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<rss version="2.0"><channel><title>News: Technology News</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/page/70/?d=2</link><description>News: Technology News</description><language>en</language><item><title>Firefox-maker Mozilla's boosted revenue significantly in 2023, but the financial report may also raise concern</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/firefox-maker-mozillas-boosted-revenue-significantly-in-2023-but-the-financial-report-may-also-raise-concern-r27047/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Mozilla has posted its financial report for the year 2023. The organization continues to do well. It had big revenue boost in 2023, but the report may also raise concern.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<strong>The details:</strong>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ul>
	<li>
		Mozilla's revenue in 2023 was 653 million US-Dollar.
	</li>
	<li>
		The organization's assets increased by 138 million US-Dollar to 1.335 billion US-Dollar.
	</li>
	<li>
		Revenue from search deals and subscriptions fell for the first time.
	</li>
</ul>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The big news is that Mozilla managed to increase revenue by about 59 million US-Dollar <a data-wpel-link="internal" href="https://www.ghacks.net/2023/12/05/mozilla-earned-close-to-600-million-in-2022/" rel="external nofollow">compared to the year before</a>. That's a big jump in revenue. Even more so, when you take a look at the revenue from search deals, subscriptions, and services.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Search engine deal revenue continues to make the bulk of revenue. It dropped by 15 million US-Dollar to 495 million in 2023, however. Subscription and services revenue, which includes ads, also decreased by 9 million US-Dollar to 65 million revenue in total.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<strong>So, what caused the revenue to jump?</strong> The financial report lists two areas that contributed heavily. First, Interest and dividend income. It jumped from $9 million in 2022 to $47 million US-Dollar in 2023. Investments contributed 24 million US-Dollar, while Mozilla reported a loss of $19 million back in 2022.
</p>

<h2>
	Expenses increased as well
</h2>

<p>
	Revenue reached a record high, but so did expenses in 2023. Mozilla's total expenses were $496 million US-Dollar, which is $71 million more than in 2022.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Software development expenses increased by $40 million, other program services by $6 million, branding and marketing by $8 million, and general and administrative by $15 million.
</p>

<h3>
	Outlook
</h3>

<p>
	Mozilla should be concerned about the falling royalties, advertising, and subscription revenue. The main idea for the past few years was to push subscriptions and advertising to close the gap to royalties. Being too dependent on a single company, in Mozilla's case Google, has never been a wise business decision.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	While it is somewhat expected that search engine deal revenue is falling, as Firefox's userbase is shrinking slowly, it should be of concern that the one thing that should make up for the loss tanked in 2023 as well.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The 2024 numbers will show if Mozilla managed to turn around the revenue of its subscription business. Even if it can, reliance on that one search deal with Google will continue to be the main revenue driver for the foreseeable future.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You can download or view the report on the <a data-wpel-link="external" href="https://www.mozilla.org/en-US/foundation/annualreport/2024/" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">Mozilla website</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>What is your take on the report? Should Mozilla be concerned about its two main revenue sources? Or is there a light on the horizon? Feel free to leave a comment down below.</em>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>


<div id="div-gpt-ad-1524862513262-0">
	 
</div>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.ghacks.net/2024/12/17/firefox-maker-mozillas-boosted-revenue-significantly-in-2023-but-the-report-may-also-raise-concern/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

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<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
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<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27047</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:58:47 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>After decades of talk, Seagate seems ready to actually drop the HAMR hard drives</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/after-decades-of-talk-seagate-seems-ready-to-actually-drop-the-hamr-hard-drives-r27046/</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>
	At least one gigantic cloud provider has signed off on the drives' viability.
</h3>

<p>
	How do you fit 32 terabytes of storage into a hard drive? With a HAMR.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Seagate has been experimenting with heat-assisted magnetic recording, or HAMR, since at least 2002. The firm has occasionally popped up to <a href="https://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2012/03/hamr-time-seagate-demos-terabyte-per-inch-hard-disk-technology/" rel="external nofollow">offer a demonstration</a> or make <a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2020/02/hamr-dont-hurt-em-laser-assisted-hard-drives-are-coming-in-2020/" rel="external nofollow">yet another</a> "around the corner" pronouncement. The press has enjoyed myriad chances to celebrate the wordplay of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MC_Hammer" rel="external nofollow">Stanley Kirk Burrell</a>, but new qualification from large-scale customers might mean HAMR drives will be actually available, to buy, as physical objects, for anyone who can afford the most magnetic space possible. Third decade's the charm, perhaps.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	HAMR works on the principle that, when heated, a disk's magnetic materials can hold more data in smaller spaces, such that you can fit more overall data on the drive. It's not just putting a tiny hot plate inside an HDD chassis; as <a href="https://www.seagate.com/www-content/ti-dm/tech-insights/en-us/docs/TP707-1-1712US_HAMR.pdf" rel="external nofollow">Seagate explains in its technical paper</a>, "the entire process—heating, writing, and cooling—takes less than 1 nanosecond." Getting from a physics concept to an actual drive involved adding a laser diode to the drive head, optical steering, firmware alterations, and "a million other little things that engineers spent countless hours developing." Seagate has a lot more about Mozaic 3+ <a href="https://www.seagate.com/innovation/mozaic/" rel="external nofollow">on its site</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="ars-wp-img-shortcode id-2067331 align-fullwidth">
	<div>
		<div class="ars-lightbox">
			<div class="ars-lightbox-item">
				<img alt="mosaic_3plus-1024x576.jpg" class="ipsImage" decoding="async" height="720" width="720" src="https://cdn.arstechnica.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/mosaic_3plus-1024x576.jpg">
				<div class="pswp-caption-content" id="caption-2067331">
					<em>Seagate's rendering of how its unique heating laser head allows for 3TB per magnetic platter in <a href="https://www.seagate.com/innovation/mozaic/" rel="external nofollow">Mozaic drives</a>. </em>

					<div class="ars-gallery-caption-credit">
						<em><em>Credit: <a href="https://www.seagate.com/innovation/mozaic/" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow">Seagate</a> </em></em>
					</div>
				</div>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>
</figure>

<p>
	Drives based on Seagate's Mozaic 3+ platform, in standard drive sizes, will soon arrive with wider availability than its initial test batches. The driver maker put in a <a href="https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0001137789/5a69d4a1-883e-41f3-a6b8-f4cfdea91d09.pdf" rel="external nofollow">financial filing earlier this month</a> (PDF) that it had completed qualification testing with several large-volume customers, including "a leading cloud service provider," akin to Amazon Web Services, Google Cloud, or the like. Volume shipments are <a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/hdds/seagates-hamr-hdds-qualified-by-customers-volume-shipments-imminent" rel="external nofollow">likely soon to follow</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	There is no price yet, nor promise of delivery, but you can do some wishful thinking on <a href="https://www.seagate.com/products/enterprise-drives/exos/exos-m-3-plus/" rel="external nofollow">the product page for the Exos M</a>, where 30 and 32TB capacities are offered. That's 3TB per platter, and up to three times the efficiency per terabyte compared to "typical drives," according to Seagate. Seagate has <a href="https://www.seagate.com/blog/seagate-hamr-solutions-deliver-industry-leading-reliability/" rel="external nofollow">previously boasted</a> that its Mozaic 3+ HAMR drives, under "aggressive field use stress tests," have seen more than seven years of head life.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Western Digital <a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/hdds/western-digital-launches-32tb-hard-drive-in-sata-and-sas-flavors-ultrastar-dc-hc690-delivers-sequential-performance-up-to-257-mib-s" rel="external nofollow">has its own 32TB drive</a>, based on energy-assisted perpendicular magnetic recording, or e-PMR. Both companies have suggested their high-capacity drives are ideal for AI model training, given the gargantuan storage demands and energy pull of that job. Toshiba <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomcoughlin/2024/05/30/more-than-half-of-hdds-could-use-hamr-by-2027/" rel="external nofollow">intends to move into the HAMR drive space</a>, which accounts for all three of the major HDD makers' plans.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As noted by Tom's Hardware, where <a href="https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/hdds/seagate-launches-32tb-exos-m-hard-drive-based-on-hamr-technology-mozaic-3-drives-are-the-worlds-first-generally-available-hamr-hdds" rel="external nofollow">we first saw the HAMR coming down</a>, Seagate seems to confuse Exos M and Exos M 3+ when it comes time to promote its literally hot hard drive tech. Presumably, early adopters will know the difference when prices are revealed.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/12/after-decades-of-talk-seagate-seems-ready-to-actually-drop-the-hamr-hard-drives/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27046</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Dec 2024 03:57:56 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Gamers Nexus - HW News - Intel's B580 Victory, SteamOS Growing, NVIDIA Blackwell US Manufacturing Rumor [Video]</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/gamers-nexus-hw-news-intels-b580-victory-steamos-growing-nvidia-blackwell-us-manufacturing-rumor-video-r27044/</link><description><![CDATA[<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo" contenteditable="false">
	<div>
		<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="113" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/y5mnQb1NhaI?feature=oembed" title="HW News - Intel's B580 Victory, SteamOS Growing, NVIDIA Blackwell US Manufacturing Rumor [Video]" width="200"></iframe>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@GamersNexus" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">Gamers Nexus</a> (2.36M subscribers)
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	December 17, 2024
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Video length: 31m 56s
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Hardware news this past week has been slammed: Intel launched its B580 GPU in the Arc 'Battlemage' series, which has been widely received as a successful product launch for the company. Alongside this, Intel has a healthy mix of partner models this time, which we round-up in this video. Those include ASRock, Acer, Gunnir, Sparkle, and others. Additionally, we cover SteamOS branding guidelines appearing for third-party devices in a promising glimpse at a future of more non-Windows devices. Thermal Grizzly launched putty, Arctic launched an interesting passive under-desk PC, trade issues continue for China and the US, and more.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	00:00 - Recapping the Week
</p>

<p>
	01:29 - GN UPDATE: Cat Angels, Archive.org, Der8auer
</p>

<p>
	06:00 - Intel B580 &amp; B570 Card Roundup
</p>

<p>
	13:51 - SteamOS Branding for Third-Party Devices
</p>

<p>
	16:05 - Thermal Grizzly Launches Putty
</p>

<p>
	17:27 - Arctic senza Passive Under-Desk PC
</p>

<p>
	19:44 - Jon Peddie Reports on GPU &amp; CPU Marketshare
</p>

<p>
	22:19 - Trade Issues Between China &amp; US
</p>

<p>
	26:41 - Rumor: Blackwell GPUs to be Made in US
</p>

<p>
	28:41 - 8BitDo Xbox-Themed Keyboard &amp; Mouse
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5mnQb1NhaI" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
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<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27044</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 19:52:08 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says "Google makes more money on Windows than all of Microsoft" due to its dominance in search and distribution</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-says-google-makes-more-money-on-windows-than-all-of-microsoft-due-to-its-dominance-in-search-and-distribution-r27039/</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>
	Google makes more money on Windows than Microsoft, says CEO Satya Nadella.
</h3>

<p>
	Microsoft's Windows is debatably the most popular operating system worldwide. Based on this premise, the assumption would be that the tech giant makes money hand over fist from the service. However, in a recent episode of the <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-hl-processed="none" data-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NtsnzRFJ_o" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NtsnzRFJ_o" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow">BG2Pod with Brad Gerstner and Bill Gurley podcast</a>, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella surprisingly indicated:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>"Google makes more money on Windows than all of Microsoft. Literally. Wow, this is the best news for Microsoft shareholders that we lost so badly, that we can now go contest it and win back some share."</em>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" class="text-post-media" data-text-app-payload-id=".ig-tp-DDfTPd7OWCb" frameborder="0" height="253" id="text-post-embed-0" scrolling="no" src="https://www.threads.net/@firstadopter/post/DDfTPd7OWCb/embed/" style="max-width: 540px; margin: 1px; background-position: 0% 0%; background-repeat: repeat; background-attachment: scroll; background-image: none; background-size: auto; background-origin: padding-box; background-clip: border-box; min-width: 270px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px); border: medium; border-radius: 12px;"></iframe>
</p>

<p>
	The executive also discussed the search war between Microsoft and Google. Nadella admitted that despite having a distribution advantage over Google with Windows, Google continues to dominate the search landscape.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo" contenteditable="false">
	<div>
		<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="113" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/9NtsnzRFJ_o?feature=oembed" title="Satya Nadella | BG2 w/ Bill Gurley &amp; Brad Gerstner" width="200"></iframe>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	He also indicated that the same goes for AI since Windows is an open system. Rival AI tools like Gemini, ChatGPT, Anthropic's Claude, and more get an equal chance for discovery and adoption by Windows users despite Microsoft having its homegrown AI tool, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/tag/copilot" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/tag/copilot" rel="external nofollow">Copilot</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In the past, Microsoft has tried to secure a deal with Apple to make Bing its default search engine. The CEO indicated the deal would be "a game-changing opportunity" for Microsoft, and the company was willing to part with up to $15 billion annually to attract a similar deal with Apple.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	During Google's antitrust hearing last year, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella indicated <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/bing/google-doesnt-play-fair-with-bing-says-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/bing/google-doesnt-play-fair-with-bing-says-microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella" rel="external nofollow">Google doesn't play fair with Bing</a>, further citing that its exclusive deal with Apple negatively impacts Bing's growth and reach.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Google reportedly pays Apple large sums of money to be the default search engine in Safari. The company has been <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-has-invested-dollar100-billion-in-bing-says-satya-nadella-during-google-antitrust-trial" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-has-invested-dollar100-billion-in-bing-says-satya-nadella-during-google-antitrust-trial" rel="external nofollow">accused of breaking antitrust laws</a> after allegedly paying approximately $15 billion to secure its search engine dominance. In 2021, the company paid a jaw-dropping $26 billion to maintain its search engine as the default across Apple devices.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<div id="slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-WuiMtsxBVBVu64fY2EcT7E">
	<div data-hydrate="true">
		<p>
			In 2021, Apple almost acquired Bing from Microsoft, but the iPhone maker abruptly dropped the plans, citing critical search quality issues. More recently, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/apple-says-theres-no-price-microsoft-could-pay-to-make-it-ditch-google-they-offered-to-give-us-bing-for-free" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/apple-says-theres-no-price-microsoft-could-pay-to-make-it-ditch-google-they-offered-to-give-us-bing-for-free" rel="external nofollow">Apple seemingly busted Microsoft's bubble</a> of being Safari's default search engine during Google's antitrust case that deemed it an illegal monopoly in search:
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			<em>“I don’t believe there’s a price in the world that Microsoft could offer us. They offered to give us Bing for free. They could give us the whole company.”</em>
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			However, with the rapid emergence of generative AI, the search landscape could be headed toward a paradigm shift. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed his deal when Apple got into a deal with OpenAI to bring ChatGPT across its tech stack. "I’ve been trying to get an Apple search deal for like 10 years, and so when Tim finally did a deal with Sam, I was the most thrilled person," stated Nadella. "It’s better to have ChatGPT get that deal than anybody else because we have both a commercial and investor relationship with OpenAI.”
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			Aside from being deemed by the court an illegal monopoly in the search landscape, <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/a-former-google-engineer-says-the-company-has-bigger-fish-to-fry" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/a-former-google-engineer-says-the-company-has-bigger-fish-to-fry" rel="external nofollow">Google may have bigger fish to fry with emerging AI-powered search engines</a> like OpenAI's SearchGPT and recently launched ChatGPT Search, according to a former Google engineer.
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			<a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/microsoft/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-says-google-makes-more-money-on-windows-than-all-of-microsoft" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
		</p>

