Philips have this week introduced a new SuperWide monitor in the form of the 49B2U5900CH designed to provide a workspace to meet the demands of modern professionals. Equipped with an expansive 48.8-inch SuperWide display, consolidating your cluttered multi-screen setup into one sweeping 32:9 screen. With a Dual QHD resolution of 5120×1440, this monitor provides a […]
Starfield just received some key updates promised by Bethesda a couple of months ago, the developer announced. Version 1.8.86 comes with DLSS support that finally gives users with supported NVIDIA cards features including DLSS Super Resolution, Deep Learning Anti-aliasing (DLAA), Reflex Low Latency and DLSS frame generation. That should assuage numerous grumbling users, many of whom used a controversial DLSS mod to tide themselves over.
Along with DLSS, the update includes GPU performance optimizations that will help users with higher-end cards. Bethesda has also addressed memory leaks and other related issues, improved renderer threading and made a number of other stability and performance improvements. On the graphics side, it added brightness and contrast controls (!), while addressing issues around ambient occlusion, shader compilation, HDR brightness (Xbox and Windows 11 only), material issues, crowd character eyes and more.
Update 1.8.86 has landed! 🚀
💻 DLSS Support 🥘 Consume button for food 🔧 Numerous fixes and improvements
Gameplay also sees some welcome updates. You can now "eat the food placed in the world" via a "consume button" without having to add items to inventory, a nice quality-of-life fix. Bethesda also adjusted stealth to be more forgiving, resolved the problem of Andreja's head staying permanently cloaked, fixed an issue that could prevent players from firing weapons, resolved a problem with naked NPCs, fixed mouse issues and more. It also resolved quest problems that mostly revolve around inconsistent game play.
Bethesda beta tested the new features earlier this month on Steam before deeming them fit for release. In September, it said that it's "working closely" with NVIDIA, AMD and Intel on driver support, possibly in response to a Digital Foundry technical report saying the game had "disproportionately poor NVIDIA and Intel performance." Starfield is among the best-selling games of 2023 (thanks in part to being free on Game Pass), with the company having reported 10 million players as of the end of September.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/starfield-update-brings-dlss-support-and-a-number-of-fixes-092050462.html?src=rss
Hyundai has unveiled its latest SUV for the UK, the new Hyundai Tuscan and the car is scheduled to go on sale in the UK in May next year, it gets a range of upgrades and design changes over the previous model. The car comes with an updated grille and bumper, plus new skid plates […]
US Senator Ron Wyden wants the public to know about the details surrounding the long-running Hemisphere phone surveillance program. Wyden has written US Attorney General Merrick Garland a letter (PDF), asking him to release additional information about the project that apparently gives law enforcement agencies access to trillions of domestic phone records. In addition, he said that federal, state, local and Tribal law enforcement agencies have the ability to request "often-warrantless searches" from the project's phone records that AT&T has been collecting since 1987.
The Hemisphere project first came to light in 2013 when The New York Times reported that the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) was paying AT&T to mine and keep records of its customers' phone calls. Four billion new records are getting added to its database every day, and a federal or state law enforcement agency can request a query with a subpoena that they can issue themselves. Any law enforcement officer can send in a request to a single AT&T analyst based in Atlanta, Georgia, Wyden's letter says, even if they're seeking information that's not related to any drug case. And apparently, they can use Hemisphere not just to identify a specific number, but to identify the target's alternate numbers, to obtain location data and to look up the phone records of everyone who's been in communication with the target.
The project has been defunded and refunded by the government several times over the past decade and was even, at one point, receiving federal funding under the name "Data Analytical Services (DAS)." Usually, projects funded by federal agencies would be subject to a mandatory Privacy Impact Assessment conducted by the Department of Justice, which means their records would be made public.
However, Hemisphere's funding passes through a middleman, so it's not required to go through mandatory assessment. To be specific, ONDCP funds the program through the Houston High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which is a regional funding organization that distributes federal anti-drug law grants and is governed by a board made up of federal, state and local law enforcement officials. The DOJ had provided Wyden's office with "dozens of pages of material" related to the project in 2019, but they had been labeled "Law Enforcement Sensitive" and cannot be released to the public.
