Game Link: https://gd.games/jowski/balloonaticNote: This game is still a demo, so some aspects may be unfinished, and there may be some jank. Feedback would be greatly appreciated.I made this game using GDevelop. Move around the screen using the arrow keys and pop balloons. Each balloon you pop will increase your score. Popping multiple balloons of the same color in a row will net you even more points. Some balloons will have hazards attached to them. If you don't pop them, they

Monster Hunter Wildss open beta 2 provides another opportunity to test the next of Capcoms action role-playing series before its launch later this month.While previously there was a staggered rollout starting with PS5 owners, this time all platforms can play from the off, and for those who cant play over the first set of dates, you can jump into a second test weekend one week later. In other words this open beta just became more open.For those who did check into the first beta, theres an additional monster to hunt and new set of beta rewards as an incentive to revisit.Heres how to access the second Monster Hunter Wilds open beta on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC, including start and end times, as well as how it all works. Monster Hunter Wilds beta 2 datesThe second Monster Hunter Wildss open beta takes place across two weekends in early February, and unlike the first test, is available on all platforms right away.The Monster Hunter Wildsbeta 2 dates in North America are as follows:Thursday, Feb. 6, to Sunday, Feb. 9Thursday, Feb. 13, to Sunday, Feb. 16Since its a global launch, for those in Europe and Japan, add a day to the start and end dates listed above, and/or use the following times to know exactly when you can start playing in your region.Monster Hunter Wilds beta 2 start time in your time zoneThe second Monster Hunter Wilds open beta starts at the following times in your time zone:7 p.m. PSTfor the west coast of North America (on Thursday, Feb. 6)10 p.m. ESTfor the east coast of North America (on Thursday, Feb. 6)4 a.m. CETfor western Europe/Paris (the following day on Friday, Feb. 7)3 a.m. GMTfor the U.K. (the following day on Friday, Feb. 7)12 p.m. JST in Japan/Tokyo (the following day on Friday, Feb. 7)The above times are also when each period will end so for those in North America, itll end on Sunday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. PST / 10 p.m. EST.For those planning around the second weekend, the same times apply on Thursday, Feb. 13, in North America.As with all betas, be patient when encountering any possible server issues, and also be aware whats in the test may not be fully representative of the full game, something Capcom itself has been open about.Our entire development team is hard at work reviewing your valuable feedback and focusing on improving the full version of the game, read a statement. However, please bear in mind that these improvements, including performance, game balance, weapon mechanics, known issues and more will not be reflected in the OBT 2 build.How to access Monster Hunter Wildss open beta on PS5, Xbox, and PCThe start of the Monster Hunter Wildss open beta is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Windows PC. On console, a subscription to PlayStation Plus or Xbox Game Pass is not necessary.You dont need a pre-order, sign-up, or beta key to get access simply head to your platforms storefront and download the open beta client.A pre-load will be available 24 hours ahead of each platforms start time, meaning you can start playing as soon as the test begins.Whats featured in the second Monster Hunter Wilds open beta?The Monster Hunter Wilds open beta will feature the following:Opening of the story, including the opening Chatacabra tutorial huntThe Doshaguma hunt encounterThe Gypceros hunt encounter (new to the second beta)The character and palico creator, which can be taken forward to the full gameMultiplayer support through SOS flares, which works cross-platformYou can read more about this opening few hours of the game with our hands-on preview that made Polygons own Michael McWhertor a believer in its ecosystem. As well as the above, there are also rewards to unlockMonster Hunter Wilds second open beta rewardsBy participating in the second open beta for Monster Hunter Wilds, youll claim two rewards to take into the full game upon release:Stuffed Felyne Teddy Pendant (cosmetic item same reward as from the first open beta)Open Beta Test 2 Bonus Item Pack (featuring 10 Raw Meat, 3 Shock Trap, 3 Pitball Trap, 10 Tranq Bomb, 3 Large Barrel Bomb, 5 Armor Sphere, 10 Flash Pod, and 10 Large Dung Pod)The requirement for unlocking these is simply creating a character, which is then imported into the full game so provided you do that, regardless of how much you then play, the above rewards are yours. As such, an online connection is required for these elements to carry over.If you played the first open beta, then youll also receive another bonus item pack when you start playing the full game.