		<hr class="ipsHr">
		<p>
			<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
		</p>

		<p>
			<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
		</p>

		<p>
			<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
		</p>

		<p>
			<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
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]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27039</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:45:55 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Borderlands 4 will feature less 'toilet humor' says narrative director</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/borderlands-4-will-feature-less-toilet-humor-says-narrative-director-r27038/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Since its inception, the <em>Borderlands </em>franchise has been well-known for its use of dark and absurd humor. The mainline trilogy and spin-offs have all used this style when players descend into its universe full of wacky villains and creative weaponry. However, the next game in the series may be taking a different route or at least toning the crassness down.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>Borderlands 4</em> was <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/gearbox-unveils-borderlands-4-calls-it-the-biggest-and-most-insane-world-weve-ever-made/" rel="external nofollow">officially unveiled by Gearbox Software during The Game Awards 2024</a> ceremony last week, and fans have noticed that both it and the <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/gearbox-reveals-borderlands-4-launches-in-2025/" rel="external nofollow">original teaser</a> showed more serious vibes than previous games. Questions directed at <em>Borderland 4's </em>narrative director, Sam Winkler, have revealed this to be an intentional decision.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	When asked if <em>Borderlands 4</em> will go for a more dark humor vibe instead of "fart jokes this time around" by a fan, <a href="https://x.com/ThatSamWinkler/status/1868741632449036648" rel="external nofollow">Winkler responded by</a> saying that, "not at liberty to talk much about the content of <em>BL4</em>, but I remain firm in my criticism of <em>BL3's</em> overabundance of toilet humor."
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Borderlands 4" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734440132_ss_87ecf5a643bf37e9e1e5d8e6b3c75.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Sam Winkler has previously written for the fan favorite <em>Borderlands 2, Borderlands 3,</em> and the fantasy spin-off <em>Tiny Tina's Wonderlands</em>, all at Gearbox.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Winkler even responded later to a joke message <a href="https://x.com/MoxsyOG/status/1868765520134312027" rel="external nofollow">from a fan</a> asking if players will be able to "use the poop poop farty 4000 while doing a mission to clean up porta-potties with my companion skibidi toilet":
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<div class="ipsEmbeddedOther" contenteditable="false">
	<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="ipsEmbed_finishedLoading" data-controller="core.front.core.autosizeiframe" data-embedid="embed3679773598" src="https://nsaneforums.com/index.php?app=core&amp;module=system&amp;controller=embed&amp;url=https://twitter.com/ThatSamWinkler/status/1868768937259024578?ref_src=twsrc%255Etfw%257Ctwcamp%255Etweetembed%257Ctwterm%255E1868768937259024578%257Ctwgr%255Ef1cfe9373652cb94bb50eb1638887a2691448c28%257Ctwcon%255Es1_%26ref_url=https://www.neowin.net/news/borderlands-4-will-feature-less-toilet-humor-says-narrative-director/" style="overflow: hidden; height: 489px;"></iframe>
</div>

<p>
	Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford is calling <em>Borderlands 4 </em>the "biggest and most insane world we’ve ever made." The title has players entering a new planet in the sci-fi universe that's said to be its most dangerous ever. It features a new villain, new factions, and a massive range of (described as "billions") over-the-top weaponry for looting.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>Borderlands 4 </em>is releasing across PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 sometime in 2025.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/borderlands-4-will-feature-less-toilet-humor-says-narrative-director/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27038</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:43:03 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Ubisoft is reportedly developing an extraction shooter set in Far Cry universe</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/ubisoft-is-reportedly-developing-an-extraction-shooter-set-in-far-cry-universe-r27037/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	The <em>Far Cry </em>franchise may be about to get some massive changes. According to a new report, Ubisoft is planning a departure from the series' norm formulas by introducing time-based mechanics to its next single-player entry while also going for a PvPvE multiplayer route for another game set in the <em>Far Cry</em> universe.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Insider-Gaming's <a href="https://insider-gaming.com/ubisoft-far-cry-7-and-maverick/" rel="external nofollow">Tom Henderson</a> reports that both these games were originally part of a single experience but have since been split off into two individual games.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The extraction shooter title is reportedly codenamed Maverick now, taking players to the Alaskan wilderness to fight each other and wild animals and survive in the harsh weather, as usual for a game in the genre. While development is progressing, Ubisoft is said to be showing some apprehension regarding its future. This is possibly due to Ubisoft's other multiplayer entry, <em>XDefiant</em>, not being able to hold on to <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/ubisofts-call-of-duty-rival-xdefiant-is-shutting-down-six-months-into-launch/" rel="external nofollow">enough players to stay alive</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As for the next mainline <em>Far Cry</em> single-player game, reports on it<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/far-cry-7-reportedly-coming-with-a-new-engine-and-a-timer-based-non-linear-campaign/" rel="external nofollow"> originally emerged in 2023</a>, which revealed a non-linear experience that has a real-world 24-hour time limit attached to the story.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The time elements are still a part of the game, according to Henderson. The protagonist will reportedly have a watch on their hand to check how much time they have left to save their kidnapped family from a conspiracy cult group.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Considering the two games step from the same original project, a major overhaul to movement mechanics will reportedly be seen in both games, giving players a lot more agility. This includes having similar inventory and looting systems across the two projects, too, probably focused on speed and efficiency.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Ubisoft has yet to announce anything related to the next<em> Far Cry</em>, so take this report with a grain of salt until something official comes through. Currently, the publisher is all hands on deck with the <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/assassins-creed-shadows-samurai-and-shinobi-combat-weapons-and-enemy-variety-detailed/" rel="external nofollow">delayed launch of <em>Assassin's Creed Shadows</em></a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/ubisoft-is-reportedly-developing-an-extraction-shooter-set-in-far-cry-universe/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27037</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:40:04 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Google Search may soon let you upload files to ask questions</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/google-search-may-soon-let-you-upload-files-to-ask-questions-r27036/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	A new rumor is floating around involving a new Google Search feature that lets you upload a file and ask questions about it. This was <a href="https://x.com/b4k_khushal/status/1868613476387873088" rel="external nofollow">spotted by X user Khushal Bherwani</a>, who found a paperclip icon next to the voice search button in the search bar. Clicking this icon lets you upload a file, and the search bar changes to say, "Ask anything about this file." However, it seems that after uploading, the feature doesn't yet provide answers related to the file, suggesting it's still being tested.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<div class="img-center">
	<figure class="image image--expandable">
		<img alt="A screenshot of the feature in testing" class="ipsImage" height="112" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734425395_screenshot_from_2024-12-17_09-48-54.jpg">
		<figcaption>
			<em>Image: Khushal Bherwani</em>
		</figcaption>
	</figure>
</div>

<p>
	If this feature rolls out, it won't be Google's first AI update. Earlier this year, they launched AI Overviews in Search, designed to give quick answers to user queries. Plus, with Google's Gemini also offering <a href="https://support.google.com/gemini/answer/14903178" rel="external nofollow">AI-powered features around file uploading</a>, it wouldn't be a stretch to think they might be bringing these two together in some way.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Google has also been integrating AI into its Workspace tools. For example, i<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/google-rolls-out-gemini-powered-help-me-create-feature-for-docs/" rel="external nofollow">n Google Docs, there's a feature called "Help me create"</a> that uses AI to help users create formatted documents from scratch. Last year, the company<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/googles-email-writing-ai-is-now-rolling-out-to-android-and-iphone/" rel="external nofollow"> brought "Help me write" to Gmail on Android and iOS </a>to assist with tasks like drafting emails.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Despite these advancements, AI in Google's services hasn't been without issues. The AI Overviews feature, for instance, faced backlash for providing incorrect and sometimes dangerous suggestions, like <a href="http://www.neowin.net/news/googles-new-ai-overviews-in-search-are-already-generating-major-factual-errors/" rel="external nofollow">advising users to add glue to pizza sauce</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	AI tech has also been getting some legal attention. OpenAI's ChatGPT, for example, has been caught up in lawsuits over claims of copyright issues. News outlets like The Intercept, Raw Story, and AlterNet have <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-and-openai-get-hit-with-lawsuits-by-more-news-organizations/" rel="external nofollow">taken legal action against OpenAI and Microsoft</a>. They claim that these companies used their articles without permission to train ChatGPT.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/google-search-may-soon-let-you-upload-files-to-ask-questions/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27036</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 17:39:22 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Nvidia allegedly to offer just 8GB VRAM for Steam's most popular graphics card tier</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/nvidia-allegedly-to-offer-just-8gb-vram-for-steams-most-popular-graphics-card-tier-r27027/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	It is no secret now that Nvidia hates it when it comes to providing gamers with ample VRAM on their GPUs. The company's $400 RTX 4060 Ti was heavily criticized for launching with just 8GB memory. Later, Nvidia tried a greedy upsell tactic when it released the 16GB variant of the same but it cost an additional $100 or 25% more just for the extra buffer.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Meanwhile, the RTX 4060 on the other hand was also criticized since for some reason Nvidia thought it was a good idea to pack lesser memory capacity on a newer card since it came with 8GB while its predecessor, the RTX 3060 had 12.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	A new report from <a href="https://wccftech.com/nvidia-geforce-rtx-5060-ti-16-gb-vram-rtx-5060-gpu-8-gb-gddr7-memory/" rel="external nofollow">Wccftech</a> claims that Nvidia is going to be repeating the same thing with RTX 5060 too as the GPU is rumored to feature 8GB VRAM just like the 4060, and the xx60 cards from the company happen to be the most popular GPUs according to <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-reaches-a-new-all-time-high-market-share-on-steam/" rel="external nofollow">Steam's hardware survey</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Although there may be a bit of a silver lining this time as the report also adds that the 5060 Ti is going to have double the VRAM at 16 Gigs.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	In comparison, Intel's new <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/intel-we-beat-both-amd-nvidia-at-250-with-new-arc-b570-b580-battlemage/" rel="external nofollow">$250 Arc B580</a> comes with 12 GB VRAM and is overall faster than the RTX 4060. AMD also offers enough VRAM with its 12GB $350 7700 XT.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	You can find the alleged specifications of the RTX 50 series (Blackwell) GPUs in the table below. We have also linked the relevant coverage wherever applicable:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<table border="1px solid black;">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<th>
				Model
			</th>
			<th>
				GPU
			</th>
			<th>
				CUDA Cores
			</th>
			<th>
				Memory
			</th>
			<th>
				Memory Interface
			</th>
			<th>
				Memory Speed (Gbps)
			</th>
			<th>
				Memory Bandwidth (GB/s)
			</th>
			<th>
				Total Graphics Power (TGP)
			</th>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				RTX 5090
			</td>
			<td>
				GB202-300
			</td>
			<td>
				21760
			</td>
			<td>
				32GB GDDR7
			</td>
			<td>
				512-bit
			</td>
			<td>
				28
			</td>
			<td>
				1792
			</td>
			<td>
				<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/nvidias-rtx-5090-rumored-to-consume-600w-and-rtx-5080-400w-of-power/" rel="external nofollow">600W</a>
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/nvidia-probably-doesnt-care-about-gamers-as-rtx-5080-allegedly-has-just-16-gb-vram/" rel="external nofollow">RTX 5080</a>
			</td>
			<td>
				GB203-400
			</td>
			<td>
				10752
			</td>
			<td>
				16GB GDDR7
			</td>
			<td>
				256-bit
			</td>
			<td>
				<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/rumour-nvidias-next-gen-rtx-5080-to-have-the-fastest-gddr7-memory-speeds/" rel="external nofollow">32 (?)</a>
			</td>
			<td>
				1024
			</td>
			<td>
				400W
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/rtx-5070-ti-specifications-may-have-leaked-revealing-a-300w-gpu/" rel="external nofollow">RTX 5070 Ti</a>
			</td>
			<td>
				GB203-300
			</td>
			<td>
				8960
			</td>
			<td>
				16GB GDDR7
			</td>
			<td>
				256-bit
			</td>
			<td>
				28
			</td>
			<td>
				896
			</td>
			<td>
				350W
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				RTX 5070
			</td>
			<td>
				GB205
			</td>
			<td>
				6400
			</td>
			<td>
				12GB GDDR7
			</td>
			<td>
				192-bit
			</td>
			<td>
				28
			</td>
			<td>
				672
			</td>
			<td>
				250W
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				RTX 5060 Ti
			</td>
			<td>
				GB206 (?)
			</td>
			<td>
				5120 (?)
			</td>
			<td>
				16GB GDDR7
			</td>
			<td>
				128-bit
			</td>
			<td>
				28 (?)
			</td>
			<td>
				448 (?)
			</td>
			<td>
				200W
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>
				RTX 5060
			</td>
			<td>
				GB206 (?)
			</td>
			<td>
				4096 (?)
			</td>
			<td>
				8GB GDDR7
			</td>
			<td>
				128-bit
			</td>
			<td>
				24 (?)
			</td>
			<td>
				384 (?)
			</td>
			<td>
				150W
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	If you are wondering why it matters, in the recently released <em>Indiana Jones and the Great Circle</em>, 8GB graphics cards like the RTX 4060 were found to be struggling even at its intended resolution of 1080p (via <a href="https://www.computerbase.de/artikel/gaming/indiana-jones-und-der-grosse-kreis-benchmark-test.90500/seite-2" rel="external nofollow">ComputerBase</a>). Game assets like textures, decals, and ray-traced effects love memory and this is why modern games, especially, demand plenty of it.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	It is noteworthy here that the VRAM consumption of AMD, Nvidia, and Intel are all different with Nvidia being the most efficient in terms of delta color compression technology such that it requires the least amount of VRAM and bandwidth with Intel being the least efficient.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	However, as we found in our RX 7800 XT vs RTX 4070 comparison, the AMD card often had <a href="https://www.neowin.net/reviews/bang-for-buck-amd-radeon-rx-7800-xt-vs-nvidia-geforce-rtx-4070-2024-review/#:~:text=more%20than%20two%2Dthirds" rel="external nofollow">much more memory headroom available</a> despite Nvidia's superior technology.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Aside from the RTX 5060, Nvidia is also rumored to stick to 12 Gigs and 16 Gigs with the 5070 and <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/nvidia-probably-doesnt-care-about-gamers-as-rtx-5080-allegedly-has-just-16-gb-vram/" rel="external nofollow">5080 respectively</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/nvidia-allegedly-to-offer-just-8gb-vram-for-steams-most-popular-graphics-card-tier/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27027</guid><pubDate>Tue, 17 Dec 2024 03:06:43 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Qualcomm claps back at Intel, denies high return rates of Snapdragon PCs</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/qualcomm-claps-back-at-intel-denies-high-return-rates-of-snapdragon-pcs-r27020/</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>
	Qualcomm claims that its "device return rates are within industry norm" despite what Intel's co-CEO stated recently.
</h3>

