When Brynn Putnam sold her last company, Mirror, to Lululemon for $500 million at the start of the pandemic, it looked to this editor like shed sold the smart fitness company too soon.Instead, the timing proved brilliant. The home fitness craze crashed nearly as abruptly as it peaked during that first year of lockdowns. Meanwhile, after a year as a general manager at Lululemon, Putnam had new operating insights, a big win under her belt, and a fresh idea that she has since turned into a new company that will launch publicly in 2025.The venture firm Lerer Hippeau has already participated in a highly competitive round for that stealthy startup the firm led Mirrors $3 million seed round years ago, too and on Wednesday night in New York, I sat down with both Lerer Hippeau managing partner Ben Lerer and Putnam to talk about what she is building. We also talked about a broader rebound thats happening at long last for consumer tech some of it being led by founders who led the last wave of successful consumer startups.Following are excerpts from that chat, edited lightly for length. You can also watch the full interview below.Ben Lerer on writing that first check: When we invested [in Mirror], Brynn had a very convincing but totally janky demo, which was basically a sort of like a two-way mirror with a computer screen behind it to show you what a mirror would look like if she was able to raise tens of millions of dollars to actually produce such a thing. Really interestingly, she had designed a contraption that was proprietary to her [own line of boutique gyms at the time] . . . and when we saw it, it was just clear that Brynn was not just a clever business builder who had built a good gym brand for herself but was also an inventor. Brynn won us over very, very quickly, and maybe we looked crazy for a few years, but eventually less so.Brynn Putnam on selling Mirror just four years after founding it:We werent for sale. We werent looking for an acquirer. We had just really launched. But we had a longtime partnership with Lululemon. I had worked with them at my gyms for about a decade, and we had been spending a lot of time with them, making content and doing interesting events with them, and it just felt like the right fit for us to be able to really take Mirror into homes across the world with speed and certainty. We really just felt like it was this opportunity we couldnt pass on.As for whether Lerer weighed in with advice on that sale, he said:I did have an opinion on it. Look, venture is a funny business because of the power law and the idea that youre supposed to take these moonshots and youre going to have a bunch of losses but your big wins are going to change the whole world. I believe in the power law, but I also think sometimes venture loses sight of just really basic, good, sound business decision-making. And there are some general truths in business, like: sell when others are greedy, and buy when others are scared. You dont always have to continue to go back to the casino again and again and again. In this case, when Brynn came and said, Hey, I got this offer, Im really thinking about taking it, I said, Yeah, you should do this for you; this is amazing for us. And if youre getting pushback from other folks [like later-stage investors with a different cost basis], Im happy to try to be helpful, but youre frankly much more forceful and powerful than I am and youll take care of this. For a year or two after, I think Brynn probably got some people who second-guessed it, and now I think people see the arc of the entire category and realize it was just a totally brilliant move.Putnam on working afterward as an exec at Lululemon, which later threw in the towel on Mirror:An investor who I admire . . .told me at the time that I should be gracious and learn, that throughout the life of your company, youre selling your company. Youre selling it in small pieces, or youre selling it in bigger pieces, but youre always selling your company. And the best thing you can do once you have made the decision to sell, is to really learn as much as you can from this business that youve chosen to sell to and try to tackle something with purpose in this new role. And that is what I did. And I learned an incredible amount in the year that I was there, and it was incredibly interesting. But I think ultimately, when you go from being a founder and CEO to effectively the general manager of a division, its a very large change, and for some people, its a fit. And for me, it just was not. Im really a builder.Putnam on what led her to develop her new startup:When I left Lululemon, I was really just at a different stage of my life. I went from being pregnant to then having two children, and really, I just took stock of what was important to me at that point. Mirror was very much about me. It was my reflection, my performance, it was about making your own self better. At that next phase, my life was really just much more about my family and my friends and my relationships and those things that I was finding important. I was really struggling to find quality time with my loved ones the way that I had growing up you know, we would sit around the table and have a meal, play a board