The world of OLED gaming monitors is ever expanding, and it's becoming harder and harder for new models to stand out. But that's exactly what the Acer Predator X34 OLED does thanks to its deep-dish curve and immersive gaming experience. Coming in at $1,199 MSRP but frequently available for far less (I found it available at multiple retailers for $850 or under), it's a premium gaming monitor thats able to deliver an exceptionally immersive gaming experience that many gamers are sure to enjoy. Just prepare for an adjustment period if you plan to use it for productivity. Acer Predator X34 OLED PhotosAcer Predator X34 OLED Design and FeaturesThe Acer Predator X34 OLED is a 34-inch ultra-wide gaming monitor designed to act as the flagship model for the brand. It comes with premium specs to deliver a fantastic gaming experience and is designed with a gaming-first ethos. It features a deep and immersive curve to create a gaming experience that seems to draw you in. This same quality makes it more challenging to use for productivity, so it wont be a good fit for everyone, but for pure gaming it promises an exciting and engaging experience. The monitor's on-paper specs are fantastic. Since it uses an OLED panel, it promises deep midnight blacks and a wide dynamic range that's able to reveal detail even in deep shadows. OLED currently offers the best image quality available in gaming monitors, and this most recent generation of panels, as is used here in this display, is less susceptible to burn-in and other drawbacks like text clarity. What you're left with is fantastic contrast, incredible colors, and high peak brightness rated at an impressive 1,300 nits. Breaking that down a bit further, the X34 OLED is rated to cover 99% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 100% of sRGB. It features a dedicated sRGB mode for creators, as well DCI-P3 and Rec.709 modes to act as a reference for color-critical work. OLED monitors are well regarded for the richness and vibrancy of their colors, and the X34 is no exception. It comes well-calibrated out of the box, and its colors, while not oversaturated, appear very vivid. Its brightness, while rated for 1300 nits, will only hit this in very, very small portions of the screen when running in HDR mode for standard definition content such as normal web browsing. It instead averages around 250 nits, which is relatively dim compared to an equally matched LCD monitor but typical of OLEDs due to power draw and heat. Generally, this is bright enough to use in a well-lit room comfortably, but the monitor should not be placed in direct sunlight. The monitor has an ultra-wide design and measures 34 inches diagonally with a 21:9 aspect ratio. It has the wide equivalent of 1440p resolution, and due to the extra width, requires more GPU power to run effectively. It has a resolution of 3,440 x 1,440 pixels, which puts it in between a traditional 16:9 1440p monitor and 4K in terms of how difficult it is to run. To reach its maximum frame rate, you'll need a beefy GPU or be willing to lower graphics settings in demanding games. Even so, it's a great resolution for a screen of this size and results in a very crisp and detailed picture. Not a fan of the curve?Check out more flat-panel options in our guide to the Best Gaming Monitors.The Predator X34 OLED is fantastically responsive. OLED panels are naturally very fast, and Acer rates the monitor with a 0.01ms response time. I lack the tools to accurately test at such a low latency; however, it's typical for OLED panels to measure at 0.03ms, while other gaming monitors might top out at 0.5ms (more commonly, 1ms). This leads to bottomed out input latency, so, in a shooter for example, the clicks of your mouse appear on screen as gunshots measurably faster than IPS, VA, or TN based gaming monitors. The X34 pairs this with a 240Hz refresh rate, meaning that it refreshes the screen 240 times every second. As I alluded to above, it would be very difficult to achieve such a high frame rate in any kind of demanding game, even with the top of the line GPU, unless you are running DLSS and frame generation. Even if you don't always hit this (it's typically only feasible in esports and very non-demanding games), setting that high refresh rate results in lower input latency overall, so theres still benefit to leaving that setting enabled. The higher your actual frame rate goes, motion clarity gets progressively better. For competitive games, this monitor is quite good. The X34s most defining feature is its deep 800R curve. The vast majority of curved gaming monitors come in at 1800R or 1500R, both of which are fairly gentle. An 800R curvature is very pronounced and wraps into your peripheral vision to improve your immersion at the same time, but causes noticeable warping of text and images along its curve. For gaming, this doesn't matter since the wraparound effect is appealing, but for productivity, it definitely takes some getting used to. While some people don't mind it, many find it distracting compared to a shallower curve or even a flat panel. The monitor supports a generous array of connectivity options. There are two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, and one USB Type-C with DisplayPort thats also able to supply up to 90 watts of power. Theres also a built-in USB hub that offers two USB Type-A ports and an additional USB Type-C. This hub also acts as a KVM, so you can take connected accessories between hosts with the push of a button. The X34 also includes a headphone jack and sports two 5-watt speakers that get relatively loud and, while not as full-bodied as a separate pair of speakers, are better than most others youll find built into a gaming monitor. The monitor also comes with a decent stand that is relatively thin, though it does have two long legs that protrude out to increase its overall footprint on your desk. It offers the ability to adjust height up and down a bit over four inches, tilt from -5 to +15 degrees, and pivot with a range of 15 degrees as well. The assembly is tool-less and easy to do, even if you've never set up your own monitor before. I recommend having an extra set of hands if at all possible to avoid needing to lay the monitor down on its face or risking putting pressure on its very fragile panel. The OSD is straightforward and navigated using a joystick built into the display. It's fairly standard fare at this point with a number of different picture presets based on the genre, as well as the ability to adjust the gamma and saturation settings. It offers a sharpness setting as well as an OLED Care menu to toggle its different protective features on and off. There's also a uniform brightness setting, which limits overall brightness and reduces the fluctuations that occur when expanding full screen content. I didn't find this to be very noticeable, so I left it turned off, but if you're sensitive, the option is there. It's also worth noting that Acer has an installable software suite to control many of these settings called Acer Display Widget. In truth, there are few monitor brands where the configuration software feels like more than an afterthought, and this isn't an exception. Still, you'll find most of your most used options here, so it's an effective alternative if you hate fiddling around with the actual OSD. Acer Predator X34 OLED PerformanceThe Acer Predator X34 OLED is a gaming monitor first and foremost. That works to its benefit, but it can also be a detriment in other areas, like the aforementioned productivity concerns I outlined in the previous section. You also see that manifest in some other ways.For pure gaming, it's great, but you should be prepared to either put a little work in or make a handful of concessions if you plan on using this as your daily driver for both work and play. For starters, though its calibration isn't bad, it's not the most color accurate out-of-the-box, and would benefit from calibration for creative work. Grayscale accuracy measured a Delta E average of 4.78, tending toward the green end of the spectrum. Color accuracy was a bit better with a Delta E average of 3.12. With a calibration run using my SpyderPro colorimeter, I was able to dial that in to an average of 