Submitted by WA ContentsFRPO Rodrguez & Oriol built thermal power plant with steel base and translucent lantern in Spain Spain Architecture News - Jan 02, 2025 - 14:49 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Madrid-based architecture practice FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol has constructed a thermal power plant featuring a steel base complemented by a translucent lantern in Palencia, Spain.Named DH Palencia, this 1,960-square-metre tiny structure is the outwardly visible portion of a larger structure that is concealed from view.It leads the city of Palencia's new energy infrastructure. DH Ecoenergas, a brave pioneer in the energy transformation of Spanish cities, is promoting a district heating network.Palencia's network is the first in a long line of similar initiatives aimed at decarbonizing a significant portion of the country's urban landscape.Gas and diesel heaters, which are expensive and imported, will be replaced by a clean network powered by renewable resources, the majority of which will come from better forest management in Spain.Pedagogical VocationUnderneath Palencia's streets, the District Heating network supplies buildings in a significant portion of the city with hot water generated using renewable energy sources, primarily forest biomass.The Central, on the other hand, has a technical purpose by housing the hot water production processes, but it also has a distinctly educational purpose that the customer wants: to make the transition visible and facilitate and permit its spread.This dual condition required approaching the industrial construction problem from a broader architectural perspective in addition to a purely functional one, where the building's economic performance is the only factor that matters."This project must be an icon and reference for energy and environmental transformation, and its architecture must symbolize the sources of renewable energies, the change of paradigm, and ultimately, the improvement of public health in cities," said Teo Lpez, founder of DH Ecoenergas.Base and LanternThe Central's architecture is symbolic in both its materialitywhich chooses literal and pedagogical transparencyand geometrywhich is founded on energy and economic circularitypresenting the whole as an identity.The building is composed of two primary components: a light steel and plastic lantern that can be recycled and a bathtub of hefty concrete.All of the equipment is supported by the base, which also connects the biomass silo below ground level and to the outside via two sizable, galvanized steel gates.A canopy that doubles as a perimeter walkway encircles all of the machinery inside the concrete base. The pill-shaped floor makes it possible for guests to move around the entire energy process in the best possible way."A small cathedral of energy"The steel and plastic lantern, which the studio calls "a small cathedral of energy", reinterprets cost-effective solutions common to industrial structures to create a meaningful relationship with the society it serves.A delicate galvanized and painted steel wire structure supports the facade of polycarbonate sheets, which are ribbed on three scales, creating a lovely, white veil.A translucent tower emits white smoke from a filtering process that occupies most of the industrial space.Site planSite planGround floor planSectionElevationFRPO has been providing professional services in architecture, urban planning, and design since 2005. The extensive training and experience of Pablo Oriol and Fernando Rodrguez have established a high-level professional office.Their commitment to research and contemporary architectural practices has led to results that are widely recognized both nationally and internationally.Project factsProject name:DH PalenciaArchitects:FRPO Rodrguez & OriolLead architects:Pablo Oriol and Fernando RodrguezDesign team:Adrin Snchez CastellanoLocation: Palencia, SpainClient:DH EcoenergasCompletion year:2023Gross floor area:1,960mUsable floor area:1,833mCollaborators and suppliers:MEP services: DH EcoenergasStructure:Mecanismo IngenieraQuantity surveyor:Jess EgurenLandscape:Juan TurFacade: NummitMeasurements:Marc BuxAll images Luis Asn.All drawings FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol.> via FRPO Rodrguez & Oriol

Microplastics are everywhere: in the air we breathe, the water we drink and the food we eat. They accumulate in clothes, cosmetics, fabric and dust.It is nearly impossible to avoid microplastics in today's world, so it makes sense that they have been found in human blood and saliva, as well as the liver, kidneys and placenta. It is especially surprising because they are tiny -- microplastics are less than 5 millimeters, and nanoplastics are under 1 micrometer.However, studies suggest that these tiny particles could be harmful with all sorts of health consequences. Worse, they are already in your home, but there are some things you can do to be more proactive about your health. Before you cook your next meal, let's head to the kitchen and see which items may be secretly hiding microplastics among your food and cookware. Health effects of microplastics Upgrade your inbox Get cnet insider From talking fridges to iPhones, our experts are here to help make the world a little less complicated. Microplastics have become a serious problem for pollution, but now scientists worry about the potential health effects too. An estimated 22,000,000 micro and nanoplastics are inhaled by humans each year, and that is largely because they are so hard to avoid. You can be exposed to microplastics in three ways: inhalation, ingestion or touch.Microplastics have been shown to cause a number of issues in the human body. Microplastics and nanoplastics found in blood vessels have been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and, in more severe cases, even death. Tissue inflammation, cell death and lung and liver impacts have all been noted. In animals and marine life, it can also cause oxidative and DNA damage, as well as cancer. Mice were shown