Pelican Press

China’s weak economy and record US production will lead to a surplus of one million barrels of oil a day next year, IEA says China’s weak economy and record US production will lead to a surplus of one million barrels of oil a day next year, IEA says Tetra Images – Dan Bannister/Getty Images The oil market could see a surplus of one million barrels of crude a day in 2025, the IEA forecast. The excess will be driven by low demand in China and booming output from non-OPEC countries. Non-OPEC producers are on track to expand production by 1.5 million barrels a day, the IEA estimated. The oil market could see a major supply glut in 2025 thanks to booming production from non-OPEC states like the US and sagging demand in China, according to the International Energy Agency. The IEA said in its November Oil Market Report that the world’s oil market is on track for a one-million barrel-a-day surplus next year. The excess is largely being driven by a weakening economy in China. Demand for oil in the world’s second-largest economy contracted for six straight months in a row as of September, IEA data shows. This accounted for the “main drag” on demand this year, the report said. Meanwhile, the agency is predicting strong oil production among non-OPEC producers led by countries like US, Guyana, Argentina, and Brazil. Altogether, non-OPEC producers are on track to expand oil production by 1.5 million barrels a day, it estimated. That amount is more than the agency’s forecast for world oil consumption to grow by 990,000 barrels a day next year. OPEC+, the oil cartel led by Saudi Arabia, has also said it will unwind its 2.2 million barrel-a-day production cuts, which have put pressure on supply over the past few years. The group could start lifting its production quota as soon as January, per its latest announcement. “Our current balances suggest that even if the OPEC+ cuts remain in place, global supply exceeds demand by more than 1 mb/d next year. With supply risks omnipresent, a ******* balance would provide some much-needed stability to a market upended by the Covid pandemic, Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and, most recently, heightened unrest in the Middle East,” the IEA added. The US has become the largest oil producer in the world, pumping out more crude than any other country in history for the last six years in a row, according to the US Energy Information Administration. Domestic production hit a record 13.4 million barrels a day in August, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. Read the original article on Business Insider Source link #Chinas #weak #economy #record #production #lead #surplus #million #barrels #oil #day #year #IEA Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Why exposure to ******** equities may be worth the risk Why exposure to ******** equities may be worth the risk Upping your exposure to ******** stocks is worth the risk. That’s the view of Caroline Cai, CEO of U.S.-based Pzena Investment Management. “This is really for the first time in the last seven, eight years where we think you’re getting paid to expose yourself to China,” Cai told “CNBC Squawk Box Asia” this week. The investment firm has ramped up its exposure to ******** equities in the last two years. For Cai, the opportunities in China are exciting. “It’s not because we have a particularly positive view on longer term ******** macro, we kind of think things are pretty challenging. What we’re attracted to is the extreme valuation that we’re seeing in China, where people are basically saying there’s no price at which you can entice me to invest in China,” she said. “Our view is, if the risk is obvious to everyone, at least you’re getting paid to take some exposure,” she added. Others have noted a more cautious approach. In early October, Adam Coons of Winthrop Capital Management told CNBC’s “Street Signs Asia” that he’s waiting “a little bit longer” before re-entering the ******** market, due to his concerns about a possible short-term reversal in the stock market. China has announced the introduction of various measures aimed at boosting its fading economic growth in recent months. In September, the People’s Bank of China announced a slate of support such as reducing the amount of cash banks are required to have on hand. An investor reacts as she views the stock index at a securities company on May 30, 2007 in Shanghai, China. China Photos | Getty Images News | Getty Images Just a few days later, China’s top leaders said they were aiming to put a halt to the slump in the property sector, saying its decline needed to be stopped and a recovery needed to be encouraged. More recently, China on Friday announced a five-year package totaling 10 trillion yuan ($1.4 trillion) to tackle local government debt problems, while signaling more economic support would come next year. ******** stocks have jumped since late September on the promise, and announcements, of stimulus, with the CSI 300 index now up 20% year-to-date. Japan Japan has also been popular for global funds this year, despite monetary and political uncertainty. Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba was re-elected on Monday despite his ruling ******** Democratic Party (LDP) suffering its worst election loss in more than a decade last month. For Cai, the “small-cap end” is of particular interest, compared to Pzena’s “limited exposure” to more capitalized firms like banks. “We think the valuations [for large-caps] are not really justified by the underlying fundamentals,” she said. “You look at the ********* banks, for example, they generate lower ROEs [return on equity] versus the ********* banks — but they trade at higher multiples, versus the ********* banks,” said Cai. “A lot of what can go right has already been priced in,” she said, factoring in the assumption that ********* interest rates could rise 50-100 basis points. “On the other hand, if you look at what’s happened to small cap ********* companies, in theory, these are the one where the changes, the improvements in corporate governance and the improvement in the domestic economy may have the most impact on longer-term outcomes.” —CNBC’s Sophie Kiderlin and Evelyn Cheng contributed to this article. Source link #exposure #******** #equities #worth #risk Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Red ***** Redemption Review – Thumb Culture Red ***** Redemption Review – Thumb Culture NoobFeed editor Ahnaf Tajwar writes – Red ***** Redemption is a masterpiece that endures. Sure, it’s a little rough around the edges, and the price point for this rerelease feels like a bit of a reach, but what you’re getting is a weird little piece of gaming history story-driven experience that rarely comes along in such an unfiltered form. Source link #Red #***** #Redemption #Review #Thumb #Culture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Google Maps Updated With Product Search, Trailer-Friendly Routes and Weather Disruption Alerts Google Maps Updated With Product Search, Trailer-Friendly