b PlayStation Plus Game Catalog additions for November include GTA V (again) and Dying Light 2 By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:46:46 +0000 Sony has revealed the latest slate of PlayStation Plus Game Catalog additions for Extra and Premium members, and it's a dang solid lineup this month. The biggest name, of course, is Grand Theft Auto V. That's returning to the Game Catalog after Sony removed it in June. GTA V has now sold more than 205 million copies (not a typo), but if you've yet to dive into the game or its perennially popular online mode, here's your chance. GTA VI, meanwhile, is set to arrive next fall. In case you're all GTA'd out for the time being, there are lots of other PS Plus additions to explore. One of those is the open-world zombie survival action RPG Dying Light 2: Stay Human, which I've been meaning to check out for a long time. Like A Dragon: Ishin (which, coincidentally, is leaving Game Pass this month) and Chivalry 2 are among the other big names on the list, but I'm especially happy to see Overcooked! All You Can Eat make the cut. That's a terrific bundle of both Overcooked games and all of the expansions. For years, I've been calling these games the perfect relationship test. Just, uh, maybe don't play with your partner if you're going through a rough patch. Elsewhere, The Sims 4 expansion pack Island Living is included. Naturally, you'll need the free-to-play base game to access that. Moto GP 24, Digimon Survive, Stick Fight: The Game, Clash: Artifacts of Chaos, the intriguing Killer Frequency and Hungry Shark World round out the newcomers to the PS Plus Game Catalog's Extra tier. The Premium lineup is pretty exciting this month as well. I spent many hours playing the multiplayer modes of Resistance: Fall of Man in the PS3 era. Insomniac Games has been on an incredible run for the last six years, so it should be fun to hop back into that game and its sequel, Resistance 2, for a hit of nostalgia and to see how far the studio has come. Note, however, that these two games are streaming-only. Ahead of Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver 1-2 Remastered arriving next month, you can warm up by playing Blood Omen: Legacy of Kain and Blood Omen 2. Last but not least, there's one PS VR2 addition to the lineup in the form of action shooter Synapse. PS Plus Premium and Extra subscribers can play these games at no extra cost starting on November 19.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/playstation/playstation-plus-game-catalog-additions-for-november-include-gta-v-again-and-dying-light-2-174646227.html?src=rss Full Article Video Games Consumer Discretionary site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Kris Holt
b AMD lays off 4 percent of its global workforce By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:25:34 +0000 AMD has confirmed it’s laying off roughly four percent of its global workforce, according to reports by TechCrunch and others. It’s not entirely clear how many people will be impacted by this move, or which divisions the laid off employees will be pulled from. We can, however, do some math. The company had around 26,000 employees last year, according to an annual filing by AMD. Four percent of 26,000 comes out to just over 1,000 people. That’s a lot. So that leads us to why. You already know the answer. It’s a bunch of corporate gobbledygook. “As a part of aligning our resources with our largest growth opportunities, we are taking a number of targeted steps,” an AMD spokesperson told CRN. Don’t worry. The company also said it’s “committed to treating impacted employees with respect and helping them through this transition.” Engadget reached out to AMD for more information as to what that respect and help will look like. We’ll update this story if we find out anything. This news comes after a fairly mixed Q3 earnings report. The company grew revenue and profit, but the gaming division saw a massive year-over-year decline of 69 percent, according to Wccftech. The company has also struggled to compete with NVIDIA in the world of AI chips. Experts still predict that AMD will make nearly $33 billion in 2025, thanks to forthcoming next-gen GPUs. This isn’t enough for investors, however, as it’s “just” an increase of around $7 billion when compared to 2024. The company’s stock is down around four percent this year, and dropped further today. Capitalism demands massive and endless growth. Rival (and occasional bestie) Intel has faced similar headwinds. The company announced over 15,000 layoffs earlier this year.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/amd-lays-off-4-percent-of-its-global-workforce-182534044.html?src=rss Full Article Finance site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Lawrence Bonk
b Meta will reportedly bring ads to Threads as soon as January By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:30:44 +0000 Threads could start getting ads much sooner than Meta has let on. The company is now planning to bring ads to its newest app “early next year” with the first ads arriving in January of 2025, according to a new report in The Information. That suggests Meta is looking to start making money on the rapidly growing service far sooner than Meta executives have previously suggested. In August, when the app reached 200 million users, Mark Zuckerberg said Threads could become the company’s next billion-user service. He said making money off the app would be a "multi-year" effort. “All these new products, we ship them, and then there's a multi-year time horizon between scaling them and then scaling them into not just consumer experiences but very large businesses,” Zuckerberg said. In the company’s most recent earnings call, Meta CFO Susan Li said the company doesn’t “expect Threads to be a meaningful driver of 2025 revenue at this time.” According to The Information, Meta is planning a slow rollout for ads on Threads. The company will start with “a small number” of advertisers in January. It’s unclear how quickly the effort may expand. "Since our priority is to build consumer value first and foremost, there are no ads or monetization features currently on Threads," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement. Meta’s reported plans highlight just how quickly the service has grown in recent months. Threads has 275 million monthly users and is seeing more than 1 million new sign-ups a day, according to Zuckerberg. That makes it by far the largest of the X alternatives that have sprung up over the last couple years. Bluesky, another popular Twitter-like service, has also seen significant growth recently, adding a million new users in the last week, the company said Tuesday. It is still much smaller than Threads with 15 million users. Like Threads, it also currently has no advertising and the company has said it plans to experiment with subscription-based features. Update November 13, 2024, 2 PM ET: Added a statement from a Meta spokesperson. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/meta-will-reportedly-bring-ads-to-threads-as-soon-as-january-183044211.html?src=rss Full Article Technology & Electronics site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Karissa Bell