to have reduced sperm count, ovarian scarring and hereditary metabolic disorders.Studies continue as much is still unknown about the exact effects of microplastics, but studies so far have been sobering. They are inspiring many home chefs to reconsider what they are putting in their kitchen and in their bodies.Places microplastics hide in your kitchenUnfortunately, microplastics are more common than you think. These are some places they may be hiding in your kitchen.Non-stick cookwareA new study found that plastic and non-stick cookware released microplastics into food during cooking, greatly heightening one's exposure to these potentially harmful pollutants. Australian researchersestimate that Teflon-coated cookware contains thousands, maybe millions, of microplastic particles, while a simple crack or fracture in your pancould mean exposure to over two million microplastic particles.Plastic food containersYour Uber delivery could inadvertently be damaging your health, and it has nothing to do with what you order. With the rise of home delivery services, plastic containers are more common than ever, but these containerscan easily add microplastics into your food when heated or washed. One study found that all reusable plastic takeout containers typically used by restaurants contain microplastics.Plastic utensils Kinga Krzeminska/Getty ImagesStudies show that like plastic cookware, plastic utensilsrelease microplastics into your food, especially when used with hotter foods. When you ingest the food, you also ingest microplastics that settle into your body and bloodstream.Tea bagsIt may come as a surprise, but microplastics could be hiding in your tea bags. When you brew tea, the bag is exposed to extremely high temperatures thatcan release its microplastics. This comes from polypropylene, a key component in the manufacturing of tea bags. Researchers at Spain's Autonomous University of Barcelona found that billions of microplastic and nanoplastic particlesare released from a single tea bag for every millimeter of water it is submerged in.Spices in plastic packagingThat bottle of paprika could be full of microplastics, depending on how it is packaged. Many spices today use plastic packaging, which is concerning because one recent studyfound microplastics in all plastic containers tested. This can result in food contamination, something that has increased in recent decades.Plastic strawsPlastic straws are especially concerning because studiesshow that they release microplastics and nanoplastics. These can then be directly inhaled. Unfortunately, plastic straws are extremely prevalent, with about eight million metric tons of plasticfound in waterways each year. Once these straws and other plastics are in the water, they can affect not just the water but also the soil and animals found in it.Canned food liningsBPA was a controversial materialused in the manufacturing of canned food linings that could cause serious health effects. Today, non-BPA acrylic or polyester epoxies are more commonly used, but these are not proven safe either as they too contain microplastics.Material swaps for kitchen items to reduce microplastic ingestionLuckily, you have alternatives. Before putting on your apron, consider adding these items to your kitchen to lower your risk of exposure to microplastics.Wooden or stainless spatulasThere are alternatives to plastic cooking utensils. Consider trying out awooden utensil set or one made from stainless steel. This can significantly reduce your exposure to microplastics while upgrading your used utensils. Glass or stainless steel food containersYou can't do much about how restaurants choose to package their food, but you can avoid using them in the future. At home, try to stick to glass, ceramic and stainless steel containers that skip the microplastics.Wooden or stainless steel utensilsInstead of plastic utensils, try to use stainless steel utensils that can be better for the body and also the environment. Wooden utensils can also be a great substitute, working as a more eco-friendly option for your kitchen.Loose-leaf teas or tea infusers instead of tea bags Tea bags can be filled with plastics, but a safer alternative could be loose tea leaves. Many companies these days offer loose tea leaves that can be used with a stainless steel strainer or infuser, which works the same as a tea bag but can be much healthier.Buying spices in bulk or in glass containers instead of plastic packagingTo avoid potential contamination from your spices, switch to glass or ceramic packaging instead. This allows your spices to remain on your shelf without being infused with potentially harmful microplastics that can seep into your food.Reusable metal or bamboo straws instead of plastic strawsPlastic straws take a toll on both the environment and your body, causing a serious issue for both. A better alternative would be metal or bamboo straws that can be washed and reused. Even paper straws can be a better alternative than plastic ones.Opt for fresh or frozen produce over canned foods to avoid plastic liningsPlastic linings in canned food can hold microplastics, so to eliminate your exposure, look for foods that are packaged in glass instead. You can also opt to use fresh and frozen foods and produce that skips the packaging altogether. Ivan/Getty ImagesCast iron, carbon steel or stainless steel cookwarePlastic cookware is common in many kitchens, but there are alternatives. Products likestainless steel skillets,frying pans andcast iron pans can all be great ways to upgrade your cookware without risking further exposure to microplastics.Too long, didn't readMicroplastics can lurk in our kitchens, hiding in our cookware and utensils and making their way into our food. Though studies continue, microplastics have been shown to cause damage to the human body, causing huge concerns over the products we use and the materials used to make them. However, hope is not lost. With a few simple changes, you can reduce your exposure to microplastics, thus better protecting your health.

