Month: August 2024
Epson’s super-bright new Q-Series 4K 120Hz projectors could be the ultimate gaming displays
Epson’s new trio of 3LCD laser projectors are its brightest models yet, and they feature gaming-friendly features such as 4K 120Hz support.
Epson has launched a trio of new 3LCD laser projectorsThe new models have 4K 120Hz support and up to 10,000 lumens brightnessHigh brightness and a living room-friendly design make the Q-Series an alternative to microLED TVs
With CEDIA Expo, a showcase for the latest and greatest developments in home theater technology, just around the corner (September 5-7, 2024), related new gear announcements are rolling in. First up is Epson, which just dropped news of the Epson Q-Series, a trio of new 3LCD laser projectors aimed at the high-end custom installation market.
The Epson Q-Series consists of three high-brightness models designed for multipurpose living spaces. However, like the best 4K projectors, they can also be installed in traditional home theater environments and include the contrast-enhancing UltraBlack technology found in previous models such as the Epson LS12000.
The entry-level Q-Series model is the QB1000 ($7,999, around £6,160 / AU$11,900), which features Epson’s VRX Cinema Lens and features dual HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K 120Hz and ALLM support. Between its HDMI 2.1 connections and specified under-20ms input lag time, the QB1000 could be the perfect big-screen gaming projector.
Brightness on the QB1000 is specified as 3,300 lumens (color and white) and HDR support includes the HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG formats. It uses Epson’s QZX Picture Processor, has a laser light source rated for 20,000 hours, and features a 3-axis motorized lens shift to ease setup and installation.
The QB1000 is the entry-level projector in the new Epson Q-Series. (Image credit: Epson)
The QL3000 ($14,999, around £11,550 / AU$22,300) and QL7000 ($29,999, around £23,100 / AU$44,600) are “body only” projectors that can be paired with any of Epson’s High-Precision lenses. This design enables a wide range of installation options, including floor or ceiling-mounted ultra short throw setups.
Epson’s QL3000 and QL7000 provide the same features found in the QB1000. They are specced for up to 6,000 and 10,000 lumens and support screen sizes up to 300 inches. According to Epson, these new models are more compact than their high-brightness competition – something made possible by a new, smaller light source with a vapor chamber heatsink – making them a better fit for bright living spaces. Both projectors are available in black or white and have a unique, angular case that should also complement any room they’re installed in.
The new Epson QL7000 features a distinctive, angled case and supports a range of lens options. (Image credit: Epson)
Epson Q-Series: a cheaper alternative to microLED TVs?
With its new Q-Series projectors, Epson is taking on a range of display competitors in the high-end custom installation space. The main ones are flagship projectors from brands like Sony, Barco, and Digital Projection, but massive microLED video walls also appear to be in their sights.
Making its new projectors compact and design-forward should give Epson an edge over its competition in the high-brightness projector space, which is dominated by industrial-looking models that don’t exactly blend in with a typical living room environment.
Projectors such as the Sony VPL-GTZ380, a model that is specced for the same 10,000 lumens brightness as the Epson QL7000, are fairly massive and best hidden away from sight. Equally important, they are massively expensive, with the Sony priced at $80,000 compared to the QL7000’s $29,999.
A compelling feature of Epson’s two new top projectors is the option to pair them with an ultra-short throw lens. This will allow for the projector to be installed close up to a screen in a cabinet or ceiling rather than requiring a long throw distance to project large-scale images. The best ultra short throw projectors, such as the Epson LS800, are already bright enough to be installed in typical living room spaces, but bumping brightness up to the 6,000-10,000 lumens range will make pictures look even more vivid and dynamic. And with prices topping off at $29,999 for the projector, Epson’s new models will also provide a budget-friendly alternative to massive microLED TVs, which currently sit in the $100,000 and up range.
The QB1000 will be available in September 2024, and the QL3000 and QL7000 in October 2024. We look forward to reporting on them further at CEDIA Expo 2024, where TechRadar will be on site for Home Theater Week coverage.
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NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 20
Connections is a New York Times word game that’s all about finding the “common threads between words.” How to solve the puzzle.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that’s captured the public’s attention. The game is all about finding the “common threads between words.” And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we’ve served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today’s puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for August 20’s Connections solution. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
What is Connections?
The NYT‘s latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications’ Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there’s only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here’s a hint for today’s Connections categories
Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Whooooosh
Green: One might spin right round baby right round…
Blue: What’s your star sign?