<p>
	The battle between Qualcomm and Intel just got another friction-filled chapter. Shortly after Intel co-CEO Michelle Johnston Holthaus claimed Arm PCs with Snapdragon processors have high return rates, Qualcomm shared an official statement refuting Intel's claims.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	“Our devices continue to have greater than 4+ stars across consumer reviews and our products have received numerous accolades across the industry including awards from Fast Company, TechRadar, and many consumer publications. Our device return rates are within industry norm,” said a Qualcomm representative to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-hl-processed="none" data-url="https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/2024/qualcomm-return-rates-for-snapdragon-x-pcs-are-within-industry-norm" href="https://www.crn.com/news/components-peripherals/2024/qualcomm-return-rates-for-snapdragon-x-pcs-are-within-industry-norm" referrerpolicy="no-referrer-when-downgrade" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow">CRN</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Qualcomm's statement came in response to Holthaus claiming that retailers face high return rates when selling Arm PCs.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	“If you look at the return rate for Arm PCs, you go talk to any retailer, their number one concern is, ‘Wow, I get a large percentage of these back,’ because you go to set them up, and the things that we just expect don't work,’” said Holthaus.
</p>

<div>
	<div>
		<p>
			<picture><source sizes="(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P77KaAbqy5EAPSBKDv9umR-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P77KaAbqy5EAPSBKDv9umR-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P77KaAbqy5EAPSBKDv9umR-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P77KaAbqy5EAPSBKDv9umR-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P77KaAbqy5EAPSBKDv9umR-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P77KaAbqy5EAPSBKDv9umR-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w" type="image/webp"></source></picture>
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			<img alt="Snapdragon X Elite processor held up in front of a PC powered by the chip." class="ipsImage" height="720" width="720" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/P77KaAbqy5EAPSBKDv9umR-1024-80.jpg">
		</p>

		<p>
			<em><span>Qualcomm launched its Snapdragon X Elite and Snapdragon X Plus processors this year, helping Arm PCs </span></em>
		</p>

		<p>
			<em><span>compete with Intel-powered systems. </span></em>
		</p>

		<p>
			<em><span itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Future)</span></em>
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			Arm PCs have been around for years, but they have pushed their way into the limelight in 2024 thanks to Qualcomm's Snapdragon X processors. The <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/what-is-snapdragon-x-elite" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/what-is-snapdragon-x-elite" rel="external nofollow">Snapdragon X Elite</a> and <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/what-is-snapdragon-x-plus" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/laptops/what-is-snapdragon-x-plus" rel="external nofollow">Snapdragon X Plus</a> are much better than previous chips that went inside Arm PCs, creating competition with Intel. Windows 11 now works better with Arm as well, thanks to work by Microsoft. Running apps through emulation is also better because of Microsoft's <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/what-is-microsoft-prism" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/what-is-microsoft-prism" rel="external nofollow">Prism emulation software.</a> Arm computing has also gained many significant <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/essential-windows-on-arm-apps" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/essential-windows-on-arm-apps" rel="external nofollow">native Arm applications</a> in 2024.
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			Holthaus acknowledged that work but cited hurdles Arm computing still has to overcome, stating, “If you look at the investment in Arm, you look at the work that Microsoft's done, there's been a very large push to make Arm ubiquitous in the PC, and there's some real challenges to Arm being ubiquitous in the PC."
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>

		<p>
			Without official word from retailers, it's impossible to determine which tech company is correct in this case. I don't think stores will be eager to share return figures related to some of their biggest clients either, though there's always a chance more details will emerge.
		</p>

		<div id="slice-container-newsletterForm-articleInbodyContent-xN5tsZxtAfgXjys76aeGX5">
			<div data-hydrate="true">
				<h2 id="new-intel-ceo-3">
					New Intel CEO
				</h2>

				<div>
					<div>
						<p>
							<picture><source sizes="(min-width: 1000px) 970px, calc(100vw - 40px)" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s7VLYDkcXBrBck5zu82SRh-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s7VLYDkcXBrBck5zu82SRh-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s7VLYDkcXBrBck5zu82SRh-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s7VLYDkcXBrBck5zu82SRh-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s7VLYDkcXBrBck5zu82SRh-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s7VLYDkcXBrBck5zu82SRh-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w" type="image/webp"><img alt="Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger delivers a speech at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center during Computex 2024" class="ipsImage" height="720" width="720" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/s7VLYDkcXBrBck5zu82SRh-1024-80.jpg"></source></picture>
						</p>

						<p>
							<em><span>Intel had to name two co-CEOs following the abrupt retirement of Pat Gelsinger. </span></em>
						</p>

						<p>
							<em><span itemprop="copyrightHolder">(Image credit: Getty Images | I-HWA CHENG)</span></em>
						</p>

						<p>
							 
						</p>

						<p>
							Intel's Holthaus wasted little time in her new role to take a jab at one of the company's main competitors. Holthaus was named co-CEO of Intel in the aftermath of <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/work-productivity/intel-ceo-pat-gelsinger-just-retired-and-intel-stock-is-already-up-5-percent" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/work-productivity/intel-ceo-pat-gelsinger-just-retired-and-intel-stock-is-already-up-5-percent" rel="external nofollow">former CEO Pat Gelsinger retiring suddenly</a>. Gelsinger was reportedly under pressure to step down or be removed, and the executive chose the former. That left a vacancy that is being temporarily filled by Holthaus and David Zinsner. While both co-CEOs are serving on an interim basis, Holthaus has received a new permanent role as "CEO of Intel Products."
						</p>

						<p>
							 
						</p>

						<p>
							The Gelsinger retirement came to a head on December 2, 2024 when the former CEO announced his retirement. The move capped off a tumultuous year for the company that included a <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/intel/intel-faces-lawsuit-and-accusations-of-inflating-its-stock-price-by-sharing-materially-false-or-misleading-statements" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/intel/intel-faces-lawsuit-and-accusations-of-inflating-its-stock-price-by-sharing-materially-false-or-misleading-statements" rel="external nofollow">loss of $1.6 billion in a recent quarter</a>, the company having to <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/computers-desktops/this-is-painful-news-for-me-to-share-i-know-it-will-be-even-more-difficult-for-you-to-read-intel-gears-up-for-15000-layoffs-in-devastating-cost-cut" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/computers-desktops/this-is-painful-news-for-me-to-share-i-know-it-will-be-even-more-difficult-for-you-to-read-intel-gears-up-for-15000-layoffs-in-devastating-cost-cut" rel="external nofollow">lay off over 10,000 employees</a>, and Intel Foundry Services continuing to struggle. Holthaus and Zinsner now have to hold things down while Intel attempts to right the ship.
						</p>

						<p>
							 
						</p>

						<p>
							It's important to note that while Intel has genuine struggles that need addressing, the company is still strong in several areas. Intel Foundry Services <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" data-before-rewrite-localise="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/cpu-gpu-components/intel-foundry-sees-dollar7-billion-in-losses-and-doesnt-expect-to-break-even-until-2027" href="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/cpu-gpu-components/intel-foundry-sees-dollar7-billion-in-losses-and-doesnt-expect-to-break-even-until-2027" rel="external nofollow">lost $7 billion in 2023</a> and has not done well in 2024. That's forced Intel to look into spinning off Intel Foundry. There is a potential future in which Intel sees much greater success after figuring out a way to fix the situation created by its floundering Intel Foundry, but there are many questions that need to be answered before that could happen.
						</p>

						<p>
							 
						</p>

						<p>
							<a href="https://www.windowscentral.com/hardware/cpu-gpu-components/qualcomm-claps-back-at-intel-denies-high-return-rates-of-snapdragon-pcs" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
						</p>

						<hr class="ipsHr">
						<p>
							<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
						</p>

						<p>
							<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
						</p>

						<p>
							<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
						</p>

						<p>
							<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
						</p>
					</div>
				</div>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>
</div>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27020</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:06:02 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Europe&#x2019;s Starlink competitor is go</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/europe%E2%80%99s-starlink-competitor-is-go-r27019/</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>
	290 IRIS² satellites by 2030 to provide secure connectivity to governmental users as well as private companies and European citizens.
</h3>

<div>
	<div id="zephr-anchor">
		<div>
			<div>
				<p>
					The EU has <a href="https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_24_6439" rel="external nofollow">signed a deal</a> for its <a href="https://defence-industry-space.ec.europa.eu/eu-space/iris2-secure-connectivity_en" rel="external nofollow">IRIS² constellation</a> of 290 communication satellites that will operate in both medium and low-earth orbit. The Starlink rival will provide secure connectivity to governmental users as well as private companies and European citizens, and bring high-speed internet to dead-zones. The public-private deal valued at €10.6 billion (about $11 billion), <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/8e75ed31-0c72-4160-b406-1ca6aa36a84f" rel="external nofollow">according to <em>The Financial Times</em></a>, is expected to come online by 2030. 
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					SpaceRISE — a consortium led by European satellite network operators SES, Eutelsat, and Hispasat, and supported by European satcom subcontractors like Airbus and Deutsche Telekom — has been given a 12-year concession contract to develop, deploy, and operate the IRIS² constellation. IRIS² is an acronym for Infrastructure for Resilience, Interconnectivity and Security by Satellite.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					“This cutting-edge constellation will protect our critical infrastructures, connect our most remote areas and increase Europe’s strategic autonomy. By partnering with the SpaceRISE consortium, we are demonstrating the power of public-private collaboration to drive innovation and deliver tangible benefits to all Europeans,” said Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					In September, FCC chair Jessica Rosenworcel said <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/space/fcc-chair-wants-more-competition-spacexs-starlink-unit-2024-09-11/" rel="external nofollow">she wanted to see more competition</a> to Elon Musk’s Starlink, which has already launched some 7,000 satellites since 2018. “Our economy doesn’t benefit from monopolies... every communications market that has competition is strong, we see lower prices and more innovation, and honestly, space should be no exception.”
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/16/24322358/iris2-starlink-rival-europe-date-cost" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27019</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 17:05:02 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Apple AirTag 2 could feature extended range thanks to an advanced UWB chip</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/apple-airtag-2-could-feature-extended-range-thanks-to-an-advanced-uwb-chip-r27011/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Apple is rumored to launch the <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-second-generation-apple-airtag-is-rumored-to-be-announced-next-year/" rel="external nofollow">second-generation AirTag next year</a>. The AirTag 2 is speculated to have a <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/apple-could-launch-an-upgraded-airtag-in-mid-2025/" rel="external nofollow">mid-2025</a> release and could feature multiple upgrades over the current generation AirTag. Reportedly, the new AirTag will feature an advanced ultra-wideband (UWB) chipset similar to the one found inside the iPhone 15. The new UWB chipset is anticipated to significantly boost the AirTag's range and performance.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The current version of AirTag uses Precision Finding within a range of 10 to 30 meters, depending on the surrounding conditions. According to Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, the AirTag 2 could triple this range, making it much easier to locate lost items even from a greater distance. Gurman adds, "The new model should triple that by using the next-generation ultrawide-band chip, I’m told." Recently, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/united-airlines-adds-apple-airtags-share-item-location-tool-into-its-mobile-app/" rel="external nofollow">United Airlines added AirTag's Share Item Location</a> tool to its app, letting users track their delayed or lost luggage.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Not only the range but also the new UWB chip inside the upcoming AirTag 2 will likely enhance the overall accuracy and reliability of the AirTag's tracking capabilities. This means users will have a better experience when trying to find misplaced items like keys, bags, or wallets. This report corroborates previous information revealed by Gurman. Additionally, Apple is said to be working on enhancing the security features of the AirTag 2. However, specific details about the security features are not yet clear.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Bluetooth trackers available in the market such as from <a href="https://chipolo.net/en-us/blogs/difference-between-bluetooth-trackers-and-gps-trackers" rel="external nofollow">Chipolo</a>, have a maximum range of 200-300 feet (60-90 meters). Tracker from Tile, claims to work at a range of 100-500 feet (30-150 meters). If the rumors are true, the new UWB chip inside the next-generation AirTag will bring Apple's tracking device's range closer to Bluetooth trackers' offerings. The official price and pricing of the AirTag 2 have yet to be announced.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/apple-airtag-2-could-feature-extended-range-thanks-to-an-advanced-uwb-chip/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27011</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Dec 2024 08:15:40 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Paul's Tech News - The 1080p Era Is Finally OVER [Video]</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/pauls-tech-news-the-1080p-era-is-finally-over-video-r27008/</link><description><![CDATA[<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo" contenteditable="false">
	<div>
		<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="113" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/2k0vnvi0AsQ?feature=oembed" title="The 1080p Era Is Finally OVER" width="200"></iframe>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@paulshardware" rel="external nofollow" target="_blank">Paul's Hardware</a> (1.49M subscribers)
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	December 15, 2024
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Video length: 8m 55s
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	0:00 Welcome to Paul’s Tech News - Dec 15, 2024
</p>

