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Revolutionizing Remote Power Recharge News reports an exciting development in sustainable energy, a new breed of nuclear reactors is on the horizon, promising to deliver carbon-free electricity to the world's most isolated areas. These compact nuclear reactors, known as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and microreactors, boast a generation capacity under 20 megawatts (MW) and are compact enough to be transported in standard shipping containers. This groundbreaking approach not only aims to electrify remote communities but also seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of industries like mining and shipping. The Rise of Small-Scale Nuclear Power The push towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 has reignited interest in nuclear energy, particularly in the United States where the Department of Energy (DoE) suggests a need for 200 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity. Traditionally, nuclear power plants were constructed on a large scale to optimize energy generation costs, leading to prolonged setup times and financial uncertainties. However, SMRs and microreactors represent a shift towards more manageable, cost-effective nuclear solutions that can swiftly adapt to the energy needs of diverse environments. Advancements and Innovations One notable player in the SMR field, NuScale Power, encountered challenges with its pioneering project, which highlighted the need for a more robust supply chain and efficient fuel utilization. Responding to these challenges, startups like Nano Nuclear Energy are exploring the use of high-assay, low-enriched uranium (Haleu) fuel, which enables reactors to operate more efficiently and prolongs their operational life. By planning to produce Haleu domestically, Nano Nuclear Energy aims to mitigate previous setbacks and pave the way for the wider adoption of SMR technology. Their latest reactor design, Zeus, emphasizes safety and autonomy, featuring a "walk-away" capability that guarantees its secure and steady operation without constant human oversight. This innovation is crucial for deploying reactors in remote or challenging environments. A Future Powered by Portable Nuclear Energy The versatility of SMRs extends beyond electricity generation. Designed to also capture the heat generated from nuclear fission, these reactors can provide direct heat applications or convert excess thermal energy into additional electrical power. This dual-purpose functionality makes SMRs particularly appealing for areas lacking traditional energy infrastructure or where renewable projects are not feasible. By integrating these portable nuclear reactors into the global energy mix, we stand on the cusp of a transformative era. These advancements not only promise to extend clean energy's reach to the farthest corners of the planet but also to redefine how we think about meeting the world's growing energy demands sustainably.

Encouraging Horizontal Videos for Enhanced Engagement TikTok, initially renowned for its vertical video format, is now urging content creators to embrace horizontal video production. This shift is part of the platform's strategy to diversify content styles and enhance user engagement. Creators have reported receiving prompts from TikTok encouraging the posting of horizontal videos exceeding one minute in length. These longer videos, according to TikTok's promise, will receive a viewership boost within 72 hours of posting, provided they meet certain criteria like being non-political and non-commercial. This new direction aligns with the growing trend of content consumption on mobile devices and aims to reshape how audiences interact with TikTok videos. Longer Videos and the YouTube Influence TikTok's latest move echoes the content strategy of YouTube, known for its longer video formats. The platform is experimenting with videos up to 30 minutes long, a significant leap from its original 15-minute limit. This change suggests a strategic pivot towards more extensive, YouTube-style content, moving away from the short, snappy videos that initially defined TikTok. The platform's focus on longer content reflects a broader industry trend towards monetizable video formats, such as vlogs, that typically run for 10 minutes or more. This shift in content strategy represents TikTok's effort to adapt to changing viewer preferences and market trends. The Future of Content Creation on TikTok TikTok's new direction might lead creators to repurpose their YouTube content for TikTok, thereby streamlining their content strategy across platforms. The introduction of the Series program, allowing creators to produce video collections for paying subscribers, further indicates TikTok's ambition to offer more extensive, premium content. With the ability to set varying prices for these collections, TikTok is providing creators with new monetization avenues. As TikTok incorporates features synonymous with YouTube, and vice versa, a convergence in content strategies across these platforms is becoming increasingly apparent. This evolution in TikTok's content strategy signifies the platform's commitment to staying relevant and competitive in the dynamic social media landscape.

Creative Oversight Across John Wick and Highlander Chad Stahelski, acclaimed director of the John Wick series, has cemented his position in the action film landscape through a new deal with Lionsgate. This agreement entrusts Stahelski with creative oversight of the entire John Wick franchise, spanning film, television, and multimedia platforms. Moreover, Stahelski's directorial prowess will extend to the upcoming Highlander reboot, featuring Henry Cavill. The Highlander project, slated under Lionsgate's 2026 tentpole releases, indicates a significant expansion in Stahelski's role within the action and fantasy film genres. Highlander Reboot and Franchise Expansion The Highlander reboot, which has already generated excitement with Henry Cavill attached to the project, will be Stahelski's next directorial venture. This reboot is not just a standalone project but part of a broader vision to develop the Highlander series into a comprehensive franchise. Stahelski and his team at 87Eleven Entertainment have outlined a multi-platform content strategy, suggesting the potential for a series of films and other media extensions. This move aligns with Stahelski's ambition to create expansive, interconnected universes, similar to his work with the John Wick franchise. John Wick's Continued Evolution and Future Projects While Stahelski has been instrumental in the John Wick series, his new deal formalizes his involvement in all related spinoffs and future projects. This includes executive production roles in the Peacock series The Continental and the upcoming film Ballerina, starring Ana de Armas. The John Wick universe is poised for further expansion, with Ballerina set for a 2024 release, an anime in development, and a separate TV show distinct from The Continental. Additionally, plans for John Wick 5 are underway, with series producer Basil Iwanyk confirming ongoing development and story refinement. Stahelski's heightened involvement in these franchises marks a significant step in shaping the narrative and artistic direction of some of the most dynamic action series in modern cinema.

