YaKoMoS

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and other Chromium-based browsers will now run smoothly on Windows 10 systems running antivirus software as the result of a new Chromium update. Up until now, certain functions failed to work properly in these browsers when a system running Windows 10 had either antivirus software or a scanner configured to briefly lock new files. These issues were even more noticeable on machines where a user's browser was installed on their system drive and their antivirus software was set up to scan new files created by third party programs such as Google Chrome. This led to problems when users tried to save bookmarks and other files using their browser. Retry ReplaceFile In a new post on the Chromium Gerrit, engineer Bruce Dawson who runs Google's Chrome for Windows team provided further insight on the new commit intended to fix Chromium-based browser problems on Windows 10 systems with antivirus software installed, saying: “Anti-virus programs and other scanners may briefly lock new files which can lead to frequent problems with saving bookmarks and other files that use the ImportantFileWriter. This attempts to deal with this by retrying the racy ReplaceFile step a few times. This change also adds instrumentation to record how many retries are needed, for future tuning. It also moves the SetLastError call as close as possible to the function that will consume the last error code. This is only done on Windows because that is hoped to be the only place where it happens.” The commit has now been merged into Chromium and it will likely be included in the next update for Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge and other Chromium-based browsers.

Gigabyte (via momomo_us) has apparently revised the company's Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 Master 10G (GV-N3080AORUS M-10GD) with a new power layout. The Revision 2.0 board, the spitting image of the prior revision, sports a third 8-pin PCIe power connector. The GeForce RTX 3080, rated for 320W, makes do with a pair of 8-pin PCIe power connectors. Bearing in mind that the PCIe x16 slot provides 75W, a setup with two 8-pin PCIe power connectors provides power delivery up to 375W, more than sufficient for a GeForce RTX 3080. However, custom models with high factory overclocks typically sip more power, explaining the dependency on more PCIe power connectors. In terms of pure performance, the Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 Master 10G sports a 1,845 MHz boost clock, approximately 7.9% higher than the boost clock on the Founders Edition model. The graphics card is the second-fastest SKU in Gigabyte's Ampere GeForce RTX 3080 product stack. It only lags behind the Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 Xtreme 10G, which flaunts a 1,905 MHz boost clock and has three 8-pin PCIe power connectors. The previous revision of the Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 Master 10G only required two 8-pin PCIe power connectors. The revamped power design certainly calls for attention. We suspect that Gigabyte's decision was purely based on optimizing costs because the Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 Xtreme 10G and the Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 Master 10G are practically the same graphics card, sans the boost clock speed. By unifying both power layouts, Gigabyte could easily recycle GPUs that don't qualify for the Xtreme variant for the Master variant. With the extra 8-pin PCIe power connector on the new revision, Gigabyte also raised the minimum power supply recommendation from 750W up to 850W. It remains to be seen whether Revision 2.0 will actually sip more, or the same amount, of power under normal circumstances. In any event, it shouldn't be a major issue unless you're running a power supply at the borderline capacity of what Gigabyte recommends. We don't expect the first revision to be in ample circulation anymore. Performance should be identical on both revisions but, if you're set on adding the Aorus GeForce RTX 3080 Master 10G to your system, grab the new revisions just for peace of mind. We've reached out to Gigabyte for more information and will update as necessary.

This year, the Persona series turns 25, and developer Atlus is well aware of the momentous occasion. In a new year message, the studio has promised that a commemoration of the RPG games‘ silver jubilee. The Japanese videogame magazine Famitsu asked a bunch of studios and publishers for a greeting as we rolled into 2021. As translated by Gematsu, some of them teased announcements for later in the year, including Atlus, who says Persona turning a quarter-century hasn’t gone unnoticed. “In addition to Shin Megami Tensei V and Project Re Fantasy (title tentative), which are in active development,” Atlus says. “In 2021 we’re also planning a ‘Persona 25th Anniversary’ commemoration project. Please look forward to it!” Shin Megami Tensei V and Project Re Fantasy are the next mainline Shin Megami game, coming to Nintendo Switch, and a new fantasy game from a team of Persona veterans that’s expected to come to PlayStation 4 and Switch, respectively. Whatever Atlus has planned for Persona’s 25th birthday is a mystery. A new game, Persona 5 Strikers, a hack-and-slash spinoff, is due to arrive February 23, and a commemorative Shin Megami concert will be livestreamed in March. Whatever it is, if it’s a videogame of some sort, PC players are likely to be included. The port of Persona 4 on Steam did very well for Atlus and SEGA, encouraging the companies to do more in the PC market. Our Iain Harris loved playing it while in lockdown.

