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A new open world model from LTX shows how open-weights models can be used and customized by anyone.

• Facial recognition systems are expanding to the London Underground
• British Transport Police say images will be checked against a watchlist
• Privacy groups are calling the technology intrusive

The debate over public surveillance and privacy is only getting more intense, with the British Transport Police (BTP) the latest organization to stoke the fires: it's expanding a trial of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology across several London Underground stations from today.

As per the BTP's official statement, this will start at Victoria and then rotate around other stations until November. "Our deployments are intelligence-led and focused on identifying people wanted by the police or courts, including those suspected of serious offences and those who may be breaching bail conditions or court orders," says the BTP.

The cameras work by comparing scanned faces to a watchlist of suspects and criminals wanted by the police. If there's a match, it's reviewed by a police officer — if not, the image is "immediately and permanently" deleted. The tech is already in use at other transport hubs in London, but is now being expanded to the Tube.

As for opting out of being surveilled, the police say the cameras will come with clear signage, and that "alternative routes" will be available too — which presumably the criminals can also sneak through. It's not clear if sunglasses and a hood would help you avoid being scanned, but you might be politely asked to remove them.

A 'dystopian' expansion

A map of Victoria Tube station showing the alternative routes (Image credit: British Transport Police)

According to the BBC, the BTP are looking out for people wanted in connection with serious offences, including sexual assault, robbery, and knife crime. Police intelligence data will be used to select the stations covered by the cameras, with the aim of reducing violence and harassment.

However, as the BBC points out, scans of some 530,000 faces across UK railway stations since February have resulted in zero matches, zero arrests, and one false identification. That's based on the BTP's own deployment logs, suggesting that to date the technology isn't helping much.

Big Brother Watch director Silkie Carlo suggests that the tech "treats the public like suspects" and is a "disturbing and dystopian expansion" of facial recognition systems. The privacy rights group has long been campaigning against the use of these cameras, arguing that they're intrusive and unnecessary.

The reaction online has been mostly negative too: comments in one Reddit thread question the effectiveness of this type of facial recognition, and air concerns about more nefarious uses of the tech further down the line. However, others also point out that public transport stations are already extensively covered by camera monitoring.

• Facial recognition systems are expanding to the London Underground
• British Transport Police say images will be checked against a watchlist
• Privacy groups are calling the technology intrusive

The debate over public surveillance and privacy is only getting more intense, with the British Transport Police (BTP) the latest organization to stoke the fires: it's expanding a trial of Live Facial Recognition (LFR) technology across several London Underground stations from today.

As per the BTP's official statement, this will start at Victoria and then rotate around other stations until November. "Our deployments are intelligence-led and focused on identifying people wanted by the police or courts, including those suspected of serious offences and those who may be breaching bail conditions or court orders," says the BTP.

The cameras work by comparing scanned faces to a watchlist of suspects and criminals wanted by the police. If there's a match, it's reviewed by a police officer — if not, the image is "immediately and permanently" deleted. The tech is already in use at other transport hubs in London, but is now being expanded to the Tube.

As for opting out of being surveilled, the police say the cameras will come with clear signage, and that "alternative routes" will be available too — which presumably the criminals can also sneak through. It's not clear if sunglasses and a hood would help you avoid being scanned, but you might be politely asked to remove them.

A 'dystopian' expansion

A map of Victoria Tube station showing the alternative routes (Image credit: British Transport Police)

According to the BBC, the BTP are looking out for people wanted in connection with serious offences, including sexual assault, robbery, and knife crime. Police intelligence data will be used to select the stations covered by the cameras, with the aim of reducing violence and harassment.

However, as the BBC points out, scans of some 530,000 faces across UK railway stations since February have resulted in zero matches, zero arrests, and one false identification. That's based on the BTP's own deployment logs, suggesting that to date the technology isn't helping much.

Big Brother Watch director Silkie Carlo suggests that the tech "treats the public like suspects" and is a "disturbing and dystopian expansion" of facial recognition systems. The privacy rights group has long been campaigning against the use of these cameras, arguing that they're intrusive and unnecessary.

The reaction online has been mostly negative too: comments in one Reddit thread question the effectiveness of this type of facial recognition, and air concerns about more nefarious uses of the tech further down the line. However, others also point out that public transport stations are already extensively covered by camera monitoring.

• Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick defends Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 base price
• He says, "Our goal is to deliver way more value to consumers than what we charge them"
• The CEO says GTA 6 will be "an incredible bargain"

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 base price, saying Rockstar Games will "overdeliver" on the experience.

Speaking during a Q&A session after the publisher's Q1 FY27 financial report, Zelnick explained that the game's cost has everything to do with maximizing price by delivering on an experience that will last for consumers.

"Our goal is to deliver way more value to consumers than what we charge them," Zelnick said when asked why it decided to leave NBA 2K27's base pricing at $70 compared to GTA 6, which is priced at $80, and how Take-Two will go forward with pricing other "premium" AAA titles. "And the truth is that the real cost of a AAA video game is a whole lot lower today than it was 20 years ago.

