Image: NIntendo Life / Chucklefish / NintendoAnd we're back for the February edition of the Nintendo Life Mailbox. Time is moving slowly for those of us jonesing for that Switch 2 Direct, but we've had games like Civ 7, Laika, and Citizen Sleeper 2 to keep us busy, and we're all looking forward to Xenoblade Chronicles X - it would just be nice if it launched on 20th February rather than 20th March.Anyhow, it's time for our monthly letters page feature. Got something you want to get off your chest? We're ready and waiting to read about your game-related ponderings.Each month well highlight a Star Letter, the writer of which will receive a months subscription to our ad-free Supporter scheme. Check out the submission guidelines at the bottom of this page.Letters were very light this month (or filled with total irrelevancy), so make sure to send your video game-related missives and doodles our way for next time!Okay, let's a-rummage.Nintendo Life Mailbox - February 2024Image: Capcom"a bad thing" (***STAR LETTER***)First of all, my favorite game of all time is Earthbound, and if you disagree, well, let's just say...that's very understandable and I respect your opinion. I always tell people my second favorite game, however, is "Mega Man". Which one? Well, it's probably either Mega Man 2, 3, X, or X2. But there's nothing wrong with 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, X3, and X4. Heck, even 1 and 8 are okay. Did I mention the Game Boy games? It's always difficult to parse out the order, because when you get down to it all of the games are all so very similar, yet all so very great.When did that become a bad thing?When did it become an absolute crime to make an iterative sequel? You know if Mario Kart 9 doesn't reinvent the wheel (potentially literally) that some people will be up in arms. "How DARE the new Assassin's Creed be exactly like the previous one!?" "Tears of the Kingdom should have been DLC for Breath of the Wild!" I'm all for taking risks and creating something fresh. Pokemon for sure was/is in desperate need of a status quo shakeup, and if something didn't work the first time why would you go back to the same well? But sometimes, with some franchises, coloring inside the lines is more than okay, and thinking outside the box gets you a Mega Man X7. Maybe there's a reason restaurants keep serving the same menu, and maybe it's okay for games to serve us more of the same.Splash_WomanThe sheer amount of games these days great ones! makes it harder to get excited about sequels that barely change things up, I'd say. With all the brilliant genre homages we get, a new Mega Man should aim higher than just another 'one of those', no? If a series goes totally off the rails, a solid, back-to-basics entry gets things back on track, but minor tweaks to the same formula, forever? It's not a crime, it's just boring.Iteration is essential, but so is experimentation and reaching for something new. We can't move for quality Metroidvanias, so an actual Metroid or Castlevania should be something a bit special. Otherwise, what's the point? - Ed."wise to arrive"So, I've never gotten a launch console before. In fact, I've had my PS5 for less than a year. However, I'm now in a position to be able to afford the Switch 2 when it comes out. I would love to get my hands on a launch Switch 2 (although, my local GameStop guy hinted at a Pokemon Edition that I'm assuming won't come out at the same time). My question is: How early do you think it would be wise to arrive at any store offering preorders when they begin taking them? Thanks!EthanHmm, not to cast aspersions on the wisdom of GameStop guy, but I wouldn't expect any themed SKUs in the launch year.In terms of pre-orders, get there as early as is practical, but also remember that one of Nintendo's primary goals with the launch is to satisfy demand. So unless they totally fail on that front, you should be able to get hold of one if you're keeping half an eye on things. You shouldn't need to camp outside the store to get your pre-order in, at least.But hey, I'm a guy who improbably got the last Wii from Woolworths in December 2006, and randomly wandered into a department store and picked up a Switch off the shelf on launch day in 2017. Maybe I've just been lucky. Some people love setting up the tent on the sidewalk for these kinds of things. If that's you, crack on! - Ed.Image: NintendoAnd now onto the Bonus section! See, I told you it was a light month.Bonus Letters"I was wondering if youd consider not linking to X anymore? For example, if a story comes from a tweet, you could repost the content or use a cropped screenshot without including a link. " - Twilite9This came in too late to make the last Mailbox, but it's worth highlighting my response to a comment back towards the end of January - check that out for a little more depth.TL;DR: We're dismayed at the turn things have taken and we've made various changes in our approach to that platform. Right now