Lenovo has already teased the second-gen version of its flagship gaming handheld. But that wont be out until much later this year, so in the meantime, its come out with the Legion Go S, a slightly sturdier and more portable way to frag while youre out and about. Now the tricky thing about this device is that it will be available in a bunch of different configurations including one that comes pre-installed with SteamOS a first for any portable PC not made by Valve. Frankly, thats the version were most interested in. However, the one running Windows 11 is out now, so its a good time to get familiar with it and see if its worth the money or if you should just wait for the variant that comes with Valves OS instead.Design and display: A mid-cycle streamliningRegardless of what platform theyre based on, both models feature the same design with the only difference being that the Windows 11 version comes in white while the SteamOS variant features a dark purple shell. However, unlike the original Legion Go, the Go S doesnt have detachable controllers. But aside from that, many of the highlight features from its predecessor are still there. It sports a 1,920 x 1,200 display with a 120Hz refresh rate. At 8 inches, thats larger than most handhelds, though it is a slight downgrade from the 8.8-inch panel on its predecessor. You also get joysticks with precise Hall effect sensors, an assortment of face and shoulder buttons, dual USB 4 ports (which both support power and data), 3.5mm audio and a microSD card reader.Another small tweak is that instead of four paddles in back, you only get two, with Lenovo trading out the second pair for a set of toggle switches that let you adjust how deep you want the handhelds triggers to go. Its a nice touch for people who enjoy things like racing games where a bit of extra analog sensitivity can go a long way, but still want the freedom to have a shorter pull when playing stuff like fighting games, where longer triggers hurt more than they help. And while the touchpad on the Legion Go S is much smaller than the one on the original, Im really glad Lenovo didnt axe it altogether as it makes navigating through settings and menus in Windows so much easier than relying strictly on the joysticks or touch support.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetThe one feature I wish Lenovo had included is an onboard fingerprint sensor. Without it, you need to use a PIN or password to get into Windows 11. On a system without a keyboard, that means every time you pick up the system, you have to shift your hands away from the joysticks and tap the middle of the touchscreen, because the tiny touchpad doesnt even work for this. Frankly, its just kind of awkward and could have been avoided entirely if Lenovo had opted for a power button with a built-in finger scanner like many of the Legion Gos rivals including the ROG Ally X and the MSI Claw 8 AI+. Finally, while the Go S does have a built-in rumble motor, the vibrations it puts out are hilariously one-note, especially when its set to buzz anytime you use the touchpad. So I ended up turning it off entirely.Performance: Not as fast as you might expectThe Legion Go S will eventually support a handful of processors and configurations, but right now it comes with an AMD Ryzen Z2 Go chip along with 32GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. And if youre comparing it to its predecessor, you might think this thing would offer better performance. After all, the original Legion Go has less RAM and an older Ryzen Z1 Extreme APU, and two is higher than one, right? Well not so fast, because the Z1 Extreme features a base clock of 3.3GHz with eight cores and 16 threads compared to the Z2 Gos base clock of 3GHz with just four cores and eight threads. Furthermore, the older Z1 Extreme also has a GPU based on AMDs newer RDNA 3 architecture compared to RDNA 2 for the Z2 Go. So in actuality, the Legion Go S with this chip is about 10 to 15 percent less powerful than the model that came before it.Sam Rutherford for EngadgetThis becomes a lot more obvious when looking at benchmarks where the Legion Go S delivered 45 fps in Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p and medium settings with FSR upscaling set to performance, while the original Legion Go hit 51 fps with both systems set to the same 15-watt performance mode. Meanwhile in Returnal, we saw a similar pattern with the Go S reaching 23 fps on medium graphics at 800p compared to 34 fps for the older Legion Go, once again with both devices set to 15 watts.Seeing poorer performance on the new model might set off alarms for some people, but before anyone panics, consider this: The Legion Go S is supposed to be a more streamlined and affordable take on the original, so in some respects not being able to achieve the same or higher framerates is to be expected. To me, the real issue is that 32GB of RAM is sort of overkill for this chip, which means youre paying more for memory that cant be fully utilized. And remember, while the Go S launch config comes with a Z2 Go, there are other versions that are expected to get a Z1 Extreme and possibly a vanilla Z2 at some point in the future.Of course, if you want higher framerates, you can always adjust how much power youre sending to its processor. Lenovos default balanced setting uses 15 watts, while performance mode pumps things up to 30. But if you want more precise control, the custom mode can go from as little as 5 watts all the way up to 40, though youll want or need to be plugged into the wall to utilize its full TDP (thermal design power).Battery life: Good enoughNaturally, whatever performance mode you choose will ultimately impact your battery life. I found that when playing Metal Slug Tactics using the 15-watt balanced setting, the Legion Go S lasted for around two and a half hours, which is pretty solid. When playing more demanding titles, longevity wasnt quite as good, with runtimes closer to an hour and a half. Though, with the Go S featuring a 55.5WHr battery compared to something like the 80WHr pack in the ROG Ally X, that kind of discrepancy isnt entirely unexpected.Software: Better, but still clunkySam Rutherford for EngadgetLenovo has done a lot to improve the Legion Space app since it came out a couple years ago. Not only is it much better as a general place to launch games from, its a lot easier to adjust settings or download new drivers or software updates. Even the UI is more spacious and intuitive. However, at the end of the day, the handoff between Legion Space and the rest of Windows 11 still feels awkward. Depending on what youre trying to tweak, you have to jump between menus from Lenovo and Microsoft while switching between joystick and touchpad to navigate. I also noticed some bugs like when trying to install Steam from the Legion Space app. It failed every time, which meant I had to download the app directly from Valve and do things manually. In a lot of respects, this is where Windows-based handhelds lag behind the most, so its a shame itll be another few months before the SteamOS model goes on sale sometime in May.Wrap-upThe Legion Go S has all the makings of a solid portable gaming PC. Its got a straightforward design with good ergonomics, Hall effect joysticks and a sensible button layout. Lenovo also includes some nice perks like dual USB-C ports, a decent-sized battery and a handy little touchpad for navigating Windows. I just wish there was a built-in fingerprint scanner too. And while its 8-inch OLED display is a touch smaller than the one on its predecessor, theres not much to dislike about it. You even get more storage (1TB) than a base Legion Go (512GB).Sam Rutherford for EngadgetThe hard thing to come to terms with is that right now a Legion Go S costs $730 for worse performance, no detachable controllers and the lack of bonuses like an included carrying case or vertical mouse functionality like on the original Legion Go, which can be had for $30 less ($700). Normally, that would be a death sentence for a new system because that value proposition simply doesnt make sense.But in this case, the issue is that Lenovo hasnt fully rolled out all of its variations. I still think 32GB of RAM on this device is excessive; not even the ROG Ally X has that much. But more importantly, the Legion Go S other configs arent available yet. So even if you arent holding out for the SteamOS variant, youd be silly not to wait for less expensive versions to come out with starting prices closer to $600 (or even $500 for the one with Valves platform), which will instantly make this handheld a lot more attractive.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/lenovo-legion-go-s-review-windows-version-not-so-fast-140002828.html?src=rss

