Diablo 4 might be Blizzard's most important, pivotal game since World of Warcraft, exceeding all expectations.

Windows Central Verdict *****

As I sit here, I finished Diablo 4 this past week. I spent a few days dabbling with its endgame and gathering my thoughts. I knew immediately after I'd rolled the credits that I was dealing with a 5/5 game, an entry in a legendary franchise that defies all expectations — a title that will easily win dozens of game of the year awards and sit among 2023's most incredible titles. What I didn't expect is that I'd be sitting here, as a decades-long Blizzard fan across Warcraft, StarCraft, and indeed, Diablo, wondering if Diablo 4 is, in fact, Blizzard's best-ever game. 

Diablo 4 is an absolute masterpiece. There's no other way to describe it. Absolutely staggering art and breadth, Oscar-worthy writing and story delivery, both new and returning characters wholly worthy of Blizzard's epic pantheon of heroes and villains. After dozens of hours in the game's beta tests, I knew Diablo 4 was going to be special — a game I would undoubtedly sink hundreds of hours into. What I didn't expect was one of the best story campaigns I've experienced in the past decade, one that elevates Blizzard as a whole. It's the type of game that I worry is becoming increasingly rare in the AAA industry, chasing trends and short-term gains. 

This review will be entirely spoiler free. I plan to do a separate article going over the story in more detail later on. Additionally, we'll have a separate review going live for endgame after launch since a fair bit of it was unavailable to experience in the underpopulated review build servers. But, even without these aspects, this fully-priced title is more than worth the price of admission, comprising a 30-50 hour campaign full of sorrow and darkness, with flickers of hope, weaving a starkly poignant tale that is as unsettling as it is majestic. This may be Blizzard's magnum opus. This is Diablo 4, and my tale as the wandering druid. 

Diablo 4 Review: Art, Performance, and Setting

Epic in-engine and pre-rendered scenes await the player in Diablo 4.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

Blizzard has had a tumultuous few years, to say the least, with the quality of its games dipping in some areas while finding success in others. Blizzard was once upon a time renowned for its consistency, and I would say that if there's one area that has remained consistent at the firm, it's in art quality. Diablo 4 is surely no exception. 

Clearly absorbing the criticisms that Diablo 3 looked too "colourful," Diablo 4 is among the darkest, grittiest, bloodiest games I've ever experienced. The game thrums with a foreboding aura, wholly appropriate for the game's setting and story, which are equally as bleak. 

Sanctuary is a dimension not dissimilar from Earth, strewn between the high heavens and the depths of hell. As such, you'll find similar biomes across the game's truly gargantuan, continuous open world. Dank, fetid swamps filled with snakes and bristling with poison. Wintry climbs beset with frost-bitten undead and starving predators. An expansive sand-blasted desert with hidden tombs and treacherous crags. Sanctuary is absurdly huge, even without considering the vast array of dungeons, keeps, strongholds, and story setpiece areas that comprise this sizeable 50+ hour campaign. 

Diablo 3 was criticized for being too "cartoony," as well as too colourful. Diablo 1 and 2 approached photorealism as best they could with the technology available at the time, but Diablo 3's switch to true 3D imparted constraints that have been completely cast aside in Diablo 4. Here, we have true photorealism, with some of the most meticulous and uncanny character art ever seen in a game.

The cinematics quite honestly give massive-budget movies like Avatar a run for their money and showcase Blizzard at their cutting-edge best. The demoness Lilith is unsettling in her delivery, with an utterly terrifying stage presence flanked by demonic orchestral overtures and impeccable acting. The same can be said for all the game's characters, which feature some of the greatest casting and facial motion capture we've seen from the medium thus far.

Some of Diablo 4's projected texture work is truly awe-inspiring.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

Diablo 4 uses a combination of in-engine cinematics and pre-rendered full motion picture quality CGI to tell its story. Both sides of the coin work incredibly well. Despite being a zoomed-out isometric title most of the time, the majority of the game's assets are incredibly detailed with high-quality textures. With the camera moving seamlessly from a top-down view to a character-level view, it feels incredibly natural and elevates Diablo 4 far above the rank and file of its imitators. Blizzard uses these camera tricks to also showcase some of the game's landscapes.

Fixed camera perspective games often don't really need to build entire facades for their architectures and landscapes since most of the view is hidden from the player. Blizzard shrugged this off in some cases and opted to build out some of its environments in full 3D despite the fact the camera will remove them from view a lot of the time.

There are viewports in the game that allow you to snap a glimpse at the landscape from a character-level view, showcasing some of the stunning design work Blizzard's artists have done. It's a nice touch purely from an art-appreciation angle, but it also helps immerse the player, enhancing the idea that you're entering real physical locations rather than simply the flat areas we see with the top-down camera. Diablo 4 plants the quality bar very, very high. 

I played a large amount of Diablo 4 using headphones too, and once again, the sound direction is top-notch. Whether it's squelching through blood-soaked moors or struggling through tesselated snowscapes, Diablo 4's sound design has a big impact on the environmental immersion, but also the combat feel. Some of the necromancer's spells, gory as they are, disturbed me to think how Blizzard arrived at these realistic bone and flesh-splitting preludes. I played druid for most of my time with the review, and the thundering stomp of rock and earth spells, crushing enemies into mulch, was endlessly gratifying.

A diverse array of biomes makes Diablo 4 a broad canvas for future updates.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

If there's a single solitary criticism I can throw at the game's art treatment, is perhaps budgeting for monster assets. There are a ton of twisted abominations and hellish demons in Diablo 4, but the game's world is so, so expansive, that the reuse of enemies becomes aggressively noticeable about halfway through the game. Most zones have a different colour variant of bear, a different shade of skeleton, and a different hue of walking tree. It detracts from the diversity of the game's dungeons and biomes to see repetition creep in over time, where the only differentiator between the different types of bandits you'll see is the colour of the shirt they're wearing.

It's also immersion-busting when the "swamp cave" you're delving into looks suspiciously identical to the "sewer" you plundered on the literal opposite end of the continent. Each area does have its signature creatures, but I think each zone at the least could've used more unique beasties to help elevate their biome identity, but it's probably greedy of me. The game is absolutely massive, so I can appreciate where constraints for time and budget may have put limiters down.

Diablo 4's clever music system helps offset the sense of repetition, too, with an engine that randomizes the instruments playing each piece of the melody, dynamically constructing new sound treatments on the fly. Boss battle music also ascends in intensity as the health diminishes, which adds gravitas to each battle. 

Either way, it has been an incredibly long time since a game made me feel so immersed through its visuals, sound, and character delivery alone. I saw almost zero performance degradation or bugs with my time in the game on Xbox Series X, but it stands true that the review servers were utterly unpopulated. It remains to be seen how well it performs on launch day, but I'm fairly confident from the game's multiple betas that it will stand up to launch day woes. 

The art quality is just a single aspect of the game's whole, and I may need a whole additional article to really gush over how great the work here is. I suspect Blizzard will win awards based on this aspect of the game alone.

Diablo 4 Review: Story (No Spoilers)

The player in Diablo 4 is known as the wanderer.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

I know a worrying amount of people that skip cutscenes and story segments in games, but few genres out there seem to get the "glossed over" story treatment like co-op action RPGs. Historically speaking, the meme is that story is secondary in titles like Diablo, and I'd say that's a fair assessment of some of the franchise's earlier games. However, that convention will end wholeheartedly after Diablo 4, which not only has the best story delivery in the history of the genre, it might actually represent some of the best storytelling of the past decade.

Diablo 4's story is absolutely magnificent, uncompromising, and deeply affecting. Diablo 4 is quite naturally designed to be a cooperative affair, but I would urge everyone — for your first playthrough, to play Diablo 4 solo with headphones so that nothing distracts you from its majesty. 

Set some decades after the events of Diablo 3; Diablo 4 is set in Sanctuary's eastern continent. This region is comprised of the biting mountain spires of Fractured Peaks and Scosglen in the north, and the dry expanse of Kehjistan in the southwest, flanked by the dank swamps of Hawezar in the southeast.

The playable landmass of Diablo 4 is truly huge, dotted with swirling dungeons and complex strongholds, each with its own lore to explore and digest. For the main game, much of Diablo 4's story revolves around Lilith, the demoness responsible for the creation of Sanctuary. She proves to be a complex character, utterly stealing the show in what already sports a truly formidable cast.

Lilith, flanked by Elias, who helped her escape imprisonment in the game's initial cinematic.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

The player character is fully customizable with an impressive array of cosmetic options, with playable male and female versions for each class. Every character class has a unique voice actor, and each one I've experienced does an impeccable job within the role. I played as a male druid for my first playthrough, voiced by Andrew Morgado, who Warcraft players may know as Varok Saurfang. Morgado's gruff stoicism added the perfect notes for my werebear as we wandered in from the cold into a sprawling plot full of twists, turns, and the truly unexpected. 

Everyone has seen Lilith in the game's marketing at this point, but it truly doesn't prepare you for the dark reaches this game fearlessly climbs. It's hard to truly offer a glimpse of the game's story without straying into spoiler territory, but we're going to try anyway. 

Diablo 4 casts off the confines of other action RPGs with camera work that takes players down to the eye level of the character cast, which is far more immersive and cinematic than the franchise is typically known for. Blizzard's incredible pre-rendered cinematics return with fanfare, delivering a now notoriously jaw-dropping intro cinematic showcasing the return of Lilith, endowed in a cape forged of blood. This is the backdrop against which your character charts their journey. 

From the outset, the player character, otherwise known as the wanderer by some of the in-game cast, gets caught up in Lilith's machinations. Things are bleaker than ever in Sanctuary, which is already known for its general hopelessness — perhaps a strong reaction to previous accusations that Blizzard had lost the franchise's edge with Diablo 3. Make no mistake that Diablo 4 gets truly abyssal with its darkness, sinking to depths you seldom see western games brave enough to tread.

