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The Northern Ireland secretary has said he will call an assembly election but has not set any date for it. Chris Heaton-Harris said he would give more information next week and would be meeting the parties in the meantime. Devolved government in NI has not functioned since an election in May. The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) blocked the restoration of power-sharing in its protest against the post-Brexit trading arrangements called the Northern Ireland Protocol. Legislation says that an election must be held within 12 weeks and it had been expected that a poll would take place on 15 December. The Northern Ireland parties had expected the secretary of state to signal a date for the election on Friday. However, Mr Heaton-Harris denied he had made a U-turn, saying an election did not have to be called immediately. "I hear it when the parties say that they really do not want an election at all," he said. "But nearly all of them are parties who signed up to the rules, the law. That means I need to call an election so you'll hear more from me on that particular point next week." He added: "I will be calling an election". Before today the Secretary of State could not have been clearer. He was going to call an election at a minute past midnight. It looks now like many minutes will pass before we get to that point. He is adamant that he will still call an election but not sure when. We don't have an election date and we don't have a timeline as to when he might call it. What happens next is any ones guess. Mr Heaton-Harris said he had met with Virginia McVea, Northern Ireland's chief electoral officer, and discussed issues around operational concerns she wants to "make sure are addressed as we move forward". He said joint authority in Northern Ireland was "something we simply will not consider". Speaking in Dublin at around the same time as Mr Heaton-Harris was speaking in Belfast, Taoiseach (Irish prime minister) Micheál Martin said: "In my view we should take the opportunity to pause and see if we can get the institutions back and, parallel with that, have substantive negotiations between the UK government and the European Union. "The law does provide for an election, I acknowledge that, but we know what elections can do, they can lead to further polarisation." 'Bizarre U-turn' Sinn Féin Deputy Leader Michelle O'Neill said the move was a "bizarre U-turn" from the NI secretary. "We wouldn't be in this position if the DUP had honoured the result of the May election," she said. "We need an assembly and executive up and running to serve people through tough times. "I have reached out to the secretary of state and asked to speak to him. "It's not acceptable that six months after the public gave us a mandate to work together, six months and the DUP is still blocking the outcome of that election because they didn't like the result," she added. SDLP leader Colum Eastwood said Mr Heaton-Harris must drop the idea of an assembly election and focus on restoring the Stormont institutions. "The secretary of state's failure to outline details of an assembly election today should be the end of the idea," he said. DUP Leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said "chaos" continued because of uncertainty around another election. "The Northern Ireland Office have been talking up the prospect of an election for some time but evidently no decision has been taken and we're ready to fight an election," he said. He said his message to the the secretary of state was that resolving issues around the protocol was a priority. He called for "decisive action to restore Northern Ireland's place in the UK internal market and remove the debris of the protocol". He said that until then "we are not in a position and there is no consensus for the restoration of the devolved institutions". Alliance MP Stephen Farry said there had been no "pressure" applied to the DUP by Westminster to get the party to go into government. "We are in political vacuum but I don't think an election is going to address that vacuum so we will still be in that dilemma on the far-side of an election," he told BBC's Evening Extra programme. However, he added that there should be a "cautious welcome if there is some degree of reflection happening inside the NIO". Ulster Unionist Party leader Doug Beattie said not enough had been done to get Stormont up and running. "Not at one stage have all the party leaders been brought together to sit together," he said. "I would urge the secretary of state to strive to do more because an election will not help," he added. He said negotiations with the EU over the protocol could still go ahead if Stormont was restored. Independent Unionist MLA Claire Sugden told the programme that having no ministers in place meant "important decisions enabling departments to run on a daily basis cannot be taken". People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said it was a "farcical move". However, he said that he welcomed an election as an opportunity for people to "cast their verdict on the DUP's obstructionism". Traditional Unionist Voice leader Jim Allister said Mr Heaton-Harris should "stabilise Northern Ireland" by focussing on the resolving the issues raised by the protocol. Source.

It is a biological mission that began with a chance encounter with a lemur that was picking its nose. It wasn't just any lemur; an aye-aye was filmed by Prof Anne-Claire Fabre from the University of Bern burying its elongated finger in its nostril. "I wanted to know where is this finger going?" she told the BBC. The meeting at Duke Lemur Center in the US, led Prof Fabre and her colleagues to question the evolutionary origins of the habit. Aye-ayes are nocturnal primates found only in Madagascar. They are famous for their strange, skinny, long fingers, which they use to fish grubs out of branches. "It was inserting the entire length and, [when you look at] the length of its head, it was like - where is it going?" she recalled. "I wondered - is it inserting it into its brain? It was so weird and seemed impossible." The question intrigued Prof Fabre so much that she conducted 3D anatomical analysis of the aye-aye's head, to reconstruct the seemingly impossible anatomy of the nose picking. "It was going into the sinus and from the sinus into the throat and into the mouth," she explained. With her colleagues, Prof Fabre searched the scientific literature for evidence of other animals that pick their noses. In a study they published in the Journal of Zoology, the team found 12 examples of primates caught in the nose-picking act. As Prof Fabre, who is also curator of mammals at the Museum of Natural History in Bern, pointed out, there are very few studies that aim to understand why any animal, including humans, might have evolved the impulse to pick their nose. "We really think this behaviour is understudied because it's really seen as a bad habit," explained Prof Fabre. Studies that investigate the behaviour in people have shed some light on how common the habit is, revealing that the majority of humans pick their nose often but are reluctant to admit it. There are a few studies examining the cons - and possible pros - of nose picking. Some have pointed to its role in spreading harmful bacteria. But there is at least one study suggesting that picking your nose and eating it might actually be healthy for teeth, as people who picked their noses reported fewer cavities. One study encouraged additional research by suggesting that the ingestion of nasal mucus could play an important role for the immune system, because of the immune proteins in the mucus. Fundamentally, Prof Fabre says it is likely to have evolved for a reason and should be investigated. "We have no idea about its functional role," she told the BBC. "And it could be advantageous." Rather than being simply disgusting, it may have benefits for some species and since so many animals appear to share this habit, Prof Fabre said, "I think we really need to investigate it". Source.

