Number Go Up!People just can't get enough of that edgy black and red hog, as Sonic the Hedgehog 3 outruns its predecessor to become the highest grossing entry in the seriesAnd who can blame them?Image credit: Paramount/ Sega News by Oisin Kuhnke Contributor Published on Jan. 20, 2025 Sonic the Hedgehog 3 has clearly proven itself a hit with fans, as it has overtaken the second film at the box office.We already knew that the Sonic film universe was here to stay, but day by day it's getting clearer and clearer. For one, the series was confirmed to be getting a fourth film in 2027 before the third film had even released, and earlier this month the three films had amassed a collective box office taking of $1 billion. On top of that, Sonic the Hedgehog 3 took the record of being the second highest grossing video game movie in the US, with only The Super Mario Bros. Movie ahead of it (admittedly quite a bit ahead of it). Now, as reported by Variety, the third entry in the film series has achieved another record, this time within its own franchise.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Over the weekend, Sonic 3 hit a box office total of $420 million globally making it the highest grossing movie across the three films to have released so far. Previously that title belonged to the second film, which took home $405 million at the box office, still an impressive and healthy figure. I'm sure Paramount will be pleased to see growth like this, even if it's only marginal (if $20 million can be marginal), as this would presumably be the point where things would start to dip if they were to at all.I have no doubts that the presence of Shadow helped bump up sales for this one, considering he is a fan favourite character, but now there's the question of whether or not the fourth film will do quite as well. The post-credits scene does introduce another fan favourite, one that I'm personally excited for, so we'll have to wait and see if the blue hog can keep up his momentum.

Returns returns.Last week saw the Wii's Donkey Kong Country Returns return in HD on Switch. Following the first time it returned on 3DS, the Switch port helmed by Forever Entertainment this time, with the original devs at Retro getting only a cursory nod in the credits this time brought the levels of the 2013 3DS port to the big screen in high-def with a modest dusting of tweaks.We liked DKC Returns HD, awarding it a 7/10 in our review, but felt that a classic like this deserved a little bit more care and attention the 'Deluxe' treatment, if you will especially given the price point.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

The AI startup market is sprawling, from companies looking to develop new chips, to those using AI to build robots, to others looking to use AI to create niche solutions for industry-specific workflows. There are a lot of potential areas for venture capitalists to invest in, but there are clearly a few subsectors they are more excited about than others.TechCrunch recently surveyed 20 VCs who invest in startups looking to sell to enterprises about their predictions for 2025.Mark Rostick, a vice president and senior managing director at Intel Capital, told TechCrunch that now that the large foundational models have been established at least in his opinion the next interesting area to invest in is AI solutions for specific tasks.I find models that excel at specific functions particularly intriguing, especially when combined with agents built on top of them, Rostick said. As AI adoption accelerates, application-focused companies will take center stage, as CEOs increasingly seek ways to leverage AI in specific areas that deliver tangible, transformative impact.This was echoed by Mike Hayes, a managing director at Insight Partners. He added that hell be looking to back companies building products that use AI to reduce business friction.I look for solutions that solve unique, orthogonal challenges for enterprises areas where traditional solutions have fallen short, Hayes said. This includes vertical and persona-specific workflows reimagined with GenAI or agentic automation and security innovations that do not only identify and alert, but also remediate.VCs interested in going after companies that target specific enterprise use cases will have to make sure these startup solutions are in fact companies, as opposed to just features. Otherwise, we could see a repeat of the SaaS boom in 2021, when a lot of companies that were really just one-note features raised oodles of venture capital before being left behind in favor of companies that offered platform solutions when enterprise budgets contracted in 2023.There are of course tasks that are important enough to warrant a single-feature solution. For SaaS, we overwhelmingly heard that enterprises would still pay for companies offering specific cybersecurity solutions. For AI, what point solutions enterprises will be willing to pay for isnt clear yet. Ed Sim, the founder and general partner at Boldstart Ventures, acknowledged this challenge.The trick is skating to where the puck will be and also thinking through is this a feature, or a product, or a business, Sim said. Another area VCs are excited about is reliability and resiliency. Jason Mendel, an investor at Battery Ventures, said that hes looking to invest in companies in the observability and reliability space. Liran Grinberg, the co-founder and managing partner at Team8, also has his sights set on what he calls enterprise resilience.The Crowdstrike software update incident demonstrated how fragile our digital world is, not only due to cyber attackers but also just mistakes, Grinberg said. We need more resilient, anti-fragile digital infrastructure by design.AI infrastructure will also remain a hot area of investment in 2025. VCs cited that with the advancements regarding AI agents, they are looking into the infrastructure needed for enterprises to adopt the tech in addition to companies that can help figure out pricing for AI agents too.Its still very early innings here, and I believe that momentum for AI infrastructure will continue into 2025, particularly as agentic frameworks proliferate, new model paradigms (including reasoning) develop, edge AI advances, and UI/UX of AI applications evolve (including computer use), Janelle Teng, a vice president at Bessemer Venture Partners, said.