Inarius languishes in Sanctuary, banished from the High Heavens.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

Sanctuary is essentially a dimension nestled between the High Heavens and the burning Hells, caught in the crossfire in the game's central Eternal Conflict. The cosmology of the game's world and wider Diablo story plays a huge role in Diablo 4's direction, as Blizzard seeks to bring the game's wider lore out of obscurity and onto the center stage. Your character will chase Lilith and her ilk across the continent, with Lilith ahead at almost every step of the way. You'll meet other heroes with a stake in your quest, traversing ancient tombs and broken coasts, sweaty jungles, and parched deserts along the way. Rivers of blood awaited, and I struggled endlessly to predict where the game would take me. 

The game's story campaign set me back around 30-40 hours, but I barely noticed the time go by. I was engrossed from start to end, owing to the game's equally strong supporting villains and heroes, each of whom is flawed in their own ways — and rarely stereotypical. Lilith is a truly complex villain whose machinations seem forever at odds with her animalistic demonic nature. I feel as though I could write an entire article about her story alone. Her champion mage, Elias, is tragic in his own way but still utterly hateable. The fallen angel Inarius has an arrogant and single-minded quest to be accepted back into Heaven, which impacts his every decision. Despite his angelic appearance, Inarius is a terrifying and imposing being, having amassed a cult around his own ideas of what constitutes "heavenly" behavior. 

It's quite truly a struggle to really impress upon the story without spoilers, but there wasn't a single line that I felt was hamfisted or forced. The story's direction is subversive and unexpected. I had no idea where it would take me or its characters. Lilith's scathing hatred of the Hells and Heavens subversively conjures unsettling parallels between Sanctuary and the real world, with themes I feel many will see reflected within themselves. Indeed, Lillith's charismatic treatise sometimes makes you question whether or not she truly is the villain — even when her actions quite startlingly suggest that she is. Indeed, I'm confident Lilith will find a place among Blizzard's greatest characters. Look, you just need to play it. 

This is not a fairy tale story of good versus evil, but a complex tapestry of wills battling for dominion in some cases, and in others, for the most very basic essence of survival. I was floored at how effortless Diablo 4 made storytelling seem by the time the credits hit, but the setpieces, Holywood-grade setpieces and battles, and character complexity betrays the fact it was anything but easy. The good news is that Blizzard nailed it wholly and thoroughly. I implore you to go through Diablo 4's story solo on your first playthrough to get yourself as immersed as possible in this abyssal universe that refrains from succumbing completely to darkness. 

Diablo 4 Review: Gameplay

A large variety of boss battles await players in Diablo 4.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

Playing primarily on Xbox Series X, I can say without question that Diablo 4 is one of the few titles I've played so thoroughly for review while remaining eager to start over again on launch day. I think that alone is a testament to how popular this game could well become if Blizzard sticks the landing.

Diablo 4 is an action RPG nestled in the genre it helped popularize decades ago. A fixed camera perspective keeps you abreast of the action all around your character at all times while you direct a truly massive library of attacks and powers into ever-increasingly vast hordes of enemies. The whole concept of rapid-fire looting stems from Diablo, so it's fairly justified that the franchise should remain at the top of the pile for this type of game. Blizzard has done the unimaginable, yet again, by taking Diablo back to the top of the RPG genre. 

I played as a druid for the most part while dabbling in necromancer in the game's beta tests. A large amount of analysis has poured in online, attempting to determine what Diablo 4's launch class balance might feel like. Many have worried that druids would be "underpowered," but I can say with confidence that simply isn't the case. The final product will likely have discrepancies at the highest echelons of play, but I got through the entire campaign on World Tier 2 with minimal problems, although I think some may find the mid-30s to scale a bit harshly, right before you start getting legendary items.

I don't think Diablo 4 will be accused of being too cheerful.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

Diablo revolves almost entirely around loot and the affixes you can get on legendary and unique equipment items. I did find my druid a bit lacking in potency in the 30s, but at level 35, you start unlocking legendary items at random, which dramatically empowers your class. At that point, I became a nigh-unstoppable killing machine again, rending the earth in twain with earthquake shockwaves and pillars of rock, skewering enemies with satisfying explosions of numbers and viscera.

The particle physics go a long way to making Diablo 4's combat satisfying, impressing your will onto enemies' flesh and onto the landscape itself. I was stunned to see how some of my earth attacks parted shallow waters aside in their wake and created tessellation waves in sand and snow. On a technological level, competing action RPGs will be chasing Diablo for years. 

The affixes on items vastly modify your character's abilities, adding entirely new mechanics and effects into the mix. My druid werebear Pulverize, by which I transform temporarily into a hulking ursine and smash the ground with clawed fists, gained the ability to also send out waves of tectonic power, vastly extending my range. Some of my other legendary abilities extended my defensive capabilities, allowing me to take on larger groups of enemies more efficiently. Others supported my resource generation with other passive, unseeable benefits.

Things get more interesting after the first Capstone dungeon, which is a longer, more difficult event that essentially gives you a gear check. After this, you may start seeing unique items drop at around level 50. Legendary items can be modified and transferred using an occultist vendor in towns, but unique items and their powers are entirely static and must be hunted down by players.

The affixes on uniques are intensely powerful. The only one I found in the review build promised to transform my druid into a permanent werewolf while enhancing all of my other werewolf abilities. It's not a stretch to consider just how deep and customizable the affix rabbit hole goes. We found dozens upon dozens for each class during our time with the review build and can only imagine the depthless variety that players will be unlocking in the weeks and months to come. 

In motion, Diablo 4's combat presents and sounds incredibly well, making you feel like the star of your very own high fantasy action movie. Command legions of skeletons as a necromancer, leap, shoot, and stab as a lithe rogue, or beat down your opponents with an arsenal of heavy weaponry as a barbarian. Splattering enemies into bloody chunks, exploding an army of skeletons into a hail of bones, and sundering hordes of demons truly never gets old — despite criticisms that I feel there could be more basic enemy types. 

Each class has a painstakingly diverse array of basic gameplay, diverging once you start spending points in the game's sizeable talent trees. It becomes evermore complex when you start specializing in specific types of legendary affixes and then playstyle-defining once you start hunting down specific unique items. I have no idea how randomized those unique items are, nor do I know how easy they are to acquire, which is why I'll be doing a separate post-launch endgame study.

Indeed, the review servers were minimally populated, leaving me with only a vague impression of the endgame, which is why I'll dive more deeply into it at a later date. Even without getting deep into the endgame, though, I felt like Diablo 4 was more than worthy of its price tag. Dozens of hours I sank into this game, knowing full well the review servers were slated to be wiped at the end of the review period. Despite this, I remain utterly excited to get back into the game on live servers, try out a new class, new builds, explore some of the side content I missed, and ultimately play freely with my friends online now that I've fully experienced the game's story. 

There are only a handful of criticisms I'd assault the game with. I feel as though the keybind options on console are fairly limited. You can't rebind the horse summoning to the radial menu, for example, which would help free up interactivity from the basic attack button. Sometimes it is a bit irritating when you just want to loot something, but your character keeps auto-targeting the nearest skeleton. The UI on console, in general, could use some work. It's not very easy to see when you've got certain elements selected with a controller, in some cases, in certain menus. The transmog menu isn't very clear to use at first glance, making me wonder if this is one game where a virtual cursor might actually help rather than be an annoyance.

I feel as though some of these small nagging problems will be polished up post-launch, but the basic flow of gameplay is meticulously polished to a mirror sheen. Bug-free, no slowdown even when there's total chaos on screen, and joyful combat that restlessly satisfies even after tens of thousands of mobs have succumbed to your power. 

Diablo 4's merchant settlements allow players to vendor items, manage legendary affixes, transmog appearances, and much more.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

I feel as though some reviewers will decry the sense of repetition in some of the game's side dungeons and events. I did mention that many of the dungeon layouts feel nearly identical, regardless of where you are in the world, and indeed, some people have already pointed it out in beta. Most dungeons follow a strictly formulaic path, which generally revolves around grabbing keys to unlock a door to fight a boss.

By virtue of its format alone, Diablo is a tad limited with what it can really do to push the complexity of its dungeon diving, probably — but I feel even in this case, there's more that could have been done. There are no puzzles to work out, most of the later bosses are variants, and it doesn't feel like there's enough of a reward for straying from the main path. 

I can't count the number of times I found a group of unfortunate and identical adventurers who had come to "purge the evil" of various cellars, caves, tombs, and castles, forcing me to defend them in exchange for some loot. How can the same 3 adventurers wind up in the same peril so frequently? Seriously though, I honestly feel like having such a slim variety of in-dungeon "dynamic" events actually detracts from the experience due to the sense of repetition they inject, and it might have been better to simply not have them at all. The "Butcher" event is far rarer and far more interesting than most of the other events I've experienced.

Diablo 1's notorious first boss and Diablo staple can spawn in random dungeons at random times and give you a true life-or-death challenge. Usually death. I suspect Blizzard will add more of these types of things post-launch, though, as they did with Diablo 3 before it. It's ultimately a small aspect of the game and not really something that hurt my overall experience.

You don't really need to explore each and every dungeon available to you in the game. The main reward for doing them is a version of the basic legendary affixes that you can attach to any piece of gear as long as you have the materials. Some dungeons are required for side quests, and they'll always have a chance to drop some higher-tier loot if you run them. I just wish they were a little more interesting.

Diablo 4's architecture is just stunning.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

The main story dungeons are, of course, a lot more interesting, owing to their unique bosses and cutscenes. Another aspect of the game that's far more interesting is the stronghold mechanic, which sees portions of the game's world populated with elite mobs and unique boss events. After completing these strongholds, you'll unlock a new city and a new waypoint, occasionally with new dungeons and other side quests, as the humans come back to reclaim their homes.

Indeed, one of my favorite aspects of Diablo 4 is how the world changes as a result of your actions. You can often return to previous cities and see how major story events have changed the characters and citizens therein. They'll often have new dialogue, reacting to the changing world around them. It's a great touch and shows some serious faithfulness to keeping the game world feeling immersive and alive. 

While some reservations remain around monetization, how Blizzard will handle the post-launch service, and how endgame and its seasons will feel — even without this stuff, Diablo 4 is an immaculate action RPG. The story delivery, the combat feel, and the world design all coalesce into a whole that is not only worthy of the franchise's legend but is one of the best games I've played in the past decade. 