1.21, so its possible to get very good results (generally, anything under an average of 2.0 is considered well-calibrated).Response time is excellent with no ghosting whatsoever. I would expect nothing less from an OLED gaming monitor, and particularly one that runs at 240Hz. Testing in the BlurBusters TestUFO Ghosting Test, there was no ghosting whatsoever. In-game, it's equally crisp with motion clarity thats on par with the competition, which is to say: as good as any monitor can be at this point. Now, your skill will need to be equally matched to this level of clarity. Making a headshot mid-spin is still a skill that takes equally matched reaction time, but this removes one more glass ceiling for pro-level play. The experience of daily driving the monitor is going to vary from person to person. As I mentioned before, for productivity, that text warping can be distracting. I tried using it for a bit of everything during my test window, and it's not a monitor I would choose if I was going to be writing or reading. Most of the time I was at my PC for creative work and video editing in particular, it was much better. I especially liked it for video editing. The ability to see more of the timeline and have it wrap around visually a bit more made editing more efficient. Though I would be remiss to leave out that this would also be true if the curve wasn't there at all. Simply being able to view more of the timeline at any given point allows that efficiency. The curve just enhances the experience... if it's to your taste.And that right there is the crux of this monitor. You have to love the curve, and it's not a given that you will, even if you enjoy other less-curved monitors. 800R is deep. It's made to simulate having two curved monitors in surround mode without a bezel in between. If you've been a PC gamer for a long time and have tried this yourself, then youre likely to feel right at home. If the idea sounds ludicrous, then it's probably best to stick to a shallower curve.I fall into that camp, having tried this setup myself only a few years ago. Regretfully, I only had 32-inch curved monitors to try it with, and it dominated not just my desk but what felt like half of my office, and since they were each 1440p, it was extremely difficult to run. It just wasn't practical. But for driving games, flight sims, and even many first-person games like Doom Eternal, it was quite immersive. It can also be pretty darn enrapturing. So I like it. I really like it. It's a perfect fit for games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, but as someone drawn to this type of curvature in the first place, I also find a lot to enjoy with it in other genres too. I found myself scooting closer to the screen than I usually sit in Baldur's Gate 3, so it would occupy more of my peripheral vision. In Battlefield 2042, it felt a bit strange at first, but soon I was immersed in the game, feeling like I had my own wraparound view of the furious fray before me. At least for me. That's the thing. This type of display is so subjective that I could only recommend picking it up blind if you have a return policy you can rely on. The quality of the monitor itself is excellent, but the experience of using it is something you really can't know without trying it or another thats similar for yourself. If you like it, you'll probably come to downright love it in time. If you don't, you may just find that your expensive new gaming monitor is just plain untenable. Purchasing GuideThe Acer Predator X34 OLED has an MSRP of $1,199. At the time of this writing, I was able to find it on sale for only $799 through Amazon. It can be purchased through Amazon, Best Buy, and B&H.

The year is flying by, and March came through with the heavy hitters and inevitably that means youre hit with decision paralysis. Believe me, weve all been there. Theres a lot of great games out there and it can be hard to hear the call to adventure amongst all the chatter. Dont you worry, the ID@Xbox team have handpicked six Indie Selects that will kickstart your next big adventure.Be warned: some of these daring escapades are more than meets the eye. You may uncover a demon world or two, find heroism in a little slimeball, or you might find that diving into personal grief and trauma could be its own harrowing, cathartic and surprisingly melodic adventure. Dont ask questions, just take a leap of faith and raid some tombs with us, because March Selects are calling! Heres what weve got for you this month (in no particular order):Lost Records: Bloom & RageDont Nod, the creators of the OG Life is Strange, return to the narrative adventure genre to deliver a tale of four young girls who experience an unforgettable summer filled with coming-of-age hijinks and something more inexplicable. That mystery thread of what happened? kickstarts a current day reunion of friends piecing together their adolescence to resolve what exactly transpired during thatfateful summer an experience still affecting them now. This is the first chapter, with a second installment arriving in mid-April.I loved the original Life is Strange series with its young adult angst, ennui, and sci-fi reality bending. It made those classic, outsized teenage the world is ending! dilemmas 100% literal in the case of protags Max and Chloe. Dont Nod revisit that vibe but find a way to ratchet up the stakes and vagaries that surround the journey of Swann and her childhood friends by taking the teens in trouble trope and toeing the line in urgency between the feel-goodness of an all-girls Gooniesand the not-so-feel-goodness of Showtimes Yellowjackets.The nerdy, always camcorder-ing Swann navigates shyness and her pending move out of small-town America via narrative, choice-based relationship building in a way that punched a familiar knot of dread in my tummy, no matter whether it was the threats of bullies or otherworldly situations. But throughout, the script, VO, and attention to circa-1995 details do wonders in grounding the experience of pre-social media adolescence. Im now very excited for the second chapter to drop, not least for the amazing, period-perfect soundtrack (a Dont Nod specialty). One serious Cocteau Twins needle drop may just have 80s and 90s shoegaze kids digging deep into their 4AD record label era a throwback Im still luxuriating in.Lost Records: Bloom & RageDON'T NOD156$39.99Get it nowRewind back to the 90s and live the defining summer of four high school girls as they forge bonds through their growing friendship, their punk band, and an unexplained event that will forever change their lives. Experience the story in two thrilling parts! Tape 1, "Bloom", launches February 18 and Tape 2, "Rage", launches April 15. Rage will become available as a free downloadable update when it is released.A 27-YEAR PROMISE Navigate between dual timelines and shape both narratives in 1995 and 2022 with each offering a piece of the larger puzzle: the life-changing secrets they uncovered back then and why theyre reuniting now, after all these years. Together, in this place, theyre forced to try and remember clearly the fateful memories that have eluded them for the past 27 years. CAPTURE & CONNECT Connect with your newfound sisterhood through lifelike interactions and conversations that feel real: engage in immersive dialogue that changes based on where you look and what you say; where you can do things like interrupt and ignore. Grab your camcorder and explore, filming Velvet Cove and capturing the essence of its people, places, and lush nature. Film just for the fun of it or try to find the dark secrets tucked away. GIRLS TO THE FRONT Play as Swann and get to know your new friends, each with their own lives and battles. Come out of your shell and embrace rebellion over the summer as you form friendships with Nora, Autumn, and Kat. Through your actions and words, youll shape your relationships with each of them on your journey to self-discovery. Will your bond wither over the years or will it feel like you were barely separated at all? A NOSTALGIC DREAMSCAPEIn a picturesque corner of Michigan in 1995 lies the seemingly sleepy little town of Velvet Cove. Between dense woodlands and serene lakes, its a place where beauty meets