Whether you need it for fun camping trips, or want to make sure you're prepared for blackouts and emergencies, EcoFlow's portable power stations and solar generators are some of the best on the market. And while they're certainly pricey, right now you can get your hands on one of its latest models for less. Amazon has knocked a whopping $250 off the 2024 Delta Flow 3 Plus, which drops it back down to the all-time low price of $649. However, there's no set expiration for this offer, so we'd recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later. See at AmazonThe Delta 3 Plus has a capacity of 1,024 watt-hours with five fast charging options. From a 1,500-watt AC input, it offers an 80% recharge in 40 minutes alone. It can be connected to everything, from a car charger to a generator to a hybrid of both solar and AC outputs. The latter of which is said to be able to charge a device up to 100% in 56 minutes. One example given by EcoFlow states that it can power a fridge for "at least 5 hours."Hey, did you know?CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money. The Delta 3 Plus is 15.67 by 7.87 by 11.18 inches with a weight of 12.5 pounds (approximately 5.6 kilograms). It doesn't make a lot of noise when active, at 30 decibels. When needed, it can power 13 appliances simultaneously and works alongside the EcoFlow app to keep an eye on savings and energy consumption.Why this deal mattersThe Delta 3 Plus hit shelves just last fall, which makes this a rare chance to pick up one of EcoFlow's newest power stations at a serious discount. And it's a particularly great bargain because this deal drops it back down to the record-low price we saw during preorders. It's also worth noting that you can save $699 when bundling it with a 400-watt solar panel. Want to check out the competition? We've tested to find the best portable power station in 2024 where we've put the likes of EcoFlow up against Jackety, Anker, Bluetti and more. More shopping deals from CNET CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET

Acer PD163Q $280 at Acer Pros Full P3 color gamut Built-in kickstand Cons Heavy and thick with a relatively flimsy build Connections can be wonky Table of Contents The Acer PD163Q is an interesting portable setup: It combines two displays into a single unit, theoretically making it as convenient to bring two displays as one. At $329, it's not a bad bargain for two portable monitors. The screens even deliver an impressive color gamut compared to many competitors. Those benefits are overshadowed by a few shortcomings.For one, the build quality is underwhelming, even for the price. The displays may have broad color gamuts, but they don't render colors very accurately, and they deviate a lot between each other -- possibly because their white points are way too cool or blue.Although the setup is meant to work with just a single USB-C cable to a laptop with a sufficiently powered connection, it requires a special USB display driver. I was able to get it working once, but it refused to even light up a single display afterward over a USB-C connection. Instead, it required three separate connections to get fully functional. The software appears to be the culprit, and there's little guarantee others will have more luck than I did, as I tested with various cables and multiple computers and power sources.Since the Acer PD163Q is also fairly thick and heavy, it also has to compete with portable monitors that stick to a more traditional design. It's close to the price of two 16-inch Arzopa Z1RCmonitors ($189 apiece, although often on sale for closer to $120), which would offer more overall screen area, higher resolution, higher brightness and still work out to be thinner and nearly as light. Even if the Acer PD163Q proved more reliable, the benefit of two extra displays with a single cable connection wouldn't make up for its otherwise fairly basic performance and disappointing build. Acer PD163Q Price $329Size (diagonal) 2 x 15.6 in/39.6 cmPanel and backlight IPSFlat or curved FlatResolution and pixel density 1,920 x 1,080 141 ppiAspect ratio 16:9Maximum gamut 99% P3Rated brightness (nits, peak/typical) 250/250HDR NoAdaptive sync NoMax vertical refresh rate 60HzGray-to-gray response time 8msConnections 1x Mini HDMI, 2x USB-CAudio Headphone jack, stereo speakersVESA mountable 75x75Panel warranty Three year limitedRelease date May 2024 Design and build fall shortWhen folded, the PD163Q looks a lot like a closed laptop; like a cheap Acer laptop, with a middling plastic build. The two displays share a somewhat flimsy hinge that doesn't hold stiffly at the open angle and allows for quite a bit of wiggle, even while the display is closed. The two displays are just 0.6 inches thick combined, but there's a dock with ports, controls, mounting holes and a kickstand built onto the back. It doesn't span the whole back but still bumps up the thickness by 0.3 inches, making the whole unit 0.9 inches thick. At 3.1 pounds, the PD163Q ends up weighing about as much as the kind of laptop that might include one of its displays.The metal kickstand is sturdier and has a stiffer hinge. It holds position quite well, although when it reaches the last few degrees at either end of its 180-degree range, it snaps forcefully into position. Like the display hinge, it has some play at the extreme ends. Magnets hold it together when shut, but it can flop about a bit when swung all the way open. The built-in kickstand is the most solid part of the PD163Q. Mark Knapp/CNETThe screens on the PD163Q