Diablo 4 Review: Conclusion

I am Diablo 4's wandering druid, and this was my tale.  (Image credit: Windows Central)

There's absolutely no universe that exists where I could give this game anything less than 5/5. Diablo 4 is just immaculate, a clear labor of love from a team with depthless respect for the franchise, its legacy, and its fans. Diablo 4 is a love letter written in poetry, inked in blood, renewing my love for the franchise and the studio that created it. I have spent the past decade reviewing games, and it's becoming increasingly rare that I find myself elated like this when the credits roll, eager to jump back in as soon as the servers go live once again. 

It's no secret that Blizzard has stumbled, and its fanbase is often divided about the direction its franchises should go in. I remember the drama around Diablo 3 all too well, with its art style, its real money auction house experiment — lest we forget Diablo Immortal, and its notorious "don't you guys have phones?"moment. I feel that Diablo 4 proves that the studio can still deliver for fans of the old while embracing aspects of the new. We've seen many legacy franchises struggle to thread that treacherous needle of appealing to old audiences as well as new ones, and Diablo 4 does more than most to maintain that balance. Its staggering cinematic quality transcends the genre, and will help action RPGs find new footing in a world worryingly dominated by cute and colourful soft shooters and pseudo-RPGs crammed with gatcha mechanics.  

But sure, the jury is well and truly out on how Diablo 4's endgame will shape up over time. I'm not blind to discussions of Diablo 4's monetization. We don't really know what Diablo 4's live service will look like, despite Blizzard's assertions, nor do we know how egregious post-launch monetization could get. Since it was impossible to experience these aspects in the review build properly, I will review this separately. Diablo 4 is a master-crafted canvas upon which Blizzard could create another legend — if it manages to keep its own Prime Evils in check. But that's a story for another time.

But even without monetization, even without the endgame, Diablo 4 is a landmark action RPG experience from start to finish — with a story that will impact you, characters you will adore, and gameplay that will relentlessly gratify. Truly, Diablo 4 is yet another Blizzard masterpiece, and its story is just beginning.

Diablo 4 review: This might be Blizzard's magnum opus

In the quest for enhanced motion clarity, the monitor's pixel response time plays a pivotal role. In this regard, NVIDIA has implemented a technique called "full refresh rate backlight strobing" that builds upon the original ULMB (Ultra Low Motion Blur) backlight strobing method. While the previous version of ULMB succeeded in improving motion clarity for many users, it necessitated the monitor's backlight to be turned off 75% of the time, resulting in a reduction in overall screen luminance.

NVIDIA has harnessed the power of ULMB 2 to synchronize the refresh rate of the display with the activation and deactivation of the backlight. The primary objective is to ensure that the illumination is only activated when the pixels of each frame have achieved the intended colour value. By implementing this precise timing, the occurrence of crosstalk, where pixels exhibit visible transitions to their correct colours, is significantly reduced.

This innovative approach was not feasible with older monitors due to their inferior pixel refresh rates. However, ULMB 2 is designed to operate flawlessly with the maximum refresh rate of modern displays. In the case of a 360Hz display, for instance, each illumination strobe takes place every 2.7 milliseconds, a duration that falls below the threshold of human visual perception. As a result, users can expect a virtually imperceptible transition between frames, ensuring a seamless and immersive gaming experience.

As a result of their advancements, NVIDIA has achieved notable improvements in both luminosity and motion clarity, surpassing the threshold of 1000Hz. With the implementation of ULMB 2, NVIDIA asserts that a monitor operating at 360Hz and utilizing this technology can deliver an effective motion clarity equivalent to 1440Hz. This claim suggests that, in the absence of ULMB 2, a consumer-grade monitor would need to possess a remarkable 1440Hz capability to achieve comparable motion clarity—a feat that remains distant given the recent emergence of 500Hz monitors in the market.

To showcase the capabilities of ULMB 2, NVIDIA has offered brief demonstrations. Among them, a video was presented, illustrating a high-speed motorcycle pursuit scene captured at 360 frames per second, featuring a side-by-side comparison of the visuals with and without the slow-motion feature enabled. This demonstration provides viewers with a tangible glimpse into the impact of ULMB 2 on the visual experience, highlighting the enhanced smoothness and clarity achieved through this technology.

Below, you can watch the video in which NVIDIA compares ULMB 2 with the feature turned off and on:

NVIDIA has made ULMB 2 available as a free update for compatible 1440p, 360Hz G-Sync monitors. Currently, the Acer Predator XB273U and the ASUS ROG Swift PG27AQN stand as the only monitors of this kind on the market, as reported by NVIDIA. These 27-inch displays offer gamers the opportunity to benefit from the enhanced motion clarity and luminosity delivered by ULMB 2. Furthermore, the ASUS ROG Swift Pro PG248QP (a 25-inch, 1080p, 540Hz display) and the AOC AGON AG276QSG G-Sync Monitor (a 27-inch, 1080p, 144Hz display) are also compatible with ULMB 2 and will be made available in the near future.

Image courtesy of NVIDIA

During the Computex event, NVIDIA not only introduced ULMB 2 but also unveiled some notable AI developments. The company is actively working on a supercomputer specifically designed to support businesses in creating generative AI models, showcasing its commitment to advancing AI technologies beyond gaming.

Additionally, NVIDIA demonstrated an exciting technology that enables players to engage in authentic conversations with in-game characters using their microphones. This innovation seeks to enhance the immersive experience for gamers, providing them with a more interactive and realistic gameplay environment.

NVIDIA mesmerized the audience with a multitude of captivating announcements, spanning from the unveiling of release dates for upcoming chips to groundbreaking collaborations with esteemed industry pioneers.

How to enable NVIDIA G-Sync ULMB 2?

Enabling ULMB 2 on compatible 1440p 360 Hz monitors that have been updated with the latest firmware is a straightforward process:

1. Disable NVIDIA G-SYNC Variable Refresh Rate through the NVIDIA Control Panel. This action enables the backlight to enter backlight strobing mode.
2. Access your monitor's on-screen display and enable G-SYNC ULMB 2.

Should I enable ULMB 2?

Why does G-Sync work well for racing games but not competitive games? The reason lies in the trade-off between improved smoothness and latency. While G-Sync enhances the fluidity of the screen, it introduces a small amount of latency that can be detrimental when playing with others in competitive settings.

To ensure optimal performance, it is recommended to limit the frame rate to 141 FPS if your monitor is capable of generating 144 FPS. This adjustment prevents exceeding the refresh rate and mitigates the occurrence of screen tearing. Additionally, if you are using a different graphics card, it is important to disable V-Sync for compatibility.

For G-Sync to function, your monitor must have G-Sync support. If this feature is absent, it is necessary to disable G-Sync through the NVIDIA control interface. Furthermore, it's worth noting that AMD graphics cards are not compatible with G-Sync.

If a slight decrease in FPS is acceptable, enabling G-Sync can be beneficial. By operating below the monitor's refresh rate, tearing issues can be minimized. It is crucial to use G-Sync in conjunction with a high-resolution, high-quality monitor for optimal results.

NVIDIA G-Sync ULMB 2 is introduced: Should you enable it?

Activision says UK was “irrational” in blocking Microsoft purchase

A one-line statement signed by dozens of specialists, including Sam Altman whose firm OpenAI created the ChatGPT bot, said tackling the risks from AI should be "a global priority alongside other societal-scale risks such as pandemics and nuclear war".

ChatGPT burst into the spotlight late last year, demonstrating an ability to generate essays, poems and conversations from the briefest of prompts -- and sparking billions of dollars of investment into the field.

But critics and insiders have raised the alarm over everything from biased algorithms to the possibility of massive job losses as AI-powered automation seeps into  daily life.

The latest statement, housed on the website of US-based non-profit Center for AI Safety, gave no detail of the potential existential threat posed by AI.

But several of the signatories, including Geoffrey Hinton, who created some of the technology underlying AI systems and is known as the father of the industry, have made similar warnings in the past.

Their biggest worry has been the idea of so-called artificial general intelligence (AGI) -- a loosely defined concept for a moment when machines become capable of performing wide-ranging functions and can develop their own programming.

The fear is that humans would no longer have control, which experts have warned could have disastrous consequences for the species.

Dozens of academics and specialists from companies including Google and Microsoft signed the latest letter, which comes two months after billionaire Elon Musk and others called for a pause in the development of such technology until it could be shown to be safe.

Source

If you want to really hurt someone’s feelings in the year 2023, just call them an AI.

An all-star cast of celebrities and public figures have recently been the victim of such jokes: the NBA player Jordan Poole (“AI Steph Curry”), Raquel Leviss from the reality-TV show Vanderpump Rules (“what would happen if you asked chat GBT [sic] to create an American girl”), Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg (“our first A.I. cabinet member?”). That these slights span the three pillars of American life—sports, politics, Bravo—suggests that no one, or rather nothing, is safe. Such digs have popped up all over social media; on Twitter alone, insults like these have been levied against TV shows, songs, sports uniforms, commencement speeches, White House press releases, proposed legislation, and lots of news articles.

That AI has become an attack is a result of the huge moment for AI we’re in. Anyone can ask ChatGPT to write a silly poem or a college paper or a wedding toast—and that the chatbot can actually mimic human language with impressive precision is exactly why bots have taken off. But compared with human-generated work, much of what a chatbot spits out is dull or uninspired, riddled with clichés and recycled ideas. At a time when AI is capable of more than ever, Did a chatbot write this? is not a compliment. It’s a diss.

“Are we sure that ChatGPT didn’t write season three of Ted Lasso?” Bloomberg’s Ashlee Vance tweeted. The Guardian, reviewing the action film Ghosted, called it “so carelessly and lifelessly cobbled together that we’re inclined to believe it’s the first film created entirely by AI.” My colleague Spencer Kornhaber, writing about Ed Sheeran’s new album, surmised that its dull lyrics could’ve been composed by “a neural network trained on Sheeran’s past work.”

I called up Frank Lantz, the director of New York University’s Game Center and a writer who has focused on making sense of AI, to discuss this style of joke. “Well, first of all, it is a funny insult,” he said. Lantz positioned the dig as part of the larger arc of AI in pop culture. Even before ChatGPT arrived, robots were usually portrayed as both smart and dumb—sentient calculators that struggle to understand human emotion. He made beeping noises and put on a robot voice: “It does not compute.”