"I have serious concerns about the legality of this surveillance program, and the materials provided by the DOJ contain troubling information that would justifiably outrage many Americans and other members of Congress," Wyden wrote in his letter. "While I have long defended the government’s need to protect classified sources and methods, this surveillance program is not classified and its existence has already been acknowledged by the DOJ in federal court. The public interest in an informed debate about government surveillance far outweighs the need to keep this information secret."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/us-senator-calls-for-the-public-release-of-att-hemisphere-surveillance-records-083627787.html?src=rss
Apple recently launched its new MacBook Pro range, the top model is the M3 Max MacBook Pro and this device is available with either a 14-core or 16-core CPU, if you are wondering if it is worth spending the extra money on the 16-core CPU, we have a comparison video. The video below from Max […]
This guide is designed to show you how to use Google Bard to streamline your workflow. Professionals and students from various fields often find themselves in a continuous pursuit of enhancing their productivity and efficiency. In today’s fast-paced world, where time is a crucial asset, the need for effective tools to streamline workflows and boost […]
Apple’s new iPhones have been available for a couple of months, we have already seen a range of videos on the handsets and now we get to find out how the iPhone 15 Plus compares to the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The video below from Zollotech compares the two handsets side by side, they have […]
In the digital age, the importance of secure passwords cannot be overstated. Yet, remembering complex passwords for multiple accounts can be a daunting task. Enter Enpass, a revolutionary password manager that not only helps you create secure passwords but also stores them in encrypted vaults in your chosen location. Be it iCloud, Google Drive, or […]
X has filed a lawsuit against media watchdog group Media Matters over the latter's research that showed ads on the social network appearing next to antisemitic content. The company's owner, Elon Musk, promised to file a "thermonuclear lawsuit" against the organization late last week following an advertiser exodus. In its complaint, X said Media Matters "knowingly and maliciously manufactured side-by-side images depicting advertisers' posts on X Corp.'s social media platform beside Neo-Nazi and white national fringe content." It added that the group portrayed the "manufactured images" as if they represented the typical user's experience in the platform. "Media Matters designed both these images and the resulting media strategy to drive advertisers from the platform and destroy X Corp," the company wrote.
As TechCrunch notes, though, Media Matters didn't exactly "manufacture" the images it used with its research. Based on X's own investigation as it detailed in its lawsuit, the organization used an account older than 30 days to bypass the website's ad filters to follow a set of users known to produce "extreme, fringe content" along with the biggest advertisers on the platform. The group then allegedly kept on scrolling and refreshing its feed to generate "between 13 to 15 times more advertisements per hour than viewed by the average X user." X said the watchdog didn't provide any context regarding the "forced, inauthentic nature" of the advertisements it saw."
In a response to Media Matters' research, X CEO Linda Yaccarino said "not a single authentic user on X saw IBM's, Comcast's, or Oracle's ads next to the content in Media Matters' article." She added that "only two users saw Apple's ad next to the content, at least one of which was Media Matters," confirming that the organization did see the advertisements, even if it had to create the right conditions for them. After Yaccarino released her statement, Media Matters head Angelo Carusone retweeted several posts from seemingly authentic users showing ads for searches and tags such as "killjews" and "HeilHitler." We reached out to the organization about the lawsuit, and a spokesperson told Engadget: "This is a frivolous lawsuit meant to bully X's critics into silence. Media Matters stands behind its reporting and looks forward to winning in court."
Aside from X's lawsuit, Media Matters also has to grapple with an investigation by Ken Paxton, the Attorney General of Texas. Paxton said his office is looking into Media Matters, which he called "a radical anti-free speech" organization, for potential fraudulent activity. He said he's investigating the watchdog to "ensure that the public has not been deceived by the schemes of radical left-wing organizations who would like nothing more than to limit freedom by reducing participation in the public square."
The media watchdog had published its findings after X owner Elon Musk responded to a tweet that said Jews pushed "hatred against whites that they claim to want people to stop using against them." Musk wrote: "You have said the actual truth." Several big-name advertisers had pulled their campaigns from the platform following the incidents, including IBM, Apple, Disney, Paramount and Comcast. Meanwhile, Lionsgate specifically cited Elon's tweet as the reason for pulling its ads.
According to Fortune, Yaccarino held an all-hands meeting after X filed the lawsuit to confirm to staff members that some customers' advertisements are still on pause. When asked about what the best outcome for the lawsuit would be, the CEO said a win would validate that X was right.
"They have a long history of being an activist organization, to force a narrative and not allow people of the world to make their own decisions," she reportedly responded. "I think one of the main goals that underscores the dedication to truth and fairness and that is that we allow people a global Town Square, to seek out their own information and make their own decisions. So exposing Media Matters to train people’s rights to make their own decisions will be a validation that X was right, and this was an inauthentic manipulation."
