Testing charcoal grills requires a lot of hands-on cooking, and your results will obviously vary based on your technique and ingredients, among other factors. Depending on the season and how your charcoal grill is set up, your experience cooking and grilling will likely be very different from ours. For example, a kettle-style charcoal grill left in the July sun all day will run a lot hotter than it will in the cooler spring months. Also, a note about grill thermometers. None of the hood thermometers built into these grills mirrored the temperatures recorded by our own thermocouples and data software. It's not uncommon for grill thermometers to read high, so we recommend keeping an oven thermometer or Bluetooth thermometer handy while you're grilling, either for your meat or for the grill's temperature itself. We placed two steaks on each grilling grate near the center and seared them for 5 minutes before flipping them over and searing for another 5 minutes. With a good and reliable grill, this will give you a steak with a seared outside and a medium rare to medium center. If you prefer meat that's more well done, you can extend the cooking time or sear and finish cooking in an oven. High-heat searing was our first grill test. Tyler Lizenby/CNETThe best charcoal grill for steak searing in our lineup was the Weber Classic Kettle. The steak had nice grill marks while keeping a medium doneness on the inside. The worst was our Tacklife review unit, which didn't hold much heat and didn't sear while cooking. The steak on that grill needed an additional five minutes to get to a temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit, the minimum for medium rare. Chicken and indirect, medium heat Next, we tested each grill's medium heat cooking capability by roasting whole chickens. The trick here is to keep the grills at a hot enough temperature to cook a chicken for upward of 2 hours. For our tests, each grill gets a full chimney of lit charcoal and a 6-pound chicken opposite the coals for indirect heat. Each grill got a chimney of hot charcoal. Tyler Lizenby/CNETCooking over charcoal takes longer than cooking with a gas grill, and we typically need to add more fuel during cooking to keep our grills above 350 degrees Fahrenheit for the full duration. Our favorite bird from this batch was the one cooked on the Weber, though it was a tough call. The bird cooked on the Nexgrill cart-style grill came in right behind, a close second in terms of flavor and texture. We cooked chicken over indirect heat until it reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees F. Tyler Lizenby/CNETThe difference between the two was largely in the crispiness of the skin, with the Weber producing the superior results. Meat from the Nexgrill was delicious, with just a bit more flavor than the Weber. Between them, I'd say it largely depends on your budget and what style of grill you prefer for other meats like burgers or steak. Weber certainly had the superior sear in that category. Low-and-slow ribs Our last test is grilling barbecued ribs, specifically baby back pork ribs. This style of cooking requires strict temperature control over a period of multiple hours. Ideally, a quality charcoal grill (or any smoker) will keep its fire humming along close to 225 degrees Fahrenheit for as long as possible. Stack your charcoal briquettes in two rows of two deep along the inner wall of the grill. Tyler Lizenby/CNETFirst, we set up each grill for a low-and-slow burn, using the charcoal snake method. In the case of kettle models, we arrange coals in a semicircle around the grill's inner wall. The charcoal briquettes (Kingsford Blue) form a line two coals wide and two coals deep. We also drop a few chunks of smokewood on top of the snake (aka fuse). On cart-style grills, we modify the snake to run in right angles to match their rectangular-shaped fireboxes. Next, we light each grill's snake at one end of the chain with five lit briquettes (tumbleweed fire starters work, too). We set all air vents on each grill (top and bottom) to the halfway-open position. Lastly, we place one rack of ribs on each grill for indirect cooking, with the meat not sitting directly above the coals.

