Category: Other

  • Hubble Captures Stunning Spiral Galaxy M88 Image

    Hubble Captures Stunning Spiral Galaxy M88 Image

    Key Takeaway

    – M88 is a 121,000-light-year-wide spiral galaxy in the Virgo Cluster.
    – Its bright center contains a supermassive black hole 100 million times the Sun’s mass.
    – Symmetrical spiral arms contain pink and blue star clusters and dust clouds.
    – M88 will approach the much larger M87 in 200–300 million years.
    – This encounter will eject gas and reshape M88, affecting star formation.

    Observing the Details of Galaxy M88

    The universe contain many galaxies, and some are more interesting than others due to there shape and composition. This is the case for M88, a spiral galaxy located about 63 million light-years from Earth that was recently observed by the Hubble Space Telescope. It measures about 121,000 light-years in diameter and belongs to the Virgo Cluster, a region containing more than a thousand galaxies held together by gravity.

    What the Image Reveals

    In this image recently released by NASA, a bright light can be seen at its center. This glow is caused by a group of reddish stars orbiting a supermassive black hole with a mass estimated at 100 million times that of the Sun. It is also possible to observe symmetrical spiral arms composed of several clusters of pink and blue stars and dust clouds. However, although this image is remarkable, this galaxy may be headed for a tragic fate.

    The Future Trajectory

    Indeed, the galaxies located in the Virgo Cluster orbit the clusters center. According to astronomers, in 200 to 300 million years, M88 will be very close to M87, an elliptical galaxy with a supermassive black hole about 6.5 billion times more massive than the Sun. During this event, gas will be ejected from M88 and its shape will change considerably, which could alter its composition and its ability to form new stars.

    • Distance: 63 million light-years
    • Diameter: 121,000 light-years
    • Black hole mass: 100 million solar masses
    • M87 black hole mass: 6.5 billion solar masses
    • Predicted close approach: 200-300 million years


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  • Review: Verbatim Portable Fan with USB-C, Display & Tank

    Review: Verbatim Portable Fan with USB-C, Display & Tank

    Key Takeaway

    – Improved water tank design with gravity-assisted flow, but 50ml capacity limits mist duration.
    – Quieter operation than Nitecore Izzcool 10 Pro with comparable airflow.
    – Multiple speed settings via slider with display, plus a pulsating mist mode.
    – Available June 2026 in Europe; pricing and battery life details still unannounced.
    – Charged via USB-C; good airflow for its compact size.

    New Portable Fan on the Horizon

    Verbatim will soon launch a new portable fan, the Cool ‘n’ Go Aqua Breeze. It is one of several new products in this segment, the expansion of which the company announced at IFA 2025. The company was pleasantly surprised by the subsequent demand, and by the end of the season, the first products were practically sold out.

    Hands-On Experience at Computex Taipei

    We were able to try out the Cool ‘n’ Go Aqua Breeze at Computex Taipei. At our request, the model was filled with water. Unfortunatley, it was difficult to gauge the noise level in the noisy hall. In any case, the noise level can be limited thanks to the many speed settings available via a slider, whose status can be seen on the display. In a direct comparison with the Nitecore Izzcool 10 Pro, which we had to purchase in Asia since it isn’t available in Europe, the Verbatim fan seemed slightly quieter while delivering comparable airflow.

    Water Supply and Mist Performance

    The water supply has been significantly improved, as the tank is positioned around the fan. Gravity assists in this process. However, with a 50 ml capacity, the mist spray is unlickely to last very long, especially in continuous mode. Verbatim specifies a runtime of 60 minutes here. Alternatively, a pulsating mode, similar to the Nitecore model, is also available. Experience has shown this to be more effective, as cooling through evaporation is more efficient during short pauses.

    Battery, Charging, and Overall Impressions

    Verbatim has not yet provided any information on battery life. The device is charged via USB-C on the back. Overall, we liked the new model. It has good features, the water tank design is likely better than on our Nitecore model, and we were quite pleased with the airflow in view of its compact dimensions.

    Availability and Pricing Information

    The new fans are currently on there way to the European warehouse, as Verbatim informed us, and are expected to be available in June 2026. Information on price is still pending.


