Month: June 2024

An Elden Ring fan spends 70 hours sculpting a figure of Malenia

Elden Ring es un juego que levanta pasiones, como demuestra este usuario de Reddit que ha decidido esculpir a uno de sus más míticos personajes

No one will be surprised to hear that From Software fans are particularly passionate about their franchise. In addition to insisting on how difficult the Souls games are, these fanatics also tend to attempt absurd challenges that sometimes seem impossible. And they achieve them. Completing the game without dying, without taking damage, using their feet, using their mind, or with bongos: these are just some of the things we’ve seen. And while this one doesn’t require as much skill with the controls, it requires other equally prodigious skills.

70 hours later my Malenia miniature is done!
byu/jleefishstudios inEldenring

A fan named jleefishstudios has created a figure of Malenia, which he has invested 70 hours of his life sculpting. Full of fine detail, he has replicated every last detail of her clothing and weaponry, poised in a combat position, highlighting her agility and majesty. Thanks to the cinematic and impressive nature of her pose, the figure stands highly distinguished.

Presenting the sculpture through a video on the Elden Ring Reddit, it has received numerous comments and positive votes. It’s perfectly understandable. The figure is absolutely impressive and reveals the love he feels for the game and for the character Malenia. Because even if it’s true that 70 hours may seem few to learn how to defeat her, jleefishstudios has managed to create a work of art in that time.

Elden Ring DOWNLOAD
2.8
Elden Ring is an open-world role-playing game created by FromSoftware.

Threads increases much more its access to the fediverse

Meta has announced a new expansion of Threads, the “Twitter of Instagram”, in the so-called “fediverse”. From now on, users over 18 years old will be able to like and see the replies to their posts on the social network, which already appear on other platforms that use the ActivityPub protocol, such as Mastodon and Bluesky.

Threads DOWNLOAD

Access to the fediverse, which is in beta phase, was initially available to users in the United States, Canada, and Japan beginning in March, but now it’s been extended to more than 100 countries, according to Meta CEO, Mark Zuckerberg.

From now on, users accessing the Threads application will see a new tutorial that explains what the fediverse is. The tutorial describes it as a network of interconnected servers and provides information on how the exchange between federated platforms works, helping users to better understand this social network.

Meta indicates that users who choose to share their posts on the fediverse will see their Threads messages available in other applications that also use ActivityPub, such as Mastodon. Additionally, “Likes” and replies from other federated social networks will be available directly in Threads. However, in this beta phase, only top-level messages and their own replies will be federated, excluding other types of messages such as polls and those with reply controls.

To activate this feature, users must go to their Account Settings and select the option “Fediverse Sharing (Beta)”, where they will also find detailed instructions and a link to the Supplementary Privacy Policy of Threads.

With this integration, Threads has become the largest application in the fediverse, with over 150 million monthly active users in the month of April. Excluding Threads, the fediverse has over 11 million users total, and about 800,000 of these have come from Mastodon.

Threads DOWNLOAD

This is how SnailLoad works: a new spying method capable of finding out which videos and websites you watch

A group of researchers from Graz University of Technology has developed a new method of internet spying called SnailLoad, which can determine with 98% accuracy the video that a user is watching and with 63% accuracy the websites they visit.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus DOWNLOAD

Titled “SnailLoad: Exploiting Remote Network Latency Measurements without JavaScript”, the paper is the work of Stefan Gast, Roland Czerny, Jonas Juffinger, Fabian Rauscher, Simone Franza, and Daniel Gruss, who explain how this technique does not require the installation of malware or the observation of network traffic through a “person-in-the-middle” attack. Furthermore, the attacker doesn’t even need to be physically close to monitor Wi-Fi packets.

SnailLoad takes advantage of the “subtle variations in round-trip times of network packets”, which carry a side-channel signal influenced by the victim’s activity. By having the user download a small file, the attacker can measure latency and changes in internet connection speed to deduce the user’s activity. The name of this new type of attack is due to the slow download speed, compared to that of a snail. “Apart from being slow,” explain the researchers, “SnailLoad, like a snail, leaves traces and is a bit creepy”.

