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Nvidia has released a security update for its GeForce Experience app, which should patch a severe vulnerability that was recently discovered. The flaw allowed malicious attackers to launch a denial of service (DoS) state on the host PC, or escalate privileges on vulnerable PCs – potentially giving them control over the PC. These are the best best antivirus software packages We show you how to update your drivers These are the best graphics cards While this security vulnerability needs the attacker to have physical access to the PC (rather than being able to attack the PC remotely over the internet), it was considered a big enough threat by Nivida to patch the issue as soon as possible. Also, as Bleeping Computer reports, the vulnerability could be abused using malicious tools that can be installed remotely on vulnerable systems, effectively giving attackers local control. Worst of all, attacks that use the vulnerability are apparently of low complexity, only need low privileges, and need no user interaction, according to Nvidia. Install the update now Anyone running Nvidia GeForce Experience, the app by Nvidia for updating graphics drivers and tweaking game graphical settings, with a version earlier than 3.20.2 should make sure they update to the latest version right now. To do so, head over to the GeForce Experience Downloads page and click ‘Download’. Unfortunately for Nvidia, this isn’t the first time its GeForce Experience app has been found to contain security vulnerabilities, with high severity flaws found in May and November 2019. GeForce Experience isn’t too po[CENSORED]r among PC gamers as it is, so many will not be pleased to find that it has once again made their PCs vulnerable to attacks.

Amidst all of Acer's other CES 2020 announcements, Acer has introduced its first big-format OLED display aimed at gamers. This display is called the Predator CG552K and has all the features that you can expect from the OLED technology along with a maximum refresh rate of up to 120 Hz. Along with the higher refresh rate, this monitor also offers support for three different versions of variable refresh rate technologies. Acer's Predator CG552K is a 55-inch 4K OLED monitor that offers a refresh rate of 120 Hz! The Predator CG552K is a 55-inch monitor that has a resolution of 3840 x 2160, a 400 nits maximum brightness, and this display can show off 98.5% of the DCI-P3 color gamut with a color calibration accuracy of Delta E<1. Since Acer has installed an advanced OLED panel, they can offer intense blacks as well as a very high contrast ratio. This display supports (technically) three variable refresh rate technologies, including HDMI 2.1 VRR, VESA's Adaptive-Sync, and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility. Since this monitor presently supports VESA Adaptive-Sync, this means that this monitor will most likely provide support for AMD's FreeSync certification. Acer has equipped this display with sensors that automatically adjust the brightness in accordance with the room's light level and to lower the brightness when no one is around looking at the screen. The display is certified for Display HDR 400. For connectivity, this display offers quite a bit of port, two DisplayPorts rated for up to 1.4 specifications, three HDMI 2.0 ports, and a single USB Type-C input. This monitor does offer a USB hub that allows this monitor to provide a couple of USB 2.0/3.0 ports. Acer's Predator CG552K display is currently planned to cost $2,999 in North America on top of that this display is expected to be available in the third quarter of 2020. When comparing this monitor to Alienware 55, which is the industry's first OLED display, which is increasingly similar to the Predator CG552K, but costs $1,000 more than the expected price of Acer's Predator CG552K.

Name game: STAR WARS Jedi: Fallen Order™ Price: $49,79 USD $59,99 (-70%) Link store: Store Link! Offer ends up after 10hours. Requirements: MINIMUM: Requires a processor and a 64-bit operating system OS: 64-bit Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 Processor: AMD FX-6100 / Intel i3-3220 or Equivalent Memory: 8 GB of RAM Graphics: AMD Radeon HD 7750, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 650 or Equivalent DirectX: Version 11 Storage: 55 GB of available space RECOMMENDED: Requires a processor and a 64-bit operating system OS: 64-bit Windows 7 / 8.1 / 10 Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 1700 / Intel i7-6700K or Equivalent Memory: 16 GB of RAM Graphics: AMD RX Vega 56, Nvidia GTX 1070 / GTX1660Ti or Equivalent DirectX: Version 11 Storage: 55 GB of available space

(CNN)-The nuclear deal painstakingly negotiated by the international community with Iran has become the first victim of the crisis provoked by the killing of Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in Baghdad in a US drone attack. But while declaring its independence from the JCPOA, Iran has not articulated any intention to race towards weapons-grade uranium. After a cabinet meeting in Tehran, Iran announced Sunday that it would no longer limit itself to the restrictions contained in the deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action or JCPOA. The deal was implemented in 2016, freezing Iran's nuclear program in return for a progressive lifting of international sanctions. The announcement said "Iran will set its limits based on its technical needs," essentially rendering the JCPOA redundant if technically still alive. It was the fifth step in Iran's graduated divorce from the nuclear deal, the latest stage in a gradual chipping away at its provisions that began last July in response to US withdrawal from the deal and re-imposition of tough sanctions. Essentially Iran no longer recognizes any limits on the operational aspects of its nuclear program; including in enrichment capacity, the extent (or degree) of enrichment, and nuclear research and development. In other words, Iran is prepared to let its nuclear centrifuges spin. But it also held out an olive branch. Foreign Minister Mohamed Javid Zarif tweeted: "This step is within JCPOA & all 5 steps are reversible upon EFFECTIVE implementation of reciprocal obligations. Iran's full cooperation w/IAEA will continue." A separate statement said Iran would "continue to work with international nuclear agencies and will return to JCPOA limits once all sanctions are removed from the country." Analysts noted that even as the JCPOA lurches towards irrelevance, Iran has shown a measure of self-restraint. Hans Kristensen, Director of Nuclear Information Project