b A Google ‘test’ will omit EU publishers from news links By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 18:45:36 +0000 Google is conducting a “test” that will omit results from EU-based news publishers. The company says the time-limited trial will only affect a small portion of users in nine EU countries and will help “assess how results from EU news publishers impact the search experience for our users and traffic to publishers.” But given the fragile state of the news media — and the company’s history of threatening to pull its services in the face of news-related regulations — it’s tempting to view it as the equivalent of a mob boss conducting a “little test” to see how the corner laundromat fares without its protection. Google describes the experiment (via The Verge) as a “small, time-limited test” to omit EU results from search, Google News and the personalized Discover feed. It will only affect one percent of users in Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland and Spain. Those users will still see results from other websites, including non-EU news publications. The company says news results will reappear as usual once the test concludes. (It didn’t list a specific timeframe.) Google stresses that the experiment won’t impact the publisher payments it makes under the European Copyright Directive (EUCD), under which the company has inked deals with over 4,000 EU publishers. Google does have a history of using the potential withdrawal of its visibility as a negotiating stick in similar situations. In some cases, the tactic has helped it draw concessions. Last year, Google pulled its news links from Canada in response to Bill C-18 (the Online News Act), which required tech companies to negotiate compensation with online publishers for linked content. After months of negotiations, Google said Canada had addressed its concerns and given it a path to an exemption. Canada said it granted one to Google last month, with the company agreeing to pay $100 million annually to news organizations. In April of this year, Google briefly removed links to California news outlets in response to the proposed California Journalism Preservation Act (CJPA), which would require Google to pay news publishers in exchange for continuing to link to their websites. Although the bill’s fate is still up in the air, Google struck a deal with state lawmakers this summer, committing tens of millions of dollars to a fund supporting local news. In 2021, the company threatened to remove its entire search engine from Australia in response to a then-proposed law requiring tech companies to share royalties with news publishers. The nation’s then-Prime Minister stood firm. “Let me be clear. Australia makes our rules for things you can do in Australia,” Scott Morrison said. After the bill was passed and enacted, Google struck deals with Australian media companies to license content. Google says it hopes the data analysis tools it provides publishers will help them use the EU test to “understand traffic patterns.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/a-google-test-will-omit-eu-publishers-from-news-links-184536615.html?src=rss Full Article Internet & Networking Technology site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Will Shanklin
b Warcraft 1 and 2 Remastered are available right now for some retro RTS goodness By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:43:35 +0000 Blizzard pulled off a rare surprise today by shadow launching remasters of the original Warcraft and its sequel to commemorate the franchise’s 30th anniversary. These updates of the hit RTS games are available right now and look to merge retro goodness with some modern sensibilities. The remasters feature “brand new, hand-drawn visuals that capture the original art style from each game.” Players will be able to swap between the original graphics and the remastered versions in real time. If the trailer is anything to go by, the games look purdy. The simple animations match the vibe of the two games nicely. The original Warcraft is getting some serious quality-of-life changes to make the game more appealing to modern audiences. The update includes 16:9 resolution support and modern control options. For instance, players can now right-click to move units instead of having to rely on hotkeys. Both remasters have also received "various UI and UX improvements such as tooltips and health bars, mission select screens, and increased unit selection." The original games placed strict limitations on how many units could be selected at once, so that last one is a nice improvement. Warcraft 2 will even be available for multiplayer sessions. Franchise manager Brad Chan said during today’s 30th anniversary livestream that “all legacy custom maps will still be fully compatible and playable.” These remasters are available right now. Warcraft 1 is $10 and Warcraft 2 is $15. Today’s 30th anniversary stream also dropped all kinds of other nuggets beyond the remasters. Warcraft 3: Reforged got a major update today that fixes many long-standing issues. Blizzard also announced that the affiliated mobile title Warcraft Arclight Rumble will be playable on PC starting on December 10, albeit as a beta. The developer is relaunching WoW: Classic, complete with “all-new, fresh realms.” WoW: Classic 20th Anniversary Edition will be available on November 21 and will include PvE and PvP servers, in addition to Hardcore realms. WoW Classic is even getting a new (old) expansion. Mists of Pandora Classic will be available next year. Check the trailer above for proof.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/warcraft-1-and-2-remastered-are-available-right-now-for-some-retro-rts-goodness-194335478.html?src=rss Full Article Video Games Arts & Entertainment site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Lawrence Bonk
b Apple Black Friday deals include a four-pack of Apple AirTags for a record low of $70 By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:29:40 +0000 Black Friday deals are already popping up around the web, and that includes some Apple devices. You can pick up a four-pack of Apple AirTags for just $70, which brings the price per tag down to $17.50. That's a record-low price for the four pack and just about the cheapest we've seen on the price per unit. Apple AirTags easily made our list of the best Bluetooth trackers, particularly for regular iPhone users. We love the vast finding network, which really helps when you misplace a tag. Just think of all of those AirTags, iPhones and other Apple devices out there helping to create this network. Apple AirTags also offer the ability to tap into the ultra-wideband (UWB) wireless protocol. This creates a sort of game out of finding lost items, as long as the object is within 25 feet of the phone. The screen will display directional arrows and a distance meter so you can zero in on the lost item without having to ring the AirTag. There are some caveats. These trackers only really work with iPhones, so Android users should buy something else. Also, the ringer only goes for seven seconds at a time, which isn’t always enough time to track something down. Finally, there’s no attachment point for connecting to a keychain or a related item. However, there are plenty of good AirTag accessories to solve that problem. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/apple-black-friday-deals-include-a-four-pack-of-apple-airtags-for-a-record-low-of-70-191040376.html?src=rss Full Article Technology & Electronics Handheld & Connected Devices Information Technology site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Lawrence Bonk
b The Ninja Creami ice cream maker is $50 off in an early Black Friday deal By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:32:07 +0000 Sure, early Black Friday deals offer a great opportunity to snag some essentials and upgrades for a lower price than usual, but if you have the leeway for a fun treat for yourself or a loved one, you'll find plenty of discounts in that realm too. For instance, you can snag the Ninja Creami ice cream maker for $50 off the list price. At $180, that's not too far away from its record low price, making it a solid deal. While it isn't quite the season for ice cream in North America, there's never truly a bad time to enjoy it. The Ninja Creami is among our picks for the best kitchen gadgets. In fact, we reckon it's the best ice cream maker around. This is a more compact ice cream machine than many other household models. The Ninja Creami is very easy to use as well, since it operates in a similar way to a food processor. You'll need to make a liquid ice cream base and then freeze it, ideally for 24 hours. You can then use the machine to blend in flavors. Cleaning up is a cinch if you have a dishwasher, since everything aside from the machine component is safe to place alongside your dishes on the racks. On the downside, it is a rather noisy machine. We estimate that the volume is somewhere between that of a food processor and a countertop blender running at full speed. It's fairly tall too at 16 inches, so you'll want to make sure you have enough space for the Ninja Creami before buying it. Otherwise, we have no major complaints, other than the design not being overly attractive. As such, we gave it a score of 90 in our review. The Ninja Creami has seven one-touch programs, but if you'd prefer an 11-in-1 deluxe model, you're in luck: that's on sale too. At $220, it's $30 off. It supports 24 oz tubs that hold 50 percent more ice cream than those in the original Ninja Creami. The Deluxe model also has a dual processing feature. This allows you to add two different mix-in flavors to the same base. So you can, for instance, add sprinkles to the top part and cookies to the bottom. Check out all of the latest Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-ninja-creami-ice-cream-maker-is-50-off-in-an-early-black-friday-deal-203207931.html?src=rss Full Article Recipes Consumer Discretionary site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Kris Holt