<p>
	1:17 Intel Arc B580 launch goes quite well actually - awesome at 1440
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	TECH BRIEFS
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	4:23 AMD Ryzen AI MAX+ PRO 395 "Strix Halo" APU Spotted in Geekbench Leak
</p>

<p>
	5:30 HDMI 2.2 specs with increased bandwidth to be announced at CES 2025
</p>

<p>
	6:18 GPU sales have slumped as PC gamers wait for next-gen graphics cards
</p>

<p>
	6:54 Chinese businessman shows off 200 H200 NVIDIA GPUs he bought despite US ban
</p>

<p>
	7:39 Google unveils Willow quantum computing chip
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2k0vnvi0AsQ" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27008</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:25:28 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Microsoft Weekly: Windows 11 requirements are here to stay, Patch Tuesday, deals, and more</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/microsoft-weekly-windows-11-requirements-are-here-to-stay-patch-tuesday-deals-and-more-r27007/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	In this episode of Microsoft Weekly, we look at the latest Patch Tuesday updates, non-negotiable Windows 11 requirements that are not going anywhere, fresh Windows 11 preview builds, a new and slightly confusing Copilot app, gaming news, and more.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Table of contents:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ol>
	<li>
		<a href="#windows11" rel="">Windows 10 and 11 news</a>
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="#wip" rel="">Windows Insider Program</a>
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="#updates" rel="">Updates are available</a>
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="#reviews" rel="">Reviews are in</a>
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="#gaming" rel="">Gaming news</a>
	</li>
</ol>

<h3>
	<a id="windows11" name="windows11" rel=""></a>Windows 11 and 10
</h3>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		Here we talk about everything happening around Microsoft's latest operating system in the Stable channel and preview builds: new features, removed features, controversies, bugs, interesting findings, and more. And of course, you may find a word or two about older but still supported versions.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	As expected, on Tuesday, Microsoft released this month's security and quality updates for Windows 10 and 11. <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-kb5048667-kb5048685-december-2024-patch-tuesday-out/" rel="external nofollow">KB5048667 and KB5048685</a> arrived for those with Windows 11, while Windows 10 users received <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-10-kb5048652--kb5048661--kb5048671--kb5048703-december-2024-patch-tuesday-out/" rel="external nofollow">KB5048652, KB5048661, KB50448671, and KB5048703</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Shortly after the release of the December 2024 Patch Tuesday updates, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5048667-microsoft-removing-windows-11-24h2-usb-related-54762729-update-block-soon/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft lifted an update block</a> preventing some users with certain USB devices from updating to Windows 11.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Also, Microsoft <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-confirms-its-not-lowering-windows-11-system-requirements-for-unsupported-hardware/" rel="external nofollow">has updated</a> one of its support documents to clarify that it would not lower Windows 11's system requirements. Despite some interesting findings and experiments conducted by users, Windows 11 will continue requiring TPM 2.0, 4 GB of RAM, and pretty recent processors from AMD and Intel.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<p>
		<img alt="A Windows 11 logo" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/08/1722586330_windows_11.jpg">
	</p>

	<p>
		 
	</p>
</figure>

<hr>
<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	If you use Suggested Actions in Windows 11, we have bad news for you: <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-kills-a-handy-windows-11-feature-that-allowed-quick-calls-or-event-creation/" rel="external nofollow">the feature is on its way out</a>. Earlier this week, Microsoft announced that Suggested Actions in Windows 11 are now deprecated, and a future update will remove it from the operating system. The company is also <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/helldivers-2-update-out-with-new-faction-drivable-vehicle-urban-environments-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">removing</a> NTLM from Windows 11 version 24H2 and Server 2025.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="The new Search copied text suggested action" class="ipsImage" height="505" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2022/11/1668795751_quick_actions.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	If you live in Europe and you want a fancy new Copilot+ PC, check out <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/honors-first-copilot-pc-has-an-oled-display-and-a-magnetically-attached-webcam/" rel="external nofollow">HONOR's new MagicBook Art 14</a> laptop. It is now available for preorder in certain European countries, offering users a thin and powerful laptop with some interesting quirk and beautiful design.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Honor MagicBook Art 14" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734014890_honor_magicart_14_1.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	We finish this week's Windows 11 section with a story about the operating system <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/unofficial-windows-11-mobile-is-possible-even-on-select-budget-phones-with-a-free-utility/" rel="external nofollow">running on an Android phone</a>. While doing something like that requires a lot of effort, the result, according to the project's author, turned out to be running "pretty smooth."
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<strong><a id="wip" name="wip" rel=""></a>Windows Insider Program</strong>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Here is what Microsoft Released this week for testing in the Windows Insider Program:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1" style="width:100%">
	<thead>
		<tr>
			<th scope="col">
				 
			</th>
			<th scope="col">
				Windows 11
			</th>
			<th scope="col">
				Windows 10
			</th>
			<th scope="col">
				Windows Server
			</th>
		</tr>
	</thead>
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">
				Canary Channel
			</th>
			<td>
				<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-build-27764-is-out-with-start-menu-improvements-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Build 27764</a>
			</td>
			<td>
				Not Applicable
			</td>
			<td colspan="1" rowspan="4">
				Nothing for Server
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">
				Dev Channel
			</th>
			<td>
				<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11-build-261202702-is-out-in-dev-channel-with-new-webcam-features/" rel="external nofollow">Build 26120.2702</a>
			</td>
			<td>
				Not Applicable
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">
				Beta Channel
			</th>
			<td>
				<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/kb5048753-windows-11-gets-better-start-menu-filter-new-edge-gaming-assist-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Build 22635.4655</a>
			</td>
			<td>
				Not Applicable
			</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<th scope="row">
				Release Preview Channel
			</th>
			<td>
				 
			</td>
			<td>
				 
			</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Windows 11 build 22635.4580, which was released last week in the Beta Channel, contains <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11s-taskbar-is-getting-a-dedicated-emoji-button/" rel="external nofollow">a hidden feature</a> that lets you place an emoji button in the tray area. Not everyone knows about the emoji panel and its key shortcut, so Microsoft wants to improve the feature's discoverability with a new entry on the taskbar.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Emoji Panel Settings in Windows 11" class="ipsImage" height="468" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1733833906_emoji_panel.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	In addition to new preview builds, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-replaces-web-based-copilot-app-with-a-native-one-for-windows-10-and-11-insiders/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft released a new Copilot app</a> for Windows 10 and 11 Insiders. Microsoft said that the updated version is "fully native," but users quickly discovered that it is still a web wrapper. At least there is a new shortcut and a fancier UI.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As for more useful and positive changes, Windows Insiders with iPhones can have <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-shares-requirements-for-file-sharing-between-windows-1110-and-apple-iphones/" rel="external nofollow">a sort of AirDrop feature on Windows 11</a>. The latest Phone Link update for Windows 11 allows the sharing of files between iPhones and PCs.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<hr>
<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	If you are a Windows Insider with a Copilot+ PC, be careful when using the Recall feature. As it turned out, despite reassurances from Microsoft, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/despite-assurances-windows-11s-recall-still-captures-a-lot-of-sensitive-data/" rel="external nofollow">Recall still captures a lot of sensitive data</a> like credit card information, social security numbers, and more. While it can filter out such information on certain web pages, there are many times when Recall's filters do not work.
</p>

<h3>
	<a id="updates" name="updates" rel=""></a>Updates are available
</h3>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		This section covers software, firmware, and other notable updates (released and coming soon) delivering new features, security fixes, improvements, patches, and more from Microsoft and third parties.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	The Files Preview app is <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/files-preview-is-now-available-in-the-microsoft-store-with-improved-details-pane-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">now available in the Microsoft Store</a>. If you have purchased the stable release in the Microsoft Store, you can get it for free until the end of this year. With Files Preview, you can test early updates before they roll out to all users.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Stardock released a couple of updates to its productivity-focused applications on Windows 10 and 11. <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/stardock-releases-multiplicity-4-v10-with-seamless-display-arm-support-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Multiplicity 4</a> (an app that lets you control several computers with one keyboard and mouse), for one, received Seamless Display, ARM support, multi-monitor streaming, improved audio, better security, and other changes.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/want-a-vertical-taskbar-in-windows-11-new-start11-update-lets-you-have-that/" rel="external nofollow">Start11 also got an update</a> with a major new feature that lets you move the taskbar to the left or right. It is available in version 2.5 beta, and a public release is scheduled for the next month.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Vertical taskbar in Windows 11" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734007207_s11_v2.5_left_2.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Microsoft made some <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-kills-skype-credits-offers-users-to-switch-to-a-subscription-instead/" rel="external nofollow">quiet changes in Skype</a> and its ability to make landline and mobile calls. From now on, Skype users can no longer purchase Skype Credits or Skype phone numbers. As such, making landline and mobile calls from Skype now requires buying a subscription, whose price depends on where you want to call. As for Skype phone numbers, they are no longer available for purchase at all, albeit existing numbers will continue working fine.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Skype on iPhone" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/08/1723987455_skype.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Other notable updates include the following:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ul>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/logitech-options-plus-185-is-out-with-new-backlighting-features-for-mx-mini-keys-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Logitech Options Plus 1.85 arrived with new backlighting features for MX Mini and more</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-teams-for-ipad-gets-external-camera-support/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft Teams for iPad now supports external webcams</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/firefox-13303-is-out-with-fixes-for-missing-scrollbars-incorrect-window-positioning-more/" rel="external nofollow">Mozilla released Firefox 133.0.3 with fixes for missing scrollbars, incorrect window positioning, and more</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/you-can-now-take-control-during-screen-sharing-in-teams-for-the-web/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft Teams Public Preview now lets you take control of presentations</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/meta-quest-v72-update-brings-better-integration-with-windows-11-pcs-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Meta Quest v72 update is out with improved integration with Windows 11 PCs and more</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-follows-googles-footsteps-removes-cache-links-from-bing-search-results/" rel="external nofollow">Bing is removing cached links from search results</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<p>
			<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-introduces-phi-4-a-14b-parameter-state-of-the-art-small-language-model/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft introduced Phi-4, a 14B parameter state-of-the-art small language model</a>.
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>
	And here are the newest drivers and firmware released this week:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ul>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/intel-releases-new-graphics-driver-with-arc-b-series-graphics-card-support/" rel="external nofollow">Intel Arc 32.0.101.6325/101.6252 WHQL with support for the new Arc B580 graphics card</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/surface-pro-11-and-laptop-7-get-big-firmware-update-full-of-fixes-and-improvements/" rel="external nofollow">Surface Pro 11 and Laptop 7 received big updates with plenty of various fixes</a>.
	</li>
</ul>

<h3>
	<a id="reviews" name="reviews" rel=""></a>Reviews are in
</h3>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		Here are the hardware or software reviews we published this week.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Steven Parker reviewed <a href="https://www.neowin.net/reviews/narwal-freo-z-ultra-review-automatic-sucking-and-mopping-with-ai/" rel="external nofollow">the Narwal Freo Z Ultra</a>—a pretty advanced robovac with mopping, AI, a big dust cabin, and other handy features. It is a good choice, as long as you can swallow its pretty hefty price tag.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Narwal Freo Z Ultra robotvac" class="ipsImage" height="539" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1733409321_20241022_154927.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Robbie Khan reviewed <a href="https://www.neowin.net/reviews/review-i-drove-over-the-doogee-s200-10100mah-night-vision-phone-no-cats-were-harmed/" rel="external nofollow">the DOOGEE S200</a>, a rugged smartphone with a massive battery and an extra display on the back. However, at some point, the review process went sideways with some unexpected results (no cats were harmed in the process, though).
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="DOOGEE S200" class="ipsImage" height="479" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1733087181_2024.11.30_1729-01_00019.jpg">
</figure>

<h3>
	<a id="gaming" name="gaming" rel=""></a>On the gaming side
</h3>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		Learn about upcoming game releases, Xbox rumors, new hardware, software updates, freebies, deals, discounts and more.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	<em>Forza Motorsport </em><a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/forza-motorsport-update-15-is-out-with-australia-tour-ray-traced-global-illumination-more/" rel="external nofollow">received Update 15</a> with new content and graphical improvements. The update adds an Australia Tour, a bunch of Aussie cars, and new graphical features for gamers with compatible hardware. The game now supports ray-traced global illumination for better visual and more immersive lighting.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Forza Motorsport Australian Tour update" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1733768717_untitled.jpg">
	<figcaption>
		Watch your head in <s>Austria</s> Australia!
	</figcaption>
</figure>

