Resident Evil 6 has sold surprisingly well on the Nintendo Switch since it was ported to the console in 2019, despite it being almost universally panned by fans of the series. As spotted by Nintendo Life, RE6 just got added to Capcom’s Platinum Titles list, meaning it’s crossed the threshold of one million units sold. It sits at number 117 on the list, with a million downloads for the Switch (but not any other platforms).
RE6 stands out as a convoluted action game next to the titles that came before it, marking a dramatic shift away from survival horror. It has a lot going on, but not so much of the things people actually love about Resident Evil games. It’s gained some defenders over the years, though, I’ll give it that. Capcom brought Resident Evil 6 to the Switch in October 2019 and bundled it with RE4 and RE5 in the Resident Evil Triple Pack that was released around the same time, which surely helped its sales.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/over-a-million-switch-owners-have-bought-the-worst-mainline-resident-evil-game-ever-170834260.html?src=rss
ICQ, which used to be a very popular messaging app for a short period in the 90s and the early aughts, only has a month left before it joins the other apps and software of old in the great big farm in the sky. It will stop working on June 26, according to it website, which also encourages users to move to VK Messenger for casual chats and to VK WorkSpace for professional conversations. ICQ came into the picture at a time when most people were using IRC to chat. IRC, however, was mostly meant for group conversations — ICQ made it easy to communicate one-on-one.
Users who signed up for an account got assigned a number that grew longer as time went on, because it was issued sequentially. The shortest numbers had five digits, which means users who got them were there at the very beginning. ICQ peaked in the early 2000s when it reached 100 million registered accounts. And while it didn't take a long time for AIM, Yahoo Messenger and MSN Messenger to eclipse its popularity, ICQ's iconic "uh-oh!" notification sound remains memorable for a lot of internet users during that era.
ICQ, derived from the phrase "I seek you," was developed by Israeli company Mirabilis. It was then purchased by AOL and then by the Russian company Mail.Ru Group that's now known as VK, which has its own social networking and messaging services.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/uh-oh-icq-is-shutting-down-on-june-26-153048381.html?src=rss
The families of the shooting victims at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas have sued Call of Duty publisher Activision and Meta. They alleged that the companies "knowingly exposed the shooter to the weapon [he used], conditioned him to see it as the solution to his problems, and trained him to use it." The plaintiffs also accused the companies of "chewing up alienated teenage boys and spitting out mass shooters."
In the lawsuit, the plaintiffs explained that the Uvalde shooter played Call of Duty, which featured an assault-style rifle made by gunmaker Daniel Defense. They also mentioned that he frequently visited Instagram, which advertised the gunmaker's products. The lawsuit claimed, as well, that Instagram gives gunmakers "an unsupervised channel to speak directly to minors, in their homes, at school, even in the middle of the night." It argued that the shooter was "a poor and isolated teenager" from small town Texas who only learned about AR-15s and set his sights on it, because he was exposed to the weapon from playing Call of Duty and visiting Instagram. In addition, it accused Meta of being more lenient towards firearms sellers than other users who break its rules. Meta prohibits the buying the selling of weapons and ammunition, but users can violate the policy 10 times before they're banned from its platforms.
"The truth is that the gun industry and Daniel Defense didn’t act alone. They couldn’t have reached this kid but for Instagram," the plaintiffs' lawyer, Attorney Josh Koskoff, said at a news conference. "They couldn’t expose him to the dopamine loop of virtually killing a person. That's what Call of Duty does." Koskoff's law firm was the same one who reached a $73 million settlement with rifle manufacturer Remington for the families of the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting victims.
An Activision spokesperson told The Washington Post and Bloomberg Law that the "Uvalde shooting was horrendous and heartbreaking in every way," and that the company expresses its deepest sympathies to the families, but "millions of people around the world enjoy video games without turning to horrific acts."