at the Federation of American Scientists said "This does not (yet) mean Iran is leaving JCPOA or building nuclear weapons." "Apparently, other limits of agreement are still in place as is IAEA inspections," Kristensen tweeted. "Its 5th step away from its JCPOA commitments is less harsh than the initially feared resumption of 20% enrichment," tweeted Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group. "This shows Iran still wants the Europeans on its side and doesn't want to break the deal yet." Eric Brewer, a former official at the US National Security Council, agreed. He told CNN: "They've clearly left themselves room to maneuver," Brewer said. "And they clearly chose not to come out with something more aggressive in the wake of Soleimani's death - like increasing enrichment to 20%." Brewer said that the bigger question "is whether Iran acts on this announcement by adding more centrifuges." That could potentially push it closer to developing a nuclear weapon. What matters is what Iran does next. Michael Singh, a senior director at the Washington Institute and formerly a senior director for the Middle East at the NSC, told CNN: "If it is just an announcement in principle, that they do not consider themselves bound by the JCPOA, it will be met with a shrug by the US and others." But "If they follow it up and take actions to increase the levels by which they enrich uranium or increase their stockpile that will actually bring down the breakout time." Vipin Narang, Associate Professor of Political Science at MIT, points out that despite Iran's announcement that it won't abide by enrichment levels and quantities set by the JCPOA, "it is still quite far from having enough enriched uranium for a bomb, let alone a functional arsenal because...of the JCPOA." A deal undone The Trump Administration unilaterally abandoned the JCPOA on May 8, 2018. "This was a horrible, one-sided deal that should have never, ever been made," Trump said as he withdrew from the deal. "It didn't bring calm, it didn't bring peace, and it never will." The other parties to the deal -- China, Russia, the Europeans and Iran -- disagreed and stayed the course. But the reimposition of draconian sanctions by the US, sanctions that had been largely lifted as Iran's reward for signing up to the deal, gnawed away at its credibility. As tensions grew, the agreement known as the JCPOA began to fray at the edges. The Trump administration's policy of "maximum pressure" against Iran, which began after that May statement, included crippling sanctions against its financial and oil sectors. President Hassan Rouhani said last week that the US "economic war" against Iran had cost the country $200 billion. Iran has lost nearly 90% of its oil exports, a key source of revenue; the value of the rial has plummeted, and the banking sector is under stress. Even though the sanctions exempted essential supplies, widespread shortages of food, medicine and medicinal goods have been reported throughout Iran. Tehran responded to the US measures with what it called "strategic patience" -- while nagging the Europeans to make up for the effect of US sanctions. President Emmanuel Macron of France tried to smooth the waters, proposing a $15 billion credit line for Iran in return for its full adherence to the JCPOA. He also welcomed Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to the G7 meeting in August and tried to engineer a meeting between Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the UN General assembly. But the dynamics were moving in the opposite direction. As the noose tightened on Iran's oil exports, it retaliated on several fronts: attacks on oil tankers in the Gulf (by its own or proxy forces), a growing drumbeat of rocket attacks against US forces in Iraq, and most spectacularly the cruise missile attacks against Saudi oil plants in September. The message was simple -- if we can't sell our oil and gain the proceeds, we will try to ensure others can't either. The reactor building at the Russian-built Bushehr nuclear power plant in southern Iran, pictured in October 2010. At the same time, Iran chipped away at the JCPOA. Beginning in July last year, it withdrew every two months from some part of the agreement. It exceeded agreed limits to its stockpile of low-enriched uranium, and then began enriching uranium. Essentially, Iran was responding to America's 'maximum pressure' with 'maximum resistance' -- but short of open war. The two adversaries seemed set on a "no-peace, no-war" course of attrition. That remains the case after Soleimani's killing, for all the anger and cries for revenge emanating from Tehran. The Iranians and their proxies will probably seek out targets of opportunity around the world. But -- as the Iranian leadership has already stressed -- they will bide their time. At the same time, the prognosis for the JCPOA looks poor. At best it's in intensive care; at worst it may struggle to survive the year. There's been an almost helpless tone to European calls for restraint in the aftermath of the US drone strikes. France pleaded for Iran to "quickly return to full compliance with its nuclear obligations and to refrain from further action to the contrary." On Saturday, France, Germany and China called on Iran to preserve the deal and to avoid any measure that would violate it, according to a statement from French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian. Le Drian spoke to Germany's Heiko Maas and China's Wang Yi in separate phone calls. There is scant chance of Iran listening in the current environment. The Europeans are nowhere near making up for the cost and dislocation caused by US sanctions, the $15 billion line of credit has gone nowhere and the Iranian economy is deep in recession. Further and deeper withdrawals from the JCPOA are likely in the months to come. But that doesn't mean Iran will abandon the deal altogether and race towards developing a nuclear weapon. Eric Brewer and Ariane Tabatabai have written in War on the Rocks that Iranian policy is "designed to gradually build pressure on the United States and Europe by targeting key pillars of the agreement, rather than racing for a short-notice breakout capability." There is still plenty of strategic patience in Tehran. In light of the country's deepening economic crisis and the sporadic flare-up of po[CENSORED]r protests, the leadership may decide that upping the ante against the US is unaffordable, and full-scale war unsustainable. By comparison, threatening to abandon the nuclear restraints so painstakingly negotiated by the Obama administration is almost risk and cost-free.

