Since the initial announcement of StarCraft: Ghost in 2002, the concept of a shooter anchored in the StarCraft universe has been in the air, yet the project’s eventual cancellation seemed to put an end to that dream. When Blizzard discontinued the next iteration in 2019 to prioritize Overwatch 2, hope dwindled. However, a recent IGN interview with Jason Schreier has reignited that spark. Could the third time be the charm?
In the interview, Schreier stated, “StarCraft is not dead at Blizzard.” He hinted at a project aimed at developing a shooter set within the StarCraft world, although he cautioned that it could face the same fate as its predecessors.
Details about what this new game might entail, its release timeframe, or whether it would be a first- or third-person experience were not disclosed. However, Schreier did reveal that Dan Hay, known for his work on Far Cry 5, is directing the project, which is promising news.
Blizzard
The first attempt, titled StarCraft: Ghost, was designed as a third-person stealth game centered on the Ghost unit— a psionic spy-commando. Although it was announced in 2002, the game went inactive in 2006 and was ultimately canceled in 2014 after a long period of silence. According to Schreier, Blizzard’s second attempt, codenamed Ares, aimed to borrow elements from Battlefield but was ultimately sidelined in favor of more commercially viable projects.
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The canceled StarCraft: Ghost has re-emerged in a leaked playable build for Xbox.
So, why should fans feel optimistic now? Blizzard is in a much stronger position than in recent years. With Microsoft behind them, they have enhanced funding. The project is under the guidance of an experienced director, Dan Hay. Furthermore, as both StarCraft and StarCraft 2 single-player campaigns arrive on Game Pass, there’s no better time for Blizzard to tap into the nostalgia that the franchise invokes.
Although Art the Clown appears to be an indomitable force, the Terrifier series won’t go on indefinitely. Damien Leone, the creative mind behind the horror franchise, has made this clear.
Leone stated in an interview with SFX Magazine, “My biggest concern is stretching the series too thin and losing its appeal. I want the franchise to have a clear beginning and end, whether that’s a trilogy or possibly a fourth film, allowing viewers to walk away feeling satisfied with the conclusion.”
Much like iconic franchises such as Halloween and Friday the 13th, the Terrifier series has become an unexpected hit since its first film debuted in 2016. Directed on a modest budget of $35,000, the original film surprisingly grossed over $416,000. Then, six years later, Terrifier 2 made waves at the box office in 2022, earning over $15 million during its theatrical run.
Now, Terrifier 3 is anticipated to arrive in theaters in just a few weeks. This new installment takes place during the holiday season and will feature David Howard Thornton’s Art the Clown who returns to unleash chaos—all while dressed in a festive Santa suit. The sequel promises to further test the limits of its franchise’s unique blend of gore and dark humor.
Terrifier 3 Trailer #1 (2024)
It’s uncertain whether Terrifier 3 can replicate the success of its predecessor, but even if it achieves or even exceeds Terrifier 2’s box office performance, it appears that Art the Clown’s time may be limited. Leone addressed the potential fourth film, indicating it might be the last installment in the series.
“I think that’s likely,” he confirmed. “I already have the entire storyline planned out, which I’ve known since the second film. Determining how to conclude it is perhaps the most challenging aspect, but I’ve had the ending in mind for quite some time.”
While the precise fate of this horror franchise remains to be seen, it’s safe to assume it will involve Thornton’s Art and his nemesis, Lauren LaVera’s Sienna Shaw. For now, fans of Terrifier should relish their remaining time immersed in this wildly imaginative and bloody universe before the inevitable conclusion approaches.
Terrifier 3 will make its theatrical debut on Friday, October 11.
Every year, Razer surprises the tech world with its innovative concepts, like the memorable Project Hazel face mask adorned with RGB lights. This time, they’re introducing Project Esther, which has turned into a tangible product named Freyja. Razer touts it as the world’s first high-definition haptic gaming cushion. While this niche market isn’t exactly booming, Razer is undoubtedly the right company to explore this new territory.Razer has made past attempts to incorporate haptic feedback for your back and rear, but Freyja appears to offer a more practical solution compared to earlier designs such as the Enki Pro HyperSense chair. This cushion can be easily placed over most tall-backed chairs, whether they bear the Razer brand or not. Though it requires power, Freyja features a clever single-cable system with a quick-release connector, eliminating the hassle of a tangled setup should you accidentally roll over the cable.