"Pricing has not kept pace with inflation. And our goal is to continue to overdeliver for our consumers because how you feel about any experience is the intersection of the experience itself and what you paid for it."

He continued, "So, to say that we expect that Grand Theft Auto 6 will be an incredible bargain as experiences go is a gross understatement, because Rockstar Games is known for overdelivering."

Zelnick also pointed to GTA Online, which is now 13 years old but continues to draw in millions of players every year, suggesting that a premium experience will keep players engaged, no matter the cost.

"Remember, we're 13 years after GTA Online was launched and people are still highly engaged," he said. "We have record-setting engagement at times. So, that's our goal.

"Our goal is not to maximize price. So, in this case, I think what we've decided to do makes a whole lot of sense in the context of what we're delivering. And that's the lens through which we're going forward as well."

GTA 6 will launch on November 19 with two editions: the Standard and Ultimate Edition. While the former costs $79.99 / £69.99, the more expensive $99.99 / £89.99 Ultimate Edition will offer additional content. While initially criticized by fans, Zelnick told analysts during the Q&A that it's selling more than the Standard Edition.

Take-Two also reported earnings of $1.39 billion during GTA 6's pre-order period, which Zelnick called an "exceptional start to pre-orders," but couldn't share specific sales numbers.

• Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick defends Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 base price
• He says, "Our goal is to deliver way more value to consumers than what we charge them"
• The CEO says GTA 6 will be "an incredible bargain"

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended Grand Theft Auto 6's $80 base price, saying Rockstar Games will "overdeliver" on the experience.

Speaking during a Q&A session after the publisher's Q1 FY27 financial report, Zelnick explained that the game's cost has everything to do with maximizing price by delivering on an experience that will last for consumers.

"Our goal is to deliver way more value to consumers than what we charge them," Zelnick said when asked why it decided to leave NBA 2K27's base pricing at $70 compared to GTA 6, which is priced at $80, and how Take-Two will go forward with pricing other "premium" AAA titles. "And the truth is that the real cost of a AAA video game is a whole lot lower today than it was 20 years ago.

"Pricing has not kept pace with inflation. And our goal is to continue to overdeliver for our consumers because how you feel about any experience is the intersection of the experience itself and what you paid for it."

He continued, "So, to say that we expect that Grand Theft Auto 6 will be an incredible bargain as experiences go is a gross understatement, because Rockstar Games is known for overdelivering."

Zelnick also pointed to GTA Online, which is now 13 years old but continues to draw in millions of players every year, suggesting that a premium experience will keep players engaged, no matter the cost.

"Remember, we're 13 years after GTA Online was launched and people are still highly engaged," he said. "We have record-setting engagement at times. So, that's our goal.

"Our goal is not to maximize price. So, in this case, I think what we've decided to do makes a whole lot of sense in the context of what we're delivering. And that's the lens through which we're going forward as well."

GTA 6 will launch on November 19 with two editions: the Standard and Ultimate Edition. While the former costs $79.99 / £69.99, the more expensive $99.99 / £89.99 Ultimate Edition will offer additional content. While initially criticized by fans, Zelnick told analysts during the Q&A that it's selling more than the Standard Edition.

Take-Two also reported earnings of $1.39 billion during GTA 6's pre-order period, which Zelnick called an "exceptional start to pre-orders," but couldn't share specific sales numbers.

The Open Compute Project is pushing fleet-scale hardware management for AI data centers as APAC operators contend with rapid capacity growth, higher rack densities, and tighter power availability.

The post OCP APAC Summit Highlights AI Data Center Management as Power Constraints Grow appeared first on TechRepublic.

California lawmakers are advancing SB 903, a bill that would restrict AI therapy chatbots and set new rules for AI use in mental healthcare.

The post California Wants to Draw a Legal Line Between AI and Human Therapists appeared first on TechRepublic.

This article was originally published in April 2024, following the total solar eclipse in the US. The experience in advice is relevant for those thinking about attempting to photograph the 2026 eclipse — which will be total in parts of Iceland, Spain and Portugal, and there will be major partial eclipse in the UK and other European countries — so we're sharing it again.

If you’ve never seen a total eclipse in person, whatever you’ve seen and what you imagine don’t come close. The best photos, the most stunning video, they won’t match the silent, dazzling fury of the real thing. Your phone or monitor won’t capture the infinite diamond brilliance of the Sun’s corona twinkling around the black Moon.

I set out to shoot the total eclipse with my three best camera phones and my Nikon DSLR, but I am thankful that I decided to enjoy the eclipse in the scant three minutes I was under its totality.

Before I talk tech, I’ll do my best to describe the total solar eclipse if you’ve never seen one in person. April 8, 2024 was my first total eclipse, and before that day I thought it would be my last.

After seeing the total solar eclipse live, I felt like I can’t live the rest of my life without seeing one again. I’ve never seen a photo that was equally compelling. Seeing the real eclipse in person, it was so gloriously beautiful that I was immediately sad that it was so fleeting.