game, look each other in the face. For my kids who have grown up glued to iPads or smartphones, the experience of quality time was more challenging.So I really started to think about, how could I take what I learned at Mirror and apply those lessons to the category of play? How could I use tech to build better social relationships and connections? And thats what Im working on now. Its a new consumer hardware company, but in the gaming space rather than fitness, really geared towards how we spend time together face to face, where technology is not the experience but really an enabler to building better relationships.Asked if her new product is for children (or if it fits in ones pocket, or one wears it on their face), Putnam answered:Its for everyone. Its for friends and families spending time together. Its not a kids company, although we do hope youll participate with your kids. Its not an education company, although we do hope that people find it interesting and strategic and creative, but its really about using tech to connect people to each other. (Here Lerer declared he was sworn to secrecy by Putnam.)Putnam on the confluence of AI and hardware and software that seems very much top of mind for founders and investors suddenly:I think were about to enter a golden age of hardware. All the VCs here are going to be so excited to invest in hardware founders soon, hopefully [because a] few things are happening. The iPhone came out 17 years ago, and we havent really had a mainstream consumer hardware success story since Oculus. I think theres an opportunity on the market for something new. A lot of the core components of these technologies are becoming a lot more mature and therefore affordable, so being able to build, in our case, display technologies, is possible in a way now that it wasnt 10 years ago. And then obviously AI is opening the door for how we interact with our devices. So naturally, there will be new devices on the market. Were betting on this idea of not another personal computer but rather a new shared device in the home, which is what we did with Mirror and what were doing again here. This idea that there will be a piece of tech that helps bring your house and family together is where we think the future is headed.On not focusing too much on the technical specifications of hardware but focusing more on the overall experience being created, Putnam said:I learned recently about Nintendos design philosophy. They have this concept that they use withered technology with lateral thinking. So the idea is using mature, affordable, more readily available technologies but creating a really interesting experience around them, and that is what we did with Mirror. It was rather commodity hardware. It wasnt frontier tech. And [thats] what were doing again now.On bringing family and friends together as an investing theme (here, this editor brought up the new startup of Bonobos co-founder Andy Dunn, Pie, which focuses on bringing people together offline), Lerer said:Im an investor [in Pie]! Look, I have young kids and I have the same challenges that all my friends have and everyone has: were all hopelessly addicted to these devices, and at a high level, were interested in alternatives to that addiction and new formats of entertainment or opportunities to get people off of screens or out in the world. We very recently did a [related] deal thats not yet announced in an application layer AI company in the travel space that Im really excited about. And we just announced a deal this past week in another application layer company in the aftermarket automotive space, which is actually the biggest hobbyist area by spend in the U.S.Finding ways to tap into peoples passions is always a good bet in the consumer space.On the feeling that consumer as a category is swinging back including thanks to a new $500 million fund announced this past week by the well-known consumer-focused firm Forerunner Ventures, Lerer said:As a fund, were founder first, but were also New York first, and [with] the first [founder] generations of New York in the early 2010s, there was a lot of consumer, a lot of media, a lot of direct to consumer commerce. And there were a few trends that really drove that. You had the rise of the iPhone and the App Store. You had social media exploding and the arbitrage ad ecosystem opportunity to go and grab customers faster than ever. Maybe the rise of Shopify as well created a great time to go build consumer businesses with a wide open imagination.Over the last four, five, six years, theres been very little in terms of big tech changes that inspire people to do anything that doesnt feel incremental. And I do think that AI is that catalyst right now. Were seeing a very high quality group of founders saying, Nows the time to get back in the pool. There are things that are possible today that werent possible six months ago or a year ago, and the slope is steep right now in terms of using your imagination. So Im more excited about consumer than Ive been in a long time, which is really exciting for me because thats my passion. I built a consumer business. I love investing in consumer founders, and its been pretty crappy the last few years, quite frankly.