Purple: Book characters
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Here are today’s Connections categories
Need a little extra help? Today’s connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Rush of Wind
Green: Rotate
Blue: Zodiac Symbols
Purple: Dr. Seuss Title Characters
Looking for Wordle today? Here’s the answer to today’s Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today’s puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today’s Connections #435 is…
What is the answer to Connections today
Rush of Wind: BLOW, DRAFT, GUST, PUFF
Rotate: CRANK, REEL, TURN, WIND
Yoga Poses: BULL, CRAB, LION, RAM
Zodiac Symbols: CAT, GRINCH, POP, TURTLE
Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday’s Connections.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.
Turtle Beach announces the Stealth 700 Gen 3 gaming headset alongside a new wave of PDP controllers
New PDP Realmz and Afterglow controllers are on the way – alongside a new Turtle Beach Stealth gaming headset.
Gaming hardware manufacturer Turtle Beach has announced a new product in its lineup of Stealth gaming headsets. Additionally, PDP (now owned by Turtle Beach) has confirmed new Realmz and Afterglow controllers, and all are launching very soon.
First up is the Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3 gaming headset. This will be a multiplatform headset that’s compatible with PlayStation and Xbox consoles as well as PC, Steam Deck, and mobile. Its Bluetooth connectivity option means it should work with the Nintendo Switch, too. Three versions will be available for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox users and each will have unique colorways to set them apart.
The Turtle Beach Stealth 700 seems to be a pretty premium gaming headset, launching on September 22, 2024, for $199.99 / £179.99. Turtle Beach says the Stealth 700 will feature its proprietary ‘CrossPlay dual wireless transmitter system,’ allowing users to swap between audio sources at the press of a button. Other high-end features include 60mm drivers, AI-powered noise cancellation, and a whopping 80 hours of battery life.
Next on the docket is a new addition to the PDP Realmz lineup of Nintendo Switch controllers. Realmz controllers are very kid-friendly, featuring an officially licensed aesthetic with a collectible figure embedded in its transparent shell. Previous Realmz controllers featured Sonic the Hedgehog and Pikmin variants. This new one, though, will be Minecraft-inspired and known as ‘Forest Biome’. Available from September 12 for $29.99 / £19.99, this new Realmz controller is wireless and packs in up to 40 hours of battery life. Pretty impressive for its budget price.
Lastly, a new set of PDP Afterglow Wave controllers, headsets, and accessories are on the way. A pretty big expansion to the Afterglow Wave lineup, the new controllers are Nintendo Switch-compatible, and add a number of color options including black, white, blue, and purple. They’ll be available from September 22, costing $54.99 / £49.99.
The Afterglow Wave family is also expanding with new wireless gaming headsets. Compatible with Xbox, PC, and mobile devices, these will also be available from September 22 at $99.99 / £79.99.
If that wasn’t enough, there is also an Afterglow Wave Dual Charger on the way. There will be versions for both PlayStation and Xbox, allowing you to dock your PS5 controller or Xbox controller for a quick charging solution. Expect these to arrive on October 1 at the price of $29.99 / £24.99.
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Wordle today: Here’s the answer hints for August 20
Here’s the answer for “Wordle” #1158 on August 20, as well as a few hints, tips, and clues to help you solve it yourself.
Oh hey there! If you’re here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we’re serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today’s answer.
If you just want to be told today’s word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for August 20’s Wordle solution revealed. But if you’d rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
Not the day you’re after? Here’s the solution to yesterday’s Wordle.
What’s the best Wordle starting word?
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website’s creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn’t any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle‘s Hard Mode if you’re after more of a challenge, though.
Here’s a subtle hint for today’s Wordle answer:
Hold up.
Does today’s Wordle answer have a double letter?
Not today.
Today’s Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…
Today’s Wordle starts with the letter D.
The Wordle answer today is…
Get your last guesses in now, because it’s your final chance to solve today’s Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today’s Wordle is…
DELAY.
Don’t feel down if you didn’t manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we’ll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
Disney reportedly scraps ‘The Acolyte’ after 1 season
Star Wars series “The Acolyte” won’t be back after that massive finale, according to reports.
Fans of The Acolyte are processing some terrible news this week, with reports of the show’s cancellation. As reported by Deadline, Lucasfilm will not continue the Star Wars series into a second season.