Acer unveils dubiously portable Nitro Blaze 11 handheld gaming PC with 10.95-inch screenPlus 8.8-inch Blaze 8.Image credit: Acer News by Matt Wales News Reporter Published on Jan. 7, 2025 Steam Deck too dinky for you? Always wished you could purchase a handheld gaming PC capable of obscuring your entire head? Then Acer might just have the answer. The company has unveiled its new Nitro Blaze 11, sporting a 10.95-inch screen and chunky form factor testing the limits of what might reasonably be considered a 'portable' gaming device.Acer's Nitro Blaze 11 is, it's fair to say, a bit of a beast, measuring 36.4 cm x 17.1 cm x 1.59 cm and weighing in at 1050g - roughly the equivalent of 1.5 Steam Decks. It's unclear if those figures include the machine's two chunky detachable controllers - Acer's press release is vague on that point - but it's certainly not what you'd call an understated device. Judging by the promo images, it could comfortably be used to serve nibbles between gaming sessions too.On the positive side, its hefty frame boasts some decent innards. That 10.95-inch screen, for instance, is a 120 Hz WQXGA 2560 x 1600 touch display capable of up to 500 nits of brightness, and it also packs in an AMD Ryzen 8040HS processor, 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM, and up to 2TB of NVMe SSD storage. That's on top of a built-in kickstand and those aforementioned detachable controllers, which now feature back buttons. And if that appeals, you'll be looking at a minimum price tag of $1099.99, depending on your storage requirements.Digital Foundry talks the Legion Go S, AMD's Ryzen Z2-series chips, and more.Watch on YouTubeBut if you're in the market for something a little more discreet - and a little cheaper - there's also Acer's new Nitro Blaze 8, which features an 144 Hz 8.8-inch screen and weighs in at a more modest 720g. This one measures 30.5 cm x 13.4 cm x 2.2 cm (controllers are definitely included here, seeing as they're not detachable) and costs $899.99. Both machines include three months of Xbox Game Pass and are scheduled to launch in Q2 this year.Acer's expanded Nitro Blaze line-up won't make use of AMDs newly announced trio of next-gen Ryzen Z-series APUs - designed for handheld gaming PCs - but Digital Foundry has a little more to say about those elsewhere on Eurogamer if you're curious.

While the Chinese internet giant Tencent is best known for its super app WeChat, its also a major investor in U.S. tech companies and startups. Some of its most notable and still active investments include Reddit, Snap, and Fortnite creator Epic Games.Things might get a little awkward, though, because Tencent was designated a Chinese military company by the U.S. Department of Defense on Monday. The listing serves as a warning from the U.S. about companies it claims are involved in Chinese military-civil fusion efforts, according to a 2022 DoD press release. The listing has no legal consequences beyond barring U.S. government contractors from doing business with Tencent starting in 2026, according to U.S. law.The notice doesnt specify why the U.S. believes Tencent is helping the Chinese military.Tencent is strongly refuting the listing, telling TechCrunch it is clearly a mistake and we are not a military company or supplier. The Defense Department didnt respond to a request for comment.Tencent is active in the VC world through an arm it calls the Tencent Exploration Team that it runs out of Palo Alto and whose investments include Snap, Epic Games, and others like insurer Oscar Health. Tencent is also a major shareholder in Reddit, although its stake recently dipped under the 10% threshold, an SEC filing from November 2024 shows. (Reddit wouldnt comment as of press time on exactly how much Tencent owns.)Investing in global tech companies, particularly in sectors like health and video games, has long been a focus of Tencent. If Tencent isnt able to get itself off the list like smartphone maker Xiaomi successfully did in 2021 it could harm its investing activities in the U.S., with founders wary of accepting funds from a company officially designated as linked to the Chinese military, even without public evidence.Theres also a risk that this measure results in pressure for further sanctions against Tencent from other parts of the U.S. government like the Treasury Department, Reuters reported.Even without any further actions, the listing cements a long-running trend of U.S.-China decoupling. It was once relatively common for Chinese VCs to invest in U.S. companies (and vice versa), but those days arent coming back anytime soon.

Image: NintendoThe Switch may be coming to the tail end of its life, but Nintendo is still showing support for it with new games and even updates.Following the rollout of Version 19.0.1 in October 2024, Nintendo has now rolled out a new 'rebootless update' for this same firmware patch. As highlighted by dataminer 'OatmealDome' this latest change updates the "bad words list" once again.Here's a bit more information about this update from the source:"A rebootless update for 19.0.1 was released.The bad words lists were reshuffled (possibly to reduce false positives), and many new words were added to the Russian list.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube791kWatch on YouTube There were no other changes.As previously explained, rebootless updates are "silently installed" on the Switch, so you don't actually have to do anything on your end.Nintendo's firmware update in October last year followed the usual routine - fixing issues and improving system stability. Download it todayEvery Switch system update since launch detailedAre you running the latest firmware on your Switch? Notice anything else? Let us know in the comments.See AlsoShare:00 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesRumour: New 'Switch 2' Photos Show Off A Very Legit-Looking Joy-ConBlack and blue, not white and goldNintendo Highlights Multiple Switch Games Launching In 2025It's going to be an action-packed year126 Games You Should Pick Up In The Nintendo Switch eShop Holiday Sale (Europe)Every game we scored 9/10 or higherNintendo's Punch-Out!! Series May Be Dead And Buried For GoodAll punch'd outFeature: 15 Best-Looking Switch Games Of 2024Hello, my pretties