the bizarre. Cloaked in a carefully crafted dreampop soundtrack that blends nostalgia and ethereal vibes, youll definitely find it all nice and relaxingSorry Were ClosedA celestial mystery filled with demonic delights and heavenly bodies; Sorry Were Closed is an absolute treat. You play as Michelle, a lonely shopkeeper working in an odd London neighborhood with a bizarre and colorful cast of characters. Her reality cracks after a harrowing visit from a sleep-paralysis demon who is infatuated with Michelles heartache. And from there, all hell breaks loose (Im sorry, I couldnt resist).This retro-style survival horror is inspired by the halcyon days of the genre and utilizes its classic fixed camera angle. For the uninitiated, this can take some getting used to. While this design choice can initially seem limiting, it offers a more cinematic and thoughtfully paced experience, which is crucial for quality mystery storytelling. But its not all old-school, as the developers at La Mode Games have added a twist in the form of first-person combat. Youll need to switch into first-person mode on the fly, while using your demonic third eye to stun demons and exploit their weak hearts. This becomes a delicate balance while youre in first-person mode, Michelle is unable to move, adding a layer of tension and strategy to the combat that kept it feeling engaging.Where things really start cooking are the incredible art style and stellar soundtrack. The combination of classic graphics and painterly character art make this a beautiful blend of old and new, while the soundtrack features catchy hip-hop and hauntingly chill beats, with a menu theme that I left on in the background for hours while I was working. Seriously, its on right now.If you find yourself in the mood for some retro-horror and quality storytelling, Sorry Were Closed is an absolute must play.Sorry We're ClosedAkupara Games45$24.99Get it nowFree TrialSorry We're Closed is an eccentric story-driven survival horror game about angels and demons that mixes fixed-camera exploration and arcade-style shooting. Michelle must use her Third Eye to see between worlds and uncover secrets.Follow the final days of Michelle as she battles to break the curse placed on her by a powerful archdemon looking for love. Help (or hinder!) the lives of curious residents in Michelles bustling London borough as she pursues freedom from her own untimely demise.Sorry We're Closed is a fusion of nostalgic survival horror with a new perspective on combat, combining atmospheric environments with fixed-camera angles and the thrill of arcade-style first person shooting. Collect items and manage resources to help Michelle survive. Optional tank controls are available for those who enjoy the classic survival horror experience.Michelles time is split between the perilous demon world and mingling with the locals on her residential street. Everyones battling their own inner demons and through Michelle you can help guide them. Multiple endings are available through RPG-style dialogue interactions with the extravagant cast.Afterlove EPHave you ever played a game that felt like it was speaking directly to your soul? Afterlove EP is one of those gems. Its a unique blend of visual novel, narrative adventure, and rhythm game set in the bustling city of Jakarta, Indonesia. You step into the shoes of Rama, an indie band frontman whos grieving the loss of his girlfriend, Cinta. From the moment you start, youre drawn into his world of sorrow and hope.The game kicks off a year after Cintas death, and Rama has pretty much isolated himself from his bandmates and life in general. Your mission? Help Rama navigate his grief, reconnect with his bandmates, and prepare for a comeback show that could change everything. Sounds intense, right?Over the course of 28 in-game days, you guide Rama through various activities. Each day brings new opportunities to mend neglected relationships, form new ones, pick up your guitar, and get ready for that critical gig! The choices you make will shape Ramas journey, leading to branching storylines and multiple endings. And who likes rhythm game elements? This guy! They add a real interactive layer to the narrative, letting you immerse yourself in the music and emotions that drive Ramas story (fair warning: you may want to bring tissues).The games art style is a splendid recreation of 21st Century Jakarta, with vibrant hand-drawn visuals that bring the city to life. As you explore the streets, youll encounter bustling markets, serene parks, and lively cafes, each contributing to the immersive experience. The soundtrack, composed by Indonesian musicians, enhances the emotional impact of the game. The melodies resonate with Ramas feelings, creating a powerful connection between you and the character.Playing Afterlove EP was a profoundly personal experience. As I joined Rama through his emotional journey, I found myself reflecting on my own experiences with loss and recovery. The games deep narrative and rhythm elements work together to create a captivating and emotionally resonant experience. If, like me, you enjoy games like Florence, which also combines narrative and rhythm elements, youll find Afterlove EP equally compelling. Its a testament to the raw power of indie games to tell deeply personal and emotionally impactful stories. If you havent played it yet, now is the perfect time to dive into the melodic world of Afterlove EP and experience this emotional journey for yourself.Afterlove EPFellow Traveller5$19.99Get it nowTaking place in the vibrant city of Jakarta, capital of Indonesia, Afterlove EP is a blend of visual novel, narrative adventure and rhythm game from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After.Step into the shoes of Rama, a young musician struggling to move on with life after the death of their girlfriend, Cinta.Whilst his close friends and bandmates are all determined to help him move on, Rama has been stuck for more than a year. Hes neglecting his music, his mental health and his relationships. Making things harder, hes hearing Cintas voice inside his head, unsure if she is a spirit or part of his imagination.Now he has just one month to get it together! Ramas band has a critical gig in one months time. Either he gets serious about his music and delivers the new songs he has been promising or the band will move on without him.KEY FEATURES An emotional new story from the creator of Coffee Talk and What Comes After. Set in a vibrant and authentic recreation of modern day Jakarta, Indonesia A blend of narrative adventure, visual novel and rhythm game elements explore, talk, jam out! Multiple endings and story paths over 28 days and nights, it will be your choices that determine the path Rama takes. Featuring the distinctive art of renowned Indonesian indie-manga artist, Soyatu. Featuring an original soundtrack from popular Indonesian band, Lalphalpha.Tomb Raider IV-VI RemasteredIf youre a fan of action-adventure games, the Tomb Raider IV-VI Remastered collection has got to be on your list. This collection brings together three classic titles from the iconic series, beautifully remastered for modern platforms by indie publisher and developer Aspyr. These games follow the adventures of Lara Croft, the fearless archaeologist, as she explores ancient tombs, solves intricate puzzles, and battles formidable foes. The genre is a perfect blend of action, adventure, and puzzle-solving, offering a rich and immersive experience.I remember the first time I played Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation (Tomb Raider IV). The sense of wonder and excitement as I guided Lara through the ancient ruins of Egypt was unparalleled. The remastered version has only enhanced that experience, with graphics that would have stunned me back then, and improved controls that make the gameplay smoother and more enjoyable. Its like revisiting an old friend, but with a fresh new look.Tomb Raider Chronicles (Tomb Raider V) and Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness (Tomb Raider VI) continue Laras adventures, each with its unique storyline and challenges. Chronicles offers a series of flashback missions that delve into Laras past adventures, while The Angel of Darkness introduces a more mature narrative. Both games have been given a new lease on life with the remastered collection, making them accessible to both longtime fans and newcomers alike.If you enjoy games like Assassins Creed, the new Indiana Jones, or Prince of Persia, youll find a lot to love here. The gameplay mechanics and storytelling are reminiscent of these titles, but with Lara Crofts unique flair that made her an iconic character in the first place.Ive spent countless hours exploring every nook and cranny of these games, and I can confidently say that they are worth every minute. The learning curve is there, but its part of what makes the experience so rewarding. Whether youre a seasoned Tomb Raider fan or new to the series, this collection offers a fantastic journey through time and adventure.Tomb Raider IV-VI RemasteredAspyr55$29.99Get it nowHer legacy lives on!Play the next series of Tomb Raider adventures in this remastered collection of the Darkness Trilogy.Included Game Titles-Tomb Raider: The Last Revelation Lara Croft discovers the lost tomb of the Egyptian God Set, unwittingly unleashing him and fulfilling an ancient prophecyone that plunges mankind into darkness.