Created by Leslye Headland and starring Amandla Stenberg and Manny Jacinto, The Acolyte wrapped up a critically acclaimed, eight-episode first season at the end of July, leaving many narrative questions unanswered.
The Acolyte‘s renewal for a second season was not among the many, many announcements at Disney’s biennial D23 expo on Aug. 11, where the company revealed various sequels and spinoffs ahead. As IGN reports, Jacinto was asked on a D23 panel about the possibility of a second Acolyte season, when he said, “Fingers crossed we get to do it again.”
Credit: Lucasfilm Ltd.
Launched in June, the first two episodes of The Acolyte received 4.8 million views on Disney+ — making it the streaming service’s top series premiere of 2024, according to Disney. After five days, this hit 11.1 million views, and The Acolyte made it to Nielsen’s top 10 chart for original series. Deadline reports the show lost momentum after its premiere (like many new shows) but appeared in Nielsen’s top originals at number 10 for its showstopping finale. The Acolyte‘s budget was reportedly $180 million for eight episodes.
Theories and reactions are simmering on social media following the news, and Disney is yet to publicly confirm the show’s cancellation. But it’s looking like the future for The Acolyte is grim.
NYT’s The Mini crossword answers for August 20
Answers to each clue for the August 20, 2024 edition of NYT’s The Mini crossword puzzle.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times‘ revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player’s flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
Here are the clues and answers to NYT’s The Mini for Tuesday, August 20, 2024:
Across
“That’s gonna leave a ___!”
The answer is Mark.
Great Lake that borders Buffalo
The answer is Erie.
Bee offensive?
The answer is Sting.
Greek god of war
The answer is Ares.
Something you might hold around a dumpster
The answer is Nose.
Down
D.C.’s subway system
The answer is Metro.
Zodiac sign for Nancy Pelosi and Tim Walz
The answer is Aries.
Hold under running water
The answer is Rinse.
Big barrel of Bud
The answer is Keg.
___ Diego, Calif.
The answer is San.
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Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today’s Strands.
HP’s latest gaming mic is the Las Vegas casino of microphones
If you’ve ever browsed Razer’s selection of gaming peripherals and thought, “You guys really need to step up your RGB game,” HP has just the accessory for you. The company’s newest HyperX microphone, unveiled on Tuesday at Gamescom, has over 100 LEDs for “a stunning visual” with “energetic style,” which sounds about right.
The HyperX QuadCast 2 S is a USB gaming microphone with over 100 aRGB LEDs. The individually customizable lights can display over 16 million color combinations. Why, you ask? To complement your “streams and creations,” according to HP. (Sure, why not!)
If you’re the kind of fuddy-duddy who cares more about audio input than groovy light shows, the QuadCast 2 S has a 32-bit audio resolution and a 192kHz sampling rate. It has a tap-to-mute sensor, four selectable polar patterns and a bundled shock mount / stand combo. When used with the HyperX NGENUITY software (NGENIOUS!), you can customize the LEDs, limiter and 10-band EQ. It also includes AI-based noise reduction.
HP
In addition to the Vegas casino of gaming mics, HP is launching a wireless keyboard that it claims has “the longest battery life on a backlit dual-wireless gaming keyboard” available. The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 offers 80 hours of gameplay with the backlighting on (more RGB!!). Alternatively, you can squeeze out “a staggering 1,500 hours with the backlighting off.” (At least your mic can compensate for the lack of backlighting under those conditions.)
The keyboard supports a 2.4GHz wireless connection or up to three Bluetooth connections. It includes hot-swap key switches, magnetic top plates and badges.
The RGB-tastic HyperX QuadCast 2 S gaming mic will be available in November for $200, while the Alloy Rise 75 keyboard launches in October for $230.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/hps-latest-gaming-mic-is-the-las-vegas-casino-of-microphones-100009803.html?src=rss
If you’ve ever browsed Razer’s selection of gaming peripherals and thought, “You guys really need to step up your RGB game,” HP has just the accessory for you. The company’s newest HyperX microphone, unveiled on Tuesday at Gamescom, has over 100 LEDs for “a stunning visual” with “energetic style,” which sounds about right.
The HyperX QuadCast 2 S is a USB gaming microphone with over 100 aRGB LEDs. The individually customizable lights can display over 16 million color combinations. Why, you ask? To complement your “streams and creations,” according to HP. (Sure, why not!)