Whats the best gift you can get someone? Why, the gift of travel, of course. The next best is something to enhance the travel experience. As fun and enlightening as seeing new places is, the whole part of getting there can detract from the overall experience, especially for those who find themselves traveling a lot for work.Thats a camp I fall into, and as such, Ive been curating a selection of gadgets that help make the process of getting from point A to point B a little less arduous. Everything included below is something I use myself and will happily recommend to anyone youre shopping for.Apple AirTag $29; 4 for $99Image Credits:James D. Morgan / Contributor / Getty ImagesAirTags and Find My have reprogrammed my brain to a degree that probably isnt healthy. Any time I misplace something now, my first thought is to reach for my phone. Sadly, the technology isnt quite that ubiquitous for now.Even so, these little watch-battery-powered accessories deliver a lot of peace of mind when it comes to keeping track of your valuables. Pop an AirTag on your luggage, and thats one less thing to worry about while traveling.Bose QuietComfort Ultra $429Image Credits:Brian HeaterThe latest (and priciest) entry in Boses perennial favorite travel headphone line look, feel, and sound great. As far as travel companions go for long trips, you cant beat the QuietComfort Ultra.Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3 $1,099Image Credits:Brian HeaterIf you really want to treat someone this year, the current MacBook Air is a truly excellent travel companion. In fact, the Air is the best laptop Apple has ever made. My one hesitation in recommending it for the holidays is that Apple has yet to introduce an M4 version of the machine. The truth is, however, the M3 is more than enough for most. Heck, even the M2 version which starts at $999 is fully capable of running Apples new AI suite.Native Union Voyage 2 charger $100Image Credits:Brian HeaterThis versatile and extremely slim little charger can manage your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch. For those who appreciate the freedom of checking in without checking luggage, accessories dont get much smaller than the Voyage 2. At $100, the price is perhaps a bit steep, but isnt the whole point of gift-giving getting something for someone they wouldnt get for themselves?Nintendo Switch Lite $199Image Credits:Brian HeaterWith Nintendo set to announce its latest console sometime next year, the 2024 holiday season may well bring some deep discounts on products getting a bit long in the tooth. In fact, the portable-only Switch Lite has already had around 10% of its price shaved off on places like Amazon.Ozlo Sleepbuds $299Image Credits:Brian HeaterI put these earbuds in last years guide, even though they hadnt actually come out yet. Hardware is hard, and the launch was pushed back several times. Now the Ozlo Sleepbuds are here, and Im happy to include them again. Im not the sleepy type, but these buds have me out like a light. I plan to take them on all future trips.Kindle Paperwhite $160Image Credits:AmazonThe Colorsoft is a fun novelty, but I currently cant recommend it over Amazons tried-and-true Paperwhite. Its the best-selling Kindle for good reason, and a recent upgrade brings faster page turns and more storage.

TRUMPF, a German leader in machine tools and laser technology, is set to debut its enhanced TruPrint 3000 3D printer at Formnext 2024, the international exhibition dedicated to additive manufacturing, scheduled for November 19 to 22. The enhanced system incorporates new dual 700-watt fiber lasers and an advanced cooling system. It is engineered to meet the high-output demands of sectors such as automotive and aerospace that require durable, precision-manufactured components.The upgraded TruPrint 3000 is equipped with Automatic Multilaser Alignment (AMA), which keeps the power of its dual 700-watt lasers stable, a necessary feature for producing consistent, high-quality parts. An integrated cooling system provides precise temperature control within the build platform, allowing full laser capacity operation without risking material degradation from overheating. This thermal stability is particularly significant for working with heat-sensitive metals, such as aluminum alloys, that can experience reduced strength under uncontrolled temperature fluctuations. Roland Spiegelhalder, Product Manager for Additive Manufacturing at TRUMPF, explained, The TruPrint 3000 is engineered for volume production of high-quality parts, serving industries with stringent durability standards.TruPrint 3000 with dual 700-watt lasers for high-precision 3D printing. Photo via TRUMPF.The cooling integration also enhances solidification rates, enabling parts with better durability and repeatabilitytwo factors critical to applications like crash-resistant automotive components, which require uncompromised material integrity. The enhanced system reduces the need for manual adjustments, supporting consistency across production runs and addressing high-throughput manufacturing needs.TRUMPFs engineers also increased the laser spot size from 80 to 200 micrometers, optimizing the systems speed by allowing it to cover a larger area on the build plate without sacrificing precision. This adjustment enables faster production cycles while maintaining part quality, ensuring the TruPrint 3000 meets the efficiency requirements of high-volume applications in industries with stringent quality standards.TruPrint 3000s laser bed in action, manufacturing metal parts. Photo via TRUMPF.The Future of Additive Manufacturing at Formnext 2024Formnext 2024 will feature around 860 exhibitors showcasing additive manufacturing advancements. In a recent interview with Mesago, the event organizers discussed strategies to maximize the event experience and highlighted industry perspectives on additive manufacturings trajectory. Despite global economic pressures, the sector remains optimistic, with many companies projecting growth in both domestic and international markets.Central themes for this years event include the adoption of high-performance polymers and metal alloys, advances in sustainable manufacturing practices, and the increasing role of artificial intelligence in streamlining production processes and improving quality control.Another major exhibitor, 3D Systems, will launch a range of new 3D printing technologies and materials at Formnext 2024. The company will introduce the PSLA 270, a high-speed SLA system designed for industrial workflows, alongside post-processing solutions like the Wash 400/Wash 400F and Cure 400. These systems aim to streamline operations in regulated industries such as energy and healthcare by automating resin cleaning and enhancing UV curing processes.The company will also present advanced materials, including Figure 4 Rigid Composite White and Accura AMX Rigid Composite White, which are engineered for applications requiring high stiffness and durability, such as wind tunnel testing and tooling. The companys selective laser sintering (SLS) and multi-jet printing (MJP) material portfolios will be expanded, alongside the Delfin INVAC 3D powder management system for metal 3D printing.3D Systems PSLA 270 solution accelerates time to part for production applications. Image via 3D Systems.Your voice matters in the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards. Vote Now!What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured Image showcases the TruPrint 3000 with dual 700-watt lasers for high-precision 3D printing. Photo via TRUMPF.