Routes and Weather Disruption Alerts Google Maps has been updated with support for a couple of new features that are aimed at delivering an improved user experience while shopping and driving ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Users will be able to search for specific products on Google Maps, while checking availability before making their way to a store. The search giant has also updated its navigation app with support for ‘trailer-friendly routers’ that will help users avoid certain obstacles and tunnels in supported regions. Google Maps Introduces New Shopping and Navigation Features In a blog post highlighting features that were recently introduced on Google Maps, the company reveals that users can now get information about products they are looking for via the navigation app. Google Maps now supports a new Product Search feature that displays items from individual stores. Users can search for various products, including electronics, and see where they’re available. Earlier this month, Google rolled out an updated feature that allowed users to ‘plan’ a trip using Google Maps, adding details such as restaurants, rest stops, coffee shops, gas stations and grocery stores. Now, users with electric vehicles will be able to add EV charging stations to their trip plan, and Google will automatically show charging stations compatible with their vehicle. Meanwhile, a new trailer-friendly routes feature is designed to help people who are driving a car with an attached trainer. Users in North America with a 2024 Chevy Tahoe, Chevy Suburban and GMC Yukon can enter their trailer dimensions into Google Maps on their car’s infotainment system, and the navigation system will suggest routes without tunnels low bridges. Other recently introduced features to Google Maps include weather disruption alerts (flooded or unploughed roads), delay reporting on local transport, and a “Cheapest” tab on Google Flights. Google has also touted other Maps features like Immersive View and integration with its AI-powered Gemini assistant, which can be used to plan routes or itineraries, respectively. Source link #Google #Maps #Updated #Product #Search #TrailerFriendly #Routes #Weather #Disruption #Alerts Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Mike Tyson v Jake Paul: Tyson slaps Paul at chaotic weigh-in Mike Tyson v Jake Paul: Tyson slaps Paul at chaotic weigh-in Mike Tyson slaps opponent Jake Paul during a chaotic weigh-in before their controversial heavyweight ******, with the YouTuber claiming he “didn’t feel it”. Undisputed light-welterweight champion Katie Taylor and Amanda Serrano also weighed in for their re-match on the same card in Dallas, Texas on Friday. READ MORE: Tyson slaps Paul during final face-off You can follow live text commentary of Mike Tyson v Jake Paul from 03:00 GMT on Saturday, 16 November on BBC Sport website & app. Source link #Mike #Tyson #Jake #Paul #Tyson #slaps #Paul #chaotic #weighin Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Sengoku Dynasty Review – Thumb Culture Sengoku Dynasty Review – Thumb Culture “The *******-Austrian publisher Toplitz Productions and the Poland-based indie games developer Superkami Games, are today veru thrilled and happy to announce that they have just released the “Farming” update for their Feudal Japan-themed open-world adventure/RPG/sim “Sengoku Dynasty” (the said update is available right now for PC via Steam).” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #Sengoku #Dynasty #Review #Thumb #Culture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

You & Me festival cancelled after falling victim to low ticket sales for NYE event in Bunbury You & Me festival cancelled after falling victim to low ticket sales for NYE event in Bunbury Bunbury’s hotly promised New Year’s Eve festival has been cancelled just six weeks out. You & Me has become the second music festival cancelled in Bunbury this year, with organisers citing low ticket sales as one of the causes. It was set to take place at Hay Park in the final three days of December, with Soulja Boy, The Veronicas and Ruel all announced as part of the line-up. But the planned inaugural event was officially axed on Friday, with a message posted on the festival’s social media accounts — which have since had all content deleted, except the announcement. “Unfortunately I wasn’t able to put on the show you all deserve,” the message read. “I explored every possible avenue for the festival to go ahead, however unfortunately it was just not possible.” Camera IconTogether Group co-founders Bailey Chalmers and Isaac Jones. Credit: Sean Van Der Wielen/South Wester/RegionalHUB The Herald understands one of the international artists pulled out after finding out they could not get into the country, while rising costs, insurance and low ticket sales are some of the other reasons behind the decision. The organisers told the Herald they were devastated about having to make the decision. All ticket holders are told they would receive a refund if they purchased tickets through Humanitix and Tixel. Bunbury Mayor Jaysen Miguel said the city was disappointed the festival organisers pulled the plug, but they respected the tough decision. “The $40,000 allocated in funding support for this event has been redirected back into round two of the City’s grant program, which is currently open for applications,” he said. “It is disappointing another significant event has been cancelled in our region, but we are optimistic organisers are looking at ways they can make their events sustainable and viable, and that more will be held in Bunbury in the future. “While it is not necessarily the role of local government to organise events of this nature, we will continue to support initiatives, activities and events that contribute to activation, connection and culture in our community through our grants program.” The festival cancellation is the second which has impacted the city since the start of the year, after the organisers of Groovin’ The Moo cancelled their regional tour, blaming low ticket sales for their decision shortly after releasing them. Source link #festival #cancelled #falling #victim #ticket #sales #NYE #event #Bunbury Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