b The best Christmas gifts in 2024 that cover everyone on your holiday list By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:39:51 +0000 This time of year has a lot of merry and bright things to be excited about, but it can be stressful if you’re stumped on what to get your mom, dad, best friend, coworker or kids’ teacher as a holiday gift. Whether you enjoy or dread buying gifts for people, it’s safe to say we all want to give our loved ones things they will enjoy and appreciate. But there’s a lot of noise, junk and bad deals disguised as good deals to sift through as we get closer and closer to the holidays.Allow us at Engadget to help you through it. Here, you’ll find all of our holiday gift guides collected in one place, so you can more easily find the best Christmas gifts you need this year. Are you looking for white elephant gift ideas? Are you struggling to come up with a good gift for the father figure in your life? Are you just looking for a good board game to pick up for your own family? We’ve got you covered with gift ideas for all of those scenarios and more. We'll update this post as more of our gift guides hit the internet, so check back for even more gift ideas throughout the season. Table of contents Best white elephant gift ideas Best board game gifts Best gifts under $50 Best gifts for gamers Best retro gaming gifts Best gifts for coffee lovers Best cooking gifts Best tech toys for kids Best gadgets for your pets Best travel gifts Best gifts for remote workers More coming soon! Best white elephant gift ideas According to legend, the King of Siam would give a white elephant to courtiers who had upset them. The recipient had no choice but to simply thank the king for such an opulent gift, knowing that they likely could not afford the upkeep for such an animal. It would inevitably lead them to financial ruin. This story is almost certainly untrue, but it has led to a modern holiday staple: the white elephant gift exchange. These gift ideas will not only get you a few chuckles, but will also make your recipient feel (slightly) burdened. Read more: The best white elephant gift ideas Best board game gifts We could all use more time away from screens of all types and sizes, and board games are a fun way to do that and bond with friends and family. You can find plenty of unique sets out there now, from word puzzles to whodunnits to calming playthroughs that showcase the beauty of the little things in life. From games with giant monsters to those with haunted mansions, we’re sure at least one of our suggestions will be a hit with you and your loved ones. Read more: The best board games to gift this season Best gifts under $50 We wouldn’t blame you if you try to do all of your tech shopping around the holidays. That’s when you can typically get the best sales, both on relatively affordable gear and (more importantly) on big-ticket items. But it would be wrong to think that only the most expensive tech is worth gifting. Since we at Engadget test a plethora of gadgets every year, we know that there are some hidden (and not so hidden) tech gems at lower price ranges — you just have to know where to find them. Read more: The best gifts under $50 that make great stocking stuffers Best gifts for gamers This year may not go down as one of the best years in gaming like 2023 did, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t a lot of great new releases. Between titles like Astro Bot and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, there were plenty of games to keep even the most dedicated of gamers busy in 2024. And if you’re shopping for one, especially as a non-gamer, it can be tricky to navigate what’s worth buying. We've got you covered with these recommendations. Read more: The best gifts for gamers Best retro gaming gifts A million new video games seem to come out every week, but for some of us, nothing beats the classics. If you know someone who is way into retro gaming but don’t feel like hunting through eBay and local shops for gear to add to their collection, we’re here to help. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite gift ideas for the nostalgic gamer in your life, from video upscalers for old consoles to retro-themed books and artwork. Read more: The best retro gaming gifts for the holidays Best gifts for coffee lovers When it comes to making a great cup at home, coffee nerds are constantly learning and love to try new things. Whether the person you’re shopping for is a newly indoctrinated pour over lover or obsessive over every brewing parameter, we’ve compiled a list of the best gear for coffee geeks that you can get this holiday season. Read more: The best gifts for coffee lovers Best cooking gifts There are few things more rewarding than making good food for your friends and family. But after a while, it’s easy to get bored with the same tried and true recipes. And what better way to inject some fun into your favorite home chef’s routine than with a brand-new kitchen gadget? To help you find the right gift for the cook in your life, we’ve put together a list of our favorite kitchen gadgets across a wide range of prices and categories. Read more: The best cooking gifts Best tech toys for kids We’re all having a bit of a budget crunch this year, but the good news is that when it’s time to bestow presents on the young ones (or young at heart), you don’t have to break the bank. Our list of our favorite tech, science and design toys is stacked with items under $100, with plenty of reuse packed in so the fun can extend far beyond the holiday season. Read more: The best tech toys for kids Best gadgets for your pets In Engadget’s Slack rooms, our pets are high on the list of stuff we chat about — just behind work-adjacent tech stuff, insane current events, video games and food. We’ve bought plenty of high- and low-tech stuff to keep our furry friends fed, occupied, safe and happy and we’ve put together the best of what we tried here. Perhaps you’re shopping for your own very good boy or girl, or maybe you have a dutiful pet parent on your list — either way, the gadgets gathered here will make great gifts, according to the enthusiastic tail wags (or aloof meows) of our own fur babies. Read more: The best gadgets for your pets Best travel gifts Since the dawn of humanity, we have traveled. We’ve come a long way from on-foot journeys laden with animal hide satchels. But the goal of good travel gear is the same: Get you and your necessities to a destination in the highest level of comfort available. If you know someone who is always catching a flight, rides the train to work or is bravely embarking on a cruise, some new tech may just help them out. Read more: The best travel gifts Best gifts for remote workers There's a pretty good chance you know at least one person who works remotely in some fashion. While the WFH life has its perks — nobody likes a long commute — it comes with its own set of challenges, from lacking pro-level equipment to dealing with household disturbances. If you’re looking to give a gift to someone who spends much of their time in their home office, we’ve rounded up a few techy gift ideas that should make their days a little more delightful, or at least easier to manage. Read more: The 19 best gift ideas for the remote worker in your life Check out the rest of our gift ideas here.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/the-best-christmas-gifts-in-2024-that-cover-everyone-on-your-holiday-list-170018666.html?src=rss Full Article Holidays & Celebrations Shopping Hobbies & Personal Activities Personal Finance - Lifestyle Personal Finance - Career & Education Banking & Budgeting site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Engadget