The Medusa gang is threatening to leak stolen HCRG Care Group records.

Google's new AI tool wants to help determine your ideal job and how to identify your unique skills.

OpenAI now has 400 million weekly active users, up from 300 million in early December, OpenAIs chief operating officer, Brad Lightcap, tells CNBC.

Chinese smartphone maker Oppo on Thursday revealed the Find N5, a new flagship that can fold in half.

President Donald Trump said that he likes the idea of giving some of the savings from Elon Musks Department of Government Efficiency back to U.S. citizens as a kind of dividend.He said at an investment conference in Miami on Wednesday that the administration is considering a concept in which 20% of the savings produced by DOGEs cost-cutting efforts goes to American citizens and another 20% goes to paying down the national debt.Trump also said the potential for dividend payments would incentivize people to report wasteful spending.Theyll be reporting it themselves, Trump said. They participate in the process of saving us money.Later, as he flew back to Washington aboard Air Force One, he was asked by a reporter about the plan floated by Musk.I love it, the Republican president told reporters on the plane.A day earlier, Musk wrote on his social media platform that he will check with the President in response to a suggestion that Trump and Musk should announce a DOGE Dividend that would send a refund to taxpayers from part of the savings created by DOGE. Its efforts have already led to thousands of federal government employees being fired or laid off.Chris Megerian, Associated Press

Birkenstock, the renowned German footwear brand, posted stronger-than-expected sales for its fiscal first quarter, fueled by strong holiday demand and the growing popularity of its closed-toe clogs. However, the companysU.S.-listedshares (NYSE: BIRK) were down about 3% in premarket trading Thursday as of the time of this writing.Strong demand meets investor skepticismThe company reported quarterly revenue of 361.7 million, exceeding analyst expectations of 356.2 million. However, it maintained its annual margin forecast, as Reuters reported.The drop in share price is likely related to a cautious outlook on profit margins for fiscal 2025, with investors also concerned about the long-term impact of Birkenstocks expansion strategyespecially the rising costs associated with new retail locations and manufacturing facilities.Expansion costs weigh on marginsThe footwear brand has been aggressively expanding, particularly in Asia. In October 2024, Birkenstock launched a dedicated e-commerce platform inSouth Koreaand announced plans to open brick-and-mortar stores in the region by spring 2025. The companys gross margins fell by330basis points in fiscal 2024, as the Wall Street Journal reported, largely due to increased spending on new retail locations and manufacturing facilities, including a new production plant inPasewalk, Germany. Investors may be wary of how long these expenditures will continue to pressure profits before yielding meaningful returns.Market expectations and profit missesBirkenstocks revenue forecast for fiscal 2025between 15% and 17% growthfell slightly below expectations. Analysts had anticipated a more aggressive outlook, especially given the companys recent momentum.Additionally, while sales have been strong, profits have not kept pace. Birkenstocks earnings report showed that despite higher revenues, net income was lower than analysts had projected. This discrepancy suggests that rising operational costs, supply-chain expenses, and promotional spending may be eating into profitability.Brand strength vs. market concernsBirkenstock remains a strong brand with cultural relevance, thanks in part to high-profile collaborations and celebrity endorsements. However, the stocks decline reflects broader market concerns about whether the company can translate its current sales momentum into sustained long-term profitability.This isnt the first time investors have reacted negatively to Birkenstocks financial performance. InAugust 2024, the companys stock plummeted 15% after missing profit estimates. While the latest dip isnt as severe, it signals continued skepticism about the companys ability to balance growth with profitability.