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/meta-and-activision-face-lawsuit-by-families-of-uvalde-school-shooting-victims-130025901.html?src=rss
If you’ve been craving some help with cleaning, this Memorial Day Roomba sale may be up your alley. Wellbots has the iRobot Roomba Combo J9+, Engadget’s favorite vacuum-mop combo, for $425 off. The machine not only cleans floors and carpets; its redesigned dock can automatically empty debris and refill it with mopping liquid. Use the exclusive code ENG425 to get iRobot’s top-of-the-line combo cleaner for $974.
Although that’s still a hefty price for a cleaning robot, you’re getting a premium product in return. The Roomba Combo J9+ has an upgraded motor and a four-stage cleaning system that takes multiple passes across your floors and carpets. This latest model, which arrived only last fall, has dual rubber brushes for optimal suction and pressurized scrubbing.
The robot has an updated Clean Base that automatically refills its water tank while looking more like a nice home appliance than a gadget’s charging dock. It automates as much of the setup process as possible, leaving you only to attach its mop pad and add water and cleaning solution. As for upkeep, you merely swap out its mop pads when needed and clean the Roomba’s bristles and bin.
Wellbots also offers the standard Roomba J9+ — the mop-less variant — for $325 off with the code ENG325. This model has all the vacuuming features from the more expensive Combo version. That includes stronger suction, multi-surface rubber brushes and a three-stage cleaning system. Usually $899, the coupon brings its price down to $574.
If you’re looking for a vacuum-mop combination robot for cheaper, the previous-generation Roomba Combo J7+ is $225 off with the code ENG225 (usually $999). This model skips out on some of the high-end features in the J9+ but still offers obstacle avoidance and a four-stage cleaning system. It can return to its base when it’s full and empty itself for up to 60 days before you have to empty its bin.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/roomba-robot-vacuums-are-up-to-425-off-for-memorial-day-130015162.html?src=rss
The evolution of artificial intelligence has ushered in an era where conversational agents are becoming more integral to our daily lives and professional workflows. One of the latest advancements in this space is the ChatGPT GPT-4o, an upgraded version of OpenAI’s renowned language model, designed to enhance interactivity, usability, and performance. In this article, we […]
The teekini HERO 100W high-capacity power bank is designed to be your ultimate companion, ensuring that your devices never run out of power, no matter where your adventures take you. Imagine the freedom and convenience of being able to charge up to five devices simultaneously, eliminating the need to constantly search for power outlets or […]
If you’ve been slowly entering the culinary world, and are currently a novice chef on a mission to become an accomplished chef who can whip up delicious meals, then you’ve reached the right place. The key to preparing amazing dishes is having a streamlined and efficient cooking process, which can be achieved with the help of the right kitchen appliances and tools. With the perfect kitchen accessories, you can create fantastic meals within no time, and with minimum hassles. If you’re someone who likes quick and easy-to-fix meals, then we’ve curated the perfect collection of kitchen utensils for you. From an Iron Frying Plate that lets you cook and serve meals on it to a portable Japanese rice cooker – these top-notch kitchen products are for you.
1. Iron Frying Plate
Dubbed the Iron Frying Plate, this unique kitchen appliance is exactly what you need to prepare a quick, efficiently cooked and healthy meal. This kitchen tool not only prepares your meals for you, but it also serves it for you as well! This is all due to its handy removable handle. Click Here to Buy Now: $69
Why is it noteworthy?
The Iron Frying Plate functions as a frying pan and a serving plate, forming a kitchen tool that is not only unique but wholly functional. It allows direct-from-the-pan serving, and it is made using durable materials, which provides a novel new way of cooking.
What we like
The handle can be removed, and you can use the plate as a serving platter too
What we dislike
Since it is crafted from iron, it is quite heavy and tough to store and operate. You need to handle and store with care
2. Cheat Sheets
Called the Cheat Sheets, these non-stick silicone dividers are called Cheat Sheets, and they’re here to make healthy eating an achievable goal. It is designed to elevate oven cooking, by transforming a single baking tray into a multi-compartment cooking surface. This tool lets you make multiple dishes in one go!