Windows 11's minimum system requirements have been controversial from the day Microsoft unveiled the new version of its desktop operating system. The controversy boils down to one single line item: TPM 2.0 support. TPM stands for Trusted Platform Module, which is a chip that protects against malware and ransomware attacks. If your PC doesn't have TPM version 2.0, then you can't officially upgrade to Windows 11, unless you used a bypass that Microsoft had published.It appears that Microsoft doesn't want you to use the bypass any longer. Neowin spotted an update to a Microsoft support page with wording about the bypass removed. You can even check the page on The Wayback Machine to see what it looked like until a few days ago. The previous version mentioned that you could add a new registry key called AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU to bypass the TPM check and install Windows 11 on 'unsupported' PCs. In the updated version of the support article, that section is no longer there.This means that Microsoft no longer recommends any official method to install Windows 11 on 'unsupported' PCs. This move comes ahead of a planned end of updates for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, after which you'll have to pay annually to receive security updates. That could be an expensive proposition for each successive year that you choose to remain on Windows 10.Several methods to bypass the Windows 11 TPM check still exist, but it remains to be seen if they'll continue to work in the future. Microsoft has advised against upgrading 'unsupported' PCs, going so far as to say that doing so will void your warranty and that your PC may no longer be entitled to receive updates. But if you're like my editor and can't yet upgrade, at least you can make your Windows 10 PC look and feel like Windows 11.

Spring cleaning time is around the corner and while youre prepping your regular to-do list, there are a few things you might be overlookingwe all have blind spots, after all. Lets go over a few of the places you are likely to forget about so you can add them into your routine. Once you familiarize yourself with these suggestions and tips, you can use this checklist I created in Google Sheets to help remind you about what you might have missed. You can make your own copy out of this doc and open it up every couple of months to check off each of the tasks as you work through them. Most overlooked spots in your bathroomYou already know to clean your toilet (and how not to do it) and your tub. You have no water stains and your tile is pristine. Forgetting anything? It might be these:Clean and unclog the overflow holes in your sink, if you have them.Clean and disinfect high-touch but rarely-noticed surfaces like your shower head handle, toilet flusher, and drawer pulls. (Familiarize yourself with the difference between disinfecting, sanitizing, and cleaning while you're at it.) Dust and wipe down any vents.Wash your shower curtain.Clean your shower head thoroughly, as well as the sink faucet's aerator, which can get gunky over time.Wipe down the inside your medicine cabinet (and maybe take some time to declutter it).Wipe down the outside of your toilet, including the sides.Do the same for the exterior of your garbage can.Clean any dusty light fixtures.Finish up with the baseboards, then mop.What you're forgetting to clean in your kitchenThe kitchen experiences a fresh mess every day (multiple times a day, even), so while you're spending all that time wiping down the counters and loading the dishwasher, it's easy to miss the grime that is building up over time in less-noticed spots. Periodically, you should:Clean under and behind your major appliances (which you can actually do without moving them).Dust and wipe down the top of your refrigerator, not just inside and under it....but empty out and clean your fridge, including the shelves, too. (When you're putting everything back inside is a great time to reorganize the contents.)When youre tackling the oven, dont forget the warming drawer, plus the vent, hood, and knobs.Scrub down your backsplash.Clean out your toaster's crumb tray.Wipe down the outer surface of your garbage can.Clean and disinfect your drawer pulls and the handles on your cabinets, fridge, and microwave.Disinfect the light-switches (and any other switches in the room).Spruce up your light fixtures.Wipe down the tops and undersides of your cabinets, especially the ones up top that have exposed space under the ceiling.Thoroughly dust and clean all the baseboards before you sweep and mop the floor.What to clean in your living roomYou pay attention to cleaning your kitchen and bathroom for sanitary reasons, which makes sense, but the living room? Thats all about aesthetics, baby. You want to impress your guests, after all. Impress them even more by remembering to:Dust your plants (even your fake ones).Dust your candles.Clean and disinfect high-touch items like remotes and coasters (plus those light switches).Dust picture frames and any other knick-knacks.Remove couch and chair cushions and vacuum underneath them for a horrifying surprise.Clean window blinds and curtains. (Blinds are easy: There's a hack.)Dust and wipe down your windowsills, too.Clean the undersides of coffee tables, side tables, and ottomans.Clean your light fixtures.End with the baseboards again before sweeping, vacuuming, and/or mopping.What needs to be cleaned in the bedroomsYour bedroom is the one area that is all about youso treat yourself to an extra clean one. Try cleaning these for some bonus points:Wipe your curtain rods and windowsills when you toss your curtains in the wash. (If you have blinds, clean those instead.)Clean and disinfect high-touch items like alarm clocks, drawer pulls, door knobs, and light switches.Clean your ceiling fan (but make sure to do that before you vacuum).Dust the top of your headboard.Dust plants, candles, picture frames, and knick-knacks.As usual, finish up with those baseboards before cleaning the floor.