are matte plastic, and they're surrounded by rather thin bezels (because the top screen's bottom is the same as the bottom screen's top bezel). I'm far more used to seeing thick bottom bezels on these displays.The PD163Q has speakers, but like many built-ins, they're not good: They sound like they're enclosed in flimsy plastic, they lack power and can become grating to listen to for any length of time.Behind the right edge of the lower display, you'll find a 3.5mm audio jack and a shallow set of controls. These are difficult to get at with a fingertip because of how nestled they are. Using them, you get access to Acer's control menus, which offer different picture profiles, color temperature options, audio control and input source selection. Given the tricky positioning of the controls, it's a bit of a pain to navigate and make adjustments. The recessed buttons for navigating the onscreen menus are recessed and tricky to get to.. Mark Knapp/CNETConnection problemsOn the opposite side are two USB-C ports and a Mini HDMI connector. Acer includes all the necessary cabling: One Mini HDMI to full-size HDMI cable, a USB A-to-C cable, a USB-C data cable, a USB-C cable meant only for charging and a small 30-watt power brick. Unfortunately, even with all this, I wasn't able to get around some serious connectivity issues. For one, the monitor failed to reconnect over USB-C after the first success. I tried different USB-C cables and different ports on different computers. I tested with multiple USB-C connections coming from one computer and with an external power connection going directly to the monitor.Sometimes the laptop would recognize that an external display had been connected, but the Acer PD163Q would still not show an image. On a second laptop, the monitor provided access to a file to install the USB drivers, but since it wasn't receiving a video signal, the monitor went back to sleep and rescinded that file access before the installation could be completed. Even trying to manually launch the Win USB App -- which ran non-stop after installation in the first round of testing -- wouldn't get the display working properly again.Only HDMI worked, but the HDMI-to-Mini HDMI cable only sends a signal to the lower screen. Here's the kicker: once the display was operating over HDMI, it would receive a second signal over the USB connection. If I removed the HDMI cable, both signals dropped. The monitor ultimately became a wiring nightmare completely at odds with its portable productivity purposes. Factor in the light pass-through charging it can provide even if it does work properly, and it can get troublesome. We needed to use Both USB-C and the mini-HDMI connection to diagnose problems. Mark Knapp/CNETIt's a surprisingly decent display once you get past the hurdles. It's not terribly bright, capping out at just 251 nits. It's 99% P3 color gamut coverage is big for a budget display, let alone two. It does have a slightly cool color temperature overall and a default mode for the lower screen that's practically blue at 11500K. Contrast is typical for IPS panels, sitting at around 1,000:1.The upper display struggled to match the contrast of the lower display. Its color temperature and color accuracy between the two could also vary considerably; overall this isn't a great choice if you care about accuracy, despite an average delta E 1976 of about 2 in modes where you expect it.Acer's various picture modes tweak the gamma curves, brightness, and contrast. The results vary, but only the FPS setting stands out as a bad adjustment, as it raises black levels and drops contrast to just 470:1. Although the Acer PD163Q has a small handful of gaming picture modes, it does very little to actually offer a gaming experience, with the slow pixel response of IPS and a bog-standard 60Hz refresh rate.The concept of a portable dual-monitor setup is great, but execution matters too -- and sadly, this one's a disappointment.How we test portable monitorsMeasurements for the Acer PD163Q were taken using a Spyder X2 Ultra colorimeter using DataColor's Spyder X2 software for SDR. Color accuracy measurement results are reported in Delta E 1976 using Datacolor's 48-color patch test.In addition, HDR results were gathered using the VESA DisplayHDR Test app's patterns to display 100% and 10% windows for brightness measurements as well as RGBW values, again measured using the Spyder X2 Ultra, to get CIE xyY color values and compared against the DCI-P3 color space's xyY color values to calculate HDR gamut coverage using this gamut calculator.On the most basic models, we may stick with just brightness, contrast and color gamut, while on more capable displays we may run tests of most user-selectable modes for gaming or color-critical usage, uniformity and so on. For the color work, we may also run tests to verify how white point accuracy varies with brightness. We also use Blur Busters' motion tests to judge motion artifacts (such as ghosting) or refresh rate-related problems that can affect gaming.Keep in mind that individual results can vary from a manufacturer's reported results for a variety of reasons. For instance, you can be using a different set of color patches for the accuracy tests (as I do), a different colorimeter (as most individuals do), a different way of calculating (such as determining gamut using RGB and CMY primaries rather than the more common RGB only), monitor settings (manufacturers rarely provide the OSD settings used for its tests) and so on. There are actually a ton of variables.