Today we’re teasing ChatGPT and other bots for a different reason: because they sound like they’re posting on LinkedIn all the time, which is a different kind of soullessness. What has changed is that bots no longer primarily live on servers in some distant researcher’s lab; they’re right in front of us, just one browser window away. “For a long time, people may have had concerns about [AI technology], but there wasn’t a popular narrative that it was janky or broken or a thin version of the original,” Meredith Whittaker, the president of the messaging app Signal and the chief adviser to the think tank AI Now Institute, told me. “And I think that’s in large part because there wasn’t a direct interface that most people in the public could play with and actually experience.”

Part of why AI is an insult is also that we’re in the middle of an AI hype cycle, where every company is trying to stuff anything and everything into a chatbot. These jokes serve to ground us in the technology’s present-day abilities: A bot can write a college paper, but can it write a good college paper? Janelle Shane, who runs the blog AI Weirdness, which tracks machine-learning quirks and gaffes, sees humor as a leveling force. “In some ways, this being a meme is a hopeful sign,” she told me. Shane thinks it is somewhat useful to “bring that discourse back to the level of ‘No, no. These things are incompetent.’”

But there’s a darker spin. Humor, of course, is a coping mechanism; jokes about AI are on some level an expression of the anxiety around these tools. Bots are already replacing some jobs, and surely will replace more: Just last week, the National Eating Disorders Association announced that it was firing the humans who run its hotline and using a chatbot. The labor issues surrounding AI are also a big tension in the ongoing Hollywood writers’ strike, even as the public jokes about lackluster scripts being the work of AI. One picketer held up a poster that said A.I. THIS SIGN WROTE. Even a bad version of AI can take jobs, Whittaker argued, “not because it’s competent, but because it will allow companies to justify degrading their position, paying them less, offering fewer benefits, turning them into contractors—all of this.”

Over time, perhaps AI will get the last laugh. AI Steph Curry will cease to be a punch line if AI work becomes indistinguishable from the work of real humans. And the insult is becoming familiar enough that it verges on botlike itself. Last week, Fletcher Peters, an entertainment reporter for The Daily Beast, tweeted that writers need to find a better criticism—because “your review sounds like it was written by chatGPT.”

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According to Reuters, which also reported the news, Xiaomi already manufactures most of the smartphones and televisions it sells in India locally, but this wasn’t the case with audio products. The company didn’t specify which audio products would be made in India, but it sells speakers, earbuds, and headphones in the country.

Ever since the pandemic, tech companies have realized that producing everything they need in a handful of countries is not a particularly good idea, especially when one of them, China, had a very strict lockdown that hampered production. The Make in India campaign is much older than the pandemic, though.

Make in India has been around since near the start of Narendra Modi’s time in power. The objective of the programme is threefold: to increase the manufacturing sector’s growth rate by 12-14% per year, to create 100 million additional manufacturing jobs in the economy by 2022, and to make sure the manufacturing sector makes up 25% of the country’s GDP by 2025.

The Make in India campaign has come along for manufacturers at just the right time. For decades they have manufactured goods in China but as wages rise, it becomes a less appealing manufacturing hub. According to an India Times article from 2017, wages in China were five times higher than those in India at the time.

As mentioned in the tweet, Xiaomi will partner with the manufacturer Optiemus to bring the manufacturing to India. The audio gadgets will be manufactured in a factory in Uttar Pradesh. Xiaomi has said that it wants to increase its production in India by 50% by 2025.

Xiaomi becomes the latest tech firm to move some manufacturing from China to India

Wccftech reports that Intel showed off the integrated VPU on Meteor Lake, which is supposed to help with AI apps and their features. One of the demos showed that the included VPU made using Advanced Blue processing better than a chip without the VPN, and it also used a fifth of the power consumption.

Another Meteor Lake VPU demo used the Stable Diffusion AI text-to-image program. Again using it with the VPU resulted in faster processing of the artwork compared to using it without the VPU.

The chip that was used in the Computex demo has 16 cores and 22 threads. However, it has not been confirmed that this will be the case when the first Meteor Lake chips start shipping. That is supposed to happen sometime later this summer, according to Intel, with more info to be released sometime in August or September. That would appear to be on track with Intel's previous release time frames for Meteor Lake, which were targeting the second half of 2023.

Intel also talked about the embedded GPU inside the Meteor Lake chip, It will be a version of Intel's Arc graphics chip and is supposed to support features like DX12 Ultimate, ray tracing, and XeSS. However, we don't have any information yet on the performance of this integrated GPU so even if it does support ray tracing, it may not be able to compete with discrete GPUs in that area.

Finally, Intel stated that we should learn more about the company's plans to rebrand its future CPUs sometime in early June. Several weeks ago, Intel confirmed it would be making "brand changes" for its future chips, which means we will likely be saying "Goodbye" to the current Core brand.

Intel showed off a Meteor Lake prototype at Computex and it could launch later this summer

On this list of new announcements are the performance-oriented Cortex-X4, middle Cortex-A720, and efficiency-focused Cortex-A520 cores. Like the previous generation, these CPUs only support 64-bit tasks and can be used in a cluster of up to 14 cores, thanks to the new DynamIQ Shared Unit or DSU-120 design. For smartphones, Arm suggests a 27% performance boost in a 1+5+2 (X+A720+A520) core configuration over the previously prominent 1+4+3 structure on flagship chips.

Arm also advances its GPU lineup with the improved Immortalis-G720 flagship GPU along with the sub-flagship Mali-G720 and Mali-G620 GPU designs.

Arm Cortex-X4

The Cortex-X4 is Arm's new flagship core that is claimed to bring a 15% performance boost over the Cortex-X3, which powers current flagship Android smartphone chipsets, such as the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 (using Kryo cores based on Arm's design), MediaTek Dimensity 9200/9200+, Google Tensor G2, Samsung Exynos 2300, etc. The Cortex-X4 is also said to occupy 10% less space while improving the power efficiency by 40% over the X3 when deployed over comparable hardware specifications (clock speed, manufacturing process, cache, et al.).

The Cortex-X4 can be expected on flagship mobile chipsets, such as the purported Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and MediaTek Dimensity 9300. There is a possibility we might even witness the new flagship core design on Qualcomm's next chipset for portable laptops — the Snapdragon 8cx Gen 4 — or its in-house chipsets, but there is no evidence supporting this yet.

Arm Cortex-A720 and A520

For mobile chipsets like the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2, Cortex-X series performance cores are accompanied by cores with relatively lower power consumption in a big.LITTLE cluster. Likewise, the Cortex-X4 is expected to be paired with the new Arm Cortex-A720 and Cortex-A520 cores on flagship chips.

The Cortex-A720 marks a 20% improvement in power efficiency over the previous A715 cores. In comparison, the Cortex-A520 is claimed to bump efficiency up by 22% compared to its predecessor. The Cortex-A520 is the first update to the efficiency lineup in two years and is reported to improve performance by 8% over the Cortex-A510. Meanwhile, no such claim about improved performance was made for the Cortex-A720.

Notably, while the Cortex-X3 is destined to be limited to high-end mobile chipsets, the Cortex-A720 and Cortex-A520 may be seen on some upper mid-range chips, such as the Snapdragon 7 Gen x series.

Immortalis-G720, Mali-G720, and Mali-G620 GPUs

Arm has also introduced newer designs for GPUs to accompany the advanced CPUs and calls them the "most efficient GPUs ever." Of these, the Immortalis-G720 is aimed at flagship chipsets, while the Mali-G720 and Mali-G620 GPUs are geared towards mid-range smartphones and other devices such as streaming boxes, AR/VR headsets, and more.

Arm shares collective figures for the three GPUs, claiming a 15% increased efficiency and a 15% performance improvement over previous generations. Arm also claims a 40% lower usage of the memory bandwidth and reduced CPU load. For the Immortalis-G720 particularly, Arm claims 25% better peak performance in applications related to machine learning.

Arm announce new mobile CPUs and GPUs for Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, other next-gen chips

Mark Gurman of Bloomberg recently tweeted that he is expecting new Macs to be revealed at WWDC 2023. "Apple will start accepting trade-ins of the Mac Studio, 13-inch M2 MacBook Air, and 13-inch M2 MacBook Pro on June 5th, the same day as WWDC. Read into that as you will. I’m expecting new Macs at WWDC," Gurman said in his tweet. On the starting day of WWDC, Apple will update its website and add the new Mac models to the program lineup.

The program aims for users to get the latest technology at a lower price by trading in their older Macs to get the new ones. Older Macs are taken as a credit for the new one, and a discount is applied according to the Mac's specs, year, price, and more. Apple is expected to reveal a 15-inch MacBook Air at the WWDC 2023, and if you have an M2 MacBook Air, you will be able to trade in your older computer to get the newest one as soon as it hits the shelves.

Although there may not be a direct replacement for a product, Apple has often accepted trade-ins for it, as highlighted by Parker Ortolani on Twitter. For instance, even though a seventh-generation iPad mini is not yet available, you can trade in a sixth-generation model, reported by 9to5Mac.

Apple

New Macs at WWDC 2023

According to the latest projection by Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the company's upcoming laptop will be a 15-inch MacBook that will be a member of the MacBook Air family. He had previously stated that the laptop will enter manufacturing in the first half of 2023 and be unveiled in the second. Additionally, he had claimed that a 15-inch MacBook Pro with an M2 CPU would be released by Apple.

According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, Apple won't be releasing Mac Studios with M2 CPUs, instead focusing on an M3-powered workstation. He also said that it's possible that the new Mac Pro won't debut at WWDC 2023, which makes Alvarez's revelation puzzling.

Apple's latest move suggests new Macs will launch at WWDC 2023

• CD Projekt RED shared its financial results for Q1 2023, revealing that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has crossed 50 million copies sold. 
• The Witcher franchise as a whole is over 75 million copies sold. 
• CD Projekt RED currently has multiple Witcher games in development, both internally and with partnerships at external teams. 

The seemingly final tale of the White Wolf isn't slowing down in sales. 

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is over 50 million copies sold, per the Q1 2023 earnings report from CD Projekt. That's up 10 million copies from April 2022, where it was reported the game had crossed 40 million copies sold. Meanwhile, The Witcher franchise of games is over 75 million, meaning that The Witcher and The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings have put up a combined 25 million copies sold. 