People's imaginations have been captured by gesture control since at least the 2000s, when Minority Report and later Iron Man showed characters using it. Today, 23 years after Minority Report's 2002 release, the technology has yet to become ubiquitous. Companies as large as Nintendo, Google and BMW have all launched and rescinded gesture control interfaces that got less than stellar reviews. That hasn't stopped people from trying. The latest entrant is from Chinese startup Cenwatch, who makes no bones about their influence: Their eponymous device was inspired by, yes, Iron Man. For form factor they've gone with a watch, with a bulky under-wrist LiDAR scanner. Combined with an inertial measurement unit, this reportedly offers the gesture-tracking accuracy that has stymied other developers. Here's what they say the thing can do:I find the design, particularly of the LiDAR scanner, almost shockingly primitive; it doesn't inspire confidence in the product. As usual Kickstarter backers don't share my skepticism, and the $300 devices will start shipping in June.

The strength and structural integrity of concrete are derived from its inherent material properties, and also from the way it is shaped during construction. An innovative architecture student has developed an ingenious method for constructing robust and stable vaulted floors while significantly reducing the amount of concrete and steel traditionally required. This is achieved through a unique formwork design inspired by the art of origami.The Unfold Form, conceived by Lotte Scheder-Bieschin, a doctoral architecture student at ETH Zurich in Switzerland, serves as a reusable framework. It is used to shape wet concrete until it solidifies into the desired vaulted floor structure. This unique approach optimizes material usage, while also showcasing a creative fusion of design and engineering principles.Designer: Lotte Scheder-BieschinEmploying advanced structural geometry, this technique forms vaulted floors while utilizing 60% less concrete and 90% less steel compared to conventional construction methods. This substantial reduction has the potential to significantly lower carbon emissions and decrease material waste in the building process. This is quite impressive considering that concrete production is responsible for approximately 7-8% of global CO2 emissions.A vaulted floor features a curved, arch-like design, which typically offers greater strength than flat slab floors by utilizing compression to withstand loads. But, constructing such structures usually requires intricate formwork to achieve the curved shape and specialized skills for proper execution. This is where the Unfold Form comes to the rescue! Scheder-Bieschins innovative formwork uses strips of plywood combined with textile hinges to shape and mold concrete into vaulted floors. The formwork is lightweight, easy to assemble, and reusable. It doesnt rely on petroleum-based materials like Styrofoam for production, making it a more sustainable option.Crafted from flexible strips of plywood, this formwork can be expanded like a fan. By assembling four such units within a wooden frame, a sturdy mold is formed, ready to receive the direct pouring of concrete. The zigzag configuration enables the formwork which weighs 52 lb (24 kg)to support up to 1 ton of concrete. Once the concrete has cured, the formwork can be easily removed from beneath and reused for future projects.Scheder-Bieschin utilized her expertise in bending-active structures, where the deformation of elastic materials provides stability without increasing weight, to design the formwork. The zigzag pattern she developed for the plywood strips enhances the strength of both the mold and the concrete it supports. Her method also includes an origami-inspired technique known as curved-crease folding to further enhance the formworks rigidity.The Unfold Form formwork can be produced and assembled without specialized knowledge or high-tech equipment, said Scheder-Bieschin. The only things needed in addition to the materials are a template for the shape and a stapler. That makes it a viable option for construction projects in developing countries that need to erect buildings quickly and cheaply.Currently, two concrete structures have been constructed using the Unfold Form. The first structure is a vaulted floor measuring 9.8 feet by 5.9 feet (3 meters by 1.8 meters) at ETH Zurichs Hnggerberg campus. The second structure was built in Cape Town, South Africa, using bio-concrete infused with shredded invasive vegetation from the local area.The post Innovative Origami-Inspired Formwork Reduces Concrete & Steel in Vaulted Floors first appeared on Yanko Design.