it remains a common tool for announcements and discussion from industry players, so you'll still see it sourced appropriately when no other sources are available. Any questions, our contact form is the best place for them. - Ed."I think Zeno Robinson might join The Sonic the Hedgehog current voice cast starting in the next 3D Sonic game, Sonic Adventure 3 or Sonic Frontiers 2 or whatever I call it. He would voice a new Hedgehog with powers inspired by Shazam, Hercules and the flash and take inspiration to Adult Gohan from Dragon Ball Z." - Scottdevine53I enjoy these little prognostications, Scott. - Ed."Are we going to copy PlayStation and start calling the Switch the NS1 now?" - MunchlaxNo, no - it's Sw1tch, darling. - Ed.Nintendo is tempted to list out all super AAA hits of -1 Sony/MS consoles from recent generation and order studios to make Switch ports, then offer it on super expensive price - JakubThe Last of Us: Switch Edition. $99 or $120 for the Collector's Edition with the Joel and Ellie amiibos which unlocks the HBO skins. Yes, I need more Pedro in my life. PP ftw.Hang on, that came out wrong. - Ed.(The Bed Bath & Beyond is still up, just wanted to make my letter about candles more interesting MarkSeteth72'Interesting' is a word. - Ed.Image: NintendoThat's all for this month! Thanks to everyone who wrote in, whether you were featured above or not.Got something you'd like to get off your chest? A burning question you need answered? A correction you can't contain? Follow the instructions below, then, and we look forward to rifling through your missives.Nintendo Life Mailbox submission advice and guidelinesLetters, not essays, please - Bear in mind that your letter may appear on the site, and 1000 words ruminating on the Legend of Heroes series and asking Alana for her personal ranking isn't likely to make the cut. Short and sweet is the order of the day. (If you're after a general guide, 100-200 words would be ample for most topics.)Don't go crazy with multiple correspondences - Ideally, just the one letter a month, please!Don't be disheartened if your letter doesn't appear in the monthly article - We anticipate a substantial inbox, and we'll only be able to highlight a handful every month. So if your particular letter isn't chosen for the article, please don't get disheartened!How to send a Letter to the Nintendo Life MailboxHead to Nintendo Life's Contact page and select the subject "Reader Letters" from the drop-down menu (it's already done for you in the link above). Type your name, email, and beautifully crafted letter into the appropriate box, hit send, and boom you're done! Advert FreeShare:00 Gavin first wrote for Nintendo Life in 2018 before joining the site full-time the following year, rising through the ranks to become Editor. He can currently be found squashed beneath a Switch backlog the size of Normandy. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...

MVRDVs Mega Mat | DOF SkyGroundMVRDVs Mega Mat installation at Bangkok Design Week challenges conventional notions of public space by transforming an everyday household item into an urban intervention with a powerful environmental message. Situated at Lan Khon Mueang Town Square, the project highlights the potential of recycled materials in architecture and public space design while providing a vivid infographic about Thailands plastic waste processing. The installation reflects MVRDVs ongoing commitment to sustainability and material circularity, presenting an innovative response to the global discourse on waste management.Mega Mat Technical InformationArchitects1-10: MVRDVLocation: Laan Kon Muang Plaza, Bangkok, ThailandClient: Creative Economic Agency, ThailandArea: 875 m2 | 9,400 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2024 2025Photographs: DOF SkyGroundAround the world, people are understanding the need to think more about the objects they use, and to see products as part of a connected ecological web. In Thailand, this conversation is already well underway. I encourage that. With our design of the Mega Mat, we also wanted to celebrate it as an opportunity, to see the possibilities that are created by putting an emphasis on recycled materials. In a city dominated by concrete, this mat creates a soft space where you can take off your shoes, sit, lie down, read, and play. Winy Maas, MVRDV founding partnerMega Mat PhotographsAerial View | DOF SkyGroundAerial View | DOF SkyGroundAerial View | DOF SkyGroundAerial View | DOF SkyGroundStreet View | DOF SkyGroundStreet View | DOF SkyGroundStreet View | DOF SkyGroundStreet View | DOF SkyGroundStreet View | DOF SkyGroundMega Mat Design IntentThe concept of Mega Mat emerges from the traditional Thai Sua, a woven mat used in domestic settings. By enlarging this familiar object to an urban scale, MVRDV fosters a communal experience that contrasts sharply with Bangkoks dense and often hard-surfaced public realm. The installations modular composition, made up of 532 individual