Researchers at the University of Glasgows James Watt School of Engineering have developed a novel 3D printing system designed for low-gravity environments.Leading this project, Dr. Gilles Bailet has secured a patent for this novel technology, which addresses the inherent challenges of additive manufacturing in space. Support for this project comes from the Glasgow Knowledge Exchange Fund, the EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account, and the RAEng Chair in Emerging Technologies of Professor Colin McInnes and the RAEng Proof of Concept award.Efforts to secure additional funding are underway, with plans for the first in-space demonstration of the technology. Collaboration with the UK Space Agency has also focused on mitigating space debris, ensuring future advancements do not contribute to orbital pollution.Dr. Bailet said, Currently, everything that goes into Earths orbit is built on the surface and sent into space on rockets. They have tightly limited mass and volumes and can shake themselves to pieces during launch when mechanical constraints are breached, destroying expensive cargo in the process.If instead we could place fabricators in space to build structures on demand, we would be freed from those payload restrictions. In turn, that could pave the way to creating much more ambitious, less resource-intensive projects, with systems actually optimised for their mission and not for the constraints of rocket launches.A researcher evaluating 3D printing system in a microgravity simulation aboard a parabolic flight. Photo via University of Glasgow.Microgravity trials for practical space fabricationA recent demonstration of the technology took place during the European Space Agencys (ESA) parabolic flight campaign, often referred to as the vomit comet. These flights simulate weightlessness through sharp ascents and descents, offering brief intervals of microgravity.Over 90 such moments were used to evaluate the system, which employs a granular feedstock material instead of conventional filaments. Designed for space environments, the material flows reliably to the printers nozzle, outperforming traditional methods in both consistency and speed.Explaining the significance of this development, Dr. Bailet pointed its potential applications in space-based solar reflectors, high-performance communication antennae, and pharmaceutical research stations capable of producing more effective drugs.The research team has also explored integrating electronics into the printing process, opening doors to functional components and recyclable systems fabricated directly in orbit.Tests conducted aboard the Novespace-operated flights confirmed the prototypes capability to function in microgravity. Dynamics and power consumption were monitored closely during each 22-second interval of weightlessness, yielding promising results.Addressing the limitations of Earth-based 3D printing systems, Dr. Bailet emphasized how filament-based printers often fail in space due to jamming and breaking in the vacuum of microgravity.Through this research, we now have technology that brings us much closer to being able to do that, providing positive impacts for the whole world in the years to come, the research lead added.Dr. Bailet explained that 3D printed space reflectors, such as those under development in Professor Colin McInnes SOLSPACE project, have the potential to gather solar energy 24 hours a day. This uninterrupted energy collection could serve as a consistent source of low-carbon power generation, significantly aiding efforts to achieve net-zero emissions.Similarly, space-based pharmaceutical production could yield breakthroughs in drug effectiveness. It is noteworthy that this research also suggests that insulin manufactured in microgravity could be nine times more effective, potentially transforming diabetes treatment.Space as the next manufacturing hubEmerging research underscores how microgravity can unlock new frontiers in manufacturing essential components and systems.Last year, AddUp worked with Airbus Defence & Space to develop a metal 3D printer under the ESAs Metal3D project. Launched to the International Space Station (ISS) on January 30, 2024, by NASAs NG-20 mission, the 3D printer was tested in microgravity aboard the Columbus module. Designed for space environments, it uses wire-based 3D printing to handle microgravity and extreme temperatures exceeding 1,200C.Four metal specimens printed in space were returned to Earth for comparison with Earth-made parts, offering insights into microgravitys impact on material quality. Deeming it suitable for future lunar and Martian missions, Airbus touted this technologys role in reducing reliance on Earth-based supply chains and enabling sustainable exploration.Notably in 2016, NASA contractor Techshot teamed up with nScrypt and Bioficial Organs to test a 3D bioprinter in zero gravity aboard a Zero Gravity Corporation aircraft. The team successfully printed cardiac and vascular structures using human stem cells and fine bio-inks designed for microgravity, avoiding the need for the support materials required on Earth.With layers thinner than human hair, the test showed how microgravity could improve precision in bioprinting. Insights from the experiment shaped plans for a more compact printer suitable for the ISS, where lower-viscosity bio-inks could be used to create more complex tissues.Who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?All the news fromFormnext 2024.To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows a researcher evaluating 3D printing system in a microgravity simulation aboard a parabolic flight. Photo via University of Glasgow.