Razer
The haptic cushion is divided into six zones, a reduction from the original concept’s 16 zones, with each section capable of activating independently based on your activity. In gaming, Freyja will feature certain native integrations, ensuring that the haptics are tailored to specific games. For other titles, the cushion will simulate haptic feedback derived from the game’s audio, utilizing sound direction and distance to create immersive sensations. Additionally, if you own devices equipped with Razer Sensa haptics, they will function in sync with Freyja.
Razer
Although designed primarily for gaming, the haptics are versatile enough to enhance virtually any audio experience. You could feel the vibrations from a movie, music, or even the ambiance of a live concert streamed online. However, the accuracy of the feedback might vary, especially when it solely relies on audio cues. As seen with Razer’s Kraken HyperSense headset, haptic feedback doesn’t always deliver a consistent experience. Different media have unique audio mixes, leading to varying intensities in haptic feedback.
If you’re interested in trying out the Freyja, it’s now available for purchase, albeit at a steep price tag of $300.
Freyja was unveiled during RazerCon, an event where the company made several significant announcements, including the introduction of the Black Widow V4 Pro 75% Wireless keyboard, the Kraken V4 Pro headset, and Razer’s first laptop cooling pad, which boasts a temperature reduction of up to 18%.
A SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft successfully launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, transporting two new crew members to the International Space Station (ISS). After several delays, notably due to Hurricane Helene, the mission took off at 1:17 p.m. ET on Saturday, September 28.
Launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex-40, the Crew-9 mission includes NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. It’s notable that this Dragon launch is carrying only two crew members, a departure from the usual four. The extra seats are being kept for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who are currently aboard the ISS after their arrival on the inaugural crewed test flight of the Boeing Starliner.
NASA opted not to have Wilmore and Williams return home on the Starliner due to issues with its thrusters. Instead, they will remain on the station until Crew-9 returns in February 2025 via the Dragon spacecraft.
The crew configuration adjustments were necessary as the launch was initially slated for August. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson commended the team on a successful launch, stating, “This mission required a lot of operational and planning flexibility. I wish Nick and Aleksandr safe travels to the space station.” He also praised the collaboration between NASA, its commercial partners, and international allies for their capability to adapt to unexpected challenges without compromising safety.
Hague and Gorbunov are set to arrive at the ISS on Sunday afternoon, September 29, joining the Expedition 72 crew, which currently consists of nine individuals—six from NASA and three from Roscosmos. The astronauts will be welcomed with a ceremony upon their arrival.
Nasa plans to livestream the docking of the Dragon with the ISS, along with the subsequent hatch opening and welcome festivities. Coverage will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET on Sunday on NASA’s YouTube channel.
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Samsung appears to be implementing significant alterations, both aesthetically and internally, for the upcoming Galaxy S flagship. Recent leaks have hinted at a more refined Galaxy S25 Ultra, showcasing sleeker bezels, streamlined lines, and a more angular design.
According to trusted leaker UniverseIce, the Galaxy S25 Ultra will be equipped with a whopping 16GB of RAM. In comparison, the Galaxy S24 Ultra comes with 12GB, while the entire iPhone 16 lineup is limited to 8GB of RAM.
However, Samsung’s Galaxy S25 Ultra won’t be breaking new ground with its 16GB RAM offering. Other devices, such as the Asus ROG Phone 8 Pro, REDMAGIC 8S Pro Plus, and OnePlus Ace 2 Pro, have all exceeded that threshold with up to 24GB of RAM.
The S25 Ultra will definitely have a 16GB RAM version, this is 100% confirmed, don’t worry.
While 24GB may be overkill for the average user today—unless one is eager to flaunt that their phone sports more RAM than a personal computer—upgrading from 12GB to 16GB could bring tangible advantages. This increase not only allows for more applications to run simultaneously in the background but may also enhance gaming performance, as manufacturers often claim.
