Mr.Doom

My old account protaa i hope my old acc gets unbanned and Thank you Link: https://csblackdevil.com/forums/profile/89875-protaa/

The inevitable return of Borderlands 4 to Steam, following the third game's Epic Store exclusivity, was the cause of some amusement this week. After the announcement of Borderlands 4 at Gamescom, Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford received a light ribbing over some, uh, bold predictions he made five years ago about how the Epic Store would kill off Valve's omnipresent distribution service. Now, Pitchford has responded to the mockery (which my mum said you should never do as it's just giving them what they want), lamenting the lack of competition for Steam, and claiming that 'Epic is not pressing their advantage.' It all stems from a series of tweets Pitchford made in 2019, after it was revealed that Borderlands 3 would be exclusive to Epic. "From a track record point of view, my expectation is that Epic’s investment in technology will outpace Valve’s substantially," Pitchford wrote. "When we look back at Steam in five or ten years, it may look like a dying store and other, competitive stores, will be the place to be." In a separate tweet, he also claimed that "Epic will inevitably surpass Valve on features and quality of service." Five years on, and with Steam having barely noticed the appearance of Epic on PC, some players have taken Pitchford to task over these claims. In a reply to a tweet about the Borderlands 4 trailer containing "several secrets" Twitter user Kuberr asked "Why are you releasing the game on a "Dying" store though?" posting an image of Pitchford's 2019 prediction. It was this tweet that Pitchford responded to several hours later, writing. "Yeah, Steam is the leading store for PC games and Epic isn't pressing their advantage (which is a shame). He then added that he's "A Steam customer, but sure wish they had more and better competition that was more favorable to artists, designers, and creators than to the retailer." Yeah, Steam is the leading store for PC games and Epic is not pressing their advantage (which is a shame). I’m a Steam customer, but sure wish they had more and better competition that was more favorable to artists, designers, and creators than to the retailer. I will continue to…August 21, 2024 It's an interesting response in a couple of ways. Pitchford's wish that Valve had better competition is understandable, although currently no other storefront comes close to offering a service like Valve's from a consumer perspective. I'm less convinced about Pitchford's claims that Epic isn't pressing their advantage. While it may have witnessed huge success with Fortnite, Epic has always been the underdog when it comes to being a PC gaming storefront. Certainly the company hasn't done as much as it potentially could have to win users over, focusing on nabbing exclusives and providing free games rather than making the Epic Store itself into a service people want to use. But that isn't the same thing as pressing an advantage. Perhaps Pitchford is referring to the financial weight each company can throw around. Several valuations have put Epic at a higher value than Valve, with recent figures stating the Fortnite creator to be worth $22.5 billion (which, incidentally, represents a sharp drop on previous estimations). Valve, meanwhile, is generally valued at between $6 and $10 billion. I don't know about the Epic figure, but I'm not at all convinced by the Valve valuation. Counter-Strike 2 alone has made $600 million for Valve this year so far. Let alone the money it makes from Dota 2, Team Fortress 2, or the 30% revenue cut it takes from every single game released on Steam. Pitchford concludes in his response that he will "continue to support competitors to Steam and also support Steam" aka, "put Borderlands 4 on as many platforms and storefronts as possible so it can make the most money." Then again, when Sony is launching its games on PC, and Microsoft is putting its games out on PlayStation, Pitchford can hardly be blamed for wanting to squeeze the most juice out of Borderlands. https://www.pcgamer.com/games/fps/after-borderlands-comes-crawling-back-to-steam-gearbox-boss-randy-pitchford-responds-to-people-mocking-his-old-predictions-about-steam-being-killed-off-by-the-epic-store-epic-is-not-pressing-their-advantage/

WhatsApp has been working on adding support for chat themes on more than one occasion, and a feature tracker has now given us a peek at what the feature could look like when it is launched. The messaging app is expected to let users change the colour of the chat bubbles as well as the background using preset themes, or pick their own colour and wallpaper. The company was also spotted working on the ability to pick a username and set a PIN that protects them from unknown users on WhatsApp. WhatsApp Theme Picker for iOS Spotted in Development Earlier this month, feature tracker WABetaInfo spotted a new theme picker menu in development on a previous beta version of WhatsApp for Android. While the picker did not include any themes on that version, the WhatsApp beta for iOS 24.17.10.71 update contains previews of some of these themes.When the feature is eventually rolled out, WhatsApp will offer users 10 theme presets to choose from, according to the feature tracker. A few screenshots of the theme picker in action show two horizontally scrolling rows of themes. The top row includes solid colour backgrounds while the bottom row includes themes based on landscape art — all the themes have chat bubble colours based on the colour of the background. It's important to note that the theme picker isn't actually available to beta testers at the moment as it is still in development, so even if you've installed the latest beta version of WhatsApp for iOS via TestFlight, you will still have to wait until the feature is ready to be tested. WABetaInfo claims that these themes will only be seen by the user who applies them, unlike Instagram and Messenger, where the same theme is shown to all chat participants. WhatsApp Username PIN Feature Surfaces on Recent Beta Version WhatsApp has been developing a username feature that will allow users to start new conversations without sharing their phone numbers, but that feature is yet to be released to beta testers. It appears that the company is now working a feature that will protect users from unwanted contact after they set up a username. whatsapp username pin picker wabetainfo whatsapp username pin Username PIN selection on WhatsApp According to WABetaInfo, the recently released WhatsApp beta for Android 2.24.18.2 update includes details of an advanced "Username PIN" picker. Users will reportedly be shown a prompt to set up a PIN after they set a unique username on WhatsApp. The WhatsApp feature tracker claims that this feature allows users to set a new passcode that they must share with others in order to start a new conversation using their newly set username. This would allow users to control who can send them messages, and potentially prevent spammers and unwanted chats from reaching users. https://www.gadgets360.com/apps/news/whatsapp-beta-features-theme-picker-username-pin-development-report-6409403