IHOP Powers Up with an Xbox-Themed Menu and Legendary Collectibles IHOP Powers Up with an Xbox-Themed Menu and Legendary Collectibles Obscure_Observer2d ago I agree. I believe next year will be better with Avowed in February followed by Towerborne, *****: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight and Fable. Forza Horizon 6, State of Decay 3, Contraband, The Outer Worlds 2 and Perfect Dark in 2026 OD, Project Mara, Double Fine´s New IP, Clockwork Revolution and Gears of War: E-Day in 2027 Double Fine´s New IP, Project Dragon, Blade, New Halo and TES VI in 2028 Xbox is so packed with games that I had to leave some games out of the equation! O.o Source link #IHOP #Powers #XboxThemed #Menu #Legendary #Collectibles Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung Galaxy S25 Tipped to Launch on January 22 During Galaxy Unpacked Event Samsung Galaxy S25 Tipped to Launch on January 22 During Galaxy Unpacked Event The Samsung Galaxy S25 series has been part of several leaks and rumours for quite a while now. The South Korean tech major is yet to reveal an official launch date, but new leaks suggest that the launch will happen in January next year. The Galaxy Unpacked event for the Galaxy S25 series is said to take place in California, US. The upcoming lineup is said to include the regular Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra models alongside a new Galaxy S25 Slim model. Samsung Galaxy S25 Series Launch Date As per a report by The Financial News (Korean), Samsung’s much-awaited Galaxy S25 series will be launched on January 23, 2025. The Galaxy Unpacked event for the lineup will be reportedly held in San Francisco, US. Besides the regular Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25+, and Galaxy S25 Ultra models Samsung may also introduce the long-rumored Galaxy S25 Slim at the event. Previous rumours indicated a later launch date for the Slim model. Additionally, tipster MaxJambor, in a skeptic X post, corroborated this launch timeline. He claimed that Samsung could hold the Galaxy Unpacked event on January 22 next year. The one-day discrepancy in dates could be due to time zone differences. During its Q3 earnings call, Samsung Electronics disclosed that the Galaxy S25 series will be unveiled in the first half of the next year. However, the company hasn’t revealed an exact launch timeline. Reports surfaced earlier this week hinting at an early January 5 launch date for the phones. This year’s Galaxy S24 series was launched on January 17 in San Jose, California. The Galaxy S23 series was introduced last year on February 1. All phones in the Galaxy S25 lineup are speculated to run on the Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. They are likely to come with new Galaxy AI features. The Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25 Ultra could be available in seven colourways and the Galaxy S25+ in eight colour options. They are said to be available in three online exclusive shades as well. Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #S25 #Tipped #Launch #January #Galaxy #Unpacked #Event Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Emergency proclamation issued in Hawaii ahead of Red Flag Warning Emergency proclamation issued in Hawaii ahead of Red Flag Warning HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hawaii’s Acting Governor Sylvia Luke issued an Emergency Proclamation Thursday evening in response to a Red Flag Warning issued by the National Weather Service for Friday, November 15. Get Hawaii’s latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You The warning, which will be in effect from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., predicts high winds and low humidity in leeward areas across all Hawaiian Islands, creating favorable conditions for wildfires. The proclamation, signed at 6:18 p.m., allows for the rapid deployment of resources to mitigate wildfire risks and urges the public to take precautions to prevent fires. Authorities advised against activities that could spark flames, including open fires, campfires, grilling, and the use of power tools that may produce sparks. Residents are also warned not to park or idle vehicles on dry grass. Hauula’s beloved Tamura’s Market to close after 20 Years “Conditions are ideal for fires to start and spread quickly,” the proclamation said, urging citizens to stay informed and cautious during the warning *******. Local counties may also have additional restrictions or bans on certain activities, and residents are encouraged to check with local ***** departments for further guidance. The proclamation suspends certain laws to expedite emergency operations and provide necessary resources more swiftly. For more information and safety tips, the public is advised to visit hwmo.org/ready-set-go, county ***** department websites, and the Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Residents are urged to monitor local media and county emergency management agencies for updates and specific instructions in their areas. Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2. Source link #Emergency #proclamation #issued #Hawaii #ahead #Red #Flag #Warning Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Embracer Sells Easybrain to Pay its Debts as PC & Console Games Underperform Embracer Sells Easybrain to Pay its Debts as PC & Console Games Underperform Embracer Group announced its financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year, 2024/25, and they aren’t great. Source link #Embracer #Sells #Easybrain #Pay #Debts #amp #Console #Games #Underperform Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Powell’s comments gave investors a reality check Powell’s comments gave investors a reality check Jerome Powell, chairman of the US Federal Reserve, at Music Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, Texas, US, on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. Shelby Tauber| Bloomberg | Getty Images This report is from today’s CNBC Daily Open, our international markets newsletter. CNBC Daily Open brings investors up to speed on everything they need to know, no matter where they are. Like what you see? You can subscribe here. What you need to know today Postelection rally fades U.S. markets fell on Thursday and are poised to end the week lower. The so-called “Trump trades,” in particular, are fizzling out. Breaking from Wall Street, Asia-Pacific stocks mostly rose on Friday. Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.28% on news that the country’s economy expanded in the third quarter, while China’s CSI 300 dropped almost 1% after it was reported that China’s real estate troubles worsened. Not in a hurry to cut The U.S. Federal Reserve doesn’t need to be “in a hurry to lower rates,” Fed Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday. The economy is still strong, Powell noted, and October’s disappointing jobs report was mostly because of hurricanes and labor strikes. Powell’s slightly hawkish tone dampened market enthusiasm and lowered traders’ expectations for a December rate cut. Japan’s third-quarter GDP risesJapan’s economy expanded 0.3% in the third quarter, compared with a year earlier. The increase in GDP is a turnaround from the previous quarter’s contraction of 1.1%, and snaps two consecutive quarters of year-on-year decline. On a quarterly basis, GDP rose 0.2%, in line with estimates from a Reuters poll, but that’s lower than the second quarter’s 0.5% increase. China retail sales pick back upChina’s retail sales in October rose 4.8% year on year, reported the National Bureau of Statistics. It’s higher than the 3.8% expected in a Reuters poll and an increase from September’s 3.2% growth. However, investment in real estate between January to October slumped 10.3% from a year ago — the steepest drop in almost two