Published November 16, 2024 6:00am EST close How VPNs shield your identity and secure your financial transactions from theft A VPN could be your secret weapon to protect your identity and finances. Many people turn to VPNs virtual private networks for added privacy and security online, only to find that their internet speeds suddenly slow to a crawl. But what exactly does a VPN do, and why might it cause this slowdown?A VPN works by creating a secure, encrypted pathway between your device and the internet, keeping your data private from hackers, advertisers and anyone else trying to monitor your activity. This encryption process also allows you to browse as if youre in a different location, which can help access content that may be restricted where you are.Just ask Terry from Reno, who recently reached out with this frustration:"My VPN slows down my phone to the point where I can't open the apps! Help!"Youre not alone, Terry. VPNs are fantastic tools for safeguarding data and unlocking restricted content, but that extra layer of protection and location masking can sometimes slow things down. The good news? There are several ways to keep your VPN running smoothly without sacrificing security. Let's dive in. A woman using a VPN on her laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Make sure it's actually the VPNBefore we blame the VPN, let's make sure it's really the culprit. Here's a quick test:1. Disconnect from your VPN: Close your VPN application completely or turn off the VPN connection in your device settings.2. Run a speed test at Speedtest.net and note the results: Click the "Go" button and wait for the test to complete. Write down your download and upload speeds, as well as the ping.3. Connect to your VPN: Open your VPN application and connect to your preferred server. Wait until the connection is fully established.4. Run the speed test again: Refresh the Speedtest.net page to ensure it detects your new location, then run the test again. Note down the new results.If your VPN-connected speeds are less than about 60% of your normal speeds, then Houston, we have a VPN problem. If the difference is minimal, you may just need to optimize your base internet connection first. A woman using a VPN on her cellphone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Fixing VPN speed issuesWhen encountering slow speeds while using a VPN, it's crucial to approach the problem systematically. Assuming the VPN is indeed the bottleneck in your connection, there are several steps you can employ to potentially boost your speeds and improve your overall experience.1. Switch VPN serversThe physical distance between you and the VPN server location plays a significant role in connection speeds. Opting for a server closer to your geographical location can often result in a noticeable improvement. If you need to connect to a specific country for content access or other reasons, experiment with different cities within that country. Many VPN providers offer multiple server options in popular locations. Additionally, some VPNs display server load information, which can be incredibly useful. Connecting to a less crowded server typically yields faster speeds, as you're sharing fewer resources with other users.CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS Various server locations available on VPN. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)2. Tweak VPN settingsAdjusting your VPN settings can lead to performance enhancements. If your VPN service allows for customization, consider lowering the encryption level from 256-bit to 128-bit AES. While 256-bit encryption is incredibly secure, it can sometimes impact speed. The 128-bit AES encryption is still considered very secure for most purposes and may offer a speed boost. Another setting to look for is the WireGuard protocol. If your VPN provider offers this newer protocol, enabling it could significantly improve your connection speed, as it's designed to be both faster and more efficient than older protocols. For those using the OpenVPN protocol, switching from TCP to UDP can often result in faster speeds. However, approach these changes cautiously, especially if you're not entirely sure about their implications. Avoid disabling critical security features in your quest for speed.3. Change VPN protocolsDifferent protocols offer varying levels of speed and security. Generally, protocols like PPTP, L2TP and IKEv2 are known for their speed but may not provide the highest level of security. OpenVPN is often the default choice as it strikes a good balance between speed and security. If you decide to stick with OpenVPN, which is recommended for most users, try switching from TCP to UDP. This simple change can potentially provide a noticeable speed boost without compromising security.