• I thought the budget phone market was in shambles - then I held Google's latest Pixel
    www.zdnet.com
    The new Pixel 9a sports a refreshed design with subtle yet significant upgrades hidden in plain sight. It also sets a new record for Google phones overall.
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  • The Mini LED TV I recommend to most people is currently $600 off at Best Buy - but not for long
    www.zdnet.com
    ZDNET's key takeaways The Hisense U8N is regularly priced at between $1,099 and $2,799. The U8N has a 144Hz native refresh rate and supports AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, making it a great TV for console gaming. Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision deliver enhanced picture quality with virtual surround sound for an immersive experience. View now at Best Buy TheHisense U8Nis up to $600 off at Best Buy. It's available in screen sizes from 55 inches to 85 inches, making it a good fit for your home entertainment setup, no matter how much space you have.If you're a console gamer or entertainment buff looking for a high-quality, dedicated TV, the Hisense U8N is an excellent choice. With a 144Hz native refresh rate, motion blur is practically nonexistent. The TV is also equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR, which helps prevent stuttering and tearing. If those aren't enough reasons to pick up the TV, you can save up to $600 on the Hisense U8N right now at Best Buyfor the 85-inch version.Also: The default TV setting you should turn off ASAP - and why it makes such a big differenceWhile I'm primarily a PC gamer, I do have a PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, so I can keep up with platform exclusives and play party games with friends whenever the stars align (and we all have a Saturday free.) My main TV is an older 50-inch Samsung TU7000, which is fine enough for gaming, and the Hisense U8K I previously tested has pride of place in the master bedroom, where it's mostly a glorified YouTube and Dropout box. Even though the 2023Hisense U8Kserved me well, the U8N definitely has it beat. details View at Best Buy Right away, you'll notice the bright, bold colors and deep contrast the mini LED panel offers, even in Google TV's dynamic home menus. Setting up the U8N is quick and simple, just like its predecessor. If you don't install the pedestal base backward at first, as I did, you can go from box to streaming or gaming in about 15 minutes.I appreciate the pedestal foot more than the traditional TV feet, as it definitely feels more sturdy and durable. This is needed since this is a heavy TV at 65 inches, so the 75- and 85-inch models need even more reliable support. Also: I used Netflix's secret codes to quintuple my viewing options - here's how it worksI have my Switch set up in my office/gaming room, and the PS5 is in the main living room because I also use it as a Blu-Ray/DVD player for my extensive physical media collection, barring music CDs, but that's another article entirely. While I could easily move the consoles around the house, especially the Switch, since it's quite literally designed to be a mobile game device, it's still a hassle to unhook everything, untangle the cables, and move it all without tripping over the cats. Taylor Clemons/ZDNETThe U8N helps solve this issue by supporting the PlayStation remote play app. This app lets you play your PS5 or PS4 games wherever you are, as long as you have a controller and a reliable Wi-Fi connection.Since my console was just in the next room over, and I have a robust mesh network set up for work, I was pleasantly surprised at just how well the remote play app works. Other than a few visual artifacts upon launch as the connection stabilized, I would have had difficulty telling the difference between remote and console-direct gameplay.Also: I tested the LG G5 OLED beside the industry's best TVs - and it made the G4 look outdatedAnd though I'm sure the lag would be more difficult to deal with if I were across the country or traveling internationally, I'd be willing to put up with it for the novelty of putzing around Cyberpunk 2077 in my hotel room after a day on the beach or exploring a real city with a disappointing lack of free junk laying around to pick up and sell for extra cash.Pairing an old PS4 DualShock controller to the Hisense TV via Bluetooth was simple enough. As long as the battery is charged or you're plugged into a USB power source, there shouldn't be any connectivity issues. Setting up the remote play connection was about as easy as it could get: just go to [Settings], select the [System] tab, then [Remote Play], where you'll find the toggle button to enable remote play for your console.Also: OLED vs. QLED TV: Which panel type is best suited for your home?Playing games on my Nintendo Switch was a perfect opportunity to see just what the Hisense U8N's QLED panel was capable of regarding color accuracy and contrast. Many Nintendo titles have brightly colored visuals and distinct art styles that are best appreciated on a full TV screen, and the Hisense U8N didn't disappoint.I was finally able to pick up a digital copy of Super Mario Bros Wonder, and the U8N did an incredible job of rendering the radically different art styles and color palettes. From dark purples of subterranean caves and the deep blacks of space to warm desert tones and crisp blues of icy passages, the TV handled each level beautifully. I spent countless minutes just admiring the background details and flavor animations between badge challenges and collecting every level star.Also: The next big TV panel leap was just unveiled by Sony - and it makes OLED look outdatedI also did a quick Hades run on the Switch, which helped show off the U8N's deep contrast with the harsh, dark art style, as well as the TV's built-in audio - which was pleasantly clear. The built-in speakers handle in-game dialogue wonderfully, delivering crisp audio that is easy to understand, even without subtitles.And the game's gorgeous, sweeping soundtrack and heavy, satisfying battle sound effects helped test the limits of the TV's Dolby Atmos capabilities. You'll definitely get your money's worth if you hate wearing a headset for console gaming, but I suggest you invest in a dedicated gaming speaker system like the SteelSeries Arena 9 if you want to get the most out of your audio.ZDNET's buying adviceEven if you aren't a big console gamer, the Hisense U8N is an excellent TV for streaming movies, music, and TV shows with its bold colors and contrast, as well as immersive audio. With a 144Hz refresh rate, you'll get smoother motion during fast-paced movie and game scenes as well as live sports broadcasts.Dolby Atmos support gives you virtual surround sound without needing a headset or expensive home audio setup, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro VRR helps prevent screen tearing and stuttering.The U8N is available in screen sizes ranging from 55 to 85 inches, typically retailing from $1,100 to $2,800. While this is on the more expensive side, the Hisense U8N packs plenty of premium-grade features to make it a worthwhile investment, especially if you are looking for a TV that you're not going to have to replace in five years. This article was originally published on October 16, 2024, and was updated on March 20, 2025.Featured reviews
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  • How Policy Reforms And Interoperability Are Reshaping Value-Based Care
    www.forbes.com
    The healthcare industry is undergoing a transformation. As VBC becomes more prevalent, the pressure to reduce costs while improving outcomes is greater than ever.