Verdict In what will likely be more affordable 350h self-charging hybrid form, the RX isn’t as refined or efficient as the 450h+ plug-in, but it gives access to the car’s easy-going attitude and more advanced tech. It might still be a more left-field choice compared with rivals such as the BMW X5, but the Lexus RX is easier to justify than ever. It’s another step in the right direction for the Japanese manufacturer. While the big news when Lexus launched its latest RX large SUV was the addition of a plug-in hybrid powertrain for the first time, in 450h+ form, it’ll still be offered with the more familiar 350h ‘self-charging’ hybrid set-up that we’re testing. Continued refinements to the tech mean the basic recipe hasn’t changed even if the results have, so the RX is powered by a 2.5-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine that drives the wheels through a CVT automatic gearbox in conjunction with a pair of electric motors that are supplied by a small battery. Many of the components are new, with the car’s hybrid transaxle motor/transmission set-up now more compact and lighter. There’s also a new Power Control Unit. On the move, however, it feels similar to previous 350h powertrains in Lexus’s SUVs.There’s a small boost of torque from the e-motors, but ask for anything other than gentle acceleration and the petrol engine will kick in with an audible drone. Power output stands at 247bhp, which isn’t a huge amount, but the 7.9-second 0-62mph time is respectable, even if it’s a noisy process extracting that performance. You’re better off driving to the RX 350h’s strengths, with a light right foot to maximise usage of electrical power rather than petrol. Do so and the engine settles down, meaning the RX’s personality comes across as more refined. In addition, the CVT gearbox comes into its own if you take a more leisurely approach; cruising around urban areas and on the freeway during our American test drive, the RX felt relaxed and easy-going. However, while this is also true in a certain set of circumstances when it comes to the chassis, on bumpier countryside canyon roads the chassis revealed some harsher, more brittle reactions to bumps. The latest fifth-generation RX is based on Lexus’s GA-K platform that’s more rigid than ever, which has definitely helped improve handling despite the car’s numb steering. But the suspension does sometimes react harshly to bumps, thumping through to the car’s interior, even if most of the time the softer set-up is fine. It’s a good job that the cabin is screwed together beautifully, then. Lexus is known for the quality of its interiors, and while there are some blander plastics and materials, they are of relatively high quality and build is brilliant. The infotainment, previously a Lexus flaw, is a big step on. Like with the brand’s smaller NX, the previous-generation model’s infuriating touchpad has been replaced by a large 14-inch touchscreen that boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The native system is also better than ever, but you might still prefer to use a smartphone hook-up, which works well. Other elements of the interior are sound for a large SUV. There is lots of legroom in the rear seats, and despite the RX’s tapered roof (partly a styling trick), there’s plenty of headroom. The car’s design has changed massively, with Lexus’s Spindle grille signature now becoming what the brand calls ‘Spindle body’ – basically, the grille is now so big and so heavily integrated that it has pretty much become the whole front end of the car. Sharp creases give a bit more visual tension, while a full-width light cluster at the rear completes the look. Kit levels are great. While pricing still hasn’t been revealed, even the entry-level car (expected to start from around £60,000 in 350h guise) gets loads of advanced safety technology, three-zone climate control, full keyless go, wireless phone charging, all-round parking sensors, heated seats and steering wheel, and 19-inch alloy wheels. Source.

Anand Ahuja, who recently welcomed his first child with actor Sonam Kapoor, took to Instagram to share a rare glimpse of himself working out after “what feels like an eternity”. The businessman and fashion entrepreneur, 39, shared some pictures that show his athletic side as he opened up about the thrill of being active. “Here’s a picture of me halfway through my first post-lift HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) session in what feels like an eternity…Historically, I’ve always been a ‘fitness enthusiast’ — whatever that means — and while my main sport has always been basketball, really, I just always enjoyed being active. About eight years ago, I was undergoing treatment on my ankle for an accumulation of all the injuries I’ve had there and at this time I was asked to not play any contact sports…so I took up triathlons,” he captioned the post. Recollecting how he “built my way up to Half Ironman distances”, he said that he got to participate in the long-distance Phuket Triathlon. “I’m a long way away from the conditioning I was in back then. I guess navigating the dynamics of such a changing world needed the best of me — so getting this #AppleWatchUltra has come at the best time. I can’t claim that a gadget could be my motivation — but being a sucker for good design and great product, the watch really has been a catalyst for re-prioritising my health – something that used to come naturally to me but got lost in the past few years. More than anything, maybe it’s just because I felt a little ‘imposter-ish’ wearing it and need to do the watch some justice!” If you feel inspired by Ahuja, here’s how and why you can stay motivated with HIIT and weight training. A HIIT workout boosts anaerobic capacity and muscular strength, said Varun Rattan, co-founder of The Body Science Academy, Noida while informing that aerobic activities refer to the body’s process of producing energy with oxygen and include “all exercises that last more than two minutes”. “HIIT is more suitable for individuals who want to produce maximum power in minimum time, such as sprints. Besides, those looking for a fast workout may also be drawn to HIIT,” Rattan told indianexpress.com. According to Rattan, weight training may be done on the same day as HIIT and it is a common practice among elite athletes. “But, one may see better results on splitting their exercise sessions into two distinct workouts rather than performing them consecutively in the same session. By doing so, the body and the nervous system are permitted to rest between workouts, and also get time to restore and rehydrate after the initial workout. It is suggested that you keep at least four to six hours gap between sessions,” mentioned Rattan. Source.

An intruder who attacked the husband of US House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi was searching for the Democratic politician, reports say. Paul Pelosi, 82, was taken to hospital after a break-in at their California home on Friday morning. The suspect has been identified as a 42-year-old man. He broke a glass rear door and - after confronting Mr Pelosi and attacking him with a hammer - reportedly shouted: "Where is Nancy?" Mrs Pelosi was in Washington, and not at the San Francisco residence, when the incident took place. Mr Pelosi is reported to have suffered blunt force trauma to the head. He is being treated for severe bruising and swelling, as well as other injuries, the Associated Press reports. "The Speaker and her family are grateful to the first responders and medical professionals involved, and request privacy at this time," a spokesman for the senior Democrat said. In a news conference on Friday, San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said officers responded to a call at around 02:27 local time (09:27 GMT). They found Mr Pelosi and the suspect - named by police as David DePape - both holding a hammer, but it was wrestled from Mr Pelosi's control and he was violently assaulted with it. The suspect was then tackled and disarmed by officers. He had attempted to tie up Mr Pelosi "until Nancy got home", law enforcement sources told CBS News. He has been charged with attempted homicide, assault with a deadly weapon, burglary and several other felonies, Mr Scott said, adding that the motive for the attack was still unclear. Mrs Pelosi is one of the most powerful politicians in the country. She was re-elected to a fourth term as Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2021, making her second in line to the presidency after Vice-President Kamala Harris. The Baltimore native has represented the San Francisco area in Congress since 1987, and typically splits her time between California and Washington. She is currently fundraising and campaigning with Democrats around the country ahead of the midterm elections on 8 November, and was in Washington with her security detail at the time of the attack. Her husband, the multimillionaire founder of a venture capital firm, resides primarily in San Francisco where he was born and raised. The couple have been married since 1963 and have five children. Their combined net worth, primarily from Mr Pelosi's investments, has made the speaker one of the richest members of Congress. The FBI and the US Capitol Police, which has a field office in California, are assisting San Francisco police with the investigation. The US Capitol Police, which is tasked with protecting congressional leaders, is said to be considering additional protections for families following the attack. Members of Congress have been on high-alert over security threats since the riot at the US Capitol in January 2021. Mrs Pelosi's office in the building was ransacked by supporters of then-President Donald Trump during the attack. And last year, her San Francisco home was reportedly vandalised with graffiti saying "cancel rent". Senior Republicans, such as Senate Leader Mitch McConnell, have also been targeted by vandalism in recent times and politicians have raised concerns about an increase in threats. Mr McConnell said he he was "horrified and disgusted" by the attack on Mr Pelosi. In a statement, the White House said President Joe Biden was "praying for Paul Pelosi and for Speaker Pelosi's whole family". Chuck Schumer, the top Democrat in the Senate, said: "What happened to Paul Pelosi was a dastardly act. I wish him a speedy recovery." Both added that they had spoken to Mrs Pelosi since the incident. Source.

