Aoostar G-FLIP redefines mini PCs with a 5.5-inch touchscreen and high-end AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370.

Western Digital introduces a surprisingly affordable 26TB WD Red Pro HDDs for RAID and NAS systems.

This morning, news broke that the fast-credit fintech company Klarna has deposed its competitor Affirm as Walmarts exclusive provider of Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) loans.Affirm stock (AFRM) dove over 10% Monday morning following the news, before regaining some of those losses. Shares are currently down around 5% as of this writing.According to a press release published this morning, Klarna will be partnering with Walmarts majority-owned fintech startup, OnePay, to exclusively offer installment loans for purchases at Walmart in the United States. The partnership will be available both online and in stores, and will roll out at Walmart checkout this year. Klarnas BPNL services will allow consumers to pay for items purchased at Walmart in installments, with repayment terms ranging from 3 to 26 months.Based on a January report from Capital One, Walmart is the worlds largest retailer above competitors like Amazonmeaning Klarna is about to become a lot more visible to consumers.This is a game changer, Sebastian Siemiatkowski, Klarnas cofounder and CEO, said in the press release. OnePay choosing Klarna as their exclusive installment loans partner at Walmart in the U.S. is a huge vote of confidence as we pursue our goal of being available everywhere for everything.A big week for Klarnaand a rough one for AffirmWalmarts former exclusive BNPL partner was Affirm, Klarnas main rival in the spaceand investors seem to think that the major new deal isnt looking so good for Affirm.In a statement cited by Bloomberg, Affirm shared that its former partnership with Walmart represented about 5% of its gross merchandise volume and approximately 2% of its adjusted operating income in the six months through December.Meanwhile, Klarna is riding high, given that news of its Walmart deal comes just days after the company filed paperwork with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) related to an initial proposed public offering, a sign that Klarnas IPO could be coming sooner than expected. Although Klarna has not yet set an official IPO date, its now one of the most highly anticipated fintech IPOs this year.

Donald Trump, on Sunday, declared via social media that some of Joe Bidens presidential pardons, including those for members of the Jan. 6 Committee, Dr. Anthony Fauci, and members of Bidens family beyond his son Hunter, were void because they were signed by an autopen device. Trumps statement has made people curious about the technology and his own use of it.Autopens are nothing new in the White House. The first president to use the technology was reportedly Harry Truman and Gerald Ford and George W. Bush were also open users. Despite this, Trump posted on Truth Social and spoke to the media on Air Force One Sunday, stirring up controversy.The Pardons that Sleepy Joe Biden gave to the Unselect committee of Political Thugs, and many others, are hereby declared VOID, VACANT, AND OF NO FURTHER FORCE OR EFFECT, because of the fact that they were done by Autopen, Trump wrote on Truth Social. In other words, Joe Biden did not sign them but, more importantly, he did not know anything about them!The accusation about the legitimacy of the autopen seemingly came from the Oversight Project, a self-described investigative arm of the Heritage Foundation, which was the organization behind Project 2025. Last week, the group questioned the legitimacy of the pardons and Bidens executive orders, citing autopen usage.The autopen has long been an open secret in Washington, but Trumps focus on it and the possibility that he will try to challenge the legitimacy of pardons by his predecessor have raised some questions.What is an autopen?An autopen is a robotic device used to duplicate signatures, using an actual pen rather than a scanned version of someones signature. Its a slightly different process than an electronic signature, which is just a digital photo of a real signature. Documents signed with autopens use a robotic arm with a pen attached, mimicking the penstrokes of the signee.While Truman was the first to use it, its a tool that has been commonly used by presidents since at least the Kennedy administration. Lyndon Johnson allowed the device to be photographed in the White House, which resulted in a National Enquirer story titled, The Robot That Sits in for the President.More recently, it was the subject of controversy when President Barack Obama authorized an aide to use it in 2011 on his behalf to extend the Patriot Act.Are autopen signatures legal?In 2005, the Justice Department was asked to weigh in on the legality of the autopen. In a memorandum, legal officials gave it their blessing, writing, The President need not personally perform the