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  • GenAI In Document Management: Falling Costs Make A Big Difference
    www.forbes.com
    It's not just about cutting costs or getting more quality work done in less time. The "either/or" dichotomy in DMS is gone; we're now in the "and/with" age.
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  • Telegram reaches one billion users as CEO Pavel Durov slams "cheap imitation" WhatsApp
    www.techspot.com
    What just happened? Pavel Durov, the founder and CEO of Telegram, has celebrated the communications platform hitting one billion monthly active users by calling rival WhatsApp a "cheap, watered down imitation." Durov recently returned to Dubai after spending several months in France due to a criminal investigation related to criminal activity on Telegram. Durov revealed that Telegram had reached one billion monthly active users on his own personal channel. That marks an increase of 50 million users compared with last year. He also said that the company had recorded $547 million in profits last year.The CEO also took a shot at rival WhatsApp, which has more than 2 billion monthly active users."Ahead of us stands WhatsApp a cheap, watered-down imitation of Telegram. For years, they've desperately tried to copy our innovations while burning billions on lobbying and PR campaigns to slow us down. They failed. Telegram grew, became profitable, and unlike our competitor retained its independence," Durov wrote.In August 2024, Durov was arrested by the Air Transport Gendarmerie (GTA) on the tarmac of Le Bourget airport in France. He was apprehended shortly after stepping off his private jet following a flight from Azerbaijan.French authorities said that Durov's arrest was part of an investigation into Telegram's failure to moderate alleged criminal activity on the app. Days after his arrest, Durov was charged with multiple offenses, including failing to curb CSAM and other extreme material, and released on bail. // Related StoriesHe was placed under formal investigation and banned from leaving the country the Russian-born billionaire became a French citizen in 2021 and also holds a United Arab Emirates passport.French media reports indicate that a judge modified the conditions of Durov's bail several days ago and allowed him to leave France for several weeks. The Paris prosecutor's office confirmed that his judicial restrictions were relaxed from March 15 to April 7."The process is ongoing, but it feels great to be home," he said. "I want to thank the investigative judges for letting this happen, as well as my lawyers and team for their relentless efforts in demonstrating that, when it comes to moderation, cooperation and fighting crime, for years Telegram not only met but exceeded its legal obligations."Telegram has tried to pivot to a law-abiding platform since Durov's arrest. It is collaborating with US agencies to provide IP addresses, phone numbers, and other critical information for user identification, fulfilling hundreds of data requests impacting thousands of individuals.Telegram also now has a team of moderators dedicated to identifying criminal activity on the platform, and the company joined the Internet Watch Foundation as part of its crackdown against CSAM.