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It has been less than four months since we reviewed Nacon's MG-X, so it's incredibly tempting to make this article about how the MG-X Pro compares to it. However, I actually spent a lot of time comparing the MG-X to the Xbox Controller (and for good reason), so this is going to be a split comparison between the exceptional predecessor and its mainstream, console contemporary. NACON MG-X PRO MOBILE DESIGN For a start, the biggest change is the actual appearance of the device on the whole. Gone are the rounded, Switch-reminiscent edges of the non-pro version and they've been replaced with full, console-controller style grips for your hands. It's taken a device that looks like it has the Xbox license to a device that looks like somebody has stretched out an Xbox controller to accommodate a phone screen in the middle of it. In fact, in person, it looks even more like that than on the developer's website, where the images of it lack the menu button designs, and the colour is a paler grey rather than the classic, stark, Xbox black. It's pretty close to the Xbox controller In fact, I can't help but wonder if the only reason that Nacon has not taken their already nigh-perfect controller design and brought it even closer to the Xbox's controller design is actually licensing related. A major indicator of this comes from the changes to the face buttons. The face buttons on the last iteration were smaller and much closer to the current Xbox design, but in moving to an Xbox Shape, and - indeed - Xbox-style, concave analogue-stick heads, they've actually made wider, more-shallow face buttons. This is a bit of a shame as the buttons on the previous version were great, although I do have to say that these current ones still have that great feedback click to them. But, that's a tiny complaint. The improved grips are a great addition to an already incredibly strong feature list for Nacon's premium offering, and it makes the whole thing feel a lot more robust. All of the perks from the previous device - fast Bluetooth pairing, great trigger feedback, clear Xbox branding and suitability for large phones - are all still there, and it feels great to play games on it. NO COMPANION APP, BUT IT'S NOT A BIG DEAL For better, or for worse, there's no companion app for the MG-X Pro. Some would say that's an advantage, as other controllers sometimes make it practically mandatory to download the app, but with an app comes additional configuration options. In 2022, configuration options aren't required for things like Stadia and Xbox Live, but for some that might be a deciding factor. One thing that does seem to be taken as better everywhere that I've seen it mentioned, however, is that, unlike some other mobile controllers, the extending grip doesn't have rounded frames on either side, allowing for folding phones, or phones in cases, to be mounted to the device. I said before that I was surprised that the MG-X wasn't being bundled with phones and Xbox Game Pass, I now know why, it's because that's something that should be done with the MG-X Pro instead, it's almost certainly the best controller for playing games on your mobile phone. Source.

Windows 12 is likely to be Microsoft's follow up to Windows 11 - and it could come sooner than you might think. Rumors suggest that the imaginatively titled OS could arrive in 2024, and the possibility that Windows 12 could follow so soon after Windows 11 has delighted some of us at TechRadar. And while that still leaves Microsoft behind the yearly updates that macOS and some other operating systems manage, Microsoft's upcoming 'Moments' releases will at least see it get more regular refreshes. Whenever it comes, we'd like to see a bigger evolution compared to what Windows 11 brought. So, what improvements and new features might Windows 12 have? Users have been peppering Microsoft with feature requests, with some of these wishes having been granted with the 2022 update, which brought a refined Taskbar. With this in mind, here's everything we've found so far about the next major update to Windows, alongside five features that we'd also like to see arrive in Windows 12. Windows 12: Cut to the chase What is it? Windows 12 is the rumored successor to Windows 11 When will it come out? Possibly 2024 based on the three-year schedule How much does it cost? Should be free as Windows 11 currently is Windows 12 release date rumors This is still very early days for Windows 11 – we're not even at the one-year anniversary of the update having been announced. However, going on past releases, we'd expect to see Windows 12 arrive in late 2024, just as support for Windows 10 is ending. Windows 12 supported devices When Microsoft announced availability for Windows 11, the main requirement was for machines to have a hardware feature called TPM enabled, which is a security feature that can be found on most motherboards. While the same requirement will most likely be requested by Microsoft again, it may be at a point where almost every PC has TPM enabled anyway. Other than that, it will likely have similar requirements to Windows 11: 64-bit processor 1Ghz clock speed 4GB of RAM 64GB drive UEFI, Secure Boot capable TPM 2.0 (Trusted Platform Module) A display larger than 9-inches with HD Resolution (1366x768) DirectX 12 compatible graphics / WDDM 2.x Internet connection What we want to see We don't know much about Windows 12 yet, or whether the rumored upgrade will even become a reality, but we do have a good idea of what we want from it, with the following features topping our list. 1. Merge Skype and Teams into MSN Messenger 12 It's no secret that Microsoft's efforts on video calling and collaboration through messaging apps have been less than stellar in recent years. In a time when people needed to communicate remotely more, it was Zoom that took the lead and Skype was bafflingly left by the wayside. While there have been some new features brought to both Teams and Skype, there's still an air of confusion as to which one you should use. If you need to take part in a job interview that's on Teams, for example, chances are you'll quickly need to install the app and make sure it works. Instead, let's see them both retire and mark a fresh start for Windows 12, with the return of MSN Messenger to do the job these two apps have limped on with. Not only would we like to see the return of nudges, winks, and classic sounds if users want, but we'd also be keen on powerful features to make it go toe-to-toe with Zoom, Google Meets, and FaceTime. Perhaps have integration with Slack, so if a video meeting is needed, it can prompt in a channel and with one button, MSN Messenger will launch with the required invitees. Microsoft needs to reboot how it perceives itself for messaging apps, and the return of MSN Messenger could be a great start to that. 2. Live wallpaper A request by TechRadar's Senior Computing Editor Matt Hanson, and an intriguing one at that. There have been similar features in iPhones and Android phones for some years, with animations moving across these devices. But for PC and Mac, they've been relegated to third-party apps, such as Wallpaper Engine(opens in new tab), to be able to have animated wallpapers with the ability to display information from your PC. To so something similar in Windows 12, Microsoft could further push its efforts in themes, something that's seen improvements in Windows 11, thanks to its dark themes. Having a dedicated section for wallpapers, where you can place static bytes of information on the desktop that works with an animated live wallpaper, could appeal to all kinds of users. Microsoft could also bring back previous wallpapers, such as the hillside of Windows XP, but have it animated, alongside some clouds displaying battery status or the weather. This can update the desktop substantially and make it much more up to date, without having to rely on widgets or a taskbar to showcase changes. 3. Dedicated podcast app While it's been great to see the return of Windows Media Player from Microsoft, having additional features such as podcasts feels irrelevant for what Media Player is for. macOS has had its own podcast app since Big Sur in 2019, but if you wanted to use a similar app on Windows, it's not clear where to start, as Microsoft doesn't offer a dedicated podcast app. This is why Windows 12 should include a dedicated podcast app that could also be used on other platforms, such as iOS and Android, so your subscriptions could sync across all your devices. Podcasts are massively po[CENSORED]r, and managing them all in a first-party app would be great for Windows users. It's something that could really help spur the company's effort to make content available on almost every device. 4. Dedicated streaming app A storming idea by our resident Computing writer Jess Weatherbed, as there is yet to be an integrated option in Windows to stream what you're playing. For years there have been apps such as OBS and Twitch that offer ways to stream what you're playing or watching with others. However, these apps have always required extra effort to make sure that you're streaming to viewers in good quality, with low latency. Then there's the additional aspect of the peripherals that streamers use to help show them in a better light, or Stream Decks to easily control their setups with shortcut keys. It can be overwhelming to manage multiple apps just to control all of these, which is why Windows 12 could benefit from having one app that can manage your streams and the peripherals. Microsoft has been pushing gaming in Windows 11 since its announcement in June 2021, with a redesigned Xbox app and HDR support. But countless gamers also stream these games through Windows, so there's a big opportunity here. Having one app to control, say, ring lights and the streams for viewers is appealing, shifting the heavy lifting to one app. It could automate streams based on the schedule and the games being played, alongside different lighting scenarios for the different times of the day. This could encourage more gamers to see Windows as a service, as the CEO of Microsoft Satya Nadella has been stating since the release of Windows 10 in 2015, while also making Windows 12 an enticing prospect for streamers to earn more followers and income for their careers. 5. Companion app for Android A suggestion by our Editor-in-Chief at TechRadar Pro, Desire Athow – this can be an expansion of Your Phone, Microsoft's effort to sync your mobile to Windows. But when you open this new app in Windows 12, it would have a layout reminiscent of Windows Phone and its tile layout, and would enable a desktop experience from your phone. This would be similar to Samsung DeX, which can transform your Galaxy S22 or Galaxy S22 Ultra into a desktop once it's connected to a peripheral. This new app would go beyond DeX and Microsoft's Your Phone efforts, though. When you connect to a monitor, it would become a fully-fledged Windows 12 desktop, showcasing everything from your main PC. And when you click on an icon, it would download the content from the cloud and display it in its native resolution. It would be an innovative extension of the cloud, where you can access your files wherever you are. Here, you'd be carrying your desktop with you and all you'd need to do is to connect your smartphone to a monitor, either with touchscreen features or a keyboard and mouse. As with the streaming feature above, this would again further Nadella's plans of seeing Windows as a service. Having your PC in an app is an enticing thought, and could help for those situations when you have a short window of opportunity to do some work with a spare monitor, keyboard, and mouse somewhere. Source.