Looking ahead, CD Projekt RED is developing a number of new games in The Witcher universe, including one codenamed "Project Polaris" that is meant to kickstart a new trilogy. CD Projet RED is overseeing an external team, Fool's Theory, which is early in development working on a remake of the first Witcher game. There's also a more stylized project in development at The Molasses Flood, which was recently reshuffled as the team suffered layoffs.

In addition to the world of The Witcher, CD Projekt RED is working on Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, the first and only expansion for the 2020 game. Phantom Liberty is slated to launch at some point in 2023, and will be present during Summer Game Fest via the Play Days event for media. 

Windows Central's take

The strength of The Witcher 3's ongoing sales legs can't be denied. This is down to a lot of things: Renewed interest from the Netflix show, a quality Nintendo Switch version, the recent current-generation update, but above all else, the game's quality continues to speak for itself. I still haven't had time to play more than an hour of the updated version, but I need to get back to it. 

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt crosses 50 million copies sold

Chinese scientists have previously nodded at a 2030 goal in a less formal capacity; for example, the chief designer of China’s lunar exploration program said last month that a 2030 landing would be “no problem.”

“We can clasp the moon in the ninth heaven,” Lin Xiqiang, the deputy director of China’s Manned Space Agency, said at a news conference on Monday, quoting a Mao Zedong poem.

Mr. Lin said the moon landing project, part of the country’s broader Lunar Exploration Project — also known as the Chang’e Project, for the Chinese moon goddess — had “recently” been kick-started, though he did not offer specifics. The project would also seek to enable short-term stays on the lunar surface, as well as collect samples and conduct research, he said.

The Monday announcement came at a news conference to mark the liftoff of three new astronauts on Tuesday to China’s new space station, which was completed late last year.

A manned lunar landing would be a major milestone for China’s, and the world’s, space exploration: No human has been on the moon since the United States’ Apollo missions in the 1960s and ’70s. And it could mark a significant achievement for China in its burgeoning competition with the United States in space. China’s top leader, Xi Jinping, has said that the country should become a “great space power.”

NASA has also announced a plan to put people — including the first woman and first person of color — on the moon again, with a target of 2025. But the Artemis program, as the plan is known, has faced delays. Both Beijing and Washington have also laid out goals of building a research station on the moon and landing people on Mars.

Space has become another arena for U.S.-China tensions, with echoes of the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War. NASA’s administrator, Bill Nelson, has said that the United States should “watch out” for Chinese attempts to dominate the lunar surface and keep Americans out. A Pentagon report last year warned that China could overtake American capabilities in space by 2045.

China’s space program has developed rapidly in recent years, while America’s has often been bogged down by conflicting priorities and changing administrations. China is the only country to have successfully landed on the moon in the 21st century, and in 2019 it also became the first to land a probe on the moon’s far side.

While some have hoped that China and the United States could cooperate on space exploration even as geopolitical tensions rise, a provision in the U.S. law that finances NASA bans direct cooperation with the Chinese space agency or Chinese-owned companies. China has signaled that it will cooperate with Russia on space programs.

The post China Announces Plan to Land Astronauts on Moon by 2030 appeared first on New York Times.

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China is urging Japan to repeal restrictions on the export of chip-making technology, citing violations of international and trade regulations.

Beijing’s condemnation is the latest development in the ongoing chip war between the US and China, which has seen moves from both nations to thwart each other’s semiconductor manufacturing prowess.

The Japanese government’s move to impose a ban on chip exports comes days after China banned the use of Semiconductors manufactured by US-based chipmaker Micron, citing a cybersecurity issue.

The US Commerce Department opposed the decision, saying the restrictions have no basis in fact.

In January, the US convinced The Netherlands and Japan to join it in expanding a ban on exports of chip-making technology to China.

According to analysts, Washington’s strategy to strike a deal with the two countries was a significant move, as some of the world’s largest manufacturers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment are headquartered in these nations.

The US first imposed restrictions on exports of chips to China in 2015, extending them in 2021 and twice in 2022. The most recent restrictions were introduced in December.

Last week, lawmakers in the US said that Washington should look at imposing trade restrictions on Chinese memory chip maker Changxin Memory Technologies as a counter-offensive to China banning the use of Micron’s chips.

However, China, according to a Reuters report, has indicated that it is open to working with Japan in key economic and trade areas despite the former condemning the export restrictions.

The US too, reportedly, has been in talks with Beijing to repeal the ban on Micron.

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Japan and JAXA, the country’s space administration, have spent decades trying to make it possible to beam solar energy from space. In 2015, the nation made a breakthrough when JAXA scientists successfully beamed 1.8 kilowatts of power, enough energy to power an electric kettle, more than 50 meters to a wireless receiver. Now, Japan is poised to bring the technology one step closer to reality.

Nikkei reports a Japanese public-private partnership will attempt to beam solar energy from space as early as 2025. The project, led by Naoki Shinohara, a Kyoto University professor who has been working on space-based solar energy since 2009, will attempt to deploy a series of small satellites in orbit. Those will then try to beam the solar energy the arrays collect to ground-based receiving stations hundreds of miles away.

Using orbital solar panels and microwaves to send energy to Earth was first proposed in 1968. Since then, a few countries, including China and the US, have spent time and money pursuing the idea. The technology is appealing because orbital solar arrays represent a potentially unlimited renewable energy supply. In space, solar panels can collect energy no matter the time of day, and by using microwaves to beam the power they produce, clouds aren’t a concern either. However, even if Japan successfully deploys a set of orbital solar arrays, the tech would still be closer to science fiction than fact. That’s because producing an array that can generate 1 gigawatt of power – or about the output of one nuclear reactor – would cost about $7 billion with currently available technologies.

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During this momentous event, Huang captivated the audience with a plethora of exciting announcements, ranging from the release dates of upcoming chips to groundbreaking partnerships with industry leaders.

Watch NVidia's part of the Computex show below.

GeForce RTX 4080 Ti GPU will power the next-generation gaming

In response to the fervent anticipation of gaming enthusiasts worldwide, Nvidia has announced that the GeForce RTX 4080 Ti GPU is now in full production. Collaborating with partners in Taiwan, the company is producing these high-performance graphics cards in significant quantities, catering to the demands of avid gamers.

With the GeForce RTX 4080 Ti, Nvidia aims to revolutionize the gaming experience, delivering unprecedented levels of realism, immersion, and performance.

Nvidia avatar cloud engine (ACE) for games

Continuing its pursuit of innovation in the gaming industry, Nvidia unveiled the Nvidia Avatar Cloud Engine (ACE) for Games. This groundbreaking AI model foundry service provides game developers with customizable and pre-trained models, allowing them to infuse non-playable characters (NPCs) with enhanced character traits through AI-powered language interactions.

With ACE, developers can create more dynamic and lifelike in-game experiences, enabling NPCs to engage in more nuanced and captivating conversations with players.

ACE was Nvidia's most buzzed-about announcement at Computex - Image courtesy of Nvidia

Nvidia CUDA computing model

Nvidia's CUDA computing model has become a powerhouse in the developer community, serving as a go-to solution for high-performance computing. With over four million developers and more than 3,000 applications leveraging the CUDA framework, it has become an integral part of the tech ecosystem.

Remarkably, the CUDA framework has been downloaded an astounding 40 million times, with 25 million downloads recorded in the past year alone. This widespread adoption speaks volumes about its effectiveness in enabling developers to unlock the full potential of Nvidia GPUs.

HGX H100 GPU server enters full-volume production

Nvidia has commenced full-volume production of the GPU server HGX H100, marking a significant milestone in the data center landscape. Manufactured by companies across Taiwan, this server incorporates a transformative feature: a transformer engine, making it the world's first of its kind.

The HGX H100 is poised to revolutionize data center applications, delivering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and resilience.

Mellanox's acquisition

In 2019, Nvidia made a strategic decision that has proven to be a game-changer for the company's supercomputing endeavors. The acquisition of Mellanox, a prominent supercomputer chipmaker, for $6.9 billion has positioned Nvidia as a leading force in high-performance computing and data center solutions.

This acquisition has empowered Nvidia to drive innovation further, harnessing Mellanox's expertise to deliver groundbreaking technologies that redefine the boundaries of computational capabilities.

Nvidia acquired Mallanox for $6.9 billion - Image courtesy of Nvidia

A step towards supercomputers from a super company

Looking toward the future, Nvidia is gearing up for the production of the next generation of Hopper GPUs. Set to commence in August 2024, precisely two years after the initial generation started manufacturing, these GPUs are expected to push the boundaries of computational power even further.

Nvidia's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technologies remains unwavering, and the Hopper GPUs stand as a testament to the company's dedication to innovation.

The era of Nvidia

Due to its pivotal role in AI computing, Nvidia has experienced remarkable growth over the past year, leading to a substantial increase in its stock value. Currently boasting a market valuation of approximately $960 billion, Nvidia has firmly established itself as one of the most valuable companies globally, outshining numerous industry giants.

The company's impressive standing places it among the elite, with only Apple, Microsoft, Saudi Aramco, Alphabet, and Amazon surpassing Nvidia's market value.

Nvidia blows the roof off Computex

The Xerox PARC, now named just PARC, is a company which is a research and development wing of Xerox. It is best known for inventing things like laser printing, modern day PC, GUI and computer mouse among many other things.

By 1973, Robert Metcalfe, a young engineer back then, had started working in Xerox PARC. During his time at the company, Robert Metcalfe was asked by the Xerox PARC to create a wired network which allowed them connect with the laser printer in the company office. Laser printer, which engineers at Xerox PARC were still designing and was in development.

His task wasn’t easy. Creating a wired network which was not only fast enough to allow high speed laser printers to work with computers, but also a network which could connect hundreds of computers together in a building.

During the course of this work, he remembered about a wireless network called ALOHAnet which was used by the University of Hawaii. ALOHAnet was used by the university computers to communicate with each other on a wireless network based on radio waves which allowed them to send and receive data.

While studying the network, Robert Metcalfe found some flaws in it and improved it. He then decided to make a wired model of it. He named it Alto ALOHA Network, which was later renamed to the Ethernet.