woven plastic mats, creates a flexible and interactive space where visitors can sit, rest, read, and engage in social activities.One of the most striking spatial gestures within the design is the lifted corner of the mat. This subtle yet effective architectural move references the upturned eaves of nearby Wat Suthat Thepwararam, creating a sheltered space beneath that hosts an exhibition on plastic waste and recycling. The interplay between the mats soft, colorful surface and the rigid urban surroundings enhances its role as a temporary public living rooman oasis within the city.Materiality and Environmental NarrativeThe installation provides a place for rest and interaction and conveys an urgent environmental message through its materiality and color scheme. Constructed from recycled plastic, Mega Mat demonstrates the viability of repurposed materials in design. The use of woven plastic echoes traditional Thai craftsmanship while addressing contemporary waste and sustainability issues.The gradient color scheme transforms the installation into an educational infographic, visually representing Thailands plastic waste management. Red tones symbolize the percentage of plastic sent to unsanitary landfills, while shades of orange and yellow depict sanitary landfills and uncollected waste. At the heart of the installation, shades of green represent the percentage of plastic successfully recycled. Integrating environmental data into spatial design elevates Mega Mat beyond a mere aesthetic gesture, turning it into a tool for public awareness.The installations lifecycle extends beyond Bangkok Design Week. Instead of being discarded, the mats will be redistributedsome donated to local temples, others repurposed as yoga mats, and some upcycled into consumer products such as bags. This approach embodies circular design principles, ensuring the intervention does not contribute to the issue it seeks to address.Broader Context: Public Space, Sustainability, and Architectural ResponsibilityMega Mat is a compelling case study of how temporary architectural interventions can provoke broader discussions on material reuse, public engagement, and sustainability. The installation is not an isolated effort but part of MVRDVs more significant ambition to transition towards a low-carbon, Paris-proof design philosophy. The firms Carbon Confessions exhibition in Munich and the development of CarbonScape software further illustrate its commitment to reducing architectural emissions.Beyond MVRDVs direct contributions, Mega Mat exemplifies how architects can leverage temporary installations to test new material applications, rethink public space, and engage communities in pressing environmental conversations. The installations participatory nature aligns with emerging architectural trends, where adaptability, impermanence, and ecological consciousness are increasingly central.Mega Mat PlansDiagram | MVRDVDiagram | MVRDVDiagram | MVRDVDiagram | MVRDVMega Mat Image GalleryAbout MVRDVMVRDV is a globally renowned architecture and urban design firm founded in 1993 by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, and Nathalie de Vries in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Known for its bold, innovative, and sustainable design approach, MVRDV explores new architectural possibilities through experimentation with density, material reuse, and urban transformation. The firms portfolio includes pioneering projects such as The Markthal in Rotterdam, The Valley in Amsterdam, and The Depot Boijmans Van Beuningen. Committed to sustainability, MVRDV integrates circular economy principles and data-driven environmental strategies in its designs, influencing contemporary architectural discourse worldwide.Credits and Additional NotesArchitect: MVRDVFounding Partner in Charge: Winy MaasPartner: Wenchian ShiDesign Team: Sanne van der Burgh, Sredej Bunnag, Americo Iannazzone, Zhijia Xiong, Jiani You, Dimitrios Kogkalidis, Sen Yang, Miruna Dunu, Marcela Tamez CabelloPartners: Creative Economic Agency, PTT Global Chemicals, Embassy of the Netherlands, Urban AllyContractor: D-63Recycled Mats: RukchatLighting Designer: FOS Lighting Design StudioExhibition Collaboration: MORECopyright: MVRDV, Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs, Nathalie de Vries