<p>
	<em>Starfield </em>and <em>Doom </em>received <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/doom-comes-to-starfield-with-crossover-quest-adds-praetor-suit-super-shotgun-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">a rather unexpected crossover</a>, in which <em>Starfield </em>players can wear Doom Slayer's armor, use some of its iconic weapons, and complete a special quest.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/a-year-into-launch-suicide-squad-kill-the-justice-league-is-being-killed-off/" rel="external nofollow">Rocksteady Studios is killing</a> <em>Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League. </em>Season 4 Episode 8 will be the final seasonal episode for the game after its rather disastrous launch in February 2024. Although the game will no longer receive any updates, gamers will be able to continue playing it as long as servers remain online.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Suicide Squad Kill the Justice League screenshot" class="ipsImage" height="450" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/02/1707132685_20240203210822_1.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	<em>Cyberpunk 2077 </em>received an update with dynamic car paints, expanded character customization, and a photo mode. <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/cyberpunk-2077-gets-dynamic-car-paints-expanded-character-customizations-and-photo-mode/" rel="external nofollow">Update 2.2 is now available</a> on all supported platforms. By the way, look out for even more features and content for the game, as <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/cd-projekt-red-has-time-for-even-more-cyberpunk-2077-features-new-reveal-soon/" rel="external nofollow">it was announced</a> on CD Projekt RED's social media channels.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Cyberpunk 2077" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1733850368_option-2-back-up-919305098e0f0693a4a5.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	There is some good news for those into emulation. RPCS3, a popular PlayStation 3 emulator, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/ps3-emulator-rpcs3-adds-arm64-support-shows-off-gameplay-on-apple-silicon-and-raspberry-pi/" rel="external nofollow">received Arm64 support</a>, which enables PlayStation 3 emulation on devices like Apple Silicon-powered Macs and Copilot+ PCs with Snapdragon X processors.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Microsoft announced some big changes for its cloud game streaming platform. Xbox Cloud Gaming now allows Xbox Insiders to <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/xbox-insiders-can-now-stream-owned-games-on-xbox-series-xs-and-xbox-one-via-cloud-gaming/" rel="external nofollow">stream some of the games they own</a>, even if they are not available in Game Pass. However, keep in mind that the feature requires the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate tier, and the number of supported games is currently limited to roughly 50 titles.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	There were plenty of interesting announcements during The Game Awards 2024 show. <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/mafia-the-old-country-trailer-shows-off-prequel-setting-and-new-protagonist-enzo/" rel="external nofollow"><em>Mafia: The Old Country</em> trailer is out</a>, showing off the prequel setting and new protagonist, Enzo; <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-last-of-us-part-ii-remastered-coming-to-pc-in-april-2025/" rel="external nofollow"><em>The Last of Us Part II</em> Remastered for PC</a> was announced; Obsidian's <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/obsidians-the-outer-worlds-2-is-out-in-2025-first-gameplay-trailer-is-here/" rel="external nofollow"><em>The Outer Worlds 2</em> is coming in 2025</a> (the first gameplay trailer is out); and <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-witcher-iv-officially-unveiled-at-the-game-awards-shows-ciri-in-action/" rel="external nofollow"><em>The Witcher IV</em> was finally unveiled </a>with a cinematic reveal trailer.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<strong>Deals and Freebies</strong>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-lord-of-the-rings-return-to-moria-is-free-to-claim-on-the-epic-games-store/" rel="external nofollow">The Epic Games Store is giving away</a> <em>The Lord of the Rings: Return to Moria. </em>You can get this game for $0 until December 19. Also, the store is about to start its daily giveaways, so look out for more freebies beginning tomorrow. As usual, more deals are available in our weekly <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/weekend-pc-game-deals-daily-encore-bundles-nominee-discounts-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Weekend PC Game Deals Series</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="The Lord of the Rings Return to Moria" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734017824_loterpic.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Other gaming stories include the following:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ul>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/steam-gains-more-settings-to-let-you-configure-when-exactly-can-a-game-update/" rel="external nofollow">Valve has updated Steam with a new feature that lets you configure when games can install updates</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/nvidia-geforce-now-receives-the-thing-remastered-legacy-of-kain-remasters-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Nvidia announced new games for GeForce NOW, including <em>The Thing: Remastered, Legacy of Kain remasters</em>, and more</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/space-engineers-2-announced-with-massive-upgrades-to-the-sandbox-and-physics-systems/" rel="external nofollow"><em>Space Engineers 2</em> announced with massive upgrades to the sandbox and physics system</a>.
	</li>
	<li>
		<p>
			<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/space-marine-2-update-adds-new-mission-parry-rework-dlss-and-fsr-frame-gen-and-more/" rel="external nofollow"><em>Space Marine 2</em> update adds a new mission, parry rework, DLSS and FSR frame-gen, and more</a>.
		</p>
	</li>
	<li>
		<p>
			<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/helldivers-2-update-out-with-new-faction-drivable-vehicle-urban-environments-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Helldivers 2 received a new faction, a drivable vehicle, urban environments, and more</a>.
		</p>
	</li>
</ul>

<h3>
	<a id="deals" name="deals" rel=""></a>
</h3>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-weekly-windows-11-requirements-are-here-to-stay-patch-tuesday-deals-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27007</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:12:25 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>These are the six new features I want added to Instagram in 2025</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/these-are-the-six-new-features-i-want-added-to-instagram-in-2025-r27006/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	It has been over a decade since I started using social media regularly. My journey began with Orkut, then Facebook, and finally, my poison in recent years, has been Instagram. I am not even remotely proud to admit that social media has become a part of my daily life and <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/google-rolls-out-screen-time-reminders-on-android-to-help-you-break-the-scroll/" rel="external nofollow">contributing to my screen time</a>. Part of the blame goes to the sinking costs of the modern internet and affordable smartphones; my regular dose of dopamine-inducing content isn’t far away.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Instagram has managed to stay among the top dogs in the game by developing <a href="http://www.neowin.net/news/instagram-now-lets-users-create-short-video-reels/" rel="external nofollow">captivating features</a> that keep me glued to its app. But the truth is that I will not stop using Instagram anytime soon. And the platform has some good features that improve my zombie scrolling experience.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	That said, parts of Instagram need some changes to become even more useful. Here are some new features and changes Instagram can add to its platform to improve user experience. I don't know if companies read such posts, but one of the features I requested from Apple <a href="https://www.neowin.net/guides/how-to-delete-long-videos-from-icloud-photos-on-iphone/" rel="external nofollow">ended up in iOS 18 this year</a>.
</p>

<h3>
	Make Collections more useful
</h3>

<p>
	If I could name one Instagram feature I can’t live without, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/instagram-now-lets-you-sort-your-saved-posts-into-collections/" rel="external nofollow">it’s Collections</a>. Those who like to keep their digital content organized will surely love it. It lets you save the posts, reels, and audio you come across on Instagram so you can access them later. I am so invested in it, that if Instagram asks me to pick one between Collections and the ability to set <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/ai-powered-profile-image-generation-is-coming-to-instagram/" rel="external nofollow">my profile picture</a>, I would choose the former.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	But the sad part is that Instagram isn’t doing enough justice to the feature; for instance, it’s tucked away behind several clicks on the profile page. Instagram should offer easy access to Collections by adding a button at the top of the home page before the heart-shaped notifications button.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Instagram features wishlist" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734192326_instagram_collections_mockup.jpg">
	<figcaption>
		<em>Mockup for Collections button on home screen</em>
	</figcaption>
</figure>

<p>
	I have 20+ folders in the Collections section to sort content into various categories. The posts related to movies go in one folder, sad quotes in another, and so on. Here, a search bar in the Collections user interface is something I crave, because finding the correct folder in the long list will become quicker, especially in the picker UI that shows up when you bookmark a new post or reel.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	When you’re inside a particular Collections folder, you’ll find that the app loads content as you scroll down. It could be my preference, but Instagram should add a “Scroll to bottom” option in the collections folder, which can help me find posts I saved months or maybe years ago.
</p>

<h3>
	Generative AI prompts to optimize Instagram feed
</h3>

<p>
	Whether we want it or not, more AI will come into our lives. Meta and Instagram have been <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/metas-chatbot-is-straight-up-telling-mushroom-hunters-to-cook-up-poison/" rel="external nofollow">adding AI features</a> quite often. It goes without saying that the Instagram <a href="https://transparency.meta.com/features/explaining-ranking/ig-feed-recommendations/" rel="external nofollow">algorithm</a> that feeds content to you is powered by artificial intelligence. <span open="" sans="">However, we have seen </span><a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/google-explains-why-ai-overviews-wants-you-to-glue-cheese-to-your-pizza/" rel="external nofollow">how AI can mess things up</a> while<span open="" sans=""> its makers face public embarrassment.</span>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Recently, Instagram rolled out a new feature that lets you <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/new-feature-lets-you-reset-instagram-recommendations/" rel="external nofollow">reset your recommendations</a> and take a fresh start. But wouldn’t it be better if the company gave us more control over AI and our content recommendations?
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	I mean, if you’re going to do something wrong, at least do it right. Instagram should add a feature that lets me create generative AI prompts for the content recommendation algorithm. For instance, if I could command Instagram: “Show me dark memes for a week” or “Don’t show me posts related to politics for a month.”
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	I might even consider paying for Instagram every month if such a feature exists someday.
</p>

<h3>
	Updated audio library for creating Reels and Stories
</h3>

<p>
	If you ever want to test your patience, try using the audio library on Instagram. The audio library shows up when you <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/instagram-now-lets-you-post-trial-reels-to-experiment-with-fresh-content/" rel="external nofollow">create a new Reel</a>, Story, or post and tap the Music button. It offers a massive catalog of songs, background scores, and audio effects you can add to your content without worrying about copyright strikes.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	That’s because Instagram has already licensed all the music in its sound collection. However, Instagram’s audio library interface is in dire need of improvement; it's buggy and super annoying to use.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	When you use the audio library, you either pick a song from the “For You” recommendations, from the “Saved” section, or use the search bar to find the one you want. You can press the small play button against each song to hear it or tap on its name to open a user interface where you can slide to adjust the audio clip you want to add.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Instagram features wishlist" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734192320_instagram_audio_library.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	This is where things get annoying. When tapping the play button, Instagram previously used to play the exact clip of the audio it would add to the content. It has since updated the button to play the song from the start. You’ll have to tap on its name to hear the exact clip.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	So, if you picked one song and didn’t like it, you can’t just press another button to jump to the next/previous song on the list. You must type your query in the search bar again and tap on the new song you want to try. It doesn’t seem like a task, but try it with 15 different songs, and you’ll see yourself scratching your head and cursing Instagram.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The problem here is that the audio library doesn’t remember the query you typed in the search bar or the scrolling position of the song you added. It is a careless move from one of the biggest social media platforms.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Instagram should give memory to the search bar and add a next/previous button in the UI that people can use to switch between songs. The Saved section in the audio library should include "original audio" music saved in the Collections.
</p>

<h3>
	Offline mode
</h3>

<p>
	There are days when you have to catch long-haul flights to work or vacation. Modern flights offer entertainment options onboard, and I usually download my share of movies and TV shows that last throughout the flight.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	But what else can you do? Scroll through social media. Forget it because flight internet is yet to become cheap. What would be a better opportunity for Instagram to add an offline mode to its app. The feature can preload a few hours of content you can watch during your flight. Any likes, bookmarks, comments, and shares can be saved locally and synced to the cloud when the device is back online.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	It’s not a moonshot, and Instagram doesn’t need to care about storage space, either. YouTube offers smart offline downloads, and modern smartphones have massive storage chips.
</p>

<h3>
	Sort unread messages
</h3>

<p>
	Some people get many DMs on Instagram (read memes), and sometimes, they might be too busy to respond immediately. A possible consequence is the unread message might be buried under the pile of DMs. Instagram and Meta can fix this by adding an unread messages filter <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/this-awesome-change-will-help-you-get-to-your-whatsapp-messages-quicker/" rel="external nofollow">like WhatsApp</a>.
</p>

<h3>
	Meme mode (or whatever you call it)
</h3>

<p>
	Speaking of memes, one of my personal needs is to find a way to deal with the countless memes and reels some of our beloved friends send us daily. I appreciate the effort, but the dude needs to cut some slack on the daily spamming.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	There is no easy way to jump between multiple reels in direct messages. You have to open each of them one by one. It could be my personal problem, but it would be better if Instagram allowed us to jump to the next/previous reel message by swiping up/down on the screen.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Mockup Emoji panel in Instagram DMs" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734194358_instagram_emoji_panel_in_dms_mockup.jpg">
	<figcaption>
		<em>Mockup of emoji shortcuts in Instagram DMs</em>
	</figcaption>
</figure>

<h3>
	Features I wanted, but got added already
</h3>

<p>
	One thing that was initially on my list was a separate tab for Broadcast channels in DMs, but Instagram has already added it. I also hoped that adding emoji reactions to reels and posts shared in DMs would become easier, and Instagram has done it partly. Instagram should add frequently used emoji reactions in the space next to a reel or image shared in the DMs for quick access.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>These are some features and changes Instagram should add to its app in future updates, preferably in 2025. If you want to add any suggestions, feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments.</em>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/editorials/these-are-the-six-new-features-i-want-added-to-instagram-in-2025/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27006</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:10:22 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Apple's Magic Mouse might finally get a redesign after 15 years</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/apples-magic-mouse-might-finally-get-a-redesign-after-15-years-r27005/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Magic Mouse is one of the most veteran <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/new-patch-adds-support-for-apples-latest-magic-trackpad-to-linux/" rel="external nofollow">accessories Apple currently has in its lineup</a>. The product has been on sale since 2009 and is even older than the first iPad. While Magic Mouse has received several tweaks and upgrades in the past several years, its overall design has remained relatively unchanged since then.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As per a new report by <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/newsletters/2024-12-15/apple-working-on-giant-foldable-ipad-revamped-mouse-longer-range-airtag-2?cmpid=" rel="external nofollow">Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman</a>, Apple might finally release a new Magic Mouse, and the product is already in the works. Apple’s design team reportedly started experimenting with several prototypes, aiming to design a product that meets modern demands.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Yet, we have no clues about the potential design of an all-new Magic Mouse. However, Gurman says Apple is looking to design something that’s “more relevant” to the new computing world with touch screens and voice commands.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As for the design, Apple Magic Mouse is known to be one of the least ergonomic products on the market. Despite numerous complaints, Apple hasn’t yet applied a makeover, and Magic Mouse has kept its original shape and design from the 2009 era. Hopefully, the new Magic Mouse will be more ergonomic and comfortable to use.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Additionally, switching to a rechargeable system and moving away from the AA batteries was a solid upgrade to Magic Mouse. However, a rechargeable system also has its downsides, like limited battery life and a charging port on the bottom of the mouse. Apple could opt for a bigger battery in the new Magic Mouse while changing the charging port placement to a more accessible spot.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Apple has been relatively indifferent to the Magic Mouse, and switching to USB-C from the Lightning port is the only tweak the product has received in the past several years. A modified Magic Mouse with a more ergonomic design and better battery life is a much-needed addition to the Apple lineup.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	It remains to be seen when the new Magic Mouse makes it to the market, but Gurman says he “wouldn’t expect anything in the next 12 to 18 months.”
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/apples-magic-mouse-might-finally-get-a-redesign-after-15-years/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27005</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2024 17:08:57 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>HDMI 2.2 will be announced next month &#x2014; and it may require a new cable</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/hdmi-22-will-be-announced-next-month-%E2%80%94-and-it-may-require-a-new-cable-r27001/</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>
	The HDMI Forum says HDMI 2.2 will support “a wide range of higher resolutions and refresh rates.”
</h3>