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE4. Update your VPN appKeeping your VPN application up to date is essential for ensuring optimal performance and security. VPN providers frequently release updates that not only enhance the overall functionality of their software but also address any bugs or vulnerabilities that may have been discovered. An outdated VPN app can lead to compatibility issues with your operating system, which can hinder performance and reduce connection speeds. Therefore, it is advisable to regularly check for updates within your VPN app's settings or visit the provider's official website to download the latest version. Additionally, many VPN services offer an automatic update feature, which you should enable to ensure that you are always using the most current version of the software without having to remember to do it manually.5. Close background apps and optimize your deviceTo improve your VPN speed, it is important to minimize the load on your device by closing unnecessary applications running in the background. Many applications consume bandwidth and processing power, which can significantly affect your VPN's performance. For instance, streaming services, file-sharing programs or even software that automatically updates can slow down your connection. Before connecting to your VPN, take a moment to close these apps and consider disabling any auto-sync features temporarily.Also, restarting your device before initiating a VPN connection is also a good practice, as it clears temporary files and frees up memory, allowing for a smoother experience.6. Consider a faster VPN serviceIf you have tried various troubleshooting methods and your current VPN service still fails to deliver satisfactory speeds, it may be time to explore other options. The market is filled with numerous VPN providers that emphasize speed and reliability, so conducting thorough research is essential. Look for services that boast a large network of servers strategically located around the world, as this can significantly enhance connection speeds. Many top-tier VPN providers offer free trials or money-back guarantees, allowing you to test their performance without any financial risk. When evaluating potential new services, consider not only their speed but also their security features, privacy policies and customer support options. By making an informed choice, you can find a VPN that meets both your speed requirements and security needs effectively.Remember, while these strategies can help optimize your VPN speed, it's important to have realistic expectations. Your base internet speed, provided by your internet service provider (ISP), will always be the ultimate limiting factor. No VPN can make your connection faster than the maximum speed your ISP provides. However, by implementing these techniques, you can ensure that you're getting the most out of your VPN connection and minimizing any unnecessary slowdowns. A woman using a VPN on her tablet. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Find the perfect VPNRegardless of whether you are new to VPNs or in need of a faster, more secure option, youll want to choose trusted VPN providers known for robust encryption and no-log policies to ensure your privacy. Whether for sensitive tasks or everyday use, reputable VPN services will boost both your security and speed.For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devicesKurt's key takeawaysVPNs are incredible privacy tools, but they shouldn't cripple your internet experience. With a bit of tweaking, you should be able to find a sweet spot between speed and security. And Terry, I hope these tips help get your phone apps running smoothly again. Remember, a good VPN might slow things down a tad, but it shouldn't make your device unusable. If nothing here helps, definitely reach out to your VPN's support team or consider trying a different service.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat challenges have you faced when trying to balance VPN security with connection speed, and how did you overcome them? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

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UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones (L) kicks challenger Stipe Miocic (R) during their UFC 309 ... [+] heavyweight title bout at Madison Square Garden in New York, on November 16, 2024. (Photo by Kena Betancur / AFP) (Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images)AFP via Getty ImagesJon Jones successfully defended his UFC heavyweight championship in a dominant performance. Jones destroyed Stipe Miocic, scoring a third-round KO victory that sent the Madison Square Garden crowd into a frenzy.Take a look at Jones finish via spinning backkick.After the fight, several current and former world champions took to social media to react to Jones victory. Former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos congratulated his countryman Charles Oliveira, who prevailed over Michael Chandler in the co-main event, and Jones.Former UFC mens bantamweight champion and fellow New Yorker Aljamain Sterling lauded Jones uses of the spinning back kick.Reigning mens bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili gives it up for Jones, calling him the G.O.A.T.Injured UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad suspects Jones kick broke Miocics ribs.Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill called Jones performance dominant, as usual.Former two-division champion Henry Cejudo says Jones is and will always be the G.O.A.T.Interestingly, former UFC heavyweight champion and current Professional Fighters League Superfights champ Francis Ngannou complimented Jones performance. He said, I see you.Read More: UFC 309 Results: Bonus Winners And HighlightsFans never got to see a fight between Jones and Ngannou, and now that they are with different promotions, the chances are even slimmer that well ever see the dream fight.Thankfully for the UFC, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has emerged as a more practical dream fight for Jones. Based on Jones post-fight interview, it sounds like the fight will happen sometime next year.Here are all of the results from UFC 309. The winners of performance bonuses are marked with a trophy emoji.UFC 309 ResultsMain Card(c) Jon Jones def. No. 8 Stipe Miocic Via Third-Round TKONo. 2 Charles Oliveira def. No. 7 Michael Chandler Via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45) - Fight of the NightBo Nickal def. Paul Craig Via Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)No. 9 Viviane Araujo def. No. 5 Karine Silva Via Unanimous Decision (29-28x3)Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop Via Unanimous Decision (29-28x3)PrelimsMarcus McGhee def. No. 13 Jonathan Martinez Via Unanimous Decision (29-28x3)Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders - CANCELEDJim Miller def. Damon Jackson Via First-Round Submission (Guillotine)David Onama def. Roberto Romero Via Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)No. 9 Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz Via Second-Round TKOEarly PrelimsRamiz Brahimaj def. Mickey Gall Via First-Round KOOban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez Via Third-Round KOEduardo Moura def. Veronica Hardy Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28x2)Whats Next For the UFC?The UFC will be in Macau on November 23. The card is strong but fans will need to stay up late or get up early to watch.Here is the full card.Petr Yan vs. Deiveson FigueiredoXiaonan Yan vs. Tabatha RicciOzzy Diaz vs. Mingyang ZhangKenan Song vs. Muslim SalikhovCong Wang vs. Gabriella FernandesVolkan Oezdemir vs. Carlos UlbergCarlos Hernandez vs. Nyamjargal TumendemberelXiaocan Feng vs. Ming ShiKiru Sahota vs. Dong Hoon ChoiSu Young You vs. Balgyn JenisulyKangjie Zhu vs. Bin XieLoneer Kavanagh vs. Jose OchoaLong Xiao vs. Quang LeMaheshate Hayisaer vs. Nikolas MottaLook out for fight week coverage as we move towards the event.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: (L-R) Stipe Miocic of the United States of America and Jon Jones ... [+] of the United States of America trade hits in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCJon Jones was dominant in the UFC 309 main event. The G.O.A.T successfully defended his heavyweight title and pounded Stipe Miocic into retirement in the process.After two-plus lopsided rounds, Jones got the finish in the third with a spinning backkick that led to the TKO win.Take a look at the finish.Jones earned one of three individual Performance of the Night.After the fight, Miocic called it a career. The 42-year-old looked slow and miles past his prime against Jones. Miocics performance makes you wonder if he should have been in the Octagon with Jones on Saturday.As it was, Miocic ended an epic career that will conclude with him being one of the greatest heavyweights of all time. In the co-main event, Charles Oliveira won a unanimous decision over Michael Chandler in their rematch. The fight was entertaining from start to finish, but the fifth round was one for the ages.After Oliveira dominated the first four rounds, Chandler landed a huge right hand in the fifth, putting the Brazilian in peril. Chandler couldnt get the finish as Oliveira recuperated and took Chandlers back to set up a memorable moment.MORE FOR YOUChandler showed off his power as he stood to his feet like a superhero and fell backward, driving his weight into his opponent.Take a look at the moment; the MSG crowd went crazy.This moment and the entire fifth round helped secure both men's Fight of the Night bonus. It was the third FOTN bonus for Oliveira and Chandler.Here is a look at all of the results from UFC 309. Every fighter who wins a bonus has a trophy emoji and a highlight of their win.UFC 309 ResultsMain Card(c) Jon Jones def. No. 8 Stipe Miocic Via Third-Round TKONo. 