Image: Nintendo LifeIf you got a brand new Switch game for Christmas and it included a game cartridge inside of it, you're apparently doing better than some others out there...As spotted by IGN, multiple Switch users on social media and Reddit are claiming they've received cases with "googly eyes" inside instead of the actual game card. This eye rattles around like a Switch game card, but when you open the case, it's just sitting there... looking at you.Here is a look at one of the photos doing the rounds:Unsurprisingly, nobody knows what is going here on, but there's always a chance it's some sort of joke. IGN reached out to some of the users who shared these photos online, but none had "video footage of them unwrapping the shrink wrap and discovering the eye". Hmm, we're not sure about thatBlack and blue, not white and goldA chat with SimogoSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube791kWatch on YouTube What do you make of this? Have you seen any googly eyes in your Switch game cases recently or do you think this is just a viral joke? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.[source ign.com]See AlsoShare:00 Liam is a news writer and reviewer for Nintendo Life and Pure Xbox. He's been writing about games for more than 15 years and is a lifelong fan of Mario and Master Chief. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Highlights Multiple Switch Games Launching In 2025It's going to be an action-packed yearTech Fans Have Gone Full 'Layton' In Analysing The 'Switch 2' MotherboardCritical thinking is the key to success.Talking Point: Our 2025 Nintendo Gaming PredictionsNew hardware smellNintendo Download: 2nd January (North America)Ys Memoire! Rivenaar's Grove! Uh... That's it!35 Upcoming Nintendo Switch Games To Look Forward To In 2025The best new Nintendo Switch games coming soon

Sony has been trickling out details of the Afeela brand it launched with Honda, ever since it unveiled the EV in 2023. But its held back one big detail until today.Sony CEO Kenichiro Yoshida announced Monday at CES 2025 that the four-door Afeela EV would have a starting price of $89,900. The Sony-Honda brand will also offer a higher and therefore more expensive trim that starts at $102,900.Both versions of the Afeela will include a three-year complimentary subscription to certain functionality and features. The company also announced it has opened up reservations for the Afeela EV. Customers in California can make a reservations for a refundable $200 fee.Afeela is a four-door all-electric sedan that is meant to combine the reliability and manufacturing prowess of Honda and all the infotainment and software capability of entertainment technology company Sony. In an early concept shown to TechCrunch in 2023, the vehicle had a movie theater-like display, plush seats and a yoke-like steering wheels. There were other odd concept-like details or lack of them such as no door handles.The production version will likely be toned down and more realistic. For instance, door handles of some kind. But the interplay between software and hardware, like sensors and screens, will have a starring role. More details about the Afeela are expected to be released Tuesday during a separate CES press conference.

Sony knows how to put on a show at CES 2025. The companys pressers are high-octane, star-studded affairs, as these things go. In addition to standard Sony fare like TVs and audio systems, theres always a curve ball or two, be it a car, a drone, or a Gran Turismo movie. Thats one of the [] 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

Nvidia will no doubt have the biggest CES 2025. After all, the company has pretty much the biggest everything nowadays. The chip giant is sporting a $3.4+ trillion market cap, due largely to its foundational position in the ongoing AI boom. Companies like OpenAI and Meta have purchased Nvidia processors by the boatload, and thats unlikely to change in the new year.Founder and CEO Jensen Huang will help kick off CES 2025 today at 6:30 p.m. PT/9:30 p.m. ET, with his trademark leather jacket and an unwavering vision, per Nvidia. The keynote will be livestreamed both on YouTube and via the chipmakers site. As our CES 2025 preview notes, their matchup against AMD, who announced a series of chips for laptops, desktops and gaming handhelds during their event, will take center stage.Nvidia is expected to make a slew of big announcements at the event, with its RTX 5000series GPU making the biggest waves of the keynote and, likely, the whole show. Huang will no doubt also be using the platform to discuss a wide range of topics touched by Nvidias silicon, from AI and robots to automotive and more.