It’s all about AI, probably
AI technology stands to gain the most from this increase in RAM, particularly in mobile devices where local processing is paramount over cloud computing. Recall the buzz surrounding Google’s decision to reserve certain AI capabilities for the Pixel 8 Pro while not extending them to the standard Pixel 8 model?
Android’s VP and general manager, Seang Chau, later confirmed that the 12GB RAM on the Pixel 8 Pro was ideal for efficient local AI processing, unlike the 8GB found in the Pixel 8.
Clearly, an additional 4GB can make a noticeable difference, although the transition from 12GB to 16GB may not present a dramatic performance leap. However, with AI applications advancing and becoming more complex, outfitting smartphones with ample RAM is a wise choice for future demands.
As the Yole Group’s analysts note, basic AI functionalities currently utilize around 100MB of RAM; however, generative AI features could require up to an additional 7GB. For instance, the Gemini Nano running AI tasks on the Galaxy S24 series reportedly consumes roughly 2GB of memory, yet to support AI models containing up to 7 billion parameters efficiently, 16GB is advisable.
In essence, sophisticated large language model (LLM) tasks may benefit from this extra RAM. Efficient data processing and effective parameter management are crucial for quick AI output, and insufficient RAM can hinder performance. Given Samsung’s focus on enhancing its AI capabilities, equipping the Galaxy S25 Ultra with 16GB of RAM seems a logical step.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is nearing the conclusion of its second season, with the seventh episode largely centered around an epic battle. The siege of Eregion showcased several key characters, but one interaction left fans taken aback, as it strayed away from the combative themes of the episode.
Warning: This post contains spoilers for season 2, episode 7 of The Rings of Power.
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Before the battles erupted, Elrond and Galadriel engaged in a serious conversation with Adar regarding the possibility of avoiding conflict. At the conclusion of their meeting, as they prepared to part ways, Elrond unexpectedly kissed Galadriel. This moment startled many viewers, especially considering that the two elves are portrayed solely as friends in Tolkien’s works. The shock was amplified by the tension that had existed between them throughout the season, specifically related to the debate over the elven rings of power.
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Actor Robert Aramayo elaborated on the kiss during an interview with TV Insider, emphasizing that the kiss served a strategic function.
“Initially, it’s a tactical move, but the emotional weight is significant because it serves as a farewell too,” he noted. “It could be a farewell for a long time, or perhaps forever — until they reach the Halls of Mandos. So it’s a poignant moment, but the motivation behind it is practical and meant to create a distraction.”
He referred to the way the kiss diverted the attention of Adar and his orc followers, allowing Elrond to discreetly hand Galadriel a crucial pin for her escape.
Aramayo clarified that the kiss was not intended to signal romance; instead, it symbolized Elrond’s deep admiration and appreciation for Galadriel. “Galadriel is his hero,” he explained. “Their connection is familial — Elrond is actually related to just about everyone. She’s influenced him profoundly, and their bond transcends mere friendship; it resembles that of family members. Thus, this is a heartfelt goodbye to someone you fear you may lose soon.”
Note: This article includes significant spoilers for The Last of Us season 2.
Prepare for an even grander and darker experience in The Last of Us season 2. This might not surprise anyone familiar with the 2020 release of The Last of Us Part II, a game that left players reeling with its shocking twists and brutal storytelling. Based on the recently unveiled trailer, it seems that the second season will adhere closely to the grim storyline established by its predecessor.
The trailer is packed with familiar images and scenes for those who played Part II, while also introducing new figures, such as Jesse (Young Mazino), Dina (Isabela Merced), Isaac (Jeffrey Wright), and perhaps the most significant addition—Abby (Kaitlyn Dever). An observant fan pointed out a subtle callback to The Last of Us Part II within the teaser.
This particular reference is auditory rather than visual: a piercing sound that cuts through the somber atmosphere of the trailer’s melancholic Pearl Jam song. This very tone similarly accompanies the most harrowing moment in The Last of Us Part II, during the intense scene where Abby forcibly takes Joel’s life with a devastating blow from a golf club. That sound crescendos, drowning out the surrounding turmoil—except for Ellie’s heartbreaking cries.