close 'CyberGuy': Need to declutter your computer? Kurt Knutsson explains how to reduce browser clutter and save your computer's memory. We recently received an email from Sylvia, who just got a new laptop that has significantly less space than her old laptop. She emailed us wondering how to store photos and videos on a computer with only 82GB of storage space:"The newer laptop does not have as much storage space (indicates 82.1 GB free of 225GB) as the old one (indicates 322 GB free of 446 GB). What is the best way to store my photos and videos to free up space on the new laptop?"Great question, Sylvia. This is a common issue for anyone who has purchased a lightweight laptop such as a Chromebook or Windows-based ultrabook. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to store files off your hard drive.Enter the giveaway by signing up for myfree newsletter. A woman typing on her new laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)A quick breakdown of file sizes82 GB should be more than enough for basic tasks like web browsing, using office applications or streaming video. However, if you plan to store large files such as high-resolution photos, videos or games, or if youre using software that requires a lot of space, 82GB might fill up quickly. Heres a rough breakdown of how much space different types of files typically take:Text documents: A single text document is typically a few kilobytes (KB) in size. So, you could store millions of text documents in 82GB.Photos: A high-resolution image can be about 5 megabytes (MB). With 82 GB, you could store about 16,000 such photos.Videos: A one-hour HD video can be around 1-2 gigabytes (GB). So, you could store about 40-80 hours of HD video in 82GB.Games: Modern games can take up anywhere from 1GB to 100GB. So, you could store 1-82 games in 82GB, depending on their size.It's also important to leave enough space on your computer for the operating system to run smoothly. As a rule, keep at least 10%-15% of your hard drive free to prevent application slowdowns. Anexternal hard drive is an excellent option for storing photos and videos to free up space on your new laptop. Another great way to save space is by storing your photos incloud storage. Whether its a hard drive or cloud space, having a backup is a good idea.As you can see from the breakdown above, photos and videos can take up a significant amount of storage space on your laptop. If you are a photographer who deals with RAW images, this amount could be even higher, as with video professionals who work with 4K content.Even if you're not a video professional or photographer, having a lot of home videos and photographs can take up a lot of space. You will need a secondary storage solution with less than 100GB of space left. Here are a few options you might consider. A Mac laptop next to an external hard drive (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)External hard drivesAnexternal hard drive is one of the most practical and reliable solutions for expanding your laptop's storage capacity, especially if you have many media files like photos, videos or other data-intensive content. These portable storage devices connect to your computer via USB (and increasingly via USB-C for faster transfer speeds), offering the flexibility of storing and backing up massive amounts of data without consuming your laptop's internal space.Types of external hard drivesThere are two main types of external hard drives:HDD (hard disk drive) andSSD (solid state drive). HDDs are typically more affordable and come in larger capacities (up to several terabytes), making them an excellent option for those needing vast storage space on a budget. However, their mechanical components make them slightly slower in data transfer speeds and more prone to physical damage.SSDs, on the other hand, are faster, more durable and lighter, though they tend to be more expensive per gigabyte of storage than HDDs. SSDs are ideal if you frequently transfer large files, work with high-resolution media like 4K videos or require speedy access to your data. They are also less prone to damage from drops or movement, which makes them perfect for on-the-go use.Storage capacityExternal hard drives come in various sizes, from modest capacities like 256GB to massive options exceeding 10TB. The amount of storage you need will depend on the types of files youre dealing with. For