rob dobi/Getty ImagesWhether you're looking to cut a good deal with suppliers or convince colleagues of the benefits of your new idea, great negotiations are crucial to being a successful professional.Harvard Business School suggests investing time and energy in developing negotiation skills can help maximize your value at the bargaining table. Also: 5 ways to stop impostor syndrome from holding you back at workSo, how can professionals learn to haggle without squabbling? Four business leaders share their best-practice negotiation techniques. 1. Be willing to walk away Chris Kronenthal, president and CTO at FreedomPay, said a successful negotiation starts from a strong bargaining position. "If you're not willing to value your product, you're not in a position to negotiate -- you're in a position to beg. So, the first thing you have to do is be willing to walk." Kronenthal told ZDNET that holding a strong line in negotiations doesn't have to mean being rude. "Some people take an aggressive position. But there's a different way to negotiate," he said. "There's a way that says, 'Here's my business. This is how much it costs us to run it. This is the type of profit and gross margin that we need to be successful, and these are the prices we need to charge for that provision.'" Also: 6 ways to be a successful first-time managerDuring his 16 years with FreedomPay, Kronenthal has watched the company grow from 18 to over 600 employees in 88 countries. These experiences have taught him that knowing the value of your product is crucial to success. "I've seen companies win deals, but the tax of winning those deals was way too high," he said. "When you engage with another party, you want to enter negotiations with a strong hand. You don't want to enter a discussion thinking, 'I have to win your business.'" Kronenthal estimated that believing strongly in your value proposition accounts for 80% of a successful business dialogue. "You want to look someone in the eye, have confidence in your product, and say, 'Yeah, our product might cost more than another organization, but you're going to get great service. You're going to get great focus. You're going to get a best-in-class product. That's what it costs to do this work well. And if you don't want that service, there are other options.'" 2. Prove the business benefits Tobias Sammereyer, team lead for performance engineering at XXXLutz, said it can sometimes feel like you're the internal salesperson for an IT company when you try to sell the benefits of a new technology solution to your business. He said the key to a successful negotiation is correctly addressing your audience and proving that technology is more than a collection of bits and bytes. "Whether you're working with a business person or a techie, you need to get that 'aha effect' so they say, 'Oh, that's how it helps me. That's how it's beneficial,'" he said. "If you force technology on people, it doesn't work." Also: 6 ways continuous learning can advance your careerSammereyer referred to his company's deployment of Dynatrace's observability platform, saying he demonstrated to business professionals how the technology provides IT insurance for his company. "I explain how it would be stupid not to invest in a software license that helps keep us stable," he said. Sammereyer told ZDNET he also works with IT developers and shows them how Dynatrace is a ready-to-use solution that helps them focus on the value-adding areas of their work they enjoy rather than repetitive tasks. "I demonstrate how you can just install one agent and stuff happens. I sit next to them and show them how to click things to get the information they want," he said. "I say, 'Hey guys, you are brilliant coders. So, do what you're here for, and don't do any custom monitoring. For those things, we have a turnkey solution that's a script you install on your host and everything's sorted.'" 3. Build an ecosystem of partners Stephen Mason, advanced digital technologies manager for global industrial operations at Jaguar Land Rover, said successful negotiations have helped him build an ecosystem of suppliers. "I want more vendors, but I want a connectivity vendor that's a partner of the hardware vendor, who's a partner of the software vendor, and so on," he said. Mason told ZDNET that great negotiations mean suppliers can work to create turnkey solutions. "We don't have the internal capacity for all the innovation and transformation we want to deliver," he said. "If all of our vendors can work together and offer a solution, between the cloud provider, hardware vendor, and more, then that's the winning combination." Also: 4 ways to be a great digital leader during 2025's tech revolutionHe gave the example of his negotiations with Ericsson for a private 5G network. "Ericsson is a partner with Litmus, who we're using to do the data ingestion, and a partner of Dell, who provide the end devices for the bulk of our work," he said. Mason said these tech companies worked together to certify the Dell device on the Ericsson hardware, which wasn't straightforward. Building an ecosystem approach meant technological challenges were overcome. "The partnership meant we didn't have to worry about how to configure the 5G settings. What showed up on the network was a device with software that integrated seamlessly onto the network," he said. "Negotiating that joined-up approach is key, especially when it comes to innovative technology because typically the people in your organization are delivering the here and now and don't necessarily have a deep technical knowledge of 5G and AI. Leveraging the power of vendors and working together is crucial to success." 