-Tomb Raider: Chronicles Following the events of The Last Revelation, Lara Croft is buried in an Egyptian tomb and is presumed dead. At her memorial, those closest to her reminisce about secrets from her past.-Tomb Raider: The Angel of Darkness Accused of murder, Lara becomes a fugitive on the run, while uncovering a sinister conspiracy involving alchemical experiments and the search for ancient artifacts.Key FeaturesSee the Classic & Remastered Visuals: Play with the original polygonal models or swap to the remastered graphics at any timeTravel the Globe: Follow Lara Croft around iconic locales including Cairo, Rome, Paris, and many moreExperience Laras Darkest Adventures: Uncover the secrets of Lara Crofts past and shed light on the mystery of her disappearanceUltrosLooking for a familiar genre with an unexpected twist? Then you need to check out Ultros. This game is a vibrant, psychedelic journey through a cosmic landscape known as The Sarcophagus. Its a unique blend of Metroidvania and roguelite genres, offering a fresh and captivating experience.During my first run through I was struck by the visuals, which were both immediately captivating and almost hallucinogenic. The art style was unlike anything Id seen before. Navigating through The Sarcophagus felt like I was on a trippy space ride, uncovering secrets and battling bizarre creatures. Ultros isnt just about its stunning visuals, though. The gameplay is engaging, with a mix of exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving. The world is easy to get lost in, but thats part of the charm. The games big differentiator is a time-loop mechanic, which adds an intriguing layer to the gameplay, making each run feel fresh and challenging. The learning curve is there, but its what makes the game so rewarding.If you enjoy Xbox games like Ori and the Blind Forest or Hollow Knight, youll find a lot to love in Ultros. The gameplay mechanics and storytelling are reminiscent of these titles, but with a unique psychedelic flair. This game just grabs you and wont let go, as I am still exploring every corner of this game, and believe me, its worth every minute. Whether youre a seasoned Metroidvania fan or new to the genre, Ultros offers a fantastic and visually stunning adventure that just feels right.UltrosKepler Interactive13$24.99Get it nowYou wake up stranded, after seemingly crashing your ship on The Sarcophagus a giant, space-drifting, cosmic uterus holding an ancient demonic being known as ULTROS. Trapped in the eternal loop of a black hole, you will have to explore The Sarcophagus and meet its inhabitants to understand the part you play. Are you the gruesome breaker of this cycle, or can you become a link from destruction to rebirth? A PSYCHEDELIC SCI-FI JOURNEY ULTROS is set in a multifaceted realm a vast alien landscape teeming with life. Grounded in science fiction, ULTROS comes wrapped in both an eccentric art style from the visionary El Huervo, renowned for his work on Hotline Miami, and a mystical soundtrack composed and performed by Ratvader Oscar Rydelius. ULTROS explores meta-themes of mental health, life, death, and karmic cycles through deep lore and environmental storytelling. A WORLD OF CONTRAST Experience brutal, intimate, close-quarter combat with cosmic lifeforms, driven by a sense of urgency where precision is paramount and every cut of your blade counts. Yet this intense combat is juxtaposed with cultivating the greenery and tending to plant life in The Sarcophagus, providing precious moments of contemplation and peace. In turn, this grants deeper access to obscured paths. A MYSTERIOUS, LAYERED LOOP The rich world of ULTROS holds many secrets for those curious enough and fearless enough to seek them out. A unique loop-based mechanic will allow you to start over at key moments in the story, providing opportunities to unfold such secrets, unlock different areas of the world and new abilities on a branching skill tree. Experiment with and master your own specific fighting style as you explore the world of ULTROS. Each loop brings you closer to the truthSlime HeroesSet in a world where slimes are the heroes, not the villains (for once), Slime Heroes is a delightful 3D action-adventure debut from indie studio Pancake Games. This whimsical game combines elements of RPG and puzzle-solving, seeing you take control of an adorable, customizable slime on a grand adventure to save the Slime Kingdom from impending doom.I was hooked. It felt like reconnecting with an old friend, reminiscent of the classic games from a bygone era. The vibrant, colorful graphics and whimsical soundtrack immediately drew me in. The gameplay is a perfect blend of open-world exploration and deceptively formidable combatthink of it as a cute version of Dark Souls. Theres an abundance of challenges and fun to be found here. You must think on your feet to survive and make it to the checkpoints, all while enjoying the lighthearted, gooey antics of your slime kingdom, which has been overtaken by mysterious corruption.One of the things I personally love about this game is the sense of progression. As you advance through the game, youll encounter a variety of enemies, and upon defeating them, youll unlock their unique skills and special powers. This keeps the gameplay fresh and exciting, as youre constantly discovering new ways to tackle challenges. Plus, the game has a charming storyline that keeps you invested throughout your adventure.If youre a fan of games like Dark Souls or the Zelda series, youll feel right at home with Slime Heroes. The game strikes a perfect balance between being accessible to newcomers and offering depth for seasoned gamers. Its easy to pick up, but mastering the various slime abilities and strategies will keep you coming back for more. Whether youre a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, this game has some gooey-ness for everyone.Slime HeroesWhitethorn Games4$29.99Get it nowJourney with your fellow slimes to save the ancient guardians from a mysterious corruption taking over the land. Explore a whimsical world filled with secret passageways, challenging puzzle dungeons, and forgotten treasures. Consume special gems and dynamically combine them to create unique magical skills. Level up and fight back against the corrupted minions to restore the land.Dynamic Abilities-Collect an arsenal of skill gems consumed from defeated corrupted creatures.-Dynamically mix skill gems to craft unique skill sets at any time.-Discover all the different types of enemies to complete your gem collection.Co-Op-Jump into your friends' game at any time and drop right into the action.-The entire game can be played with a friend.-All loot is shared; no fighting over that one pretty gem.-Create different magical abilities that complement each other when playing with a friend.Expansive World-Discover secret passageways and challenging puzzle dungeons in a whimsical open world.-Find the six gods of the realm and defeat the corrupted version of each. Once freed they will aid you on your quest!