<div>
	<div id="zephr-anchor">
		<div>
			<div>
				<p>
					The group behind the HDMI standard, HDMI Forum, says that it will detail a new spec release in a press conference on January 6th that will enable “a wide range of higher resolutions and refresh rates.” The new capabilities will be “supported with a new cable,” according to the HDMI Forum’s email to <em>The Verge </em>announcing the presser.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					The spec is likely to be HDMI 2.2, <a href="https://videocardz.com/newz/hdmi-2-2-specs-with-increased-bandwidth-to-be-announced-at-ces-2025" rel="external nofollow">as <em>VideoCardz </em>notes</a>. The Forum’s email hints at it too, noting that the HDMI Licensing Administrator, which two of the planned speakers at the event represent, is appointed “to license Version 2.2 of the HDMI specification.”
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					HDMI 2.1, which has only ever received lettered revisions since its 2017 introduction, supports 48Gbps bandwidth, up to 120Hz variable refresh rates, and resolutions up to 10240 x 4320. <em>VideoCardz</em> speculates that the updated spec could allow for higher resolutions and framerates without the need for Display Stream Compression.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					Whatever the spec brings, that mention of a new cable is a tidy reminder that <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/9/16/23872237/apple-iphone-15-usb-c-switch-guide" rel="external nofollow">like USB-C</a>, not all HDMI cables are the same. It seems unlikely that HDMI Forum would change the port itself, so you’ll probably be able to use your old ones with the updated spec, and some might even support its higher bandwidth. Still, there’s always the chance you need fresh cables to get all of the new capabilities when the time comes.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/14/24321144/hdmi-2-2-new-cable-higher-resolution-refresh-rate" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27001</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2024 07:31:47 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Humble Bundle's revoked all those Indiana Jones keys it gave away for free (even if it was already in your Steam library)</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/humble-bundles-revoked-all-those-indiana-jones-keys-it-gave-away-for-free-even-if-it-was-already-in-your-steam-library-r27000/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	<strong>Humble Bundle's revoked all those Indiana Jones keys it gave away for free (even if it was already in your Steam library)</strong>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>By Robert Zak</em>
</p>

<p>
	<em>published 2 days ago</em>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	A friendly reminder that you don't own anything on Steam.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is, especially if the item in question is a digital key for a brand-new game that can be swiped away using DRM witchcraft just as swiftly as it can be activated. That's what happened with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which Humble Bundle had labelled as 'free' two days ago, prompting a good number of people to pounce on the irresistible bargain. 
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Sadly, Humble Bundle has now revoked all those keys, releasing a statement saying that "due to a mistake in the provided pricing for this game, the game was incorrectly marked as 'free.'" In a move that's understandable but also reminds us of the ethereal nature of digital ownership, Humble not only deactivated the Steam keys it had given away, but revoked the game even after it had already been activated in players' Steam libraries. <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/pcgaming/comments/1hapzxp/run_dont_walk_indiana_jones_is_free_on_humble/" rel="external nofollow">Some disappointed players on Reddit</a> even said they'd started playing the game on Steam, only to log in later and find that it had been pulled from their library. 
</p>


	<div>
		<div>
			<p>
				<picture><source srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-320-80.jpg.webp 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-480-80.jpg.webp 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-650-80.jpg.webp 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-970-80.jpg.webp 970w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-1024-80.jpg.webp 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-1200-80.jpg.webp 1200w" type="image/webp"><img alt="Sphynx of Giza in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" data-ratio="75.10" srcset="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-320-80.jpg 320w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-480-80.jpg 480w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-650-80.jpg 650w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-970-80.jpg 970w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-1024-80.jpg 1024w, https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-1200-80.jpg 1200w" width="719" src="https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hSiqvwjNcM7JeJr544GfF9-320-80.jpg" /></source></picture>
			</p>
		</div>
	</div>

	
		<span>(Image credit: MachineGames)</span>
	


<p>
	Intriguingly, at the time of writing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been delisted from Humble Bundle altogether, so maybe some stern words were had with Microsoft or Zenimax about their latest flagship title being given away for nothing.
</p>


	<div>
		 
	</div>


<p>
	The laws behind buying mispriced items vary from country to country. In the UK, for instance, if you buy an item in a shop for a lower cost than the vendor intended to sell it, you're entitled to keep that item, assuming you were unaware of the correct price. Online, if a seller realises they mispriced the item before sending it, they can cancel the order, but usually once it's in your hands it's yours to keep. 
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	But in Indiana Jones' case, those keys are just licenses to play the game under the Steam Subscriber Agreement, and as we can see, you don't have that much control if a seller or publisher decides they don't want you playing that game on Steam. The joys of DRM, eh? If it's any consolation, you can play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle within your PC Game Pass subscription, which is still a pretty good deal for what <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/adventure/indiana-jones-and-the-great-circle-review/" rel="external nofollow">our review deems to be a great game</a>. 
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/humble-bundles-revoked-all-those-indiana-jones-keys-it-gave-away-for-free-even-if-it-was-already-in-your-steam-library/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">27000</guid><pubDate>Sun, 15 Dec 2024 00:01:19 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Here are the top 10 tech controversies of 2024</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/here-are-the-top-10-tech-controversies-of-2024-r26999/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	2024 is almost over. This year offered interesting gadgets, AI tools, and updates that got people talking—some for the right reasons, some, not so much. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 tech controversies of 2024, ranked from least controversial to the most.
</p>

<h3>
	10. Apple's power button placement on the new Mac mini
</h3>

<p>
	When Apple <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/apple-launches-redesigned-599-mac-mini-with-m4-and-m4-pro-options/" rel="external nofollow">dropped the new Mac mini with the M4 and M4 Pro chips</a>, people were pretty impressed by its compact design. But there was one thing that got everyone talking: the power button placement.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Apple Mac Mini" class="ipsImage" height="429" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/10/1730217362_apple_mac_mini_2024.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Apple decided to put it underneath the unit, and, well, that didn't sit well with everyone. Some Neowin readers were like, "<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/apple-defends-the-strange-power-button-placement-on-its-m4-mac-mini/#:~:text=Report-,Isn%27t%20this%20all%20a%20bit%20much%3F%20I%20cannot%20recall%20the%20last%20time%20I%20needed%20to%20press%20my%20power%20button,-." rel="external nofollow">Who cares? I hardly ever turn my computer off anyway</a>," which kind of<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/apple-defends-the-strange-power-button-placement-on-its-m4-mac-mini/" rel="external nofollow"> aligns with Apple’s thinking</a>. But others weren’t so forgiving. They pointed out that not everyone has a rock-solid power supply, and if you're dealing with frequent power outages, reaching under the unit to press a button isn’t ideal.
</p>

<h3>
	9. Spotify Car Thing discontinued
</h3>

<p>
	Spotify launched the Car Thing in 2021, a hardware device designed to enhance the in-car music experience. It gained popularity, especially among users with older cars that lacked modern infotainment systems.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Spotify Car Thing" class="ipsImage" height="540" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/05/1716492693_spotify_car_thing.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	However, in May 2024, Spotify <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/spotify-just-turned-car-thing-streaming-hardware-into-a-90-paperweight/" rel="external nofollow">announced it would discontinue the product</a>. Many users were understandably upset, as the Car Thing was still relatively new. They argued that had they known the device would be unsupported within a few years, they would not have made the purchase. While the Car Thing was expected to stop working by December 9, 2024, some users on Reddit have <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/spotifys-car-thing-is-still-alive-and-kicking-for-some-users/" rel="external nofollow">reported that their devices are still functioning</a>.
</p>

<h3>
	8. Apple "Crush" ad missed the mark
</h3>

<p>
	Earlier this year, Apple <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-new-apple-ipad-pros-are-great-but-still-miss-out-on-the-always-on-display-feature/" rel="external nofollow">refreshed its iPad Pro</a> and promoted it with an ad titled "Crush." The ad depicted creative tools being destroyed by a hydraulic press, including items like paint cans, musical instruments, cameras, and more, with the iPad Pro emerging from the wreckage.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<img alt="Apple Crush Ad" class="ipsImage" height="480" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/05/1715286850_20240509_apple_crush_apology_3x2.jpg">
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	This was meant to symbolize how the iPad could replace multiple pieces of creative equipment. However, many users misunderstood the message. The situation escalated to the point where Apple did something rare: <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/apple-apologises-for-new-ipad-pro-commercial-due-to-online-backlash/" rel="external nofollow">they apologized</a>. Tor Myhren, Apple’s VP of marketing communications, expressed regret, acknowledging that the company missed the mark with the ad and emphasizing that it did not intend to undermine creatives.
</p>

<h3>
	7. Microsoft really wants you to use Bing, Edge, and Copilot
</h3>

<p>
	This year, Microsoft ramped up its ad strategy to convert Chrome users to Edge. The company has done this so frequently that it’s almost become a running joke. Earlier this year,<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-is-once-again-harassing-chrome-users-with-malware-like-bing-ads/" rel="external nofollow"> users reported receiving pop-up ads promoting Bing while browsing Google Chrome</a>. The pop-up read: "Chat with GPT-4 for free on Chrome! Get hundreds of daily chat turns with Bing AI." Users were given two options: "No, thanks" and "Yes." Clicking "Yes" would add the Bing Search extension to Chrome, making Bing the default search engine.
</p>

<p class="img-center">
	<img alt="Bing ad in Windows 11" class="ipsImage" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/03/1710521910_bing_ad.jpg">
</p>

<p>
	This isn't the first instance of Microsoft’s aggressive advertising tactics. In November,<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-admits-edge-is-once-again-trying-to-steal-your-chrome-tabs/" rel="external nofollow"> Edge was caught auto-starting on PCs with a pop-up promoting Copilot</a>. The option to move data from other browsers was opt-out by default. Last year, Edge's social media manager <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-defends-edges-predatory-practices-with-cringe-and-audacious-reply-on-x/" rel="external nofollow">thought it would be funny to tell an X user "No, it's not,"</a> after they pointed out that the "Never" option was missing in a popup shilling Edge.
</p>

<h3>
	6. AI Overviews: Adding glue to Pizza makes the cheese stick better
</h3>

<p>
	Google launched its Gemini-powered AI Overviews earlier this year. This feature uses large language models (LLMs) to process information from the web and present summaries to users. However, shortly after the launch, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/googles-new-ai-overviews-in-search-are-already-generating-major-factual-errors/" rel="external nofollow">things took a turn for the worse</a>. The AI began providing bizarre information and suggestions, such as advice on eating rocks. One particularly concerning recommendation suggested adding glue to pizza to prevent the cheese from sliding off.
</p>

<div class="img-center">
	<figure class="image image--expandable">
		<img alt="Google AI overviews suggesting glue on Pizza" class="ipsImage" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734001160_screenshot_from_2024-12-12_11-58-23.jpg">
		<figcaption>
			<em>Image: u/Pixelodo</em>
		</figcaption>
	</figure>
</div>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/google-explains-why-ai-overviews-wants-you-to-glue-cheese-to-your-pizza/" rel="external nofollow">In response</a>, Google acknowledged the errors and stated that they were working on improving their system to limit user-generated or sarcastic content that could mislead users.
</p>

<h3>
	5. Windows 365 Link
</h3>

<p>
	At Ignite 2024, Microsoft<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-unveils-windows-365-linka-mini-pc-like-device-for-windows-365/" rel="external nofollow"> introduced the Windows 365 Link</a>. The device, priced at $349, resembles the new Mac mini in shape but lacks the power of its Apple counterpart. Microsoft describes it as "the first Cloud PC device for Windows 365." Essentially, for $349, you get a brick with some ports for peripherals, no local storage, and no ability to run apps locally.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="The Windows 365 Link device" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/11/1731969435_windows_365_link_1.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Instead, it connects to a server somewhere. It even has a Kensington lock to discourage theft, though it's hard to imagine why anyone would want to steal it. While it's targeted at enterprises, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/microsoft-unveils-windows-365-linka-mini-pc-like-device-for-windows-365/#:~:text=Report-,Lol%2C%20talk%20about%20overpriced%20DOA%20junk.,-Who%20in%20their" rel="external nofollow">some people feel it's too expensive given its limitations and functionality</a>.
</p>

<h3>
	4. Google Chrome extension saga
</h3>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="A big Chrome logo next to two sticks of memory" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2022/10/1665648924_chrome_ram.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Starting on June 3, Google Chrome began <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/google-to-begin-phasing-out-manifest-v2-extensions-in-chrome-on-june-3/" rel="external nofollow">disabling older Chrome extensions powered by Manifest V2</a>. The goal is to push users toward newer extensions running on Manifest V3. You might be wondering: what's the issue? After all, Google claims that Manifest V3 is more secure and private.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	However, the problem users have with Google's decision stems from the removal of the webRequest API, which was widely used by extensions like uBlock Origin to block ads. In its place is the more limited declarativeNetRequest API. This change has sparked frustration, with many users vowing to switch to non-Chromium alternatives like Firefox.
</p>

<h3>
	3. $200 for a Tamagotchi-looking ChatGPT wrapper
</h3>

<p>
	The Rabbit R1 was introduced at CES 2024, boasting an easily recognizable bright orange design that resembled Tamagotchis. Unlike other AI hardware on this list, the R1 featured a touchscreen, but with a twist: you could only interact with it at certain times. At other moments, you had to use a scroll wheel. Early adopters quickly took apart the R1 to figure out how it worked, and through their efforts, we learned that the device is essentially an Android app. One user even managed to hack it and run alternative operating systems, such as LineageOS. As for features, the R1 offered things like voice assistance for tasks like weather updates (groundbreaking, right?), music playback, and more.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<div style="justify-content:center">
	<div data-oembed-url="https://twitter.com/MarcelD505/status/1788572758516830581">
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		</div>
	</div>
</div>

