Category: All News

  • Off The Grid: Free Battle Royale Now Live on Steam

    Off The Grid: Free Battle Royale Now Live on Steam

    Key Takeaways

    1. Off The Grid is a free-to-play battle royale game set in a cyberpunk dystopia, now fully available on Steam after delays.
    2. The game features unique mechanics, allowing players to equip modular cyberlimbs that can be swapped and shot off during matches.
    3. It boasts a dynamic environment with verticality, enhanced by aerial movement systems and jetpacks, set on the open world of Teardrop Island.
    4. Off The Grid incorporates AI-generated content for initial art and localization, but no AI content is generated during gameplay.
    5. The game has specific system requirements, including a minimum Intel I5 processor, 16 GB RAM, and a GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card.

    Announced back in 2022, Off The Grid has experienced several delays, but following a successful early access period late last year, the game is now fully available on Steam. This free-to-play battle royale is set in a cyberpunk dystopia and features unique mechanics layered on top of the standard last man/team standing gameplay. Developed and published by Gunzilla Games, the studio was co-founded by the well-known director Neill Blomkamp, famous for his work on District 9.

    Unique Gameplay Features

    Promoting itself as the “next evolution of the shooter genre,” Off The Grid showcases modular death machines or player characters equipped with cyberlimbs that grant various abilities. Players can loot from 15 different limbs, which can be swapped during the match. Additionally, limbs can be shot off, leaving characters armless or legless.

    Dynamic Environment

    The game also includes significant verticality thanks to an advanced aerial movement system and jetpacks. Set in Teardrop Island, the open world features a combination of indoor and outdoor environments that players can leverage strategically. Gunzilla Games has stated that the battle royale mode is just the beginning, with a narrative campaign lasting 60 hours planned for release later this year.

    AI Integration

    Off The Grid incorporates some elements of AI-generated content. According to the Steam page, AI was used for initial concept art, audio samples, and translations, which were later refined by the development team. It mentions, “This involves AI-assisted localization of text, voice, and video to ensure a high-quality experience in multiple languages. No AI content is generated during gameplay,” it says.

    System Requirements

    – Processor: Intel I5 9400 or similar
    – Memory: 16 GB RAM
    – Graphics: GeForce RTX 3060 or similar
    – Storage: 28 GB available space

    – Processor: Intel I7 12700 or similar
    – Memory: 32 GB RAM
    – Graphics: GeForce RTX 4070 or similar
    – Storage: 28 GB available space

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  • LG UltraGear 27GX700A: 1,500 Nit 4th Gen OLED Gaming Monitor

    LG UltraGear 27GX700A: 1,500 Nit 4th Gen OLED Gaming Monitor

    Key Takeaways

    1. LG has begun mass production of its 4th Gen Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel for gaming monitors, targeting late summer 2025 launches.
    2. The new UltraGear OLED 27GX700A monitor shares panel technology with Gigabyte’s MO27Q28G but is distinct from the earlier UltraGear OLED 27GX790A.
    3. Both monitors have a 27-inch size and a native resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels, with the 27GX700A expected to be 20% more efficient and 15% brighter.
    4. The UltraGear OLED 27GX700A can reach peak brightness levels of up to 1,500 nits and offers 99.5% DCI-P3 color coverage with a 280 Hz refresh rate.
    5. The release date for the UltraGear OLED 27GX700A featuring the new OLED technology is still uncertain.

    LG Electronics has shared some first looks at its upcoming fourth-generation OLED gaming monitor. Last month, the company announced that it had commenced mass production of its 4th Gen Primary RGB Tandem OLED panel through its LG Display division. LG Display was anticipated to supply this panel to manufacturers such as Gigabyte, aiming for product launches in late summer 2025.

    Monitor Overview

    The new product, named the UltraGear OLED 27GX700A, seems to utilize the same panel technology as the MO27Q28G that Gigabyte displayed at Computex 2025 in May. It’s important to note that this new monitor is distinct from the UltraGear OLED 27GX790A, which LG launched earlier in the year (currently priced at $799.99 on Amazon).