Fans of The Last of Us have been engaged in discussions for years about how the HBO adaptation would navigate the complex and grim narrative of its second game. Central to these discussions is the inevitable question of Joel’s demise. How early will it happen in the upcoming season? Will the story unfold in a linear fashion, or will it flit back and forth in time, similar to The Last of Us Part II? Unfortunately, neither the Easter egg nor the trailer has provided clarity on these points.
However, the presence of such a distinct sound makes it clear—if the trailer’s many recognizable scenes from Part II didn’t already—that viewers should brace themselves for the same gut-wrenching emotional experience that characterized the video game when the series returns. Notably, the sound is introduced during what appears to be the fateful first encounter between Joel, played by Pedro Pascal, and Abby, intensifying the sense of foreboding and intent behind its use.
The Last of Us season 2 is scheduled to debut on HBO sometime in 2025.
Google is enhancing the Gemini integration within its Workspace suite, unveiling several new features for its often-overlooked NotebookLM tool. One of the standout updates is the capability to produce structured tables in Google Sheets using simple text prompts.
Previously, all tables generated by the AI were presented in a plain text format, with headers highlighted only in bold. This approach made the tables appear bland and uninviting, devoid of any formatting or design flair.
Now, the “Create a table” feature in the Gemini sidebar for Sheets has received an upgrade. Users can easily modify the core input phrases and generate a well-structured table adorned with vibrant highlights, dropdown menus, and shaded cells within just a few seconds.
Google
This feature is set to be available for “Workspace customers with Gemini Business, Enterprise, Education, Education Premium add-ons, as well as users holding the Google One AI Premium subscription.”
The initial rollout seems to prioritize business and enterprise users. Currently, individuals with access to Gemini Advanced via a Google One AI Premium subscription may not yet have the ability to craft structured tables in Google Sheets.
An underrated gem improves
NotebookLM, the AI-driven note-taking application that also serves as a research assistant, has received a more significant set of updates. It can now analyze YouTube videos by simply copying and pasting the URL, allowing users to distill the content in their desired format.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
Users can ask follow-up questions based on NotebookLM’s topic breakdown, which conveniently includes clickable links directing to specific moments in the video. After testing this feature on several videos of varying lengths, it has performed reliably, capturing even details from shorter video chapters.
Another valuable addition aimed at journalists, researchers, and students is the ability to search through an audio file’s transcription for specific information.
Nadeem Sarwar / Digital Trends
Moreover, NotebookLM can now convert audio recordings, handwritten notes, and lecture slides into organized study guides. Users will also notice improvements in sharing Audio Overviews—these are podcast-style audio renditions of user-uploaded text files like PDFs. Previously generated with a single click, they can now be shared via a custom URL. For those looking for more flexibility, the tool can import Docs, Slides, and website links, or users can simply copy and paste text for analysis using the underlying Gemini 1.5 model.
Apple’s HomeKit has consistently trailed behind competitors like Alexa and Google Assistant, particularly due to its absence of a smart display akin to the Echo Show 15 or the Nest Hub. However, emerging rumors suggest that Apple may be gearing up to address this gap with its next device. A report from MacRumors highlighted code discovered in Apple’s backend that points to a product identified as HomeAccessory17,1. While this may not sound significant at first, it’s noteworthy that the existing HomePod is coded as AudioAccessory.
At this stage, speculative details are limited, but it is plausible that the upcoming gadget could be powered by the A18 chip and incorporate AI-driven features. Apple is already in discussions to integrate OpenAI into Siri, and enhancing a smart home system with AI could unlock unprecedented functionalities—potentially surpassing what Alexa currently provides, though Google Assistant’s integration with Gemini might create a competitive landscape.
The code also suggested that the HomeAccessory—likely a placeholder name—will operate on a version of tvOS. If this holds true, the new device may resemble a hybrid between the iPad and HomePod, reminiscent of the design of the Google Pixel Tablet.