Apple is actively addressing concerns about the iPhone 15 and 15 Pro models overheating and has assured users that a forthcoming update, iOS 17.1, will rectify these issues. This comes after various reports and user complaints suggested that certain models were running unusually hot, raising questions about potential hardware design flaws. However, Apple has categorically denied any such flaws, emphasizing that the thermal concerns pose no safety risks to the users. Third-Party App Concerns and Immediate Rectifications Apple’s spokesperson highlighted third-party apps like Instagram, Uber, and the game Asphalt 9 as potential contributors to the devices running warmer than usual in a report to Bloomberg. In response to this, corrective updates have been rolled out swiftly, with Instagram receiving its update on September 27th to mend the identified overheating issues. These immediate rectifications illustrate Apple’s commitment to maintaining optimal device performance and user satisfaction by addressing app-specific problems proactively. Innovative Hardware and Upcoming Solutions The iPhone 15 series, introduced with innovative features such as the A17 Pro chip and a robust titanium frame, has been under scrutiny due to the overheating issues. However, Apple reassures that the forthcoming iOS 17.1 will not only resolve the overheating issues but also will not result in throttled performance, allowing users to enjoy graphics-intensive games with near-console fidelity. This upcoming update is seen as a comprehensive solution, fostering enhanced user experiences and solidifying Apple’s reputation for quality and innovation. Commitment to Safety and Enhanced User Experience Despite the raised concerns, Apple continues to reiterate that there is no compromise on user safety and that the experienced elevated warmth could be due to factors like the usage of USB-C power adapters with high charging capacity and intensive background processing after phone restoration. By transparently addressing these concerns and implementing user-centric solutions, Apple underscores its unwavering commitment to delivering excellence and innovation while prioritizing user safety and satisfaction.

In a month marked by major milestones for the streaming service Kick, the spotlight shines brightest on streamer Amouranth. The platform, which broke its own record by logging 100 million hours watched in August, has found a superstar in Amouranth, who alone accounted for 434,000 hours. Dominating the Charts Amouranth not only led the female streaming community on Kick, but her viewership figures also dwarfed those of her closest competition. According to data from StreamCharts, she outperformed the next four leading female Kick streamers combined. Crystal, the runner-up, put in an impressive 550 hours of streaming—nearly three times more than Amouranth's 185 hours—but secured only 81,000 hours watched. A Calculated Move Pays Off After inking a lucrative contract with Kick in June, Amouranth saw a dip in her Twitch numbers due to a decreased streaming schedule. However, her move to Kick appears to be more a shift in platforms than a loss in popularity. Although she isn't in Kick’s overall top 10 list—dominated by heavy-hitters like Adin Ross and xQc who raked in 6.1 million and 4.7 million hours respectively—Amouranth's stellar trajectory suggests that it won't be long before she breaks into the coveted rankings. The Business of Streaming Amouranth’s overwhelming success serves as much more than a viewership statistic; it highlights Kick's strategic focus on recruiting top-tier talent. The streamer's high-profile contract reflects the platform's commitment to leveraging well-known personalities to increase user engagement. As the streaming wars intensify, Kick’s strategy is becoming clear: draw in and maintain popular streamers to solidify its position in the highly competitive market. With the acquisition of a powerhouse like Amouranth, Kick is not just benefiting from her large and devoted following but is also staking its claim as a key contender for the future of streaming.

Another thrilling anime crossover is slated to hit Fortnite this week as Epic Games teams up with the popular anime series, Jujutsu Kaisen. This news, officially announced last week, revealed that exclusive Jujutsu Kaisen-themed skins would be up for grabs in the Fortnite in-game item shop this Tuesday. The Anticipation and the Surprise In an exciting turn of events, the Fortnite data mining community initially leaked this information. However, the prevailing expectation was that Fortnite's next anime alliance would involve One Piece. As a result, many renowned leakers dispelled these rumors before the official Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration announcement. While some One Piece fans might be left feeling disappointed, Jujutsu Kaisen enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the rollout of this collaboration. The expectation is that it will introduce a range of new skins and cosmetics to the game. Jujutsu Kaisen Skins: Launch Details The Fortnite x Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration is set to launch with the v25.30 update, dropping on Tuesday, August 8th at 4 AM ET. To implement this new update, Epic Games will momentarily bring down the game servers for roughly 1-2 hours. Following this, players will be prompted to download the new patch, and the much-anticipated Jujutsu Kaisen skins will be available for purchase from the in-game item shop. Leaked Skins and Cosmetics While Epic Games has not yet confirmed the exact skins included in the Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration, leaks from the Fortnite community offer some insights. The purported leak suggests the following skin bundles will be part of the collaboration: Nobara Kugisaki Bundle Megumi Fushiguro Bundle Satoru Gojo Bundle Speculations are also rife that Yuji Itadori might be part of the game's battle pass. If that's the case, players won't be able to obtain these skins through the in-game item shop. However, official confirmation on this point is yet to come.

Discord has introduced a new feature that allows users to send Voice Messages, perfect for those on the move or looking to add a personal touch to their conversations. Voice Messages are audio recordings sent directly to friends through direct messages, group direct messages, or servers with fewer than 200 members. Although users can only send Voice Messages via the mobile app, they can listen to them on any device with Discord access. To send a Voice Message, users can press and hold the Mic button on the chat input box while recording, then release to send. Alternatively, they can swipe up while pressing the Mic button to lock the recording mode and tap 'send' when finished. Canceling a Voice Message is as simple as dragging a finger to the Trash icon or tapping the icon when the recording mode is locked. Listening to Voice Messages is easy on both desktop and mobile devices, with audio playing through the default device or mobile speakers if no external device is connected. Server owners can enable or disable Voice Messages per role by going to Server Settings > Roles and toggling the Send Voice Messages option. Voice Messages can be up to 20 minutes long, and users can only send them through the mobile app. Audio output for Voice Messages on desktop uses the default Discord setting, while mobile audio plays through connected devices or mobile speakers. To report a Voice Message, right-click it on the desktop and select 'Report Message' or tap and hold on mobile until the 'Report Message' pop-up appears.