physical act of affixing his signature to a bill he approves and decides to sign in order for the bill to become law. Rather, the President may sign a bill within the meaning of Article 1, Section 7 by directing a subordinate to affix the Presidents signature to such a bill, for example by autopen.Has Trump used an autopen?The New York Post quotes Trump Staff Secretary William Scharf as saying Trump does not use the autopen on documents that exercise the power of the presidency. However, he noted, it has been used on a single document that requires multiple presidential signatures.Its unclear how frequently Trump used it during his first term.Can Trump void Bidens pardons?Trump, its worth pointing out, has not provided any evidence that Biden actually used an autopen. Newsweek even claims there is photographic proof of Biden signing many of the documents The Heritage Foundation claims were done via autopen.Regardless of how the pardons were signed, there is no power in the Constitution or existing case law that gives a president any right to undo a pardon. Trump could (and may well) take the issue to court, something he implied would happen in his Air Force One conversation with media members, but theres no precedent for such an action to be approved by the courts.Should the courts step in, it would more likely be due to the fact that the pardons Trump is challenging were pre-emptive pardons, which are different than traditional extension of clemency.Biden was hardly the first to issue a preemptive pardon, however. Abraham Lincoln issued them during the Civil War. Jimmy Carter gave a blanket pardon to anyone who evaded the draft during the Vietnam War. And Gerald Ford pardoned his predecessor Richard Nixon in 1974 before any charges could be brought against the disgraced president.

BenQs latest 4K projector, the GP520, enters a fiercely competitive arena dominated by brands like Hisense, Xgimi, and Epson stalwarts in the industry. But rather than playing catch-up, BenQ is making a bold statement: high-end home cinema projection doesnt have to be complicated. The GP520 packs a full suite of entertainment features, adaptive imaging, and surprisingly capable sound into one compact unit. Its a device aimed squarely at those who want big-screen thrills without the usual projector headaches.The Gp520 is an unapologetic 4K projector with support for both HDR10 and HDR10+ formats. This means it can handle the intricacies of high dynamic range content with deep blacks and punchy highlights. But what sets it apart is its adaptability. With 2600 ANSI lumens, its built to thrive in open-plan living spaces, where ambient light often ruins lesser projectors. BenQs built-in adaptive picture system takes things further, adjusting the image based on wall color, lighting conditions, and room layout. The idea is simple: no need for blackout curtains or a dedicated theater roomjust switch it on, and it optimizes itself.Designer: BenQBenQ has also streamlined the smart TV experience by integrating Google TV. The GP520 can access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and more, eliminating the need for an external streaming stick. This alone makes it a more self-sufficient option than some competitors, which require workarounds for native Netflix support. For those who still prefer external sources, dual HDMI 2.1 ports ensure smooth connectivity, with auto-low latency mode (ALLM) included for responsive gaming. However, it doesnt promise 4K at 120Hz or VRR support, so hardcore gamers may still lean toward a dedicated gaming display.The GP520 comes equipped with dual HDMI 2.1 sockets with auto-low latency, just in case Google TV doesnt cut it. Two USB-A ports allow for charging devices and playing content from external storage, while a USB-C socket adds further versatility. Wireless connectivity is handled via Bluetooth 5.2, which makes pairing headphones or speakers seamless. This is crucial because, despite BenQs efforts with its CinematicSound system, built-in projector speakers rarely match the depth and clarity of an external audio setup. That said, the GP520s dual 12W speakers with Dolby Audio should suffice for casual viewing, and those seeking richer sound can connect a Dolby Atmos soundbar or AVR through the HDMI eARC port.While projectors are often judged on their picture quality alone, sound plays a critical role in the home cinema experience. The GP520 attempts to deliver a complete package without external speakers, but realistically, anyone investing in a high-end projector will want to pair it with a soundbar or a full surround system.Pricing positions the GP520 well below BenQs other projectors, at $1499. Sure, that might feel high, but considering the average branded 4K projector has a starting price of $1700, this one gives you a big screen without the big bucks.The post BenQs New 4K Projector Locks Horns With Brands Like Epson and Hisense first appeared on Yanko Design.