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    • Goodbye Google: European Parliament picks Qwant as default search engine

      Goodbye Google: European Parliament picks Qwant as default search engine

      Key Takeaway

      – European Parliament switching Firefox/Edge default search from Google to Qwant
      – Framed as commitment to “digital sovereignty” amid EU push to reduce reliance on US tech
      – Qwant is developing its own search index with Ecosia (Staan), not just using Bing
      – MEPs and staff can still manually switch back to Google or any other engine
      – Many other dependencies (Windows, Office, hardware) remain unchanged

      European Parliament Switches to Qwant Search Engine

      Starting this Thursday, MEPs typing a query into the address bar of Firefox or Edge will no longer get Google results. The European Parliament is switching its default search engine to Qwant — a French rival that promises not to track users or collect personal data, according to an internal email reported by Euractiv.

      Symbolic Move Against US Tech Giants

      The move looks small but is symbolically loaded. Google controls roughly 90% of Europe’s search market, and EU institutions use US software heavily — Microsoft’s Office suite being one of the major ones among them. The Parliament is framing the swap as part of its commitment to “digital sovereignty,” and the timing is no accident too: it comes one day after the European Commission unveiled a whole package of proposals meant to loosen the bloc’s dependence on American tech giants.

      Qwant’s Search Index Development

      One of the most interesting wrinkles is Qwant itself. The company has long piggybacked on Microsoft’s Bing index to deliver results — hardly independence. But it is now co-developing its own index, dubbed Staan, alongside fellow European engine Ecosia. That probably explains the Parliament’s pick as being a bet on homegrown infrastructure, instead of a rebranded front end.

      No Mandatory Lockdown for Users

      It’s important to note that nobody is forced offline. MEPs can still switch their default back to Google or any other engine; Qwant is simply the out-of-the-box choice for the Parliament’s 720 lawmakers and thousands of staff.

      • Qwant does not track users or collect personal data
      • New search index called Staan is being co-developed with Ecosia
      • Parliament aims to reduce dependency on US tech infrastructure

      Remaining Dependencies on US Software

      Also, plenty of other dependencies — Windows, Office, foreign-built phones and email clients — are still firmly established.

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    • Beginner-Friendly Linux Lite 8.0: New Installer & Kernels

      Beginner-Friendly Linux Lite 8.0: New Installer & Kernels

      Key Takeaway

      – Linux Lite 8.0 (codenamed Hematite) is based on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS
      – All GUI apps ported to GTK4 and custom apps translated into 22+ languages
      – Replaces Ubiquity with Calamares installer, Firefox returns as default browser
      – New Lite apps include Kernel Manager (with Desktop/Gaming flavors), MyAI, and Game Center
      – Minimum system requirements: 1.5 GHz dual-core CPU, 4 GB RAM, 40 GB storage, 1366×768 display

      Based on Ubuntu 26.04 LTS

      Linux Lite 8.0 is a refresh of a distro that has been around for no less than 14 years. Codenamed Hematite, it uses Xfce with LightDM to provide a pleasant and reliable visual user experience. In this release, all custom apps have been translated into no fewer than 22 languages, and all GUI apps were ported to GTK4 (from GTK3/WebKit2).

      Codenamed Hematite

      In addition to the above, Linux Lite 8.0 also comes with Calamares instead of Ubiquity, Firefox becomes the default web browser once again, Python moves from 3.12 to 3.14.4+, Btop replaces Htop, an expanded Lite Software app replaces Synaptic Package Manager, the desktop is translated into 23 languages, JPEG-XL files work out-of-the-box, the Dirty Frag vulnerability is no longer an issue, and the OEM installer for hardware vendors got translated into no less than 25 languages.

      Brand-New Apps and Tools

      The list of brand-new apps includes Linux Lite Advanced Performance Kernels, MyAI, as well as the following “Lite” pieces of code: About, Core, Distro Builder, Driver Manager, Game Center, Kernel Manager, Menu Sorter, Series Upgrade, Share Folder, Software Sources, Terminal, Time and Date, and Update Tray.

      Kernel Manager and Features

      The aforementioned Kernel Manager allows the user to choose between the Desktop and Gaming flavors, also including a benchmarking module. The ISO has 2.36 GB in size and can be grabbed from this page, where a Torrent download option is also available. The list of system requirements is reasonable, with a minimum of a 1.5 GHz dual-core processor alongside 4/40 GB of memory/storage space and a 1,366×768-pixel-capable display.