4. Gain knowledge beyond your domain Jeff Palmiero, technical vice president at Raymond James, said his site reliability engineering (SRE) team ensures it learns the language of different IT and business departments. "For example, we try to understand, from a networking perspective, what's an aggregation switch, what's a core router, and what circuits we use to reach out to the internet. When you learn their language, you gain that group's respect." Palmiero told ZDNET his SRE team employs a similar strategy when working with storage professionals. They recognize how issues in virtualization platforms will trigger related concerns for other operating systems. "Once you have respect from other departments, and they have yours, then, at that point, you can get into an intelligent conversation," he said. "You can say, 'I respect you. I respect your intelligence. You respect me. And if you make a compelling argument, I won't disagree. I'm never going to know your world as well as you do.'" Also: 5 ways to tell people what to do at workPalmiero also said it's important to recognize that once people trust you and your advice, they will believe you can suggest a better solution. "One of the great things about SRE is we always impress these other groups. They'll say, 'I didn't know you could do that.' And that new awareness gains their respect," he said. "If I have a compelling reason to win an argument, the other people in the discussion might give in. So, first and foremost, you must respect each other and recognize your strengths, and then, at that point, you'll find the best way to resolve the problem." Featured Editorial standards

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All change for Google ChromeJaap Arriens/NurPhotoIf youre a Chrome user youre being tracked. We hoped it would be less invasive by now with the death of tracking cookies. But it isnt. In fact its worse with the surprise revival of digital fingerprinting, a practice even Google has described as wrong. But theres finally some light at the end of this long, dark tracking tunnel. Thats the good news. The bad news is you need to change how you use your browser.Google is updating how your IP address is tracked as you use Chrome, which means harvesting your location and activity across the web. The company has shared plans for IP Protection, a feature that limits availability of a users original IP address in third party contexts. That means your IP address is hidden from data trackers, including some belonging to Googles itself. The catch is that the scope of this proposal is limited to Chromes Incognito mode, which means only private browsing benefits.If this sounds like Apples Private Relay, thats because it is. Private Relay masks your IP address, hiding the combination of your own IP and your destination IP (the sites you browse) from anyone, including Apple. And just as with Private Relay, Google will provide an anonymized, course locational IP to ensure localized browsing still works.Apples Private Relay is designed to protect your privacy by ensuring that when you browse the web in Safari, no single party not even Apple can see both who you are and what sites youre visiting. When Private Relay is enabled, your requests are sent through two separate, secure internet relays.Now as Google explains, IP addresses are essential to the basic functioning of the web, notably for routing traffic and to prevent fraud and spam. However, like third-party cookies, they can also be used for tracking. For Chrome users who choose to browse in Incognito mode, we wanted to provide additional control over their IP address, without breaking essential web functionality. Once operational, Google will see your IP address but will engage a third-party to control the other proxy that accesses destination IPs. Even Google wont see both IP addresses, the company says. Just like Apple.With Apples Private Relay, your IP address is visible to your network provider and to the first relay, which is operated by Apple. Your DNS records are encrypted, so neither party can see the address of the website youre trying to visit. The second relay, which is operated by a third-party content provider, generates a temporary IP address, decrypts the name of the website you requested, and connects you to the site.The catch, again, is that this will only work for private browsing sessions in Chrome. If youre browsing normally, then the new protections dont apply. Thats different to Private Relay, which protects all your Safari traffic. One step a a time.This protection from IP tracking is still in development but will come much faster than Googles other new privacy innovation, a one-click global prompt to disable tracking cookies in Chrome. That will be almost certainly be caught up in regulatory and industry discussions and could take some time to reach your browser.Meantime, IP Protection will be another reason to browse privately in Chrome.