Google is notorious for killing off initiatives in both its hardware and services divisions. And, indeed, the announcement of the Google TV streaming box was effectively seen as an epitaph for the more affordable Chromecast brand that Google had built up in the previous decade. But here's the weird thing: Months after being pronounced dead, the $30 Chromecast is shambling along at Google's online store. Maybe it will eventually go out of stock, but in the meantime, you can buy three for the price of a single Google TV.So much the better, because both Google streaming platforms are still strong contenders, with easy interfaces that provide access to all of the best streaming services in one centralized location. At the same time, a growing number of modestly priced smart TVs have Google TV built-in. But no matter which Google viewing option you use, you can access even more video content, thanks to their strong support for VPNs (virtual private networks). Heres how to set up a VPN on Google TV or a Chromecast and why you may want to use one.Why use a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast?For streaming purposes, VPNs have one clear benefit: spoofing your IP address to that of a different country so that you can access geo-restricted content. If you use a VPN and connect to a different countrys server, you can access its content library on any streaming platform.Lets say you live in the US but want to watch some award-winning BBC documentaries on the BBC iPlayer streaming service. All BBC iPlayer content is free if you live in the UK, but blocked everywhere else. Using a VPN, you can connect to a UK VPN server and stream to your hearts content.VPNs also have considerable security benefits if you use them on your smartphone or PC. Purchasing a single subscription means you can use your VPN on any supported device, so we recommend you shop for a flexible one that supports multiple concurrent logins.What VPNs are available on Google TV?Google TV doesnt have as many VPN apps to install compared to other smart TV systems like Amazons Fire TV OS. Although this may seem like a disadvantage, its actually a blessing in disguise.With VPNs, you want to ensure you invest in a quality and trustworthy product. There are many untested or free VPNs available that sell your data or falsify their encryption claims. Although this might not be a huge issue for streaming purposes alone, it generally poses massive security and privacy risks.When installing a VPN on Google TV or Chromecast, we recommend the following VPN services:ProtonVPNExpressVPNSurfsharkCyberGhostWe also have a guide to the best VPNs where we explain why we recommend them.How to set up a VPN on your Google TV or ChromecastIts easy to use a VPN on your Google TV (and perhaps even easier on a Chromecast). Heres a step-by-step guide on how to install one:Google TVNavigate to the Google Play Store on your Google TV.Search for the VPN you want to install (alternatively, search for the keyword VPN to view your options).Install the VPN.Sign up (or login if you already have an account).Navigate the country server list and connect.Note that you can use your VPN on as many devices as it supports. So, once youve purchased a subscription, its wise to download it on as many platforms and devices you can to maximize your investment.ChromecastIf you have a Chromecast, you can still enjoy the benefits of a VPN you just need to use your smartphone or laptop in tandem with the streaming device. Heres how to do it:Install a VPN on your smartphone or laptop.Make sure your Wi-Fi is enabled.Turn on the VPN on your smartphone/laptop.Connect your smartphone or laptop to your TV via Chromecast.Begin streaming your content.Additional tip: VPNs also work with screencasting. As long as your smart TV is under the same Wi-Fi as the device youre screencasting from, you can use the VPN securely.VPN options for other streaming platformsDon't have Google TV? Good news: Robust VPN options (or alternatives) exist for the other major streaming platforms, too.How to use a VPN on your Apple TVHow to stream via a VPN on RokuHow to use a VPN to stream with Fire TVThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cybersecurity/vpn/how-to-use-your-google-tv-or-chromecast-to-stream-via-a-vpn-140619571.html?src=rss