2 Charles Oliveira def. No. 7 Michael Chandler Via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-45) - Fight of the NightBo Nickal def. Paul Craig Via Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)No. 9 Viviane Araujo def. No. 5 Karine Silva Via Unanimous Decision (29-28x3)Mauricio Ruffy def. James Llontop Via Unanimous Decision (29-28x3)PrelimsMarcus McGhee def. No. 13 Jonathan Martinez Via Unanimous Decision (29-28x3)Chris Weidman vs. Eryk Anders - CANCELEDJim Miller def. Damon Jackson Via First-Round Submission (Guillotine)David Onama def. Roberto Romero Via Unanimous Decision (30-27x3)No. 9 Marcin Tybura def. Jhonata Diniz Via Second-Round TKOEarly PrelimsRamiz Brahimaj def. Mickey Gall Via First-Round KOBrahimaj melted Gall with a huge right hand to secure a KO win during the early prelims.Oban Elliott def. Bassil Hafez Via Third-Round KOAfter a tactical first two rounds, Elliott showed why the UFC is so high on him. Elliott landed a powerful right hand that dropped Hafez and led to the KO win.Eduardo Moura def. Veronica Hardy Via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28x2)Whats Next For the UFC?The UFC heads to Macau on November 23 with a very good card featuring newly re-signed former UFC bantamweight champion Petr Yan facing Deiveson Figueiredo.Here is the full card.Petr Yan vs. Deiveson FigueiredoXiaonan Yan vs. Tabatha RicciOzzy Diaz vs. Mingyang ZhangKenan Song vs. Muslim SalikhovCong Wang vs. Gabriella FernandesVolkan Oezdemir vs. Carlos UlbergCarlos Hernandez vs. Nyamjargal TumendemberelXiaocan Feng vs. Ming ShiKiru Sahota vs. Dong Hoon ChoiSu Young You vs. Balgyn JenisulyKangjie Zhu vs. Bin XieLoneer Kavanagh vs. Jose OchoaLong Xiao vs. Quang LeMaheshate Hayisaer vs. Nikolas Motta

KEY FACTSFunds are pouring into Pepe Unchaineds ($PEPU) presale at a staggering $1M per day, and it is on track to amass over $50M.With its revolutionary Ethereum Layer-2 (L2) platform, Pepes Pump Pad could blow pump.fun out of the water.Allowing users to create their own meme coins in just a few clicks, Pump Pad will be easier, more rewarding, and more competitive than pump.fun.With just 27 presale days left, join the $PEPU community for the chance to turn a $1K investment into $700K.The groundbreaking Ethereum L2 platform, Pepe Unchained ($PEPU), has raised an impressive $30M in its ongoing ICO. Now, its getting ready to replicate PEPEs extraordinary 763x growth.With funds pouring in at an astounding $1M per day, Pepe Unchained may amass more than $50M in contributions. This feat will cement its status as a must-watch project for savvy investors. The fact that a Pepe ecosystem will run on its own blockchain is fueling unparalleled excitement and FOMO among crypto enthusiasts.At the center of this frenzy is the much-anticipated Pepes Pump Pad, a meme-coin launchpad rivaling pump.fun. Unlike its competitor, Pepes Pump Pad will leverage the Ethereum blockchain instead of Solana, delivering a robust and scalable solution.With Pepes Pump Pad, users will be able to create and launch meme coins with just a few clicks. The launchpad will leverage bonding curves to accelerate price growth as demand surges. It costs 0.02 $SOL (about $4) to mint a coin on pump.fun. However, Pepes Pump Pad promises to streamline the process with the advantage of a dedicated blockchain.If a newly minted token sees sales ramp up, then the price will rise. The coin lists on Raydium if it commands sufficient liquidity. In the case of pump.fun, thats a market capitalization of $69K.https://x.com/pepe_unchained/status/1857130992936399062We dont yet know the exact details of how Pepes Pump Pad will work. However, sources in the know say it will have similar dynamics and is almost ready for prime time. While Pump Pad will be similar to pump.fun, it will be better, even easier to use, and even more rewarding.Pepe Unchained has the advantage of having its own blockchain, enabling it to design system efficiencies and incentives that deliver more value for users than seen at pump.fun.As well as the launch charge, pump.fun pockets a 1% transaction fee. Pepe Unchained hasnt yet disclosed the exact economics of Pump Pad, but itll probably be a more competitive offering, at least to begin with.If you dont know just how explosive pump.funs growth is that there have been 11,432,662 transactions across the network in the past 24 hours. Thats for a trading volume valued at $3.68B.In just over 19 months, Pepes market valuation has gone from zero to $8.8B. Since its launch in April 2023, the price has rocketed by 76,331.47% (763x).$PEPU has a realistic chance of equalling, if not bettering, Pepes price performance. It has its Pump Pad, its own decentralized exchange, a block explorer, development grants, and more going for it.The Numbers: $102M Market Cap, Whales Are Still Buying, Gigantic Trading VolumesAt the current ICO price of $0.01283 and its total token supply of 8B, the tokens market capitalization is $102M.Of course, $PEPU is not trading on the open market yet, but the ICO valuation indicates price buoyancy when it lists on centralized exchanges.According to CoinGeckos meme coin category rankings, $PEPU went straight into the top 100, at #68, with its $102M market cap. Multiply that by 920x, and $PEPUs market cap will match $PEPEs.So, whats exciting Pepe Unchaineds presale contributors? Theyre drawn by the prospect of turning a $1K investment into $700K.Thats why $PEPU keeps benefitting from the gigantic whale buys; for example, heres one for $50K. And in a bullish statement, the