Ethernet’s Invention

On 22nd May 1973, Robert Metcalfe penned down the detailed idea behind the Ethernet network. This is the day that the Ethernet was invented.

At Xerox PARC, Robert Metcalfe met other engineers who helped him co-develop the Ethernet. This included David Boggs, who had prior experience in radio networks and found similarities between ethernet and radio broadcasting network. Both went onto implementing the idea behind the Ethernet. Which took several months to come to fruition.

Initially, the Ethernet wire didn’t use to look as it does now. This is because it wasn’t based on twisted pair wires. It was based on co-axial cable, the same one we use for cable television network.

At the time of invention, the Ethernet supported a maximum speed of 2.94 Mbps (367 KB/s). Which was later improved to support 10 Mbps.

Later, Robert Metcalfe left Xerox to create 3com, which became a pioneering company behind the spread of ethernet through it’s networking equipments.

At the helm of 3com, Robert Metcalfe convinced Digital Equipment Corporation, Intel and Xerox companies to work together to promote Ethernet as a standard. Together they released specifications for the Ethernet.

Later, IBM and General Motors joined them. Altogether, they created a standard and named it IEEE 802.3. This remains the main working group that governs the Ethernet wire.

In between all that, the biggest improvement in the Ethernet came when it was designed to work as a twisted pair wire, rather than a coaxial cable.

Invention of LAN Cable As We Know It

By the later parts of the 1980s, installing coaxial cable wires in buildings was becoming too expensive for telecommunication companies. This is when two engineers at AT&T invented Ethernet over existing telephone twisted wires. It was named StarLAN.

The idea was to re-use existing telephone wires to work as Ethernet. The telephone wire technology was heavily modified to allow both analogue and digital signals together, latter which is required for Ethernet to work. This is how Ethernet wire as we know it was invented.

Initially, StarLAN supported only 1 Mbps, which was later improved within a year to allow 10 Mbps.

Later, in 1995, Category 5 (CAT5) cables came to the fore. These CAT 5 cables allowed the Ethernet speeds to reach 100 Mbps.

By 2001, CAT 5 was superseded by Cat 5e, which allowed even better connection. It was pretty much a standard until recently. Now there’s CAT 6, Cat 7 and much more, allowing faster networking speeds.

Legacy & Modern Day Usage

Throughout the years, the Ethernet specifications have kept improving and have added a lot of bandwidth, allowing up to Gbps of internet speeds.

However, the 1973 thesis by Robert Metcalfe is still available. Those who want, they can grab the 254-page-long PDF here or here.

On March 22 of this year, Robert Metcalfe was awarded with the Turing Award, which is considered to be the Nobel Prize of computing and rightfully so.

There’s a reason for that. The Ethernet cable remains among the most importable piece of wire in the history of networking technology. It changed how the world communicated with each other. In-fact, it is responsible behind the spread of internet throughout the world.

Yes, fibre internet has its big use in the modern day world, but the Ethernet’s contribution cannot be ignored.

For example. Go inside any server in the world. You will see huge amount of wires connected to each other. Even now, a huge amount of them would be Ethernet cables.

If that is not enough, if anyone has a computer connected at their place, it’s most likely connected through a LAN Ethernet wire, reaching an internet router. It’s so widespread that it’s unbelievable.

This unbelievable feat was accomplished only because one man wrote an idea on some papers 50 years ago and that is responsible for us to able to connect to the world of internet.

The Ethernet Turns 50: The Cable Which Changed Networking

The new technology is called NVIDIA ACE (Avatar Cloud Engine) for Games. It will allow developers to put in NPCs that can talk to player characters in real-time, but with dialogue that is non-scripted and powered by AI chatbots similar to ChatGPT, Bing Chat, and Bard. The technology also allows the NPC facial animations to match the non-scripted dialogue.

NVIDIA stated:

You can bring life to NPCs through NeMo model alignment techniques. First, employ behavior cloning to enable the base language model to perform role-playing tasks according to instructions. To further align the NPC’s behavior with expectations, in the future, you can apply reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) to receive real-time feedback from designers during the development process.

NVIDIA also stated that these AI NPCs are controlled by NeMo Guardrails, which will hopefully keep them from saying weird or even offensive things to gamers.

The company showed off a brief demo of ACE that was posted on YouTube. It was created in Unreal Engine 5 with ray tracing enabled and MetaHuman tech for NPC character models. NVIDIA also used technology from a startup company called Convai that's creating AI characters in games. NVIDIA added:

Convai used NVIDIA Riva for speech-to-text and text-to-speech capabilities, NVIDIA NeMo for the LLM that drives the conversation, and Audio2Face for AI-powered facial animation from voice inputs.

The AI NPC shown in the demo is definitely not perfect. His speech pattern seemed very stilted and, dare we say, artificial in nature. However, it's more than likely that speech patterns will be improved and become more natural in the months and years ahead.

NVIDIA did not state when ACE for Games will be available to game developers. However, it did mention that its Audio2Face technology, which matches the facial animation to a game character's speech, is being used in two upcoming games: the third-person sci-fi game Fort Solis, and the long-awaited post-apocalyptic FPS sequel S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl.

NVIDIA reveals ACE for Games to give NPCs ChatGPT-like chat features with matching animation

The company has leveraged AI in its productivity suite, particularly with Microsoft 365 Copilot. AI-powered features for its productivity apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, such as intelligent writing assistance, real-time language translation, and automated data analysis aim to enhance efficiency and streamline workflows. While these advancements may have their merits, it is crucial to remain cautious. The effectiveness of these features heavily relies on the quality and diversity of the underlying data they are trained on. Biases and limitations within the datasets could potentially lead to flawed outputs and reinforce existing inequalities.

AI is also transforming the way we interact with personal computing devices, and Microsoft appears to be aiming to be at the forefront of this revolution. With the release of Windows 11, the company has introduced AI-driven enhancements that claim to improve the user experience. Although controversial, the redesigned Start Menu, for instance, leverages AI algorithms to personalize content based on user preferences. While personalization may seem enticing, it's important to question the extent to which AI can truly understand and cater to individual needs. There is a risk of creating echo chambers and limiting users' exposure to diverse perspectives, hindering personal growth and intellectual curiosity.

In addition, AI-powered voice assistants have been widely regarded as underwhelming in terms of functionality and intelligence. Microsoft's CEO, Satya Nadella, himself has admitted that voice assistants in general, including Cortana, "were all dumb as a rock."

Azure, Microsoft's cloud computing platform, positions itself as a powerhouse for AI-driven innovations. By integrating AI capabilities into Azure services, the company enables developers and businesses to leverage machine learning models and computer vision algorithms without requiring extensive AI expertise. While this accessibility is commendable, it also raises concerns about data privacy, security, and the potential for misuse. Additionally, the recent collaboration with NVIDIA to host AI and metaverse services on Azure raises questions about the concentration of power and control in the hands of a few tech giants.

While Microsoft claims a commitment to ethical AI development, decisions such as laying off its Ethical AI team, raise doubts about the company's true dedication to responsible AI practices. Ethical considerations, transparency, and accountability must be at the forefront of AI development to prevent unintended consequences and ensure the technology serves the best interests of individuals and communities.

The tech giant is also exploring the possibilities of techno-humanism. Microsoft’s HoloLens, to which the company is reportedly committed even after laying off the Mixed Reality Toolkit team, for example, is a wearable device that uses augmented reality to enhance the user’s perception of the world around them. As such companies continue to explore the possibilities of integrating technology and humanity, it is essential that they consider the ethical implications of their actions as well.

As we navigate Microsoft's push into the AI era, it's crucial to approach it with a balanced perspective. While there are undoubtedly exciting possibilities, it's essential to remain critical and address the potential risks and limitations of AI. We must hold technology companies accountable for the societal impact of their AI-driven innovations, ensuring that the technology serves as a tool for empowerment rather than exacerbating inequalities or compromising privacy and autonomy.

Furthermore, Microsoft's bold leap toward the AI era calls for vigilance and careful evaluation. As we shape the future of technology, it is also crucial to maintain a healthy balance between AI's promises and its realistic limitations. By doing so, we can work towards a future where AI truly enhances our lives, serves our best interests, and respects our fundamental rights and values. Nevertheless, Microsoft's push into the AI era does compel one to reimagine what is possible and shape a future where technology and humanity coalesce in extraordinary ways.

Navigating Microsoft's AI Frontier: Unveiling tech giant's path with caution and critique

The case revolved around a man suing an airline over an alleged personal injury. The plaintiff's legal team submitted a brief citing several previous court cases to support their argument, seeking to establish a legal precedent for their claim. However, the airline's lawyers discovered that some of the referenced cases did not exist and promptly alerted the presiding judge.

Judge Kevin Castel, presiding over the case, expressed astonishment at the situation, labeling it an "unprecedented circumstance." In an order, the judge demanded an explanation from the plaintiff's legal team.

Steven Schwartz, a colleague of the lead attorney, confessed to utilizing ChatGPT to search for similar legal precedents. In a written statement, Schwartz expressed deep regret that he "had never previously used AI for legal research and was unaware that its content could be false."

Screenshots attached to the filing showed a conversation between Schwartz and ChatGPT. In the prompt, Schwartz asked if a specific case, Varghese v. China Southern Airlines Co Ltd, was genuine.

ChatGPT affirmed its authenticity, indicating that the case could be found in legal reference databases such as LexisNexis and Westlaw.

However, subsequent investigations revealed that the case did not exist, leading to further doubts about the other cases provided by ChatGPT.

In light of this incident, both lawyers involved in the case, Peter LoDuca and Steven Schwartz from the law firm Levidow, Levidow & Oberman, have been summoned to an upcoming disciplinary hearing on June 8 to explain their actions.

This event has prompted discussions within the legal community regarding the appropriate use of AI tools in legal research and the need for comprehensive guidelines to prevent similar occurrences.

Source: NYT

Source

Txti was created nine years ago with a simple and benevolant mission: to play a part in a more globally accessible internet. Since then, the whole world has changed. Now, there is less need for web pages that work on flip phones, and more need for trustworthiness and safety on the internet. As txti is not able to keep up with this need, it's time for it to step aside to ensure we're not causing harm.