    Performance Comparison

    Both the UltraGear OLED 27GX700A and 27GX790A measure 27 inches diagonally and offer native resolutions of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. Nevertheless, the former is expected to operate approximately 20% more efficiently than the latter, while also achieving around 15% greater peak brightness.

    Specifications & Features

    According to LG, the UltraGear OLED 27GX700A can reach brightness levels of up to 1,500 nits, although this is likely only achievable across a limited area of the screen at any given moment. In addition to this, the monitor boasts 99.5% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space and a refresh rate of 280 Hz, along with VESA DisplayHDR True Black 500 and Clear Motion Rate 13000 certifications. As of now, it remains uncertain when LG will launch its first gaming monitor featuring the 4th Gen Primary RGB Tandem OLED technology. For additional information, refer to the video below.

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    LG UltraGear 27GX700A: 1,500 Nit 4th Gen OLED Gaming Monitor
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  • Philips Evnia 24M2N5200X Monitor: 610Hz Refresh Rate, 0.1ms Response

    Philips Evnia 24M2N5200X Monitor: 610Hz Refresh Rate, 0.1ms Response

    Key Takeaways

    – Targeted for Competitive Gamers: The Philips Evnia 24M2N5200X is designed specifically for competitive gaming, focusing on low latency and reduced motion blur.

    – High Refresh Rate and Fast Response: The monitor features a 24.1-inch Full HD display with a remarkable refresh rate of up to 610Hz and a GtG response time as low as 0.1ms under ideal conditions.

    – Impressive Color Accuracy: Despite using a TN panel, it offers excellent color performance with 99.8% sRGB coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification.

    – Gaming-Specific Features: Includes SmartImage Game modes, crosshair overlays, and dark boost functions, as well as flicker-free technology and low blue light mode for eye comfort.

    – Versatile Stand and Connectivity: The adjustable stand allows for various positioning options, and the monitor includes multiple connectivity options, such as HDMI 2.1, DisplayPort 1.4, and a USB hub.

    Philips has introduced its latest fast-paced gaming monitor, the Evnia 24M2N5200X, into the market in China.

    Designed for Gamers

    This monitor is tailored for competitive gamers, featuring unique attributes aimed at minimizing latency and motion blur, especially during high-stakes gameplay.

    Priced at 5999 yuan, which is roughly $835, it can be found for sale on JD.com.

    Impressive Specifications

    The Philips Evnia 24M2N5200X comes with a 24.1-inch Full HD (1920×1080) Fast TN display.

    This panel can reach a remarkable refresh rate of up to 610Hz, achieved through overclocking via HDMI or DisplayPort connections. The monitor boasts a standard GtG response time of 0.3ms, which can drop to 0.1ms under ideal conditions.

    Philips has included its unique “Zero Sense Sync Acceleration” technology, utilizing dual IC signal processing to drastically cut down input lag, potentially lowering it to below 5ms for almost instant reaction times. The monitor also features Adaptive Sync to lessen screen tearing and stuttering.

    Excellent Color Performance

    Although it uses a TN panel, the display showcases impressive color capabilities with 99.8% sRGB and 93.6% DCI-P3 gamut coverage.

    It also provides 89.4% AdobeRGB coverage according to CIE 1976 standards and maintains Delta E<2 accuracy within the sRGB color space. The panel supports 8-bit color depth, allowing it to display up to 16.7 million colors.

    In terms of contrast and detail, the monitor has received VESA DisplayHDR 400 certification, achieving a peak brightness of 500 nits and a typical brightness of 350 nits.

    Features for Gamers

    For gamers, the Evnia 24M2N5200X offers features like SmartImage Game modes for specific optimizations based on game genres, a crosshair overlay to help with aiming, and a dark boost function for enhanced visibility in dark scenes.

    The design also includes flicker-free technology and a low blue light mode to help reduce eye strain.