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereWhile PS3 emulation is currently thriving on PC, PlayStation 5 gamers currently have to stream Sonys last-last-gen console to their fancy machines, even with the powerful specs of the PS5 Pro. However, Implicit Conversions, the partner that bring classic PlayStation games to Sonys modern consoles, is currently hoping to provide actual PlayStation 3 emulation in the future.PS3 emulation on PS5 nears reality?As spotted by Reddit, Implicit Conversions recently updated its studio roadmap to include references to PlayStation 3 games running on its in-house Syrup Engine. This engine is a tool that allows classic PlayStation games to run on modern machines with additional functionality, such as trophies and interfacing with PSN.In the latest version of the roadmap, the studio added a Dreaming About section for future goals. In this section, the studio expressed a desire to bring full, proper PS3 emulation to modern PlayStation consoles via its Syrup Engine in the future.Researching and prototyping the possibility of a PlayStation 3 emulator package for Syrup, the studio said.Source: Implicit Conversions websiteAlongside potential features for its Syrup Engine, Implicit Conversions roadmap also shared its in-progress plans. Alongside ports of Fear Effect, Fighting Force and Fighting Force 2 to Nintendo Switch, PS5 and Steam, the studio is also working on an unannounced PS1 Title with a Japanese translation for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC.Of course, this isnt an announcement that PS3 emulation on PS5 is coming anytime soon, but its a glimmer of hope for players who dont want to, or cant, stream PS3 games on their console. After all, the PlayStation 3 is now 18 years old, its about time we were able to properly play those games on a modern console.For more PlayStation news, read about the Helldivers 2s upcoming wildlife system, or check out the list of PlayStation console generations in order. Theres always something going on.Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide Black Ops 6 has sparked a resurgence in Call of Dutys popularity after launching with a strong single-player campaign and addictive round-based Zombies action. Following a popular few months, the cracks in Treyarchs latest game are starting to show with hackers infesting Ranked Play matches various issues impacting some of the most popular game modes.With 2025 now underway, the developer of Black Ops 6 aims to start the year on the front foot. Instead of waiting for Season 2, Treyarch has shared intel on the next major update, which is positive news if youre hoping for some major changes.New year, new Black Ops 6 contentOn January 1, Treyarch showcased a wealth of changes set to go live as part of an update arriving to PCs and consoles on January 3. Alongside new multiplayer and Zombies modes, Elemental Swords are receiving a buff to give them even more firepowerZombies fans have already approved the sword buffs along with bug fixes for the Citadelle des Morts map. Sword buffs and bug fixes lets go! Happy new year Treyarch! cheers content creator MrRoflWaffles.On the other hand, there are many unconvinced by the latest update making its way to Black Ops 6. Wheres the anti-cheat patch notes? questions one frustrated fan. The recent influx of cheaters in casual and competitive saw a steep decline in player count. According to SteamCharts, the number of players dropped by 43%.Too little, too late?Treyarch often acknowledges players feedback, and the January 3 update has a chance to address several issues raised by fans. However, the lack of anti-cheat changes mentioned has raised plenty of concern.The team behind Ricochet say updates are arriving as part of the Season 2 update at the end of January, meaning theres still a while before the number of hackers starts to decline. Despite this, the new content should keep you ticking over until the next season begins.For more CoD intel, check out the best Saug loadout along with all the active promos featuring all kinds of exclusive items.Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games here Contents hide Warzone players often share their opinions surrounding various aspects of the battle royale. Call of Dutys entrance into the genre in 2020 quickly gained traction with millions dropping into Verdansk in a bid to become the last player standing. Five years on, the state of Warzone continues to spark conversation.The integration of Black Ops 6 into the battle royale has missed the mark with hackers ruining matches and numerous game-breaking bugs preventing mechanics from working as intended. Ahead of Verdansks return, one developer has revealed why theres no chance of bringing back the first iteration of Warzone leaving fans of nostalgia disappointed.Why is Warzone 1 never returning?During a recent stream, FaZe Clan member Kris Swagg Lamberson revealed he had asked the developers why the early build of Warzone can never return. Weve asked if they can bring Warzone 1 back and they say they just cant, reveals the streamer. They cant bring it back because it was like a Build-a-Bear with small pieces built on top of each other. They made Warzone 2 and other builds on one engine, so thats why.It appears that fans arent bothered by the first version of Warzone being pieced together like a cuddly toy. Bring back Build-a-Bear Warzone 1, comments one fan. They can go back to that engine. If