Here's what a total solar eclipse really looks like

I was not shocked to hear the crowd around me erupt into spontaneous applause.

There is a bright flash in the instant before the Sun goes dark. The world gets colder suddenly, but the landscape is not pitch dark. Watching the eclipse from the shore of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, the view of Mount Marcy and the Adirondacks presented a panoramic sunset, with waning light surrounding me at the horizon on all sides, and the black eclipse at the center.

The Sun’s corona dazzles and flares with wisps of magic. You’ve never seen any light move in such a way. The contrast between the shockingly dark moon and the incredibly bright corona makes the halo seem brilliant and crisply present, as though the Sun is just beyond your grasp, and not seven light-minutes away.

The corona is bright, but not as bright as the face of the Sun. It reaches the limit of what my eyes could tolerate without causing pain. To see something so shockingly intense, after avoiding the painfully bright Sun for the previous hour, is a revelation. It feels like a gift being unwrapped in the sky above. It is a surprise and a joy, and I was not shocked to hear the crowd around me erupt into spontaneous applause.

I was awestruck. I forgot everything I was supposed to do at that moment. I’m now grateful that I decided at the last minute to drive all the way up to Burlington, where the clouds were wispy and few and the totality lasted more than three whole minutes. A good friend traveled farther to experience just over thirty seconds of totality in the Ozarks. Neither of us regrets taking our trip.

Ruining a solar eclipse with too much tech

The eclipse shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max and Vaonis Hestia telescope (Image credit: Philip Berne/ Future)

Back to the tech. My plan was … too much. I brought a telescope, and a DSLR, and three phones, and even smart glasses on my face. I don’t know what I was thinking. The eclipse lasted three minutes. I barely had time to focus one camera, let alone try to shoot with five. My plans fell to pieces, and I gave up quickly. I got a few good shots, then I turned my attention to the sky and just allowed myself to soak it in.

Seeing the eclipse was more rewarding than the best photo I’ve seen of the eclipse.

Here’s the gear I brought to shoot the solar eclipse. I borrowed a Vaonis Hestia telescope, which uses your phone as the viewfinder. I used an iPhone 15 Pro Max to take photos and view the eclipse through that telescope, with a solar filter provided by Vaonis. Those photos turned out pretty good, but it isn’t the most powerful telescope. Plus, an eclipse is a very complicated scene for lighting, especially for a phone camera.

Philip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / Future

I also had a Google Pixel 8 Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. I already decided I was not going to try to take telephoto zoom shots of the eclipse with these phones. The 5X range is simply not enough to capture any detail, and the sensor for the longest lens is also the smallest, lowest-quality sensor on the phone. Better to take wide-angle photos.

I set up the Galaxy S24 Ultra to shoot a time-lapse (Samsung calls it Hyperlapse) video of the entire event. I was pretty disappointed with the results. The sun was too high in the sky for even the widest lens to capture the scene around me as well as the eclipse in progress. The camera had trouble balancing the incredibly bright partial eclipse with the surroundings, so it just looks like a sunny day until totality occurs. When the eclipse happens, the camera balances the light in a way that doesn’t present the sunset colors and the changing light in the way I remember it.

The eclipse shot with Pixel 8 Pro and a solar filter (Image credit: Philip Berne/ Future)

I attached a solar filter to the Google Pixel 8 Pro, hoping I would be able to see more of the partial eclipse as it happened. Nope, the filter cut out too much light for the phone to handle. I was barely able to see the Sun through the filter, let alone capture great shots.

At the last minute, I decided to also bring my Nikon D750 camera with a Nikon 80-400mm lens. I don’t have a solar filter for that huge lens, so I planned on shooting only the totality of the eclipse, when it is safe to look at the sun without glasses. I got some pretty good shots, but I was rushing around too much, juggling too many chores. I should have reduced the exposure levels, or used a manual mode to dial back the shutter speed. The photos were blurry and blown out, not very good.

Eclipse shot with Nikon D750 at 400mm (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)Philip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / Future

In the end, I got a couple of good shots from the iPhone on the telescope. They were better than the shots my friends took with their phones, and they impressed the people I shared them with. From my own perfectionist standards, I was disappointed with my pics, but I wasn’t disappointed at all with the experience.

In fact, I’m happy that I didn’t try much harder to take great photos, because at the last minute I chose to sacrifice the pics and enjoy the eclipse. It was amazing. It was the greatest natural phenomena I’ve ever seen. For the next eclipse, I’ll bring only one camera, and only one easy plan, and if I screw it up then I won’t even care. The best photo I could get would pale in comparison to the totality of the real thing.

You might also like...

• I shot the eclipse with an iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – here's which one did best
• You took amazing smartphone eclipse photos, but reminded me why I didn't use Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 100x Space Zoom
• How to photograph the total solar eclipse with your camera or smartphone

This article was originally published in April 2024, following the total solar eclipse in the US. The experience in advice is relevant for those thinking about attempting to photograph the 2026 eclipse — which will be total in parts of Iceland, Spain and Portugal, and there will be major partial eclipse in the UK and other European countries — so we're sharing it again.

