Winter Storm Blair will dump snow and freezing rain onto much of the US starting Sunday.The frigid conditions are already impacting travel.Snow is forecast for Washington, DC, as the area prepares for the Trump administration transition.Blizzards, ice storm warnings, and unpleasantly cold conditions are blowing into much of the northern US, with major impacts expected by Monday morning.The Arctic outbreak, dubbed Winter Storm Blair by the Weather Channel, will bring heavy snow to areas in the mid-Atlantic area that haven't had such weather in a decade, the National Weather Service warned.Kansas City, for instance, could get up to a foot of snow by the end of the weekend.In the mid-south, the NWS warns that freezing rain could result in power outages. More than 100,000 power outages have so far been reported across Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, leaving residents in the region in the dark and without heat, per The Weather Channel.And snow possibly mixed with sleet and freezing rain could reach 10 inches in Washington, DC, where preparations are underway for Donald Trump's incoming administration and where the election results are set to be certified Monday.DC Mayor Muriel Bowser on Sunday declared a snow emergency which will remain in effect in the area until at least the end of the day on Tuesday, January 7, according to a press release from Bowser's office.Additional cold weather warnings have also been issued in Baltimore, Cincinnati, Louisville, Kentucky, and St. Louis, with officials warning to limit travel in the impacted areas, The Weather Channel reported.The Governors of West Virginia and Kentucky have also declared a state of emergency across their jurisdictions, providing additional resources for road clearing and responding to emergencies. Local news outlet WCHS-TV reported that officials in both states were backed up responding to crashes and calls for help from first responders.In all, about half the US population is expected to experience freezing temperatures over the next week, Axios reported.More than 8,600 flights had on Sunday been either delayed or canceled due to the storm, per Forbes, including triple-digit flight cancellations for Kansas City (MCI), St. Louis Lambert (STL), and Dallas-Forth Worth (DFW) airports. The numbers of impacted flights are expected to continue to rise.Airlines including American, Delta, Southwest, and United said they are waiving change fees for flights impacted by the storm.