After President Trump announced a 25 percent tariff on nearly all Canadian imported goods (and Canada announced its own 25 percent tariff on American imported goods), Doug Ford, the premier of Ontario and a former supporter of President Trump announced the Canadian territory would be ripping up a $100 million contract with Elon Musks Starlink. The contract was signed in November last year.Musk, boss of Starlink and the richest man in the world, is a close confidant of Trump and has control over the so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE (urgh), tasked with cost-cutting and deregulation in government.Ford believed this was enough to link Musk (and his businesses) to Trumps tariffs. He said Ontario wont do business with people hellbent on destroying our economy and that Musk wants to take food off the table of hard-working Canadians. Ford also commanded the Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) to remove American-made spirits from store shelves. (Oh no, not the Titos vodka!)Its since de-escalated. After Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump agreed to pause the tariff standoff for 30 days, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was also pausing the provinces cancelation of its Starlink contract. Mat SmithTrumps tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China could drive up prices of cars, electronics, fuel, food and moreThe biggest tech stories you missedSamsung leader cleared of fraud charges after winning appealThe Apple Watch Series 10 is cheaper than everHow to watch Super Bowl 2025: Chiefs vs. Eagles on Sunday, February 9The 10 best audio tech gadgets we saw at NAMM Get this delivered direct to your inbox. Subscribe right here!AI helped The Beatles win a grammyLet It = Be.After being nominated in November 2024 for two Grammys, Now and Then won Best Rock Performance. When the song, as a demo, was first recorded, John Lennons singing and piano were on the same audio track, and separating them was impossible. Fortunately, AI can now do that with zero effort. The surviving Beatles, Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, were able to complete the song by recording new bass and drum parts and released it almost 30 years later. Sean Ono Lennon, the son of the late Beatle, accepted the trophy in his fathers stead. Now and Then was also nominated for Record of the Year.Continue reading.The Python-esque 'PBJ The Musical' launches March 26Silly musical gaming snack.The absurdist PBJ The Musical (first previewed at Day of the Devs 24) heads to the App Store on March 26. Its a collaboration between studio founder Philipp Stollenmayer and English musician and comedian Lorraine Bowen, famous for The Crumble Song and a former semi-finalist of Britains Got Talent. Kamibox says the games happy ending involves (spoilers) the creation of the beloved peanut butter and jelly sandwich, which might be a welcome salve to often bleak and harrowing AAA gaming.Continue reading.Ankers Eufy E20 is a robot vacuum that transformsA multipurpose vacuum.Announced at CES 2025, Ankers Eufy E20 is a first-of-its-kind robot vacuum that turns into a cordless stick vacuum, with attachments, plus a self-emptying base. It even comes in at a mid-range price of $550. Sure, it works best as a robot, but the transformers-style design will make this a tempting buy for those who dont want to rely solely on a robovac. It transforms quickly between modes, and while the stick vac certainly isnt the strongest, it does the job for emergency cereal spills and muckier spots.Continue reading.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/general/the-morning-after-engadget-newsletter-121534913.html?src=rss

Microsoft is switching to closed-loop liquid cooling, as used by PC overclockers, for its data centers to eliminate water wastage.

Are the RX 9070 graphics cards set to be Nvidia RTX 5070 killers? We need to know one key detail for sure: those crucial MSRPs.

The change comes after President Donald Trump announced new tariffs that also target a popular trade loophole, called "de minimis."

Stripe has closed its acquisition of Bridge Network, and executives are gearing up to make a big splash in the growing stablecoin market.