Manuela Pedraza House | Luis BarandiarnLocated in the Buenos Aires Villa Urquiza neighborhood, the Manuela Pedraza House was designed by OADD Arquitectos. This single-family residence responds to its unique corner lot with a deliberate intent to harmonize with its surroundings. The architects, led by Andrs Barone, Jorge Bez Moore, and Fabricio Contreras Ansbergs, approached the project with the goal of creating spatial openness while respecting the dense urban fabric.Manuela Pedraza House Technical InformationArchitects1-6: OADD ArquitectosLocation: Manuela Pedraza 5491, Villa Urquiza, Buenos Aires, ArgentinaArea: 320 m2 | 3,440Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2022 2024Photographs: Luis BarandiarnThe material condition of the house is based on the use of a few simple construction elements that converge in a subtle and elegant morphological synthesis. OADD ArchitectsManuela Pedraza House PhotographsFacade | Luis BarandiarnStreet View | Luis BarandiarnCorner Detail | Luis BarandiarnEntrance | Luis BarandiarnKitchen | Luis BarandiarnInterior | Luis BarandiarnInterior | Luis BarandiarnKitchen | Luis BarandiarnManuela Pedraza House Formal and Spatial OrganizationCompleted in 2024 after two years of meticulous planning and execution, the house not only addresses the practical needs of its occupants but also elevates the neighborhoods urban landscape. With sustainability at its core and a commitment to simple yet impactful design, Manuela Pedraza House showcases the architectural philosophy of balancing serenity with functionality in a bustling city environment.The Manuela Pedraza House exhibits a geometric clarity that underscores its modernist ethos. Conceived as a solid mass hollowed out to create functional spaces, the residence employs concrete, brick, and micro-perforated aluminum as its primary materials. These elements come together to craft a visually striking and thermally efficient structure. The perforated aluminum filter on the faade provides privacy, allowing light and ventilation to flow seamlessly.At the heart of the house lies a central patio, an organizing element that fosters interaction between interior and exterior spaces. The patio is a visual anchor, bringing natural light and ventilation into the home. Surrounding this are terraces and expansions that enhance the spatial experience and provide settings for social activities.Ground Floor: A space dedicated to recreation and utility, featuring a barbecue area, wine cellar, workshop, and entrance hall. These spaces open directly to the patio, creating a fluid connection with the outdoors.First Floor: The primary living area is designed for daily activities. A spacious living room extends to a terrace with panoramic views of the corner, creating a sense of openness and connectivity.Second Floor: Reserved for privacy, this level houses bedrooms and a small studio. The rooms maintain a direct visual relationship with the central patio.Top Floor: Focused on recreation and sustainability, this level includes technical spaces, a green terrace, and a pool that doubles as a leisure area and a thermal regulator.A wooden and metal staircase, positioned adjacent to the patio, serves as the central artery of the house. Beyond its functional role, the staircase enhances the spatial experience by offering dynamic views and creating a sense of movement through light and shadow.Critical Analysis of Design PrinciplesThe Manuela Pedraza House integrates sustainable design principles to reduce its environmental impact. The architects minimized the projects carbon footprint by using local and recyclable materials. Including a rainwater harvesting system and a green terrace contributes to efficient water management and improved air quality. These features demonstrate the houses sustainability commitment without compromising aesthetics or functionality.The house exemplifies how private residences can enhance the urban environment. The carefully calibrated voids and perforated faade balance openness and privacy, engaging with the street while maintaining an introspective character. By shaping the corner lot, the design respects and enhances the neighborhoods architectural vernacular, fostering a sense of community.The architects meticulously designed the proportions of each space to ensure a harmonious relationship between the house and its inhabitants. This attention to scale creates a human-centric environment that prioritizes comfort and usability. With its functional zoning and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions, the layout highlights the importance of thoughtful spatial planning in contemporary residential architecture.Manuela Pedraza House PlansGround Floor | OADD ArquitectosLevel 1 | OADD ArquitectosLevel 2 | OADD ArquitectosSection | OADD ArquitectosManuela Pedraza House Image GalleryAbout OADD ArquitectosNotes & Additional CreditsDesign Team: Arch. Andrs Barone, Arch. Jorge Bez Moore, Arch. Fabricio Contreras AnsbergsStructural Advisor: Eng. Diego BortzElectrical Advisor: Eng. Marcos MailliotLegal Advisor: Arch. Leonardo CarregalConstruction: CRBN GroupCGI: PAN studio

The O2S Ultra projector is named for its premium design and its impressive, ultra-short throw range.