Analyst Jeff Pu claims that Apple is about to start prototyping its first two foldable devices, with mass production scheduled for 2026.Render of a possible iPhone FoldPu says that manufacturing will begin in the second half of 2026, which matches recent rumors, at least concerning the iPhone Fold. Since January 2025, multiple rumors have claimed that Apple has selected its foldable display manufacturer.Jeff Pu's new note, as seen by MacRumors, specifically states that there are to be two foldable devices. He says that they are entering Apple's New Product Introduction (NPI) stage, and that mass production is scheduled for 2H26. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Cindy Pritzker, the noted Chicago-area philanthropist who co-founded the Pritzker Prize through the Hyatt Foundation in 1978, has died at age 101.Her contributions include playing a decisive role in the development of the Frank Gehry-designed Jay Pritzker Pavilion bandshell, Harold Washington Library Center, and a major expansion of the citys library system after 1994. Her son Tom Pritzkers alleged role in the Jeffrey Epstein sex trafficking scandal drew controversy to the award after being divulged last year.

Developer Archetype Entertainment has revealed details about one of the alien species that players will get to meet in sci-fi game Exodus. Dubbed Arkavir, the species was detailed in a post on the studios official blog.According to the post, the Arkavir were designed in-universe as the primary workforce for the Celestials to be able to properly run things in the Centauri Cluster while also being able to handle harsh and hostile environments.Biongineered Changelings, the Arkavir can survive in environments that would prove hostile to other species, and are able to withstand things like flesh-melting acid rain, intense heat, and unfathomable cold. since theyre Changelings, their physical form can also be altered to make them more suited to specific tasks.To most, the Arkavir remain a mystery, wrote the studio. Are they to be feared? Pitied? Few Travelers have seen them up close, and fewer still without the buffer of heavy protective gear. Towering and powerful, their forms vary with their environment biochemistry, size, and structure all molded by the brutal worlds that shape them. But despite their differences, theres no mistaking them for anything else.Going by the description of the Arkavir, the species will likely be an antagonist force that players will have to take on. The studio describes the Arkavir as being created especially to outlast humans, while also talking about the spirit of the Travelers that fight to outlast what was created to outlast us.In a Q&A earlier this year, creative director James Ohlen and executive producer Chad Robertson spoke about Exodus, revealing that the nature of the games narrative will mean that players will have to deal with long-term consequences for their relationships.One of the examples of this provided by Ohlen was the player not meeting characters for several decades, and how meeting them again after that will have changed them quite a bit.Not everyone has to come on an Exodus with you, he explained. You might leave some behind, and when you come back, it could be a decade later, it could be four decades later, and those choices will have impacted your relationships with people that are now a decade older or three or four decades older.Robertson spoke about the primary antagonists of Exodus the Mara Yama. According to him, the Mara Yama are going to be a strange and creepy force throughout the game. The decision to make them creepy came about because the studio wanted the games primary enemies to be an evil civilization that was also strange and creepy.Exodus was originally unveiled back in 2023. The game, under development for PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, will have its narrative handled by sci-fi writer Drew Karpysyhn. Archetype Entertainments parent company Hasbro also recently revealed that Exodus will be released some time in 2026.For more details about what kind of gameplay you can expect from Exodus, check out the gameplay trailer that was released back in December. Also check out the creepiness of the Mara-Yama in a cinematic trailer from back in October.

Less than a year after launch, Zyngas Star Wars: Hunters is shutting down. Its final content update will go live on April 15th, while servers shut down on October 1st. Since its a competitive shooter with no offline mode, it will effectively become unplayable.Before the final content update, Season 5 will be extended by another three weeks, with old events and shop bundles returning. In-game purchases will become unavailable on April 15th while a new Hunter, Tuya, goes live for all players free. Other content will also become available, with further details still pending. However, you can look forward to all stages and modes rotating continuously.Star Wars: Hunters is available for Nintendo Switch, iOS, and Android. Check out our review of the launch version, which we gave a seven out of ten. A PC version was also in the works, though its looking even less likely than ever due to the end-of-service announcement.