Another year of rumours (Nintendo)Mondays Inbox is not sure it believes the rumours about a Switch 2 reveal this week, as one reader asks about the Joy-Con mouse theory.The first rumourI am genuinely shocked that there really was a Christmas Day leak about the Switch 2, but as usual it doesnt really tell us anything other than it looks like the current one. Weve known that for months now and ever since it seems like weve just been going round in circles.We still dont know what any of the new buttons do or what any of the games are so Im not sure that Nintendo is really feeling any urgency to make an annoucement early. Even so, Im sure theres going to be tons of rumours this week about the Switch 2 being announced. And then when it doesnt, itll be next week, and then next week, and so on.Someone will get it right just by accident but even a date is just a guess at this point. Ive heard Wednesday 8th being talked about, but Im sure thatll only end up being the first rumour of the year. If I was going to guess I would say sometime in January, lets say Thursday 30th. Will I be any more or less accurate than the so-called insiders?BircherOnly goodGood Top 20 of the year, as usual, GC. I cant say Ive played many of the games, outside a few of the indie titles, but it seems a good line-up to me. Although I have to agree that while there are lots of good games, for me, theres no standout and nothing that has tempted me into giving up on my backlog in order to play them.Ill get round to Astro Bot, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, and maybe Dragon Age: The Veilguard eventually, but Im in no rush. Especially as theyre only going to get cheaper, with more DLC, over time. Is this my fault or the games? I couldnt really say but to me, none of them are exceptional enough for me to pay out anything close to 70 for.Publishers may have managed to push for 70 as standard and won but that has made the chances of an impulse purchase far lower. More like a wait a year and get it half price or more, as far as Im concerned.CranstonThe third wayInteresting list of upcoming titles for 2025, but well see what ones actually make it out, and which do a handbrake turn to get out of the way of GTA 6. And probably Switch 2 as well. Its going to be interesting to see how publishers react to that coming out and whether they consider it a rival to their normal releases.I do think well see a lot of third party support but I really dont think well see many PlayStation 5 releases. Nintendo will be much more keen to show off that the Switch 2 runs PlayStation 4 games well, rather than having to admit it doesnt do current gen ones as good.I feel that would be the best approach, as having games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Elden Ring, and Baldurs Gate 3 working perfectly on Switch 2 would still be great and more than enough to impress most people. I think it would also shut down a lot of interest in Steam Deck too, since these versions of the games would actually be made with the Switch 2 in mind, rather than having to be squeezed uncomfortably onto it.CastorEmail your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukI seeHope Game Central and all its readers had a good Christmas and New Year and got all the games they wanted. For any Shenmue fans like me, Limited Run Games has got official Shenmue merchandise at this link for pre-order until Sunday, 12th January 2025.As a big fan of Shenmue I am going to get the Shenmue cap and T-shirt. I might also stretch my wallet to the Shenmue cat with a can of Sega Tuna!Andrew J.Social mediaI would like to echo the sentiment in Geoheros Readers Feature on Sociable Soccer. I purchased it for PlayStation 5 a couple of weeks back and have very much enjoyed what I have played so far. Just good, simple fun without any predatory microtransactions.Thankfully, a few glitched trophies aside, any bugs it had on release seem fixed, as I have had no issues in that regard. I completely recommend it to any fans of football games.Pigfish2 (PSN ID/NN ID)The more the merrierCurrently playing Dragon Age: The Veilguard and absolutely loving it, possibly my game of 2024. The characters are great, combat is fantastic, side quests are interesting, the world is a joy to explore, the hair is lovely what more could you want?Well, according to a certain subsect of gamers, it being a little bit inclusive negates all this, as the review bombing showed. I think its safe to say most of these people havent even played the game. Its just a sad situation that people would not play a game, and actively campaign against it, because it is supposedly inclusive; even though its a fantasy game and there are elves and skeletons, but having a transgender character is apparently not believable. It is no detriment whatsoever to the actual game, which is excellent. If anything, having a diverse set of characters makes it more interesting.So, if youre on the fence, dont believe the naysayers, its a great game, especially if youve enjoyed any of BioWares other games.MudBig fishI struggle to see the point of a handheld Xbox. If the console market only has room for one traditional TV console, why would there be room for multiple handhelds? Since Microsoft cant compete with Nintendo at making games, the handheld Xbox could only compete with the Steam Deck for its niche little corner of the market.Even if they outsell the Steam Deck, were talking about a handful of a million consoles. Hardly seems worthwhile. Is it just a case of throwing the proverbial at the wall to see if anything sticks?PhilYou are the productIve enjoyed playing video games for a very long time, ever since my parents bought me a Sega Master System when I was young.Fast forward to 2024, I now have a son who has inherited my hobby. Hes almost 11 now.He loves his Nintendo Switch and during the summer I took him to a local arcade club, to experience all the classic arcade coin-ops of yesteryear. He even had a session playing Beat Saber on a Meta Quest 2.Hes naturally excited and really enjoyed virtual reality, so I decided to buy him a Meta Quest 3 to share along with me, as I have owned a PlayStation VR and I understand, as a parent, how virtual reality works. I moderate his use, and I want him to enjoy himself!I take great care to ensure he doesnt play any games or media that isnt appropriate for him.Recently, I received an email from Meta explaining that if I do not create an account for my child all my apps will be suspended!So I had to respond, even knowing as a parent who can think for myself. If I didnt, I would be left with a heap of junk that isnt cheap.I do not like this digital age, where as a parent, I feel like Im being moderated myself and told what to do.I can only see things becoming worse as we approach a digital age.What happened to having fun and playing your favourite video games?I didnt buy hardware to be spied upon.If this is the future, I am done with gaming.CarlInbox also-ransAnyone heard about the theory that the new Switch 2 Joy-Cons can be used like a mouse if you stand them up? Sounds unlikely but those new leaked pictures do seem to have an optical sensor in themTony T.Not strictly gaming related, but I came across a few old friends who wanted to wish all at GC a merry Christmas. Theyve gone back to fighting over the chocolates and sweets now, as they always used to.JulianGC: Thats a nice collection. If only this was games related (Julian)Email your comments to: gamecentral@metro.co.ukMore TrendingThe small printNew Inbox updates appear every weekday morning, with special Hot Topic Inboxes at the weekend. Readers letters are used on merit and may be edited for length and content.You can also submit your own 500 to 600-word Readers Feature at any time via email or our Submit Stuff page, which if used will be shown in the next available weekend slot.You can also leave your comments below and dont forget to follow us on Twitter.ArrowMORE: Games Inbox: Could Sony quit the games industry?GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