The attack is completely passive and remote, and is capable of accurately determining which video a user is watching or what web activity they are engaged in. To make matters worse, the only way to mitigate it is by degrading the internet connection, something that most users would not be willing to do. Researchers warn that “the root cause cannot be eliminated and further investigation is necessary to find satisfactory solutions”.

Although this threat is based solely on laboratory research and is unlikely to be exploited in the real world at the moment, this new method “demonstrates the wide range of possible attack vectors” that could “significantly stress security personnel,” according to Boris Cipot, a security engineer at the Software Integrity Group of Synopsys, who also warned that “similar attack vectors may already be in use without our knowledge”.

Kaspersky Anti-Virus DOWNLOAD

Softonic acquires Appvizer to expand its market to B2B

Softonic, the renowned Spanish company that specializes in app distribution and tech news, has announced the acquisition of Appvizer, a media outlet dedicated to enterprise software (B2B). With this strategic acquisition, Softonic diversifies its business while maintaining the largest general software catalog in the marketplace, and continues to consolidate the publication of news, tutorials, and current events. Now they will enter fully into the B2B market, strengthening their position in the technology sector.

The largest software catalog on the market has a new ally: AI and the expertise of Appvizer

Appvizer, founded in 2013 and a part of the French holding Cloud is Mine, has made a name for itself thanks to its innovative approach in the search for business software. Using algorithms based on artificial intelligence and data analysis, the company, with its international presence, is able to generate highly personalized and efficient search results. With renowned clients such as Salesforce, Factorial, and Monday.com, among many others, Appvizer attracts over two million professional users every month who are looking for software solutions for their business needs.

At the core of what they offer is their ability to combine expert opinions and user reviews, in order to provide accurate and helpful recommendations for businesses. Beyond what they offer to companies, Appvizer is also known for organizing B2B Rocks, one of the leading European conferences on software as a service (SaaS). It’s a conference that annually brings together more than 3,000 attendees and which for years has been a reference for the SaaS ecosystem, consolidating Appvizer’s reputation in the B2B market.

Fiona Garvey, CEO of Softonic, has highlighted that this acquisition will allow Softonic to complement its main software-download business. With over 75 million monthly users and a selection of more than 1 million applications for Windows, iOS, Android, and Mac, Softonic is the largest general software catalog on the market. The platform also covers news, tutorials, and reviews, providing a user’s perspective.

Now, with the acquisition of Appvizer, a new stage begins in Softonic’s strategy, focused on simplifying the software discovery and distribution processes. The acquisition represents, in turn, an opportunity for Appvizer to expand its global reach thanks to the wide audience, resources, and experience Softonic brings.

Softonic has had a remarkable trajectory in the technology sector since its beginnings in 1997, when it was established by Tomás Diago. Although it faced challenges in the past, the company has managed to recover and stabilize under the leadership of Fiona Garvey. The acquisition of Appvizer is another step in Softonic’s path towards diversification and growth.

The integration of Appvizer will strengthen Softonic’s presence in the B2B sector, while highlighting its commitment to innovation and excellence in serving its users. With this acquisition, Softonic is well positioned to lead the market in software downloads and recommendations for both individual customers and businesses, securing its role as a key player in the global tech ecosystem.

Gemini, Google’s AI, arrives in Gmail to help you with your emails

Google has started to integrate its AI Gemini into a new sidebar in Gmail, designed to assist in composing emails and summarizing message threads. This sidebar is also being integrated into other Google applications such as Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Drive.

Gmail DOWNLOAD

With this integration, Gemini in Gmail can offer assistance in drafting emails, suggesting replies, and searching for specific information within emails and Google Drive files. In a blog post, Google explains that while “Gemini in Gmail offers proactive suggestions to help you get started,” users can also ask their own questions, such as “What was the order number from my agency?” or “How much did the company spend on the last marketing event?”

In addition, users will also be able to use Gemini on the Gmail mobile apps for Android and iOS, which will allow them to “analyze email message threads and see a summarized view of the most important aspects,” just like with the sidebar on the web.