years, according to data from Wind Information. [PRO] Nvidia to uplift little-known Korean firm Nvidia’s meteoric rise has lifted many associated chipmakers. As Nvidia transitions to its next-generation AI chip, one little-known South Korean firm is becoming such a crucial linchpin in Nvidia’s production process that Wall Street bank Citi gave the firm a 40% potential upside within the next 12 months. The bottom line After enjoying the postelection rally, investors are turning their attention to issues like inflation and interest rates again. Consumer and wholesale price increases in October, while coming in as expected, ticked up from the previous month, indicating that there are still pockets of heat in the economy. Still, the process of disinflation – in which the rate of price increases slows down – is not a linear one. One month of accelerating prices doesn’t necessarily mean inflation’s back. As Fed Chair Jerome Powell noted, the job of getting inflation to the central bank’s “two percent longer-run goal” could be “on a sometimes-bumpy path.” And just as disinflation doesn’t travel in a straight line, neither does the trajectory of interest rates. Powell added that the Fed doesn’t need to be “in a hurry to lower rates” because the of “the strength we are currently seeing in the economy.” The hawkish ****** of Powell’s comments dramatically lowered traders’ bets of a December rate cut. The chance that the Fed will cut rates by 25 basis points at its December meeting is now 62.6%, compared with 82.5% earlier in the day, according to the CME FedWatch tool. BlackRock’s Rick Rieder thinks the Fed will still reduce rates by 25 basis points in December. As for cuts next year, however, “the pace at which that happens and whether they actually need it gets really called into question,” Rieder told CNBC. Those concerns overshadowed the postelection euphoria, causing stocks to fall. The S&P 500 slipped 0.6%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 0.47% and the Nasdaq Composite retreated 0.64%. All indexes are on track to end the week lower. The U.S. economy is widely expected to achieve a soft landing. For investors who were riding high on the postelection rally and are now descending to earth, their landing sure feels like a bumpy one. — CNBC’s Jeff Cox, Brian Evans and Sarah Min contributed to this report. Source link #Powells #comments #gave #investors #reality #check Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Purpose 1951 (XS) Review | VGChartz Purpose 1951 (XS) Review | VGChartz VGChartz’s Lee Mehr: “It’s a shame that Tonguç Bodur’s latest winds up feeling so empty. Even with fair considerations of it as a budget walking sim, that doesn’t disregard advancements and nuances other narrative adventures have introduced over the past decade. Sure, perhaps some of the skyboxes look prettier in leveraging Unreal Engine 5, but that’s faint praise when no interactions within the world feel meaningful. And with an inconsequential story relying on artificial tension, the whole thing feels like a purposeless jaunt.” Source link #Purpose #Review #VGChartz Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ten ***** in ***** at Spanish retirement home Ten ***** in ***** at Spanish retirement home At least 10 people have been ******* and others hurt in a ***** that broke out at a retirement home near Zaragoza in north-eastern Spain, emergency services say. The ***** broke out in the town of Villafranca de Ebro early on Friday morning and local officials said more than 80 people were living in the home at the time. The centre opened 16 years ago as a retirement home, according to local reports, but has since specialised in care for residents with mental health problems. Emergency services were alerted at about 05:00 (04:00 GMT) on Friday and firefighters were able to put out the *****. Ten people ***** and two others were taken to hospital, including one person whose condition was described as critical, the local mayor told Spanish radio. Source link #Ten #***** #***** #Spanish #retirement #home Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Star Citizen Developers Discuss The Long and Difficult Road to Server Meshing Star Citizen Developers Discuss The Long and Difficult Road to Server Meshing Its not an exaggeration to say that Server Meshing is the technology that will make or break Star Citizen. Today, Cloud Imperium Games released a video all about it. Source link #Star #Citizen #Developers #Discuss #Long #Difficult #Road #Server #Meshing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

It's a mouthful but this supercar leaves you speechless It's a mouthful but this supercar leaves you speechless Mercedes-Benz has gone back to the future with a staggeringly fast mid-sized hybrid SUV that will keep its fleet of Formula 1 racers on their toes. Source link #It039s #mouthful #supercar #leaves #speechless Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

The best wireless chargers for 2024 The best wireless chargers for 2024 Imagine never having to fumble with a charging cable again. That’s the magic of a wireless charger. Not only does going wireless clear up your space and make charging as simple as setting your phone down, but it’s also surprisingly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a sleek charging pad for your nightstand, a stand that keeps your phone propped up on your desk or even a foldable charger for convenient travel, there’s a wireless charger designed to fit your lifestyle. Some even double as a car charger, keeping your phone powered up on the go without the hassle of cables to plug in. With so many convenient options, it’s easy to see why more people are ditching their wired chargers and embracing the effortlessness of wireless. Table of contents Best wireless chargers for 2024 Engadget Max output: 10W | Cable length: | Box contents: Base, battery There’s no shortage of portable wireless chargers, but it’s rare that you can find one which is as well-suited to your desk as it is your bag. The Otterbox OtterSpot system is our top pick precisely because it’s so versatile. The base unit is stable, includes a power adapter and accommodates a wide range of smartphones. But it really shines when you want to leave home. You can buy as many as three 5,000mAh portable batteries that optionally stack on top of the base to recharge, and serve as completely wireless chargers on the go. Those batteries can power wired devices through USB-C ports, too. This isn’t the fastest charger given its 10W output, and the base alone is normally expensive at $55 (though it’s down to $38 as we write this). If you want a station you really can use everywhere, though, the OtterSpot is a top pick that can grow along with your needs. $100 at Otterbox Engadget Max output: 15W | Cable length: 6.6ft | Box contents: Charging pad, USB-C cable It’s easy to find wireless power charging pucks that are fast or portable, but rarely both — and certainly not as well-considered as Belkin’s BoostCharge Pro Portable Wireless Charger Pad. Its