    Adjustable Stand and Connectivity

    Philips has provided the monitor with a versatile stand that allows for 250mm of height adjustment, tilting from -15° to +75°, a 180° pivot, and a complete 360° rotation. The stand supports both clamp and through-desk mounting.

    Furthermore, the monitor is compatible with VESA standards of 75x75mm and 100x100mm.

    Connectivity options are plenty, featuring two HDMI 2.1 ports, one DisplayPort 1.4, a USB hub that includes one USB-B 5Gbps upstream port, two USB-A 5Gbps downstream ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack. One of the USB-A ports also supports BC1.2 fast charging.

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  • Philips Hue Smart Light Update for Bulbs and Lamps Now Available

    Philips Hue Smart Light Update for Bulbs and Lamps Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Philips Hue released software version 1.122.8/20250213 for smart bulbs and lamps in early 2025, following the previous update in October 2024.
    2. The 1.122.8 update includes minor bug fixes and stability improvements but lacks new features.
    3. Users have reported receiving the update, but Philips Hue has not made an official announcement about it.
    4. The update is automatically installed, and users can check their settings in the Philips Hue app to ensure automatic updates are enabled.
    5. Philips Hue also launched the MR16 transformer accessory and is rumored to be developing a new COB strip light product.

    Philips Hue has launched software version 1.122.8/20250213 for its range of smart bulbs, lamps, and lighting fixtures. This marks the first update of 2025, following the previous version 1.122.2/1.122.3 that was released in October 2024. That update introduced new lighting effects and enhanced Bluetooth stability.

    Update Reception

    Although many users have mentioned that they have received the 1.122.8/20250213 update, Philips Hue hasn’t made any official announcement regarding this on its Release Notes page. When Hueblog.com reached out for clarification, the company replied that the update consisted of minor bug fixes and improvements in stability but didn’t elaborate on specifics. This suggests that there are no additional features in this latest update.

    Automatic Installation

    As is customary with Philips Hue smart lighting products, software version 1.122.8/20250213 should be automatically installed. To verify if automatic updates are turned on, users can navigate to Settings > Software update > Automatic update in the Philips Hue app.

    Other News

    Recently, Philips Hue has also introduced the MR16 transformer accessory for its MR16 spotlight bulbs, along with ongoing developments related to the Philips Hue AI assistant. Furthermore, there are rumors circulating that the company is developing a new COB strip light product.

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  • Astronomers Rediscover Star from Ming Dynasty After 600 Years

    Astronomers Rediscover Star from Ming Dynasty After 600 Years

    Key Takeaways

    1. In 1408, Chinese astronomers observed a brilliant yellow light in the sky, interpreted as a good omen for the emperor.
    2. The light, described as “smooth, bright, and yellow,” was recorded in historical texts from the Ming Dynasty.
    3. Modern astronomer Boshun Yang and his team researched the event, ruling out theories that it was a comet or supernova.
    4. The most likely explanation for the phenomenon is a nova, occurring in a binary star system due to a thermonuclear explosion.
    5. The star CK Vul is identified as the probable source of the 1408 event, aligning with historical observations despite the limited tools of the time.

    The sky has a way of keeping us on our toes, often reminding us of events from centuries past. A recent rediscovery by astronomers has brought to light a phenomenon that dazzled observers for ten days during the Ming Dynasty.

    A Glimpse into History

    To understand this, we must rewind to 1408, when Chinese astronomers noticed a brilliant light in the heavens. This sighting took place in the Niandao area, close to the constellations Cygnus and Ursa Minor. The astronomers, taken aback by this unexpected brilliance, described the light as “smooth, bright, and yellow.”

    It’s interesting to note that the color yellow was associated with good fortune, leading many to view this star as an auspicious omen for the emperor. Ancient beliefs held that celestial events were messages from the divine, and thus, the sky was watched closely. However, the mystery of the origin of this bright light lingered for centuries.