buyer also staked their stash.Source: EtherscanThis is how big FOMO has become. One wallet owner has amassed a holding of 100 $ETH ($310K) worth of $PEPU: 0x8067D35B616E3C49c869dC6192c11b6203a4c7e9.The transaction count of the contributing wallets has mushroomed past 100K on both the Ethereum and BNB chains.Centralized exchanges (CEXs) are taking it as a sign that this is one to watch. Exchanges like nothing better than rising prices and that means high trading volumes.Earlier this week, Coinbase and Robinhood listed Pepe ($PEPE), and the price of this popular anthropomorphic frog jumped 73%. Evidence indeed of how a tier-1 listing can positively impact a coins price.The Pepe Unchained team says that tier-1 CEX listings will come after the presale ends on December 13. Crypto YouTuber Jacob Crypto Bury predicts $PEPU could pump 10x, citing CEX listings as one of the drivers alongside its attractive business model.Use Crypto or Card To Buy Pepe Unchained Today With Best Wallet for a Slick Claim ExperienceTo buy $PEPU, connect your wallet to the Pepe Unchained website. You can use $ETH, $USDT, $BNB, or a card to make your purchase.The tip of the day: if you buy the $PEPU token from within the Best Wallet app, youll get your tokens before the claim date is announced.Plaudits are raining down on Best Wallet for its ease of use and added-value features. These include integrating presale offerings from Pepe Unchained and others, which are available in the apps Upcoming Tokens section.Pros run Pepe Unchained; hence, the security audits by Coinsult and SolidProof show no critical issues in the smart contract code.Our price prediction also indicates that $PEPU might reach $0.97 by the end of 2025, a 10,000% increase from its listing price.The project has a vibrant and fast-growing community. Join the X and Telegram socials to keep in touch with the hottest crypto in the presale market as the fundraiser targets $50M.Visit Pepe Unchained today.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Alpa is a tech writer and editor with a wealth of experience in alternative finance, fintech, cryptocurrency, app security software, and the medical industry. Shes passionate about breaking down complex topics and sharing informative content that provides value. View all articles by Alpa Somaiya Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

In context: If you've been keeping tabs on Microsoft's upcoming game releases, you might have noticed something a little unusual several of their major titles launching this fall are PC exclusives, at least initially. Games like World of Warcraft: The War Within expansion, the indie hit Ara: History Untold, and the early access version of Towerborne are all skipping Xbox consoles for now. However, according to Phil Spencer, the head of Microsoft's gaming division, this PC-only approach is just a temporary "anomaly." In an interview with Game File, Spencer made it clear that the company's goal is to have their games playable across as many platforms as possible under the Xbox umbrella whether that's consoles, PC, or cloud streaming."We want to get to the point where, when you buy, whether you're buying on cloud which we're getting ready to introduce buying on PC and buying on console, you own it across all of the Xbox ecosystem," said Spencer.If you've seen Xbox's latest marketing campaign (above) that rather outlandishly declares just about every device with a screen an Xbox, this starts to make sense.On the subject of sharing games with rival Sony's PlayStation, Spencer spoke how he's bullish about the company's plans to release certain Microsoft-owned franchises on the other console as well in the future.As for the specific reasons behind this fall's PC exclusives, Spencer provided some context. The World of Warcraft expansion is limited to PC because the core game itself isn't on Xbox. The indie game Towerborne is sticking to PC in early access before expanding to other platforms later. And Ara: History Untold simplified development by launching first on Series X|S, with other versions coming down the road. // Related StoriesHowever, Spencer reiterated that these are exceptions rather than the new norm, saying "I want the expectation to be that when we talk about a game, it's available every place our Xbox user is." He name-dropped plans to have the Diablo 4 DLC "Vessel of Hatred" playable across Xbox's full range of platforms as an example of their cross-ecosystem ambitions.All this talk about expansion and an Xbox "ecosystem" will bring the Xbox handheld to mind, which we've been hearing about for years. It indeed is coming and the company is seriously pursuing the project, as confirmed by Spencer in a previous interview with Bloomberg. But the project remains in its early stages and an actual product may likely be years away.Another project the Xbox team has been working on in the way of expansion is a Microsoft mobile game store. While originally slated for a July launch, it's now been delayed indefinitely as the company "does additional research on the market."