extremely compact design not only offers 15W MagSafe charging (plus Qi charging when flat), but includes a kickstand that lets you watch videos while you power up. Add a long 6.6ft braided cable and this is an ideal charger whether you’re traveling or catching up on TV shows. The emphasis on MagSafe-compatible may make the Belkin BoostCharge less appealing for Android devices, and a better option for Apple devices. However, this is designed specifically as a phone charger rather than an Apple Watch charger, or multi-device charger. Still, it’s a definite step up from Apple’s more affordable but simpler MagSafe Charger. And importantly, you have the choice of buying Belkin’s accessory with ($80) or without ($60) a power adapter. $50 at Belkin Anker Max output: 10W | Cable length: 4ft | Box contents: Charging pad, microUSB cable, welcome guide If you just need the basics, Anker’s 315 Wireless Charger offers significant value from a well-known name. It tops out at 10W (7.5W for iPhones), doesn’t include a power adapter and relies on a microUSB cable instead of a USB-C cable, but it also costs only $15. Even if you have to buy an adapter, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal. This charger works well with various devices, including AirPods Pro. $15 at Amazon Belkin Max output: 15W | Cable length: 4ft | Box contents: Charging stand, USB-C cable There’s fierce competition in the wireless charging stand space, and it’s easy to get a good 15W charger if you’re willing to pay. Belkin, however, is one of the few that promises truly solid value. Its $45 BoostCharge 15W Wireless Charging Stand costs less than some alternatives while including a power adapter in the box. The lip at the bottom will keep your phone stable, and dual charging coils let you use the device while watching a video in landscape mode. You can also easily keep an eye on your phone’s battery level. There’s no MagSafe or other device-specific charging optimizations on this one for your Apple devices. And like many wireless charging stands, this doesn’t officially support the iPhone 13 mini and similarly small handsets. But there’s otherwise little to complain about here — this is a no-nonsense power solution at a good price, and conveniently comes packaged with an included USB-C cable $33 at Amazon Engadget Max output: 15W | Cable length: 5.9ft | Box contents: Charging pad, USB-C cable There aren’t many great options for wireless chargers that use Samsung’s fast power delivery technology, particularly if you want a stand. Thankfully, Spigen’s charger is up to the job. It delivers 15W to all Samsung Galaxy phones that support Super Fast Wireless Charging, and it’s a well-made (if unspectacular) perch that prevents your device from sliding around. The universal form factor works with other smartphones too, though it doesn’t specify that it works with Apple devices. You’ll want to shop carefully. Some versions don’t include a power adapter, and some stores sell for less than the official $80. If you can score a good deal, though, this is an ideal way to charge your Galaxy device while providing a clear view of the always-on display, allowing you to check your phone’s battery with a quick glance $60 at Amazon Anker Max output: 10W | Cable length: 3ft | Box contents: Charging stand, microUSB cable, welcome guide Anker’s strong value in pad chargers also applies to stands. The 313 Wireless Charger tops out at 10W (5W for iPhones), doesn’t include a power brick and uses a microUSB cable rather than a USB-C cable, but it’s also $20. You can buy an adapter and still undercut the price of some equally competent alternatives. It can charge while your phone is in landscape orientation, too – an added bonus to this phone charger. You might want to look at competing products if they cost under $40 with an adapter included, but the 313 is otherwise difficult to top. $16 at Amazon What to look for in a wireless charger It’s tempting to buy a wireless charging pad optimized for the size and features of the phone you have right now. Resist that urge — this is an accessory you’ll probably use with smartphones and other devices, and you don’t want to replace it every time you buy a new handset. Instead, think about the phones you’re likely to use down the road. If you’re sure you’ll use iPhones for a long time, an Apple MagSafe-compatible charger will be faster and more convenient. If you use Android phones or think you might switch sides, however, you’ll want a more universal design. You’ll also want something that accepts a variety of device sizes. Certain wireless charging stations don’t work well with the iPhone 13 mini or other particularly small phones, for instance. If you think you may change phone sizes at some point, a pad charger is a wiser choice. With that said, you’ll still want to pay attention to any potentially limiting design features, such as prominent cradles and lips. Also, consider wireless chargers with modular components. While you’ll have to invest exclusively in one company’s ecosystem, this gives you room to grow as your gadget needs change. You can add a charger for a second phone or smartwatch, and some systems even offer modular batteries to supply power on the go. Just be sure to look at a multi-device charger if there’s a very good chance you’ll expand your setup in the future. Where and how will you use your charger? Odds are that you have a specific use case in mind for your charger. You may want it by your bedside for a quick charge in the morning, or on your desk for at-a-glance notifications. You might even keep it in your bag for convenient travel charging instead of bulky power banks. If you intend to place your charger on a nightstand, you’ll usually want a pad. With a stand, even a dim always-on display can prove distracting when you’re trying to sleep. You may also want a wireless charging pad if your phone will sit on a low table, as it might be easier to grab in a rush. Look at compact models if space is tight. On your desk, you may prefer a stand to quickly glance at alerts or make video calls. Want something more travel-friendly? A puck or similarly minimalist design is typically best, delivering wireless power effortlessly to your phone or other devices. You may also want a charger with a battery (either modular or built-in) for camping or whenever an outlet isn’t nearby. Some even come as magnetic wireless chargers, perfect for seamless attachment to compatible devices. Wireless charging performance Although wireless charging is usually slower than its wired equivalent, speed and wattage are still important considerations. A fast charger can supply enough power for a long night out in the time it takes to change outfits. In general, a 15W charger is more than quick enough for most situations, and you’ll need a MagSafe-compatible charger to extract that level of performance from an iPhone. With that said, even the slower 7.5W and 10W chargers are fast enough for an overnight power-up. If anything, you’ll want to worry more about support for