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Live Performance Title: Force Signer Name: Alan Walker Live Performance Location: Sunburn Mumbai Your Opinion About the Track (Music Video): 9/10 Official YouTube Link:

Opus is a relatively new audio codec that was created through a joint effort between several organizations based on two previously available codecs: SILK from Skype, and CELT from Xiph.org. Opus has seen a lot of press lately due to its receiving a newly IETF approved standard in RFC 6716. Beyond the new standard, Opus is interesting because of its technical claims, capability to provide high-quality real time audio encoding and decoding for a wide range of bit rates and sampling rates, and the fact that Opus is not only free, it's open sourced. History and Development Opus originally comes from two independent efforts: The SILK codec that Skype started developing in 2007, and the CELT codec from Xiph.org which was also under development in 2007. The first version of CELT became available in 2009, and shortly thereafter Skype joined the IETF and asked to create a working group to develop a standardized “Internet Wideband Audio Codec”. After significant debate and push back from many organizations who hold patents relating to current codec technologies, the IETF created a working group in February of 2010. The working group resulted in collaboration between several organizations including Xiph.org, Broadcom, and Skype (Microsoft). By July of 2010, they had created the first working prototype of a SILK+CELT hybrid codec. In March 2011, the Opus implementation was beating AAC, and Vorbis in human listening tests. Technical Information Opus is literally a hybrid codec that joins two separate codecs; it spans the range of narrow band to wide band sample rates 8-48khz. This is effectively the range of a PSTN phone call in G711 at 8khz to CD quality audio at 48khz. Opus also supports a wide range of bitrates from 6-510kbps and variable frame rates from 2.5-20ms. What does all this mean exactly? Well, in short, Opus is extremely flexible, and because of that, it can be used for low bit rate voice over IP and outperform existing codecs such as speex and g729. It can also be used for high fidelity music transmission at quality that surpasses mp3. That said, Opus does not target usability at the extreme low end of bit rates. For example, Codec2 can use as little as 1200 bits per second (NOT kilobits) per channel. One interesting thing about Opus is its hybrid nature. Opus uses a heavily modified version of SILK for encoding up to around 32kbps and only uses the CELT component once the bit rate exceeds 32kbps. Because of this, there is a noticeable shelf where quality increases, especially for non-speech as SILK is designed specifically for speech, when you pass the 32kbs bit rate and the CELT half of Opus “kicks in”. Opus: One Codec to Rule Them All?

Apple’s latest high-end tablet is a marvel of hardware design still in need of the software and accessories to really make it sing. But wow is it fun to use. The new iPad Pro is a genuine achievement in tablet design. It’s the closest thing I’ve ever seen to the vision that a tablet should feel not like a computer but, rather, like a piece of glass in your hand. I’m honestly not sure how you’d shrink it more; the USB-C plug I use to charge the 13-inch Pro I’ve been testing is already thicker than the iPad itself. It’s a light, fast, remarkable machine. But does that really count for much anymore? The iPad has been a hardware triumph for years, plenty fast and light and long-lasting for just about anything you could do with it. The problem has always been the software: by forcing the device to run a locked-down, oversimplified operating system, Apple has prevented this ultraportable and ultrapowerful machine from becoming the full-fledged computer so many users want it to be. The way Apple seems to see it, the iPad’s appeal is greater than the sum of its parts. No, you can’t do some of the things you’d do on a MacBook. But you can hold it in your hands in bed. You can draw on the screen. You can play mobile games. Everyone at Apple speaks of the iPad’s “versatility” as its main selling point — the fact that it’s a jack-of-all-trades is a feature, not a bug. The hard part about trying to do everything, though, is that it’s really hard to do everything well. Apple iPad Pro (2024) review: the best tablet money can buy - The Verge