If you’ve never seen a total eclipse in person, whatever you’ve seen and what you imagine don’t come close. The best photos, the most stunning video, they won’t match the silent, dazzling fury of the real thing. Your phone or monitor won’t capture the infinite diamond brilliance of the Sun’s corona twinkling around the black Moon.

I set out to shoot the total eclipse with my three best camera phones and my Nikon DSLR, but I am thankful that I decided to enjoy the eclipse in the scant three minutes I was under its totality.

Before I talk tech, I’ll do my best to describe the total solar eclipse if you’ve never seen one in person. April 8, 2024 was my first total eclipse, and before that day I thought it would be my last.

After seeing the total solar eclipse live, I felt like I can’t live the rest of my life without seeing one again. I’ve never seen a photo that was equally compelling. Seeing the real eclipse in person, it was so gloriously beautiful that I was immediately sad that it was so fleeting.

Here's what a total solar eclipse really looks like

I was not shocked to hear the crowd around me erupt into spontaneous applause.

There is a bright flash in the instant before the Sun goes dark. The world gets colder suddenly, but the landscape is not pitch dark. Watching the eclipse from the shore of Lake Champlain in Burlington, Vermont, the view of Mount Marcy and the Adirondacks presented a panoramic sunset, with waning light surrounding me at the horizon on all sides, and the black eclipse at the center.

The Sun’s corona dazzles and flares with wisps of magic. You’ve never seen any light move in such a way. The contrast between the shockingly dark moon and the incredibly bright corona makes the halo seem brilliant and crisply present, as though the Sun is just beyond your grasp, and not seven light-minutes away.

The corona is bright, but not as bright as the face of the Sun. It reaches the limit of what my eyes could tolerate without causing pain. To see something so shockingly intense, after avoiding the painfully bright Sun for the previous hour, is a revelation. It feels like a gift being unwrapped in the sky above. It is a surprise and a joy, and I was not shocked to hear the crowd around me erupt into spontaneous applause.

I was awestruck. I forgot everything I was supposed to do at that moment. I’m now grateful that I decided at the last minute to drive all the way up to Burlington, where the clouds were wispy and few and the totality lasted more than three whole minutes. A good friend traveled farther to experience just over thirty seconds of totality in the Ozarks. Neither of us regrets taking our trip.

Ruining a solar eclipse with too much tech

The eclipse shot with iPhone 15 Pro Max and Vaonis Hestia telescope (Image credit: Philip Berne/ Future)

Back to the tech. My plan was … too much. I brought a telescope, and a DSLR, and three phones, and even smart glasses on my face. I don’t know what I was thinking. The eclipse lasted three minutes. I barely had time to focus one camera, let alone try to shoot with five. My plans fell to pieces, and I gave up quickly. I got a few good shots, then I turned my attention to the sky and just allowed myself to soak it in.

Seeing the eclipse was more rewarding than the best photo I’ve seen of the eclipse.

Here’s the gear I brought to shoot the solar eclipse. I borrowed a Vaonis Hestia telescope, which uses your phone as the viewfinder. I used an iPhone 15 Pro Max to take photos and view the eclipse through that telescope, with a solar filter provided by Vaonis. Those photos turned out pretty good, but it isn’t the most powerful telescope. Plus, an eclipse is a very complicated scene for lighting, especially for a phone camera.

Philip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / Future

I also had a Google Pixel 8 Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. I already decided I was not going to try to take telephoto zoom shots of the eclipse with these phones. The 5X range is simply not enough to capture any detail, and the sensor for the longest lens is also the smallest, lowest-quality sensor on the phone. Better to take wide-angle photos.

I set up the Galaxy S24 Ultra to shoot a time-lapse (Samsung calls it Hyperlapse) video of the entire event. I was pretty disappointed with the results. The sun was too high in the sky for even the widest lens to capture the scene around me as well as the eclipse in progress. The camera had trouble balancing the incredibly bright partial eclipse with the surroundings, so it just looks like a sunny day until totality occurs. When the eclipse happens, the camera balances the light in a way that doesn’t present the sunset colors and the changing light in the way I remember it.

The eclipse shot with Pixel 8 Pro and a solar filter (Image credit: Philip Berne/ Future)

I attached a solar filter to the Google Pixel 8 Pro, hoping I would be able to see more of the partial eclipse as it happened. Nope, the filter cut out too much light for the phone to handle. I was barely able to see the Sun through the filter, let alone capture great shots.

At the last minute, I decided to also bring my Nikon D750 camera with a Nikon 80-400mm lens. I don’t have a solar filter for that huge lens, so I planned on shooting only the totality of the eclipse, when it is safe to look at the sun without glasses. I got some pretty good shots, but I was rushing around too much, juggling too many chores. I should have reduced the exposure levels, or used a manual mode to dial back the shutter speed. The photos were blurry and blown out, not very good.

Eclipse shot with Nikon D750 at 400mm (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)Philip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / FuturePhilip Berne / Future

In the end, I got a couple of good shots from the iPhone on the telescope. They were better than the shots my friends took with their phones, and they impressed the people I shared them with. From my own perfectionist standards, I was disappointed with my pics, but I wasn’t disappointed at all with the experience.