Why is it noteworthy?
The Cheat Sheets segregate a single sheet pan into a multi-portion culinary canvas. It can accommodate six small or three large portions. The sheets are an excellent design for making healthy family meals, or to support your weekly meal planning.
What we like
Allows you to cook multiple dishes in one tray
You can prepare different portions according to your requirement
What we dislike
Since the sheets are made from silicone, they can easily get dirty
3. PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs
Called the PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs, these innovative tongs are shaped like chopsticks! You can utilize them to pick up small pieces of food, helping you with portion control, and ensuring you don’t overeat! You can turn them over on the pan with complete ease like a MasterChef!
The PrecisionGrip Chopstick Tongs can be used to prepare healthy lunch boxes or even to eat sushi which is a light and healthy meal. There is really no wrong way to hold and use the utensil.
What we like
The tongs are crafted from sustainable SUS821L1 stainless steel, which is procured from scraps and offcuts
What we dislike
Difficult to use for larger pieces and cuts, only ideal for smaller food items
4. Thanko Electric Bento Rice Cooker
Called the Thanko Electric Bento rice cooker, this portable cooker prepares a bowl of warm rice for you in no time. It makes rice an easily available and omnipresent food item irrespective of where you go. It prepares single-serve rice in a quick period of time.
Why is it noteworthy?
The Thanko Electric Bento rice cooker is great for those who travel or want fresh rice at the office instead of takeout or prepacked meals. The rice cooker can prepare 6 ounces of rice in one go. It even comes with a measuring cup for convenience!
What we like
Has a portable and easy-to-carry design
You can eat the rice from the container, don’t need a separate utensil for it
What we dislike
No variety of choices in terms of sizes and colors
5. Playful Palm Grater
Called the Playful Palm Grater, this tiny product will add some practical fun to your kitchen and dining experience. The grater neatly fits into the palm of your hand, and lets you grate fresh garnishes and ingredients into your food, adding a refreshing, clean and gourmet touch to your meals.
The little product resembles a curled piece of paper and is built from a single aluminum alloy play. The grater is available in a bunch of fun colors, and you can pick your favorite one.
What we like
Offers a firm grip, and is quite easy to use
Makes the act of grating fun and simple
What we dislike
Even though we adore its small and convenient size, this limits it from grating large amounts of food
6. SY10
This portable induction cooktop concept lets you prepare healthy meals almost anywhere! It helps you cook safely and smartly while featuring minimal, clean, and subtle aesthetics that remind you of the Braun brand. It is a sleek, lightweight, and portable cooking appliance, which is great for on-the-go situations.
Why is it noteworthy?
The SY10 features a built-in Smart Air Filter with carbon filters to not only eradicate harmful smoke but also odors. It ensures that the air indoors is clean, without making much noise. The filter is placed horizontally on the cooktop, and you can even rotate the filter to make it stand, in case you’re using a tall pot or cookware.
What we like
Features some good old-fashioned haptic feedback
What we dislike
It’s a concept, so we are unsure how the final product will turn out to be
7. The Panasonic HomeCHEF 7-in-1 Compact Oven
Named the Panasonic HomeCHEF 7-in-1 Compact Oven, this kitchen appliance features Steam and Steam Convection, making it a boon for healthy cooking! These two cooking technique ensure healthier food, as the nutrients are preserved way more in comparison to other cooking methods.
Why is it noteworthy?
The HomeCHEF is an excellent appliance as it reduces the number of cooking appliances you need to prepare your meals. This helps users in preparing healthy meals and keeps them on the right track to a healthier and more conscious life. It isn’t as time-consuming, and is also more efficient!
What we like
The Steam and Steam Convection functions preserve more nutrients compared to other cooking methods
What we dislike
Larger in size than its siblings, so it is not a very compact design
8. Plate Grater
Named the Plate Grater, this tiny grater is essentially a little plate, and you need to set it on the table to use it. The grater combines the functionality of a plate with the utility of a grater. This allows you to add fresh ingredients and garnishes to your mail, preparing healthier and cleaner meals.