These features are available exclusively for Google Workspace customers with Gemini Business or Enterprise add-ons, Gemini Education or Education Premium, or a Google One AI Premium subscription. To access these features in Docs, Slides, Sheets, and Drive, a paid Gemini subscription is also required.

In Docs, the Gemini panel helps with writing, content refinement, information synthesis, and idea generation. In Slides, it facilitates slide creation and image customization, as well as presentation synthesis. In Sheets, Gemini organizes and manages data, creates tables, generates formulas, and assists with specific tasks. In Drive, it allows for summarizing documents and quickly retrieving project data.

Google is following the trend of technology giants incorporating generative AI features into their most popular applications. Earlier this year, Meta introduced its AI chatbot on Instagram and WhatsApp, while Apple has announced the inclusion of generative AI in Siri, Messages, Mail, and Notes.

Gmail DOWNLOAD

Diablo 4 is preparing for the arrival of Season 5—here are some of its new features

This week, Diablo 4 has opened access to the PTR (Public Test Realm), the game’s testing server. From here, the community will be able to test the updates that will arrive in Season 5 from June 25th to July 2nd before their public release.

Diablo 4 DOWNLOAD

As expected, the PTR opening has allowed us to see what Diablo 4 has in store for its fifth season. To begin with, players will be able to travel to Hell and face infernal hordes and bosses that will probably remind them of Diablo 2. Additionally, there will be a new questline, a roguelite mode, and four new types of consumables.

One of the aspects that has caught the most attention is the roguelite mode Infernal Hordes. Here, we will have to fight against large hordes of enemies to obtain special rewards. Accessing will cost us one of the eight Infernal Compasses available in the game, which will also determine the difficulty.

Regarding the new consumables, these are Antipathy, Blackblood, Triune Anointment Parcel, and Vitriol. The first one, Antipathy, will increase players’ resistance. Blackblood is a common anointment that will improve a statistic randomly. Then, Triune Anointment Parcel is a new stash with anointments, equipment, and crafting materials. Finally, Vitriol will increase damage over time.

At the moment, we don’t know when Season 5 of Diablo 4 will officially premiere. You can still access the PTR, but keep in mind that it is a test server exclusive to PC players. Diablo 4 is available for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC, as well as Game Pass.

Source: GameRant

Diablo 4 DOWNLOAD

Apple releases security updates for all AirPods and several Beats: how can we install them?

Apple has released new firmware updates for several of its headphones, including AirPods, AirPods Pro, AirPods Max, Powerbeats Pro, and Beats Fit Pro. These updates address a security vulnerability that could have allowed an attacker within Bluetooth range to impersonate the details of a previously connected device to our headphones, granting unauthorized access to them.

Apple Support Download

New Firmware for AirPods and Beats

The update applies to the latest models of AirPods and Beats, specifically the second generation of AirPods Pro, PowerBeats Pro, and Beats Fit Pro, which now have firmware version 6F8. It also applies to first and second generation AirPods, along with AirPods Max, which have received version 6A326.

Although Apple has not indicated whether this security vulnerability has been exploited, it is recommended to update the firmware of our headphones as soon as possible to avoid possible attempts to replicate the exploit now that it has been made public.

How to install these updates?

There is no direct mechanism to initiate a firmware update on AirPods and Beats. Updates are installed automatically while the headphones are connected and within Bluetooth range of an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. However, to encourage the update, we can follow these steps:

  1. Connect the headphones to a device and play some music.
  2. Place them in the charging case and plug it into the power outlet.
  3. Keep them near the device in question.

Later on, we can verify if the update has been installed. We will do it as follows:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap on General.
  3. Select About.
  4. Tap on AirPods.
  5. Look for the number next to “Firmware Version”.
Apple Support Download

Keeping your devices up to date is vital for their security and optimal performance. With updates like today’s, while we wait for the AirPods 4 and the AirPods Lite, it is best to update our headphones as soon as possible.