      • System requirements: 1.5 GHz dual-core processor, 4 GB RAM, 40 GB storage, 1,366×768 display
      • ISO size: 2.36 GB
      • Default browser: Firefox
      • Python version: 3.14.4+
      • Desktop languages: 23
      • OEM installer languages: 25

       

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    • Minisforum N4: NAS with Wildcat Lake, Wi-Fi 7, USB 4

      Minisforum N4: NAS with Wildcat Lake, Wi-Fi 7, USB 4

      Key Takeaway

      – Wildcat Lake targets Apple MacBook Neo competitors but is also ideal for low-cost, high-performance NAS.
      – Minisforum N4 NAS likely uses a 6-core Intel Core 3 305 (2P+4E, up to 4.3GHz), much faster than the common Core 3 N350.
      – Comes with 16GB RAM, dual M.2 PCIe 4.0 x1 slots, and four 3.5-inch drive bays.
      – Offers premium connectivity: USB4, 10GbE, 2.5GbE, Wi-Fi 7, and HDMI.
      – Integrated AI accelerator on some chips enables local AI apps like OpenClaw; price and launch date unconfirmed.

      Intel Wildcat Lake’s Target Use Case

      Intel Wildcat Lake is primarily intended for competitors to the Apple MacBook Neo, but the relatively inexpensive chips with low power consumption are also suitable for network storage, as shown not least by the new Minisforum N4 NAS. The processor family is design to offer a balance of cost and performance for light weight computing tasks.

      Unconfirmed Specifications and RAM Details

      Minisforum has not yet confirmed exactly which chip is being used, apart from the fact that it has six processor cores. This means that it’s at least the Intel Core 3 305 which, with two performance cores, four efficiency cores and boost clocks of up to 4.3 GHz, is already much faster than the Intel Core 3 N350, which is widely used in low-cost NAS. Minisforum also installs 16 GB of RAM in the device for multitasking.

      Connectivity and Storage Options

      Intel Wildcat Lake also offers a relatively high bandwidth and enables Minisforum to install two M.2 slots, which are connected via PCIe 4.0 x1. In addition, the NAS offers space for four 3.5-inch hard disks and a modern selection of connections, including USB 4 (USB-C), two USB-A ports, 10 Gbit/s Ethernet, 2.5 Gbit/s Ethernet and Wi-Fi 7, so that a wireless connection to the home network can also be establish.

      AI Accelerator and Chassis Design

      Some chips in the Wildcat Lake series also have an integrated AI accelerator, which would allow OpenClaw to be used on the NAS, for example. An HDMI port is available for connecting a monitor for direct configuration. The NAS chassis is made of metal and the hard drives can be accessed by removing the top cover for easy upgrades. Minisforum has not yet confirmed when or at what price the N4 NAS will be launched on the market.

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    • Thermacell LIV 2.0: Mosquito Repellent for 3,000 sq ft

      Thermacell LIV 2.0: Mosquito Repellent for 3,000 sq ft

      Key Takeaway

      – Coverage expanded to 3,000 sq ft (up from 1,550 sq ft) via 3-device system
      – Each Smart Hub now supports up to 10 repellent devices (previously 5)
      – EPA-registered protection against mosquitoes and no-see-ums/sand flies
      – App-enabled control, scheduling, refill monitoring, plus Alexa and Google Home voice control
      – Durable cast aluminum build for year-round, smoke- and aerosol-free use

      A Fresh Take on Mosquito Control

      Themacell has just introduced LIV 2.0, a redesigned version of its mosquito repellent system with greater coverage, but more expensive than the LIV 1.5 at $1,746 (for a system of 3 repellent devices). However, unlike the predecessor, which only covers a maximum of around 1,550 square feet, the upgraded model covers up to 3,000 square feet, making it ideal for residential and commercial use.

      How the System Operates

      Like the previous model, the system works via a Smart Hub installed on the wall, which powers and controls several connected repellent systems. Another upgrade of the new model is that each hub can manage up to 10 repellents instead of 5, located farther apart and with low-voltage wiring. Furthermore, LIV 2.0 is EPA (United States Environmental Protection Agency) registered and tested against disease-carrying species, offering protection not only against mosquitoes but also against no-see-ums/sand flies (culicoides).