In a tweet that has left its user base abuzz, Discord revealed it's tripling its file size limit from 8MB to a whopping 25MB for all users. This enhancement allows Discord's nearly 196 million active users to share high-resolution photos, entertaining pet videos, and even the occasional classified document, all without incurring additional costs. Discord confirmed that the 25MB upload limit applies across the board, benefiting both non-Nitro and Nitro Basic subscribers. As a result, free users can now upload larger files to their favorite Discord servers without any added fees. For those seeking to share even bigger files, Discord offers a Nitro Basic subscription at $3 per month, which enables 50MB uploads. Nitro users, on the other hand, can enjoy a generous 500MB upload limit, 4K video streaming, and exclusive emojis for just $10 a month. As Discord's user base continues to expand, this file size limit increase is a welcome quality-of-life improvement. With any luck, this is just the beginning of more exciting enhancements to come.

Google Fi, a cell service provider, has notified its customers that their personal data may have been stolen in a recent cyberattack. The incident is believed to be related to a recent T-Mobile data breach that impacted 37 million customers. In an email sent to Google Fi customers, the company said that its primary network provider had become aware of suspicious activity in a system containing Google Fi customer data. Although the company did not explicitly name T-Mobile as its primary service provider, the timing of the announcement and the relationship between Google Fi and T-Mobile suggest that this breach is directly linked to the T-Mobile hack. According to the email, hackers may have accessed limited customer information, including phone numbers, SIM card serial numbers, account status, and mobile service plan data. The system did not contain personal information such as names, email addresses, payment card data, government IDs, passwords, or pin numbers. Google reassured customers that no further action is required by Fi users and that there was no unauthorized access to Google’s own systems or any systems overseen directly by the company. Google has not disclosed how many Google Fi customers may have been impacted by the breach, and the company has yet to provide any information regarding the number of users who subscribe to the Google Fi service. The recent T-Mobile breach marks the eighth time that the company has suffered a cyber attack since 2018, and the impact of the Google Fi breach remains unknown. However, the company has assured its customers that it is taking steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

Twitch has maintained a policy of exclusivity on their platform for their streaming partners that restricted them from live streaming on any other platform. Those terms appear to be loosening but are not completely gone. An email was sent to partners stating that Twitch Partners will now be allowed to stream to other services including Twitch competitors like YouTube and Facebook, but there are some major terms to this move. TL:DR: Twitch now allows partners to stream off-site Partners can fully simulcast to mobile apps (TikTok) Partners can do a limited streams on web apps (YouTube, Facebook) Details of the limits are a bit “grey” to say the least The policy of complete exclusively ended as soon as partners received their email, but the terms of the partnership still limit how those streamers can stream to other platforms. Mobile-focused platforms like TikTok and Instagram have no limits to how the streamers can use them and fully allow simulcasting their streams to these apps. However, web-focused platforms like YouTube and Facebook do not allow simulcasting a stream for ‘an extended time”. What is an “extended amount of time”? Well, no one knows as that is exactly how it is detailed in the new FAQ and that means it will likely be enforced on a per-case basis. Steamers can jump to a second platform with their stream and then stream limitlessly on that platform if they are not also streaming to Twitch at the same time. Twitch says these terms are solely to help creators build a stronger community as simulcasting “leads to sub-optimal experiences for your community”, but only on platforms that directly compete with Twitch.

HP and System76 (A Linux System Builder and Dev of Pop!_OS) have teamed together to create an impressive new laptop aimed at developers called the HP Dev One. The Dev One is a fully Linux-focused device with fully supported hardware and even a full Linux keyboard in place. The specs are competitive for the price and overall the machine appears to be quite well designed. At $1,099 the system packs a powerful CPU and enough storage and RAM for the above-average user, but it does not fair well in the GPU or gaming. Pop!_OS is one of the friendliest Linux distributions for Windows or Mac users to adapt to and it is easy to see that System76 has created a great entry-level Linux product that is also highly capable. Reviews of the device have been positive so far and the overall experience comes with an above-average screen and audio system. While limited to 1080p, the Ryzen 7, 16GB RAM, and 1TB Storage make it a solid work machine for all users in any field. It is currently only available as a 14” device, but we hope more models will appear later. Overall, the budget focus of HP and the ease of use by System76 make this machine look like an impressive starter laptop for a Linux user and perhaps even a greater boost for the Linux community. How “average user” this laptop will become is of course still unknown, but it seems to be off to a better start than the highly business-focused Dell Linux laptops. Image: Uncrowned Addiction/HP Dev One Source: https://hpdevone.com/

The board of directors running Twitter has unanimously agreed to sell the platform to Elon Musk for 44 billion dollars. The board made the notation that the transaction would be the best path for Twitter shareholders as they will receive $54.20 per share as the company goes private. According to NBC, that is a 38 percent premium for shareholders using the April 1st closing price (before Musk revealed his plans). Twitter’s board appeared to be openly against the company’s purchase when Musk acquired 9 percent of the company’s shares to make him the largest shareholder. The company investigated a corporate maneuver known as a “poison pill”, which would allow them to create more shares to dilute Musk’s ownership, but never followed up with this plan before accepting his full purchase offer. Jack Dorsey, the co-founder of Twitter and CEO until November 2021, announced that he was happy to see Twitter move to a private company and leave the Wallstreet market. Overall, the reactions to this deal have been both heated and mixed throughout the tech community and user base. Let us know what you think in our poll here:

The Federal Communications Commission on Friday determined that security products from Kaspersky posed an “unacceptable risk” to US national security and added the company to a covered list of other firms not eligible for FCC funds. Huawei and ZTE landed on this particular list in 2021. Eugene Kaspersky, after he attended a KGB-Technical College, having ties to Russian military intelligence, and even having a headquarters based in Moscow, was deemed a threat by the FCC. Kaspersky is already banned from US Government Networks. “I am pleased that our national security agencies agreed with my assessment that China Mobile and China Telecom appeared to meet the threshold necessary to add these entities to our list,” FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr stated. Kaspersky becomes the first security company and first Russian entity to be added to the US security threat list. Companies that appear on the list are ineligible to receive any of the $8 billion available annually under the FCC's Universal Service Fund. The fund supports Telecomm services in rural areas or for low-income consumers or entities like schools, libraries, and hospitals. Ten days ago, Germany's Federal Office for Information Security, warned companies not to use Kaspersky products. Officials hinted that there is a possibility for the company to be coerced into assisting Russian intelligence services. The addition comes a month after Russian military forces invaded neighboring Ukraine and indiscriminately unleashed a continuing stream of bombs and other munitions on civilians. Eugene Kaspersky has said denies any connections to the Kremlin. Image: gguy - stock.adobe.com

Discord is adding a new Premium Membership to multiple content creator servers that will allow users to have a paid subscription directly to that server. Currently, around 10 creators have the feature live with expectations that it will be going live for everyone shortly if everything goes well. This feature is also reported to have a 90/10 revenue split with Discord only taking 10 percent of the subscription money and the community owner getting the rest. Server admins will also be able to create tiered packages and set their costs for those packages with varying rewards available to members. Currently, the focus is to use this feature to lock and unlock channels of the Discord server depending on the user’s paid tier. However, it does appear that Discord is mostly sitting back and seeing what creators will do with this feature going forward. Currently, users will only be able to subscribe to features on the Desktop client as Discord does not seem to want to pay the Apple and Google App store fees and that is likely a key point to allowing such a high creator ratio for the revenue. Overall, this could be a massive move for both Discord and the servers on their platform as paid subscription content have become a massive industry in the tech world and content creators have created vast income using these services. Image: Denys Prykhodov - stock.adobe.com

NVIDIA Broadcast is a noise reduction application that uses the power of its RTX GPUs to pull off some impressive tools for streamers and content creators. The tool suite offers solutions to improve webcams, headsets, and mics and Logitech plans to add these features directly to some of their modern headsets and Blue Yetis mics. However, before you get your hopes up, a NVIDIA RTX GPU is still needed on the PC to support these features, so don’t plan on setting these items up and using the new features on your phone, console, or any other non-RTX device. Users can currently get these features via beta drivers on the Logitech G HUB or they can just use them via the already included software that came with their GPU. However, this is certainly a nice touch for those that do not enjoy running numerous background apps or struggle to remember turning the correct settings on/off before they record. It is an overall great combination either way as Logitech devices (especially Blue Yeti) are quite popular with content creators and the Broadcast app’s features have been met with overwhelmingly positive feedback. Find a list of supported devices below (and don’t forget that any device can use the features via the Broadcast App itself): G733 Gaming Headset PRO X Gaming Headset PRO X Wireless Gaming Headset Yeti X Microphone Yeti Classic Microphone Yeti Nano Microphone

Facebook has been pushing out updates about a potential name change and the news has been all over the place when it comes to the reports. We still don’t know all the details, but the Facebook platform that many of you are using will still be called Facebook. The company is reported to be looking into a new name for the Facebook parent company that owns Facebook, Instagram, etc. in a move that is very similar to how Google recently renamed itself to Alphabet. The Verge originally reported that the company was looking into a new name to better fit the “metaverse” that they have created, and it also seems to be a move to further the Facebook brand from the gaming side of their company. The company is working on a social VR game called Horizon Worlds and it sounds as if the company plans to name the parent company something based on “Horizon”. The name change isn’t anything out of the normal as the Facebook brand no longer fits well with many of the products the company handles, but it can’t be overlooked that the move is also likely due to the vast amounts of bad press Facebook has been getting hit with lately. It wasn’t all too long ago that the company faced a huge uproar simply due to requiring users of their VR gear to login via a Facebook account, so it is very likely their new push into VR also includes trying to remove the old name. The company seems to be set to announce these changes and what the “metaverse” will be during their Oct 28th developer conference. It is sure to make headlines and we will have to wait and see to find out what they have planned for the future of the social media juggernaut company.

The latest Apple Event has turned some heads with some radical changes to the MacBook Pro lineup and an impressive M1 Pro/Max chip performance. You can check out the entire event HERE and I would suggest watching it if you are a fan of the Pro series as the changes were overall excellent and well appreciated! The performance of the new M1 Pro chip was shown with impressive performance and the higher tier M1 Max chip looks insane in both power and efficiency. The MacBook Pro also features improved IO in the form of Thunderbolt USB, multiple USB C ports, HDMI, 3.5mm audio, and even an SD card slot! These features are a huge welcome for many users struggling with dongles to perform simple tasks. The show went into detail to show off the device having an impressive audio amp for that 3.5mm port and the keyboard is back to a standard keyboard with function keys! Although speaking of features, we cannot skip the newest feature of the device, the notch. Yes, you read that correctly, the MacBook Pro comes with a notch in the screen for its webcam. Now, we are going to say to not panic about this notch as it is not as bad as it looks. The notch fits in the top taskbar of apps, and on iOS, this is a rarely used space. It also features a “compatibility” mode that will fill in the top with a black bar and users can avoid the notch interfering with the menus or other functions. Thankfully, the 16:10 aspect ratio of the screen is measured WITHOUT the notch area factored in. So in theory you are still getting the same screen, but if you want to deal with the notch, you get some extra space. So for usability, the notch may be a strange design choice that no one was asking for, but it won’t affect your daily tasks. However, we do have to call out Apple on one aspect of the notch. It was reported that Apple planned to hide the notch as much as they could via dark backgrounds and such, and that appears to be true. So not cool at all Apple, but things should be fine if you plan on picking up one of these new devices! Image: Farknot Architect - stock.adobe.com