If you’re the kind of fuddy-duddy who cares more about audio input than groovy light shows, the QuadCast 2 S has a 32-bit audio resolution and a 192kHz sampling rate. It has a tap-to-mute sensor, four selectable polar patterns and a bundled shock mount / stand combo. When used with the HyperX NGENUITY software (NGENIOUS!), you can customize the LEDs, limiter and 10-band EQ. It also includes AI-based noise reduction.
In addition to the Vegas casino of gaming mics, HP is launching a wireless keyboard that it claims has “the longest battery life on a backlit dual-wireless gaming keyboard” available. The HyperX Alloy Rise 75 offers 80 hours of gameplay with the backlighting on (more RGB!!). Alternatively, you can squeeze out “a staggering 1,500 hours with the backlighting off.” (At least your mic can compensate for the lack of backlighting under those conditions.)
The keyboard supports a 2.4GHz wireless connection or up to three Bluetooth connections. It includes hot-swap key switches, magnetic top plates and badges.
The RGB-tastic HyperX QuadCast 2 S gaming mic will be available in November for $200, while the Alloy Rise 75 keyboard launches in October for $230.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/computing/accessories/hps-latest-gaming-mic-is-the-las-vegas-casino-of-microphones-100009803.html?src=rss
GoPro To Cut 15% of Workforce In Restructuring Push
GoPro has announced a restructuring plan that involves cutting about 15% of its workforce. “The company expects to take charges in the range of $5 million to $7 million for the restructuring plan, with cash expenses of $1 million to be recognized in the third quarter and about $4 million to $6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024,” reports Reuters. From the report: The layoffs – around 139 jobs – are expected to begin in the third quarter and would be completed by the end of 2024. Shares of the company, which had 925 full-time employees at the end of the second quarter ended June 30, were up 1.5% after the layoffs were announced. Earlier this month, GoPro reported revenue of $186 million for second quarter, down 22.7% compared to last year and operating expenses of $103 million, an increase of 5% from a year ago.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
GoPro has announced a restructuring plan that involves cutting about 15% of its workforce. “The company expects to take charges in the range of $5 million to $7 million for the restructuring plan, with cash expenses of $1 million to be recognized in the third quarter and about $4 million to $6 million in the fourth quarter of 2024,” reports Reuters. From the report: The layoffs – around 139 jobs – are expected to begin in the third quarter and would be completed by the end of 2024. Shares of the company, which had 925 full-time employees at the end of the second quarter ended June 30, were up 1.5% after the layoffs were announced. Earlier this month, GoPro reported revenue of $186 million for second quarter, down 22.7% compared to last year and operating expenses of $103 million, an increase of 5% from a year ago.
Read more of this story at Slashdot.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is reportedly coming to PS5 in 2025
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is reportedly coming to PS5 next year after a timed-exclusive Xbox release.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is reportedly coming to PlayStation 5 next year.
This comes from Nate the Hate, an industry insider known for sharing reveals ahead of official announcements, who reports that the upcoming MachineGames title will be making its way to PS5 in the “first half of 2025” after first releasing on Xbox Series X|S and PC in December as a timed exclusive. It will also be available on day one on Xbox Game Pass.
“After this timed-exclusive window expires, Indiana Jones & the Great Circle is planned to come to PlayStation 5 in the first half of 2025,” Nate the Hate said on X / Twitter.
The news comes ahead of Gamescom’s Opening Night Live presentation tonight, where we could potentially hear the official announcement from Bethesda or MachineGames during the showcase, as well as a firm release date for the game.
It was reported back in February (via The Verge) that Microsoft was considering bringing Indiana Jones and the Great Circle to PS5 months after its Xbox and PC launch, in a bid to push its new multi-platform approach.
Windows Central also reported last week that Microsoft was planning on bringing another Xbox exclusive game to PS5, perhaps Indiana Jones, with the reveal slated to arrive at Gamescom.
Announced in January and developed by the studio best-known for Wolfenstein: The New Order, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a first-person action adventure game and will feature an original narrative that draws from the iconic film franchise. It currently has a release window of 2024.
Xbox confirmed earlier this summer that it will be bringing its “biggest booth yet” to Gamescom 2024 and shared some of the upcoming games that will be available at the convention, including World of Warcraft: The War Within, Avowed, and Age of Mythology: Retold.
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