In fact, I’m happy that I didn’t try much harder to take great photos, because at the last minute I chose to sacrifice the pics and enjoy the eclipse. It was amazing. It was the greatest natural phenomena I’ve ever seen. For the next eclipse, I’ll bring only one camera, and only one easy plan, and if I screw it up then I won’t even care. The best photo I could get would pale in comparison to the totality of the real thing.

You might also like...

• I shot the eclipse with an iPhone 15 Pro Max, Google Pixel 8 Pro and a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra – here's which one did best
• You took amazing smartphone eclipse photos, but reminded me why I didn't use Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra's 100x Space Zoom
• How to photograph the total solar eclipse with your camera or smartphone

• A modder has taken the innards of a Steam Deck and put them into a Game Boy-style case
• The end result is the 'SteamBoy', although it's not quite finished (the screen doesn't yet work)
• There's a lot of excitement about this DIY project, and some gamers have even said they'd be keen to buy a retro handheld like this

Ever wished the Steam Deck looked a bit more retro — or indeed a lot more retro? Meet the 'SteamBoy', which takes the innards of Valve's handheld and transplants them into a case styled on the Game Boy.

Steam Deck HQ noticed this clever piece of modding in the form a project by 'PhyFawkes' as posted on Reddit (via VideoCardz).

The SteamBoy uses the motherboard, controller, buttons, speakers, and battery from the Steam Deck, fitting the components into a case which the maker says is the same dimensions as an original Game Boy, with a thickness of 32mm (yes, it's thick).

PhyFawkes explains: "The battery is the original battery, and it basically takes up the whole width of the device on the inside. It's sandwiched between the motherboard and the display. The motherboard and controller boards are completely intact as well."

The only element that isn't functional yet is the screen, so this device is still a work in progress. The Redditor has demonstrated it working on an external monitor, though.

Analysis: next stop Kickstarter?

(Image credit: PhyFawkes on Reddit)

The snag with getting the screen going is that the motherboard firmware reports the display properties directly to SteamOS, and so the firmware details must be updated with the info for the new screen. The Redditor says it hopefully it won't take too long to sort this out.

Another part of the recipe that's missing is the triggers, but PhyFawkes says that they might be able to add them eventually, but that space constraints with the case could make this too tricky a proposition.

Apparently the handheld runs cool enough with some slight under-volting. All in all, this a very smart-looking project, and I'm seriously impressed. The case itself is 3D-printed, with the Redditor noting that they're going to provide the details on how to make one for those who might want to try their hand at this enterprising piece of handheld DIY.

Of course, constructing something like this is well beyond the scope of your average gamer, and there are fans of this concept out there who'd be willing to pay money for a SteamBoy of their own. Plenty of them, in fact, as the reception for this project has been nothing short of glowing.

As someone on Reddit put it: "This is legitimately so cool. I would totally back something like this on Kickstarter."

Another Redditor said: "Looks amazing! I'd probably buy 2 of these bad boys."

• A modder has taken the innards of a Steam Deck and put them into a Game Boy-style case
• The end result is the 'SteamBoy', although it's not quite finished (the screen doesn't yet work)
• There's a lot of excitement about this DIY project, and some gamers have even said they'd be keen to buy a retro handheld like this

Ever wished the Steam Deck looked a bit more retro — or indeed a lot more retro? Meet the 'SteamBoy', which takes the innards of Valve's handheld and transplants them into a case styled on the Game Boy.

Steam Deck HQ noticed this clever piece of modding in the form a project by 'PhyFawkes' as posted on Reddit (via VideoCardz).

The SteamBoy uses the motherboard, controller, buttons, speakers, and battery from the Steam Deck, fitting the components into a case which the maker says is the same dimensions as an original Game Boy, with a thickness of 32mm (yes, it's thick).

PhyFawkes explains: "The battery is the original battery, and it basically takes up the whole width of the device on the inside. It's sandwiched between the motherboard and the display. The motherboard and controller boards are completely intact as well."

The only element that isn't functional yet is the screen, so this device is still a work in progress. The Redditor has demonstrated it working on an external monitor, though.

Analysis: next stop Kickstarter?

(Image credit: PhyFawkes on Reddit)

The snag with getting the screen going is that the motherboard firmware reports the display properties directly to SteamOS, and so the firmware details must be updated with the info for the new screen. The Redditor says it hopefully it won't take too long to sort this out.

Another part of the recipe that's missing is the triggers, but PhyFawkes says that they might be able to add them eventually, but that space constraints with the case could make this too tricky a proposition.

Apparently the handheld runs cool enough with some slight under-volting. All in all, this a very smart-looking project, and I'm seriously impressed. The case itself is 3D-printed, with the Redditor noting that they're going to provide the details on how to make one for those who might want to try their hand at this enterprising piece of handheld DIY.