Unity said in its annual report that game developers faced with uncertainty are doing more with less resources.The last few years have been a difficult time in game development, said Unity, maker of the Unity 6 game engine. The industry is still massive, with over three billion global active players. Games grossed over $184 billion in 2024, easily out-earning TV and movies. Yet theres a grimmer set of numbers, too, the tallies of layoffs, studio closures, and canceled projects that index deep challenges facing the industry.For studios, success lies on a razors edge: be bold enough to capture players hearts and minds while staying safe to reduce your risk, Unity said. Game devs need to harness innovative tech to save time, but they cant waste effort exploring new tools and workflows they wont use. Dredge from Black Salt Games is a Unity title.They need to grow the team enough to tap into specialized expertise for gorgeous graphics, complex gameplay mechanics, and tricky networking setups, but be lean enough to limit your exposure. And they need to stay independent so they dont have to rely on outside support or funding, but go big or risk being ignored by the market.Last years 2024 Unity Gaming Report zoomed in on this tension, highlighting how games overall are having a greater cultural impact than ever but are still individually insecure. This year, Unity sees the same market forces in play, but studios tactics are starting to evolve. To capture these emergent trends on the ground, Unity has shifted research to embrace more data that reflects how the gaming industry is dealing with this volatility and the strategies being deployed right now to survive and even thrive in this climate.The question of the moment becomes: How are game developers planning for success? What are the options studios are weighing, and how can your team benefit from their insights?This report draws on numerous polls and surveys conducted by third-party agencies and by the Unity team at major industry events such as GDC and Gamescom in 2024, alongside unique data from nearly nearly five million Unity Engine developers.Trends shaping game development in 2025Sunderfolk is a game coming from Dreamhavens Secret Door.Trend No. 1: Devs are managing risk by reducing costs.Studios are facing uncertainty by doing more with less. That can mean stretching resources with innovative tech, refusing to take on debt to limit exposure, investing in live ops, or keeping the team lean but over 60% of devs say their main strategy in the current industry climate is to squeeze more value out of each game they build.Almost 70% of the devs we surveyed said they try to do more with less. AndA fifth of the studios Unity spoke to reported staying lean to limit their exposure, using strategies like avoiding overhiring (10%) or refusing to take on debt (6%), while 4% said theyre intentionally limiting growth to reduce their vulnerability.[Source: CintTM survey 2024, 300 respondents]Trend No. 2: Studios are experimenting with different multiplayer setups.Phasmophobia from Kinetic Games is a Unity title.Devs are still very interested in building networked multiplayer experiences 64% say theyre currently working on multiplayer or couch co-op games. This year, many studios also report exploring new media, formats, and features in their multiplayer games.Multiplayer games still eclipse other setups 64% of devs report that theyre working on projects with multiplayer features (including couch co-ops), while another 32% are networked single-player games.Trend No. 3: Devs are sticking with trusted platforms.War Robots from Pixonic/My.Games is a Unity title.Taking games to as many platforms as possible is still a popular strategy to extend a titles reach and ROI, but studios are cautious about bringing their games to new venues. While 90% of devs launched their most recent games on mobile (with desktop not far behind at 80%), web and social media games are just starting to gain traction as gaming platforms, with 11% combined.This years data bears witness to a bit of a shift devs are still going multiplatform to stretch the value of their hard work, but theyre doing so cautiously. We see a bit of a lag in capitalizing on the promise of fast-to-port, easy-to-install web, with just 11% of devs saying they plan to release on this promising format, whereas mobile numbers remain high, suggesting that the mobile live game market is still going strong.Mobile is popular with studios of all kinds. 