b Grubhub just sold for a tenth of what it was worth during the pandemic By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:45:55 +0000 A startup called Wonder is now the new owner of Grubhub. The food delivery app announced its acceptance of the deal on its website earlier today. Wonder acquired Grubhub from the Dutch food company Just Eat Takeaway for $650 million. Pending regulatory approval, the deal will close early next year. Wonder also announced it has raised an additional $250 million in venture capital funding “to further its mission and growth.” Chicago software engineers Matt Maloney and Mike Evens founded Grubhub in 2004 as an online restaurant ordering service and an alternative to those paper menus that showed up on doorsteps and in junk mailings. The company merged with the automated food ordering and delivery company Seamless in 2013. Just Eat Takeaway bought Grubhub in 2020 for $7.3 billion at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The numbers for restaurant delivery apps started to drop once the pandemic became part of history and people started going out again. Legal troubles started in 2021 when Chicago took Grubhub and some of its competitors to court for alleged unfair business practices and fees. Companies like DoorDash eventually settled but Grubhub’s legal battle with Chicago is still raging in court, according to the Chicago Business Journal. The District of Columbia won a similar lawsuit against Grubhub in 2021 that ended with a $3.5 million settlement. The following year, Grubhub announced it would lay off 15 percent of its corporate staff. Wonder is a new fooddelivery company started by Marc Lore, a former Walmart executive who owns two professional basketball teams. Lowe previously founded Diapers.com and Jet.com. The New York Times published a profile on Lore and his newest venture Wonder, which he said “could be the Amazon of food and beverage.” Wonder’s original focus was to get “its own restaurants up and running” and create a delivery service that offers “cheaper, quicker build-outs.” Maybe that’s because third-party food delivery services like Grubhub, DoorDash and Uber have seen their prices jump in the last couple of years, according to CNBC. Just in New York City, food delivery prices increased by 58 percent in just under a year, according to Bloomberg. A new law that went into effect at the end of last year raised the minimum wage for New York delivery drivers to $17.96 an hour. The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection reported that food delivery workers saw their wages increase by 64 percent and their tips decreased by 60 percent in just eight months.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/grubhub-just-sold-for-a-tenth-of-what-it-was-worth-during-the-pandemic-204555195.html?src=rss Full Article Business Consumer Discretionary site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Danny Gallagher
b The best ergonomic keyboards for 2024 By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 21:00:35 +0000 If you spend a good portion of your waking hours behind a desk, simply slapping an ergonomic mouse and keyboard on your desk won’t solve the real problem, which is sitting still for too long. But after you’ve peppered in a few walks and added some stretches for good measure, your workstation ergonomics is the next thing to consider. Hunching, twisting and contorting are all likely to lead to discomfort in the long run.Ergonomic keyboards can help: these boards split, tilt and/or angle the keys in ways that help keep your shoulders and chest more open and your forearms and wrists more aligned. One ergonomic board won’t work for everyone, so I tested out 15 different models, and considered a mix of ergonomic features that include Alice and fully split designs, columnar orientations, thumb clusters, programmable keys and more. Here are the best ergonomic keyboards we could find. Table of contents Best ergonomic keyboards for 2024 What to look for in an ergonomic keyboard How we tested ergonomic keyboards What to look for in an ergonomic keyboard Alice vs split Most ergonomic keyboard layouts fall into two categories: Alice and split. The former is a single board with the two halves of the keys rotated about 30 degrees apart at the bottom. The separation forms an A-shaped space between the keys — which has nothing to do with why it’s called an Alice layout, it’s just a happy coincidence. This subtle tweak pushes your elbows away from your ribs while keeping a straight line from your forearm to your middle knuckle. Using one, I pretty instantly felt more open along the front side of my body. This layout more closely resembles a traditional keyboard, so it should be easier for most folks to get used to than a fully split option. Speaking of, split boards break the keys into two separate parts you can position individually. You can put them shoulder distance apart, bring them closer together or angle them as much as feels comfortable. You can also put your mouse between the halves, which may feel like an easier trip for your cursor hand and could potentially help with conditions like repetitive strain injuries. Personally, I like being able to put my current snack between the two parts. I've also found that pairing a split keyboard with a good ergonomic mouse has helped me even more, particularly a vertical mice. Tenkeyless You can find ergonomic keyboards with and without number pads. Not having those number keys on the right side lets you keep your mouse closer in, minimizing overall reach. But if you work with numbers a lot, you’ll likely want that pad included. Some programmable boards allow for the use of layers, which temporarily repurpose keys and can provide you with a ten-key option through clever remapping of letter keys. Tenting and negative tilt Tenting raises the middle of the keyboard up, so your hands move closer to a “handshake” position. Alice keyboards usually angle up towards the middle and always to a fixed degree, since the two sides are connected. Split boards often let you adjust the degree of tenting, going from flat to subtle to extreme lift. You may have encountered keyboards with an optional lift at the back of the board, raising the top keys higher than the space bar. Every set of hands is different, but for most people, pulling the backs of the hands towards the forearms increases strain. Negative tilt has the opposite effect by sloping in the other direction, lowering the top number keys while raising the edge with the spacebar. Many Alice and some split keyboards offer an optional negative tilt. I found it was more comfortable to enable that feature when I’m standing, and I preferred to have the keys flat when sat at my desk. Staggered vs columnar This decision seems to be one of the more hotly-contested among ergo enthusiasts. A conventional keyboard has staggered keys, with each row slightly offset to the rows above and below it — so the A key is about halfway between the Q and W above it. This is a holdover from vintage mechanical typewriters, in which each press activated a hammer that smashed ink onto paper in the shape of a letter. To fit the hammers as close together as possible, while still allowing for finger pads, the keys were staggered. Columnar or ortholinear keyboards stack the keys in orderly columns, often with rows that are not linear. Proponents claim this makes the keys easier to reach. Whether that’s true will be up to your fingers to decide, but I can say for certain that if you learned to type on a staggered keyboard, switching to a columnar layout is tough. It will take days, possibly weeks before you instinctively hit the C key. The N, M and B keys don’t fare much better. Programmable keys With a few exceptions, most ergonomic keyboards will work with PCs or Macs as a standard typing input, but the use of function and hot keys may require some remapping. It can be as easy as an onboard switch to toggle between Mac and PC layouts, or as involved as downloading software to change up the keys. Some boards even include (or let you buy) extra keycaps to change, say, the Mac’s Command and Option keys to PC’s Start and Alt buttons. For some boards, remapping or programming keys is a crucial feature. Gaming peripherals have extra keys that you can set to execute a series of keystrokes with the push of a single button. Keyboards that work with layers, in which a single