Apple is about to launch its next big software updates, including iPadOS 18.4 with a variety of new features. Here are four features coming to your iPad very soon.#1: Cooking modeiPads are perhaps Apples most versatile device, used as laptops, sketchbooks, entertainment devices, and more. I know a number of users who also rely on their iPad in the kitchen while cooking. And a new iPadOS 18.4 feature will Im sure make that more common.The Apple News app is getting a brand new Food section for News+ subscribers, where youll find restaurant reviews, food lifestyle articles, and perhaps most important: recipes.Tens of thousands of recipes are included at launch, all equipped with a special cooking mode thats perfect for iPad.When viewing a recipe, you can hit the Cook button to enter a step-by-step guide that walks you through the cooking process. Youll even be able to start timers right inside the cooking interface.#2: Sketch in Image PlaygroundImage Playground has a variety of fun use cases, but I imagine over time it may prove a hit with young kids especially. The simple process for creating AI images lends itself well to kids (or adults) just playing around and having fun on their iPad.In iPadOS 18.4, Image Playground is getting a brand new style you can create images in: Sketch. This joins the existing Animation and Illustration options, and lets you make new images with a hand-drawn look. You can even modify existing images in your library to use the new Sketch style.#3: Apple Mail redesigniOS and iPadOS share much of the same core code, but its not uncommon for the iPhone to get new features ahead of the iPad. Thats what happened with last years Apple Mail redesign.In iPadOS 18.4, Apples Mail app has now gotten upgraded on the iPad too, bringing new features like:automatic inbox categorizationdigest view to consolidate threadssorting of new and older messagescontact photos displayed in your inboxThis all works just like it does on the iPhone. And also like the iPhone, you can mostly disable the changes you dont want.#4: Ambient MusicControl Center is gaining a new category of controls on iPad and iPhone: Ambient Music.iPadOS 18.4 includes four music options to choose from:ChillProductivitySleepWellbeingEach one is tied to a specific Apple Music playlist that fits the described mood. But you can also customize them to your liking, choosing from a curated set of Apple playlists or selecting any other playlist youd like.iPadOS 18.4 features: wrap-upThis is just a sampling of the new features coming in iPadOS 18.4. There are also a number of other Apple Intelligence upgrades coming, plus smaller changes to apps like Photos and the TV app, and more.Which features are you most excited to try in iPadOS 18.4? Let us know in the comments.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

I have been a Moft customer for years. They have perfected an origami-inspired style of making ultra-functional, lightweight, and portable products. All of their products are made to solve multiple problems in one. Their Magsafe Tripod Wallet stand and Movas line for iPhone 16 were among my favorites of 2024. They are starting 2025 with an iPad accessory that I have never seen before, the Dynamic Folio for iPad, let me tell you about itMOFT Dynamic FolioAt first glance, the Dynamic Folio looks like any other magnetic iPad folio case cover, with just a few added creases. Those creases are what really separate this from any other folio case Ive seen. Its origami-style structure and combination of creases and magnets basically allow you to have 20+ different ways to view and orient the iPad, while most competitors only have two. Its ultra-thin, lightweight, and instantly turns your iPad into a more ergonomic toolwithout bulk. Below are some of its key features:Origami-Inspired Folding Design Switch between multiple angles for drawing, typing, reading, and watching.Floating Mode Raises your iPad up to 3 inches for improved posture and comfort.Phone mount Includes phone mount to be able to see iPhone and iPad on one folioMulti-Orientation Support Works in both portrait and landscape modes.Magnetic Attachment Snaps onto your iPad securely and easily.Apple Pencil Holder Detachable, magnetically connected holder keeps your stylus nearby.MOVAS Vegan Leather Finish Scratch-resistant, durable, and premium to the touch.So as you can see from the list above, there is a lot that you can do with this when it comes to how you are orienting the iPad in different scenarios. How Ive been using itSo, its great that there are all of these options, but are they useful and better than the traditional tri-fold folio? For me, the answer is yes! I have been using it with my M4 iPad Pro, and its already one of my favorite accessories. Whether Im sketching, taking notes, reading, or watching something on the go, it adapts easily. The stand is surprisingly sturdy, even on softer surfaces like beds or couches, and it folds completely flat when I need to pack up.What I appreciate most is how it blends into my workflow. Its not trying to do too muchit just adds exactly the flexibility I need when I need it. The coolest part about this is that a few orientations have a dedicated spot for an iPhone. So, if you need to reference something on your iPhone, it can now live right above your iPad. Again, this is something I have never seen before. Pricing & AvailabilityThe MOFT Dynamic Folio is available now on Kickstarter, starting at:$39 for iPad Mini$45 for 11-inch iPads$55 for 13-inch iPadsOrders are expected to ship in May 2025. Moft has already surpassed its funding goals, and with such an amazing track record, I see no issues with people getting theirs in May! What do you think? is this something you would try? Do you need more viewing angles? Lets discuss belowAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Mar 26, 2025Ravie LakshmananWindows Security / VulnerabilityThe threat actor known as EncryptHub exploited a recently-patched security vulnerability in Microsoft Windows as a zero-day to deliver a wide range of malware families, including backdoors and information stealers such as Rhadamanthys and StealC."In this attack, the threat actor manipulates .msc files and the Multilingual User Interface Path (MUIPath) to download and execute malicious payload, maintain persistence and steal sensitive data from infected systems," Trend Micro researcher Aliakbar Zahravi said in an analysis.The vulnerability in question is CVE-2025-26633 (CVSS score: 7.0), described by Microsoft as an improper neutralization vulnerability in Microsoft Management Console (MMC) that could allow an attacker to bypass a security feature locally. It was fixed by the company earlier this month as part of its Patch Tuesday update.Trend Micro has given the exploit the moniker MSC EvilTwin, tracking the suspected Russian activity cluster under the name Water Gamayun. The threat actor, recently the subject of analyses by PRODAFT and Outpost24, is also called LARVA-208.CVE-2025-26633, at its core, leverages the Microsoft Management Console framework (MMC) to execute a malicious Microsoft Console (.msc) file by means of a PowerShell loader referred to as MSC EvilTwin loader.Specifically, it involves the loader creating two .msc files with the same name: One clean file and its rogue counterpart that is dropped in the same location but within a directory named "en-US." The idea is that when the former is run, MMC inadvertently picks the malicious file instead and executes it. This is accomplished by exploiting MMC's Multilingual User Interface Path (MUIPath) feature."By abusing the way that mmc.exe uses