Thank you to everyone who used and loved txti. It was a fun and useful project that I simply wasn't able to maintain. There are many lessons learned here, but I'm grateful to have been a part of a special era of the internet's evolution.

Source

On the gaming side of things, Sony held its PlayStation Showcase. Microsoft took the opportunity after the event to share that 14 games unveiled at the event will also make their way to Xbox and/or PC. We also confirmed reports that Metal Gear Solid 3 will get a remake for Xbox and PC as well as PlayStation.

Build

Native support for RGB lighting was one of the many Windows 11 announcements at Build 2023. (Image credit: Future)

Microsoft Build is one of the company's largest events of the year. While it is a developer conference, many of the features announced and discussed make their way to everyday users. For example, Microsoft announced the next major Windows 11 update at the event. Even sessions that may not interest general PC owners on a technical level affect how Windows 11 and Microsoft apps and services run.

Rather than do a full recap of Build a second time, I'll point you to our Senior Editor Zac Bowden's piece covering the biggest announcements from Microsoft Build 2023. There were also several other announcements made at the conference. Here's a rundown, with each bullet point being a link to the related story:

• Windows 11 is getting its own integrated AI assistant, powered by Bing Chat and ChatGPT
• Microsoft brings back Taskbar app ungrouping on Windows 11, but with a smart new twist 
• Gamers rejoice! Windows 11 is getting native support for configuring RGB devices and peripherals
• Windows 11 is FINALLY getting a cloud-powered backup and restore feature
• Windows 11 version 23H2: Microsoft previews BIG new features coming later this year, including a new AI assistant
• Microsoft unveils new 'Dev Home' and 'Dev Drive' features with faster file system for Windows 11 developers
• Windows 11 on ARM just got a big boost at Microsoft Build 2023
• Windows 11's Microsoft Store is getting AI-powered reviews and dedicated 'AI Hub' features
• Microsoft reveals major File Explorer redesign coming soon to Windows 11
• Microsoft 365 Copilot now works with plugins, making it much more powerful
• Microsoft Edge gets a new look, Copilot support, and can now help you separate business and personal browsing 
• Bing Chat will get boosted by plugins — here's which ones are on the way 
• Bing integration with ChatGPT will blur the lines between OpenAI and Microsoft chatbots
• Microsoft Teams avatars are here for everyone... if you're a business user

Windows 11 May 2023 feature update

The next Windows 11 update has a new Widgets Board layout. (Image credit: Windows Central)

You'll have to wait until later this year to get Windows 11 version 23H2, but that doesn't mean you have to wait to get a wave of new Windows 11 features. The Windows 11 May 2023 feature drop just, well, dropped. also known as Moment 3, the update has a new Widgets Board layout and many other features. 

Microsoft won't ship the update to everyone until June 13, 2023, but you can install the Windows 11 May 2023 feature update right now as an optional update.

Here's everything that's new, as outlined by our Senior Editor Zac Bowden:

• An updated Widgets Board layout and pinning experience
• New animated Taskbar weather icons
• Bing AI button in the Taskbar search bar
• 2FA code recognition in notifications
• Multi-app kiosk mode
• Show clock seconds in the system tray
• Glanceable VPN status icon in the Taskbar
• Various improvements to Voice Access
• Support for more languages in the live captions feature
• Updated touch keyboard settings
• Cloud suggestions in Simplified Chinese IME
• USB4 settings page
• Search box will be lighter when app mode is set to light
• Access keys in File Explorer
• Create live kernel dumps in Task Manager
• Settings search is faster
• New presence sensing settings
• Win32 app isolation feature (preview)
• Windows 365 boot (preview)

Xbox and PC games at PlayStation Showcase

Sony's PlayStation Showcase was this week. Based on that name, you may assume that all of the games shown off are PlayStation exclusives. Sony certainly didn't clarify that 14 of the announced titles will also make their way to PC, Xbox, or both. We'll have to play them first, of course, but many of the titles look like favorites to earn spots on our lists of the best PC games and best Xbox games.

Our Jerko Čilaš rounded up all of the games that will be available on PC and/or Xbox. Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, Alan Wake 2, and Immortals of Aveum are all making their way to Microsoft platforms.

Microsoft joined in on the fun with a playful tweet about the PlayStation Showcase games coming to Xbox.

Reviews & Editorials

(Image credit: Daniel Rubino)

Each week our experts review the latest accessories, PCs, and games. They also share insight about Microsoft, Windows 11, and Xbox and PC gaming with editorials. Here's a recap of everything our team covered this week.

• In aligning Bing Chat with ChatGPT for once Microsoft is ahead of the game
• Stop being ridiculous: Microsoft is NOT building its own processor for Surface
• Review: The PowerA MOGA XP-Ultra is an Xbox controller Swiss Army knife
• Razer Nommo V2 Pro review - The PC speakers that take you from 'That's just a game' to 'IT'S. ABOUT. TO. GO. DOWN
• Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (Gen 8) review: A great gaming laptop, but stay close to the charger
• Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun review — An immensely cathartic and satisfying bloodbath
• Bitdefender antivirus review: One of the best for malware protection
• Norton antivirus review: Protect your computer and your identity

Microsoft News Roundup: Major Windows 11 updates, Build, PlayStation Showcase, and more

The rise of digital stores like Steam, GoG.com, and more recently the Epic Games Store has contributed to allowing PC games of all types to be sold nearly everywhere. A few weeks ago, we posted our list of the most anticipated Xbox Series X/S games of 2023, so we decided to do the same for PC games as well.

We will mention that all of our games on the Xbox 2023 list will also be released on the PC as well. We didn't want to duplicate our Xbox list for our most anticipated PC game, so we picked some more upcoming titles, many of which will be released either exclusively for PC or first on that platform (although some games may show up on other platforms as well).

Update: May 27: We have added Helldivers 2, The Expanse, and Total War: Pharaoh to the list, but also removed Homeworld 3, due to a new delay that pushes its release date out of 2023.

System Shock remake - May 30

• Developer: Nightdive Studios
• Publisher: Prime Matter
• What's it about: You have entered a space station controlled by an evil AI, and you have to fight all sorts of enemies in order to defeat it. Good luck with that.
• Why we want to play it: Nightdive has indeed taken a long, long time to get this remake finished, but based on what they have promised, it will take the original game's mix of first-person action and role playing to new levels, and we can't wait to check it out

Pre-order System Shock remake on Steam

Amnesia: The Bunker - June 6

• Developer: Frictional Games
• Publisher: Frictional Games
• What's it about: During World War I, you play a French soldier in a bunker with a revolver and a flashlight. That's all you have to face some terrifying horrors.
• Why we want to play it: The Amnesia series from Frictional Games have been among the most frightening PC titles ever released, and there's no reason to think this new entry won't be very scary, and very entertaining.

Pre-order Amnesia: The Bunker on Steam

The Expanse: A Telltale Series - July 27

• Developer: Telltale Games
• Publisher: Telltale Games
• What's it about: In this prequel to the popular sci-fi novel and TV series, you play Camina Drummer as she and her crew on board The Artemis have to deal with various crises in the solar system
• Why we want to play it: Telltale is a developer who has released some excellent narrative-driven adventure games, and this one looks like it will bring in some new action-themed game elements as well including zero-g enviroments.

Baldur's Gate III - August 31. 2023

• Developer: Larian Studios
• Publisher: Larian Studios
• What's it about: You have the bad luck of having a parasite implanted into you, which will eventually turn you into a mind flayer. You team up with some other adventurers to defeat this evil, and more importantly, save yourself
• Why we want to play it: Taking up from where BioWare left off, Larian Studios is aiming for this to be the ultimate Dungeons and Dragons RPG PC game. It's been in early access for a while but we definitely want to play the full game this year.

Pre-order Baldur's Gate III on Steam

Counter-Strike 2 - Summer 2023

• Developer: Valve
• Publisher: Valve
• What's it about: You team up with your online friends and shoot other online friends in matches of terrorists and counter-terrorists.
• Why we want to play it: It's the long-awaited Source Engine 2 remake of Counter-Strike. Who wouldn't want to play it? And best of all, it's going to be free to play.

Cities: Skylines II - TBD 2023

• Developer: Colossal Order
• Publisher: Paradox Interactive
• What's it about: It's time to create your dream city, with all sorts of cool buildings, highways, and other infrastructure
• Why we want to play it: Colossal Order picked up the ball and developed a true spiritual sequel to the Sim City franchise with the original Cities: Skylines. This sequel looks like it will have more of what we liked in that game.

Total War: Pharaoh - October 2023

• Developer: Creative Assembly
• Publisher: Sega
• What's it about: You control the fate of ancient Egypt and rise to power as Pharaoh. Lead the fight to take out your enemies in massive battles.
• Why we want to play it: Creative Assembly is the master of historic RTS strategy games, and this new entry in the long running franchise promises to be one of its best yet, with huge armies fighting against each other, and a new Campaign Customization feature that should add lots of replayablity.

Pre-order Total War: Pharoah at the game's official website

S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2: Heart of Chornobyl - TBD 2023

• Developer: GSC GameWorld
• Publisher: GSC GameWorld
• What's it about: In the near future, the area around the Chornobyl nuclear reactor has been turned into a radiation-filled wasteland filled with mutated creatures and strange occurrences.
• Why we want to play it: We have also been waiting a long time for a new S.T.A.L.K.E.R. game. The brief glimpses of the sequel in trailers have given us high hopes it will be worth the over decade wait.

The Finals - TBD 2023

• Developer: Embark Studios
• Publisher: Embark Studios
• What's it about: In a future version of a reality show, you compete with friends in a virtual battleground for money and fame.
• Why we want to play it: Embark's recent beta test of this game generated a lot of buzz, mostly because nearly everything on the game's maps could be destroyed. We think the developer will use the beta feedback to give us a multiplayer shooter with some unique twists.

Hades II - TBD 2023

• Developer: Supergiant Games
• Publisher: Supergiant Games
• What's it about: The Princess of the Underworld is going to try to defeat the Titan of Time with some help from the Olympian gods.
• Why we want to play it: The original Hades was a refreshing new take on a dungeon crawler title, and we think the experience from that game will help make the sequel an even deeper and more entertaining experience.