The first e series iPhone is about to arrive, with the iPhone 16e going on sale on Friday, Feb. 28. What does the new iPhone naming system mean for how often this part of the iPhone series will be refreshed?Apple iPhone 16e is almost here. Will there be an iPhone 17e next year?NurPhoto via Getty ImagesAccording to Bloombergs Mark Gurman in his latest Power On newsletter, the fact that Apple has put a number instead of the letters SE in the name could hint at annual updates. I dont buy it and Ill tell you why, but lets explore the argument and what it will mean for consumers.Then theres the fact that Apple added a model number to the device, suggesting that the 16e will eventually give way to the 17e and 18e in an annual upgrade cycle. (The old brand was just called the iPhone SE for nearly 10 years.), Gurman says.Apple changes release schedules regularly, so its impossible to be certain, but Id say this is very unlikely. The most affordable iPhone, when it was called the SE, swung between a two-year and three-year upgrade cycle, and Id expect that to be the case here, too.Its worth noting that, as Gurman points out, though the 16e is the most affordable iPhone, its not a budget option any more, costing $170 more than the last iPhone SE.Rather than a truly cheap iPhone, the new model is more of a slightly downscale version of Apples flagship lineup. For $200 less than a regular iPhone 16, you get most of the features but not all, he says.Which could theoretically lead to a more frequent renewal. Heres why I think thats wrong.This fall, Apple will launch its iPhone 17 series and almost certainly will retire the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. The range will consist of the new iPhone 17 models, plus the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus at lower prices, and perhaps the iPhone 15.The iPhone 16e will continue in the range, for certain, and at the same price, I would have thought. Though we are in new territory here, so its hard to be certain.But next spring, the thought that the iPhone 16e will be replaced by the iPhone 17e seems fanciful to me. I believe it will stay for the launch of the iPhone 18 series in 2027 at least, and possibly until 2028, when it could be replaced by something called the iPhone 18e.Gurman doesnt think the annual upgrade is a shoo-in. Id bet Apple is waiting on early buyer data to decide whether to continue the line or not. As of now, Id assume its not a yearly release, he says. I agree with the lack of annual release, though Id bet Apple has made up its mind and will not release an iPhone 17e next year.

Key TakeawaysBybit suffered one of the largest crypto thefts in history, with $1.5 billion stolen from its cold wallet during a routine transfer.The hack triggered a surge in withdrawals, as users feared Bybit might not recover. The crypto market also reacted negatively, with Ethereum dropping 6.7% and Bitcoin falling 3%.Blockchain firms Elliptic and Akram Intelligence linked the attack to North Koreas Lazarus Group, known for laundering stolen crypto to fund the regime.The popular cryptocurrency exchange, Bybit, recently fell victim to one of the largest crypto thefts in history, with around $1.5 billion in digital assets stolen. The attack specifically targeted the cold wallet of the exchange, a system designed for enhanced security.The hack wasnt a typical one either, it was a highly sophisticated attack and the hackers were apparently able to manipulate the transactions signing interface to divert 401,000 Ethereum to an unidentified address.It happened while a regular transfer from cold wallet to warm wallet was taking place. Despite strong safeguards in place, the stolen funds were quickly transferred across multiple wallets and liquidated through various platforms, making it difficult to trace.A surge of withdrawals happened right after the incident, with users being scared about losing their money as the company might not recover from such a massive loss. To stabilize things, Bybit secured a loan from undisclosed partners to cover the shortfall.Following the cybertheft, the crypto market saw a sharp fall as well. For instance, Ethereum dropped by 6.7%, while Bitcoin fell by about 3%. The decline reflected the users growing apprehension about investing in the industry.The incident has sent shockwaves through the crypto industry and given rise to security concerns. If an industry giant like Bybit couldnt protect itself against such an impact, where does the security standard actually lie for crypto companies managing billions of dollars?Ben Zhou, CEO of Bybit, took to Twitter to reassure users that the rest of the wallets remained secure and withdrawals were functioning normally.Elliptic Claims the Attack Was Done by North Koreas Lazarus GroupTop Blockchain Analysis firms like Elliptic and Akram Intelligence traced the stolen crypto and confirmed that the assets were moved swiftly.According to Elliptic, the attack may have been carried out by North Koreas Lazarus Group, a cybercriminal organization that is known for exploiting security vulnerabilities and laundering stolen funds through sophisticated methods. The group has a history of using stolen assets to finance North Koreas regime.In the past, Lazarus Group infiltrated 4 South Korean exchanges and took out bitcoin worth around $200 million. Elliptics co-founder, Dr. Tom Robinson, highlighted the importance of taking urgent action on large-scale thefts.The more difficult we make it to benefit from crimes such as this, the less frequently they will take place Dr. Tom Robinson. Chief Scientist and co-founder of EllipticThis incident now ranks among the most significant cyber thefts in history, alongside previous heists such as the $611 million stolen from Poly Network in 2021 and the $570 million stolen from Binance in 2022. The scale of these breaches continues to raise concerns about the security of even the most well-protected crypto exchanges.