MUIPath, the attacker can equip MUIPath en-US with a malicious .msc file, which cause the mmc.exe load this malicious file instead of the original file and executed without the victim's knowledge," Zahravi explained.EncryptHub has also been observed adopting two other methods to run malicious payload on an infected system using .msc files -Using the ExecuteShellCommand method of MMC to download and execute a next-stage payload on the victim's machine, an approach previously documented by Dutch cybersecurity company Outflank in August 2024Using mock trusted directories such as "C:\Windows \System32" (note the space after Windows) to bypass User Account Control (UAC) and drop a malicious .msc file called "WmiMgmt.msc"Trend Micro said the attack chains likely begin with victims downloading digitally-signed Microsoft installer (MSI) files impersonating legitimate Chinese software like DingTalk or QQTalk, which is then used to fetch and execute the loader from a remote server. It's said that the threat actor has been experimenting with these techniques since April 2024."This campaign is under active development; it employs multiple delivery methods and custom payloads designed to maintain persistence and steal sensitive data, then exfiltrate it to the attackers' command-and-control (C&C) servers," Zahravi said.Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Mar 26, 2025The Hacker NewsRansomware / Endpoint SecurityThe Russian-speaking hacking group called RedCurl has been linked to a ransomware campaign for the first time, marking a departure in the threat actor's tradecraft.The activity, observed by Romanian cybersecurity company Bitdefender, involves the deployment of a never-before-seen ransomware strain dubbed QWCrypt.RedCurl, also called Earth Kapre and Red Wolf, has a history of orchestrating corporate espionage attacks aimed at various entities in Canada, Germany, Norway, Russia, Slovenia, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It's known to be active since at least November 2018.Attack chains documented by Group-IB in 2020 entailed the use of spear-phishing emails bearing Human Resources (HR)-themed lures to activate the malware deployment process. Earlier this January, Huntress detailed attacks mounted by the threat actor targeting several organizations in Canada to deploy a loader dubbed RedLoader with "simple backdoor capabilities."Then last month, Canadian cybersecurity company eSentire revealed RedCurl's use of spam PDF attachments masquerading as CVs and Cover letters in phishing messages to sideload the loader malware using the legitimate Adobe executable "ADNotificationManager.exe." The attack sequence detailed by Bitdefender traces the same steps, using mountable disk image (ISO) files disguised as CVs to initiate a multi-stage infection procedure. Present within the disk image is a file that mimics a Windows screensaver (SCR) but, in reality, is the ADNotificationManager.exe binary that's used to execute the loader ("netutils.dll") using DLL side-loading."After execution, the netutils.dll immediately launches a ShellExecuteA call with the open verb, directing the victim's browser to https://secure.indeed.com/auth," Martin Zugec, technical solutions director at Bitdefender, said in a report shared with The Hacker News."This displays a legitimate Indeed login page, a calculated distraction designed to mislead the victim into thinking they are simply opening a CV. This social engineering tactic provides a window for the malware to operate undetected."Image Source: eSentireThe loader, per Bitdefender, also acts as a downloader for a next-stage backdoor DLL, while also establishing persistence on the host by means of a scheduled task. The newly retrieved DLL is then executed using Program Compatibility Assistant (pcalua.exe), a technique detailed by Trend Micro in March 2024.The access afforded by the implant paves the way for lateral movement, allowing the threat actor to navigate the network, gather intelligence, and further escalate their access. But in what appears to be a major pivot from their established modus operandi, one such attack also led to the deployment of ransomware for the first time."This focused targeting can be interpreted as an attempt to inflict maximum damage with minimum effort," Zugec said. "By encrypting the virtual machines hosted on the hypervisors, making them unbootable, RedCurl effectively disables the entire virtualized infrastructure, impacting all hosted services."The ransomware executable, besides employing the bring your own vulnerable driver (BYOVD) technique to disable endpoint security software, takes steps to gather system information prior to launching the encryption routine. What's more, the ransom note dropped following encryption appears to be inspired by LockBit, HardBit, and Mimic groups."This practice of repurposing existing ransom note text raises questions about the origins and motivations of the RedCurl group," Zugec said. "Notably, there is no known dedicated leak site (DLS) associated with this ransomware, and it remains unclear whether the ransom note represents a genuine extortion attempt or a diversion."Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

James M. Connolly, Contributing Editor and WriterMarch 26, 20258 Min ReadCagkan Sayin via Alamy Stock[This article was updated on March 26, 2025, with more recent content]Those wondering about the role of the CIO in the digital age need only look at the keyword in the middle of the title: Chief "information" officer. The corporate world actually isnt just about being digital or data driven. That digital data represents what the organization actually knows: Information about itself, its customers, and its employees, and how that organization does business moving forward.So, the CIO that some organizations virtually locked in the data center for years is today involved in everything from payroll to cybersecurity, e-commerce to environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Their domain extends from coders to clouds.Oh, and the CIO is also now the point person for AI initiatives and defending against AI abuse.This Quick Study takes a look at the role of the CIO these days as recorded by the writers who contribute to InformationWeek. The roles and responsibilities have changed dramatically and surely will continue to shift as the job itself morphs in the years ahead.CIOs, Their Jobs, and the Expanding C-SuiteCISOs in 2025: Evolution of a High-Profile RoleOver the past decade, the chief information security role has evolved from being a supporting position under the CIO or chief risk officer to a core member of the executive team.Emotional Intelligence: An Often-Overlooked IT Leadership SkillStrengthening your emotional intelligence can help you become a more effective and respected leader. Getting started is as easy as mastering a few key attributes.Changing Role of the CIOChief information officers need to lean into the leadership aspects of their role to deal with ongoing changes. Here are five strategic areas to focus on in your job.The CIO Playbook, and the Seldom Run Plays with Big PayoffsIf you want to move beyond just being a CIO in an organization, you have to stretch your boundaries.Bridging the Divide: How to Foster the CIO-CFO PartnershipBuilding a future-proof enterprise through strategic leadership collaboration between the chief information officer and chief financial officer, says the CIO of Workiva.First Days on the Job as a CIOBecoming chief information officer is a goal for many IT professionals. But what do you do when you finally get there?Why Some Newer C-Suite Titles