Andy Boxall/Google
Additional speculation hints that the future HomeKit device may include a camera for user identification and gesture recognition. However, it’s important to approach these rumors cautiously, as no official confirmations have been made. That said, it’s encouraging to see new advancements for a smart home platform that has not received adequate attention in the past.
With confirmed updates on the horizon for HomeKit in iOS 18, such as improved guest management and robot vacuum compatibility, it appears that HomeKit may finally be receiving the focus it deserves.
You’ve been anticipating this, haven’t you? Snake is back, and he looks better than ever. Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater has been a topic of discussion for quite some time, and it was recently made official. This remake of the beloved PlayStation 2 classic, the third installment in the Metal Gear Solid series, is frequently regarded as the best among fans and critics. However, following the exit of series creator Hideo Kojima from Konami, many voiced concerns about whether a remake in the hands of a different team could live up to the original. Konami seems to be confident in this venture, leaving us eager to see how it all turns out. Here’s what we currently know about Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.
Release Date
Konami
While a specific release date for the remake hasn’t been announced, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was subtly highlighted in an official Sony preview for 2024 releases. Unless there are unexpected delays, it seems we may get our hands on it before the year’s end.
Available Platforms
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater is confirmed for all current-gen platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam.
Development Team
Konami
With Kojima no longer at Konami and focused on projects like Death Stranding 2, another studio had to take the lead on this remake. Although there were many speculations surrounding which team would take over when the project was still a rumor, Konami eventually confirmed that “In addition to Konami’s development team, who is involved in the development of the Metal Gear series, the game is fully supported by Virtuos, a development company known for its collaboration on previous titles in the Metal Gear franchise.”
Trailers
METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER – First In-Engine Look – Xbox Partner Preview
The initial reveal trailer was cinematic and did not showcase gameplay, instead emphasizing the jungle setting of the original Metal Gear Solid 3. It followed a bird through the jungle, illustrating the natural food chain as predators interact. The trailer concluded with a glimpse of a camouflaged Snake emerging from the shadows.
(4K) METAL GEAR SOLID Δ: SNAKE EATER – Official Trailer #1 | KONAMI
The first official trailer, showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase in June 2024, featured a mix of cutscenes and gameplay. Notably, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater will use audio from the original game without recasting any of the characters. We see Snake gearing up for his mission as he arrives in the jungle during the opening scene, with the rest of the trailer focusing on gameplay action to avoid revealing too much of the story for newcomers.
At the Tokyo Game Show, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater returned with a new trailer, offering insight into Snake’s upcoming mission, the stakes involved, and introducing some of the enigmatic adversaries he will encounter. However, there were no significant new revelations.
Gameplay
Konami
The latest trailer offers a first glimpse of gameplay mechanics in action. Snake will have a variety of stealth tactics to choose from to stay undetected, including crouching, crawling, and shimmying. The beloved camouflage system also makes its return. An example from the trailer shows Snake traversing a river while donning an alligator head to blend in with the environment, as well as covering himself in mud to evade a nearby soldier.
Close-quarters combat (CQC) is making a significant return as well. Snake can stealthily approach and neutralize guards, with options for lethal or non-lethal methods. This non-lethal approach enables interrogations similar to what players experienced in Metal Gear Solid 5. However, the specific information players can extract during these encounters is still under wraps.
Of course, players can also choose a more aggressive approach if they prefer.
Preorder Information
Currently, Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater does not have a defined release window, meaning that preorder details are not yet available. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to gather more information.
Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 Set to Return This November
On January 1, 2023, the first half of Season 5 of Yellowstone concluded its run on Paramount Network. Fans of the Dutton family won’t have to wait much longer for their return, as Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 is scheduled to premiere in November.
Filming for the new episodes is currently in progress, and the cast and crew have shared a special behind-the-scenes look, stirring excitement among viewers. Everyone involved emphasized two main points: the wait for the second half has felt extensive, and the team is eager to unveil what’s next for the characters.
Luke Grimes, who portrays Kayce Dutton, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It brought me to tears. It’s really, really good, and I think people are really gonna love it.”