      App Control and Voice Commands

      One of the main new features of LIV 2.0 is that the user can activate, schedule and monitor the system via the LIV 2.0 app, and also check the repellent refill level. It is also compatible with voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home. The device is definitely ideal for those who dislike smoke or aerosols. Its design reportedly allows it to be used all year round thanks to its durable cast aluminum build.

      Intrested buyers can visit the product page here for more information. Themacell.

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    • Six Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass June 2026

      Six Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass June 2026

      Key Takeaway

      – Xbox Game Pass adds new games monthly, but also removes titles regularly.
      – Most games stay on the service for 6 to 18 months, but some leave earlier.
      – Once a game leaves, it’s no longer available via subscription unless purchased separately.
      – Subscribers can buy departing games at a discount before they are removed.

      New Game Pass departures announced

      Microsoft realses a fresh bunch of games to the Xbox Game Pass library every month, giving subscribers lots of new titles to download and play. For instance, last month alone, the company added a total of 23 games across the Game Pass catalog. However, while new games continue to join Xbox Game Pass, a handful of titles also exit the service every month.

      Typical stay duration and recent removals

      In most cases, a game remains available on Xbox Game Pass for anywhere between six and 18 months, though some titles can leave even earlier depending on licensing agreements and publisher decisions. A few days ago, five games left the service, including popular titles such as Against the Storm and Persona 4 Golden. And now, Microsoft has revealed another batch of games that will be removed from the service in mid-June.

      What happens after removal

      Once a title leaves Xbox Game Pass, it can not longer be accessed through an active subscription unless it is purchased separately. And if you’re disheartened about any of the games leaving, you’ll be happy to learn that Xbox Game Pass members can grab these titles at discounted prices before they leave the platform. Microsoft offers special discounts on games that are about to be removed from the service, giving subscribers an opportunity to permanently add them to their library at a lower price.

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    • New PixVerse R1 Model: Live Input and Subject Priority

      Key Takeaway

      – PixVerse focuses on maintaining subject consistency across clips to improve narrative storytelling.
      – It calculates token cost before generation to reduce user risk.
      – The R1 model enables real-time, collaborative video generation from live prompts.
      – AI video excels at dangerous or costly scenes but struggles with realistic physics.
      – Aggressive pricing allows low-risk trial for both novices and professionals.

      A New Approach to AI Video

      Undoubtedly, text-to-video generation has made huge leaps in capabilities over the past few years, and while this has improved quality and video fidelity, the core narrative function of what video represents has largely been overlooked. This is where PixVerse takes a new approach. In addition to generating higher-quality AI videos, the platform emphasizes keeping the video’s subject as consistent as possible across generated clips, allowing users to focus on directing character movements and establishing narrative concepts. Also, to address the risk involved whenever a user commits to generating a video, the PixVerse platform calculates the number of tokens required to generate that specific video. With features like these, PixVerse aims to cater to both novices and professionals.

      Struggles with Real-World Physics

      While this is ambitious, there are still a few pitfalls to address in practice, as well as the purpose of AI-generated video. One of the examples used in the presentation was to generate a video of a car accident where a taxi was going underwater, an event that would be too dangerous for a person to film. This type of scene is ideal for generating effects to avoid the high costs of filming, but it faces the perpetual struggle of replicating real-world physics. Additionally, because the platform offers three tiers of capabilities, users will still need to navigate the model selection process. However, among these models, the R1 is by far their most ambitious offering, featuring real-time video generation from live user prompts.

      By gathering information from multiple users simultaneously, the R1 model uses context from each second of video to maintain PixVerses’ character focus while incorporating user requests. In the demo, the results were disjointed, but the potential for true collaboration is there if a team is all on the same page.

      Aggressive Pricing and Availability

      Lastly, PixVerse is aggressive with its pricing strategy, so at the very least, users can try out the platform without too much investment. Curious users can find more information in the resources below. The platform offers a free tier for basic generation, with paid plans starting at $15 per month for 5000 tokens, while the Pro plan at $49 per month gives 25000 tokens and access to the R1 model. The R1 model processes video at 720p resolution, generating up to 15 seconds per clip, with token costs varying based on complexity—typically 60 tokens for a short scene. Special effects and longer durations require additional tokens, but the precise calculations are handled automatically during generation.