<h3>
	2. The $700 "assistant" that can't even set an alarm
</h3>

<p>
	The Rabbit R1 wasn’t the only AI hardware that grabbed attention this year. A company called Humane, founded by former Apple executives, kicked things off with their Ai Pin, marking a major step in AI-dedicated hardware. The device runs on an OS called CosmOS and includes a projector that displays information on your hand. Users interact with the display through gestures like pinching their thumb and forefinger. At a steep price of $700 upfront and a $24 monthly subscription, the device was supposed to reduce our reliance on smartphones.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<img alt="Human Ai Pin" class="ipsImage" height="439" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/05/1716353830_humane-ai-pin.jpg">
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	With such a high cost, you’d expect it to be worth it, right? Unfortunately, it wasn’t. The internet quickly erupted with complaints about the device’s performance. At launch, the Ai Pin couldn’t even set an alarm or timer, and it frequently overheated. Despite its promising concept, the device felt overly ambitious for its time. The launch turned into a disaster, and critics, including MKBHD, even called it the worst product he had ever reviewed. Barely a month after shipping, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/humane-is-considering-selling-the-company-barely-a-month-after-shipping-the-ai-pin/" rel="external nofollow">a report surfaced about Humane considering selling the company</a>.
</p>

<h3>
	1. Microsoft, who asked for this?
</h3>

<p>
	Every Windows user knows that Microsoft <em>loves</em> finding new and creative ways to mess with their user base. If you're tired of Microsoft's antics and you don't like Apple, you might want to<a href="https://www.neowin.net/editorials/save-your-computer-from-microsofts-windows-10-end-of-life-planned-obsolescence/#:~:text=Alternatives%20to%20Windows" rel="external nofollow"> give Linux a try</a>. Back in May, <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/windows-11s-ai-explorer-debuts-as-recall-a-feature-that-remembers-everything-you-do/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft announced Windows Recall</a>—an opt-out feature absolutely nobody asked for. <a href="https://cyberplace.social/@GossiTheDog/112479974357074203" rel="external nofollow">Described by some as an info stealer and keylogger</a>, Recall works by capturing screenshots and snapshots of user activity, creating a searchable timeline of interactions for later reference.
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Windows 11 Recall" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/11/1732294659_image_7_-_under_embargo_until_11.22_at_10am_pt.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	It was announced for<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/copilot-plus-pcs-is-the-new-name-for-windows-pcs-with-ai-chips/" rel="external nofollow"> Copilot+ PCs</a>, which, if you're wondering, are a new category of Windows laptops equipped with dedicated hardware like Neural Processing Units (NPUs) designed to handle demanding AI workloads. NPUs are used by apps like CapCut, DaVinci Resolve, and more for faster, more efficient AI-related features.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	When the feature was announced, users quickly realized that Recall didn't hide passwords or sensitive info like online banking authentication details. After multiple delays—thanks to user outcry and exposed security flaws—<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/recall-is-now-available-for-windows-insiders/" rel="external nofollow">Microsoft finally launched Recall for Windows Insiders in November.</a>
</p>

<h3>
	Honorable mention: Bluesky users are upset that publicly available data is publicly available
</h3>

<p>
	This year, folks finally got fed up (again) with Elon Musk’s antics and decided it was time for yet another Twitter exodus. How many has it been now? Two? Three? Honestly, who’s keeping track?<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/mastodon-has-amassed-25-million-active-users-since-elon-musk-took-over-twitter/" rel="external nofollow"> First, everyone ran to Mastodon</a>. Then <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/threads-is-now-scheduled-to-launch-at-7-pm-eastern-time-tonight/" rel="external nofollow">Threads showed up</a>, and people flocked to Zuck’s playground—until they realized Threads wasn’t really into political content. Enter Bluesky, which finally got its moment in the spotlight this year.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<div data-oembed-url="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7e5mpxuweopubhexwqg5l3ba/post/3lbvih4luvk23" style="justify-content:center">
	<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle" data-bluesky-cid="bafyreihxnqyxmxhvlypksm65xe6d7ga5wjx7ux6jdsvwtfexenglked7bi" data-bluesky-uri="at://did:plc:7e5mpxuweopubhexwqg5l3ba/app.bsky.feed.post/3lbvih4luvk23">
		<p lang="en">
			I've removed the Bluesky data from the repo. While I wanted to support tool development for the platform, I recognize this approach violated principles of transparency and consent in data collection. I apologize for this mistake.
		</p>

		<p>
			 
		</p>
		— <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7e5mpxuweopubhexwqg5l3ba?ref_src=embed" rel="external nofollow">Daniel van Strien (@danielvanstrien.bsky.social)</a> <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7e5mpxuweopubhexwqg5l3ba/post/3lbvih4luvk23?ref_src=embed" rel="external nofollow">2024-11-27T02:19:57.958Z</a>
	</blockquote>
</div>

<p>
	But Bluesky’s crowd is hardcore anti-AI, especially when it comes to using public posts for training models. So, imagine the chaos when Daniel van Strien, a machine learning librarian at Hugging Face, compiled a dataset of a million Bluesky posts and <a href="https://huggingface.co/datasets/bluesky-community/one-million-bluesky-posts" rel="external nofollow">put it up on Hugging Face for the world to use</a>.<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/bluesky-may-not-train-ai-on-your-posts-but-others-can-and-users-are-furious/" rel="external nofollow"> The backlash from Bluesky users was wild</a>. People were so outraged that Daniel ended up pulling the dataset and <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:7e5mpxuweopubhexwqg5l3ba/post/3lbvih4luvk23?ref_src=embed&amp;ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.neowin.net%252Fnews%252Fbluesky-may-not-train-ai-on-your-posts-but-others-can-and-users-are-furious%252F" rel="external nofollow">issuing a public apology</a>.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<hr>
<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>Well, that’s a wrap on 2024’s most chaotic tech moments! It’s been a year of "what were they thinking? " products, bizarre ads, and companies shooting themselves in the foot. What tech fail made you shake your head the most? Or did we miss your pick for the biggest flop? Drop your thoughts in the comments.</em>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/here-are-the-top-10-tech-controversies-of-2024/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">26999</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Dec 2024 17:56:24 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Google fined $75 million for violating competition laws in Turkey</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/google-fined-75-million-for-violating-competition-laws-in-turkey-r26991/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	Google is in the middle of another antitrust battle. Turkey's competition watchdog has fined the search giant 2.61 billion lira ($75 million) for violating the competition law and abusing its dominant position in the ad server market.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	According to the competition authority, the Alphabet-owned company made its competitors harder to operate by favouring its own supply-side platform (SSP) over third parties. For <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supply-side_platform" rel="external nofollow">reference</a>, an SSP is a software-based platform publishers use to manage and sell ad inventories.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The company has been given six months to offer third-party SSPs conditions similar to its own services and ensure its competitors are not disadvantaged. Google told Reuters it plans to appeal the Turkish competition authority's fine.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	"The Turkish authority decision does not take into account the intense competition where ad buyers and sellers have plenty of choice," a Google spokesperson <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/google-to-appeal-turkish-competition-authority-decision/articleshow/116296975.cms" rel="external nofollow">said</a> in an email.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Google's latest legal trouble comes not long after the Indian competition watchdog started an investigation against the company <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/indias-competition-watchdog-goes-after-google-over-gaming-app-policy/" rel="external nofollow">over its gaming app policy</a>. Canada's Competition Bureau is also <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/canadas-competition-watchdog-wants-to-split-googles-ad-business/" rel="external nofollow">after the Alphabet subsidiary</a>, alleging anti-competitive conduct and abuse of dominance in the online advertising space.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	It was reported that the US Department of Justice (DOJ) plans to force Google to <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-doj-might-force-google-to-spin-off-its-search-business/" rel="external nofollow">spin off its search business</a> to curb its monopoly. In a <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/googles-us-anti-trust-trial-over-its-online-ad-business-will-begin-later-today/" rel="external nofollow">separate case</a>, the DOJ accused the company of violating antitrust laws over its online ad business, dominating online ad sales through acquisitions, and allegedly influencing online ad tools and putting hurdles for how customers can use its ad tools.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Outside the US, Italy's <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/italys-competition-watchdog-investigates-google-over-misleading-consent-requests/" rel="external nofollow">AGCM started investigating Google</a> over misleading consent requests and potential drawbacks of the consent process. However, not every story has been dark for Google. The search giant <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/google-overturns-149-billion-antitrust-fine-by-the-eu-over-digital-ad-market-practices/" rel="external nofollow">overturned a €1.49 billion</a> ($1.66 billion) fine previously imposed by the European Commission in 2019 over its digital ad market practices.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Source: <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/turkey-fines-google-75-million-violating-competition-law-2024-12-13/" rel="external nofollow">Reuters</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/google-fined-75-million-for-violating-competition-laws-in-turkey/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">26991</guid><pubDate>Sat, 14 Dec 2024 08:19:47 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Geralt will be in The Witcher IV, confirms CD Projekt RED, calls new entry an origin story</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/geralt-will-be-in-the-witcher-iv-confirms-cd-projekt-red-calls-new-entry-an-origin-story-r26983/</link><description><![CDATA[<p>
	One of the biggest surprises of The Game Awards 2024 show <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/the-witcher-iv-officially-unveiled-at-the-game-awards-shows-ciri-in-action/" rel="external nofollow">turned out to be <em>The Witcher IV </em>announcement</a>. The cinematic trailer revealed that the monsters are still roaming the lands of the fantasy universe, and Ciri has officially taken the role of being a Witcher. Following the trailer drop, developer CD Projekt RED is now starting to trickle out some information about the next trilogy it's making.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	For those who may have been worried about Geralt, the protagonist of the original trilogy, not being a factor anymore, the studio confirmed his return.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	"He's so important for us and for Ciri, and definitely he's going to appear in the game," says game director Sebastian Kalemba in an interview with <a href="https://www.pcgamer.com/games/the-witcher/the-witcher-4-may-have-familiar-faces-but-its-an-origin-story-a-new-opening-a-new-saga-a-new-beginning-actually/" rel="external nofollow">PC Gamer</a>. "I can't tell you more, but I think the promise is enough. But we believe that this journey, this new saga, this new trilogy is definitely for her."
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="The Witcher IV" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734053927_315d596e43b80d52ed647af4d027f1e8.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	The studio had planned for Ciri to be the next protagonist even when it was working on <em>The Witcher 3: The Wild Hunt</em>. "It was in the talks already, even when we were doing The Witcher: Wild Hunt actually, she was already a playable character there, right? So this was the natural choice," says executive producer Gosia Mitręga.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The studio is looking at <em>The Witcher IV</em> as an origin story for Ciri as well. It sounds like she is being placed into this world as a new Witcher without much experience, both in the way of hunting tactics and having set principles like Geralt. It's players that will shape her experience and what type of Witcher she will become, according to Mitręga:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	"There are some things in common when it comes to fantasies, but to take one thing... Geralt was so much defined already that he had his own code that he developed over years. So he knew what to choose between A, B, and C, he was really defined, grounded. Ciri, she is more on her way, defining the way she deals with the struggles around the problems, the quests, and I think that gives us a great opportunity, and also for players to be able to define her on that journey."
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>The Witcher IV</em> <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/cd-projekt-will-announce-release-dates-when-really-really-sure-of-it-from-now/" rel="external nofollow">does not have a release date</a> attached to it yet. The title only <a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/next-witcher-saga-is-now-in-full-scale-production-cd-projekt-confirms/" rel="external nofollow">entered full-scale production earlier this year</a>, so it may be a while before fans get their hands on the highly-anticipated RPG.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/geralt-will-be-in-the-witcher-iv-confirms-cd-projekt-red-calls-new-entry-an-origin-story/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">26983</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:13:08 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Tumblr adds Reddit-like &#x2018;communities&#x2019;</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/tumblr-adds-reddit-like-%E2%80%98communities%E2%80%99-r26982/</link><description><![CDATA[<h3>
	First announced a year ago, but now out of beta and available to everyone, Communities creates topic-based groups on Tumblr.
</h3>

<div>
	<div id="zephr-anchor">
		<div>
			<div>
				<p>
					Tumblr is <a href="https://staff.tumblr.com/post/769680688183164928/tumblr-theyre-here-communities-are-finally" rel="external nofollow">introducing</a> a new Community feature — in-app groups organized by topic or interest.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					Communities are similar to subreddits or Facebook groups and had previously been in beta. Topics include things like film photography, marine biology, LGBTQ, and video games, and each topic has its own landing page where posts shared with the community populate. Many of the features mirror Reddit, like a count of how many members are online, moderators, and community guidelines. Posts shared to communities also get a new comments section that’s only visible within the group. Communities have the option to be public or private.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<div>
					<div>
						<div aria-label="Zoom" role="button" tabindex="0">
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								<div>
									<div>
										<span><img alt="Tumblr’s landing page for the video games community, with related tags, member information, and a feed of posts." class="ipsImage" data-nimg="fill" decoding="async" height="720" width="720" src="https://duet-cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/0x0:1874x1084/1080x625/filters:focal(937x542:938x543):format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25788338/Screenshot_2024_12_13_at_8.27.34_AM.png"></span>
									</div>
								</div>
							</div>
						</div>
					</div>

					<div>
						<div>
							Tumblr’s video games community
						</div>
						<cite class="duet--article--dangerously-set-cms-markup inline not-italic text-gray-63 dark:text-gray-bd [&amp;&gt;a:hover]:text-gray-63 [&amp;&gt;a:hover]:shadow-underline-black dark:[&amp;&gt;a:hover]:text-gray-bd dark:[&amp;&gt;a:hover]:shadow-underline-gray [&amp;&gt;a]:shadow-underline-gray-63 dark:[&amp;&gt;a]:text-gray-bd dark:[&amp;&gt;a]:shadow-underline-gray">Image: Tumblr</cite>
					</div>
				</div>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					 
				</p>