However, there is a significant issue that looms over the series: Kevin Costner’s upcoming departure. In June, Costner revealed that he would not return for the second half of Season 5 following a protracted dispute with Paramount and series creator Taylor Sheridan about contract negotiations and filming schedules. Costner’s character, John Dutton, has been central to the series, making his exit a challenging narrative hurdle for the writers.
Director Christina Voros acknowledged the complexity of the situation, saying, “On one hand, it was a big family reunion coming back. And on the other, it was a new set of challenges.”
To maintain confidentiality following Costner’s exit, scripts were altered so that actors received redacted versions with only their lines visible. This approach aimed to create more genuine performances, allowing actors to react authentically during scenes. Denim Richards, who plays Colby, remarked, “The audience this year will really see real reactions. They really were not like rehearsed.”
As for the rest of the main cast, they include Kelly Reilly as Beth Dutton, Cole Hauser as Rip Wheeler, Wes Bentley as Jamie Dutton, Kelsey Asbille as Monica Long Dutton, and Gil Birmingham as Chief Thomas Rainwater.
Mark your calendars! The first episode of Yellowstone Season 5, Part 2 will debut on Paramount Network at 8 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 10. It will also be available on CBS that same evening at 10 p.m. ET.
Following his standout role in Rebel Ridge, Aaron Pierre is reportedly in the running to join the DC Universe.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Pierre is being considered for the character of John Stewart in the forthcoming detective series, Lanterns, which is based on the DC comics. He and Stephan James are believed to be the final candidates for the part, though it’s unclear if they are currently auditioning. The report indicates that a selection may be reached by the weekend.
Pierre showcased his ability to lead an action-driven narrative with his role in Rebel Ridge, directed by Jeremy Saulnier and released on Netflix. He also has prior experience in the superhero genre, portraying Dev-Em in Syfy’s Krypton. Stephan James is widely recognized for his performances as Walter Cruz in Homecoming and Alonzo “Fonny” Hunt in If Beale Street Could Talk.
Damson Idris, who is set to appear alongside Brad Pitt in Apple’s upcoming film about Formula 1 racing, is no longer being considered for the role of John Stewart due to a conflict in his schedule.
Earlier in the week, Kyle Chandler was reportedly nearing a deal to portray Hal Jordan in the series.
The casting of Green Lantern John Stewart is entering its final stages, with Aaron Pierre, star of Netflix thriller REBEL RIDGE, and Stephan James contending for the role, set to star alongside Kyle Chandler in HBO & DC’s LANTERNShttps://t.co/nc6wd2NNnA
In Lanterns, Hal Jordan and John Stewart are intergalactic law enforcement officers within the Green Lantern Corps, delving into a murder investigation set in the American heartland. Hal assumes the role of a reluctant mentor to John. Co-CEOs of DC Studios James Gunn and Peter Safran have likened Lanterns to True Detective, touting it as an “event worthy of HBO.”
In June, HBO gave Lanterns a direct-to-series order. The project will be helmed by Chris Mundy (Ozark), with Damon Lindelof (Watchmen) and comic book writer Tom King serving as writers and executive producers. Mundy will take on the role of showrunner.
Lanterns will be part of the DC Universe’s Chapter One: Gods and Monsters.
A new infrared map of the Milky Way has brilliantly revealed the marvels of our galaxy, showcasing a breathtaking 1.5 billion celestial objects compiled over a span of 13 years. Utilizing the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) VISTA telescope, astronomers gathered an immense 500 terabytes of data that detail various components of our galaxy, including nebulae, globular clusters, stars, planets, and brown dwarfs, among others.
Located at the Paranal Observatory in Chile, the VISTA telescope—short for the Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy—features an infrared instrument known as VIRCAM. This advanced tool can penetrate through clouds of dust and gas, enabling the observation of astronomical bodies that remain hidden from view in the visible spectrum. Since 2010, astronomers have employed this technology to study the Milky Way, revisiting specific areas of the sky multiple times to track the movements of various objects over time.