Lanterns receives green light: the first live action series of the DCU will start filming soon

Although the Marvel Cinematic Universe is on the decline, don’t worry because soon we will have a unique resurgence of superheroes on the screen. This will come from the hand of James Gunn, who, together with Peter Safran, is creating the so-called DC Universe, based on reinterpreting DC Comics heroes in a way that seems very different from what Zack Snyder was doing with his Justice League.

Max DOWNLOAD

For now, we have the Gunn’s Superman on the way, which is already being filmed, and other projects like Supergirl, Creature Commandos, and Batman: The Brave and the Bold. But there is another project that catches even more of our attention and has just been given the green light (pun intended) to start its filming: Lanterns.

The DCU comes loaded with surprises

Lanterns is an original HBO series that will be coming to Max in the future, and its creative team couldn’t be better. Behind the series are Damon Lindelof (Lost, Watchmen), Chris Mundy (Ozark), and the wonderful, trendy DC Comics writer: Tom King.

The series, as revealed so far, will follow rookie Lantern John Stewart and Lantern legend Hal Jordan, who become involved in a brutal mystery on Earth that requires the intervention of the intergalactic force. As defined, it will follow in the footsteps of detective dramas like True Detective, but with all the imagery of the Green Lanterns that we know from the comics.

“We are excited to bring this iconic DC title to HBO with Chris, Damon, and Tom at the helm,” say Gunn and Safran. “John Stewart and Hal Jordan are two of DC’s most captivating characters, and Lanterns brings them to life in an original detective story that is a key part of the unified DC universe we will launch next summer with Superman.”

Max DOWNLOAD

This Japanese animated science fiction movie is a hit on Netflix

Since Netflix acquired the rights to Ultraman, the streaming platform has not stopped taking advantage of it to make different productions. The first thing they did was a series, which already has three seasons, of the stellar hero. And they also brought Shin Ultraman, the live-action of the character, to the platform.

Netflix DOWNLOAD

Now, it has raised the stakes with Ultraman: Rising, an animated science fiction film that tells a new story of the character from a unique perspective. The film has reached the Top 2 worldwide in Netflix movies and is making a big impact internationally in a way that very few films on the platform achieve. The trailer makes it clear why it has conquered the global audience:

Why should you watch Ultraman: Rising?

Ultraman: Rising tells the story of Ken Sato, a baseball superstar who returns to Japan to become the latest hero to take on the mantle of Ultraman. However, his plans take a twist when he is forced to raise a newly born kaiju monster, the son of his greatest enemy as if it were his own child. Sato will also have to confront his relationship with his estranged father and the plans of the Kaiju Defense Force.

As a mix of action, adventure, and drama, the movie has managed to conquer all kinds of audiences with a risky bet that, at times, resembles the premise of The Mandalorian. Undoubtedly, this co-production between the United States and Japan is making Netflix bet even more on the character, so it could be the first of several animated films in this sense. Taking advantage of its success, I recommend taking a look at the original Netflix series, which despite having its flaws, is a little gem from Asia.

Netflix DOWNLOAD

Yorgos Lanthimos already has his next film: Bugonia will arrive next year

Nowadays, few directors can keep up with Yorgos Lanthimos. The filmmaker behind Dogtooth and The Killing of a Sacred Deer came to theaters in January with Poor Things, a film that triumphed at the Oscars with a spectacular Emma Stone. At the end of this month, the director returns to theaters with Kind of Kindness, a film with multiple points of view that also features Stone. And now it’s been announced that next year, another one of his films will arrive in theaters.

Disney+ DOWNLOAD

Bugonia, also starring Stone alongside Jesse Plemons, has announced its release for November 2025, leaving only one year of separation between its previous film. The premise of the film already makes clear that it’ll be another radical proposal that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Conspiracy theorists everywhere

Bugonia is a remake of Save the Planet Earth, a South Korean film released in 2003 and now considered a cult classic. This movie is a kind of crazy dark comedy where a deranged man kidnaps and tortures a pharmacist, thinking that she’s the vanguard for an alien invasion of his planet. It’s clear that we will see something similar this time around… but we’ll have to wait a little longer to see what surprises Lanthimos has in store for us.