Of course, constructing something like this is well beyond the scope of your average gamer, and there are fans of this concept out there who'd be willing to pay money for a SteamBoy of their own. Plenty of them, in fact, as the reception for this project has been nothing short of glowing.

As someone on Reddit put it: "This is legitimately so cool. I would totally back something like this on Kickstarter."

Another Redditor said: "Looks amazing! I'd probably buy 2 of these bad boys."

After testing Geekom's Intel-powered IT13 Max, we found it a good, robust machine that's ideal for office work and light creative tasks. And right now, the Geekom IT13 Max AI mini PC is discounted to $679 (was $799) at Amazon with code TRT13DFF.

This mini PC pairs a genuine Core i9 mobile chip with 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, in a chassis smaller than most external hard drives. In the UK, Geekom's mini PC is down to £637 (was £749) at Amazon.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the GMKtec IT13 MAX if...

You want strong CPU performance for office work, coding, or light creative tasks in a tiny footprint. You need to drive multiple 4K monitors from one small box.

❌ Skip the GMKtec IT13 MAX if...

You want to game beyond light, reduced-settings titles — this runs integrated graphics only. It also uses DDR4 RAM, so skip it if you need DDR5 bandwidth for memory-intensive workloads. And if you're on a tighter budget, Geekom's lower-tier i5 configs cost meaningfully less.

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | 24GB DDR4 | 1TB SSD

14-core, 20-thread Core i9-13900HK, 24GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, dual USB4 (40Gbps), dual HDMI, quad 4K display support, Windows 11 Pro. For the full discount use code TRT13DFF

In the UK: now £637 (was £749)View Deal

Why we recommend it

The GMKtec IT13 Max earned 4-stars in our review, where it proved a capable mini PC. We said, "for office and light creative work the IT13 Max is an excellent option," as well as use as a workshop or production-line machine.

The i9-13900HK is a genuine high-end mobile chip — 14 cores, 20 threads, and clock speeds up to 5.4 GHz — and it's unusual to see it in a mini PC this size and at this price. It handles everyday office work, code builds, and multitasking comfortably, and Geekom's cooling keeps things quiet under sustained load.

24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD are both generous starting points (but opt for the 16GB RAM model if you want to expand that memory up to 96GB). Connectivity is solid: dual USB4 ports at 40 Gbps, dual HDMI, Wi-Fi 7, and support for driving four displays simultaneously, making it a capable multi-monitor workstation for the price.

Price Context & Historical Value

Geekom lists this configuration with an MSRP north of $800, and it's typically discounted through coupon codes rather than site-wide sales — $679 with code TRT13DFF is a solid price for the 24GB/1TB tier, in line with what this model has landed at during previous promotions. This is the lowest price in the UK that the IT13 Max has been. Worth noting the code expires August 30, so this isn't a standing price.

For more savings, every week we track the best mini PC deals.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

There are two sticking points with the IT13 Max. First, the 24GB RAM model features fixed memory, so you can't upgrade it. If that's what you want, look for the version with 16GB RAM (available direct from Geekom US and Geekom UK).

This lets you expand both memory and storage — RAM to 64GB, plus room for a second M.2 drive and a 2.5-inch SATA bay.

Second, the IT13 uses Intel's Iris Xe integrated graphics, not a dedicated GPU, and it runs on DDR4 rather than DDR5 — a deliberate cost-saving choice that keeps the price down but caps performance in games and GPU-bound creative work.

It'll handle 4K video playback and light gaming at reduced settings, but it's not built for modern titles at high settings. If gaming or GPU-accelerated tasks are the priority.

Also consider

AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS | 32GB DDR5 | 1TB SSD

This compact mini PC features an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, triple 4K display support, USB4, dual 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.

Check our full reviewView Deal

AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS | 16GB DDR5 | 1TB SSD

The K8 Plus packs a high-performance Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. I recommend upgrading the memory and storage to unlock max power. With OCuLink eGPU support, dual 2.5GbE LAN, USB4, and 8K display output, it’s a powerful compact desktop alternative.

Read our full reviewView Deal

• See all mini PC deals at Amazon.

After testing Geekom's Intel-powered IT13 Max, we found it a good, robust machine that's ideal for office work and light creative tasks. And right now, the Geekom IT13 Max AI mini PC is discounted to $679 (was $799) at Amazon with code TRT13DFF.

This mini PC pairs a genuine Core i9 mobile chip with 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, in a chassis smaller than most external hard drives. In the UK, Geekom's mini PC is down to £637 (was £749) at Amazon.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the GMKtec IT13 MAX if...

You want strong CPU performance for office work, coding, or light creative tasks in a tiny footprint. You need to drive multiple 4K monitors from one small box.

❌ Skip the GMKtec IT13 MAX if...

You want to game beyond light, reduced-settings titles — this runs integrated graphics only. It also uses DDR4 RAM, so skip it if you need DDR5 bandwidth for memory-intensive workloads. And if you're on a tighter budget, Geekom's lower-tier i5 configs cost meaningfully less.