Developer: Skeleton Star Game Genre(s): Action, Shooter, Third-Person, Arcade # of players: No Online Multiplayer Cheats: On GameFAQs The story takes place on Halloween night, when people are wearing masks to revel, the mysterious virus quietly spreads, and the virus engulfed the world instantly. . . People need to gather together to build their homes, create powerful weapons to defend them against zombies, and guard their homes! Special feature Open World: The entire map is constantly changing, and as time goes by, zombies will become stronger and stronger Collect and explore: you can collect various survival resources in this world Item Synthesis: All survival items, including (weapons, food, buildings, drugs) are provided for you to freely synthesize Freedom to build: You can build your own camp in any area Doomsday survival: the world is full of zombies, and they will attack your camp, guard your camp and survive Minimum requirements to play: OS: 64-bit Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 Processor: Intel Core i5-4430 / AMD FX-6300 Memory: 8 GB of RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 2GB / AMD Radeon R7 370 2GB DirectX: Version 11 Storage: 5 GB of available space

Formats: PlayStation 4 (reviewed) and Xbox One Price: £15.99 Publisher: Capcom Developer: Capcom Release Date: 30th August 2016 Age Rating: 15 One of the best action games of all-time comes to PS4 and Xbox One, but is it the definitive edition or just another port? We can’t tell you how many times we’ve played Resident Evil 4 over the years. But we do know that this is the sixth time we’ve reviewed it, thanks to its never-ending series of ports and remakes. We’re sure that must be a record, but to be honest we require little excuse to return to what is still one of the best games ever made. Even if its many re-releases have not always reflected that status. Just for the record our reviews include the original GameCube version from January 2005; the PlayStation 2 port from October the same year, which was inferior graphically but did have some new content; the terrible PC version from 2007; the Wii version from the same year; the quick and dirty HD version for Xbox Live Arcade and PSN from 2011; and the much improved PC Ultimate HD Edition from 2014. Most consider the Wii version to be the definitive one, as it combines the GameCube graphics with the extra content from the PlayStation 2 and adds in an optional Wii remote-based aiming system. But that’s the last time any significant changes have ever been made to the game and everything else, including this, are more ports than actual remasters. In fact, this is essentially a port of the Ultimate HD Edition on the PC. The problem for Capcom has always been that Resident Evil 4 is a game caught awkwardly between the modern and retro eras. At the time its graphics were state-of-the-art and although the low polygon visuals still polish up remarkably well today, they’re not stylised enough to be considered timeless. Likewise, the third person combat was revolutionary in 2005, but although it’s often cited as the primary influence for Gears Of War many playing it fresh today will wonder why it doesn’t handle more like that, or games such as The Last Of Us. Although the phrase survival horror accurately describes Resident Evil 4 the game has surprisingly little in common with previous Resident Evil games – and virtually nothing with the likes of Silent Hill (although there are strong similarities with The Evil Within, from Resident Evil series creator Shinji Mikami). This is an action title first and foremost, with ammo in abundance, relatively little exploration, and almost no puzzle solving. As the game starts you’re tasked with rescuing the president’s daughter from a spooky Spanish village. The village makes up only a small part of the entire 12+ hour game and yet it remains one of the most memorable opening sequences ever. It starts by ratcheting up the tension, as you observe the weird, Texas Chainsaw Massacre-inspired villagers and then suddenly throws everything at you as you’re mobbed by hordes of enemies (which are absolutely not zombies). Running around in panic, looking for a place to hide, you duck into a two storey house. At this point one of the game’s innumerable sieges starts, as chainsaw-wielding villagers break down the door below and others use ladders (which you can knock down) on the top windows. Nowhere is safe and there’s no right way to go: it’s just down to your wits and your aim. Despite sequences such as this progression is much more linear than other Resident Evils and there is almost no backtracking. Instead there’s an emphasis on set pieces: not just sieges, but also a number of escort missions and multiple boss battles. The sense of anxiety and desperation is fantastic and there’s usually many ways to succeed, from barricading doors to creative use of gas lamps and the game’s many and percussive weapons. With no fixed camera angles the game uses what was at the time an unusual third person view that stops at the waist. This is then zoomed in to over the shoulder for aiming those weapons that don’t have a first person view. It still works extremely well and although the inability to move while shooting should feel restrictive it becomes part of the distinctive gameplay and tactics. Non-believers will complain about the ‘tank controls’ but the series has always depended on a degree of clumsiness in the controls, helping to instil the idea that you will never be fully prepared for all the game can throw at you. The game also features some of the best quick time event sequences ever seen in gaming. Used sparingly these give you the illusion of control in many of the cut scenes, with a knife fight towards the end being a particular classic. The game as a whole has an excellent cinematic look and feel, with superb pacing that manages to come up with new ideas, enemies and situations right until the very end. There are a few unequivocal flaws though, the most obvious being the inventory system, which despite the loss of the magic storage chests from the old games still makes changing weapons awkward and jarring. There’s also a new shop system where you can buy and upgrade weapons. This adds to the gameplay, but at the cost of immersion as you stop to shop in the middle of a charnel house. Although that’s not to diss the wonderfully cheesy, and now iconic, merchant. The other strange thing about Resident Evil 4 is that it’s not actually very scary. Incredibly tense and exciting but rarely ever a tax on your nerves in the same way as the originals were. This is a probably unavoidable side effect of the increased amount of action and ammo, but since the end result is such a uniquely entertaining game it hardly seems to matter. Resident Evil 4 remains a triumph. It’s a constant temptation to spoil some of its surprises by reminiscing over favourite set pieces, but if you haven’t come across it before we certainly don’t want to be the ones to ruin it for you. In terms of performance, the PlayStation 4 version runs at a steady 60 frames per second and a 1080p resolution. The new textures from the PC version are used (with no option to default to the GameCube ones) but there’s no anti-aliasing of any kind, which can lead to a lot of shimmering around the edges of objects. There’s a few odd bugs, including an occasionally jittery aiming cursor, but general it’s a competent conversion. But our advice would still be to just get the original GameCube or Wii version, borrow an old non-HD telly and experience the game as it was originally intended to be played. As cosmetic surgery goes this isn’t a bad job, but it’s far better to remember a game like this from when it was in its prime.