An Nvidia graphics card partner in China has created a unique selling point for a custom GeForce RTX 4090, one of the best graphics cards. 51RISC has launched a model with spirit level functionality built into the top bar. The twin green fluid-filled capsules next to the backlit GeForce RTX logo don't look so much out of place because the style is like two liquid-cooled reservoir tubes, but, of course, on closer inspection, they aren't have anything to do with liquid cooling. Beyond the spirit level appeal, the 51RISC design is pleasing enough and mixes Harley Earl and Colonial Marines design flair. However, we could complain that a graphics card that 'cares' about being level doesn't come with any bracket or support in the box. Also, what do you do if you live in a house or room where the floor isn't level, or your desk is leaning one way or another? In that case, the spirit level bubbles being off-center may be a nagging reminder of the structural flaws of your home. In other specs from the Aliexpress(opens in new tab) retail page, unearthed by VideoCardz(opens in new tab), you can see this is a pretty middle-of-the-road air-cooled GeForce RTX 4090, with stock GPU, memory spec, and so on. Yes, it is very long and chunky, like all RTX 4090 cards, but at least it remains within three slots of thickness - not edging 3.5 or 4 slots like some competitors. So far, so good, and you might think that a relatively unknown brand such as 51RISC would be selling its wares at the cheaper end of the market. It isn't cheap, though, even for a GeForce RTX 4090, with its price of approx $2,830. Ouch - go and buy a discrete spirit level. Suppose the undeniable charms of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 attract you. In that case, you are probably better off sifting through the launch roundup of various models from brands we put together in September. We covered all the big brands like Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte and offerings from smaller names like Palit, PNY, and Zotac. Source.

At the 2022 Minecraft Live(opens in new tab) event, Mojang revealed some key details about the upcoming 1.20 update for the long-lived survival game, as well as its planned release window in the spring of 2023. Mojang also announced that the update's first playable features and snapshots would be accessible "a few days from now," and revealed the winner of its 2022 mob vote(opens in new tab): The noble and honorable Sniffer. Contrary to previous big updates, Mojang has not yet named 1.20, and instead hopes to shape and characterize it in conversation with the community. The developer did reveal some of the new features on the way, including seven new default skins alongside the classic Steve. Mojang hopes this will allow players to feel represented in the game without having to immediately turn to custom options, and will also be characterizing the new default characters and including them marketing in a similar way to Steve. Mojang also revealed a snazzy new bamboo construction material, complete with intricate window designs, as well as jaunty hanging signs. Minecraft will also see the addition of ridable camels that, unlike the game's horses, can dash over rivers. The camels can also be ridden by two players at once, finally allowing you and your closest friends to share the intimacy of a camel ride, in Minecraft. You can learn more about how Minecraft will implement our humped friends in our breakdown of everything we know about Minecraft's new camels(opens in new tab). After tallying 3.5 million mob votes, the charismatic and adorable Tuff Golem was robbed by the sham of democracy and placed dead last. The Sniffer made it the distance, and will be the new president of Minecraft mob added to the game. Sniffers will be grown from eggs found underground, and go through a life cycle ending in a giant full-grown state. 1.20 is looking like a fun time then, though Mojang has yet to reveal a specific date for the first snapshot, instead stating that it will arrive in "just a few days(opens in new tab)." In the mean time, you can check out our guide on everything we know about Minecraft's 1.20 update(opens in new tab). Source.

Name of the game: Shovel Knight: Shovel of Hope Price: $14.99 - $7.49 Link Store: Here. Offer ends up after X hours: DAILY DEAL! Offer ends 19 October. Requirements:

Jeremy Hunt has appealed to Tory MPs to get behind Liz Truss, as she battles to restore credibility with backbenchers. A series of damaging U-turns over her tax-cutting plans has led some MPs to talk privately about how to remove her from office. Her new chancellor told the BBC a fresh leadership campaign was "the last thing that people really want". But a senior backbench Conservative MP has called for Ms Truss to go as prime minister, saying "the game is up". Mr Hunt replaced Kwasi Kwarteng on Friday, after Ms Truss fired the former chancellor. His sacking followed market turmoil in response to £45bn of unfunded tax cuts included in the mini-budget. In a series of humiliating U-turns to restore market confidence, Ms Truss has abandoned plans to scrap the top income tax rate and reversed a planned freeze to corporation tax she had put at the centre of her Tory leadership campaign. Mr Hunt held talks with Ms Truss at her official Chequers country retreat earlier, as they plan a programme of tax hikes and spending cuts to be delivered on 31 October. The new chancellor told Laura Kuenssberg he was not ruling out further reversals of tax cuts from last month's mini-budget, adding he was not "taking anything off the table". According to reports in the Sunday Times, Ms Truss is also preparing to delay by a year her 1p cut to the basic rate of income tax. The Treasury has not confirmed the reports, adding: "We cannot speculate on any tax changes outside of a fiscal event." Asked whether he could rule out scrapping more of the tax cuts, Mr Hunt said he wanted to keep as many of them "as I possibly can". "We are going to have to take some very difficult decisions both on spending and on tax," he said in an interview with Laura Kuenssberg, which was recorded on Saturday. "Taxes are not going to go down as quickly as people thought and some taxes are going to go up," he added. "So it's going to be very, very difficult and I think we have to be honest with people about that." Meanwhile, in a further blow to the prime minister, US President Joe Biden has criticised tax cuts from her mini-budget. In an unusual intervention, he told reporters during a campaign visit that the outcome was "predictable" and "I wasn't the only one that thought it was a mistake". He added that he had disagreed with "the idea of cutting taxes on the super wealthy", but it was up to the UK to "make that judgment, not me". In his BBC interview, Mr Hunt said the government's debt reduction plan, due in two weeks' time, would be a "very big fiscal statement", and that every government department would be asked to make savings. However, he insisted the changes would not be "anything like" the period of austerity which began in 2010, when predecessor George Osborne oversaw large cuts in public spending. Despite the U-turns, Mr Hunt insisted Ms Truss remained committed to her goal of promoting economic growth, but she had changed "the way we're going to get there". "She's listened, she's changed, she's been willing to do that most difficult thing in politics which is to change tack," he added. 'The game is up' Under current party rules, Ms Truss is safe from a formal leadership challenge for a year - but newspaper reports suggest some Tory MPs have already begun talks about how to force her from office. Tactics reportedly under consideration include submitting no-confidence letters in a bid to force party bosses into a rule change, or changing party rules to allow MPs to bypass members and pick a new leader themselves. Asked whether she could survive as the prime minister, former minister Crispin Blunt told Channel 4: "No, I think the game is up and it's now a question as to how the succession is managed. "If there is such a weight of opinion in the parliamentary party that we have to have a change then it will be effected." Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown, who sits on the committee that decides the rules, told BBC Radio 4's Broadcasting House a rule change would only be considered if "sixty to seventy percent" of the party's MPs backed a change. Speaking on Sky News, senior backbencher Robert Halfon said "of course, colleagues are unhappy with what is going on", adding that "we're all talking to see what can be done about it". The chair of the Commons Education Committee went on to accuse the government of behaving like "libertarian jihadists" treating the public as "laboratory mice on which to carry out ultra, ultra free market experiments". He said he was not calling on Ms Truss to go and he worried about "further political stability" - but a "dramatic reset" was needed and "things have to improve". Former Health Secretary Matt Hancock urged the prime minister to reshuffle the cabinet to extend her support across the party. He told the BBC: "There's a huge amount of talent on the backbenches - I'm not talking about me, but there are many others that should be brought into government." Treasury minister Andrew Griffith, speaking on Times Radio, insisted that the prime minister has the "confidence of the government". Labour's shadow business secretary Jonathan Reynolds said any further public spending cuts would be "entirely because" of government "incompetence". "I'm not even sure what this government's economic policy is at the moment. I don't know which bits of the budget still apply, and I don't know what we will hear next week," he told the BBC. Source.

