in advertising revenue for 2024, up nearly 40% from 2021. The company’s shares have been on a huge upswing since a brutal 2022, quadrupling over the past two years and closing at a record $728.56 on Thursday. Zuckerberg told Rogan that Meta’s profit would double if Apple stopped applying “random rules” that tax his company. Meta’s actions against Apple aren’t limited to the U.S. In one of the company’s first steps this year to apply more policy pressure on Apple, Meta filed a complaint against the iPhone maker in late January with Brazil’s competition regulator, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense. In the complaint, Meta alleged that Apple’s iOS update unfairly singles out third-party apps but not its own. Meta has been considering an antitrust complaint against Apple in Brazil since last year, a source familiar with the matter said. Apple and X did not respond to requests for comment. Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg, right, and Joel Kaplan, the company’s vice president of global public policy, leave the Elysee Palace in Paris after a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron, May 23, 2018. Aurelien Morissard | IP3 | Getty Images News | Getty Images Not afraid to ruffle some feathers Leading Meta’s new policy charge is Joel Kaplan, a former White House deputy chief of staff under former President George W. Bush with longstanding ties to the Republican Party. Kaplan took over Meta’s top policy position from Nick Clegg, a former U.K. deputy prime minister, who said in January that he would step down after seven years at the company. Other notable Republicans at Meta include Vice President of Global Public Policy Kevin Martin, a former Federal Communications Commission chairman under President George W. Bush, and Chief Legal Officer Jennifer Newstead, whom Trump previously appointed as a legal advisor at the State Department. Kaplan’s ascendency at Meta coupled with the company’s policy changes has solidified a political shift to the right, multiple sources said. Since joining Meta in 2011 as a policy vice president, Kaplan has built a reputation as an executive who takes calculated risks even if it means upsetting some people internally, the people said. In 2018, Kaplan made headlines for attending Brett Kavanaugh’s highly contentious Supreme Court confirmation hearing as a personal friend. His appearance caused so much controversy that Meta was forced to address the matter in a statement, saying the “leadership team recognizes that they’ve made mistakes handling the events of the last week and we’re grateful for all the feedback from our employees.” What may have been a problem for Kaplan at the time is now viewed as a strength. That’s because the executive is seen as an ally to the Republicans in charge, the people said. Clegg, by contrast, represented a more center-left position, they said. He was vocal in his support of banning Trump from Facebook’s platform after the Jan. 6 Capitol riot, while Kaplan was noticeably more reluctant about such a move, a person familiar with the matter said. Kaplan has also favored less strict content moderation policies, the person said. Meta in January agreed to pay $25 million as part of a settlement with Trump over the company’s decision to suspend his accounts following the Capitol riot. In January 2023, Meta said it was reinstating Trump on its platform after the two-year suspension. The company’s efforts to win favor with Trump seem to be working, at least based on what the president has publicly said. After Kaplan announced Meta’s major content-moderation and related policy shifts in early January on “Fox and Friends,” Trump appeared to be impressed. “Honestly, I think they’ve come a long way. Meta, Facebook, I think they’ve come a long way,” Trump told reporters during a Jan. 7 press conference. About Kaplan, Trump said, “The man was very impressive.” — CNBC’s Salvador Rodriguez contributed to this report. Watch: Zuckerberg feels he’s beyond criticism anymore, says Wired’s Steven Levy Source link #Zuckerbergs #rightward #policy #shift #hits #Meta #staffers #targets #Apple Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]