Almost five years after entering the market for ultra-luxury compact SUVs, the Porsche Macan receives a series of updates to improve its style, comfort, technology and safety. Before describing the readjustments to which it was sometimes this model that has become one of the two best-selling models of the German brand, it is important to mention the background. The origins Although the Cayenne was the SUV that opened the doors for the Macan -word cantons that means tiger-, the Porsche pininos in the SUV sector date back to the 1980s with the 959 transformed to compete in the Paris-Dakar rally. In total, there were six units that modified the German firm with all the genes of an entire utility - total traction and a high body - to compete in this arduous competition. Because at that time, SUVs do not dominate the market, Porsche only determines this competition vehicle as a simple experiment. However, over the years and with a complete transformation in consumer preferences, the brand saw the need to enter the SUV segment with the creation of the Cayenne two years after starting the 21st century. By raising its sales in a huge way and seeing that the recommendations had taken a radical turn, the Stuttgart firm had expanded the range with a smaller SUV to this time venture into the sub-segment of compact utilities. Repeating the formula of Cayenne, the Macan automatically sales in 2014, to deliver what all Porsche offers behind the wheel: comfort and sportiness. 911 enlarged or Cayenne small? If we see it from the aesthetic part, we can classify the Macan as a tiny Cayenne, however, the design is not exactly identical, since it has its own identity. Wow, although they are two models that are linked, there is a notable difference, regardless of the dimensions. This means that if we enlarged a Macan it would not have absolute comparison, in the same way it would happen if the Cayenne were reduced. Now, if we make the analogy with a 911, it is clear that by the driving sensation it provides, this Macan can be classified as a bloated nine-eleven. Even when the elevation with respect to the ground directly influences the center of gravity, the perception it gives when driving it is similar to that of a nine-eleven. Better than many sedans and sports coupes If we were to make an analogy of driving with an SUV, there is no model that can be compared. Perhaps when going in a straight line there are copies that can take off in the same way, however, when it comes to rolling in curves, the development of the Macan S has no point of comparison. In short, it is agile, fast and very planted. It is clear that both the chassis, as the suspension, transmission, steering and engine have to do with this high performance, however, the star of the renewal of the Macan is the new 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine. Thanks to a series of innovations, the six-cylinder response at the time of takeoff is much more effective in making the turbo drive more efficient, that is, the turbolag is smaller. In addition to this improvement, the engine also delivers more power. In the company of the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Macan S's core delivers four-wheel 354 hp and 354 foot-pounds of torque, which is 14 hp and 15 foot-pounds more than its predecessor. Although Mexico will not be available, it goes without saying that the Macan is available with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 245 hp and 261 foot-pounds of torque. This energy is complemented by an adaptive suspension system in rigidity and height, a traction system that distributes power between the front and rear axle, and the technology that distributes the torque on each of the wheels depending on the behavior of the vehicle. All this together with the V6 and the tires of great width, make the Macan go on the asphalt as if it were on rails. Attached to 911 Another element that tells us that this SUV is an enlarged 911 is the design. Since its appearance in 2014, it was clear that the intention was to look more like nine-eleven than Cayenne, however, with a series of adaptations, the renewed Macan now sticks more to the style, due to the redesign of the lights, mainly the later. Similarly, the renewal of the SUV includes a new range of wheel design and body colors. More technology Moving inside, the new Macan also presents a series of updates, such as the 11-inch touch screen, which in addition to being larger, offers better navigation graphics with real-time traffic information, corrected voice control and WiFi connection. Other novelties that can be added as an option is the ionizer to improve the air quality of the cabin, the adaptive cruise control and the same sports steering wheel of the 911 equipped with the Sport Response knob in case you also choose the Sport package Chrono Something that left us incredulous is that the reverse camera enters as optional equipment. Incredible but true for a vehicle of more than one million pesos. Even with this "hair in the rice", we can say that there is, for the moment, an SUV that delivers this driving sensation that we can only find in a coupe or in a high-performance sedan.

No matter how young we are, or how old we get, taking the time to relax with a favorite hobby, crafting activity or recreational pastime is something everyone can benefit from. These things help us to reduce stress, spend time with family and friends and keep our minds active. This time of year, after Christmas and before the New Year, can be a good time to rediscover a hobby or find something new to try, and your Abilene Public Library has a great database providing instruction in practically all areas of hobbies, crafts and recreational activities. The Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center is accessible 24/7 from any computer, phone, tablet with internet access. All you need is a valid library card. Once you get started you’ll find informational resources on about 160 different hobbies free for the taking and all compiled in one place. It’s really that easy. Start by visiting the Abilene Public Library’s website at www.abilenetx.gov/apl and click on the "E-Resources" link, which is the second graphic from the right-hand side of the screen. You’ll find the link for the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center listed under the "Do-It-Yourself" subject heading. When you click on the name, you’ll need your 13-digit library card number to access the full database. Once you log in, you’ll see a streamlined interface that’s easy to use. If you already know of a craft or activity you want information on, enter your search terms using the internal search box provided in the upper left-hand corner of the page. However, if you’d simply like to browse through some of the areas, you’re also provided with category options to help guide you to an area you’re interested in. Sometimes that’s the best option to use if you don’t know what you want. Or am I just speaking for myself here? For instance, some of the areas you can wander through include Arts & Crafts, Collecting, Home & Garden, Indoor Recreation, Kids’ Crafts, Model Building and Outdoor Recreation. From ceramics and mosaics, to canoeing and bungee jumping; just about any type of hobby, craft or activity is covered and you’ll have what you need to know to get started in each. For each area, you’ll be given a listing of various projects and activities, instructions for them, additional ideas and suggestion. This database is truly designed for anyone who may want to find more resources to strengthen their skills in their favorite hobby or pastime. Who knows, you may discover new activities you didn’t know you wanted to try such as caving, bird watching, wine making or soap making. With a comprehensive collection of full-text articles, you’ll find authoritative information compiled from more than 1,500 books and magazines, as well as over 700 videos available for viewing on select topics housed in the database. All of this and more is available for you to access whenever you like, and all you need is a valid library card. If you don’t have one, visit one of our three branch locations and get one today. Plus, if you need any help using the Hobbies & Crafts Reference Center, or you have any questions, never hesitate to contact us at 325-676-6025. Perhaps you’ll find a great new hobby to enjoy throughout 2020 and beyond.