The product has dual-functionality since you can use it as a grater and plate. It is quite aesthetically pleasing, and allows you to add fresh garnishes to your meals.
What we like
You can grate fresh ingredients onto your meal, taking it to a gourmet level
What we dislike
Since it has dual functionality, it may take users a while to adjust to it and learn to use it
9. Chao
Say hello to Chao – an AI-powered social cooking platform which is created to reduce the hassle of meal planning, and the difficulties we encounter while cooking. Chao is designed to make your daily cooking experience more accessible, easy, and enjoyable as well.
Why is it noteworthy?
Chao uses intelligent machine vision to ensure that all the utensils are used correctly, which is great for new cooks. It also attempts to make cooking a joyful social collaboration, where users can prepare and enjoy meals together.
What we like
Allows users from all corners of the globe to create and prepare meals, forming a global culinary community
What we dislike
It is currently a concept, so we are unsure how functional and user-friendly it will be in reality
10. STEAMIE
Called STEAMIE, this modern kitchen appliance is designed to introduce steam into mainstream cooking. It helps you prepare healthy meals, which is not only rich in nutrients but also quite delicious. The appliance can be placed on the table, allowing you to prep food anywhere.
Why is it noteworthy?
STEAMIE is equipped with a built-in scale that lets you measure your food before you cook it. It also features a bamboo-wood lid that functions as a cutting board for food prep. You can watch your food being prepared via the frosted-acrylic food bowl, while an intuitive display lets you input and check prep times.
What we like
Uses an innovative turbo convection method to steam-cook food
What we dislike
It has a bulky form which will occupy precious real estate on your counter or dining table
A SpaceX testing stand at the company's McGregor, Texas facilities went up in flames during a test of its Raptor 2 engines on the afternoon of May 23. According to NASASpaceflight, the engine had an anomaly that caused vapors to seep out and lead to a secondary explosion. The news organization's livestream showed the engine shutting down before the fire started and eventually swallowed the stand in flames and smoke.
Here is the full clip of the test that ended in a RUD.
SpaceX uses the Raptor engines for its Starship system's Super Heavy booster and upper-stage spacecraft. They use liquid methane and liquid oxygen as fuel, and they were designed to be powerful enough to be able to send Starship to the moon and Mars. As Gizmodo suggests, its gases mixing due to a leak or a similar anomaly could've caused the explosion, though SpaceX has yet to officially address what happened during testing.
The company is currently preparing for Starship's fourth test flight, which is scheduled to take place on June 5, pending regulatory approval and barring poor weather or other factors that could delay the launch. This explosion likely wouldn't affect the flight's launch window. SpaceX's main goals for the fourth test flight are to make sure that the Super Heavy booster gets a soft splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico and to achieve a controlled entry of the Starship spacecraft. The company said it made several hardware and software upgrades to incorporate what it learned from its third flight test. Starship's upper stage reached space during that flight, but it burned up in the atmosphere upon reentry, while its Super Heavy booster broke apart in the final phases of its descent instead of softly splashing down into the ocean.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/spacex-raptor-engine-test-ends-in-a-fiery-explosion-110052362.html?src=rss
We have an awesome video from Stephen Robles that gives us details on 10 powerful iPhone ChatGPT-4o shortcuts that you need to trry out. With the advent of powerful AI tools like ChatGPT, it’s now possible to streamline various tasks and boost efficiency like never before. By harnessing the capabilities of ChatGPT on your Apple […]
In the rapidly evolving world of mobile processors, two contenders have emerged as frontrunners: Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Elite and Apple’s M3 Silicon. To shed light on their performance capabilities, Signal 65, commissioned by Microsoft, conducted a series of rigorous benchmarks comparing the Snapdragon X Elite vs Apple M3. These tests encompass crucial aspects such as […]