This collage showcases a selection of regions of the Milky Way that were captured during the creation of the most detailed infrared map of our galaxy. From left to right and top to bottom, the objects depicted are NGC 3576, NGC 6357, Messier 17, NGC 6188, Messier 22, and NGC 3603. All of these are areas of gas and dust where star formation occurs, with the exception of Messier 22, which is a tightly packed collection of older stars.ESO/VVVX survey
The complete dataset is accessible on the ESO website, allowing users to navigate and zoom into the remarkable representation of the galaxy. Among the features that can be explored are freshly formed stars encased in shrouds of dust, and brown dwarfs—objects that are larger than planets yet insufficiently massive to ignite fusion and qualify as stars.
“We discovered so much that we have fundamentally altered our understanding of the Galaxy,” stated project leader Dante Minniti from Universidad Andrés Bello in Chile, in a statement.
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One of the significant findings includes a more precise mapping of the inner Milky Way, a region frequently obscured by dust and bustling with stars, gas, and the supermassive black hole that resides at the galaxy’s core. Researchers also identified extremely fast-moving stars that have been ejected at high velocities after approaching this massive black hole. With the survey now concluded, the team anticipates that this wealth of data will serve as a foundation for scientific breakthroughs for years to come.
“The completion of this project was a tremendous team effort,” remarked Roberto Saito, an astrophysicist at the Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina in Brazil.
This October, skywatchers will be treated to an extraordinary astronomical event occurring once every 80,000 years, as Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS makes its approach to Earth. Discovered in 2023, this comet—officially designated C/2023 A3—has garnered attention in the astronomy community, with some labeling it the “comet of the century.” Its brightness could potentially surpass that of nearby stars and even the planets like Jupiter and Venus. However, the actual visibility of the comet remains uncertain, as predicting the appearance of comets can be quite challenging. Nonetheless, this unpredictability has generated excitement among enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether or not you can see the comet with your own eyes hinges on its luminosity. “There’s a lot of excitement surrounding the potential of Comet A3 (Tsuchinshan-ATLAS) becoming a prominent fixture in our night sky,” stated Robert Massey from the Royal Astronomical Society. “I would recommend using binoculars or a telescope with a wide field of view to spot it. However, it may also be visible to the naked eye. We’ll just have to wait and find out.”
Comets shine so brightly because they are composed of rock and ice. As they near the sun, the heat causes the ice to convert into gas, which reflects sunlight and creates a dazzling glow. The gas expelled forms the characteristic tail. As of now, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is on its course around the sun and is expected to be at its peak brightness during its passage by Earth in mid-October.
If you are eager to catch a glimpse of the comet, start looking towards the constellation Sextans, especially in the early morning hours just before sunrise (ideal for viewers in the Northern Hemisphere). The comet is anticipated to become more radiant as mid-October approaches. For the best viewing experience, find a location away from city lights and look just above the horizon.
Photographing the comet is also a plausible endeavor. “If you have a quality DSLR camera, taking a series of exposures can yield great results, as many astrophotographers have found,” Massey advised. “Moreover, if you possess a good smartphone camera along with a small telescope, you can position the smartphone against the telescope’s eyepiece to capture an image. This technique worked well with previous comets like NEOWISE, and it may be effective with this one too, depending on its brightness.”
Fans of comic books would assert that the only thing linking Bane and Deathstroke is their status as villains within the DC Universe. However, these two notorious characters are set to make their cinematic debut together.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, James Gunn and Peter Safran’s DC Studios is in the early stages of creating a film centered around Bane and Deathstroke, with Matthew Orton, known for his work on the reshoots of Captain America: Brave New World, confirmed as the screenplay writer.
Warner Bros. Pictures
Bane is a well-known adversary of Batman, first appearing in a minor role in the 1997 film Batman and Robin. His character was given a more significant portrayal in Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises, where Tom Hardy played him. On the other hand, Deathstroke has had only a fleeting appearance in a film; Joe Manganiello portrayed Slade Wilson in Justice League. Reports suggest that he was intended to be the antagonist in an earlier draft of Ben Affleck’s The Batman, sparking discussions about a standalone film for his character.
A collaboration between these two appears unlikely given their opposing motivations: Deathstroke operates as a mercenary while Bane is an ambitious strategist. Unless superheroes are incorporated into this narrative, the most probable scenario is a conflict between the two, potentially presenting one as the antihero.