thats the actual reason then they can easily upgrade the engine and build on that. The new engine sucks, replies another disappointed player.Will Verdansks return live up to the hype?Nostalgia has proven popular in Call of Duty throughout 2024. Modern Warfare 3 featured numerous maps from 2009s Modern Warfare 2 while Black Ops 6 has already introduced maps and weapons from previous releases.Verdansks return is expected to bring fans back into the action but with Omnimovement and a new engine a Call of Duty mainstay, theres every chance it struggles to live up to the memories created five years ago.For more CoD intel, check out the best Black Ops 6 Krig C loadout and the best controller settings to keep you shooting straight.Call of Duty: WarzonePlatform(s):PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox OneGenre(s):ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share

Tesla reports 1.1% sales drop for 2024, first annual decline in at least 9 years1 of 2|The logo of Tesla car is pictured at the Paris Auto Show, in Paris, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)2 of 2|A Tesla level three Electric vehicle charger is visible, Feb. 2, 2024, in Kennesaw, Ga., near Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)Tesla reports 1.1% sales drop for 2024, first annual decline in at least 9 years1 of 2|The logo of Tesla car is pictured at the Paris Auto Show, in Paris, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)1 of 2The logo of Tesla car is pictured at the Paris Auto Show, in Paris, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File) Share CopyLink copied Email FacebookXRedditLinkedInPinterestFlipboard Print 2 of 2|A Tesla level three Electric vehicle charger is visible, Feb. 2, 2024, in Kennesaw, Ga., near Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File)2 of 2A Tesla level three Electric vehicle charger is visible, Feb. 2, 2024, in Kennesaw, Ga., near Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart, File) Share CopyLink copied Email FacebookXRedditLinkedInPinterestFlipboard Print Updated [hour]:[minute] [AMPM] [timezone], [monthFull] [day], [year] Share CopyLink copied Email FacebookXRedditLinkedInPinterestFlipboard Print DETROIT (AP) Teslas global annual sales fell for the first time in at least 9 years, with a 2.3% increase in the final quarter not enough to overcome a sluggish start to 2024 despite offers of 0% financing, free charging and low-priced leases.The Austin, Texas, company delivered 495,570 vehicles from October through December, boosting deliveries to 1.79 million for the full year. But that was 1.1% below 2023 sales of 1.81 million as overall demand for electric vehicles in the U.S. and elsewhere slowed.The fourth-quarter boost came with a cost. Analysts polled by FactSet expected Teslas average sales price to fall to just over $41,000 in the quarter, the lowest in at least four years.That doesnt bode well for Teslas fourth-quarter earnings, which the company said it would announce on Jan. 29.In 2022, Tesla predicted that its sales would grow 50% most years, but the prediction ran into an aging model lineup and increased competition in China, Europe and the U.S. In the U.S., analysts say most early adopters of technology already have electric vehicles, and more mainstream buyers have concerns about range, price and the ability to find charging stations on longer trips. The fourth-quarter deliveries fell short of Wall Street estimates. Analysts polled by data provider FactSet expected sales of 498,000 vehicles. RELATED COVERAGE Tesla shares fell nearly 7% Thursday, but theyre up more than 50% over the last 12 months, surging with the election victory by Donald Trump. Falling sales early in the year led to once-unheard of discounts for the automaker, cutting into its industry leading profit margins.Competition from legacy and startup automakers is also growing as they try to nibble away at the companys market share.The sales drop is a test to investors who have been pushing up Tesla stock since the election on a bet that the incoming Trump administration will ease EV regulations and help Teslas move to making completely self-driving vehicles using AI.Daniel Ives, a financial analyst at Wedbush, said he thinks the stock is still worth buying despite the sales drop.We have never viewed Tesla simply as a car company...instead we have always viewed Musk and Tesla as a leading disruptive technology global player, said Ives in a report. And the first part of this grand strategic vision has taken shape.William Stein, an analyst at Truist Securities, thinks Tesla will struggle to sell vehicles in future months and expects further discounting used to boost sales will weigh on its financial results.Nearly all of Teslas sales came from the smaller and less-expensive Models 3 and Y, with the company selling only 23,640 of its more expensive models that include X and S, as well as the new Cybertruck.Teslas global electric vehicle sales edged out Chinese rival BYD, which announced Thursday that total soared 41% last year including 1.77 million EVs. The company is vying with Tesla for the worlds top selling EV maker.Fourth quarter production of 459,445 vehicles was below total deliveries for the quarter, and full year production of 1.77 million was less than the years sales.____This story has been corrected to show that 2024 was the first annual sales decline in nine years. AP reporter Bernard Condon contributed from New York.