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Vlad is Techreport's in-house Executive Editor. With over a decade of experience in tech content, he's passionate about computer hardware, an advocate of online privacy, and strongly believes in the open-source, scarce-money nature of cryptocurrency. When hes not working, hes traveling with his partner and their cat, learning Python, or reading good books. He never owned a PC he did not build. View all articles by Vlad Melnic Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Neverwinter Nights launched in 2002, but despite its now 23 years of age, its developer just released an official, new DLC with around 15 hours of gameplay. The Doom of Icewind Dale is written by Luke Scull, an award-winning fantasy author and one of the lead designers of another Neverwinter Nights expansion, the Tyrants of Moonsea.You can finish the main story of this new expansion in 10 to 15 hours, but theres a lot more content to play through. It introduces 14 new monsters, multiple new locations to explore, and a whole lot more.Recommended VideosScull says the purchase of this DLC will help support the Blades of Netheril campaign, a continuation of the story of the Hero of Neverwinter. The start of the campaign is set to be the Doom of Neverwinter DLC, and its just the beginning of what he says is a 60+ hour adventure and Scull plans to make it available for free at launch.Neverwinter Nights: The Blades of Netheril - Doom of Icewind Dale TrailerNeverwinter Nights just received an unofficial quality-of-life update last month from the community that boosted performance and addressed a few graphical bugs.Please enable Javascript to view this contentDungeons and Dragons games have seen a resurgence in popularity recently, and no doubt Baldurs Gate 3 takes the credit for much of it. That said, Dungeons and Dragons was already creeping into the mainstream before Larian kicked the door down.There have been whispers of aNeverwinter Nights 2 remaster, but developer Beamdog says it isnt involved. Whether another studio like Aspyr, perhaps will conjure it into existence isnt clear yet, but there are more than a dozen paid modules forNeverwinter Nights and hundreds of free ones the community has published. A remaster of the sequel would be a welcome surprise, but until then, a new campaign for the original game will keep you busy for a while.Scull says the Blades of Netheril campaign is his final project, and he intends for it to be a love letter to NWN.The Doom of Icewind Dale is available now on both Steam and GOG for $10, but you can get a 10% discount if you purchase it before February 28.Editors RecommendationsNeverwinter Nights just received a new update, 23 years after its original release

Cristin Milioti was one of the breakout stars of The PenguinThe Batman. At the end ofThe Penguin, Milioti receives a letter from her half-sister Selina Kyle, who was played by Kravitz in the 2022 film.In speaking withDeadlineat the Independent Spirit Awards, Milioti said that shes excited by the opportunity to work with Kravitz in this universe.I would love that. I love her and I think we could really get into some real shit, she said. I think we would have a great time.Recommended VideosCristin Miliotis thoughts on Sofia Falcone teaming with Selina Kyle, played by Zo Kravitz, in The Batman Part II : I think we could really get into some real shit | #IndieSpirits pic.twitter.com/HrPWdO3OqH Deadline (@DEADLINE) February 22, 2025Please enable Javascript to view this contentShe added that shed also be excited to work with Robert Pattinson, who took on the role of the caped crusader in the film.Milioti played Sofia Falcone in the series, a serial killer who poses a threat to Oswald Cobblepots plan to consolidate the criminal underworld in Gotham.This [love] is such a testament to our showrunner, Lauren LeFranc, Milioti said of the positive audience response to the show. I think it tows this really incredible line between being believable and then a heightened opera. It allows you to escape and live out your own fantasy of if someone wrongs you, you could really just burn it all down. But you understand why theyre operating from these places of pain.While were expecting to see more ofThe Penguin, we dont know exactly when that might be coming. In the meantime, well just have to wait for a secondBatman movie, which is currently slated for 2027.Editors Recommendations

Hollywoods biggest night returns with the 97th Oscars, A Streetcar Named Desire pulls into Brooklyn, Gustave Caillebottes focus on the male form gets a closer look at the Getty Center, and more.