    Seeking Answers

    Determined to crack the case, astronomer Boshun Yang and his team dug deep into historical Chinese texts from the Ming dynasty while applying modern science and equipment. Through their research, they were able to dismiss several theories. They concluded that it was not a comet, like C/2020 F3 (NEOWISE), since there was no visible tail and the light had a consistent brightness. The idea of it being a supernova was also eliminated, as the light lasted only ten days, which is not typical for such an event, nor could it have been a meteor.

    The most plausible explanation is that it was a nova. This event happens in a binary star system when a white dwarf pulls in material from a companion star, leading to a significant thermonuclear explosion. Although this process occurs quickly, it can remain visible for a number of days.

    A Likely Candidate

    Interestingly, the star CK Vul appears to be the best fit for the source of this striking light back in 1408. Its location aligns perfectly with the details noted by the astronomers of that era. It’s quite impressive when we think about the observations made by the Ming dynasty astronomers, particularly considering they lacked the advanced tools that we have today.

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  • Oppo Find X9 Ultra to Feature Hasselblad Photography Kit

    Oppo Find X9 Ultra to Feature Hasselblad Photography Kit

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Find X8 series smartphones feature rear cameras optimized by Oppo’s partner, Hasselblad, with continued collaboration expected for future models.
    2. There is potential for a partnership between Oppo and Hasselblad similar to the Vivo x Zeiss X200 Ultra Photography Kit for the upcoming Find X9 Ultra.
    3. New accessories for Oppo’s flagship devices may enhance the existing 50W AirVOOC technology, introducing a wireless charging system akin to ‘MagSafe for Android.’
    4. The new charging method will utilize strong magnets through a very thin rear panel for improved charging efficiency.
    5. The Oppo and Hasselblad collaboration is expected to last through 2025 into early 2026, with uncertainty surrounding the future of OnePlus and its flagship model, the OnePlus 15.

    The Find X8, X8 Pro, and X8 Ultra Android smartphones are equipped with rear cameras optimized by Oppo’s camera partner, Hasselblad, and this collaboration is expected to continue with their upcoming successors, as indicated by a recent leak.

    Potential Collaborations

    Additionally, it appears that there might be a possibility for these two companies to work together on something similar to the Vivo x Zeiss X200 Ultra Photography Kit, which is currently available in Europe through TradingShenzhen, specifically for the Find X9 Ultra.

    New Accessories on the Horizon

    Oppo is also rumored to have new accessories in the pipeline for its next-generation flagship devices. These accessories may enhance the existing X8 line’s 50W AirVOOC technology, introducing a new system of wireless charging thought to be comparable to ‘MagSafe for Android.’ This system aims to provide a seamless ‘snap on and stay on’ experience akin to that of iPhones.

    This new charging method relies on a circle of strong magnets that function through a very thin rear panel, measuring only about 0.2 millimeters (mm) thick, ensuring the best charging efficiency, according to the usually reliable leaker, Digital Chat Station.

    Future Prospects

    While it might not resemble the traditional MagSafe ring (which could see changes in 2025), it may still support Oppo’s exclusive fast-charging technology.

    In conclusion, the collaboration between Oppo and Hasselblad is set to remain robust through 2025 and likely into early 2026, as per the latest leak. However, there remains some doubt regarding the future of OnePlus, Oppo’s other well-known brand, and its anticipated flagship model, the OnePlus 15.

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  • Player Rebuilds Winterfell in 3 Hours in Surprising Video Game

    Player Rebuilds Winterfell in 3 Hours in Surprising Video Game

    Key Takeaways

    1. A gamer recreated Winterfell from Game of Thrones using the level editor in Far Cry 5.
    2. The project showcased the creative potential of the Far Cry 5 editor, which offers high customization options.
    3. The reconstruction took about three hours and involved adding various objects and shapes.
    4. The creator has a history of similar projects, with many posts on Reddit attributed to him.
    5. He plans to take on more ambitious projects, including recreating the Temple of Time and Minas Tirith’s citadel.

    The realm of video games is enormous, filled with countless gamers worldwide. Some players are eager to showcase their skills, like one individual who astonishingly recreated Winterfell, the northern capital, in an unusual video game.