You’ve likely seen your fair share of gold or chrome wrapped supercars on social media. But have you ever wondered which vehicle is the hardest to wrap? Thankfully Chad MFive of Midnight Protective Films fills in the blanks on TikTok. Giving it some thought, you’d probably think that the contenders here would be supercars – shhh it’s not a Lamborghini Aventador – with a plethora of weird contours and sharp angles. That would be a good guess, but unfortunately you’d be wrong; the vehicle in question here is unapologetically difficult to wrap because of the parts and labor involved, not complex bodywork. Ok we’ll put you out of your misery, according to Chad, the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen is an absolute nightmare to color swap – so much so that he said he’ll likely never wrap one again. In order to do the job properly, almost every exterior panel has to be removed, wrapped, and then replaced – all while keeping the factory panel gaps in check. Regardless of whether you’re looking to go full video game spec with your G-Wagen or just want to swap the color and finish, we’d wager that it will likely cost you a pretty penny. While a vinyl covering can produce a fantastic aesthetic, many opt to go that route instead of a full respray because it’s much cheaper. However, we’d be remiss not to mention that those looking to wrap such a luxurious vehicle probably aren’t that worried about the finances involved. Aside from Chad’s feelings about the nightmare involved with wrapping such a vehicle, it’s refreshing to see that he’s committed to doing the job right. As such, he now owns a very successful vinyl wrapping business that also does paint-protection film and window tint.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRO!!

If reports are to be believed, several million Windows 7 users haven’t upgraded their machines to a newer version, even after almost a year of Microsoft retiring the decade old operating system. Microsoft stopped delivering security updates to WIndows 7 installations on January 14, 2020. The move was quickly followed by many third-party vendors, who dropped support for the OS soon after Microsoft’s announcement. Now, as we approach the first anniversary of the end-of-support, prolific Windows author Ed Bott wrangled up some data to deduce that while the number of Windows 7 installations have certainly gone down in the past twelve months, there are still over 100 million PCs that are still running Windows 7. More worryingly Bott thinks “that [the actual] number could be significantly higher.” Not simple maths Last year Bott consulted some analytics experts and came to the conclusion that roughly 200 million PCs worldwide would continue running Windows 7 even after Microsoft stopped sending security updates. His latest estimate builds on top of that data, after analyzing various metrics, such as the United States Government Digital Analytics program. One of the parameters tracked by the program is the number of visits from Windows PCs. Comparing the figures between December 2019 and December 2020, Bott notes that the number of machines running Windows 7 has gone down from 18.9% to 8.5%. The numbers from NetMarketShare, which tracks web usage, show a similar drop with Windows 7 usage down from 31.2% to 21.7%. Bott agrees that while “turning those percentages into whole numbers isn't a matter of simple division”, his 100 million estimate is the result of correlation between the number of Windows 7 machines still accessing the Internet and his earlier calculations. While some of these machines could be enrolled with the Windows 7 Extended Security Updates (ESU) program, a majority are unprotected installations that are exposing themselves to all kinds of danger lurking on the Internet.