A father and son were fishing for striped bass and tuna off the Jersey Shore near Belmar on Wednesday when they hooked a prize memory: A massive humpback whale breached the sea inches from them. The son, Zach Piller, 23, of the Philadephia area, captured the moment on video. The water boiled with activity, with dozens of small fish jumping from the sea, before the humpback's head emerged next to the duo's small boat. "Uh-oh," Piller is heard saying just before the animal breached the surface and raised its head above the boat's midships. “Got that on video!”Piller said among excited swearing. The whale's head landed with a splash, and soon it was deep in the sea. Piller said that small fish are abundant and nearshore this time of year, attracting whales and other animals that eat them. The weather was exceptionally nice Wednesday, with the high above 70 degrees and the water calm and glassy, Piller said. Piller was on an 18-foot Starcraft built by his father. It’s based at a marina in Belmar. Eric Otjen, SeaWorld San Diego vice president of zoological operations said apparent humpback whales feeding on small fish near shore is nothing unusual, but breaching near a boat is. “This whale just happened to chase bait fish right next to a boat,” he said. “The feeding part is common. Being that close to the boat is not. You probably have a better chance of winning the lottery. It popped up where it popped up.” Otjen said it’s possible the mammal was engaging in bubble-net feeding, in which humpback whales dive below a school of fish, blow bubbles in a circle around them to act as a virtual net, and then head for the surface, mouths open, to scoop up the fish. "The guys on the boat had an experience of a lifetime," he said. "A lot of people would pay a lot of money to see what they saw." Experts say humpbacks may use breaches to communicate because the resulting collision with the surface creates sound waves that travel far. They might also slap their fins for the same reason. The Jersey Shore has been unusually active when it comes to whale sightings since at least July. And, reaching back to 2011, humpbacks have been staying longer for feeding season, possibly to feast on Atlantic menhaden, a small fish they prefer, researchers say. Though the nearshore activity could be a sign that the endangered species is rebounding following the dark ages of hunting them for oil, scientists are concerned that boat traffic and fishing lines are posing serious threats. On Sept. 26, the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Team, as part of the West Coast Large Whale Entanglement Response Program, helped to disentangle a humpback whale from 300 feet of lines and buoys that appeared to be from crab fishing, the park said. The park’s rescuers, joined off the coast of Carlsbad, California by responders from federal and local jurisdictions, were able to see the mammal set off for deeper climes. “We celebrate and all that stuff, but we really want to not have to do it,” Otjen said. Source.

Verdict Our track-only drive in the Urus Performante leaves questions about its comfort that can only be answered on the road, but for now, we can be sure that the level of capability in the car is formidable. It’s not just fast, but also engaging for such a large SUV, but there are times when the car reminds you of its weight and height. That the Lamborghini Urus Performante comes with the option of shodding its vast 22-inch wheels in Pirelli Trofeo R tyres tells you how seriously this machine takes itself as a rather unlikely track car. Somehow, Lambo’s super SUV has made it nearly five years in production without gaining a derivative version (track-only ST-X notwithstanding), so it’s perhaps fitting that the first offshoot has arrived with some serious intent. The super-sticky tyres - usually reserved for the most focussed supercars - are only part of the story. The Perf rides 20mm lower on stiffer steel springs, unlike the outgoing standard Urus and its Urus S replacement, which used air springs. The front and rear track widths are up 16mm, and a new centre differential from Torsen not only makes the torque shift between the front and rear axles faster but sends more torque to the rear more often. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 develops 657bhp, which is 16bhp up on the outgoing Urus, but no more than the S. Its 3.3-second 0-62mph time is three tenths better than the S, however, thanks to a variety of factors including a 47kg weight drop and recalibrated launch control system. Top speed is 190mph. A recalibrated eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts more aggressively than before. Both in images and in the metal, the ride height drop is obvious, giving the Urus Performante an aggressive stance. The standard Urus has always been - for better or worse - a visual feast, and now there’s more to take in than ever. There's a vented carbon fibre bonnet, a carbon fibre rear wing and new bumpers influenced by the Aventador SVJ. The new aero profile ups downforce by 38 per cent over the rear axle. With all the chassis fiddling, we suspect the Urus Performante might feel quite stiff on the road, but unfortunately, we don’t know that for sure just yet. Our first drive of the car was limited to Vallelunga circuit near Rome plus an on-site dirt track to sample the new ‘Rally’ mode. The Urus did tackle the latter with a surprising degree of smoothness, though, which is hopefully a good sign. On track, the Urus Performante is a formidable weapon. It’s startling not just in terms of how capable it is - its traction is staggering - but how easy it is for the driver to exploit what the Performante can do. For a car of this sort, there’s a reasonable degree of feedback from both the steering and the chassis, so you can build confidence in this two-tonne SUV surprisingly easily. It’s in the faster corners where the Performante feels the most impressive. Rear-wheel steering - which turns the back axle in the same direction as the fronts at higher speed - adds to the unflappable sense of stability, yet it changes direction swiftly and with minimal fuss, too. The pointy front end has no trouble in keeping up with the relatively quick steering. The level of agility and lack of significant body roll means you start to forget the Urus Performante is a tall car that still weighs comfortably over two tonnes even after its diet. Heavily-loaded, tighter corners can serve as a reminder, however. Incredible though it is what modern chassis technology can do for a car like the Urus, the laws of physics are still present, and become abundantly clear on the occasions understeer arrives. As for what’s going on at the other end, we didn’t get much movement at all from the rear axle, save for the first track session which was under slipperier conditions. Then, the Urus showed a surprising keenness to rotate, which was easy and non-threatening to manage. The new Rally mode, which was inspired by the Huracan Sterrato concept and sits alongside the usual settings including Strada and Corsa, offers a different kind of oversteer-led entertainment. It softens the adaptive dampers and allows more wheelspin, making you feel like a rally hero as you grab armfuls of opposite luck. It’s fun, but we can’t imagine too many Urus Performante owners making use of it. The engine is as impressive as ever. It’s not the most rev-hungry engine, but the fat gobs of mid-range torque on offer (the peak of 850Nm is available from 2,250rpm to 4,500) means that’s not really a problem. It makes a great noise, too. Lamborghini has given the V8 a helping hand by rejigging the sound actuators at the base of the windscreen, and adding an Akrapovic exhaust, which lets out a tremendous snarl for something that has to comply with stringent modern regulations. For all its focus, the Urus Performante is a hugely practical car, with plenty of interior space and a whopping 661-litre boot. The cabin hasn’t changed a great deal, but it is now clad in a lot of Alcantara (a practical as well as an aesthetic choice, Lamborghini says, as it’s less reflective), and you can option more of the stuff if you want - it’s even possible to have an Alcantara-lined boot. The 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system is responsive enough and easy to navigate, and now looks a little snazzier thanks to Performante-specific graphics, which extend to the 8.6-inch digital instrument cluster. Impressive though the Urus Performante’s blend of practicality and performance might be, there’s no shortage of rivals. Based on merely a track drive, we can’t say for sure if it’s any better than the likes of the sensational Aston Martin DBX 707 and Urus-related Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. Plenty of buyers are on board, however - order an Urus Performante now, and you won’t get one until 2024. Source.