FailCorporate C-suites continue to expand, but the success rate of the newer positions depends on many things.The Value of the Fractional Chief Technology OfficerA fractional CTO can be a great solution to help limit risk, manage teams, and develop cost-effective strategies to help meet the technology demands of an evolving business.Achieving CIO Balance: IT Meets the Business WorldCIOs are being pushed to deliver value to the business and stay on top of technical issues. How can they do both?Todays Blueprint for CIO success: A Shift in MindsetChief information officers can help lead organizations through todays complex macro environment, if they broaden their purview to areas that deliver business outcomes faster.Lessons from Banking on the Role of the Chief Risk OfficerBy using cutting-edge data, analytics, and AI technology, chief risk officers can help their organization drive more effective risk-management strategies.Hey, CIO, We Need AIThe CEO/CIO Dynamic: Navigating GenAI ImplementationBy working together, CEOs and CIOs can fully leverage the benefits of generative AI to drive innovation, improve efficiency, and stay competitive in the market, says KPMG.Leading as a Future-Ready CIO in an AI-Driven WorldCompanies are rethinking their partnership structures, with ecosystems leading as transformative new business models across various industries.How CIOs Can Navigate Their Jobs in the AI EraThe sudden and explosive popularity of AI among the public surprised many, including CIOs. With changing tech priorities, where should CIOs be prioritizing their efforts to be successful? The CIO of Experio offers a look.Reshaping the CIO's Playbook for the AI AgeIn this landscape of rapid change, the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on the role of the chief information officer is profound and far-reaching, according to EY.Fake News, Deepfakes: What Every CIO Should KnowAI advances are making fake news and deepfakes easier than ever. Most organizations arent prepared enough, yet.How Will AI Change the CISO Role?Artificial intelligence arms both defenders and threat actors, rapidly reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. Inevitably, the chief information security officer role must adapt to keep up.How CDAOs and CIOs Can Divide Data and Analytics ResponsibilitiesThe division of responsibilities between CDAOs and CIOs is often disputed, which can create tension and hinder operations, Gartner says. A better approach is to split the work and collaborate as peers.How, When, and Why to Hire a Chief AI OfficerTo develop an effective AI strategy, organizations should consider hiring a permanent CAIO who can align AI initiatives with long-term goals.CIOs and the Great Talent CrunchTaking a Deep Dive into People SkillsThe fundamental people skills -- or chops -- are communicating, collaborating, being a team player, and listening, with the ultimate goal as connecting.Do Women IT Leaders Face a Glass Cliff?Are organizations more likely to promote women to top IT management posts during hopeless crisis situations? Apparently, yes.4 Ways to Create a Workplace that Fosters Diverse LeadersResearch finds that there arent enough women in leadership positions. Here are four ways leaders can create a workplace that fosters more diverse leaders.Soft Skills: The Ultimate Force Multiplier for ITAs the job market shifts and new doors open, its critical for IT leaders to hire talented tech pros who are empathetic, forthcoming, and invested in helping the end user through their work.CIOs, Innovation, Their Budgets and ROIThe Case for a Fractional CIOWhat is a fractional CIO and when does hiring one make sense versus taking on a full-time executive?IT Leaders as Advocates for Continual ChangeWhile IT leaders have their finger on the pulse of tech advances, its crucial to work closely with business leaders ensuring strategy is aligned with business outcomes.CEOs Deploy CIOs for Digital LeadershipSuccessful CIOs must become agents for change, bolster their collaboration prowess and adopt a business first mindset, as CEOs lean on them to lead digital transformation.CIOs and the Right Tech in the Right Place5 Ways a CIO Can Assess the IT Landscape in a New RoleOnce settled into a new workspace and role, IT leaders can begin to assess how their new department works (and doesn't) in five key areas.ITs Key Role in Planting ESG EffortEnvironmental, social and governance (ESG) is an emerging area of focus for companies that could loom large in the future. How can CIOs plan for this today?CIO Compensation May Soon Be Tied to Green Data CentersLike it or not, the potential of green data center savings puts CIOs on the front line in the fight for sustainability.The Voices of Today's CIOsIntel CIO Motti Finkelstein on C-Suite Communication, Sustainable AI, and FutureFinkelstein must lead the chip giants IT team as the company embarks on its sprawling and ambitious foundry goals.Technology Leadership: The Sky Isnt the LimitHere are six lessons that flying taught me about being a leader, says the CIO of Nutanix.Former Microsoft CIO Jim DuBois Dishes On AI and Future of ITThe industry veteran and author looks beyond hype around generative language models as businesses begin adopting emerging technologies at a feverish pace.Q&A: Aflac US CIO Shelia Anderson Talks AI, Data, and CloudAutomating claims processing and other functions currently see more play with the insurer than ChatGPT, but Aflacs AI journey is still underway.Q&A: US Patent and Trademark Office's CIO on Cloud and DevSecOpsJamie Holcombe talks about developing a software factory drawing upon DevSecOps methodology and GitLab to help it modernize software development within his agency.About the AuthorJames M. ConnollyContributing Editor and WriterJim Connolly is a versatile and experienced freelance technology journalist who has reported on IT trends for more than three decades. He was previouslyeditorial director of InformationWeek and Network Computing, where heoversaw the day-to-day planning and editing on the sites. He has written about enterprise computing, data analytics, the PC revolution, the evolution of the Internet, networking, IT management, and the ongoing shift to cloud-based services and mobility. He has covered breaking industry news and has led teams focused on product reviews and technology trends. He has concentrated on serving the information needs of IT decision-makers in large organizations and has worked with those managers to help them learn from their peers and share their experiences in implementing leading-edge technologies through such publications as Computerworld. Jim also has helped to launch a technology-focused startup, as one of the founding editors at TechTarget, and has served as editor of an established news organization focused on technology startups at MassHighTech.See more from James M. ConnollyReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