When a franchise is around as long as Resident Evil, it's likely to experience change and evolution. And perhaps no franchise has seen as many drastic alterations over the years as Resident Evil, as Capcom's survival horror saga has been in a constant state of shifting perspectives and styles.

The Realmgate is one of the core features of the endgame in Path of Exile 2. Unlike regular map nodes, however, the Realmgate does not take Waystones to traverse, but something else.

It's fair to say that Rockstar has become a juggernaut of the video game industry, being the developers behind some of the most popular franchises on the planet, including Grand Theft Auto and Red Dead Redemption. While Rockstar's games initially stood out for their over-the-top stories and characters, there have also been a few that are a lot more serious and grounded, but before players even dive into the game, they'll first be greeted with an opening line.

Until today, I could count on one finger the amount of smart rings that offered a one-line ECG in such a small package. Bodimetrics Circul+ debuted in 2021, but what it had in heart-monitoring features it lacked in style, or even looking like a real ring. Today at CES 2025, however, Circular is showing off its second-generation ring that promises to keep an eye on your heart health. We had a chance to take a look at the rings today at CES Unveiled and they are indeed shiny. They also feel remarkably lightweight. The sensor nodes inside the rings are noticeable when you first slide on the ring, but after a minute or so of wearing it, it hardly feels like you're wearing a ring at all. Circular says the Ring 2 boasts improved sensors as well as the aforementioned ECG, an eight day battery life and a better wireless charging dock. The company added that its companion app and AI has been completely redesigned to offer a more intuitive and refined user experience. Not to mention that the body is now cast in titanium with four color finishes; Gold, Silver, Black and Rose Gold. This latest generation doesn't have the vibrations featured in Circular's first-gen rings, but the company's co-founder told us that the vibrations will return in an upcoming iteration. For now, the second-generation rings should hit store shelves in February or March 2025, but the company says itll cost you $380 when it does. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/wearables/circulars-new-smart-ring-has-a-built-in-ecg-010003422.html?src=rss

Samsung is kicking off 2025 with a lineup of new AI-enhanced televisions. At CES 2025, Samsung unveiled the Neo QLED 8K QN990F and QN900F, plus the Neo QLED 4K QN90F, QN80F and QN70F. The TVs come with glare-free technology and a suite of AI features driven by Samsung Vision AI.The Neo QLED 8K QN990F is Samsungs top-of-the-line model and it features a super-slim, minimalist footprint and an NQ8 AI Gen3 Processor. Its AI abilities include proprietary 8K upscaling, frame-by-frame HDR remastering, adaptive sound, color boosting and AI Mode, which automatically optimizes picture and sound based on the content on screen. These represent updates to existing Samsung AI efforts.In line with the minimalist aesthetic, Samsung is also shipping a Wireless One Connect Box for the QN990F, allowing users to keep their TV space wire-free. This is similar to LGs Zero Connect Box, and its a clever bit of clutter-clearing equipment. Samsung claims the Wireless One Connect Box works at a distance of up to 10 meters, even with obstacles in its transmission path.Meanwhile, Samsungs QLED 4K line features an NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor, 4K AI Upscaling Pro, improved picture quality and a 165Hz refresh rate. The QN80F has a 100-inch option, while the QN90F comes in 115 inches.Samsungs AI ambitions cover all of its 2025 TVs, with Vision AI delivering new personalization and optimization features across the board. Click to Search can identify people, places and products on-screen and then provide relevant information about these things in real time. Identify the actors in a scene, specific pieces of clothing or the displayed location, for instance. In a similar vein, the new Samsung Food ability can identify the grub on your TV and even provide relevant recipes. This feature can also analyze the contents of your connected Samsung fridge and build specific shopping lists, or prompt you to order groceries or takeout from the TV using third-party apps.Samsung AI Home Security turns your TV into a house-monitoring hub. It leverages the built-in microphone and connected cameras on your Samsung TV, and can detect unusual sounds and movements. It then delivers alerts to your phone or directly on the TV. Live Translate delivers real-time subtitle translations, and Generative Wallpaper allows users to create dynamic, personalized art canvases.In OLED land, Samsung is introducing the S95F, S90F and S85F. As the flagship in this line, the S95F includes an NQ4 AI Gen3 Processor, improved glare-free technology, a 165Hz variable refresh rate and a brighter display than ever before.There's also The Frame Pro, a TV so special that we have a separate story all about its new features.As usual, Samsung is primed to reveal more details about pricing and availability of its new hardware during CES 2025.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/home/home-theater/samsungs-ces-2025-tv-lineup-includes-8k-ai-enhancements-and-a-wireless-connect-box-030058512.html?src=rss