    Winterfell, the fictional city from the Game of Thrones saga, is famously associated with the Stark family. The city is the backdrop for many significant events, including battles, intrigues, and alliances as the series unfolds. Because of this, Winterfell has a distinct medieval style that remains vivid in the minds of many, including Mojo Swoptops.

    A Unique Challenge

    It’s worth mentioning that he boldly took on a rather ambitious project: to reconstruct this stronghold using the level editor found in Far Cry 5. This comes as a surprise since many weren’t aware that the editor offers such a high level of creative freedom, providing you know how to navigate it effectively.

    He meticulously detailed his technique, which isn’t as complex as it might appear at first. He shared that he simply “added different objects and shapes, and managed to recreate the fortress in about three hours.” However, it’s clear that for someone new to this, the undertaking could be quite challenging. Each tool can be tricky to handle, and some features might confuse even seasoned players.

    Future Endeavors

    It’s important to highlight that this isn’t his first venture, as he mentions that a majority of similar posts on Reddit likely originated from him. Additionally, he appears keen on exploring further projects utilizing the Far Cry 5 editor, including recreating the Temple of Time from Ocarina of Time or Minas Tirith’s citadel. Therefore, we should stay tuned for updates on his progress, even as his YouTube channel already showcases a plethora of stunning creations.

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  • Epic Games Store Announces Final Free PC Game for July 2025

    Epic Games Store Announces Final Free PC Game for July 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Epic Games Store is giving away Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Platinum Edition, valued at $80, as the second to last free game for July 2025.
    2. The final free game for the month is Legion TD 2, valued at $24.99, which has an 86% positive rating on Steam.
    3. Legion TD 2 is a tactical tower defense game with competitive and cooperative features, inspired by the original Legion TD mods.
    4. The game offers both campaign and multiplayer modes, with around 20 hours of campaign gameplay and matchmaking for 2v2 and 4v4 battles.
    5. A dedicated tutorial and AI opponents of varying difficulty levels are available for beginners to learn the game.

    Epic Games Store has launched the second to last free game for PC in July 2025. The game is Sid Meier’s Civilization VI Platinum Edition, which is priced at $80. As for the last giveaway of the month, a leak from MeguminShiro has disclosed that it will be Legion TD 2.

    Final Game Giveaway

    This last game giveaway is valued at $24.99 and has received positive feedback from players. Specifically, Legion TD 2 boasts an impressive 86% positive rating on Steam, based on more than 11 thousand reviews.

    Game Overview

    For those who may not know, this soon-to-be-free title on the Epic Games Store is a tactical tower defense game that includes both competitive and cooperative features. It takes inspiration from the original Legion TD mods but offers a more polished gameplay experience compared to them.

    The main gameplay focuses on defending the team’s king from continuous waves of foes while also breaking through enemy defenses. Between rounds, players can utilize in-game currency to deploy fighters, with over 100 unique variations available. Each unit possesses distinct traits and abilities, which is where the game’s strategic depth really shines.

    Modes and Features

    Legion TD 2 includes campaign and multiplayer modes, with the latter featuring matchmaking for 2v2 and 4v4 battles. The campaign mode offers around 20 hours of gameplay, allowing players to go solo or team up with a co-op squad of up to 4 players.

    For beginners, Legion TD 2 comes with a dedicated tutorial, and new players can familiarize themselves with the game by playing against AI opponents of varying difficulty levels. To learn more about this upcoming free game on the Epic Games Store, check out the video linked below.

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  • AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Benchmark Shows Performance Boost

    AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Benchmark Shows Performance Boost

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD is set to launch its new Ryzen Threadripper 9980X CPUs later this month (July).
    2. The Threadripper 9980X has shown significant performance improvements, with a single-core score of 3,259 and a multi-core score of 28,666.
    3. Compared to its predecessor, the Threadripper 7980X, the 9980X offers about 10-12% better single-core performance and 13-15% better multi-core performance.
    4. The Threadripper 9980X features 64 cores, 128 threads, boost speeds up to 5.4 GHz, and a 256 MB L3 cache with a TDP of 350W.
    5. The official release date for the Threadripper 9000WX series is set for July 23, available through regional system integration partners and global OEMs.