If you've been holding out for a quality IPS display, check out this discount on the Pixio PX248 Prime 24-inch monitor. Today, users can take it home for just $179 at Newegg, which is well below the recommended $209 price point. This is one of several offers we have on IPS displays. We're sharing the best deals on tech we can find throughout the holiday and even have a page dedicated to best monitor deals, if you want to compare shop. One of the most notable specs behind this monitor is the 144Hz refresh rate. The response time dips as low as 1ms, according to the specs. The spec sheet also boasts an FHD resolution, which measures in at 1920x1080. This unit also supports AMD Radeon FreeSync to reduce screen tearing while gaming. Visit the Pixio PX248 Prime product page at Newegg for more details and checkout options. VIEW DEAL

After a mostly quiet 2020 for Age of Empires 4, we’ve been given a sliver of news on the strategy game. The sequel is in a playable state, and currently undergoing lots of debugging and tweaking. “I don’t want to make you jealous, but we are literally playing this game every single day – both in Washington and in Vancouver,” Shannon Loftis, general manager of World’s Edge Studio, writes in a year-end review. “RTS development is funny: it takes a while to build the separate systems (AI, economy, sim, rendering, etc), and then it takes a while for them to come together. But when they do, you suddenly have a game – a game that needs debugging and balance and polish – but the core of the game that you know you’re going to ship.” The long-awaited next mainline Age of Empires was announced back in 2017. In 2019, World’s Edge was revealed as the studio that would be handling the future of the medieval games within Microsoft, as Tantalus Media and Forgotten Realms managed the definitive editions, and this is the most substantial news since. Fans of the series were hardly left wanting in 2020, mind, given that Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition was released, and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition received some substantial updates. Shannon mentions that migrating from office to home amid the ongoing pandemic hasn’t been easy, but says the game is still on track, though no mention of a launch window. Here’s the gameplay trailer from 2019:

Fans of the Ford Mustang can breathe a bit easier. The original pony car has survived 56 years of automotive evolution, enduring as a smallish, sporty, two-door with an engine in front turning wheels at the back. As we enter 2021, it is now the last car in Ford's North American lineup amid a sea of trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. And it should stay that way for at least one more generation. At least, that's the word according to a new report from Ford Authority. When asked about the Mustang's future, Ford Mustang boss Jim Owens reportedly assured the world that, despite holding a very small portion of Ford sales, the Mustang's sports car segment was healthy. It's actually the best-selling sports car in the world, though technically speaking it only entered the world stage for its most recent generation, and the bulk of its sales are still in the US market. The interview is positive, and we know Ford is committed to a next-generation Mustang that should launch in 2022. However, Owens stops short of flat-out confirming the 'Stang's lifecycle or how it might change going forward. We already have the four-door Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, and rumors have also suggested an all-wheel-drive Mustang could grace the next-generation. Such changes could upset purists, but on the flip side, there's also a strong rumor that a new 6.8-liter V8 engine could get stuffed under the Mustang's hood. Gallery: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 In short, it's pretty much guaranteed that the Mustang moniker will be with us for some time, and that at least one version of it will retain the classic two-door, front-engine-rear-drive layout for which it's famous. As for what else might be in store for the Mustang, the future certainly seems wide open.

Happy New Year!

And yet we, the people, are the ones that suffer most. If you've had enough of the current Netflix offering, this is where a trusty virtual private network (VPN) will come in handy. Using a VPN will allow you, the people, to access a Netflix library from a different country. Discover today's best Netflix VPNs How it works VPNs essentially disguise a user's IP address. It will direct network traffic through a server that can be used in various locations around the world. You need to choose a VPN that allows you to access other Netflix libraries, otherwise you've wasted your time and got your hopes up for nothing. Once you've chosen a VPN you'll be able to access a Netflix library from a country of your choice. The UK has the largest library of shows and movies so that may be a good place to start. Quality VPNs There are a number of reputable VPNs to choose from and some real bogus ones too. Surfshark is a reputable option and is currently running a special for $2.21 a month. NordVPN Surfshark ExpressVPN CyberGhost IPVanish Hotspot Shield