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This is today's edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology. China built hundreds of AI data centers to catch the AI boom. Now many stand unused. Just months ago, Chinas boom in data center construction was at its height, fueled by both government and private investors. Renting out GPUs to companies that need them for training AI models was once seen as a sure bet. But with the rise of DeepSeek and a sudden change in the economics around AI, the industry is faltering. Prices for GPUs are falling and many newly built facilities are now sitting empty. Read the full story to find out why. Caiwei Chen OpenAIs new image generator aims to be practical enough for designers and advertisers Whats new? OpenAI has released a new image generator thats designed less for typical surrealist AI art and more for highly controllable and practical creation of visualsa sign that OpenAI thinks its tools are ready for use in fields like advertising and graphic design. Why it matters: While most AI models have been great at creating fantastical images or realistic deepfakes, theyve been terrible at identifying certain objects correctly and putting them in their proper place. OpenAIs new model makes progress on technical issues that have plagued AI image generators for years. But in entering this domain, OpenAI has two paths, both difficult. Read the full story. The AI Hype Index: DeepSeek mania, Israels spying tool, and cheating at chess Separating AI reality from hyped-up fiction isnt always easy. Thats why weve created the AI Hype Indexa simple, at-a-glance summary of everything you need to know about the state of the industry. Take a look at the full index here. The must-reads Ive combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 The Trump administration has barred 80 companies from buying US tech The list of primarily Chinese firms is forbidden from buying American chips. (NYT $)+ The list included a server maker that buys chips from Nvidia. (WSJ $)+ China disputed claims the firms were seeking knowledge for military purposes. (AP News)2 A DOGE staffer provided tech support to a cybercrime ring And bragged about trafficking in stolen data and cyberstalking an FBI agent. (Reuters)+ Elon Musk could use DOGEs cuts to steer contracts towards his own firms. (The Guardian)+ Can AI help DOGE slash government budgets? Its complex. (MIT Technology Review) 3 The US government has hired a vaccine skeptic to conduct a major vaccine study The long-discredited David Geier will oversee analysis of whether jabs cause autism. (WP $)+ The White House appears to be targeting mRNA vaccines. (FT $)+ Why childhood vaccines are a public health success story. (MIT Technology Review)4 Microsoft has unveiled two deep reasoning Copilot AI agents The two agents, called Researcher and Analyst, are designed to do just that. (The Verge)+ How ChatGPT search paves the way for AI agents. (MIT Technology Review)5 Inside the rise of Chinese hacking The cyber threat posed by the country is increasingly sophisticatedand aggressive. (Economist $)6 Google has instructed workers to remove DEI terms from their workThe company has offered up alternative language to use in its place.(The Information $) 7 Synthesia is offering shares to reward human actors for its AI avatarsThe compensation scheme is the first of its kind. (FT $) + Synthesias hyperrealistic deepfakes will soon have full bodies. (MIT Technology Review)8 Chinas RedNote is working to keep its influx of TikTok refugeesTo do so, itll need to expand its user base outside the Chinese diaspora. (Rest of World) 9 This operating system is designed to keep running during civilizations collapse Collapse OS is designed to give us access to lost knowledge in case of disaster. (Wired $)10 No one really knows how long people live Longevity research is bogged down in bad record-keeping. (NY Mag $)+ The quest to legitimize longevity medicine. (MIT Technology Review) Quote of the day There are so many great reasons to be on Signal. Now including the opportunity for the vice president of the United States of America to randomly add you to a group chat for coordination of sensitive military operations. Moxie Marlinspike, founder of secure messaging platform Signal, pokes fun at the fallout surrounding US officials accidentally adding a journalist to a private military group chat in a post on X. The big story Longevity enthusiasts want to create their own independent state. Theyre eyeing Rhode Island. May 2023 Jessica Hamzelou I recently traveled to Montenegro for a gathering of longevity enthusiasts. All the attendees were super friendly, and the sense of optimism was palpable. Theyre all confident well be able to find a way to slow or reverse agingand they have a bold plan to speed up progress. Around 780 of these people have created a pop-up city that hopes to circumvent the traditional process of clinical trials. They want to create an independent state where like-minded innovators can work together in an all-new jurisdiction that gives them free rein to self-experiment with unproven drugs. Welcome to Zuzalu. Read the full story. We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet 'em at me.) + Good newsit turns out that fungi are actually pretty good at saving imperiled plants.+ Ever wondered what ancient Egyptian mummy remains smell like? These intrepid scientists found out.+ Kudos to this terrible artist, who is a surprise smash hit.+ Check out this handy guide to walking the path of everyday enlightenment.

Network Rails plans to build an office tower above Liverpool Street station are expected to be submitted next monthNetwork Rail will submit plans for its revised plans to redevelop Liverpool Street station in the next few weeks, Building understands.A planning application for the 1bn project will be submitted to the City of London in April afterNetwork Rail first unveiled its new plans to build an office tower above the UKs busiest train station last November, replacing previous lead architect Herzog & de Meuron with Acme and dropping Sellar as development partner.The transport operator had hoped the revised proposal would be submitted by January this year.It is likely that it will take City planning officers several months to validate the new application before making it publicly available due to the size and complexity of the scheme.Sellar and Herzog & de Meurons radically different proposals were submitted in May 2023 but took more than five months to appear on the councils planning portal.> Also read:We hope to be a good neighbour: how the new Liverpool Street station team is rethinking Londons most controversial projectThe schemes complexity is due to the need to balance multiple transport modes, including overground rail, underground and the Elizabeth Line as well as the heritage aspects of the stations grade II-listed train shed.The previous application was scrapped after amassing more than 2,200 objections from members of the public, campaign groups, leading built environment figures and celebrities as part of a backlash against the schemes perceived harm on the Victorian building.Herzog & de Meuron's contemporary proposals for the Victorian station were scrapped after provoking a backlash from heritage campaignersAcme's radically different designs for the station concourse are aiming to preserve more of the train shed's Victorian character1/2show captionThe Victorian Society, which led the campaign against the plans, has maintained its opposition to Acmes new proposals despite efforts by the practice to create a more heritage-focused scheme which preserves more of the stations character.Under plans unveiled last autumn, a 21-storey office development would be built above the main station building, requiring large parts of the roof of a 1980s extension to the train shed to be demolished.The concourse areas would also be reconfigured, moving retail areas which currently block views through the train shed to the side of the building and creating a pedestrian route through the entire building from Liverpool Street to Exchange Square.The grade II*-listed former Great Eastern Hotel which adjoins the site, which would have been transformed into concourse and commercial space under the previous plans, would not be included in Acmes new plans.