Love. Why has this four-letter word inspired songs, films, poems or prose? And how does this emotion move human beings to act or react for better or for worse? That is the crux of the exhibition titled “Love. What moves us” that begins on October 14 at the Haus der Geschichte in the southwestern German city of Stuttgart. Forming the third part of the museum’s “Emotion Trilogy,” which previously focused on greed and hate, the show looks at the light and dark sides of love: on the one hand uniting and strengthening people, yet forbidding or fanatical on the other. What is ‘love’ anyway? The 40 love stories featured in the exhibition tell of struggles against prejudice, of love across social or political boundaries and even of blind patriotic love. It also looks at people who have dedicated their lives to charity or to protecting the earth while risking everything in the process. Given the current sociopolitical landscape within and outside of Germany, the exhibition’s relevance and the points it raises couldn’t be more obvious, says exhibition director Rainer Schimpf. “The COVID pandemic has left deep wounds. The political debate in the country is increasingly characterized by fear, hatred and irreconcilability. And at the same time, a brutal war is raging in Europe. Not to mention global warming and its consequences for humanity. In this situation, the need for attention and appreciation is perhaps greater than it has been for a long time,” he told DW. Referring to the previous two exhibitions on greed and hate respectively, Schimpf explains that visitors’ reactions were generally positive, saying that there was frequent feedback about how important it was to deal with these issues. “It seemed as if many people were downright depressed by hatred and were looking for answers as to how it could be overcome. Messages about this could also be left directly in the exhibition. We were completely surprised by how strong the response was. It far exceeded the other entries in the visitors’ book.” Schimpf says that the stories featured in the current love exhibition show what love can make possible. “Even in situations of despair and hopelessness, love can move people to actions that they would perhaps not have thought themselves capable of. Love can transcend boundaries — and this in many senses.” Schimpf however underscores that it’s not entirely maudlin either. “We do not conceal the aberrations and abysses to which love can also lead. But ultimately, of course, this is an exhibition that should give hope that hate does not have the last say,” he explains. Of red tape and a horse Among the eye-catching exhibits is a wedding dress that a German teacher in Ravensburg designed out of copies of official documents. It was borne of her frustration at not being able to officially marry her Gambian partner and the bureaucracy surrounding his efforts to prove his identity beyond doubt to German authorities. The skeletal remains of an Arabian stallion named Goumousch Bourno bear testament to the love that the Württemberg King Wilhelm I had for his wife Catharina Pavlovna, a widowed cousin whom he married in 1816. As the sister of the Russian tsar, she had brought with her a substantial dowry and her social engagement won the hearts of the people. The stallion had been purchased on her behalf in Damascus for the royal stables, but she did not live to see his arrival. Her husband however had the horse skeleton preserved in her memory. Love in the time of war Of the stories that particularly moved exhibition director Rainer Schimpf, two are related to wars. One is of Berthold von Deimling, who Schimpf describes as the prototype of a thoughtless and ruthless general in the German Empire and World War I. “He was a great warrior. He sacrificed thousands of young men for his glory. After the war, however, he changed from a warmonger to a pacifist. To the astonishment of his contemporaries, he of all people sought reconciliation with the ‘arch-enemy’ France.” The other heart-wrenching love story concerns people who were born to German mothers and soldiers of the occupying forces — namely US, UK, France and the Soviet Union — in Germany after World War II. Schimpf relates the story of a woman, who was born in the French Occupation Zone in southwest Germany in 1947. Her father was a French soldier, who later left in 1949. Her mother died early and her German half-sister only referred to her father as the “little French one.” In her search for her father, she later posted family pictures on a website, in which someone recognized him. This eventually led her to his grave in France and to meeting her French half-sister. “You could easily transfer this story to the other Occupation Zones. All of Germany was separated into four zones, so you have these cases all over the country,” explains Schimpf. Civil courage and forgiveness Other featured love stories extend beyond the family and the familiar. One tells of a feisty 82-year-old woman who came to the aid of another who was being physically attacked by her partner in a store. The pensioner hit the perpetrator with her walking stick, which prompted him to let go of his victim. The police believed that the old lady’s prompt intervention may have helped prevent life-threatening injuries. And finally, love also means forgiveness. In October 2016, medical student Maria Ladenburger was murdered in Freiburg by an Afghan refugee. Her parents called for prudence and did not want to respond to the act with hatred and agitation. Instead, they set up a foundation in memory of their daughter to help students in need. Source.