button can perform several functions, typically allow you to change what those are. Some ergo keyboards have non-standard layouts, like thumb clusters with multiple keys near the space bar that you operate with your thumb. You’ll also be able to program those. Other considerations Ergonomic keyboards come in mechanical, membrane, and scissor switch versions. Which works best for you is, again, up to your preference. I won’t get too deep into the particulars here, as we have an entire guide devoted to mechanical boards, but the short of it is that membrane and scissor switches are less customizable than mechanical and typically cheaper. Typing on them tends to be quieter and softer. Mechanical switches are more customizable, offer a more responsive typing experience and are usually pricier. You’ll also have the option of wired or wireless ergonomic boards. All other things being equal, wired models are less expensive. Competitive gamers who rely on split-second responses may prefer the zero-lag of wired keyboards. Wired models also never run out of battery life and have fewer connectivity issues. But wireless keyboards keep your desk less cluttered. Some ergonomic keyboards come with permanent or removable wrist or palm rests, which can be cushioned or hard. This is another area where opinions diverge: proponents claim they help you maintain a neutral hand position, while detractors say they put pressure on the tendons in your wrist and can exacerbate conditions like carpal tunnel. Ideally, your palms should be resting, not your wrists, and you might find you like having that support or you may find the pressure uncomfortable. Photo by Amy Skorheim / Engadget How we tested ergonomic keyboards All our guides begin with extensive research to figure out what’s out there and what’s worth testing. We consider brands with good reputations that we’ve heard good things about from colleagues and look at keyboard reviews in forums and other trusted publications. For this guide, I looked for keyboards with ergonomic features like tenting, split keys, palm support and so on. I also zeroed in on boards that didn’t require a deep amount of familiarity with the vast and exhaustive world of custom keyboards. Once I settled on ten boards, I acquired them and used each one for anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. I tried out the remapping and macros software and considered the comfort, design, price and durability of each model before arriving at picks I think will work best for the most people out there. Best ergonomic keyboards for 2024 Other ergonomic keyboards we tested Goldtouch Elite Adjustable I remember wondering if something like the Goldtouch Elite Adjustable existed when I first started testing ergonomic keyboards. It didn’t at the time, as far as I could tell, but now a connected yet adjustable split board is indeed a product you can buy. It’s a solidly-built board and the ball joint connecting the two halves feels like it will put up with a lot of use. A squeeze of the lever at the top of the keys lets you set the board just how you like, adjusting both the vertical tenting and the angle between the two halves. There’s no programming to speak of, just the ability to swap a few function keys like print screen and home. Unfortunately, the tenting doesn’t work for me. Because of the extra keys at the outer edges, raising the middle edges upwards lifts the center keys considerably, which brings my wrists and forearms off the desk instead of letting them rest. Holding them like that created extra neck and shoulder strain on my part, which is sort of the opposite of the goal. But if you’re not into tenting anyway and want a flat, Alice-split board with an adjustable splay, this works quite well. Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard The idea behind the Kinesis Form Split Touchpad Keyboard is pretty ergonomic: put the trackpad between the two halves and minimize travel for your mouse hand. The distance between the two puts your elbows at a comfortable distance and keeps your wrist nearly in-line with your forearms. The build is excellent, with low profile mechanical switches that feel smooth and just the right amount of clacky. The trackpad is responsive, but gestures only work with Windows computers. Even dragging and dropping doesn’t work on a Mac here, so I don’t see Apple users getting much use out of the board. I also found myself wishing for the slightest rotation of the keys — though they’re a good distance apart, a slight angle would keep my wrists fully unbent. There’s no tenting or negative tilt either, both of which could help a bit more, ergonomically speaking. Logitech Wavekeys While it's a perfectly fine and affordable Bluetooth keyboard, the Logitech Wavekeys has minimal ergonomics. The keys rise up slightly in the middle and there's a comfortable wrist rest attached, but the layout is the same as any other keyboard, with no splitting of the keys to open up your arms or keep your wrists straight.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/best-ergonomic-keyboard-130047982.html?src=rss Full Article Health site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Amy Skorheim
b Bluesky surges to 15 million users after getting a million sign-ups in one week By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:42:13 +0000 Bluesky may still be the underdog in the race for alternatives to X, but the once Twitter-affiliated service is gaining momentum. The app just passed the 15 million user mark after adding more than a million new users over the last week, the company said in an update. While Bluesky is still considerably smaller than Threads, which with 275 million users is its biggest rival, there are signs that Threads users have been increasingly curious about the upstart. “Bluesky” has been a trending topic on Threads in recent days and an in-app search suggestion shows there are more than 19,000 posts about “Bluesky.” Bluesky itself has also made a push to win over Threads users in recent weeks by posting regularly on the Meta-owned service. That effort seems to be working. A month ago, Engadget noted, the service had just under 9 million users. Its mobile app also has the top spot in Apple’s App Store, followed by Threads and ChatGPT. Its recent success also seems to be driven, at least in part, by frustration with Elon Musk and X following the US presidential election. A recent report from web analytics company SimilarWeb found that “more than 115,000 US web visitors deactivated their accounts,” on November 7, “more than on any previous day of Elon Musk’s tenure.” The report also noted that “web traffic and daily active users for Bluesky increased dramatically in the week before the election, and then again after election day,” with Bluesky at points seeing more web traffic than Threads. (Threads’ mobile usage, however, is still “far ahead” of Bluesky.) SimilarWeb “In the US, Bluesky got more web visits than Threads in the immediate aftermath of the election,” the report notes. “For context, it’s important to note that both services are app centric, even though they support a web user interface.” On its part, Bluesky seems intent on distinguishing itself from its larger, billionaire-controlled rivals. The company, which began as an internal project at Twitter before it spun off into an independent entity, has experimented with novel features like custom feeds, user-created moderation services and “starter packs” for new users. “You're probably used to being trapped in a single algorithm controlled by a small group of people, that's no longer the case,” Bluesky’s COO Rose Wang shared in a video aimed at new users Tuesday. “On Bluesky, there are about 50,000 different feeds … these feeds provide a cozy corner for you to meet people with similar interests. And you can actually make friends again, because you're no longer tied to a dominant algorithm that promotes either the most polarizing posts and or the biggest brands, and that's the mandate of Bluesky.”This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/bluesky-surges-to-15-million-users-after-getting-a-million-sign-ups-in-one-week-224213573.html?src=rss Full Article Software Technology & Electronics site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Karissa Bell