Google has been pushing the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro via numerous advertisement platforms and even potato chips over the past few months, but now Google has announced the Pixel Fall Launch event for October 19th. The Pixel 6 lineup has caught the eye of many, with their Tensor CPUs, 50MP cameras, and now Android 12, as the phones feature a list of unknowns and excitement generating specs and leaks. The event is set to start at 10 AM and has been reported to be a one-hour pre-recorded live stream that will be shown on the withgoogle.com website. The website for the event is currently live with an interactive ad for those interested, but it does not provide much in terms of details of the event. Sources seem to agree that the stream will be completely Pixel-focused as there is currently a list of unknown specs that need to be cleared up and it may even contain information on some accessories, like the new Pixel Stand. Overall we hope to see you there as the Pixel 6 seems to be an exciting phone with vast amounts of potential to shake up the phone market.

Earlier today reports started to pile in that Twitch had a massive data breach of source code, projects, sensitive information, and all sorts of data were released in a torrent file with over 100GB of data. This breach was released on 4chan and numerous sources started to confirm that items such as earnings reports and previously unknown information were legitimate information. Twitch has come out on Twitter and confirmed the leak happened and that they are trying to figure out how much information was leaked to the public and what account information was released. The Amazon-owned company has been a target of many data breaches in the past and it currently has not been noted to contain login information. However, we would strongly urge all Twitch users to change their passwords and activate two-factor authentication as well for added protection. There seems to be a vast array of internal Twitch tools that were leaked during the breach and this may allow users to bypass current anti-spam and other tools the platform uses to protect streamers. Although no one is quite sure of the damage or the potential misuse the leaked data may produce at this time. There seems to be no word on if any banking information was released, but streamers did confirm on Twitter that the earnings reports were accurate and taking actions to protect your associated bank accounts would be advised until more is known. There are no reports on if this affects anything with Amazon accounts, but it is never a bad idea to change your password and have 2FA activated no matter the reason. The information is already public and being spread out amongst the internet, so please do not wait for confirmation that your account is safe, just take the steps now even if it turns out pointless in the end. Image: prima91 - stock.adobe.com

Windows 11 is here and is available for both new and old devices. Users have started seeing Windows 11 equipped devices for sale and also have started to upgrade their current devices to Windows 11, but not everyone with a capable device can upgrade yet. Microsoft is rolling out upgrades in batches to extend the release timeframe to better control and reduce problems. The release windows for the new OS are listed to last into early 2022, so if you are currently unable to upgrade your device, don’t panic. The upgrade will still be free for all Windows users with devices capable to run the OS and there currently is no detailed information on when devices will become available to upgrade in the timeframe. Microsoft has also stated that Windows 11 is currently missing some of the new Windows features (like Android Apps) and did not have a timeframe for feature releases. Windows 10 is still fully supported into 2025 and with Microsoft’s track record it may be supported well beyond that time. So do not panic that your device passed the compatibility check, but isn’t getting the upgrade.

Cinco de Mayo, or translated as the Fifth of May, is the Mexican holiday that celebrates the Mexican victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla during Franco-Mexican war. The day is sometimes referred to as Battle of Puebla Day and always falls on the 5th day of May. Cinco de Mayo is often referred to in the United States as Mexican Independence Day, but this is an incorrect reference as it is a minor holiday in Mexico and is the celebration of a single battle. Mexican Independence Day, or Día de la Independencia, is celebrated on September 16th as the commemoration of Mexico’s declaration of war against the Spanish government in 1810. The Franco-Mexican war was a joint military response by France, Britain, and Spain who sent military forces to Veracruz, Mexico demanding repayment of loans and other finances due to Mexico’s ongoing financial troubles and defaulting on recent payments. Britain and Spain never engaged in military combat due to negotiations with the Mexican government, however, France decided to use the opportunity to expand their empire into the Mexican owned territory. The Battle of Puebla was a final stand made by a ragtag Mexican military force that was vastly outnumbered and underequipped to face the French army but managed to hold the line against the French invasion. After this battle The United States, who was finally recovering from the Civil War, began to apply political pressure to the French and support for the Mexican military causing the French forces to withdraw. While in Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is primarily observed in the state of Puebla, where the victory had occurred, the United States began celebrating the holiday around the 1960s as a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage within the United States. Since the 1960s Cinco de Mayo has rapidly grown in popularity within the United States with numerous festivals and events celebrating Mexican traditions and culture within the nation. While the holiday is still officially the commemoration of a victory in a military battle, it is widely regarded has a cultural celebration in modern times here in the United States. Many people connect this holiday with the association of Mexican traditions due to the high number of indigenous Mexicans that fought in the Battle of Puebla.