Intel Core Ultra 9 185H | 24GB DDR4 | 1TB SSD

14-core, 20-thread Core i9-13900HK, 24GB DDR4 RAM, 1TB NVMe SSD, dual USB4 (40Gbps), dual HDMI, quad 4K display support, Windows 11 Pro. For the full discount use code TRT13DFF

In the UK: now £637 (was £749)View Deal

Why we recommend it

The GMKtec IT13 Max earned 4-stars in our review, where it proved a capable mini PC. We said, "for office and light creative work the IT13 Max is an excellent option," as well as use as a workshop or production-line machine.

The i9-13900HK is a genuine high-end mobile chip — 14 cores, 20 threads, and clock speeds up to 5.4 GHz — and it's unusual to see it in a mini PC this size and at this price. It handles everyday office work, code builds, and multitasking comfortably, and Geekom's cooling keeps things quiet under sustained load.

24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD are both generous starting points (but opt for the 16GB RAM model if you want to expand that memory up to 96GB). Connectivity is solid: dual USB4 ports at 40 Gbps, dual HDMI, Wi-Fi 7, and support for driving four displays simultaneously, making it a capable multi-monitor workstation for the price.

Price Context & Historical Value

Geekom lists this configuration with an MSRP north of $800, and it's typically discounted through coupon codes rather than site-wide sales — $679 with code TRT13DFF is a solid price for the 24GB/1TB tier, in line with what this model has landed at during previous promotions. This is the lowest price in the UK that the IT13 Max has been. Worth noting the code expires August 30, so this isn't a standing price.

For more savings, every week we track the best mini PC deals.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

There are two sticking points with the IT13 Max. First, the 24GB RAM model features fixed memory, so you can't upgrade it. If that's what you want, look for the version with 16GB RAM (available direct from Geekom US and Geekom UK).

This lets you expand both memory and storage — RAM to 64GB, plus room for a second M.2 drive and a 2.5-inch SATA bay.

Second, the IT13 uses Intel's Iris Xe integrated graphics, not a dedicated GPU, and it runs on DDR4 rather than DDR5 — a deliberate cost-saving choice that keeps the price down but caps performance in games and GPU-bound creative work.

It'll handle 4K video playback and light gaming at reduced settings, but it's not built for modern titles at high settings. If gaming or GPU-accelerated tasks are the priority.

Also consider

AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS | 32GB DDR5 | 1TB SSD

This compact mini PC features an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS processor, 32GB DDR5 RAM, a 1TB SSD, triple 4K display support, USB4, dual 2.5G Ethernet, Wi-Fi 6E, and Windows 11 Pro pre-installed.

Check our full reviewView Deal

AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS | 16GB DDR5 | 1TB SSD

The K8 Plus packs a high-performance Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, 16GB RAM, and a 1TB PCIe 4.0 SSD. I recommend upgrading the memory and storage to unlock max power. With OCuLink eGPU support, dual 2.5GbE LAN, USB4, and 8K display output, it’s a powerful compact desktop alternative.

Read our full reviewView Deal

• See all mini PC deals at Amazon.

• Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the 'Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look', which premieres on Netflix
• He said it's a "first-of-its-kind partnership with Netflix" and it's a "great marketing partner for us"
• Zelnick suggested the timed exclusivity isn't an issue, as it will arrive on YouTube hours later

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look video being available exclusively on Netflix for a time.

During a Q&A after the publisher's Q1 FY27 financial report, the CEO was asked why the decision was made to have the 'Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look' be a timed Netflix exclusive when it releases on August 27.

The premiere, which kicks GTA 6's marketing into top gear ahead of the game's launch later this year, was criticised by some because it means fans without a Netflix subscription will need to pay a fee to watch. However, this doesn't seem to be a concern for Take-Two, since it will arrive six hours later on YouTube for free.

"This is a first-of-its-kind partnership with Netflix," Zelnick said. "They're a great marketing partner for us and distribution partner, as you know.

"We also work with virtually every social media outlet on Earth. This is part of Rockstar Games' marketing strategy. We're excited for everyone to see an extended look of Grand Theft Auto 6."

As for what fans can expect, Zelnick couldn't offer any hints, although it's speculated that the extended look could finally feature the long-awaited gameplay trailer.

"I'm not prepared to tell you how it's going to go," he said, "but I feel really good about it. And of course, some six hours after the initial launch on Netflix will be available on [the] Rockstar Games channel on YouTube, and I think ultimately many other outlets."

GTA 6 launches on November 19 for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Series S, and according to Zelnick, the game's $100 Ultimate Edition is selling more than the Standard Edition, despite some controversy regarding the price.

• Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the 'Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look', which premieres on Netflix
• He said it's a "first-of-its-kind partnership with Netflix" and it's a "great marketing partner for us"
• Zelnick suggested the timed exclusivity isn't an issue, as it will arrive on YouTube hours later

Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has defended the upcoming Grand Theft Auto 6 extended look video being available exclusively on Netflix for a time.

During a Q&A after the publisher's Q1 FY27 financial report, the CEO was asked why the decision was made to have the 'Grand Theft Auto 6: An Extended Look' be a timed Netflix exclusive when it releases on August 27.