b GOG's preservation label highlights classic games it's maintaining for modern hardware By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:16:06 +0000 GOG is launching an effort to help make older video games playable on modern hardware. The GOG Preservation Program will label the classic titles that the platform has taken steps to adapt in order to make them compatible with contemporary computer systems, controllers and screen resolutions, all while adhering to its DRM-free policy. The move could bring new life to games of decades past, just as GOG did two years ago with a refresh of the 1999 title Wheel of Time. So far, 92 games have received the preservation treatment. "Our guarantee is that they work and they will keep working," the company says in the video announcing the initiative. Preservation has been a hot topic as more games go digital only. Not only are some platforms eliminating disk drives by default, but ownership over your library is more ephemeral than it seems. After all, most game purchases are just a license, and licenses can be revoked (as The Crew players know all too well).This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/gogs-preservation-label-highlights-classic-games-its-maintaining-for-modern-hardware-231606454.html?src=rss Full Article Media Consumer Discretionary site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Anna Washenko
b The Resident Evil 2 remake will shuffle its way to Apple devices in December By www.engadget.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 23:45:11 +0000 Now you’ll be able to play one of the greatest zombie survival games of all time on your iPhone or iPad. Capcom’s Resident Evil 2 remake is headed to the Apple and Mac App Store on December 10. The game won’t be available on every Apple device. You’ll need any iPhone 16 model, an iPhone 15 Pro or an iPad or Mac with the M1 chip or later. You’ll also be able to try a small portion of the game before purchasing the full experience. The game comes with “universal purchase” and “cross-progression” for all your eligible devices, according to a Capcom statement. The Resident Evil 2 remake will offer advanced controls for touchscreens and the Mac version. Both Leon and Claire will also have “a new Auto Fire feature” so you can unload your clip into whatever’s shuffling towards you. This is just one of four Resident Evil games available for Apple devices and computers. Capcom and Apple have released versions of Resident Evil 7: Biohazard and Resident Evil 4 on the App Store and Resident Evil: Village on the App and Mac App Store.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/the-resident-evil-2-remake-will-shuffle-its-way-to-apple-devices-in-december-234511380.html?src=rss Full Article Software Technology & Electronics Handheld & Connected Devices site|engadget provider_name|Engadget region|US language|en-US author_name|Danny Gallagher
b Tax Reform Requires Stability in the House GOP By www.nationalreview.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:30:55 +0000 Republicans do not have the luxury of wasting all their political capital on a damaging internal family feud that would drag on for weeks or months. Full Article
b What Trump Should Do If the Dockworkers Go Back on Strike By www.nationalreview.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:58:43 +0000 He should be prepared to stand up to an arrogant union that he’s previously supported, just as Reagan did. Full Article
b Trump's border czar says Canadian border is an 'extreme' vulnerability By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 04:00:00 EST U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's border czar says there is an "extreme national security vulnerability" along the Canada-U.S. border that he plans to deal with the moment the new Republican administration takes power. Full Article News/Canada
b After a brief retreat, politicians are again clamouring for the notwithstanding clause By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 04:00:00 EST When Ontario Premier Doug Ford was compelled to abandon his attempt to use the notwithstanding clause to end a labour dispute in 2022, it was possible to believe the tide had turned against the Charter’s escape clause. But the political temptation to override legal rights is apparently still strong. Full Article News/Politics
b Researchers urge federal government to halt macaque imports to Quebec for medical research By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:47:44 EST Dozens of researchers across Canada have joined a growing chorus of voices urging the federal government to halt the importation of an endangered monkey species for medical research in Quebec. Full Article News/Canada/Montreal
b Trump's appointees have criticized Trudeau, warned of border issues with Canada By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:56:54 EST Donald Trump's second administration is filling up with some of his most loyal supporters and many of the people landing top jobs have been critical of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and security at Canada's border. Full Article News/Politics
b Trudeau flying in and out of Bermuda Wednesday to deliver eulogy for Peter Green By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:30:23 EST Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is flying in and out of Bermuda on Wednesday, where he will deliver a eulogy at the funeral for Peter Green, a close family friend. Full Article News/Politics
b Deputy PM Freeland says she shares American trade concerns about Mexico, China By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:18:57 EST Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says she shares Washington's concerns about whether Mexico is "aligned" with Canada and the U.S. on trade policy — specifically when it comes to China. Full Article News/Politics
b New docuseries examines 2010 murder of Laura Letts Beckett near Revelstoke, B.C. By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:00:00 EST Peter Beckett was found guilty of first-degree murder in 2017, but his conviction was overturned in 2020. Full Article News/Canada/British Columbia
b Bluesky gains more than 1.25 million followers since U.S. election By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 17:02:50 EST Social media platform Bluesky, a major competitor to Elon Musk’s X, has gained more than 1.25 million users since last week's U.S. presidential election. Bluesky posted Wednesday morning it had reached more than 15 million users, up from nine million in September. Full Article News
b Niigaan Sinclair, Jordan Abel among winners of Governor General's Literary Awards By www.cbc.ca Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 08:23:18 EST When Niigaan Sinclair pitched his collection of articles to a Toronto publisher, he was told Winipek: Visions of Canada from an Indigenous Centre was a "regional book." Full Article News/Canada/Manitoba
b Why Canada could become the next nuclear energy 'superpower' By www.bbc.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 00:09:24 GMT With its rich resources, uranium mining companies want Canada to play a key role in fuelling nuclear reactors worldwide. Full Article
b Trump, RFK Jr., and the Healthcare Bombshell No One Sees Coming By medcitynews.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 14:34:00 +0000 The convergence of Trump’s political capital, Kennedy’s agricultural vision, and existing technological capabilities creates an unprecedented opportunity to restructure America’s approach to health and disease prevention. The post Trump, RFK Jr., and the Healthcare Bombshell No One Sees Coming appeared first on MedCity News. Full Article Artificial Intelligence Daily Healthcare MedCity Influencers Opinion Patient Engagement Physicians Policy AI chemicals Donald Trump food as medicine food safety healthy eating public health
b The Rapid Growth of GLP-1s and Their Impact on Bariatric Surgery By medcitynews.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:07:00 +0000 Bariatric surgery is still the gold standard for morbid obesity treatment, yet patients and medical professionals will likely seek less invasive weight loss drugs before considering bariatric surgery. The post The Rapid Growth of GLP-1s and Their Impact on Bariatric Surgery appeared first on MedCity News. Full Article BioPharma Daily MedCity Influencers Patient Engagement Pharma Physicians Providers bariatric surgery biopharma nl GLP-1 drugs pharmaceuticals weight loss drugs weight loss surgery