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    • GTA 5 Cheat Service Data Breach Exposes 64,000 Users

      GTA 5 Cheat Service Data Breach Exposes 64,000 Users

      Key Takeaway

      – Atlas Menu, a paid cheat service for GTA 5 and CS2, suffered a data breach in May 2026, exposing 63,926 users’ data.
      – Stolen data includes email addresses, usernames, IP addresses, support tickets, and bcrypt-hashed passwords.
      – Atlas Menu has not publicly acknowledged the breach, provided no warnings, and is no longer accessible.
      – Affected users should immediately change passwords for the email used on the service and any other accounts sharing that password.
      – Use Have I Been Pwned to check if your email was compromised.

      Major Security Incident Hits Popular Cheat Service

      Many GTA 5 players use different cheats and mod menus to gain an advantage over other players. Whether it is spawning money or unlocking features, cheat services remain popular despite Rockstar’s efforts to crack down on them. However, it seems that a large number of those cheaters are now dealing with a different problem, as one of the most well-known paid cheat providers has suffered a major data breach.

      Service Targeted Last Month

      Atlas Menu, a paid cheating service that offered tools for both GTA 5 and Counter-Strike 2, was reportedly breached last month in May 2026. According to the breach notification service Have I Been Pwned, the incident affected 63,926 users connected to the platform.

      The breach exposed thousands of unique email addresses tied to Atlas Menu’s user base. However, the stolen data also included usernames, IP addresses, support tickets, and passwords stored as bcrypt hashes.

      Complete Silence From Company

      What’s interesting is that Atlas Menu has not released any statement about the breach. There has been no public acknowledgement, warning to users, or explanation about what happened. On top of that, the platform itself is no longer accessible, leaving users without any official source of information.

      Immediate Steps for Affected Users

      For anyone who was using Atlas Menu, now is probably a good time to take security seriously. The first thing users should do is change the password associated with the email account they used on the service. More importantly, if that same password was used on other websites, services, or gaming accounts, those passwords should be changed immediately as well.

      For now, Atlas Menu remains offline and silent. Until more information emerges, affected users should assume their information may have been exposed and take the necessary steps to secure their accounts.

       


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    • Hubble Reveals Dwarf Galaxy 23 Million Light-Years Away

      Hubble Reveals Dwarf Galaxy 23 Million Light-Years Away

      Key Takeaway

      – ESO 490-017 is a dwarf irregular galaxy only 12,000 light-years across, significantly smaller and fainter than the Milky Way.
      – Its weak gravity causes stars to be loosely dispersed, resulting in a poorly defined structure.
      – These galaxies contain fewer heavy elements, creating an environment similar to that of the early universe.
      – Studying dwarf galaxies like ESO 490-017 helps scientists better understand the early universe and poorly understood celestial phenomena.

      Hubble’s Latest Cosmic Snapshot

      Since 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has been staring into the void, letting scientist’s study a whole bunch of celestial objects. Recently, this here telescope managed to capture a real striking image of a dwarf galaxy, which is located about 23 million light-years from our own planet Earth.

      The Odd Little Galaxy Called ESO 490-017

      Known as ESO 490-017, this dwarf irregular galaxy has a composition and structure that’s very interesting, dispite its small size. Indeed, it only measures about 12,000 light-years in diameter, while the Milky Way’s diameter is around 100,000 light-years, and it is also very faint, making it hard to see with normal telescopes.

      • Diameter: 12,000 light-years
      • Distance: 23 million light-years
      • Luminosity: Very low
      • Gravity: Weak

      Why Its Structure Matters

      In addition, the structure of this galaxy is not clearly defined, as you can clearly see in the image that was captured. As a result, its weak gravity allows stars to move around freely inside the galaxy with almost no restriction. Finally, its low luminosty is also directly linked to its gravity, since the stars aren’t concentrated in one single place but are instead dispersed all over the place.

      Unremarkable But Actually Interesting

      However, even though this galaxy might look unremarkable on the surface, it is actually very interesting for astronomers. These kind of structures contain fewer heavy elements then spiral galaxies do, and their environment is quite similar to that of the early universe before everything changed. Thus, by discovering and studdying these celestial objects, researchers will be able to better understand this mysterious period of the universes history.

      A Peek Into the Early Universe

      This will also allow them to better study celestial phenomenons that are still very poorly understood by modern science. The data obtained from such faint galaxies helps us fill in gaps about how stars formed back when the cosmos was young. Every new observation brings us a little bit closer to solving the biggest mysteries of space and time. Its a fascinating field of study that keeps giving us surprises.


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