Amazon Echo and Ring devices will be enabling their “Sidewalk” feature on multiple devices and you should at least know what that means. The company sent out emails to owners of the devices, but many people report them being filtered spam or simply ignored and Sidewalk has some concerns given Amazon’s security concerns in some devices in the recent past. Sidewalk is a new feature that allows Amazon devices to send a small amount of data from their home Wi-Fi to other nearby Amazon devices in the event the internet was to fail at that residence. The data used is quite small and will likely never affect data caps on cable internet plans, but the main concern is security. One of the worst network security concepts a person can make is allowing unknown devices on their internal network and this feature allows Amazon to do just that. On top of that, Amazon has not released any details about the firewalls or security protocols this new feature will be using to protect the end users. Our faith in Amazon to appropriately handle security is small due to how poorly they handled recent open access to their Ring Doorbells, and yes, those same Ring Doorbells are now sharing your Wi-Fi. There are perks to this feature however, Ring devices are security devices that require internet to function. This means that the loss of internet or power will likely render those devices ineffective and crime does not stop when the lights go out. Sidewalk would allow Ring devices to pull the required data off a nearby user to keep itself recording video and the battery would keep the device running for at least some time. This approach will likely prevent or catch a crime in action when it would have been otherwise missed. Even the best home networks still have outages and keeping the security running may be worth it to may people. Echo devices on the other hand, are also included in this feature, but are likely not a critical safety feature in a home. The feature can be turned off in the app for the device, but it will be set to “on” after the update. Overall, the core concept of this feature is good, but the way Amazon is handling it and the lack of security information makes me suggest turning it off for now. Once the company has released more information, we may even recommend this feature to help your neighbors who are also using these devices.

Kick, a rising streaming platform, is experiencing a backlash and potential streamer exodus due to an incident involving the live streaming of a controversial interaction with a sex worker. The incident unfolded as Paul Denino, also known as Ice Poseidon, and fellow streamer Sam Pepper, concealed themselves in a bedroom while another man, Andy, interacted with a sex worker in the living room, with her apparent consent to film. However, the situation escalated when noises made by the concealed streamers alarmed the woman, who then attempted to leave, expressing her discomfort. CEO's Reaction Fuels Outrage Adding fuel to the outrage, Kick's CEO, Eddie Craven, was seen posting laughing emotes during the live stream, a move considered as an endorsement of the act, leading to concerns about the platform’s stance on safety and respect for individuals. Rachel, another streamer known as TheFoodieWaifu, expressed her dissatisfaction with the platform, saying, "It sucks to see a platform stand behind someone who clearly doesn’t respect sex workers or their safety." The streaming platform, renowned for its light moderation and attractive 95/5 revenue split, seems to be on shaky ground as many streamers, particularly women, are questioning its safety and contemplating their continuance on Kick. Several streamers criticized the platform for the lack of immediate stringent actions against those involved in the scandalous stream and denounced the platform’s seemingly lukewarm response to the incident. Kick’s Response and Future Implications Kick attempted to address the growing concerns by affirming its commitment to community and public safety in content creation through a public post. The post highlighted the company’s learning curve in balancing safety with content creation and thanked the community for ongoing feedback. The platform asserted its continuous refinement of policies without disclosing specifics due to privacy constraints. However, the response, deemed by many as insufficient, has done little to placate the outraged community. Bob, another creator, emphasized that while consent was given by the involved woman, the foundational premise was objectionable for a site purportedly focusing on gaming and creative content. The incident has thrust Kick into the limelight for the wrong reasons and has put a spotlight on the platform’s ethical stance and commitment to user safety. The platform’s ability to attract and retain streamers, especially those disillusioned with other platforms like Twitch, is hanging in the balance, with the way forward hinging on its approach to addressing user concerns and enforcing community guidelines effectively. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for robust moderation and ethical guidelines within streaming platforms, particularly those in the nascent stages like Kick. How the platform navigates through the storm of criticism and re-establishes trust with its user base will likely shape its trajectory in the competitive streaming landscape.

In an unprecedented move that has left third-party app developers reeling, Reddit has revised its API pricing structure - a move that might spell calamity for beloved apps like Apollo. This shake-up is causing seismic tremors through the industry, particularly among developers who lean heavily on Reddit's API for their operations. At the heart of this storm is Apollo, a popular Reddit reader app favored by millions of netizens. The app's creator, Christian Selig, recently shared his dismay on Reddit: "50 million requests now cost $12,000 - a sum that eclipses anything I had ever envisioned." Just last month, Apollo made an astronomical 7 billion requests, an activity that under the new pricing regime would translate into a staggering $1.7 million per month or a jaw-dropping $20.4 million per annum. Laying out the hard numbers, Selig said, "For subscription-only users, the average Apollo user chalks up 344 requests daily, which would amount to $2.50 per month - that's over double the current subscription fee. In this scenario, I would bleed money every month." Expressing his profound disappointment, Selig compared Reddit's pricing to Twitter's, which had been lambasted for its hefty $42,000 price tag for 50 million tweets. With a sigh, he noted, "Reddit's rate is still $12,000. Meanwhile, for the same 50 million API calls, Imgur charges us a meager $166." Apps like Apollo harness the power of Reddit's API to access and display posts and other data on their platforms, substituting Reddit's advertisements with their own. This switcheroo stings Reddit's ad revenue, a fact that some developers argue is the key driver behind Reddit's drastic pricing shift. The creator of RIF, another top-tier Reddit app, divulged that as part of the change, Reddit is banishing ads in third-party apps - a significant blow considering that these ads constitute the lion's share of RIF's revenue. He lamented, "It appears that they are trying to shoehorn a paid subscription model onto RIF's userbase. Meanwhile, Reddit's official app continues to rake in the big bucks predominantly from ads." Moreover, whispers within the industry suggest that these API modifications will result in NSFW content being excised from third-party apps, while staying intact on Reddit's official app. Selig held steadfast in his belief that Reddit's new pricing structure is off-kilter. "I can't see how this pricing is remotely tethered to reality or reasonable," he avowed, adding, "Needless to say, I don't possess that kind of capital, nor do I have the faintest idea about how to charge it on a credit card." The feasibility of such exorbitant API pricing for app developers in the future is now hanging in the balance. For Reddit users, it may be time to cozy up to Reddit’s default web interface... you know, just as a safety measure.