Payday 3 - TBD 2023

• Developer: Starbreeze Studios
• Publisher: Prime Matter
• What's it about: It's time to come out of retirement and start robbing banks again, and take care of anyone who gets in our way.
• Why we want to play it: Starbreeze has had its problems, but it appears that the studio is finally going to bring the popular Payday co-op shooter series out of mothballs and into an all-new version, and we can't wait to see it.

Helldivers 2 - TBA 2023

• Developer: Arrowhead Games Studios
• Publisher: Arrowhead Games Studios
• What's it about: It's time go to back and kill some aliens in order to protect the future of Super Earth
• Why we want to play it: The first Helldivers game was a fun and action packed sci-fi top down shooter. The sequel will switch perspectives and put players on the ground fighting alien bugs in a third person viewpoint. That should make it an even more frantic game experience.

That's our list of our most anticipated PC games of 2023. Again, we will be updating this list every so often as more games are announced, and other games get release dates.

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Here are our picks for the most anticipated PC games of 2023 [Update]

How to watch Nvidia’s Computex 2023 keynote (and what to expect)

That included a web directory that launched in early 1994 that was later renamed Yahoo. In late 1994, the even more popular Netscape browser launched. Suddenly, the internet was not something you accessed in a college computer room but anywhere a PC was present.

In the middle of all this was Microsoft, which was planning to launch its huge Windows 95 OS update late in 1995. However, 28 years ago today, on May 26, 1995, Microsoft's employees suddenly got orders from its then-CEO Bill Gates to put all of the company's energies towards making products that use the internet.

Gates' memo was titled simply The Internet Tidal Wave, and it remains one of the most famous business memos in history. Gates stated that a combination of factors, including the increased use of the PC, better internet infrastructure, and faster online networks, would help reduce the cost of internet connections for both businesses and consumers.

Gates felt that those factors meant that the rise of the internet and its effects on the PC hardware and software industry would not just have a big impact on Microsoft, but perhaps the biggest impact on the company ever:

I have gone through several stages of increasing my views of its importance. Now I assign the Internet the highest level of importance. In this memo I want to make clear that our focus on the Internet is crucial to every part of our business. The Internet is the most important single development to come along since the IBM PC was introduced in 1981. It is even more important than the arrival of the graphical user interface (GUI).

Gates's memo made a lot of predictions that became true. He correctly said that "virtually every PC will be used to connect to the Internet and that the Internet will help keep PC purchasing very healthy for many years to come". He also predicted that faster broadband internet speeds would allow people to speak to each other via video chats.

He also saw that the CD-ROM software business would be "dramatically affected by the Internet". At that time it was just starting to take over from the floppy disk as a way to distribute software. Indeed, it wouldn't be long before that industry would disappear.

Ultimately Gates wrote that Microsoft's products, and the way it would distribute and support its software, would change drastically:

The next few years are going to be very exciting as we tackle these challenges are opportunities. The Internet is a tidal wave. It changes the rules. It is an incredible opportunity as well as incredible challenge I am looking forward to your input on how we can improve our strategy to continue our track record of incredible success.

Microsoft still made some mistakes during this transition period to use the internet. It had the opportunity to become the leading search provider, but it lost out to Google, which launched in early 1998. Apple saw the need for an internet-based store for music and video downloads that turned into iTunes.

However, Microsoft managed to keep going with its internet-centric plans. It even managed to stay in business after a US federal judge ordered Microsoft to be broken up into two companies in 2000 for alleged anticompetitive activities. That never happened as Microsoft entered a settlement with the US government in 2001.

28 years later, Microsoft seems to have moved into another inflection point in its business, as it fully embraces what AI can do for search, operating systems, productivity software, and more. At Build 2023 this week, a large amount of its developer announcement centers on AI products, particularly its Windows Copilot AI assistant will launch later this year.

Of course, just like it had when it put its emphasis on the internet in 1995, Microsoft will have competitors, particularly its biggest rival Google, in this new AI era. We should learn soon if Microsoft made the right move in embracing AI, as it did with with the "internet tidal wave".

Bill Gates' "Internet Tidal Wave" memo 28 years ago today sounds like Microsoft's AI push

The HP Deskjet 2755e, a printer that prompts you to use HP Plus to get free ink.

Image: HP

Amazon’s No. 1 bestselling printer is the HP Deskjet 2755e. It’s not hard to see why. For just $85, you get a wireless colour printer, scanner, and six months of free ink. It also comes with HP Plus, one of the most dastardly schemes Big Inkjet has ever unleashed.

 

I’m not talking about how printers quietly waste their own ink, or pretend cartridges are empty when they’re not, or lock out official cartridges from other regions. Heck, I’m not even talking about “Dynamic Security,” the delightful feature where new HP firmware updates secretly contain malware that blocks batches of third-party cartridges while pretending to harden your printhead against hacks.

 

No, the genius of HP’s latest scheme is that it’s hiding in plain sight, daring you to unwittingly sign away your rights. Take the free ink, and HP controls your printer for life.

 

First introduced in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, HP Plus was built around FOMO right from the start. You get just seven days to claim your free ink, starting the moment you plug a new printer into the wall. Act now, and it’ll also extend your warranty a full year, give you an “Advanced HP Smart app,” and plant trees on your behalf. Because why wouldn’t you want to save the forest?

 

Here’s one reason, as detailed in a new complaint by the International Imaging Technology Council (IITC) that might turn into a false advertising fight: HP Plus comes with a firmware update that utterly removes your printer’s ability to accept third-party ink. You have to buy “genuine” HP ink as long as you use the printer.

 

Not all of HP’s fine print is this obvious.

Screenshot by Sean Hollister / The Verge

 

It’s not clear exactly how HP has managed to fully block third-party cartridges, but it appears to be true. My own local CompAndSave, which distributes ink cartridges from some of the biggest third-party manufacturers in the world, tells me those vendors have not yet found a way to get their aftermarket carts (or even user-refilled “genuine HP” cartridges) working with an HP Plus printer.

 

It’d be one thing if you could cancel HP Plus and start using your printer normally again, but nope! Even though HP claims you can “change or cancel anytime,” there’s no way to deactivate the firmware, HP’s own tech support told the IITC. (A Verge source corroborates this as well.)

 

 

“In fact, the only way a customer can get rid of HP+ once activated is to buy a new printer,” the IITC writes. HP didn’t answer our questions about the firmware update, including why it isn’t prominently disclosed that there’s no way to uninstall it.

 

The IITC, a group that represents ink cartridge remanufacturers, isn’t suing the world’s leading printer company just yet. The complaint instead seeks to push back on HP’s environmental credentials by petitioning a nonprofit organization, the Global Electronics Council (GEC), which maintains an “EPEAT” registry of environmentally sound products.

 

Would you like to see the crux of that argument? I went full Blinking White Guy when I saw: HP, the company that repeatedly admits it blocks third-party cartridges for your own good, is telling an environmental group it doesn’t do that at all.

 

“HP printers are not designed to prevent the use of non-manufacturer cartridges,” the company claims.

Image: International ITC

 

See, when HP gets these printers on the EPEAT registry, it successfully greenwashes its reputation. The company gets to stick EPEAT labels all over its website and products, each of which suggests an independent third party has certified that HP genuinely cares about the planet.

 

But EPEAT has a very specific rule that certified printers cannot prevent the use of non-OEM cartridges, and HP Plus is just the latest in a long line of ways that HP ties you to its own ink.

 

Incredibly, the Global Electronics Council seems to be well aware of HP Plus and is mostly playing along. For example, the HP Deskjet 2755e and family are currently considered EPEAT Silver, with only a footnote that “the optional HP+ configuration does not meet required criterion 4.9.2.1.”

 

HP’s “Dynamic Security” in action.

Image: u/grhhull (Reddit)

 

“[A]ny printer that is documented as including HP+ should not be eligible for EPEAT registration,” the IITC argues, adding that HP’s Dynamic Security feature is also a clear violation of the same rule — since even HP admits it’s designed to “block cartridges using non-HP chips or modified or non-HP electronic circuitry.”

 

The IITC says HP has issued four “killer firmware updates” in the last eight weeks alone to quietly block third-party cartridges from working in EPEAT-registered HP inkjet printers and at least 26 against HP laser printers. HP didn’t answer our question about EPEAT compliance.

 

But I don’t want you to get too distracted with “Dynamic Security,” because I haven’t quite finished warning you about HP’s free ink.

 

Here are a few choice quotes from the terms and conditions for HP’s ink service that I think you’ll appreciate (bolding mine):

You expressly allow HP to remotely change, patch, update or otherwise modify Your printer’s software, firmware or programming remotely, without notice to You, in order to provide the Service to You or to comply with applicable laws

Remote monitoring may include provision to HP of one or more of: page counts, types of documents printed (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, pdf, jpeg, etc.), types of devices that initiated print jobs, printer serial number, cartridge information (e.g. HP original cartridge status, and whether the cartridge was new or used at the time of its last insertion into the printer), and other similar types of metrics related to your Service as may be added by HP from time to time

You agree to maintain connectivity of Your Printer to the Internet and to not remove or disable any remote monitoring software or functionality on Your Printer

If Your printer is not connected to the Internet, then the Subscription Cartridges (as defined in section d. below) will be disabled, and You will not be able to use them to print; however, You will continue to be charged for the Service as described in Section 7 (“Paying for Your Service”). In order to reactivate disabled cartridges, You will need to reconnect Your printer to the Internet and keep it connected

When Your Service is cancelled for any reason, HP will remotely disable the Subscription Cartridges and You will no longer be able to print with the Subscription Cartridges. In such a case, you will need to purchase a regular HP cartridge compatible with your printer, in order to continue printing

HP may increase or otherwise change the Service Plan Fee and Overage Fee, and add additional fees, for any Service Plan, or otherwise change or add Service Plans at any time in HP’s sole discretion with prior notice to You

Printer ink is one of the most expensive fluids in the entire world. Free ink is tempting! But please don’t take the free ink. Please do make fun of Inkjet Supply and Hostage Situations Incorporated until these companies change their tune. (There is precedent.)

 

And maybe buy a Brother instead.

 

 

HP has found an exciting new way to DRM your printer!