If you can wait for a sale and want a top-tier pair of headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM4 is the way to go. The combination of great sound, improved noise canceling, good battery life, and smart features like auto pause and Bluetooth multipoint makes these one of the best all-around option for most people. The Sony WH-1000XM4 builds upon its predecessor, the Sony WH-1000XM3. The WH-1000XM4 continues to give Bose competition and features multipoint connectivity, speak-to-chat functionality, and a host of other advanced software features. This time around, Sony forges ahead of the pack, and with the advent of the Sony WH-1000XM5, you can get the XM4 headphones for a steep discount. Does this set of Sony headphones have the heart to continue fighting against its competition, or do others overtake it? We spent two weeks with the Sony WH-1000XM4 active noise canceling (ANC) headphones to find out. Editor’s note: This review was updated on July 30, 2024, to include new frequency response charts and updated ANC/isolation scores. We also included MDAQS results with updated sound quality scores, and an updated review video. Sony WH-1000XM4 review: The best for most of us - SoundGuys

Shoot, stack – and slay! Vampire Hunters is a unique FPS that combines the adrenaline-pumping action of classic shooters with the innovative mechanics of the beloved Roguelite Survivors-likes. Unleash your firepower as you stack up to 14 different weapons and craft absurd, impossibly awesome builds to mow down legions of vampires, demons, and other supernatural foes. Control unique hunters — each with different abilities - and choose insane-yet-useful upgrades as you survive through the onslaught in this retro-inspired Bullet Heaven FPS. - Lots of Guns: Stack up to 14 weapons to amass earth-shattering firepower. - Mind-Blowing Builds: Collect every firearm – from the classic revolver to a high-pressure holy water hose. - Upgrade, upgrade, upgrade! Explore unique playstyles with an addicting “just one more try” Roguelite gameplay. - Infinite Mayhem: Slay vampires, demons, and everything undead by the thousands through steampunk-inspired imaginative levels. - Unlike Anything Else: Enjoy this novel mix of old-school FPS with the unique Survivors-like gameplay. - Absurd, Cheesy, and Fun: Experience a lighthearted tone with exciting electronic disco vibes that make every session a blast! The undead are about to learn the meaning of bullet hell. Vampire Hunters | Nintendo Switch download software | Games | Nintendo UK

The one aspect I really liked about the game were the weapons. I got to try the ‘Kismet’ shotgun, an SMG, a heavy-duty sniper rifle, an LMG, and an Assault rifle as well. From the recoil patterns of the guns to the sounds, it looks really promising. And it should considering the devs actually have tested real weapons at gun-ranges to understand exactly how the weapons of Indus should sound and function. There is still work needed on the damage numbers, shot accuracy, weapon flinch (especially in the sniper rifle), and even the stability of the weapons while crouched and standing, or shooting while in motion. The part that really concerns me is that despite bringing in the whole concept of Indo-Futurism SuperGaming is trying to bring in, it looks like it does draw a lot of inspiration from Apex Legends. SuperGaming also responded to these comparisons drawn by the fans online, and mentioned that we can expect something entirely unique with Indus. Despite the clarification, it might not be entirely accurate based on what I experienced first-hand. The verticality in the game, the environment, the weapon designs have their own uniqueness, but still end up drawing a lot of inspiration from Apex. It is not an entire copy as it does have its own unique elements, but there is no denying the fact that it has some similarities to Respawn’s BR title. Indus Battle Royale Preview: An Ambitious Game That Still Needs A Lot Of Work

Extreme ironing (also called EI) is an extreme sport in which people take ironing boards to remote locations and iron items of clothing. According to the Extreme Ironing Bureau, extreme ironing is "the latest dangerous sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well-pressed shirt." Part of the attraction and interest the media has shown towards extreme ironing seems to center on the issue of whether it is really a sport or not. It is widely considered to be tongue-in-cheek. Some locations where such performances have taken place include a mountainside of a difficult climb; a forest; in a canoe; while skiing or snowboarding; on top of large bronze statues; in the middle of a street; underwater; in the middle of the M1 motorway; in a keirin cycle race; while parachuting; and under the ice sheet of a frozen lake. The performances have been conducted solo or by groups. Extreme ironing - Wikipedia