In Inner Mongolia a new city stands largely empty. This city, Ordos, suggests that the great Chinese building boom, which did so much to fuel the country's astonishing economic growth, is over. Is a bubble about to burst? A huge statue of the mighty warrior Genghis Khan presides over Genghis Khan Plaza in Ordos New Town. The square is vast, fading into the snowy mist on a recent Sunday morning. Genghis Khan Plaza is flanked by huge and imposing buildings. Two giant horses from the steppes rise on their hind legs in the centre of the Plaza, statues which dwarf the great Khan himself. Only one element is missing from this vast ensemble - people. There are only two or three of us in this immense townscape. Because this is Ordos, a place that has been called the largest ghost town in China. Most of the new town buildings are empty or unfinished. The rampant apartment blocks are full of unsold flats. It is a spectacular example of a new Chinese phenomenon, in many cities - unsold flats, unlet shops, empty office blocks If you want to find a place where China's huge housing bubble has already burst, then Ordos is the place to come. The story started about 20 years ago, with the beginning of a great Mongolian coal rush. Private mining companies poured into the green Inner Mongolian steppe lands, pock-marking the landscape with enormous opencast holes in the ground, or tunnelling underground. Local farmers sold their land to the miners, and became instantly rich. Jobs burgeoned. Ceaseless coal truck convoys tore up the roads. And the old city of Ordos flourished as the money flowed in. The municipality decided to think big, too. It laid out plans for a huge new town for hundreds of thousands of residents, with Genghis Khan Plaza at the centre of it. Ten years later Ordos new town is an empty new city. And it is merely the most spectacular example of a new Chinese phenomenon, in many cities - unsold flats, unlet shops, empty office blocks. It looks to outsiders as though the great Chinese building boom is over, the real estate extravaganza that shook the world. Western financial experts who fear a bursting of the Chinese real estate bubble point out that the Chinese economy is more dependent on house building than the United States economy was, before the sub-prime lending bubble burst in 2007. Many Chinese local authorities seem to have become dependent on the proceeds of big land sales to developers. In the eyes of the critics, China's housing boom is becoming a disaster. Well, the authorities in Beijing have taken notice of the direst warnings. They have been taking official action to rein in the speculative buying of multiple apartments over the past two years. Chinese economic commentators seem much less concerned than the Western doom-mongers. They are still confident that the technocrats in Beijing who have guided China's 30 years of spectacular economic growth will soon be able to balance supply and demand in the housing market. The same relaxed attitude was apparent in a couple I met in a spacious apartment in Ordos, in the middle of a building site. They were buying the place as an investment, even though the delivery date keeps on slipping. It is, of course, only some 25 years since Chinese people were permitted to buy and sell homes at all. Decades of pent-up demand are still being satisfied as the great wheel of Chinese urbanisation continues to bring millions of people in from the countryside to work in the cities. Right now there are other worries in the Chinese system, typified by Mr Li, a man I met in Ordos, who had prospered when the local council bought up the land on which his family's shop had been located. He invested the compensation with local private financiers. It is common practice in China where there is a big grey market in private loans to private businesses who cannot get money from the big, official, state-owned banks. Mr Li's private financier naturally invested the money in property, and paid him interest every three months at the rate of about 40% a year. Mr Li had put the equivalent of over $1m (just over £600,000) into such schemes. For two years they paid out, but last year the interest payments began to dry up. Then one of the financiers disappeared. This has become a very familiar story in China now, one that is making big headlines as some famously rich private finance people come up for trial on charge of huge financial irregularity. China's 68th richest woman, Wu Ying, is facing the death penalty for schemes she ran in her 20s. At least half of Mr Li's money now seems to have disappeared. As a Mongolian, he told me he was very angry when it happened last year. But now his mood has changed to a curious, fatalistic resignation, quite unlike Genghis Khan. "Once we were rich, and now we're poor again," said Mr Li, with something like a wry grin.

In an effort to provide consumers with more privacy-focused alternatives to Google's products, ProtonMail has added a new encrypted calendar to its email service. The company's new ProtonCalendar is currently in beta and all paid ProtonMail users will now be able to access and use the new service that will be open to all users once it exits beta in 2020. ProtonMail also launched its own VPN service back in 2017 called ProtonVPN as part of the company's ongoing mission to help users better protect their privacy online. In addition to ProtonCalendar, the company is also planning to launch its own cloud storage service and office software to provide consumers with a privacy-focused alternative to Google Drive and Google Docs. -Russia blocks ProtonMail -These are the tricks hackers are using to hijack your email -Also check out the best free privacy software CEO of ProtonMail, Andy Yen explained how the company is the polar opposite of Google in a statement, saying: “Our goal is to create and make widely accessible online products [that] serve users instead of exploiting them. Like ProtonMail, ProtonCalendar is engineered to put user privacy first, and in that respect we are the polar opposite of Google. With the launch of ProtonCalendar beta, we move one step closer to providing a full suite of services [that] can replace Google for users who want more control over their data.” ProtonCalendar ProtonCalendar is tied to a user's ProtonMail email account and the new service has a clean interface that allows users to view their calendar by month and day with color-coded event types. The company's new offering will be familiar to users who have used Google or Microsoft's calendars before. However, ProtonMail had decided to put privacy at the heart of ProtonCalendar by encrypting event titles, descriptions, locations and participants so that neither the company nor third parties can view the contents of user's calendar entries. Businesses or consumers that are interested in encrypted email will likely also be interested in other privacy-focused products which is why ProtonMail's decision to expand into calendars, VPNs, cloud storage and documents makes a great deal of sense. If you're a paid ProtonMail user, you can try out ProtonCalendar for yourself now while free users will have to wait a bit longer to test out the company's new encrypted calendar service.

Reported by the sources at DigiTimes, the overall price of NAND flash is going to go for a steep rise in 2020. This report comes from multiple sources at memory chipmakers, most likely the more prominent companies like SK Hynix, Micron, and Samsung. With the increased price, consumers may be looking at a significant increase in cost for devices that utilizes NAND flash like RAM and SSDs. The overall price of NAND flash may be going for a steep increase in 2020, marking up prices potentially by 40% If this prediction is correct, then consumers should see a drastic price jump for SSDs or any products that use NAND flash memory. Everything from 2.5" SSDs, M.2 SSDs and NVMe drives could see a significant price jump in 2020. One of the possible reasons for this price jump could be the minute-long power outage at one of Samsung's NAND flash manufacturer plants. That incident alone could lead to a significant increase in NAND flash prices, and another possible reason may include an inefficient supply of materials used by NAND flash production or a simple supply-demand issue. This issue would hurt the prices of NAND flash long-term, this supply-demand issue could be due to SSDs being more sought after and some manufacturing issues that have been arising lately. This power outage happened at a Samsung Electronics plant in Hwaesong, South Korea, this outage according to some sources that have "direct knowledge of the matter" had told Reuters that the outage most likely caused millions of dollars in losses. Semiconductor manufacturing is a very power-sensitive process, and any power loss or stoppage can result in many wasted batches. This manufacturing process will take up to two days to recover from, for Samsung, this is a massive loss. Hopefully, the underlying problems can be worked out and that companies like Samsung, which got power outage accident, can supplement the capacity loss during the unplanned turn of events. Hopefully, these underlying problems for this potential price hike can be worked out, and those other manufacturers may be able to supplement the capacity loss during this unplanned turn of events.