example, a 1TB drive can store over 200,000 high-resolution images if you need space for photos. A larger capacity drive might be necessary for video files, especially HD or 4K, as these files can easily consume tens or even hundreds of gigabytes. An external hard drive plugged into a laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Portability and convenienceOne key advantage of external hard drives is their portability. Compact and easy to carry, they provide an excellent solution for photographers, videographers or anyone needing access to large files while moving. Some models are designed to be ultra-durable, with rugged, shockproof and waterproof features, ideal for outdoor and travel use.Many professionals label and organize their drives by project or period, allowing for easy archiving and retrieval. As mentioned earlier, a simple organizational system, such as labeling your drives with the dates or types of content they contain, can help keep your data structured and easily accessible. This is especially important when you accumulate multiple drives over time.See Kurt's picks for the best external hard drives here.Cloud storage services: Google Drive, Dropbox, Microsoft OneDriveCloud storage services likeGoogle Drive,Dropbox andMicrosoft OneDrive offer convenient, flexible options for storing large files without consuming your laptop's limited space. These services allow you to securely store your photos, videos and documents in the cloud, freeing up valuable storage on your device. One significant advantage of cloud storage is accessing files from any device with an internet connection, whether on your phone, tablet or another computer.Most cloud services provide a certain amount of free storage (typically between 2GB and 15GB) before upgrading to a paid plan. For instance,Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage shared across Google services, whileDropbox provides 2GB for free with options to upgrade for more space.OneDrive provides 5GB for free, but Microsoft users can get additional storage through Office 365 subscriptions, granting access to the Microsoft Office suite.Additionally, cloud storage services come with features like automatic syncing and backup, making it easier to organize and safeguard your files. This can be particularly helpful for large photo and video libraries, which can be set to upload automatically from your phone or computer. With features like file versioning and collaboration tools, cloud platforms offer more than just storage. They enhance productivity and allow seamless file sharing with friends, family or colleagues.Finally, many cloud storage providers offer encryption and other security measures to protect your files for added peace of mind. However, it would always be best to take extra precautions, such as enabling two-factor authentication and using strong, unique passwords, to ensure your data is safe.Kurt's favorite cloud services can be seen here.iCloud: A comprehensive cloud storage solution for Apple usersFree storage and subscription plansiCloud offers 5GB of free storage to all users, which is sufficient for basic services like iCloud Keychain, testing other features and storing some files. However, for users who need more storage, iCloud+ subscriptions are available.These plans include:50GB for $0.99/month200GB for $2.99/month2TB for $10.99/month6TB for $32.99/month12TB for $64.99/monthIntegration and usabilityiCloud is tightly integrated with Apple devices, making it highly convenient for Apple users. Files stored on the desktop and in documents folders on Macs are automatically synced to iCloud Drive, which is especially useful for devices with limited storage space like the MacBook Air. iCloud Drive can also be accessed from Windows machines through a dedicated file folder and files can be managed via icloud.com.Automatic syncing and backupiCloud provides robust automatic syncing and backup features. iCloud Backup automatically backs up important data on iPhones and iPads when connected to power and Wi-Fi, ensuring that your device's data is always up to date. This backup can be used to restore your device or set up a new one seamlessly.Security and privacyiCloud uses 128-bit AES encryption to secure all files. Additionally, iCloud+ subscriptions include advanced privacy features such as iCloud Private Relay, which protects your browsing history and identity, Hide My Email, which generates random email addresses, and Custom Email Domains for personalized email addresses.Collaboration and compatibilityWhile iCloud is highly user-friendly for Apple users, it can be less reliable and glitchy for non-Apple users. Collaboration is limited to Apple users, but files can be shared and accessed across different Apple devices using the Files app on iOS and iPadOS, the Finder on Mac or File Explorer on Windows PCs. Sign-in page for iCloud (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Steps to protect yourself and your dataWhen storing your photos, videos and other important files, it's crucial to prioritize data security. Here are some essential steps to protect yourself and your valuable information.1)Use strong passwords: Create unique, complex passwords for all your accounts and devices. Consider using apassword manager to generate and store secure passwords.2)Enable encryption:Encrypt your external hard drives and cloud storage accounts to add an extra layer of protection to your data.3)Implement two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA on all accounts that offer this feature, especially for cloud storage services.4)Install and maintain strong antivirus software: Use a strong antivirus program and keep it updated to protect against malware and other security threats. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.5)Regularly update your operating system and applications: Keep your devices and softwareup to date to ensure you have the latest security patches.6)Be cautious with public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing sensitive information when connected topublic networks or use a VPN for added security. Using aVPN (virtual private network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs dont directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies.7) Back up your data regularly: Createmultiple backups of your important files, including at least one offline copy.8)Use secure file transfer methods: When sharing files, use encrypted transfer methods orpassword-protected links.By following these steps, you can significantly enhance the security of your data and protect yourself from potential cyber threats.Kurt's key takeawaysManaging storage on a laptop with limited space requires thoughtful planning, especially when dealing with large files like photos and videos. While 82GB may be sufficient for basic tasks, media files can quickly add up. By leveraging external hard drives or cloud storage services, you can keep your laptop running efficiently while ensuring that your important files are safely stored and accessible. Whether you opt for physical or cloud-based solutions, remember to prioritize data security using strong passwords and encryption where necessary. With the right strategy, you can make the most of your laptop's storage without sacrificing performance or losing precious memories.Do you have a way of storing photos and videos that we didn't mention? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow 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. Related Topics

NewsPower grid constraints threaten Dutch digital innovation ambitions The Netherlands risks falling behind in crucial digital innovations such as artificial intelligence as power grid congestion reaches critical levels across the countryByKim LoohuisPublished: 20 Jan 2025 14:45 Recent research from Schneider Electric warns that datacentre electricity demand could more than double between now and 2026, reaching over 1,000 terawatt-hours.This surge in power demand comes at a particularly challenging time, as the last Dutch provinces with available grid capacity South Holland and North Holland have now declared they have no room left for growth. This gridlock threatens existing digital operations and future innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI) development.Were seeing enormous waiting lists for power connections, precisely during a period when we need to transition to renewable energy and increase digitisation, said Stijn Grove, managing director of the Dutch Data Center Association(DDA). When the government recently announced plans for an AI factory in the Netherlands, theyre probably looking at a very small facility because larger operations simply cannot be placed anywhere at the moment.The Dutch datacentre sector isnt standing still. The DDA is in talks with the ministry and relevant stakeholders to address these challenges with innovative approaches. Weve calculated whats possible when we implement smarter approaches to power usage, he said. For example, datacentres currently operate behind two transformers for redundancy, but we could function with just one since we have emergency power systems in place.Several datacentres are already implementing direct connections to high-voltage networks and building their own electrical substations, completing these projects five to 10 years faster than traditional grid operators. The sector is also exploring integration with other intensive energy users to create smart power-sharing systems. By implementing these solutions, we could potentially free up 1 gigawatt and probably even more power capacity, said Grove. Enough to power millions of homes.While North Hollands new datacentre strategy acknowledges the sectors role in grid solutions, he said concrete actions are essential for implementing the strategy. The provinces approach, while well-considered, highlights the gap between policy ambitions and infrastructure reality.The Schneider Electric research outlines four possible scenarios for AI-related power consumption through 2035, with the most sustainable