Currently, there is no director attached to this Bane and Deathstroke project, and it will not be part of Matt Reeves’ Batman universe, which includes the ongoing The Penguin series on HBO and Max. If the film moves forward, it may still be several years before it reaches audiences.
Deadlock, the multiplayer online battle arena shooter currently open to selected play testers, has introduced an unconventional method for dealing with cheaters: transforming them into frogs.
In the recent 09-26-2024 update, Valve rolled out a new anti-cheat system. If the system detects cheating during gameplay, players are given two options: face an immediate ban or be turned into a frog before being banned. When this happens, the match does not count for either team.
The Deadlock Intel account on X (formerly Twitter) shared a clip illustrating the transformation. Once turned into a frog, players can only move slowly, making it nearly impossible to avoid incoming fire. Being a frog also makes one a conspicuous target, almost like wearing a visible mark of shame in the Deadlock community.
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The anti-cheat feature is currently in its nascent stages, operating on what Valve describes as “conservative detection levels” while the development team works towards a more extensive solution. Meanwhile, players can still mute and report suspected cheaters both during and after a match using the ESC key.
Cheating poses a significant challenge in online multiplayer games, particularly in those from Valve. Titles like Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and the newer Counter-Strike 2 are notorious for cheater problems. Although Valve has its established anti-cheat system, it’s not foolproof, and the free-to-play nature of these games allows banned users to easily create new accounts.
Burton Johnsey, a former Valve employee, noted on X that the developer had previously contemplated a similar system for CS:GO, where cheaters would be transformed into chickens in a mode dubbed “FU Surprise Mode.”
Holy crap, they finally built codename “FU Surprise Mode”?!
When I worked on VAC, Rich and I designed this for CS but the cheater was a chicken. https://t.co/Q6BKGTCZwj
In addition to the frog transformation for cheaters, this latest update for Deadlock includes other enhancements, such as a new hero named Mirage, the ability to initiate custom matches, more features for private lobbies, and various tweaks for character performance.
Ubisoft unveiled a new short-term roadmap for Star Wars Outlaws on Friday, following a surprising announcement regarding a significant shift in its development approach due to disappointing sales figures.
A spokesperson from Ubisoft characterized the launch of Outlaws as “softer than expected” in a recent investor statement. They pledged to release updates aimed at enhancing the game’s polish and “improving the player experience,” hoping that these adjustments will lead to stronger sales during the holiday season.
On the roadmap shared via X (formerly Twitter), the development team outlined its priorities, starting with immediate bug fixes followed by quality-of-life enhancements throughout October. This preparation supports the launch of the first story expansion, titled Wild Card, set to debut on November 21. Following this initial release, the team will offer another update to enhance combat and stealth mechanics, as well as introduce new contracts for protagonist Kay Vess.
“Our team is currently working hard to address your feedback and deliver new content,” the post stated. “Additional title updates will be rolled out in the coming weeks.”
Our team is currently working hard to address your feedback and deliver new content. More title updates will be heading your way in the coming weeks along with the release of our first story pack on November 21st.
The release of Outlaws in late August received mixed feedback from critics and gamers alike. While many praised the world-building, there were sentiments that it fell short compared to other Star Wars titles and even some of Ubisoft’s previous open-world RPGs. Players voiced concerns about the stealth gameplay, particularly sections featuring an “instant fail” mechanic that required restarting. Performance issues have also marred the experience, prompting the developers to work continuously on updates since launch.
In light of the feedback regarding Outlaws, Ubisoft has decided to postpone the release of its upcoming title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, to February 14, 2025, to allow for further refinement. Furthermore, PC gamers got some positive news: both Shadows and Outlaws will soon be available via Steam, moving away from the Ubisoft platform.
Additionally, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will abandon the season pass model. Outlaws previously sparked controversy due to its season pass, which provided access to an exclusive Jabba the Hutt mission not available through other means while increasing the price from the standard $70 to $110 for the bundled game and season pass, covering two planned DLC story expansions and offering three days of early access.
CEO Yves Guillemot further announced that the company will conduct a thorough audit of its development processes in an effort to adopt a more “player-centric approach.”
