news and current affairs.
Escape from Tarkov eyes console port after 1.0
The extraction shooter Escape from Tarkov has launched its full 1.0 version on Steam. In an interview, Battlestate Games Director Nikita Buyanov confirmed the studio is considering a future console port. He stated that such a project would involve the complex design challenge of adapting the game’s intricate mechanics for comfortable controller use, though development has not yet started. To mark the release, the game is available at a discount on Steam and its official website until November 29. Players who participated in the beta test or placed a pre-order are receiving permanent in-game rewards that will persist through any future profile resets. A concurrent Twitch Drops campaign is also active, offering viewers unboxable...
Valve Steam Machine’s 8 GB VRAM raises concern
Valve's newly revealed Steam Machine, scheduled for an early 2026 release, features a semi-custom AMD system with a Zen 4 CPU and an RDNA 3 GPU containing 28 compute units. A notable specification is its 8 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM, a capacity that has recently drawn criticism in other new graphics cards for potentially limiting performance in modern AAA games. The company markets the device as capable of 4K gaming at 60 frames per second, a feat it achieves primarily through upscaling technology like AMD's FSR rather than native rendering power. When compared to current-generation consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the Steam Machine's graphical memory is lower, though its newer architecture provides a higher...
AMD RX 9070 XT hits $580 at MicroCenter
The AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT graphics card is now available at MicroCenter for $579.99, a price that falls below its original MSRP. This deal positions the GPU as a strong value contender, particularly as its 16 GB model often performs comparably to the RTX 5070 Ti, which retails for a higher price. The card is widely considered an excellent choice for both 1080p and 1440p gaming. The specific model offered is the ASRock Challenger Triple Fan variant, noted for its effective cooling design. A significant limitation of the promotion is that it requires in-store pickup, restricting its availability to customers who can visit a physical location. Despite this condition, the discounted price represents a notable opportunity within the current...
Asus opens ROG Matrix RTX 5090 preorders at $3999
ASUS has opened pre-orders for its ROG Matrix GeForce RTX 5090 graphics card, priced at $3,999. This cost is double the official MSRP of the reference model and significantly higher than other custom editions, which are typically found between $2,500 and $3,000. The company appears to be targeting a niche market of dedicated fans, as this price could otherwise cover an entire pre-built gaming system featuring the same GPU alongside a flagship processor. The limited edition card, with a planned global production of only one thousand units, features a triple-fan cooling system and supports a power draw of up to 800 watts. It includes both a standard 12V-2x6 power connector and a proprietary BTF interface designed for ASUS's specific...
OnePlus 15 overheats in stress test
A recent performance evaluation revealed significant overheating issues with the OnePlus 15 during intensive tasks. When running the demanding 3DMark Wild Life Extreme benchmark, the device's Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chipset caused the application to crash after several minutes due to excessive heat. This thermal throttling also temporarily disabled other phone functions, including the flashlight and wireless hotspot. Comparative thermal imaging showed the OnePlus 15 reaching a surface temperature of 52 degrees Celsius, while the iPhone 17 Pro Max, tested under the same conditions, registered a significantly cooler 39.5 degrees. The Snapdragon chipset's higher power consumption, measured at 19.5 watts compared to the A19 Pro's 12.1...
iPhone 17 Pro Max paint wipes off with a wet wipe
An iPhone 17 Pro Max owner reportedly removed its Cosmic Orange finish by cleaning the device with wet wipes. This incident, shared on social media, appears isolated as no similar cases have been documented on other forums. The AI assistant Grok suggested that peroxide or alcohol-based wipes could cause the anodized aluminum coating to peel. Apple officially advises against using cleaning agents with harsh chemicals on its devices. This report follows previous concerns about the susceptibility of the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max camera housing to scratches. The company's shift to a unibody aluminum chassis for these models also makes them more prone to denting from corner impacts, as seen in various durability tests.
Valve insiders hint at Half-Life 3 news soon
Valve’s recent announcements of new hardware, including the Steam Frame, Steam Machine, and Steam Controller, were met with enthusiasm from its fanbase, though it did not include any news regarding Half-Life 3. Despite this absence, several sources maintain that an official reveal for the project, internally known as HLX, is forthcoming. Insiders, however, offer conflicting timelines for the announcement. One source, Gabe Follower, suggested the reveal would occur before the year ends. Another, Tyler McVicker, predicted news within several weeks. Conversely, Mike Straw reported the announcement would not take place at The Game Awards 2025 next month. Tom Henderson added that a significant unannounced game is expected for a March...
Min Aung Hlaing calls for unity at YMBA event
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, speaking at a prize ceremony hosted by the Young Men’s Buddhist Association in Yangon, emphasized that citizens must uphold a genuine national spirit and work for the state's interests. He stated that the government is actively working to enhance Myanmar literature and indigenous languages, aligning with the YMBA's cultural activities. He highlighted the nation's education system, which aims to build capable human resources through a compulsory KG+9 framework and a pathway to practical skills. Reflecting on history, he noted the YMBA's foundational role in Myanmar's independence movement and its connection to the origins of the Tatmadaw. He urged all ethnic groups to participate in national development...
Yar Pyae meets ethnic groups in Myitkyina
A senior Myanmar official, Union Minister Lt-Gen Yar Pyae, met with representatives from various ethnic literature and cultural associations in Myitkyina, Kachin State. The minister emphasized the importance of unity among all ethnic groups residing in the state and highlighted national objectives, including the non-disintegration of the Union. He explained that the government is working to ensure ethnic groups can preserve their literature and customs, while also stressing that achieving peace through political means is essential for national development and meeting socio-economic needs. State Minister U Kyaw Min Khaing provided an update on the implementation of ethnic affairs according to the Union Ministry's directives. Leaders...
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