Name game: Road Redemption Price: $7.99 USD $19.99 Link store: Click Here Offer ends up after: January 14 Requirements: Minimum: Requires a processor and a 64-bit operating system OS: Windows XP, Vista Processor: 1.4GHz or faster processor Memory: 8 GB of RAM Graphics: DirectX 9 compatible graphics card with at least 1.5 GB of video memory DirectX: Version 9.0 Storage: 1000 MB of available space

We all laughed when looking back at photos of ourselves in the noughties, decked out in a Jay Jay’s slogan T-shirt and low-rise jeans with bedazzled pockets, a feather boa draped across our shoulders for dramatic effect. Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears, in their matching all-denim outfits, were our style icons. We blamed these sartorial choices on our mothers, vowing to dress better in the 2010s and to never look back in humiliation at an outfit ever again. And yet, here we are on the first day of 2020, clomping around in plastic shoes and wearing turkey feathers in our hair, having spent the better part of a decade snorting cinnamon and dunking buckets of ice on our heads. Clearly, we have learned nothing. To save us the shame in 2029, I’ve compiled a list of the trends we must not, at any cost, bring with us into the next decade. SHUTTER SHADES These sunglasses gained momentum in 2007, courtesy of Kanye West, but managed to carry over into the early 2010s largely thanks to LMFAO’s Red Foo. Made of plastic, they were completely useless, and wearing a pair gave you a similar sensation to the one your nosy grandmother might have on Christmas Day, peeping through the front curtains to get a look at the romantic prospect you’ve brought to lunch to appease her nagging. The only redeeming quality these glasses may hold for us Millennials and Gen Z’ers is if you’re feeling anxious you’ve spent too much time eating avocados and not enough time saving for a house deposit. Pop a pair of these on and pretend you’re looking through the venetian blinds in the shelter of your very own home (instead of from underneath the shelter of a bus stop). ‘BALANCE’ BRACELETS Our quest for “balance” began long before the gospel of Gwyneth Paltrow, rose quartz and wellness retreats. In 2010, these wristbands crept onto the market, infiltrating our boxes of Sultana Bran and strapping themselves to the wrists of every man, woman and child stupid enough to believe the message they preached. Touted as providing better balance, strength and flexibility by working with the wearer’s “natural energy field”, these flimsy bracelets were supposedly worn by professional athletes the world over. To absolutely nobody’s shock, they were quickly exposed as a total sham. CLEAR PLASTIC SHOES If the thought of sweaty feet covered in plastic doesn’t make you want to vomit in your hand, I hate to say it, but something is very wrong. Courtesy of every member of the Kardashian/Jenner clan, the concept of fixing what can only be described as the stuff they use for curtains in a butcher to the base of a shoe was po[CENSORED]rised in 2016 and has clung to our toes and continued to haunt us in 2019. Among the obvious health hazards, these shoes only look semi-decent when the wearer doesn’t radiate any type of moisture or make any movements … thus completely defying the purpose of wearing shoes. HAREM PANTS With their hip pleats and saggy crotches, there isn’t much more to say about harem pants other than: I don’t know who allowed us to walk around IN PUBLIC looking like babies in heavily-soiled nappies. After conducting a deeper investigation into who’s at fault, apparently Justin Bieber is the man we can poke in the chest with the finger of blame for heralding the return of the MC Hammer pant. If this isn’t a sign that we should never again listen to — or follow — the actions of the Biebs (who, need I remind you, also urinated in a mop bucket and owned a pet monkey) I don’t know what is. FLOWER CROWNS Our affinity with fixing a wreath of flowers to our head truly knew no bounds in the 2010s. What began at Coachella went on to infiltrate bridal showers, baby showers and possibly even the showers we took at the end of the day — and I’m here to call time of death on it. Forget your Frida Kahlo fantasies. You’re not a gumnut baby. Turn a new leaf in 2020 and put your flowers in a vase, or better yet, leave them in the ground where they belong. TINY EYEWEAR Is it wrong to blame Rihanna for dragging us to the altar of poor vision? It very well could be, but drag us she did. Ever since she donned a pair of miniature sunglasses on the Cannes red carpet in 2017, we’ve been forced to squint through Australia’s many sunny days, all in the name of fashion. Those of us who embraced this “trend” foolishly enabled the sun to pierce our eyeballs, hoping to resemble Rihanna or, if we were really lucky, the hot, evil stepmother from The Parent Trap. Instead, our revolt against functional eyewear left us bearing a startling similarity to one of the three blind mice in Shrek. UGLY SNEAKERS Dads were the true dictators of trends this decade. Dad bods, Dad jokes, Dad jeans. But the 2010s ended with the thud of the Dad trend to rule them all: the Dad sneaker. At first, it was ironic. Celebrities and the style set swapped their stilettos for these oversized clompers, their velcro straps and monstrous form enough to make even Frankenstein cringe. Before we knew it, though, all of us were lacing our tootsies into a pair of these sneakers – their chunky soles resembling the anatomy of a pterodactyl – and taking to the streets. Carrie Bradshaw would never. And neither should you. FEATHER EXTENSIONS In our adolescent (and Steven Tyler’s) minds, feather hair extensions were cool for many reasons. They were groovy! Colourful! Selena Gomez and Kesha on-board. And, most importantly, they were a savvy way to incorporate texture and colour into your bowl cut if your parents refused your demands to paint your mane with hot pink dye. It was all fun, games and Disney child star-vibes until you realised that the feathers in question were being plucked from the backside of a dead rooster. CHOKERS What compelled us to demur to fastening pet accessories around our necks, I’m not sure. Like I said, it’s been a rough ten years. Sometimes, being a cat or a dog just seems easier than being a human being. Because somebody has to be held responsible for the lengths of satin and lace we stole from our grandmother’s sewing box, I’ve lined up a few key suspects: the Kardashian/Jenner family (no surprises here); the royal family (just because it’s made of pearls, doesn’t mean it’s not a collar); and Andrew Lloyd Webber (for lulling us into the false pretence that if Taylor Swift could be a cat, so could we). Let’s hold hands and cross our fingers and manifest that in the 2020s we’ll revert to wearing heavy jewels around our necks like Rose from Titanic. CROCS We’ve suffered through a lot this decade: Donald Trump; the ups and downs of Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth’s relationships; having to seek therapy after witnessing the Cats trailer. But in 2018, we were dealt the most devastating blow possible by the fashion powers that be: the return of Crocs, who were given new life by fashion house Balenciaga. Everyone forced to cram their feet into Crocs as a child began to convulse and break out in a blotchy rash. It was a shock to the system – and an act of betrayal – unlike any other. The criminals responsible for these repulsive shoes, and the everyday humans who deemed them “decidedly cool” and “surprisingly chic” need to be banished to another planet.