TechnologyWere All in Dark Mode NowHow light-on-black became a way of lifeBy Ian BogostIllustration by Giacomo BagnaraJanuary 2, 2025, 8 AM ET The sun is setting on computers. In October, Google finallyfinallyrolled out a new black-background view for its Calendar app. This is just the latest in a string of recent software darkenings. In July, Wikipedia went light-on-dark. And a few years before that, we got dark-theme Google Search. Since 2017, night has fallen on Slack, Reddit, YouTube, Twitter, and mobile Gmail too. Even Microsoft went dark. One by one, the bright, white backgrounds that have defined these and all computer interfaces since the advent of the Macintosh have been slipping into the shadows.Dark mode has its touted benefits: Dimmer screens mean less eye strain, some assert; and on certain displays (including most smartphones), showing more black pixels prolongs battery life. Dark mode also has its drawbacks: Reading lots of text is more difficult to do in white-on-black. But even if these tradeoffs might be used to justify the use of inverted-color settings, they offer little insight into those settings true appeal. They dont tell us why so many people suddenly want their screens, which had glowed bright for years, to go dark. And theyre tangential to the story of how, in a fairly short period of time, we all became creatures of the night mode.Computer programmers, for their part, have always liked the dark. Back when offices were the only places to work, some software companies housed their engineers in what I remember being called programmer pits: rooms with closed doors where all the lights were extinguished. In open-plan workplaces, where the pits could not exist, programmers who preferred darkness would go to great lengths to create or preserve it. I recall some plotting to remove the bulbs from overhead lights near their workstations.In the 1990s and early 2000s, I managed a large team of software engineers. They wrote programs for computer desktops, the web, and the handheld devices that predated smartphones. I remember one of them was so averse to lighting that he draped a thick blanket over his monitor and torso, creating a makeshift cave for work. Another built a lighttight cot underneath his cubicle in which to take breaks to recover from the oppressive sun that poured in through office windows. Others merely chose to work very early or very late, under the natural shroud of night.Why? If Id asked them, they would probably have said: to reduce distractions and improve focus. Programming a computer is a bit like repairing a very tiny machine with precision tools while looking under a microscope. Quiet and calm help facilitate that process. Programmers may also just prefer the dark. (Some have argued that people with Aspergers-like tendencies, which are associated with sensitivity to bright lights, may be especially well suited to the tech industry.)But even with the environment dimmed, one source of light persists: the computer itself. Its bright glare could potentially disrupt the very act of writing the programs it might run. Perhaps thats why code-editing software has long offered white-on-black displays or other dimmed-out custom color themes. If you look at depictions of programmers at work in television or film, youre likely to see white text on black screens. Its a visual sign of computer professionals at work.Those of us old enough to remember using command-line text on DOS- or Unix-based computers will recall that light-on-dark displays were, at first, the standard. Surely some of that color schemes newfound appeal is pure nostalgia, at least among those users who once typed out documents in WordPerfect or played text-only adventure games such as Zork. To call it dark mode, as we do today, and sell it as a wellness tool is a somewhat recent innovation.Read: I wrote this on a 30-year-old computerStarting about 10 years ago, the option of a dark or dimmer background began to be included as a system-wide setting on laptops and smartphones. Microsoft launched its Windows Night Light mode, with warmer colors, in 2017; Apple followed with its own Dark Mode shortly after. Once that happened, individual software applications followed suit. The light-on-dark appearance could now be marketed as a way to heal your circadian rhythms, but its essential function was the same as ever: a softer, less oppressive glow for people who might be staring at their screens for many hours at a time.The number of people doing so was increasing every day. Even 20 years ago, a computer was still a tool used only occasionally. Desktop computers sat on desks, to be consulted when needed. Even at work, many actions that are now carried out only via computersuch as filing expense reports or taking part in mandatory office trainingshappened in meatspace instead. Home life was also a mixed-media affair. Television was viewed on a television set, through a set-top box or DVD player. Voice calls were made on phones still found on