90% of devs polled say they launched their games on mobile, and this rate is fairly steady across studio sizes.Console launch rates rise alongside team size: Just 19% of studios with fewer than 10 team members target these platforms, compared to 84% of enterprise studios with 300+ staff.Trend No. 4: Games are getting bigger.Project Prismatic from Stratton Studios is a Unity title.The video game market is competitive, and building big games whether theyre beefed up by expansive worlds, lots of levels, or non-stop updates offers a clear-cut way to communicate a games value to players. And its working 88% of devs say that overall, play times are on the rise in their games.The median build size of made with Unity games has been steadily increasing. While the median game was only slightly over 100 MB in 2022, that figures grown by nearly 67% in just two years.Developers working on large-scale games (open world, sandbox, or with large levels) say theyre targeting PC and console platforms, suggesting they may not perceive mobile or web as realistic platforms for large-scale games.Open world is the most popular style of large-scale game environment across platforms, but its worth noting that sandbox games make up an impressive 20% of large-scale games on PC for the devs Unity talked to at Gamescom last year.Trend No. 5: Devs are looking to tech to keep projects on track.Into the Dead: Our Darkest Days from PikPok is a Unity title.The survey found 96% of the studios Unity talked to are integrating AI tools into their workflows, but machine learning hasnt unleashed the full-scale revolution that so many in the industry thought was coming. Instead, devs are making calculated choices to find tech solutions for day-to-day problems, with less than half of devs using AI tools in any one workflow.While headlines about the economy of the gaming industry are often stark, devs say their main challenges are coming from inside the house: Internal organizational issues far outweigh external factors as chief concerns among the devs we surveyed.About 21% identified long lag times exploring tech as the biggest blocker a cruel irony of trying to stay ahead of the curve is that you can waste a lot of time trying to find it, and long R&D times testing out new tech can be a huge drain on devs most precious resource: time. Another 20% pointed to hurdles keeping projects in scope and on time. Meanwhile, difficulties funding and marketing games hovered near 5-6% each, while finding a unique game concept landed a bit higher, with 18% of devs naming this as a primary obstacle.Conclusion1000xResist from Sunset Visitor is a Unity title.Last years report showed how studios dealt with economic headwinds by squeezing more value out of their work. The trends indexed developer strategies like adopting AI tools to save time, diversifying revenue strategies, shipping games to more platforms, prioritizing multiplayer games, and building stronger brands to extend players engagement and loyalty. With this blueprint, devs aimed to stretch resources and maximize their ROI by finding new ways to save time and increase their games reach.This year, many of the same market forces are in play, but studios responses to them have shifted slightly. As deep cuts, layoffs, and studio closures continue, the developers we spoke to seem to be putting safety first with strategies that limit their exposure to risk: theyre staying small and nimble; diversifying the types of multiplayer game they build; prioritizing trusted platforms; bringing players bigger worlds and more content; and theyre turning to time-saving tools but cautiously.These five trends offer a snapshot of what studios are approaching their work in 2025 but of course good plans need to be forward-looking. So what comes next?Devs forecast that live service games will continue to grow in popularity. 42% of the devs surveyed said they thought more games would adopt the continuous update model as a competitive strategy, while12% pointed to the potential for more web, web for mobile, and web GPU games.Echoing the first trend from this years report, 17% of these devs predict a rise in solo and small studios, even though only a sliver of respondents (1%) anticipate that the gaming industry will continue to contract and consolidate. Just 6% said they foresee signs of growth this year.The Unity 6 game engine is out.The data in this report is drawn from the Unity Engine and portfolio of service products, including games made with Unity that are sending events through the platform. These solutions span mobile, PC, XR, web, social, and console gaming to provide a unique high-level overview of video game development trends.Additional data for this report comes from a CintTM CATI (computer-assisted telephone interview) survey of 300 game developers with a margin of error of +/-5.66% at a 95% confidence level. Additionally, we include data from two in-person surveys conducted at industry events. Unity employees conducted interviews with 144 randomly selected studios March 1822, 2024 onsite at GDC in San Francisco, USA and with 231 randomly selected studios August 2124, 2024 at Gamescom in Leipzig, Germany.GB DailyStay in the know! Get the latest news in your inbox dailyRead our Privacy PolicyThanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here.An error occured.