    AMD is getting ready to launch its new Ryzen Threadripper CPUs soon. This expected release is happening later this month (July), and the new lineup is already showing up on several benchmarking sites. Notably, the Threadripper 9980X recently set a record on PassMark and has also appeared on Geekbench, revealing similar performance improvements compared to its predecessor.

    Performance Highlights

    The 64-core AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X was identified by Benchleaks on X, where they provided details about its performance. The CPU achieved a single-core score of 3,259 and a multi-core score of 28,666. Testing was done using an Asus Pro WS TRX50-SAGE WIFI motherboard paired with 128 GB of RAM. In contrast, the Threadripper 7980X, tested on a similar setup, managed a single-core score of 2,882 and a multi-core score of 24,790.

    Performance Comparison

    These results indicate an improvement of about 10% to 12% in single-core performance and roughly 13% to 15% in multi-core performance. Though Geekbench may not perfectly reflect real-world CPU performance, it provides a general sense of how the CPU measures up against other processors.

    The findings are consistent with the recent scores from PassMark, which has placed the Threadripper 9980X at the forefront, showing a 7.7% increase in performance compared to the Threadripper 7980X.

    Specifications Overview

    AMD has released complete specifications for the Threadripper 9980X. This CPU features 64 cores, 128 threads, and is built on the Zen 5 architecture. It can reach boost speeds of up to 5.4 GHz and comes with a 256 MB L3 cache. The standard TDP is 350W, and it also supports the latest AMD Ryzen Technologies, including EXPO.

    While AMD has yet to announce an official release date for the new Threadripper 9000X series, their recent blog post mentions that the Threadripper 9000WX lineup will be available starting July 23 through various regional system integration partners and global OEMs.

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  • AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000WX Price and Release Date Revealed

    AMD Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000WX Price and Release Date Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. AMD will launch the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-series CPUs on July 23.
    2. The new processors promise up to a 26% performance increase over the previous generation.
    3. Pricing for the Threadripper PRO 9000 WX series starts at $1,649 and goes up to $11,699.
    4. The processors will be available through AMD’s partners and OEMs on the launch date.
    5. Performance comparisons show significant boosts in tasks like Adobe After Effects (up to 26%) and AI workloads (up to 49% over Intel Xeon).

    As expected, AMD has announced the launch date for its upcoming Ryzen Threadripper series of CPUs, which will be on July 23. At this point, the date pertains solely to the Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-series processors, which come with a significant price range. In terms of performance, AMD asserts that these new processors offer up to a 26% increase in performance compared to the previous generation Threadripper Pro WX series chip.

    Availability Details

    AMD has indicated in a blog that the Ryzen Threadripper Pro 9000WX processors will be accessible through AMD’s regional system integration partners and various global OEMs starting from July 23. Additionally, regular consumers will also be able to purchase these processors through AMD’s worldwide network of channel partners on the same day.

    Pricing Information

    The entry price for the Threadripper Pro 9000WX series starts at $1,649, reaching up to $11,699 for the highest-end model. The complete pricing details are as follows:

    AMD has also released some performance comparisons between the Threadripper Pro 9995WX and the Threadripper Pro 7995WX. In Adobe After Effects tasks, the newer chip showed a performance boost of up to 26%. For architecture, engineering, and construction tasks, it was approximately 15% quicker, and in software and science workloads, users can expect an improvement of up to 23%. When it comes to AI tasks, AMD compared the new chip against the Intel Xeon W9-3595X, revealing a performance enhancement of up to 49% when tested with DeepSeek R1.

    Final Notes

    These are the details regarding the release and pricing for the Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9000 WX-series processors. However, the blog post did not mention the Ryzen Threadripper 9000X chips. Nevertheless, the Threadripper 9980X has been appearing in various benchmarks online, suggesting that a launch could be happening soon.

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