Lo conocimos en su debut mundial en noviembre pasado, en el marco del Autoshow de Los Ángeles, pero no fue sino hasta ahora que tuve oportunidad de ponerle las manos encima a la octava generación del mejor auto deportivo del mundo, me refiero por supuesto al Porsche 911. El escenario no podía ser mejor, el Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, que al menos por ahora sigue siendo un circuito de F1 y francamente espero que sea un estatus que se mantenga por mucho tiempo más. Fiel a su costumbre, aunque el 911 2020 se vea virtualmente igual que sus predecesores, hay cambios sustanciales, en esta ocasión el más radical y evidente es el interior, aunque también hay sutiles diferencias en el exterior y por supuesto, en el apartado mecánico también hay novedades interesantes. Igualmente, como ya es un hábito, esta nueva entrega es mejor que la generación anterior, mejorando como siempre, lo que de antemano ya parecía perfecto. Completamente nuevo El 911 (992) como se le conoce internamente es más ancho y musculoso que antes, a partir de ahora los modelos de tracción trasera se benefician de la apariencia más atlética que brinda la mayor anchura que anteriormente estaba reservada para los modelos de tracción integral. El tren delantero ahora es 45 mm más ancho, con lo cual el cofre de punta plana es más alargado, pero lo más importante es que hay grandes mejoras del lado de la dinámica de conducción, sobre todo para los modelos Carrera S, asimismo se sabe que esta decisión es la que permitirá en algún momento contar con una variante plug-in hybrid en el 911. Por su parte, el eje posterior es 44 mm más ancho que antes. Los faros ahora tienen una forma más circular, regresando a los orígenes del icónico deportivo y pueden llevar tecnología Matrix de LEDs que se pueden controlar selectivamente dependiendo de las necesidades. Es decir; en caso de tener un vehículo en sentido contrario, se apagan selectivamente los LED que apuntarían a la cara del conductor del otro auto para evitar deslumbrarlo o bien al activar las luces de niebla, el sistema entiende también ilumina un poco más abajo y hacia los lados para mejorar la visibilidad. En los costados, llama la atención la incorporación de unas nuevas manijas que a simple vista lucen muy bien integradas a la puerta, pero que al acercarse se abren eléctricamente para permitir que el pasajero la jale con mayor facilidad. La parte trasera, si bien es innegablemente 911, tiene muchos cambios; el alerón retráctil ahora es 45% más grande y abarca prácticamente toda la parte trasera del vehículo. Tiene distintas etapas de funcionamiento, por ejemplo al alcanzar 90 km/h se despliega en modo Eco y es en esta posición donde se logra el menor coeficiente de penetración al viento para así mejorar los consumos, dicha posición se mantiene hasta llegar a los 150 km/h en donde se activa la posición Performance, que va mucho más levantada para incrementar la carga en el eje trasero e incluso puede funcionar como freno de aire, en caso de ir muy rápido y hacer una frenada de emergencia, el alerón se coloca en forma casi vertical, para generar carga en el eje trasero y así mejorar el grip de las llantas traseras. Según Porsche esta función puede ayudar a disminuir la distancia de frenado hasta en un metro. Las calaveras de LED y diseño tridimensional están conectadas por una fina línea de LED, mientras que la parrilla trasera cuenta en el centro con otra luz de freno, son dos tiras de LED colocadas den forma vertical, con lo cual, desde atrás se puede ver como se forma la figura de un once cuando se encienden las luces de freno. Por último, ahora los Carrera S y Carrera 4S vienen de serie con neumáticos de 20 pulgadas adelante y 21 atrás que dicho sea de paso también sustantivamente más anchos, una característica que antes estaba reservada para las versiones más rabiosas, ej. GT3 RS. Aquí el efecto colateral es una apariencia más agresiva, ya que los verdaderos beneficios son dinámicos, no solo hay mejor agarre en manejo a elevadas velocidades, sino que también el 911 se planta mejor, es más neutral y balanceado también. Interior inspirado en el pasado Decía que es en el interior donde se notan más cambios, ya que la disposición y diseño cambian drásticamente. Mientras en las últimas generaciones el protagonismo y los controles quedaban en la parte central del tablero y consola, ahora ya no es así. En el Porsche 911 2020 la inspiración para el interior se tomó de las primeras generaciones, en donde el diseño era de líneas horizontales. Entonces ahora tenemos una cabina visualmente mucho más limpia, con menos botones y con una disposición horizontal. En el centro del tablero se encuentra una pantalla de 10.9 pulgadas de altísima resolución con PCM desde donde se pueden controlar prácticamente todas las funciones del vehículo. Un poco más abajo y a manera de integración con la consola tenemos una hilera de cinco botones tipo switch desde donde se accionan las intermitentes, se desactiva el ESP y se controla el PASM, en caso de tener el paquete Sport Chrono, los dos botones de la izquierda son configurables. Por su parte, el cluster de instrumentos adopta la configuración que vimos por primera vez en Panamera y posteriormente en Cayenne, es decir; un tacómetro bien grande al centro y analógico, flanqueado por dos pantallas de 7” de alta resolución completamente configurables. Un detalle muy atractivo es que dentro de las distintas opciones de visualización se pueden definir dos indicadores circulares en cada una, con lo cual quedaría un arreglo de cinco diales circulares horizontales, justo como en los primeros 911. La consola central es mucho más limpia que antes, solo encontramos botonería necesaria para controlar el climatizador de dos zonas, volumen del sistema de audio y un par de funciones más. Un detalle al que habrá que acostumbrarse es la nueva palanca de cambios, ahora es un pequeño joystick by wire desde donde se eligen las posiciones R, N o D, ya que el P está en un botón separado, junto a otro botón que activa el modo manual que se utiliza con las paletas de cambio ubicadas detrás del volante. Sobra decir que los acabados son impecables, así como el armado. Sin embargo; si hay una queja, que podrá parecer una estupidez, pero no cuenta con portavasos, es decir aquellos ultra delgados y retráctiles que tenía el