Samsung has new soundbars and updates to an existing model to show off at CES 2025. First, the HW-QS700F is an all-new speaker that's designed to sit on a shelf or TV stand, but it can also be mounted at 90 degrees flat on a wall under a TV. The QS700F can optimize the sound based on how you've situated it for the best performance. It will come with a wireless subwoofer, but it's unclear if rear satellite speakers are part of the package.The company's flagship soundbar returns for 2025 with a significant tweak. The HW-Q990F will remain an all-in-one package with wireless subwoofer and rear satellite speakers included and retains the same angular look. But, the company says it reduced the size of the sub to less than half of the previous version. What's more, Samsung explains that it did so while providing even more powerful audio performance from the unit. As someone who reviewed both the Q990D and Q990C, I can tell you the previous subwoofer was enormous, so this is a great update.The Q990F remains an 11.1.4-channel speaker with "clearer, richer and more effortless sound" and Dolby Atmos support. The included rear surround speakers also pack in up-firing drivers, which enhances the overall effect of the immersive audio. And as I've noted before, having everything in one package is convenient and saves you from having to make extra purchases on top of a pricey soundbar.Samsung Q990FSamsungSamsung will use AI to boost sound quality on its soundbars in 2025. Two features, Active Voice Amplifier Pro and Q-Symphony Pro, use artificial intelligence to enhance dialog over background noise and analyze sound with a Samsung TV's processor respectively. The company says Q-Symphony Pro will also be available on two new B-series soundbars, the HW-B750F and HW-B650F, which will arrive in 2025.Another item Samsung is keen to discuss at CES is its Eclipsa Audio platform it's developing in collaboration with Google. Details are scarce on the new 3D audio standard for now, but Samsung has already said its 2025 TVs and soundbars will support it. According to the press release, Eclipsa Audio enables content creators to adjust sound data and location for spatial audio. It sounds like Samsung and Google are developing their own take on Dolby Atmos. What's more, Samsung says creators will be able to upload videos with Eclipsa Audio to YouTube later this year, but there's no word on support for other platforms yet.Samsung first announced plans to develop 3D spatial audio in 2023 when it collaborated with Google on Immersive Audio Model and Formats (IAMF). IAMF was adopted by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), which lists Amazon, Apple and Netflix among its members. This also isn't the first time Samsung has shunned Dolby as it has opted for HDR10+ over Dolby Vision for its TVs.There's no word on pricing and availability on any of the new soundbar models just yet. That info is likely to arrive closer to launch. For reference, the Q990D is $2,000, but once again, it includes a subwoofer and rear speakers. Sony's Bar 9 is $1,400 just for the soundbar itself.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/audio/speakers/samsung-debuts-the-qs700f-soundbar-and-updates-the-q990-at-ces-2025-030042257.html?src=rss

Oukitel WP300 Pro rugged smartphone comes with two surprising accessories

Version 2.0 of Samsung's reflection-reducing Glare Free screen tech fixes the first generation's black-level issue.