Update, November 21, 2023, 12:14AM ET: Added information from Fortune's report about X's all-hands meeting.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/x-lawsuit-accuses-media-matters-of-running-a-campaign-to-drive-advertisers-away-from-its-website-040022933.html?src=rss
Thanks to being cooped up indoors for so long, camping has become a popular escape from the hustle and bustle of life, even if it actually means “glamping” in luxury. But even if you’re not the outdoorsy type, you will have undoubtedly come across some task or problem where scissors just won’t cut it, pun intended. Knives can do a lot more than you might think, but any old blade isn’t going to be enough, especially if you want to bring it anywhere you might need such a sharp tool. For this reason, tactical knives of all shapes, sizes, and mechanisms have become popular additions to some people’s everyday carries, but the wide variety available in the market can be daunting and confusing. To help make the choice a little easier, we gathered five of the best EDC knives from Tekto that will help you cut through any problem with power and finesse.
1. Tekto F2 Bravo Tactical Folding Knife
Defying stereotypes surrounding tactical knives, the Tekto F2 Bravo’s simple, clean, and premium design belies the power that unfolds from within. State-of-the-art ceramic ball bearings ensure rapid and smooth deployment, while a Titanium-coated D2 steel blade delivers the long-lasting sharpness and reliability you in every cut. Titanium accents, custom pivots, and a machined clip give it a stylish appearance that will make it the pride of your EDC collection.
Machined clip and titanium accents add a stylish touch to the design
What we dislike
Pocket clip position can’t be changed
2. Tekto F3 Charlie Tactical Folding Knife
A high-stakes flipper knife at its very core, the Tekto F3 Charlie exudes unmistakable power from the very first encounter. A razor-sharp oversized blade contains all the cutting power you need, while a smooth button lock ensures swift deployment and safety. Despite its rather intimidating appearance, this tactical knife is surprisingly sleek and lightweight, assuring a comfortable and confident grip for heavy-duty use.
The Tekto F3 Charlie Tactical Knife delivers raw power and strength in a lightweight and ergonomic design that generates confidence in every use.
What we like
Oversized titanium-coated D2 steel blade makes short work of any cutting task
Anti-slip thumb jimping and smooth button lock guarantee safety and performance
What we dislike
Large, rugged design might not appeal to some EDC owners
3. Tekto A2 Badger Mini Automatic OTF Knife
If you need a compact knife that still delivers a powerful punch, the Tekto A2 Badget mini automatic knife is your guy. Despite its small size, the OTF (out the front) knife delivers reliable performance, no matter the task at hand. State-of-the-art spring-assisted technology promises effortless deployment and retraction, while a contoured button ensures a solid grip on this small yet powerful tool. Compact and California-legal, it’s a must-have for any EDC toolkit.
The Tekto A2 Badger Mini Automatic Knife delivers sharp cutting power in a compact size, making it a perfect fit for any EDC.
What we like
Compact design with a California-legal 1.85-inch blade
Remountable deep-carry pocket clip for left and right-handed users
Oversized lanyard hole with built-in glass breaker
What we dislike
Handle might be too small for some hands
4. Tekto A4 HUMVEE Automatic OTF Knife
Inspired by the iconic military workhorse and Gulf War legend, the Tekto A4 HUMVEE OTF knife embodies strength, reliability, and resilience from every angle. It carries a distinctive blade design that includes a serrated section to add to the knife’s versatility, while the unique handle texture pays homage to the Humvee’s rugged and indestructible character. Not only is it a formidable member of your EDC arsenal, it also makes for an excellent gift idea for lovers of knives as well as military history.
The Tekto A4 HUMVEE automatic knife carries a distinct aesthetic that pays homage to an iconic rugged vehicle with its powerful, serrated blade and textured handle.
What we like
Distinctive blade with a serrated section for additional cutting capabilities
HUMVEE-inspired design
Lanyard hole integrated into the deep-carry pocket clip for a simpler design
What we dislike
Button location requires repositioning the thumb to deploy/retract the blade
5. Tekto A5 SPRY Automatic OTF Knife
Boasting a CPM-S35VN steel blade for unparalleled toughness and edge retention, the Tekto A5 SPRY offers not only performance but also choice. The automatic OTF knife’s blade comes in three options, including Dagger, Drop Point, and Tanto, letting buyers choose the style they want without sacrificing performance. Along with a precision-contoured and textured handle, this tactical knife adds not just a valuable tool to your arsenal but an interesting and notable visual as well.