Let me start by saying I am not a fan of those people who go into the field ostensibly in the name of science (but who often have no science background) and make a name for themselves by “getting closer to <insert animal here> than anyone ever has before.” Timothy Treadwell, the infamous “Grizzly Man,” is the best example of this; a person who apparently wanted to raise public awareness about grizzlies, but seems to have disregarded all common sense about being safe around them. Treadwell and his girlfriend were killed by a bear in 2003. The circumstances surrounding the attack are unknown (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grizzly_Man). Then there are those who do have some sort of science background, but still choose to conduct their studies in very close contact with their subjects. Dian Fossey and mountain gorillas in Africa (see Gorillas in the Mist––the book or the movie––or Farley Mowat’s biography of Fossey, Woman in the Mists) and, more locally, Lynn Rogers and black bears in northern Minnesota are two examples. Though the information gleaned from these studies is sound, the methods used to collect it have been criticized. Having said this, I am open to the insights people gain from these encounters (except for the “Grizzly Man” mentioned above). I am open to other ways of seeing the world and all that lives in it. As cultural anthropologist and writer Richard Nelson noted, “Certainty is for those who have learned and believed only one truth.” Strictly objective science is not the only path to knowledge about the natural world. It is from this perspective, then, that I read Shaun Ellis’s book, The Man Who Lives With Wolves. It is not a book I would even consider buying on my own, but my aunt gave it to me as a Christmas gift, so with an interest in wolves, I started into it. Incredibly, I found it to be a well-written story with intriguing insights to wolf behavior. Review: “The Man Who Lives With Wolves” by Shaun Ellis with Penny Junor | Redbery Books

Age of Mythology: Retold is a real-time strategy video game developed by World's Edge, Tantalus Media and Forgotten Empires and published by Xbox Game Studios. It serves as a remastered version of Age of Mythology, originally developed by Ensemble Studios and released in 2002. It was first revealed on October 25, 2022. The game was released on September 4, 2024, for Windows and Xbox Series X/S. The game received generally positive reviews from critics. Age of Mythology: Retold combines elements of the original game with modern real-time strategy design and visuals. Built using Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition's version of the Bang Engine, all units and animations were completely redone for the remake. The remake features a new fully symphonic version of the original soundtrack, featuring numerous tweaks and modernizations, and offering more options for players. Age of Mythology: Retold - Wikipedia

The vitriol dominating public discourse in the run-up to US presidential elections may be aggravating divisions among Americans, and is also wearing down a key advantage the country has over Chinese leader Xi Jinping: soft power. Generations of young Chinese grew up admiring Disney films and iPhones but the affinity is now fading, according to our interviews with dozens of people in Shanghai, arguably China’s most internationalized city. More worryingly, respondents don’t see things improving no matter who wins, with Kamala Harris also vowing to be tough on China. What You Need to Know Today Uncertainty over the US election means the economic outlook for China also remains in the balance. Donald Trump is threatening to impose 60% tariffs on Chinese products — a move which could wipe out any boost from Xi’s stimulus blitz. In the latest sign of improvement, the Caixin manufacturing purchasing managers index rose in October from the previous month. Xi appeared to highlighted risks ahead in his latest speech, saying “unexpected factors are rising.” Economists at Goldman Sachs said in a report that higher US tariffs, if realized, could force Beijing to step up fiscal support for domestic demand. Election Vitriol Hurts US Soft Power Influence Over China - Bloomberg

In these days of soaring fuel prices, imagine a car that can accomplish 100 miles per gallon. Well, this is it! Meet the Peel P50, the three-wheeler which is reputed to be the smallest production car ever made. At just 137cm long, 99cm high and 104cm wide and with a top speed of 38mph, it was made by the Peel Engineering Company on the Isle of Man between 1962-1965 and retailed at £200. The Peel P50 was designed as a city car capable of seating one adult and a small amount of luggage or shopping. It boasted one single windscreen wiper, one headlight and a three-speed gearbox. Interestingly, these were all forward gears with no reverse so, if you wished to move backwards, you simply used the metal handle provided on the back of the vehicle to manually spin it in the direction you wished to travel. The P50 gained notoriety after Jeremy Clarkson drove it around the BBC studio in series 10 of Top Gear whilst reviewing its practicality in everyday life. The footage is reportedly amongst the top ten great moments from the show’s history. Peel P50 - a micro car that still 'appeals' today