cases. While many models can deliver power through a reasonably thick case (typically 3mm to 5mm), you’ll occasionally run into examples that only work with ****** phones. There are some proprietary chargers that smash the 15W barrier if you have the right phone. Google’s second-generation Pixel Stand, for example, delivers up to 23W for a Pixel 6 Pro or Pixel 7 Pro. Optimized designs like this can make sense if you’re loyal to one brand. Be sure to get a charger that still works well with other manufacturers’ smartphones, though, as you don’t want to replace your accessory (or endure sluggish speeds) if you switch brands. Quality and box contents Once you’ve chosen the form factor and performance levels that meet your needs, you’ll want to consider the fit and finish. You’re likely going to use your wireless charger every day, so even small differences in quality could make the difference between joy and frustration. If your charger doesn’t use MagSafe-compatible tech, textured surfaces like fabric or rubberized plastic are more likely to keep your phone in place. The base should be grippy or weighty enough that the charger won’t slide around. If you’re buying a stand, check that it won’t tip over or wobble. Pay attention to what’s included in the box. Some models don’t include power adapters, and may even ask you to reuse your phone’s USB-C charging cable. What may seem to be a bargain may prove expensive if you have to buy extras just to use it. Also, some cables and chargers are better than others. A USB-C charger is more future-proof, while braided cables may be less likely to break or tangle. You’ll also want to think about the minor conveniences. Status lights are useful for indicating correct phone placement, but an overly bright light can be distracting. Ideally, the light dims or shuts off after a certain ******* of time. And while we caution against lips and trays that limit compatibility, you may still want some barriers to prevent your device falling off its perch on the charging station. By now, you should know what to look for. While it would be impossible for us to test every charger, we’ve tried numerous models and have some favorites. Wireless chargers FAQs Do wireless chargers work if you have a phone case? Many wireless chargers do work if you leave the case on your phone. Generally, a case up to 3mm thick should be compatible with most wireless chargers. However, you should check the manufacturer’s guide to ensure a case is supported. How do I know if my phone supports wireless charging? Checking the phone’s specification should tell you if your phone is compatible with wireless charging. You might see words like “Qi wireless charging” or “wireless charging compatible.” Do cords charge your phone faster? Most often, wired charging will be faster than wireless charging. However, wired charging also depends on what the charging cable’s speed is and how much power it’s designed to carry. A quick-charging cable that can transmit up to 120W of power is going to be faster than a wireless charger. Source link #wireless #chargers Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

*** growth slows between July and September as services sector falters *** growth slows between July and September as services sector falters The *** economy expanded by just 0.1% in the third quarter of 2024, falling short of the 0.2% growth forecast by economists and marking a slowdown from the 0.5% increase recorded in the second quarter. The latest GDP figures, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), revealed weakening momentum in the ***’s dominant services sector. In its first estimate of activity for the three months to September, the ONS reported that output from both the services and manufacturing sectors had eased. The slowdown has been attributed to lingering uncertainty surrounding the new Labour government’s budget and persistently high borrowing costs. The services sector, which contributes roughly 80% of *** GDP, grew by just 0.1% during the quarter while construction grew 0.8% and production fell by 0.2%. ONS director of economic statistics Liz McKeown said: “The economy grew a little in the latest quarter overall as the recent slowdown in growth continued. Retail and new construction work both performed well, partially offset by falls in telecommunications and wholesale. Generally, growth was subdued across most industries in the latest quarter. “In September the economy shrank a little. Services showed no growth with a notable increase in car sales offset by a slow month for IT companies. Production fell overall, driven by manufacturing, though there was an increase in oil and gas extraction.” Labour, which came to power earlier this year, has positioned economic growth as a key policy priority. However, the lacklustre data highlights the difficulties of achieving this ambition in the face of fiscal constraints and subdued private-sector activity. Last month’s budget saw the chancellor increasing taxes and borrowing in a move Labour defended as necessary to stabilise public finances and improve services. The measures included a hike in employers’ national insurance contributions, which many businesses argue could dampen job creation and discourage investment. Meanwhile, the Bank of England has lowered interest rates twice this year, with the latest cut bringing rates down to 4.75%. However, borrowing costs remain elevated compared to pre-pandemic levels, keeping pressure on *** households and businesses. Download the Yahoo Finance app, available for Apple and Android. Source link #growth #slows #July #September #services #sector #falters Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Looking For The Perfect RPG like Earthbound? Try Yakuza: Like A Dragon Looking For The Perfect RPG like Earthbound? Try Yakuza: Like A Dragon SimpleSlave198d ago “It wouldn’t have been much of a change if they just kept the same old mechanics they’d been using for more than a decade, but with a new main character would it? Granted, the combat isn’t perfect but it is the refreshing change the series needed, and I can only see it improving with subsequent iterations” This is the problem right here. Is this idea that the series needed to change. It is also the idea that IF it needed to change and freshen up, completely doing away with the gameplay was the thing to do. Like making the core Street Fighter games into a Kart Racing or Grand Turismo into a Card Battle game. You, like the rest of the new fans, sound so ******* and devoid of any imagination it focking hurts… Seriously, stop. The most laughable part is you thinking that Turn Based, a far more restrictive and inferior system, is somehow freshening something up. Any real Yakuza fan knows that that’s what the Offshoots were for. Something you would be very aware of if you actually were “a fan of the games since the PS2 days.” Which you clearly are not. They ******* a very unique franchise that served a niche in order to appeal to the likes of people like you and the rest of the “anime” Persona crowd. Something that they also did with Persona sadly enough. But it shouldn’t surprise me in the least, cuz that’s what ***** does. Ironically? What Nintendon’t. Go figure. They did the Yakuza franchise wrong, but c’est la vie. Source link #Perfect #RPG #Earthbound #Yakuza #Dragon Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Māori Haka Protest Erupts in New Zealand Parliament Māori Haka Protest Erupts in New Zealand Parliament new video loaded: Māori Haka Protest Erupts in New Zealand Parliament transcript Back transcript Māori Haka Protest Erupts in New Zealand ParliamentMember of Parliament Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke led the ceremonial performance of Māori culture, tearing up a controversial bill as other lawmakers joined her in protest. Oh, oh don’t do that. The House is – The House is suspended until a ringing of the bells. The gallery is to be cleared. Recent episodes in International International video coverage from The New York Times. International video coverage from The New York Times. Show more videos from International Source link #Māori #Haka #Protest #Erupts #Zealand #Parliament Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

MINDCOP Review – Thumb Culture MINDCOP Review – Thumb Culture “The Montpellier-based (France) indie games publisher Dear Villagers and Germany-based indie games developer Andre Gareis, are today very happy and proud to announce that their detective narrative game “MINDCOP”, is coming to PC (via Stean) )and consoles (PS5 and the Nintendo Switch) in Q4 2024.” – Jonas Ek, TGG. Source link #MINDCOP #Review #Thumb #Culture Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

What is TikTok’s ‘Winter Arc’ challenge and why is it going viral? What is TikTok’s ‘Winter Arc’ challenge and why is it going viral? The latest obsession on TikTok is the “Winter Arc” challenge, which sees young people get ahead of their New Year’s Resolutions. Winter Arc TikTok is flooded with videos of young men and women wearing dark-******** oversized hoodies and athleisure, working out in the gym, or going for early-morning runs. “These are the months where a lot of people tend to slow down … this is the time where people tend to let their foot off the gas,” says one TikToker, Carly Upgraded, in a video with 4.6 million views. Carly says the Winter Arc is all about being “laser-focused” on your goals, so that you’re transformed by the new year. Her goals include waking up at 5:30 a.m., having a workout and meal plan, reading books, and even posting more content on TikTok. Despite its recent popularity, the now-viral trend has actually been around as a concept for years, according to celebrity fitness trainer Michael Baah. Baah has worked with high-profile clients including British soccer legend Gary Lineker, boxer Ezra Taylor and Strictly Come Dancing star Tasha Ghouri. “Whether it’s fitness, financial, whatever remit you’re in, you can create a challenge during the last 90 days of the year — the last quarter of the year — to get you ready and set for the next year ahead,” Baah told CNBC Make It. He said it takes 66 days to form a habit, so the Winter Arc helps ease the process of transitioning into your New Year goals. “The best time to plant the tree was 10 years ago. So starting your challenge early is going to keep you locked in and help you get into your routine a lot quicker than starting on the first of January, when you’re battling all of those demons, and the chocolate and Christmas leftovers in the fridge,” he said. However, there does appear to be a dark side to the trend, with some TikTokers taking things to the extreme, saying they’ll cut off all romantic relationships, have no form of human contact, and go to the gym six days a week during their Winter Arc. London-based celebrity therapist Malminder Gill warned against this approach, saying these extreme goals are a form of “self-harm.” “You’re challenging yourself to actually speed up depression,” she told CNBC Make It. “We need social interaction, we need balance, we need sunlight.” Here are four expert tips to create healthy, realistic Winter Arc goals: Improve by 10% Although Winter Arc extremists might have you believe you need to go from zero to 100, this will lead to burnout, according to Gill. Her philosophy is to take whatever you’re doing currently — such as in your diet, fitness regime or social life — and figure out how to improve it by just 10%. “This is better because it’s easier to maintain and there’s less likely to be this cliff drop,” Gill explained. It can be as simple as choosing not to add any sweetener to your coffee, or adding an extra 10 minutes to your gym workout, Gill advises. Fitness coach Baah, meanwhile, encouraged “consistency over intensity” to help get you to the finish line. “I always say to people: start where you are. If you’re not a gym person, don’t start becoming a gym girl from day two and start smashing seven days in the gym, because that’s not going to be consistent,” he said. “Instead, incorporate 15-to-40 minute workouts in the gym semi-regularly, rather than two-to-three-hour sessions every day, so that after a long a day at work you’re not put off and lose motivation.” Complete an internal check Preparing your goals also requires you to assess your emotions and feelings throughout the year. “Decide ‘what is it that brings me energy?'” says Katia Vlachos, certified coach and meditation teacher. “What is it that recharges me, that energizes me, that brings me joy? And what is it that depletes me?” Gill described this as an “internal check,” which requires people to get real about their feelings. “One of the absolute best self-care things you can do is checking in with yourself. What do I think before the world tells me what I should think?” Gill said. This could mean cutting out activities that drained you this year, setting boundaries, and doubling down on habits that are helping you grow. ‘Well-formed goals’ As people approach the end of the year, many look back on a list of vague goals that never came to fruition, Gill said, which can cause feelings of guilt and shame. “When it comes to guilt in this context, specifically this year, you’re just going to have to ***** it up, because next year, you have to define your goals and outcomes much better,” she added, noting that more manageable targets are less likely to lead to these feelings. “If you’re feeling guilt or regret because of your goals that have been unachieved or not accomplished, it’s because they weren’t well-formed goals or well-formed outcomes,” she said. “You didn’t create the goal in a way that fits in with your life. You didn’t do the full, forward-thinking. You didn’t think of all of the traps that might be waiting for you.” Life coach Vlachos emphasized the importance of creating flexible goals that align with your values, as opposed to strict, measurable goals. That way you can adapt your goals as you grow through the year. “Our goals should not be our cages,” she said. “They should motivate us and pull