pathway requiring significant infrastructure improvements and coordinated planning elements currently lacking in the Netherlandsapproach.This shortfall in planning is particularly concerning given the global acceleration of AI development. While were setting up a small AI factory, the US has just announced initiatives 200 times larger, said Grove. We cant compete at that scale.The implications extend beyond the datacentre sector. The government has ambitious plans to solve healthcare challenges through innovation, like reducing administrative burdens and addressing staff shortages through digitisation, he said. But if you dont have the means to implement these digital solutions, it becomes a very difficult ambition to achieve. Every organisation, from hospitals to large companies to government agencies, will face problems because theres no room for growth. Innovation at riskThe timing of this power crisis is particularly problematic as the Netherlands aims to maintain its position as a digital leader in Europe. The countrys historical role as an early internet adopter and digital innovation hub is now under threat. This position, built up over the past two decades, has been crucial for both economic growth and digital sovereignty.We dont need to host every type of datacentre we dont have large social media or Bitcoin mining operations here, said Grove. Most hyperscalers are spread across Europe. We focus on value-added services that support innovation and digital transformation. But in this time of increasing geopolitical instability, we risk losing even these strategic capabilities if we dont act now. International organisations are already saying that further growth wont happen in Amsterdam or the Netherlands theyre looking elsewhere because we simply cant provide the power capacity.The power constraints come just as AI development becomes increasingly crucial for maintaining economic competitiveness. According to Schneider Electrics research, AI workloads could drive a 160% increase in datacentre power demand by 2030, potentially rising from 1-2% of overall power consumption to 3-4% by the decades end. This growth reflects the exponential increase in AI applications across industries, from healthcare and manufacturing to financial services and scientific research.The Dutch Ministry for Economic Affairs announced its plan to start a working group that includes ministries, provinces and industry representatives to address these critical infrastructure challenges. However, the fragmented nature of the field complicates finding solutions. Knowledge about our sector is quite limited, said Grove. We must actively explain our role and potential solutions.The datacentre sector advocates for demonstration projects that showcase how digital infrastructure can be part of the solution to grid congestion rather than simply contributing to the problem. He specifically envisioned a breakthrough project that would create a campus-style environment integrating multiple datacentres, research facilities and educational institutions.The urgency is underscored by the Draghi report on competitiveness with China and the US, highlighting the risk of the Netherlands and Europe falling behind in digital infrastructure. Grove emphasised that the country cannot afford to stand still for the next 10 years, pointing out that the potential geopolitical and economic consequences of inaction are immense.In The Current Issue:Interview: Wendy Redshaw, chief digital information officer, NatWest Retail BankPreparing for AI regulation: The EU AI ActDownload Current IssueData engineering - DataStax: Building the Gen-AI stack, how to plan ahead CW Developer NetworkRiverlane points to 2025 as year of quantum CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

EU Commissioner for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen. (Photo by Thierry ... [+] Monasse/Getty Images)Getty ImagesMajor tech firms have agreed to do more to fight hate speech, signing a code of conduct that's been integrated into the EU's Digital Services Act.Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitch, X Snapchat and YouTube have all agreed to abide by the code of conduct's terms, along with LinkedIn, Microsoft hosted consumer services, Rakuten Viber, Dailymotion and Jeuxvideo.com.The aim is to strengthen the way online platforms deal with content that EU and national laws define as illegal hate speech."Hatred and polarization are threats to EU values and fundamental rights and undermine the stability of our democracies. The internet is amplifying the negative effects of hate speech," said Michael McGrath, commissioner for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection."I intend to work tirelessly to counter hate speech and hate crime in the EU. We trust this code of conduct will do its part in ensuring a robust response. We stand, altogether, for a Europe united against hatred."Online platforms designated under the DSA already have an annual independent audit, and this will now include compliance with the