modelo en el tablero, del lado del copiloto y que se escondían atrás de una tapa fueron eliminados. Es una pena, primero porque esos portavasos eran francamente un triunfo del diseño industrial, eran perfectos, y en segunda instancia, es porque la única manera de tener un portavasos (sí solo uno) es colocando uno removible en la consola central, con lo que se bloquea un pequeño espacio portaobjetos. Corazón renovado Al igual que en el 991.2, el motor seis cilindros bóxer de 3.0 litros biturbo se mantiene, sin embargo como lo comentaba anteriormente, se trata una nueva generación del 911 y en consecuencia Porsche no podía dejar las cosas igual, aun cuando realmente no hubiera mucha necesidad de cambiarlas. La potencia se ubica en los 450 hp (30 más que antes), mientras que el torque es ahora de 390 lb-pie (+ 22 lb-pie) y está disponible desde las 2,300 y hasta las 5 mil vueltas. Asimismo; la transmisión es PDK de doble clutch y ocho velocidades, con relaciones más cortas de 1ra a 6ta, dejando la séptima y octava marcha de overdrive para proteger consumos y emisiones. Entonces lo anterior quiere decir que la velocidad máxima de 306 km/h se alcanza en sexta. Regresando al motor, los turbos son más grandes y giran en dirección opuesta, en lugar de al mismo sentido como lo hacían antes, según la marca este cambio permite mejor flujo del aire y aunque no lo comentaron, estoy seguro que debe representar mejoras en cuanto a balance y vibraciones. Adicionalmente, ahora la válvula westgate es controlada eléctricamente Por su parte, las válvulas de admisión tienen una carrera distinta, es decir; una abre más que otra y esto se traduce en la posibilidad de generar un flujo en espiral dentro de la cámara, lo que en conjunción con unos nuevos inyectores piezoeléctricos mejoran la combustión. Asimismo, el sistema de enfriamiento también es completamente nuevo, los intercoolers están arriba, justo debajo de la parrilla que está después del medallón, lo que mejora el flujo de aire y permitió que fueran más grandes, incrementando la eficiencia. La suspensión PASM nuevamente es magnética adaptativa, pero el hardware es nuevo, con un rango mucho más amplio entre suavidad y rigidez. Dicho de otra forma, ahora puede ser más suave que antes para entregar mayor confort, pero también se puede volver más firme, para mejorar la dinámica de conducción. Asimismo, las reacciones son más rápidas, con lo cual fue posible dotar a cada amortiguador de un control separado, es decir; anteriormente la amortiguación se modificaba en tiempo real, pero el ajuste se enviaba a las cuatro ruedas, ahora en cambio, al ser mucho más rápida, cada esquina ajusta de manera independiente. Es en verdad difícil de creer que todavía hubiera espacio para mejorar al 911, pero lo cierto es que lo había y es que a medida que avanza la tecnología, Porsche se las arregla para mejorar a su icónico deportivo y mantenerlo en evolución constante. Una ganancia de 30 hp podrá sonar a poca cosa, pero para poner en contexto, cuando se equipa el paquete Sport Chrono, la aceleración de 0 – 100 km/h en 3.5 segundos para el Carrera S que pesa 1,515 kg y de 3.4 segundos para el Carrera 4S que detiene la báscula en los 1,565 kg. Esos son números de súper deportivo y recordemos, no estamos hablando por ahora de variantes GTS, Turbo, Turbo S, GT3 o GT2. Todavía más impresionante es que este nuevo 992 logró detener el cronómetro 5 segundos antes que su predecesor en el infierno verde, con un impresionante tiempo de 7:25. Tras el volante, el 911 2020 es una experiencia religiosa, la manera en que guarda la compostura al límite es asombrosa, es fácil de llevar a muy altas velocidades, puesto que transmite total confianza. Quizá la mayor sorpresa fue el Carrera S y es que entre la ganancia de anchura adelante y los nuevos neumáticos de distinto tamaño adelante y atrás se comporta mejor que nunca. Hasta ahora, siempre estuve seguro que preferiría un 4S sobre un S, pero ya no es así, el tracción trasera se siente ligeramente más divertido, pero sin transmitir nerviosismo en absoluto. No quiero decir para nada que el tracción integral sea un deportivo menos capaz, al contrario, es incluso más seguro al límite, pero a cambio de sacrificar algo de diversión. No encuentro nada para criticar en materia de manejo en el nuevo 911, empuja con tremenda contundencia, es noble, predecible y ágil. Asimismo, la dirección es precisa y comunicativa, ahora es 11% más directa que antes, con lo cual responde con mayor rapidez a las instrucciones del conductor. Al salir del autódromo y transitar por la Calzada Zaragoza y su infame asfalto, en modo normal se siente más suave y cómodo de lo que esperaba, está bien aislado y salvo por el hecho de que la posición de comando es muy baja, no castiga para nada a los ocupantes. Al llegar a carretera, es momento de activar el modo Sport y disfrutar del rugido del B6 y gozar con la facilidad con que el 911 puede ir a ritmos de infarto, presionar un poco el pedal del acelerador y que la caja haga dos cambios hacia abajo para salir disparado como liga es un deleite, uno que quieres repetir tantas veces como sea posible. Por si fuera poco, ese refinamiento de vehículo premium hace del 911 un gran turismo excepcional, puedes disfrutar de una buena música o sostener una relajada conversación, aun cuando circules por arriba de los 160 km/h. En verdad impresionante. Una de las grandes novedades es la adición de un modo de manejo Wet, que se suma a las ya existentes Normal, Sport y Sport+, como ya lo dedujiste es especial para manejo en lluvia, entonces el 911 2020 al detectar vía unos sensores acústicos ubicados en el interior de las salpicaderas frontales la presencia de agua en el pavimento, emite la recomendación para activar el modo Wet, al tiempo que prepara todos los sistemas para ello. En la práctica, sistemas como el control de tracción o estabilidad, torque vectorial, respuesta del acelerador e incluso el alerón retráctil trabajan para brindar la mayor estabilidad posible, con lo cual, no hay manera de que las llantas patinen. Conclusión El Porsche 911 2020 ya está disponible en nuestro país, de momento únicamente en versiones Carrera S y Carrera 4S y como dicen por ahí, el único deportivo mejor que un 911 es el siguiente 911, y de eso no tengo la menor duda. Porsche 911 S $2,059,700 Porsche 911 4S $2,177,000