China's President Xi Jinping signalled there would be no immediate loosening of his controversial zero-Covid strategy as a historic Communist Party congress opened in Beijing. In a break in decades-long tradition, delegates are likely to hand Mr Xi a third term as party chief. Zero-Covid was a "people's war to stop the spread of the virus", he said. The policy has saved lives, but also exacted a punishing toll on the Chinese people and economy. There is increasing public fatigue over lockdowns and travel restrictions. Beijing has come under strict security measures ahead of the congress, sparking frustration in the city with a rare and dramatic public protest on Thursday criticising Mr Xi and zero Covid. Mr Xi also addressed the issue of Taiwan - which China claims as part of its territory. Self-governing Taiwan sees itself as distinct from the mainland. Speaking slowly and deliberately, he said Beijing would "never promise to renounce the use of force" and that "complete reunification of our country must and will be realised", prompting sustained applause from delegates. On Hong Kong, Mr Xi said Beijing had exerted control there, turning the situation from "chaos to governance". Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on the territory after pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019. Mr Xi also made reference to divisions within China's political establishment, saying his rule had "removed serious hidden dangers in the party". Since reaching top office, he has overseen a wide-reaching corruption crackdown extending to the highest echelons of the party. But critics have portrayed it as a political purge. He also added that China would accelerate the building of its military, referencing the terms "safety" or "security" some 73 times. The speech, which lasted less than two hours, was significantly shorter than his speech at the last congress in 2017. His remarks have likely had their choice of words workshopped for months and analysts will be poring over it for any signs of policy shifts. A third term as leader of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) will pave the way for him to become the most powerful leader since Mao Zedong. About 2,300 delegates are meeting to elect party leaders and debate key policies. Over the course of the congress, delegates are also expected to elect various leaders including the Politburo Standing Committee - China's equivalent of a presidential cabinet - who will present themselves to waiting media after the congress. In the past, the twice-a-decade congress was seen as a chance for leaders to promote their supporters, as they vied to increase the power of their factions within the party. But observers say these days there appears to be only one faction at the 20th Party Congress - that of Mr Xi. In a clear sign of this consolidation of power, top Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leaders released a communiqué days earlier endorsing him as "the core" of the party and leadership. They also called for the party to unite even more closely behind him. Mr Xi currently holds the three most powerful positions in China - general secretary of the CCP, chairman of the country's armed forces and president. He is expected to renew his term for the first two titles at the congress. The CCP does not set any term limits. But no leader besides Mao, the founder of communist China, has ever served a third term. The presidency also used to have a two-term limit in the country's constitution, put in place by reformer Deng Xiaoping to prevent the rise of a Mao-like figure. But Mr Xi has managed to eliminate this requirement: in 2018 China's rubber-stamp parliament abolished the rule, effectively allowing him to remain president for as long as he likes. Since taking power in 2012, Mr Xi has led China on a path that has been equal parts ambitious and authoritarian. He has pushed for "a great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation", which saw him pursuing economic reform, reducing pollution and alleviating poverty. He has also launched crackdowns on the Uyghurs in Xinjiang and pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong. But Mr Xi continues to face a multitude of challenges, such as youth unemployment, a slowing economy and the ongoing property crisis - and of course zero-Covid. Many will also be watching the congress to see if there will be any alteration to Beijing's foreign policy, especially towards the world's other superpower, the US. Mr Xi's attempts to expand China's influence abroad through the One Belt One Road programme and claims in the South China Sea, as well as its support of Russia in the Ukraine war and its recent military exercises around Taiwan have raised tensions with the US and other countries. With Mr Xi remaining at the helm all these will continue to be core interests - though some experts believe he may temper China's approach in some aspects to pursue better trade relations with the US and regional partners. "The CCP's political legitimacy lies in socioeconomic delivery," said Dr Collin Koh of Singapore's S Rajaratnam School of International Studies. "The average Chinese citizen will feel that things are not going very well, so there's a need to reinvigorate the kind of growth China has been more used to in recent decades." Source.

Happy birthday

Update: A representative for WB Games Montreal confirmed on the official Gotham Knights Discord that the game is locked to 4K/30fps on Xbox Series X/S and PS5, with no performance mode offered. While it seems a somewhat dubious claim, they say this is largely due to the game's large open world and co-op features, and offering 60fps would not be a simple matter of lowering resolution/visual features. Original Story: While it wasn’t really a thing for most of the history of console gaming, in recent years, players have got used to being able to choose their visual options on next-gen systems. At the very least, most big games now offer a 4K resolution mode and 60fps performance mode. Well, it seems Gotham Knights is going old-school with its graphical options. For the last few days rumors have been circulating that Gotham Knights will be locked into a single visual mode on consoles, which offers 4K resolution and ray tracing, but only 30fps. Well, according to ResetEra user Axecidentally, who claims to have access to a pre-launch copy of Gotham Knights, it is indeed locked to 4K/30fps on PS5. “I can confirm the PS5 version at least does not come with any graphical options other than Brightness, Contrast, Saturation and HDR. I can also confirm the game does not run at 60 fps.” Our ResetEra user also claims they had to download a large update to play the game, likely the usual Day 1 patch, and it didn’t add any graphical options. Developer WB Games Montreal have refused to say anything about the 30fps situation despite pretty persistent questioning from fans, which doesn’t instill much confidence. We here at Wccftech only have access to PC code, so we can’t confirm ourselves. As such, take this with a grain of salt for now. Personally, I’m perfectly alright with 4K/30fps, provided the 30fps is consistent, in certain games. That said, in a timing-heavy action game like Gotham Knights, at least the option for 60fps really should be there. In perhaps more positive news, a Gotham Knights FAQ has revealed the game will be getting a new 4-player co-op mode entitled “Heroic Assault” post-launch. “Heroic Assault is an upcoming gameplay mode that is separate from the main story campaign. The standalone mode supports up to four players in online co-op and provides a dedicated arena-like environment with specific objectives to complete and enemies to defeat on each floor (30 floors total).” Gotham Knights arrives on PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5 on October 21. The Heroic Assault mode is slated to launch on November 29. Source.

Razer took the mobile gaming world by storm back in 2020 with the release of the Kishi controller. Now, the company has returned with the Razer Kishi V2, intending to improve on the original in every conceivable way. Considering how beloved the Kishi V1 was, that's a lofty goal, but I'm happy to report, by and large, they've managed it. Though the name may imply a slight upgrade, the Razer Kishi V2 has been completely redesigned from the ground up. The flexible bridge from the original is gone, being replaced by a telescopic, sliding bridge. It's a welcome change too. Sure, the V1's collapsible bridge was excellent for portability, but it never felt entirely stable. With the Razer Kishi V2, my device feels much more secure, and I've not found myself worrying about my phone coming loose as I play. But the adjustments go beyond fitting a new bridge. The shape and feel of the Razer Kishi V2 is completely different to its predecessor. The back of the hand grips sports a textured feel, making the controller comfortable to use even during extended game sessions. I happily sat and played Diablo Immortal for several hours without any issues. The buttons have also received an upgrade across the board with the addition of microswitch buttons and a d-pad. They offer a pleasant tactile feel when pressed, making them wonderfully responsive and perfect for games where reactions make all the difference, such as Rocket League sideswipe. In particular, the d-pad benefits from this change the most. The V1's d-pad was serviceable but felt a little too mushy, much like the Xbox 360 controller. As a result, I tended to avoid using them if possible, whereas the Razer Kishi V2's d-pad is a delight to use. The analogue sticks have also been swapped out for a version closer to what the Nintendo Switch offers. So if you're familiar with that setup, you'll feel at home here. The triggers are also analogue, perfect if you enjoy playing racing games on the go. The placement of the buttons is excellent, with everything within easy reach. However, if you don't want to remove your right thumb from the analogue stick, Razer has included two extra buttons next to the trigger that you can remap to suit your preferences, adding some welcome versatility to the Kishi V2. To map these buttons, you'll need to download the Razer Nexus app and adjust them within the settings. But that's not all the app offers. It also allows you to choose from your roster of games with ease and the app itself can be launched with the click of a button on the Kishi V2 itself. Aside from a list of your own library, the Nexus app also aims to act as a point of discovery for new games, offering up a host of options from different genres that are known to work well with the controller. The Nexus app also enables the share button, allowing you to stream to Facebook and YouTube. Much like its predecessor, the Razer Kishi V2 doesn't run off its own power. Instead, you simply attach your Android device (an iOS version is launching later this year) through its USB-C connection and game away. Then if the power gets low, there is a USB-C port on the Kishi V2 that allows for passthrough charging, so you don't have to pause your gaming session. Not only is this much more convenient than fiddling around with Bluetooth, it almost means there's virtually no latency. This makes any gaming experience infinitely more enjoyable but is absolutely vital if you enjoy playing online competitively. The Razer Kishi V2 is a stellar controller, then. It's incredibly comfortable to use for multiple hours at a time, and the responsiveness of the buttons is sublime. It feels much more premium than its predecessor, which is quite the compliment when you remember the V1 is still a great controller. The Razer Nexus app is also a great step toward discovering controller-compatible games that will only improve over time. Throw in compatibility with Xbox Game Pass, Nvidia GeForce Now, Google Stadia and the likes of Steam Link and the Razer Kishi V2 is the perfect companion for all your gaming needs on a mobile phone. Source.