The Acer Predator XB273U GSbmiiprzx is a high-spec monitor intended for more serious performance needs. With a 27-inch IPS panel and a refresh rate of 165Hz, this monitor is ready to handle most modern gaming needs. This is part of our effort to share the best deals on tech we can find throughout the holiday season. We also have a page dedicated to the best computer monitor deals for anyone interested in comparison shopping. Not only does this screen have a high refresh rate, but it also has a notable resolution capable of reaching up to 2560 x 1440. This edition features VESA DisplayHDR 400 technology. It's also compatible with NVidia G-Sync. It can easily be mounted to a wall or arm using a 100mm x 100mm VESA mount. VIEW DEAL

GTA Online has a new bonus activity as of today, and GTA Online players have already mapped out what you need to do to complete it. You’ll now find hidden treasure chests as you’re prepping for the Cayo Perico Heist – these are daily collectables that’ll offer you a quick payout in GTA$. You’ll find the new treasure chests during the scope-out mission ahead of the heist. (Check out our guide to the GTA Cayo Perico Heist missions for details on that objective.) The caches are found scattered around the map, and you’ll know when you’re near one as you hear a little jingling bell sound. You can find two caches per day: one on land, and one underwater. Each chest will net you $15,000 – not a massive bonus, but a decent little boost whenever you’re running the heist. Luckily for the more impatient among us, dataminers have already started to uncover the chest locations, so you don’t even have to work very hard for it. The map is based on this video from Gtamen, which you can check out for more precise locations.

Fans of the Ford Mustang can breathe a bit easier. The original pony car has survived 56 years of automotive evolution, enduring as a smallish, sporty, two-door with an engine in front turning wheels at the back. As we enter 2021, it is now the last car in Ford's North American lineup amid a sea of trucks, SUVs, and crossovers. And it should stay that way for at least one more generation. At least, that's the word according to a new report from Ford Authority. When asked about the Mustang's future, Ford Mustang boss Jim Owens reportedly assured the world that, despite holding a very small portion of Ford sales, the Mustang's sports car segment was healthy. It's actually the best-selling sports car in the world, though technically speaking it only entered the world stage for its most recent generation, and the bulk of its sales are still in the US market. The interview is positive, and we know Ford is committed to a next-generation Mustang that should launch in 2022. However, Owens stops short of flat-out confirming the 'Stang's lifecycle or how it might change going forward. We already have the four-door Mustang Mach-E electric crossover, and rumors have also suggested an all-wheel-drive Mustang could grace the next-generation. Such changes could upset purists, but on the flip side, there's also a strong rumor that a new 6.8-liter V8 engine could get stuffed under the Mustang's hood. Gallery: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 In short, it's pretty much guaranteed that the Mustang moniker will be with us for some time, and that at least one version of it will retain the classic two-door, front-engine-rear-drive layout for which it's famous. As for what else might be in store for the Mustang, the future certainly seems wide open.

Welcome BACK! T/C

We can't get the Toyota GR Yaris in the United States, but by all accounts, it's one of the best hot hatches to arrive in ages. The great reputation is resulting in high demand, and a seller in Wiltshire, England, is hoping there's someone so desperate to own the rally-inspired model to pay a hefty premium. The seller's asking price is £42,500, whereas this one with the optional Circuit Pack would retail for £33,495. The extra £9,005 is like charging a buyer $12,152 (at current exchange rates) for the privilege of getting ahold of this in-demand car. Gallery: 2020 Toyota GR Yaris According to the seller, this GR Yaris has "70 delivery miles." It wears the color Precious Black. The Circuit Pack equips the GR Yaris with front and rear Torsen limited-slip differentials, rather than the open differentials without this option pack. It also has a revised suspension and 18-inch BBS forged wheels, instead of the stock cast pieces. The GR Yaris in Europe has a 1.6-liter three-cylinder engine that makes 257 horsepower (192 kilowatts) and 266 pound-feet (360 Newton-meters). The only gearbox choice is a six-speed manual. This setup is enough for the hot hatch to reach 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) in 5.5 seconds (or maybe quicker) and an electronically limited top speed of 143 mph (230 kph). Toyota keeps the weight down to 2,822 pounds (1,280 kilograms) through lightweight measures like significant use of carbon fiber and aluminum. The roofline is also 3.6 inches (91 millimeters) lower than a normal Yaris. Is a GR Yaris worth £42,500? We really can't say. However, if you're willing to pay such a high premium for the hot hatch, do the due diligence to shop around and make sure whether there is a better deal out there.