new code.The terms of the code require the companies to be monitored by a network of Monitoring Reportersnot-for-profit or public entities with expertise on illegal hate speech, check up on how they're reviewing hate speech notices.They're committing to making their best efforts to review at least two thirds of hate speech notices received from Monitoring Reporters within 24 hours. There are also various transparency commitments in terms of how they're cutting the amount of hate speech on their services, including through automatic detection tools.MORE FOR YOUThe firms have agreed to take part in structured cooperation with experts and civil society organizations, aiming to flag trends and developments of hate speech and help stop waves of hate speech from going viral. They'll also cooperate with civil society organizations to raise awareness about illegal hate speech and how users can flag it online."In Europe there is no place for illegal hate, either offline or online. I welcome the stakeholders commitment to a strengthened code of conduct under the Digital Services Act," said Henna Virkkunen, executive vice-president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy."Cooperation among all parties involved is the way forward to ensure a safe digital space for all."X, TikTok, Facebook and Instagram have all been investigated by the European Commissionand, as of last week, X is now subject to another investigation.The Commission is concerned about X's recommendation systems, and is asking the company to submit more information about its algorithms, along with some commercial APIs that allow direct fact-finding on content moderation and the virality of accounts."Today we are taking further steps to shed light on the compliance of Xs recommender systems with the obligations under the DSA," said Virkkunen. "We are committed to ensuring that every platform operating in the EU respects our legislation, which aims to make the online environment fair, safe, and democratic for all European citizens."

A hot potato: In news that will likely increase the anger many people feel toward some elements of the gaming industry, an analyst's report claims that developers and publishers "hope" that Grand Theft Auto VI could cost as much as $100 when it arrives. Such a move could embolden other companies to starting charging more for their games, pushing up average selling prices to offset rising development costs. Matthew Ball of Epyllion's State of Video Gaming in 2025 report has a large focus on what will undoubtedly be the biggest release of the year, GTA VI despite there still being no official PC version.The next instalment in the GTA series is expected to break plenty of records, including being the most expensive game ever made. There are no official figures, but estimates range somewhere between the high hundreds of millions to as high as $2 billion. For context, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War's development costs were $700 million. While that's less than 2020's Genshin Impact, which is officially the most expensive game ever at $900 million, that includes $200 million added annually for ongoing costs Genshin Impact's initial costs were just $100 million.Rockstar and Take-Two could use GTA VI's enormous development costs as justification to price the game between $80 and $100. Ball said such a move "could re-establish packed video game prices after decades of deflation despite rampant cost growth."It's been five years since the first major game to carry a $70 price tag, NBA 2K21, launched, signalling the beginning of the end for the standard $60 AAA price that had been around since the launch of the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 era in the mid-2000s. It's still a point of contention today, especially when it's slapped on a game that isn't particularly well received, such as Skull and Bones.Ball notes that GTA VI breaking the $70 barrier and possibly going all the way to $100 could have a trickledown effect in which all companies increase their games' selling price by $10, with $80 becoming the new standard for AAA titles. // Related Stories$100 for a game brings to mind the Neo Geo, the 1990s console for which games retailed for up to $100 to $300 due to the machine's arcade-quality components and large cartridges containing substantial memory for the time.However, Ball points out that $70 GTA VI would be the "cheapest" GTA game ever released in real terms (taking inflation into account). In real terms, $91 would be average, though gamers are unlikely to appreciate his point of view."Packaged game prices have never been lower in real terms than they are today even though budgets are at all-time highs and player growth is stalled," Ball said. "GTA VI could re-establish packed video game prices after decades of deflation despite rampant cost growth."This isn't the first time we've heard claims of GTA VI carrying a huge retail price. There were rumors in September that it could cost $150. That seems extremely unlikely, unless it's for a special-edition version of some kind.A recent report found that while graphical fidelity contributes to inflated budgets and extended development timelines, other factors, including employee wages, massive open worlds, and non-gaming related issues, play significant roles in pushing up game development costs.