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  • How to get and use Pump and Dump weapon in Fortnite
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Table of ContentsTable of ContentsWhere to get Pump & Dump in Fortnite and how to use itWhere to find the mythic Pump & DumpAs Fortnite Chapter 6 Season 2 moves further into its wild Lawless theme, the weapons meta is heating up, enthralling players and shaking up the battle royale scene. This season, which debuted on February 21, 2025, has already offered a wild arsenal customized to its heist-focused narrative, with vault-busting gadgets and close-range brawlers dominating early strategies. Melee weapons initially dominated the scene, infuriating some competitive players with their overpowering presence, but a transition is beginning as new firepower emerges to threaten the status quo.Exotic and Mythic weapons have begun to appear in the loot pool, with standouts like Midas Gilded Eye Drum Gun have stirred controversy about their suitability for the seasons fast-paced, close-quarters fighting. However, the latest additiona dual-wield marvel called the Pump and Dumpis creating the most excitement. This shotgun-SMG hybrid promises to alter encounters and add a new twist to Fortnites love for creative weaponry. As players scramble to adapt, the Pump and Dumps debut portends a potential meta shift, with the option of dominating load-outs or fading into oblivion. Heres how you can get your hands on the weapon.Recommended VideosEpic GamesFortnite has added the Pump and Dump, an intriguing shotgun-SMG hybrid that boasts a range of rarities, each tied to specific spawn locations across the map. Players can expect to encounter Common, Uncommon, and Rare versions scattered throughout the map as floor loot or within standard chests, while those diving into Ranked mode will find their chances of snagging Rare drops slightly improved. Epic and Legendary variants are the crown jewels of loot, typically found in high-tier chests, supply drops, or claimed from opponents who have already secured them.RelatedMastering this dual-wielding powerhouse requires finesse: press the right-click to unleash a devastating shotgun blast at close range, while the left-click lets you rain down a flurry of rapid-fire SMG shots. This weapon shines in close quarters, delivering impressive performance, but it falters when it comes to bloom and range.Epic GamesIn Fortnite, players can hunt for the Mythic Pump and Dump located in the shadowy depths of Crime Citys Black Market. Players will find that this elusive weapon has taken the place of the Mythic Sentinel Pump at this location. To secure this item, players must collect one Dill Bit, a currency obtained through successfully executing vault heists or raiding armored transports.Venture into Crime City, track down Skillet at the Black Market and exchange your Dill Bit for the coveted Mythic Pump and Dump. This location stands out as the most dependable spot, especially since its not a sure thing to find drops anywhere else. Get ready for some fierce competition, as this central POI draws in a lot of action.Editors Recommendations
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  • These Nvidia-powered Star Wars droids are the cutest robots Ive ever seen
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Nvidia spoke about robotics quite a lot during GTC 2025, including its new model called Isaac Groot N1, but this demonstration was all I needed to get on board. In collaboration with Disney and Google, Nvidia debuted the cutest little Star Wars droids that offer real-time simulation and respond to commands. Move over, humanoid robots give me more droids instead.One of the droids, called Blue, joined Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang on stage during GTC. The robot was highly interactive and appeared to respond albeit in its own language when asked questions. It also responded to commands, such as being told to stand in a certain place.Jensen Huang Introduces Blue: NVIDIA & Disney Researchs AI Robot | GTC 2025Huang revealed that Blue was developed as a joint effort between Nvidia, Disney Research, and Google DeepMind, and the droid runs on two Nvidia computers. No word on the specs, though. (We need a DIY version to buy and own at home, please and thank you.)Recommended VideosSimilar droids (which are BDX droids, as seen inThe Mandalorian) also appeared on the GTC show floor, and its safe to say they were a huge hit. Reuters was able to speak to one of Disneys researchers, Moritz Baecher, to find out more about the little droids.Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming They [the robots] learn through reinforcement learning. So, we use reinforcement learning that is similar to how we, humans, learn to walk. We bring these droids into a simulation environment, said Baecher. At the beginning, they fall all the time if they try to take their first steps, but we ask them to imitate the artist-provided motion. So, over time, they learn how to walk in a stylized way that is authentic to the character.https://x.com/ReutersTech/status/1902638743489511469When interacting with people, the robots appear shy or excited at times, and Baecher confirms that impression:It [the robot] can express happiness, it dances, but it can also express shyness. If you come too close, it can express that its angry. Its sort of a fully complete character that we were able to build.In a world where its all AI this, AI that, its easy to grow numb to all these new developments, but as a hugeStar Wars fan, I wish I couldve met these in person. Lets get a real-life C-3PO next, shall we?Editors Recommendations
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  • Tech, Media & Telecom Roundup: Market Talk
    www.wsj.com
    Find insight on Tencent, Alphabet, Trump Media & Technology Group and more in the latest Market Talks covering Technology, Media and Telecom.
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  • New Scientist recommends Weather Girl, an electrifying one-woman show
    www.newscientist.com
    EnvironmentWeather Girl, a play in London's Soho Theatre about a weather forecaster who finally snaps as the climate apocalypse looms, is frantic and funny 20 March 2025 Julia McDermott in Weather GirlPAMELA RAITHWeather Girl, at Londons Soho Theatre until 5 April, is a frantic and funny one-woman show about the looming climate apocalypse.Written by Brian Watkins, it stars Julia McDermott as Stacey, a local weather forecaster in Fresno, California. Sandwiched between segments on dog shows and testicular tanning, her reports on the droughts and wildfires in her state are always delivered with a winning smile until, one day, she snaps.Weather Girl is an attack on wilful ignorance of climate change, naturally, but also of the plight of women like Stacey,
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  • Tattoos are being linked to some cancers. Are they really a risk?
    www.newscientist.com
    Countries vary in how stringently they regulate chemicals in tattoo inksIvanRiver/ShutterstockWhether it is a butterfly on your ankle or your football teams logo across your back, tattoos have long been seen as a way of expressing individuality, as well as sometimes having cultural significance. Yet research is just starting to scratch the surface of their potential health effects.Tattoo pigments are made up of numerous chemicals. In the European Union, the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) legislation has set concentration limits for around 4000 compounds in such pigments, mostly due to cancer concerns.
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