				<p>
					Tumblr pulling a page from Reddit’s playbook shouldn’t be surprising. As other communities and forums on the web have died off or been eaten by Google, Reddit has been on the up-and-up, growing its user base and <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/10/29/24283056/reddit-earnings-user-growth-revenue-up" rel="external nofollow">turning a profit for the first time</a>. But Subreddits managed by users are both Reddit’s crown jewels and a thorn in the side of corporate interests, as demonstrated by the <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2023/6/12/23755974/reddit-subreddits-going-dark-private-protest-api-changes" rel="external nofollow">coordinated action taken</a> last year in protest of changes to the platform’s API pricing structure. <a href="https://www.theverge.com/c/23998379/google-search-seo-algorithm-webpage-optimization" rel="external nofollow">As Google Search degrades in usefulness</a> — or is replaced by AI summaries — platforms like Reddit have become a central part of finding helpful information online.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>

			<div>
				<p>
					Reddit is also adding search engine-like features, including <a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/9/24314445/reddit-answers-ai-powered-search-tool" rel="external nofollow">an AI-powered summary tool called Answers</a> announced earlier this week. Though Tumblr’s communities feature — and Tumblr in general — isn’t the search destination Reddit is, the new grouping feature does streamline how users can find and engage with topic-based content and peers with similar interests. Communities is available on the web, iOS, and Android.
				</p>

				<p>
					 
				</p>
			</div>
		</div>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.theverge.com/2024/12/13/24320336/tumblr-communities-reddit-topics-groups" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">26982</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 17:10:08 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Helldivers 2 update out with new faction, drivable vehicle, urban environments, and more</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/helldivers-2-update-out-with-new-faction-drivable-vehicle-urban-environments-and-more-r26976/</link><description><![CDATA[<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo" contenteditable="false">
	<div>
		<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="113" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/Zk0XkX0U_m0?feature=oembed" title="Helldivers 2 - Omens of Tyranny | PS5 &amp; PC Games" width="200"></iframe>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Arrowhead Game Studios just shipped the massive Omens of Tyranny update to Helldivers 2, offering PC and PlayStation players a new foe to fight, a way to travel in style, as well as urban Super Earth colonies to fight in.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The Illuminate are the masterminds behind a new invasion that's popping up, a foe that the Helldivers had fought and defeated 100 years ago. Now, the threat is back and they are taking over the minds of citizens, making Helldivers fight the war in three fronts.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	"The Illuminate are spreading through mind control, abducting citizens of weaker dedication to democratic ideals and brainwashing them for a dark purpose which is still yet unknown to us," <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/553850/view/501684880435839706" rel="external nofollow">explains the developer</a>. "These mind-controlled citizens have been twisted and corrupted into a menace we call The Voteless–Super Earth’s own people turned against the principles of Democracy and fair elections, losing their ability to vote entirely."
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Helldivers 2" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734078228_8c853945b8a4c62e3c8df39ed003df0ea400554c-scaled.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	The new front players will be fighting these zombified citizens and Illuminates will be inside cities. And to aid navigating the new concrete landscape, and mow down hordes, the studio has added the "Fast Recon Vehicle" (FRV) into these battlefields.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Described as a "top-of-the-line manual transmission reconnaissance and combat vehicle," these <em>Halo </em>Warthog-like FRV's can hold an entire squad of Helldivers inside them, while also allowing players to shoot while they are in motion.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo" contenteditable="false">
	<div>
		<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="113" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/xTOCpM-85x8?feature=oembed" title="Helldivers 2 - DualSense Controller Reveal | PS5" width="200"></iframe>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Alongside all the new content for the game, Sony also unveiled the DualSense Wireless Controller – Helldivers 2 Limited Edition today. As the name suggests, it's only available in limited quantities, and its price will be set at $84.99 / €84.99 / £74.99. Pre-orders for the new controller will begin on December 20, 2024, with the release happening on February 6, 2025. Meanwhile, for those wanting the game's soundtrack in physical form, Sony will be releasing Helldivers 2 <a href="https://helldivers2.lnk.to/vinyl" rel="external nofollow">soundtrack on vinyl soon</a> too.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/helldivers-2-update-out-with-new-faction-drivable-vehicle-urban-environments-and-more/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">26976</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:14:34 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Astro Bot clinches 'Game of the Year' award at The Game Awards 2024</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/astro-bot-clinches-game-of-the-year-award-at-the-game-awards-2024-r26975/</link><description><![CDATA[<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="The Game Awards 2024" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/11/1731884017_banner-poster.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Team Asobi's <em>Astro Bot</em> was crowned the Game of the Year 2024 at The Game Awards 2024 held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. The PS5-exclusive game won the title beating out tough competition such as <em>Black Myth: Wukong</em>, <em>Metaphor: ReFantazio</em>, <em>Balatro</em>, <em>Final Fantasy VII Rebirth,</em> and <em>Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree</em>. Studio head Nicolas Doucet accepted the award from the previous winner <em>Baldur's Gate 3</em> director Swen Vincke from Larian Studios.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	But that was not all. The <em>Astro Bot </em>team also snagged three other awards at the event including Best Game Direction, Best Family Game, and Best Action/Adventure Game. Other notable winners include <em>Metaphor: ReFantazio</em> winning the Best Narrative, Best Art Direction, and Best RPG titles.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo" contenteditable="false">
	<div>
		<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="113" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/4FVYoM-h6fc?feature=oembed" title="ASTRO BOT Wins the Game of the Year Award at The Game Awards 2024" width="200"></iframe>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Here's the complete list of winners:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<ul>
	<li>
		<strong>Game of the Year</strong>: <em>Astro Bot</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Game Direction</strong>: <em>Astro Bot</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Narrative</strong>: <em>Metaphor: ReFantazio</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Performance</strong>: <em>Melina Juergens as Senua in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Art Direction</strong>: <em>Metaphor: ReFantazio</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Score and Music</strong>: <em>Final Fantasy VII Rebirth</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Audio Design</strong>: <em>Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Innovation in Accessibility</strong>: <em>Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Games for Impact</strong>: <em>Neva</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Ongoing Game</strong>: <em>Helldivers 2</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Community Support</strong>: <em>Baldur’s Gate 3</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Independent Game</strong>: <em>Balatro</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Debut Indie Game</strong>: <em>Balatro</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best </strong><strong>Mobile Game</strong>: <em>Balatro</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best AR/VR Game</strong>: <em>Batman: Arkham Shadow</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Action Game</strong>: <em>Black Myth: </em><em>Wukong</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Action/Adventure Game</strong>: <em>Astro Bot</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best RPG</strong>: <em>Metaphor: </em><em>ReFantazio</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Fighting Game</strong>: <em>Tekken 8</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Family Game</strong>: <em>Astro Bot</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Sim/Strategy Game</strong>: <em>Frostpunk 2</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Sports/Racing Game</strong>: <em>EA Sports FC 25</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Multiplayer Game</strong>: <em>Helldivers 2</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Adaptation</strong>: <em>Fallout</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Most Anticipated Game</strong>: <em>Grand Theft Auto VI</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Content Creator of the Year</strong>: <em>CaseOh</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Esports Game</strong>: <em>League of Legends</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Esports Athlete</strong>: <em>Lee “Faker” Sang-hyeok</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Best Esports Team</strong>: <em>T1 (League of Legends)</em>
	</li>
	<li>
		<strong>Players’ Voice Award</strong>: <em>Black Myth: Wukong</em>
	</li>
</ul>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Source: <a href="https://thegameawards.com/nominees/best-narrative" rel="external nofollow">The Game Awards</a>
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/astro-bot-clinches-game-of-the-year-award-at-the-game-awards-2024/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">26975</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:13:35 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Hazelight's new co-op game Split Fiction mashes together sci-fi and fantasy worlds</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/hazelights-new-co-op-game-split-fiction-mashes-together-sci-fi-and-fantasy-worlds-r26974/</link><description><![CDATA[<div class="ipsEmbeddedVideo" contenteditable="false">
	<div>
		<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="113" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/fcwngWPXQtg?feature=oembed" title="Split Fiction™ | Official Reveal Trailer" width="200"></iframe>
	</div>
</div>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Just as the teasers and rumors stated, Josef Fares appeared on The Game Awards stage to unveil his studio's next game. Dubbed <em>Split Fiction</em>, the game will once again be a split-screen experience as expected from the developer, but this time, players will be entering a digital game world. Watch the debut trailer above.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	Much like<em> It Takes Two</em> or<em> A Way Out</em>, this co-op game puts players into the shoes of two protagonists controlled by two players, but with all the action taking place on one screen. Mio and Zoe are the latest roles incoming, who are two writers with very different styles for their worlds: Fantasy and Sci-Fi.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Split Fiction" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734069923_split-screenshot-gameplay-skyline01-3840x2160-no-logo.jpg.adapt.crop16x9.1455w.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	After being trapped in a machine that are recreating and stealing their ideas, the two will be going through landscapes and adventures from both sides of their creativity spectrum:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<p>
		In Split Fiction, players will discover a variety of sci-fi and fantasy mechanics and abilities. Escape a sun that’s going supernova, challenge a monkey to a dance battle, try out some cool hoverboard tricks, fight an evil kitty and ride everything from gravity bikes to a sandshark. With worlds that are entirely different from each other, surprising challenges await players at every turn.
	</p>
</blockquote>

<p>
	Like its previous games, EA is once again publishing this entry from the studio. "No one does it better than Hazelight," adds EA partners general manager Jeff Gamon about the studio's co-op creativity. "We're excited to continue our long-term partnership with Josef and his talented team to bring another innovative, collaborative adventure to life"
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Split Fiction" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734069929_split-screenshot-gameplay-summit02-3840x2160-no-logo.jpg.adapt.crop16x9.1455w.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Also like its previous games, only one player from the duo that's playing needs to own a copy of <em>Split Fiction</em>. A Friend Pass will be introduced for the second player to download and jump in for free across all platforms. This time though, even cross-play is enabled on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>Split Fiction</em> has a March 6, 2025 release date attached to it. It's releasing on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5 with a $49.99 price tag.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/hazelights-new-co-op-game-split-fiction-mashes-together-sci-fi-and-fantasy-worlds/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">26974</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:12:29 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title>Turok: Origins aims to deliver an "old-school experience with modern-day execution"</title><link>https://nsaneforums.com/news/technology-news/turok-origins-aims-to-deliver-an-old-school-experience-with-modern-day-execution-r26973/</link><description><![CDATA[<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Turok Origins" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734068225_ss_6817ab8c803bb152fc934b5fa73452cbfc60e64c.1920x1080.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	Somehow, the legendary dinosaur-hunting Turok series is coming back. As announced at The Game Awards 2024 show, <em>Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2</em> developer Saber Interactive is developing <em>Turok: Origins.</em> This is slated to be a "new evolution" of the franchise, making it a third-person action game with cooperative play while keeping the dinosaur hunting intact. Watch the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1ELi_UslrA&amp;feature=youtu.be" rel="external nofollow">reveal trailer here</a> (age restricted).
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	As part of the Turok warriors, players will be taking down dinosaurs and alien threats in this entry. Alongside the use of various weaponry like Plasma rifles, ray guns, snipers, bows, and shotguns, players will also be able to upgrade their warriors using the DNA of fallen enemies.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	The key features of this game is described as follows by the developer:
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<blockquote class="QuoteNewsStyle">
	<ul>
		<li>
			<strong>Fight Against Enemies</strong>: Battle alone or as a team against a variety of dinosaurs, creatures, and bosses that take to the ground, sky, swamps, and caves to push players’ skills to the limit. Engage in intense combat, where players must use everything at their disposal to ensure success, including melee attacks, special abilities, and fine-tuned weapons.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Unleash Your Arsenal</strong>: Unlock and upgrade your advanced weaponry to dominate your battles and neutralize your enemies. Plasma rifles, ray guns, snipers, bows, shotguns, and more are all at your disposal.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Unlock DNA Powers</strong>: Extract DNA from fallen foes and the environment to unlock game-changing powers that evolve your suit in real-time. Each DNA power not only enhances your look but also offers upgradeable skills and abilities to give you an edge in combat.
		</li>
		<li>
			<strong>Experience an Epic Story Across the Lost Lands</strong>: Throughout Turok’s missions, players will journey across breathtaking yet deadly worlds on various planets. From ancient temples and wasteland canyons to dense jungles, each location holds pieces of an unforgettable story that is packed with twists and turns.
		</li>
	</ul>
</blockquote>

<figure class="image image--expandable">
	<img alt="Turok Origins" class="ipsImage" height="405" width="720" src="https://cdn.neowin.com/news/images/uploaded/2024/12/1734068218_ss_a36bf5ed685ed099aa1982ddd54d5865ec192df1.1920x1080.jpg">
</figure>

<p>
	“<em>Turok </em>was one of the first console shooters I ever played," says Saber CEO and co-founder Matthew Karch. "When we looked at game franchises that we felt deserved to be brought back, Turok was at the top of our list. At Saber, we love taking classic IP and combining it with fresh gameplay. We are excited to finally announce the game, but we’ll be even happier when we deliver this old-school experience with modern-day execution.”
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<em>Turok: Origins</em> is coming out on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. A release window was not announced today unfortunately.
</p>

<p>
	 
</p>

<p>
	<a href="https://www.neowin.net/news/turok-origins-aims-to-deliver-an-old-school-experience-with-modern-day-execution/" rel="external nofollow">Source</a>
</p>

<hr class="ipsHr">
<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Hope you enjoyed this news post.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>Thank you for appreciating my time and effort posting news every day for many years.</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<span style="font-size:12px;"><em>2023: Over 5,800 news posts | 2024 (till end of November): 5,298 news posts</em></span>
</p>

<p>
	<strong><span style="font-size:12px;"><a href="https://nsaneforums.com/topic/459202-remember-matrix/" rel="">RIP Matrix</a> | Farewell my friend  </span></strong><img alt=":sadbye:" data-emoticon="true" loading="lazy" src="https://nsaneforums.com/uploads/emoticons/default/sadbye.gif" title=":sadbye:">
</p>
]]></description><guid isPermaLink="false">26973</guid><pubDate>Fri, 13 Dec 2024 09:11:45 +0000</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