b Johnson & Johnson Takes the 340B Drug Rebate Fight to Federal Court By medcitynews.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 19:37:54 +0000 Johnson & Johnson is suing the federal agencies overseeing the 340B program that makes discounted medicines more accessible to uninsured and underserved patients. J&J contends the Health Resources Services Administration can’t legally oppose its plan to implement a new rebate plan for certain 340B drugs. The post Johnson & Johnson Takes the 340B Drug Rebate Fight to Federal Court appeared first on MedCity News. Full Article BioPharma Hospitals Legal Pharma 340B drug pricing hospitals HRSA Johnson & Johnson legal
b High Labor Costs Continue to Plague Providers, Data Shows By medcitynews.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:33:00 +0000 High labor costs remain an ongoing problem threatening providers’ bottom lines, according to new data from Kaufman Hall. The research revealed that medical groups’ median investment in each employed physician has reached more than $300,000 for the first time. The post High Labor Costs Continue to Plague Providers, Data Shows appeared first on MedCity News. Full Article Daily Hospitals Physicians Providers finances hospital finance Kaufman Hall labor costs physician payment Reimbursement
b MoA working closely with WHO to develop IHP to set global efficacy standards for Ayush products: Ayush secretary By www.pharmabiz.com Published On :: Thursday, November 14, 2024 08:00 IST The Union Ministry of Ayush (MoA) is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO) to develop an International Herbal Pharmacopoeia (IHP) to set global quality and efficacy standards for Full Article
b UDF proposes need for a centralized drug regulatory cadre, regulatory body in India to bolster patient safety By www.pharmabiz.com Published On :: Thursday, November 14, 2024 08:00 IST The need for a strong, centralized regulatory structure for India's pharmaceutical industry has taken center stage, with experts calling for the establishment of a Central Drug Regulatory Cadre and a Central Drug Full Article
b PCI to award PMSPPS scholarship to eligible GPAT candidates By www.pharmabiz.com Published On :: Thursday, November 14, 2024 08:00 IST The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has informed all students who have qualified through Graduate Pharmacy Aptitude Test (GPAT), a National Level Entrance Examination for entry into M. Pharma Programme, that Full Article
b Pharmacy college job fairs propel rapport between academia and industry to create capable workforce By www.pharmabiz.com Published On :: Thursday, November 14, 2024 08:00 IST Pharmacy college job fairs play a critical role in bridging the gap between academia and industry. The fair provides a platform for pharmaceutical companies to communicate their hiring needs directly to students. This Full Article
b The U.S. Must Lead the Global Fight against Superbugs By www.scientificamerican.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 11:00:00 +0000 Antimicrobial resistance could claim 39 million lives by 2050, yet the pipeline for new antibiotics is drying up. U.S. policy makers can help fix it Full Article
b Developing Expertise Improves the Brain’s Ability to Concentrate By www.scientificamerican.com Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 13:00:00 +0000 Expertise bulks up the brain’s ability to think deeply, a skill that may generalize across tasks Full Article
b Pakistan's smog is visible from space. This activist is 'frustrated' but won't give up By www.npr.org Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 07:41:36 -0500 The government in Lahore has closed schools and public spaces and shut down factories. Environmental lawyer Ahmad Rafay Alam shares his perspective: "frustrated" but still fighting. Full Article
b Trump would like to bring back mental institutions, but experts are skeptical By www.npr.org Published On :: Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0500 Permanent tent cities are another idea Trump has for dealing with people who are unhoused. Sequestering people with mental illness or substance abuse in one place has been tried, an expert says, and "it turns into hell on earth." Full Article
b Tesla recalls 2,400 Cybertrucks, 6th callback for the pickups in 2024 By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:24:44 +0800 WASHINGTON — Tesla said on Wednesday (Nov 13) it was recalling 2,400 Cybertruck pickups in the US because a faulty part could lead to a loss of power and increase the risk of a crash, in its sixth callback of Cybertrucks this year. A fault in the driver inverter in Cybertrucks manufactured through July 30 could cause the vehicle to stop producing torque when the driver uses the accelerator pedal, resulting in a loss of propulsion and increasing the risk of a crash, Tesla said in a filing with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Tesla will replace the recalled drive inverter with one equipped with a functioning component. The automaker said it was aware of five warranty claims tied to the issue but knew of no crashes or injuries. Beginning around Dec 9, Tesla will replace the recalled drive inverter with a new component. Tesla said it has been using the updated component in production since July 30. Last month, the EV maker said it was recalling more than 27,000 Cybertrucks due to delayed rear-view camera images that could impair driver visibility and increase crash risks. Full Article
b Trump taps loyalists with few qualifications for top jobs By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:29:35 +0800 US President-elect Donald Trump chose loyalists with little experience for several key cabinet positions on Wednesday (Nov 13), stunning some allies and making clear that he is serious about reshaping — and in some cases testing — America's institutions. Trump's choice of congressman Matt Gaetz, 42, for US attorney general, America's top law enforcement officer, was a surprising pick. The former attorney has never worked in the Justice Department, or as a prosecutor, and was investigated by the Justice Department over sex trafficking allegations. His office said in 2023 that he had been told by prosecutors he would not face criminal charges. Trump tapped Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence. The former Democratic congresswoman-turned-Trump-ally has in the past spoken out against military intervention in the civil war in Syria under former President Barack Obama and implied that Russian President Vladimir Putin had valid grounds for invading Ukraine, America's ally. Full Article
b King Charles celebrates 76th birthday by opening food hubs By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 09:46:52 +0800 LONDON — UK's King Charles will celebrate his 76th birthday on Thursday (Nov 14) by opening two food distribution hubs which are part of his project designed to cut waste and support charities that help those who are hungry. Last year, the king, an outspoken campaigner on environmental issues and supporter of a sustainable economy, launched the 'Coronation Food Project', his mission to 'bridge the gap between food waste and food need'. On Thursday, the monarch will open the initiative's first two food hubs — distribution centres which are designed to save and circulate tonnes of surplus food. He will visit one of the hubs in south London which will host a 'surplus food festival' making meals created from food which would have gone to waste, as well as virtually opening the other site in northern England. Their aim is to make it easier for food charities such as FareShare and the Felix Project to provide support for those in need, Buckingham palace said. It said since the launch of the scheme, the project had helped save an additional 940 tonnes of surplus food which was to the equivalent of more than 2.2 million meal portions. Full Article