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsAtari 2600NES controllerN64 controllerSixaxisXbox Duke controllerGameCube controllerDualShockXbox 360 controllerDualSense EdgeXbox Elite controllerIt doesnt matter if youre playing the best game of all-time or one of the worst if youre holding a terrible controller. These are our gateway into the world of gaming, and depending on how they are designed can completely change how we look at a console. The best NES games wouldnt have taken off if it werent for its controller, and weve only been iterating on them since then. Graphics are important, but the best consoles of all-time wouldnt have succeeded without a great controller. Lets go back through the ages and pick out the best controllers weve ever held.Giovanni Colantonio / Digital TrendsWe have to hand it to Atari for keeping it simple but functional early on. A lot of competing consoles around now tried to get crazy with controllers, adding things like number pads and spinning dials. This joystick and button is about as limited as you can get for a controller but is more than enough for the type of games that were coming out at the time. It served as a great starting point to build off of.Recommended VideosNintendoNintendo basically set the standard for all consoles going forward up until the 3D era with the NES controller. Its D-pad was a revolution that we still use to this day, and the simplicity of the two-button layout was natural without getting too complicated. The form factor is a bit small, and its edges are a little sharp, but is otherwise about as close to perfect as you can get for 2D games.RelatedNintendoWhat is left to say about the three-pronged N64 controller? It worked well enough holding the center and right handles, but that D-pad and left bumper were effectively useless based on the design. The Z button was the first trigger button wed seen, and that alone gives it major points, but this isnt a controller were eager to pick up again.SonyThe PS3 generation was easily the biggest stumble Sony ever had, and the launch controller was only part of its woes. Rather than deliver the DualShock 3 like everyone expected, PlayStation shook things up byremoving rumble. The Sixaxis sacrificed any haptics in exchange for clunky and hardly-used motion controls, convex sticks, and mushy trigger buttons that felt terrible for shooters.XboxWe have no idea what Xbox was thinking launching its first console with a controller as big as the Duke. That size is the controllers only fatal flaw because its dual thumbstick, triggers, and buttons are all fantastic. The black and white buttons were an odd choice to try and differentiate itself, but it got enough right that it was able to compete with Nintendo and Sony.NintendoThis is what the N64 controller should have looked like from the start. The sticks make sense, there are ample buttons, and the triggers thick and satisfying to pull. It just has a few odd quirks, like the C-stick being a nub and there only being one bumper button, but it holds up well enough that people still use them to this day.SonyThe original DualShock might as well be the blueprint for every modern controller. We have two sticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, two triggers, and two bumpers. With the exception of back buttons, theres not much innovation to be had from here that made any meaningful impact on gaming.XboxThe 360 edges out the DualShock purely based on refinement. Some people prefer the offset sticks, but theres no denying that the curved triggers were a clear improvement and the slightly rounded buttons felt great to press. The only flaw is that the D-pad is mushy and imprecise.SonyThe latest and best PS5 controller is the high-end DualSense Edge. It has all the functionality of the launch DualSense, such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, and motion controls, plus programable back paddles and easily swappable parts. It looks and feels like a high-end product, but sadly has a battery life that leaves a lot to be desired.MicrosoftAfter the Duke, Microsoft has only made better and better Xbox controllers, and the pinnacle of them all is the Elite series. Much like the Edge, you can tailor almost every part of this controller to your liking, plus even design its color scheme however you want via the design lab to make it completely personalized. It is comfortable, has all the buttons and paddles you want, and is about as close to perfect as a controller can get within the modern design. It will cost you extra, but it is more than worth the price if youre a serious gamer.Editors Recommendations

Users looking for a TikTok alternative learn about daily life in China, but some posts are taboo.