The annual Darkening of Tristram event is set to kick off in Diablo III again, giving players the chance to revisit the town of Tristram more or less how it was in the original Diablo, which came out way back in 1996. While Blizzard hasn’t explicitly said whether the event will take on any new twists or turns this year, there is new loot to collect by completing achievements and just plain old poking around. The Darkening of Tristram was first held at the end of 2016, as a celebration of Diablo’s 20th anniversary. It added a grainy, pixelated filter to recreate the visuals of the original RPG game, and sent players down through a memory lane of landmark locations from OG Diablo. You’ll fight the original version of The Butcher, for instance, who comes out growling “FRESH MEAT,” and find a few special weapons and other pieces of gear. This year, you’ll begin your journey back to retro Tristram by investigating a group of cultists who are causing a bit of bother in Sanctuary. You’ll have to hunt them down to find clues that point you to a mysterious portal, which in turn will send you back to Ye Olden Dayes of Tristram. Once through the portal, you’ll find yourself in front of the cathedral that marked the entrance to the dungeon in the original Diablo. You’ll have to descend through its depths in order to ultimately face the Lord of Darkness – who we lovingly know as Clifford the Big Red Spiny Demon (it’s Diablo, in case we haven’t been clear enough). Your rewards for participating include new transmogs, new achievements, portraits, “iconic items,” and even an adorable little pet Butcher. Careful not to over-feed the little fella, he gets cranky.

Requirements : MINIMUM: 500 mhz processor, 96mb ram, 16mb video card, Windows XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection RECOMMENDED: 800 mhz processor, 128mb ram, 32mb+ video card, Windows XP, Mouse, Keyboard, Internet Connection Name of the game : Counter-Strike Price : 1.99$ Link Store : STEAM Offer ends up after X hours : 5 January

McLaren CEO Mike Flewitt has a clear idea for the performance brand's future, and the strategy doesn't include crossovers in stark contrast to competitors like Aston Martin, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and others. The regulations are pushing the brand to build hybrids, though. "But we have stayed very true to the concept of making supercars. That’s a question I get in some markets: ‘Are you guys going to do an SUV?’, or ‘Are you guys going to do an EV?’ The answer is no, we’re not," Flewitt said in an interview with Wheels via Car Magazine. "The answer ‘no’ is an entirely rational one. Our brand is completely grounded in motorsport, supercars, and drivers’ cars. It is way too early to be stretching the brand into other areas and trying to give brand credibility to a product that clearly has nothing to do with our history." Gallery: McLaren Artura Teasers That's the type of clear-cut, unequivocal answer that you don't usually hear from the folks who run automakers. McLaren execs have been against building crossovers for a while, though. For example, engineering design boss Dan Parry-Williams said that "sports utility vehicles are neither sporty nor utilitarian" in 2018. Similarly, sales and marketing boss Jolyon Nash said a crossover would "compromise the brand," and he indicated the company didn't plan to build one unless the automaker's other models weren't making money. More hybrids are in the brand's future because they have to be. "I’m honest enough to say we only hybridize cars to meet environmental legislation to stay compliant," Flewitt told Wheels. "After 2022-23 I can’t see us launching any non-hybrid cars." The next confirmed hybrid McLaren is the Artura that debuts in the first half of 2021. It rides on the new MCLA carbon fiber platform. The combustion portion of the powertrain is a twin-turbocharged V6. In addition, we should see a successor to the P1 hypercar in 2025.