David Holz, CEO of Midjourney, recently announced on Discord that the AI image generation tool will soon be free to everyone. Originally conceived in 2022 as a Discord bot, Midjourney evolved into a website in 2023 where users can type in descriptive prompts that are turned into AI-generated images. At first, the web tool was only open to those who had generated 10,000+ images on Discord. With this change, anyone can now start using Midjourney via the site simply by logging in with a Discord or Google account. As a free user, you’ll be able to generate up to 25 images; once that cap is reached, you’ll have to upgrade to a paid subscription. Midjourney offers four different subscription plans: Basic ($10/month): 3.3 fast GPU hours, no relax time. Standard ($30/month): 15 fast GPU hours, unlimited relax time. Pro ($60/month): 30 fast GPU hours, unlimited relax time, plus stealth mode Mega ($120/month): 60 fast GPU hours, unlimited relax time, plus stealth mode On all of these plans, you can earn extra GPU time for free by rating images that have been generated by Midjourney. Each plan also offers a 20 percent discount with an annual commitment. https://www.pcworld.com/article/2436849/ai-image-generator-midjourney-becomes-free-to-use.html

A full-sized modern remake of the classic 8-bit Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer created by Retro Games, and marketed as The Spectrum, looks set to launch shortly. Modeled on the iconic Spectrum 48K design, with rubber block keys and rainbow stripe, the new device offers 48 built-in games and makes it easy for retro enthusiasts to load their own titles via USB. The Spectrum 48K and 128K compatible machine has leaked in listings on Polish and UK online retailers, with availability from Nov 22, and has a price of £89, likely to translate to $99 at US distributors. Retro mini consoles and home computers have been po[CENSORED]r in recent years, and the latest trend is for full-size replicas. Retro Games launched The C64 to capitalize on retro enthusiasts wanting bigger more fully-functioned toys, and The Spectrum is going to be the next big thing. Hopefully, a follow-up to The A500 Mini will deliver a full-size Amiga replica to fans in the coming months. Moving our focus back to The Spectrum, and though no official product pages are available from Retro Games, the packaging shots and retail listings spill most of the beans. Most importantly, this device is supposed to deliver comprehensive Spectrum fun with the convenience of modern interfaces like HDMI and USB, as well as the fully functioning replica keyboard – so you could perhaps prod in your own Sinclair BASIC games. The Spectrum key specifications: IN THE BOX: The Spectrum Home Computer, USB-C Power Supply Cable (1.8m - 6ft) (AC Adapter NOT included), HDMI Cable (1.8m - 6ft). Emulates 48 and 128 models of the ZX Spectrum. Fully working replica keyboard. 48 games built-in, including; Manic Miner, The Hobbit, and Head Over Heels. Multi region 720 HD output via HDMI, with PAL (50Hz) and NTSC (60Hz) compatibility. Play in original 4:3 or pixel perfect aspect ratios, with or without CRT filters and configurable border size. Choose from 12 attractive frames to surround gameplay. Save games at any point in one of 4 slots per game and rewind gameplay by up to 40 seconds. Play games you own via a USB flash drive with multiple file-type compatibility (TAP/TZX/PZX/SZX/Z80/SNA). Four USB-A Ports to add additional controllers for multiplayer games, and for USB flash drive. While the above specs make it clear you will have to use your own power supply, and it should be easy with a USB-C cable provided, no mention of a bundled joystick is a worry. None of the retail listings show a joystick or joypad either. This would be a sizable omission, with the primary focus of nostalgic buyers being gaming. The built-in games list isn’t the most important thing here, as it is going to be easy to add your own via USB. However, the packaging highlights some classic built-in titles like Manic Miner, The Hobbit, Saboteur, and Head Over Heels. Overall, the device looks good, and appears to be a comprehensive retro offering, but we would hold back for reviews looking for mentions of any audio / visual glitches, and whether a joystick/joypad is indeed bundled. Some retro-focused channels indicate the official launch will be this Tuesday, but remember that availability isn’t scheduled until Nov 22. While you wait, there are plenty of ways to enjoy Spectrum retro gaming on your PC, Raspberry Pi, tablet, smartphone, or browser. Surprisingly, there are still new games coming to the platform in 2024. https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/retro-gaming/the-spectrum-full-size-retro-computer-leaks-dollar99-device-with-48-games-will-arrive-in-november