b Church of England faces pressure over abuse scandal after Archbishop quits By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:04:41 +0800 LONDON — The Church of England faced pressure on Wednesday (Nov 13) to ensure people are held to account for systematically covering up allegations of abuse, one day after the Archbishop of Canterbury resigned over a church abuse scandal. Justin Welby quit on Tuesday as spiritual leader of the global Anglican Church, saying he had failed to ensure a proper investigation into allegations of abuse by a volunteer at Christian summer camps decades ago. Welby resigned after coming under pressure over a report that found failings in the handling of the case of John Smyth, a barrister who abused at least 115 children and young men before his death. The report has increased pressure on others to be held accountable for safeguarding failures. "We... know that some people pretty systematically covered this up, and that those people do need to be brought to account," Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, the second-most senior bishop in the Church of England, told BBC Radio. Cottrell said there were lessons to be learned from the review, but that he was not referring to bishops. Full Article
b Israel wants freedom to strike Lebanon even after ceasefire, France says By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:19:06 +0800 PARIS — Israeli officials are insisting on maintaining a capacity to strike Lebanon at any moment as part of conditions to secure a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday (Nov 13). Speaking to a parliamentary hearing after holding talks in Israel last week in Jerusalem, Jean-Noel Barrot said it was a condition increasingly voiced among Israeli officials. "Today we hear in Israel voices calling for it to keep a capacity to strike at any moment or even enter Lebanon, as is the case with its neighbour Syria," said Barrot, who held talks with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer and new Defence Minister Israel Katz last week. "That is not compatible with the sovereignty of a strong country," Barrot said, referring to broader efforts to help strengthen Lebanon's governance. Several diplomats said that it would be all but impossible to get Hezbollah or Lebanon to accept any proposal that included this demand. Full Article
b Biden and Xi to meet in Peru, US officials say By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 10:49:11 +0800 WASHINGTON — US President Joe Biden will meet Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping for likely the final time on Saturday (Nov 16), senior administration officials said, as Beijing prepares for a potentially more confrontational period with Washington under Donald Trump. The two leaders are expected to hold talks spanning a range of global hot spots, including heightened tensions between Washington and Beijing, on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima, Peru, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters. He did not confirm the date of the meeting. It will be Biden and Xi's first known interaction since an April phone call. The two leaders have tried to keep tensions at bay over issues ranging from Taiwan to the South China Sea and Russia, and American demands for more Chinese help to stem the flow of the ingredients for fentanyl, the leading cause of US drug overdoses. Biden will raise concerns over a Chinese-linked group that recently hacked into private telecommunications of prominent US officials, Sullivan said. Full Article
b Suspected bomber dead after trying to enter Brazil's top court ahead of G20 By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:27:51 +0800 BRASILIA — A man killed himself with a bomb outside Brazil’s Supreme Court after trying to enter the building on Wednesday (Nov 13), officials said, stirring security concerns before the country hosts global leaders from the Group of 20 major economies. The blasts come five days before the G20 heads of state meet in Rio de Janeiro, followed by a state visit to the capital Brasilia by Chinese President Xi Jinping. The first of two explosions went off on Wednesday evening in a parking lot near the court building and a second blast came seconds later in front of the court, where the man’s body was found. Federal District Vice Governor Celina Leao said preliminary information suggested the man had killed himself with explosives after trying to enter the Supreme Court. She said he owned a nearby car in which another explosion blew open the trunk. Leao said she hoped it was the crime of a “lone wolf,” but she could not be sure. Police said they had not made a final identification of the dead man as they were confronting the risk of additional explosives on the body. Full Article
b 'How is this a liveable condition?' Tenants leave home filled with mould and dirt, horrifying agent By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:22:09 +0800 A property agent was shocked to discover a leased home in a filthy condition, left behind by tenants who moved out several months earlier, according to a TikTok video uploaded by user HomesWithHaziq on Saturday (Nov 9). "For my future landlords, beware," Haziq wrote in the video description. Introducing the video, he also stated: "If you're planning to rent out your whole unit, watch this video first." According to Haziq, the home had been tenanted out for less than two years to a group of foreigners who had little interaction with one another, keeping to their own rooms. The location of the property was not disclosed, but Haziq shared with AsiaOne that it is located in the west. Starting with the living room, things appear to be clean at first glance - if a little cluttered - but Haziq soon points out in the video visible spots of black dirt hidden behind the couch. "The condition of the house will speak for itself," he added. The first toilet certainly proved his point - the toilet seat was yellowed, with the bottom of the bowl stained black. Full Article
b Using phone? Jaywalker hit and sent flying by taxi in Orchard By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 11:57:33 +0800 A woman was sent flying after she was hit by a car on Wednesday (Nov 13) morning. The incident occurred at the junction of Orchard Road and Handy Road. In a video posted to the SG Kaypoh Facebook group, the woman is seen crossing the road while the traffic light was not in her favour. She appears to be looking down at her phone. The driver involved in the accident did not notice her till it was too late and collided with her head-on. In the video, the woman is sent flying and lands several metres in front of the car upon impact. She manages to sit up after landing, and looks stunned from the impact. The driver and his passenger also rush out of the vehicle to assist. Speaking to AsiaOne, the Singapore Civil Defence Force said that the female pedestrian was conveyed conscious to Tan Tock Seng Hospital. When contacted, the police said they were alerted to an accident involving a taxi and a pedestrian at the junction of Orchard Road and Handy Road on Nov 13 at about 3.15am. Full Article
b 'Very stressful but thankful': Zhang Shuifa talks about returning to showbiz By www.asiaone.com Published On :: Thu, 14 Nov 2024 13:09:00 +0800 When former TV actor Zhang Shuifa appeared in a sales livestream with some local celebs in July, it sparked nostalgia among netizens who hadn't seen him on screens for years. The 57-year-old's appearance then led to his gradual return to showbiz. Besides turning up in the occasional sales livestreams, the Malaysian is also currently filming local director Jack Neo's upcoming movie I Want To Be Boss, which is expected to be released during Chinese New Year next year. In an Instagram Reel today (Nov 14), Shuifa, who debuted in 1988 with Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC, now Mediacorp), reminisced about the time he filmed a drama with local actor Collin Chee. "I remembered it was over 30 years ago, though I can't remember the name of the drama now," he said. Collin, 57, shared that it was his first drama in 1993. Full Article
b Review delays Brazil's LPG assistance program By www.argusmedia.com Published On :: 11 Nov 2024 18:00 GMT Full Article LPG Biomass Brazil Energy policy
b Market finds some RNG prices above gas parity: Study By www.argusmedia.com Published On :: 11 Nov 2024 18:00 GMT Full Article Biomethane Brazil Fundamentals Pricing
b Cop: Argentina pulls delegation from Baku By www.argusmedia.com Published On :: 13 Nov 2024 20:52 GMT Full Article Crude oil Natural gas Hydrogen Renewables Lithium Argentina Net zero Energy policy