YouTube's recent crackdown on profanity has caused a stir among content creators, with many expressing frustration over the changes and how they were implemented. In November, YouTube announced that it would limit ads or completely demonetize a creator's video if they swear within the first 15 seconds. This policy applies to all videos, including those that were uploaded before the change was made. TL:DR: YouTube has implemented new rules for profanity on the platform, which may limit ads or completely demonetize a creator's video if they swear within the first 15 seconds. This rule applies to all videos, including those that were uploaded before the change. YouTubers are feeling the effects on their paychecks and are frustrated with YouTube's communication and inconsistent application of the rules. YouTube's goal is to make videos more "suitable for advertisers", but creators feel like they are being punished for content they made before the rules were put in place. YouTube is now promising to fix the issues, but it remains to be seen how they will address creators' concerns. Many creators have reported that YouTube's communication regarding the policy change has been subpar, with some only finding out about the changes after going to Twitter for help. Some have also complained about the lack of clarity in how the rules are being applied, with no clear definition of what YouTube considers to be the "majority of the video." YouTube's policy update is intended to ensure that videos are "suitable for advertisers." However, some creators argue that it is not fair to punish older videos that were made before the rules came into place. They also feel that YouTube is expecting them to create videos not only for the standards it has now, but also for those it may implement in the future. The platform has also been criticized for its inconsistent approach to profanity, as in April, it updated its rules to allow videos with "the usage of moderate profanity (e.g., shit and bitch) in the first 30 seconds" to be monetizable. This has caused confusion among creators who may have made videos that are no longer allowed to earn ad revenue. In response to the backlash, YouTube has promised to fix the situation. However, creators are concerned about the impact the policy change will have on their paychecks and the reach of their videos. They argue that the systems put in place by YouTube to rectify being demonetized are of little help and can initially be vague about why videos were restricted in the first place. YouTube's new policy on profanity has caused a divide among creators, with many feeling that it is unfair, unclear, and poorly communicated. While YouTube's intentions may be to ensure that videos are suitable for advertisers, creators are concerned about the impact the policy change will have on their livelihoods and the reach of their content.

Ford has recently filed a patent application that reveals a new way of repossessing cars if their owners fail to keep up with their payments. This bizarre and alarming solution involves the vehicle locking out its driver and even repossessing itself. The patent application was filed in August 2021, but it was only made public last week, first reported by The Drive. The automaker believes this system will help solve the problem of "uncooperative" owners who resist repossession efforts. The system would use a "repossession system computer" to facilitate the process. It would begin with minor discomfort to the driver, with features such as cruise control, GPS, air conditioning, and the radio disabled. The car may also emit an "incessant and unpleasant sound" to warn the driver. If the driver still doesn't respond, the system may lock the driver out of the car. The lockout would only take place during certain times, such as weekends, to ensure that the driver can still use the car to earn money to make payments. The car may also be limited to certain geographic areas or even certain times of the day. If the driver is still behind on payments, the car could take drastic action. It may autonomously drive itself to a location convenient for a tow truck to tow it away, or it could drive itself to a repossession agency, lending institution, or impound lot. In some cases, the car may even drive itself to a scrapyard if its market value is lower than the cost of repossession. While the patent application provides insight into Ford's potential plans for repossessing cars in the future, it's not clear if the automaker will actually implement this system. In any case, this news raises important questions about privacy, autonomy, and the future of car ownership. It's important for car owners to stay vigilant and stay up to date on how automakers are using technology to track and control their vehicles.

Meta Platforms Inc announced that it will be reinstating former President Donald Trump's Facebook and Instagram accounts in the coming weeks, following a two-year suspension after the January 6, 2021 Capitol Hill riot. This move has sparked both support and criticism. On one hand, supporters of free speech argue that it is appropriate for the public to have access to messaging from political candidates. On the other hand, critics of Meta Platforms have accused the company of having lax moderating policies and question if they have the capacity to understand the real world harm that Trump poses. While Trump's social media accounts were suspended, he has been relatively quiet on the political front. However, with the announcement of his run for presidency in 2024, the restoration of his accounts could provide a boost to his campaign. With 34 million followers on Facebook and 23 million on Instagram, these platforms are key vehicles for political outreach and fundraising. In response to the criticism, Meta Platforms has stated that they have "put new guardrails in place to deter repeat offenses." They have also stated that in the event that Trump posts further violating content, the content will be removed and he will be suspended for between one month and two years, depending on the severity of the violation. The decision to reinstate Trump's accounts has received mixed reactions, with some praising the move as a step towards free speech and others criticizing it as a lack of accountability. It remains to be seen how this decision will play out and what impact it will have on Trump's future political endeavors. Donald Trump has not yet utilized his regained Twitter account since it was restored, instead opting to continue using his own app, Truth Social. However, a spokesperson for his campaign recently stated to Fox News Digital that having access to Facebook once again will be a crucial tool for the 2024 campaign to connect with voters.

Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) fans are expressing concern over what appears to be an effort by Wizards of the Coast (WoC) to increase its control over licensed content through a revised Open Gaming License (OGL). The OGL has historically allowed content creators to make D&D products, retain full ownership, and profit independently. However, the revised OGL appears to give WoC the ability to claim these creations as its own. In December, rumors of changes to the OGL circulated, prompting an official response from WoC. At the time, it was rumored that the OGL would be eliminated entirely. WoC confirmed that the OGL would remain in place, including through the release of One D&D, the next iteration of Dungeons and Dragons. The company also acknowledged that it planned to update the OGL, but stated that the changes were intended to prevent things like third-party "D&D NFTs" and exploitation by large businesses. A leaked report revealing the potential changes to the OGL, however, seems to do much more than what WoC previously stated. One change in particular has caused significant backlash. It states that creators grant WoC a "nonexclusive, perpetual, irrevocable, worldwide, sub-licensable, royalty-free license to use that content for any purpose." This gives WoC the ability to use, sublicense, and profit from others' work, even though it does not grant outright ownership. Another section of the updated OGL allows WoC to "terminate" the license agreement with anyone, anywhere, for any reason. If the license is terminated, the licensee must not only stop using licensed materials but also "destroy all inventory and marketing materials bearing the Compatibility Logo." This means that products bearing licensed D&D branding must be destroyed if the license is terminated. WoC can do this for any reason. These changes to the OGL are causing various reactions within the D&D creator community. Some believe it is just legal language and nothing will change, while others have threatened legal action if the updated OGL is issued. The possibility of WoC using a creator's products for their own benefit, or forcing a partner to destroy all their work, is a significant concern for many in the community. The third-party market for D&D products has thrived for over 20 years thanks to the OGL, and any significant changes to the OGL could threaten that economy and community. It remains to be seen whether WoC will address the concerns of the D&D community. In the meantime, it is important for content creators to stay informed about the potential changes to the OGL and to carefully consider the risks and benefits of creating and licensing D&D content. While the OGL has historically provided a great opportunity for independent creators to monetize their work, the revised OGL could significantly alter the terms of that agreement. As with any investment, it is important to do your own research and make informed decisions.

According to Business Insider, Meta is testing a new livestreaming platform for influencers called “Super,”. Influencers can earn money, chat with fans, and broadcast using the platform. In exchange for using Super for 30 minutes, Meta reportedly paid influencers between $200 and $3,000. Super is currently being developed by Meta's New Product Experimentation team. It has been in development since late 2020. According to Meta, Super is an experiment being built by New Product Experimentation (NPE) and tested with a limited number of creators. It is currently being tested with a small number of creators. Meta recently reached out to multiple creators, according to Business Insider, asking them to try out the new project. The platform, which looks to have the same functionality as Twitch, is currently being tested with less than 100 creators, including tech influencer Andru Edwards and TikTok star Vienna Skye. Creators keep 100% of the tips and revenue generated through their stream and the livestream platform is operating on a tiered system where users pay to access higher levels of features. According to the report, viewers pay for features included in the stream and can tip the streamer. Although take note that revenue sharing and fees will likely be an ever-changing situation and may differ vastly from this trial. Meta quietly tested the service for about two years, according to Business Insider. Currently, the service is web only and no details seem to exist of mobile apps but it would be safe to assume they will come with time. Meta has begun testing Super prior to Facebook shutting down its live shopping feature on October 1 to focus on Reels.

Both Windows 10 and the new Windows 11 allow users to set their default internet browser, but users have continued to complain that the non-Edge browser experience is lacking due to Edge still being a mandatory default browser setting in many areas. Items like the built-in Windows search, Cortana, and certain built-in links that use an internet browser have been locked to whatever Microsoft chooses, which is currently their browser Edge. Firefox has always pushed for user choice in-browser experience and after Windows 11 made changing the default browser a painful and needlessly extensive experience, Mozilla (the owner of Firefox) started working on a way to better serve people not using Edge (nearly everyone). EdgeDeflector was also a rising star in grabbing links meant for Edge and sending them to the browser that the user uses. With nearly unanimous user praise, the Windows feature that awkwardly made the built-in search and other features a burden to users was about to be fixed by multiple companies and Microsoft has decided to pull the plug on the fix. Microsoft has announced that they will be patching the search features so users cannot use their default browser and have pressured Mozilla into dropping support for continuing to try a fix the problem. Sadly, it appears many users will have to continue to avoid using the many built-in UI features and Cortana at this point if having numerous browsers open together is unwanted. This has been considered an odd move as it both reinforces the antitrust laws being pushed currently on the major tech companies and pushes against what users want and generally just end up finding a workaround for anyway. Image: Ralf - stock.adobe.com

Kalei Renay became the first female member of the massively popular esports organization FaZe Clan in June and has been streaming on Twitch for years. Kalei, who has been a very modest streamer in both content and attire, was banned for sexually suggestive content on a platform that endorses adult content stars stripping on stream to sell their adult content. The streamer was upset about the ban and took to Twitter where she tried to find answers about the ban. Her followers seemed to back up all the remarks that she never performed anything sexual in her stream and never even chatted in the steam’s chatbox. She has been dealing with accusations of cheating in Warzone, one of her main games, but this claim has both never been backed up and the ban does not indicate anything about cheating. This has led to some believing she was simply mass report and due to not being on Twitch’s no-ban list, she was auto-banned. Many members of the gaming community were not happy with her joining FaZe and this seems to be the reason for her past TikTok ban, but again, does not seem to be the case here per Twitch. The ban was only a temporary ban, and the streamer has returned to the platform, but this does seem to add to the list of unequal and unfair rules and regulations set by Amazon-owned Twitch that no one can seem to get any answers to how it operates or regulates content. As far as we can tell, Kalei is a skill-based streamer that would be borderline “family-friendly” to watch if it wasn’t for some minor profanities and such, almost the opposite of what Twitch should be banning.