A keeper at a safari park which has a gay penguin couple and a "throuple" of Lorikeets has said same sex animals developing relationships are more common than people might think. Vicky McFarlane, a keeper at West Midlands Safari Park, spoke about the park's gay wildlife residents after news broke of the death of a world-famous gay penguin in Australia. Ms McFarlane said the site, in Bewdley, had a couple of male Humboldt penguins, called Arnie and Frodo, who had been a couple since 2020. They also have a "throuple" of rainbow lorikeets, consisting of two males and a female. Hear how the West Midlands Safari Park has its share of LGBTQ+ animals. Ms McFarlane said the female lorikeet lays the eggs, which are then looked after by the two males. "They seem to work everything out in their own little way. They know what works for them," she said. When asked about gay animals, the keeper said: "It's surprisingly more common than you would think. "I believe they do form an emotional bond, especially for penguins and lorikeets. They're monogamous, they mate for life. "So there is a courtship, they will flirt, see who takes their fancy and once they're settled down with that couple, they're joined at the hip and they're very much what I'd consider in love." Ms McFarlane said the animals were left to their own devices to find a mate. "They do find these loves all on their own, we just sit back and keep an eye on them and check everyone's behaving." On the other end of the spectrum, while penguins and lorikeets appear to be monogamous at the safari park, sea lions are a very different story. "One male can have 35 girlfriends a year. They keep themselves quite busy, [it] sounds exhausting," Ms McFarlane said. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c5y3581pq3lo

Ex-Manchester United star: ‘This generation want gaming. It can be bigger than football 100%’ Final day of New Global Sport Conference takes place at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh on Sunday RIYADH: Electronic sports can be “10 times bigger than football,” former Manchester United player Patrice Evra said at the New Global Sport Conference 2024 on Saturday. Evra, 43, a UEFA Champions League and five-time Premier League winner with Manchester United, spoke as a panelist at the NGSC, a two-day conference being held at the Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh. The former left-back spoke at a session called “Becoming a Modern Sports Hero — Sports, Gaming and the Relentless Pursuit of Excellence” alongside Gabriel “FalleN” Toledo, the Brazilian national who is a star Counter-Strike II player for FURIA Esports. The session explored how modern-day sports stars have redefined excellence in their respective fields, and parallels between traditional sports and competitive gaming, delving into the mindset, dedication and strategies that propel each to the pinnacle of their careers. Speaking on the sidelines of the NGSC, Evra said: “Without hesitation, e-sports can be bigger than football — e-sports can be 10 times bigger than football. “This is the new generation. Don’t forget, old school, our parents didn’t let us play (gaming), so we couldn’t do it. This generation want gaming. It can be bigger than football 100 percent. “You can see the fans in the arenas where all these gaming competitions happen, like at the Esports World Cup in Riyadh … It’s serious. Kids have time to play and love it. “The professionals train eight hours per day; footballers train two, maximum three hours per day. It’s going to be so big.” FalleN, 33, told the conference: “I started playing when I was a kid. I was part of the first generation who knew what e-sports could be. I’m very happy I pursued my dreams and very happy to be here now.” The second edition of the NGSC, themed “The Future of Fandom,” is hosting more than 60 global speakers, 200 CEOs and 1,200 attendees. https://www.arabnews.pk/node/2568706/sport

A sports event in Jersey to promote an "active and healthy lifestyle" is set to take place on Bank Holiday Monday. Sport for Alll said its festival of sport and wellness, hosted by former England Roses captain Serena Guthrie, would include more than 20 different activities for people to try. Demonstrations from coaches and representatives include football, netball, pétanque and padel for "everyone to enjoy" alongside food and drink stalls. Ms Guthrie said the group was "really excited to see our vision come to life". She said: "We want to create a safe and inclusive environment so that anyone who wants to, can participate in sport, and reap the rewards a healthy and active lifestyle can bring. "As an island, we are lucky to have so many incredible opportunities out there, we're just bringing as many of them as we can together, in one place, for everyone to try out." Jersey Sport will be holding a toddler play area for parents and carers to be active with their babies and children up to the age of three. The event will take place on Monday at Granville School from 10:00 BST until 17:00. https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gdk0yle11o

Most of the world’s biggest news website saw strong growth in July in what was a bumper month for news. July saw an assassination attempt against Donald Trump, Joe Biden announcing he would not stand for re-election as US president and the start of the Paris Olympics (see in-depth coverage of Olympics news web traffic The fastest-growing English language news websites in the world were mainly based in the US with Newsweek, ABC News and AP News all up more than 100% year on year. All of the fastest-growing sites in our top 50 were US-based with the exception of India-based NDTV.com. Seven out of the top ten English language news websites in the world grew year on year, with CNN and Fox News both up more than 20%. The biggest news website in the world remains the BBC with 1.2 billion visits per month (although it should be noted this includes the entire BBC website domain, not just the news section). Month on month ABC News in the US was the fastest-growing global top-50 news website, up 79%, with UK-based Sky News the third fastest-growing site globally up 47%. https://pressgazette.co.uk/media-audience-and-business-data/media_metrics/most-po[CENSORED]r-websites-news-world-monthly-2/