desks or attached to walls. And other ordinary activities, such as paying bills and managing kids school affairs, still were carried out on paper, in personnot online.Read: Universities have a computer-science problemBetween the early aughts and the late 2010s, the rest of humankind caught up with computer programmers. Communication now takes place on a screen. So does knowledge work. Also shopping, entertainment, and the management of daily life. According to one report, Americans checked their phones more than 200 times a day this year, an increase of 40 percent over last year. In short, an ordinary persons habits of computer use have grown to be a lot more like those of the previously strange guys who were writing software with me at the dawn of the internet.So dark modes spread to serve our changing circumstances. Theres no longer any need to drape a blanket on your office desk; soon enough, every app will achieve this effect on its own. Software companies may even start competing to produce the most effective artificial night. Its now gotten to the point where Microsoft can engage in dark-mode ballyhoo: Its own Black theme provides the darkest experience, the company boasts; if youre in search of dark mode, this is the theme for you.Maybe the dark-mode age was inevitable. The bright glow of computers was tolerableeven thrillingwhen it still felt new, but as lit-up screens suffused our every waking act, their light was doomed to overwhelm us. Given that software developers are the people who develop software, and their software-making software had been in dark mode from the start, the latest trend should come as no surprise. Of course darkness would have spread from their desktops to everyones. From day into night, we are all programming computers now.Explore More Topics

Still Going RogueBaldur's Gate 3's popular roguelike overhaul mod just got a total revamp, including a level 27 "superboss" for the uber-masochists out thereIt looks like the list of new "unique, rarely-fought enemies" might also include a sheep, because why not?Image credit: Larian/VG247 News by Mark Warren Senior Staff Writer Published on Jan. 2, 2025 Thanks to Larian itself and modders, Baldur's Gate 3 keeps getting new bits added to it, because clearly the absolutely huge base game hasn't been enough to totally eat up the free time of hardcore DnD partiers.Plenty of folks were busy doing cool stuff with BG3 last year, both prior to and after official mod support for the game arrived last summer, and one of the coolest creations I saw was 'Trials of Tav'. Basically, modder Hippo0o managed to develop a full-on roguelike mode for the game, allowing you to go on your own adventure battling endless hordes of foes, as they told us around the time.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Now, in the wake of updates for the original mod slowing down, other modders have begun to release their own spins on Trials of Tav - giving its central premise a fresh coat of tweak and addition paint. Enter 'Trials of Tav - Reloaded', by modder Celerev.Their revamped version of the roguelike mode is designed to deliver "bug fixes, overhauled monsters, new scaling, [and] brand-new enemies adapted from tabletop". What kinds of new enemies, you ask? Well, one of them is a final test of sorts - a "veritable 'superboss', level 27, designed to pull all the stops in the classic RPG fashion"."He's the last creature to become available in the scaling, and if you defeat him, you can essentially consider the run 'won'", the modder writes. This is the part where you say 'challenge accepted', if you didn't die 20 times to the rats in the Elfsong Tavern's basement.Aside from that, Celerev writes that they've added over 60 foes from the base game, including "unique, rarely-fought enemies" like Nine-Fingers Keene and what looks to be a killer sheep. There are also some new custom bosses, and plenty of bug fixes for existing ones. Mechanic-wise, the scaling rates have been changed to make sure "creatures with thematic, powerful abilities can be reasonably added without having to worry the player will be unable to ever make the saving throw" and shops have been re-balanced."I cannot overstate how incredible the work Hippo0o has done [in creating the original mod] is," Celerev concludes, "While I have the benefit of the toolkit and a lot of time digging into the game mechanics, the lua scripting Hippo0o wrote to create an entire, functional, and now extendable game mode from scratch is true passion, a ton of effort, and real skill. I hope that those of you who are like me and wished the tactical combat of BG3 could be extended to higher levels enjoy my additions."Naturally, you might end op sticking with the first Trials of Tav if you find these tweaks don't suit your style, but it's nice to see modding concepts like this one evolve over time. If nothing else, it might be something to try while you wait to see if you've gotten into the Patch 8 testing that's set to kick off this month.