us forward and help us grow, not keep us limited or lead us to ***** out.” Don’t forget to ‘nourish your soul’ A lot of Winter Arc goals outlined on TikTok are focused on the physical and aesthetic, but ignore the mind and soul. “Do you nourish your soul? Do you do the things that bring you joy and make you happy? I find that as important as the physical stuff,” Vlachos said. She stressed that it can be more challenging to address big questions about your feelings and emotions rather than going to the gym. One way to get in tune with your feelings can be through meditation, and it doesn’t take up a lot of time, Vlachos said. Her favorite meditation exercise, for instance, is called “16 seconds.” “You basically breathe in for a count of four. You hold for a count of four. You breathe out for four, and then you hold for a count of four,” she said. Source link #TikToks #Winter #Arc #challenge #viral Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Lenovo Raises PC Shipments Outlook for 2025 After Strong Earnings Lenovo Raises PC Shipments Outlook for 2025 After Strong Earnings Lenovo Group Ltd. hiked its projection for global PC shipments in 2025 after posting better-than-expected earnings, saying AI features will help boost growth next year. The overall PC market will expand in the current quarter, Lenovo’s Chief Executive Officer Yang Yuanqing told Bloomberg News after earnings on Friday. He raised his outlook for global shipments in 2025 to double-digit percentage growth, up from a previous forecast of five percent to 10 percent, citing demand for AI PCs and the replacement cycle facilitated by Windows 11. Yang added that Lenovo is not particularly disadvantaged against its key competitors if US President-elect Donald Trump decides to slap tariffs on foreign goods after formally returning to the White House. Net income grew 44 percent to $358.5 million (roughly Rs. 3,027 crore) in the September quarter, Beijing-based Lenovo said in a filing on Friday. That compares with an average estimate of $343.3 million (roughly Rs. 2,899 crore). Revenue rose 24 percent to $17.85 billion (roughly Rs. 1,50,738 crore), also exceeding analyst projections. The company’s quarterly PC shipments climbed three percent from a year ago, according to industry researcher IDC, while rivals like Dell Technologies Inc. and Apple Inc. saw declines. “The market is taking a breather before going into the year-end buying *******,” said Bryan Ma, vice president at IDC. PC makers are making a big push this year to add artificial intelligence capabilities — with a helping hand from Windows maker Microsoft Corp. — in a bid to entice consumers into an upgrade cycle. As the industry bounces back from the troughs of recent years, the reception to this new crop of AI PCs will be crucial to future success. The mass market’s interest for such devices, which have higher price tags, still ******** to be tested. Lenovo’s AI bet is not limited to end-user devices. The company’s infrastructure solutions group, which sells servers to large-scale customers, is another key pillar of its investment into the nascent technology. Lenovo sees that division powering growth by delivering data center hardware that helps accelerate AI model training and computations. “Lenovo’s data center segment could grow substantially on AI server order wins and improving supply of Nvidia’s GPUs, though profitability may remain subdued”, Bloomberg Intelligence analysts Steven Tseng and Sean Chen wrote in a report ahead of the earnings release. © 2024 Bloomberg L.P. (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source link #Lenovo #Raises #Shipments #Outlook #Strong #Earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

FBI video shows moment man sets US ballot box on ***** FBI video shows moment man sets US ballot box on ***** New footage released by the FBI from 28 October reveals the moment a man set a ballot box on ***** with an “improvised incendiary device” in Portland, Oregon. The FBI is investigating three fires at ballot boxes that occurred ahead of the US election – two in Vancouver, Washington, and one in Portland, Oregon. A reward of up to $25,000 (£19,677) is being offered for information that leads to the identification, arrest, and conviction of those responsible. Source link #FBI #video #shows #moment #man #sets #ballot #box #***** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

England v South *******: Can hosts keep ****** in the blitz? England v South *******: Can hosts keep ****** in the blitz? Personnel might be part of that. Jones earned rave reviews in his early England days, with captain Jamie George lauding the “crazy energy” he was coaxing from their defence. But Jones didn’t have the endurance to match, handing in his notice after a little over seven months in post. Joe El-Abd – England’s third defence coach in less than a year – has replaced him, initially splitting his duties between the national side and French second-tier club Oyonnax. England have stressed that there is a continuity in defensive philosophy, but, even so, a changing cast of coaches won’t have helped bed it in. Then there is the nature of the tactics themselves. Jones was the mastermind behind South *******’s ‘blitz’ defence, with tacklers rushing up in defence, attempting to shut down opponents’ time and space. England have hoped to do the same. When it works well, the tactic squeezes teams, denying them momentum and creating turnover opportunities. Those are the rewards, but the blitz is also high-risk. On-rushing defenders are more easily evaded and, moving at pace, the holes they leave behind are hard to plug. A blitz defence can post impressive gainline numbers or contain a team for sustained periods, but, when it fails, the errors can also be more costly. Big territorial losses and heavy scoreboard damage can result. South ******* centre Andre Esterhuizen says that a successful blitz lives on a ******-edge – flipping from ferocious front-foot aggression to desperate corner-flagging cover in the blink of an eye. “The biggest thing about that system is scramble,” he told Rugby Union Weekly earlier this week. “You are going to make misreads, you are going to make mistakes, but it is how your team-mates around you fix it for you. “We say that 80% of your reads you are going to get right, but 20% you are going to get wrong and that’s where we work hard and scramble for each other.” During his time with England, Jones said that finding that balance is key. He warned that an emphasis on aggression can, at times, tip too far and leave teams vulnerable. “You have to push yourself to where the margins are so small and you’re right on the limit of **********,” he said. England are still trying find that sweet spot and master a tricky tactic. Jacques Nienaber, former South ******* head coach, reckons it took the Springboks 14 matches to get right when he came into their set-up in 2018., external Source link #England #South #******* #hosts #****** #blitz Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]