Microsoft has announced that animated avatars are now available in preview for its Teams collaboration platform. Via the Avatars app in the Microsoft Teams App Store, members of the Technical Access Program can now design up to three avatars for use during meetings, and choose from an array of reaction gestures. So-called Mesh avatars were first announced for Microsoft Teams in a blog post(opens in new tab) by John Roach, the company’s CTO of digital advisory services, back in November 2021. Mesh avatars in the workplace Mesh avatars allow for greater freedom of expression in a hybrid working environment, with users able to customize physical attributes, accessories, and other aspects of themselves. Microsoft’s release of the feature at its Ignite event reiterates its commitment to blurring the line between video conferencing software and metaverses, which some business leaders believe are the next big development in collaboration tools following the shift to hybrid working. These spaces are designed around mesh avatars interacting inside a virtual space equipped with the tools that teams need to collaborate, such as whiteboards, document storage, and video conferencing software. If Microsoft continues to develop metaverse-adjacent features for the Teams platform, it could manage to scupper Meta’s plans for the sector with its own Horizon Workrooms metaverse. Horizon Workrooms could end up being seen as a less convenient offering when up against Teams, a video conferencing app that’s already in use by many organizations and benefits from Microsoft 365 integration. Until then, organizations looking to try out the new mesh avatars but without access to the private preview build can sign up for updates on the Teams website(opens in new tab). Source.

ASRock has quietly released revision 2.0 of its WRX80 Creator motherboard for AMD's Ryzen Threadripper Pro processor that costs more than $350 less than the revision 1.0 of the same mainboard, which was released this August. The only difference between the two boards? The new model uses Marvell's Aquantia 10GbE controller instead of an Intel 10GbE controller. Other than 10GbE controllers, ASRock's WRX80 Creator motherboards are absolutely identical. Both use a 14-layer printed circuit board (something that is hardly ever used, even for enthusiast-grade motherboards designed for overclockers). Both boards come with voltage regulating modules (VRMs) featuring Infineon's premium DrMOS power stages, promising extended longevity and generally designed for reliability and durability. Features and capabilities of the platforms can be compared on ASRock's website, or using the brief table below. Both motherboards are now available at Newegg. The new ASRock WRX80 Creator revision 2.0 costs $899(opens in new tab), while the ASRock WRX80 Creator revision 1.0 is priced at $1256(opens in new tab). The mention of the revision 2.0 at Newegg's website has been discovered by @momomo_us, as ASRock has not officially announced the new version of its product. Both motherboards support AMD's Ryzen Threadripper Pro CPUs for high-end workstations, and therefore support up to 2TB of DDR4-3200 memory using eight channels and have 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes (up from 72 on non-Pro TR), spread across its seven PCIe 4.0 x16 (electrical), M.2-2280 as well as U.2 Gen4 x4 slots. They also feature all the premium input/output capabilities imaginable, which includes two 10GbE ports (Intel-powered on revision 1.0 and Marvell Aquantia-powered on revision 2.0), Wi-Fi-6E, Thunderbolt 4, eight SATA connectors, 7.1-channel audio with a headset amplifier, a built-in KVM, and Aspeed's AST 2500 BMC for remote management. In general, there seem to be no differences between the two ASRock's WRX80 Creator motherboards other than the 10GbE controllers. But many enterprise clients (who are more likely to purchase workstation-grade hardware) demand an Intel network controller, since their IT departments know how to manage them. Also, Intel's controller supports the Energy Efficient Ethernet 802.3az feature, something that may be important for business customers. By contrast, ASRock's WRX80 revision 2.0 with a Marvell 10GbE controller provides similar performance for $350 less. This will definitely be an important factor to consider for boutique workstation makers as well as DIYers. Is Intel's 10GbE controller worth that much more? Source.

Name of the game: Black Book Price: $24.99 - $12.49 Link Store: Here. Offer ends up after X hours: DAILY DEAL! Offer ends 21 October. Requirements:

Difficult decisions will be needed "across the board" on tax and spending, the new chancellor has said. Jeremy Hunt told the BBC that some taxes will go up, while government spending may need to fall. He said two mistakes were made in the mini-budget by Kwasi Kwarteng - cutting the top rate of tax and announcing it without an independent forecast. But he also praised his predecessor for help offered to people struggling with their energy bills. Mr Hunt said he agreed with the prime minister's goal of "solving the growth paradox", but added: "The way we went about it clearly wasn't right and that's why I'm sitting here now." Speaking to BBC Radio 4's Today Programme, Mr Hunt said: "Taxes are not going to come down by as much as people hoped, and some taxes will have to go up. "I'm going to be asking all government departments to find additional efficiency savings." But Mr Hunt, who was appointed as chancellor on Friday after Kwasi Kwarteng was sacked by the prime minister, refused to outline any details for his tax and spending plans. He told BBC Breakfast he was "not going to make any commitments" and reiterated he was just hours into the job. However, the chancellor made a series of points about the government's mini-budget and discussed possible plans for his new role: Mr Hunt said there were two mistakes in the mini-budget - cutting the 45p rate of tax for top earners and announcing the package without independent costings He said he hoped to keep the 1% cut to the basic rate of income tax, but that no decisions had yet been made He said some taxes will need to go up He is asking government departments to find "efficiencies", meaning possible cuts to spending He refused to rule out cuts to NHS spending, nor did he rule out row-backs on Liz Truss's pledge to boost defence spending Mr Hunt's comments come after the government's mini-budget last month, which included £45bn worth of tax cuts, and sparked turbulence in the financial markets. Addressing mistakes he said were made by the ex-chancellor, Mr Hunt said: "There were two mistakes - it was wrong to cut the top rate of tax for the very highest earners at a time where we're going to have to be asking for sacrifices from everyone to get through a very difficult period. "And it was wrong to fly blind and to announce those plans without reassuring people with the discipline of the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) that we actually can afford to pay for them." He said both of these were now in the process of "being put right". Mr Hunt said he would be meeting Treasury officials later and Liz Truss on Sunday. After just 39 days as prime minister, Ms Truss is facing huge pressure from within her party as key elements of the major economic plan she and the former chancellor set out in September have been scrapped. The prime minister is facing a backlash from Conservative MPs after announcing the government's second U-turn in a month. Friday's U-turn on plans to cut corporation tax followed an earlier reversal of plans to cut the 45p rate of income tax for the highest earners. One Tory MP described the party as being in a "state of despair", but Truss supporter Christopher Chope said "time will tell" if she had done enough to secure her position. Asked whether there should be a general election, Mr Hunt told the BBC: "What the country wants now is stability. "[Truss] has been prime minister for less than five weeks. When we are judged at a general election, we will be judged by what we deliver over the next 18 months by far more than what's happened over the last 18 weeks." The PM has described sacking Mr Kwarteng and scrapping another key economic policy as "difficult" and admitted in a short press conference on Friday that "parts of our mini-budget went further and faster" than the markets were expecting. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer accused the prime minister of "grotesque chaos" in her sacking of the former chancellor. During a speech in Barnsley a day after the upheaval in Westminster, Sir Keir said Ms Truss was "clinging on", arguing that there was "no historical precedent" for the current situation facing her government. He said: "Britain has faced financial crises before but the prime ministers and chancellors who wrestled with them all acted fast. When their policies ran against the rocks of reality, they took decisive action. "But this lot, they didn't just tank the British economy, they also clung on as they made they pound sink. Source.