The premiere, which kicks GTA 6's marketing into top gear ahead of the game's launch later this year, was criticised by some because it means fans without a Netflix subscription will need to pay a fee to watch. However, this doesn't seem to be a concern for Take-Two, since it will arrive six hours later on YouTube for free.

"This is a first-of-its-kind partnership with Netflix," Zelnick said. "They're a great marketing partner for us and distribution partner, as you know.

"We also work with virtually every social media outlet on Earth. This is part of Rockstar Games' marketing strategy. We're excited for everyone to see an extended look of Grand Theft Auto 6."

As for what fans can expect, Zelnick couldn't offer any hints, although it's speculated that the extended look could finally feature the long-awaited gameplay trailer.

"I'm not prepared to tell you how it's going to go," he said, "but I feel really good about it. And of course, some six hours after the initial launch on Netflix will be available on [the] Rockstar Games channel on YouTube, and I think ultimately many other outlets."

GTA 6 launches on November 19 for PS5, Xbox Series X, and Series S, and according to Zelnick, the game's $100 Ultimate Edition is selling more than the Standard Edition, despite some controversy regarding the price.

August 2026 TIOBE Index keeps the top 10 unchanged, with Java closing on C++, Rust holding No. 10, and MATLAB falling out of the top 20 after a decade.

The post TIOBE Index for August 2026: Java Nears C++ as Rust Holds No. 10 appeared first on TechRepublic.

• CEVA Logistics hack disrupted European warehouses and exposed some customer data
• Retailers and Valve reported compromised delivery information and service delays
• Clients warned of targeted scams while awaiting fuller incident details from CEVA

CEVA Logistics, one of the biggest shipping and logistics companies in the world, has suffered a major cyberattack, the effects of which are trickling down to many of its clients.

The details of the hack itself, however, are not yet publicly available and what little information is out there came from the affected clients themselves.

CEVA has not yet issued an official statement, or filed a report with the regulators, but confirmed to TechCrunch that the attack most likely started on July 29, 2026, and affected at least eight warehouses across Europe.

Technical details missing, affected customers step forward

CEVA Logistics is a global logistics and supply-chain company and a wholly owned subsidiary of CMA CGM, a French shipping giant. It provides freight forwarding, contract logistics, warehousing and transportation services to thousands of customers, including major companies in the consumer and retail, automotive, industrial and aerospace sectors.

The company operates in more than 170 countries around the world and last year it generated $18.3 billion in gross revenue, so it is a major player and a key target for attackers.

The details about the incident itself are scarce right now. We don’t know how the crooks broke in (via a successful social engineering attack, or by abusing a software vulnerability, for example), how much data they stole, or if they demanded a ransom payment in exchange for deleting the stolen goods. From one of the victims, though, we have learned that some data was most likely compromised.

When the effects of a cyberattack spill into the physical realm (as is the case here with eight affected warehouses) we can speculate the attack was either ransomware, or disruptive malware. Companies shut down parts of their IT infrastructure only when there is no other way to clear an infection or remove malicious outsiders.

In the meantime, a small number of CEVA’s customers confirmed suffering an attack and losing sensitive data.

Among them is Bol, a Dutch online retail company, which said the incident affected two systems used for processing orders from one of its fulfillment

“No bol systems were affected,” it said. “However, data of customers whose orders were processed via this location may have been viewed or copied.”

Bol also said restoring operations at one of CEVA’s locations was taking longer than anticipated. As a result, the assortment stored at the affected location was taken offline, and the products were unavailable for sale. Also, Bol is currently unable to receive goods from suppliers and sales partners at that location.

A similar announcement was given by De Bijenkorf, another Dutch luxury retailer, who said that order processing, returns, and refunds, might take longer, but stressed that its stores remained open. It also said that some customer data may have been compromised, including names, contact details, online orders data and, in some cases, VAT numbers. Payment information, bank account numbers (IBANs), credit card information, usernames, or passwords, were not compromised, it was confirmed.

Valve steps forward

Retail giants aside, PC gaming powerhouse Valve also notified its customers about the incident. It said CEVA ships Steam hardware to its European customers and as such, receives specific delivery-related information from Steam.

This information, which CEVA retains for up to 90 days after the order, was most likely compromised. It includes names, street addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and the type and price of ordered products.

Valve warned its customers to expect fake messages, either via email, SMS, or phone, that might mention recent hardware orders.

“They may quote your address back to you to prove they're genuine. They may ask you to confirm a delivery, pay a small customs or redelivery fee, or sign in somewhere to “verify” your order. Treat all of them as fake,” Valve warned. The company also stressed that customer accounts are safe and that users need not do anything to secure them.

Other details are missing, not just for the general public, but for the affected CEVA clients, as well. Valve said it was “pressing” the company for the full scope of what was taken and how, and added that it is notifying the relevant authorities, as well.

A spokesperson of the Dutch data protection authority, Mark Schenkel, told TechCrunch the agency so far received 10 incident reports. Given the size of CEVA, it’s safe to assume there will be others.

• CEVA Logistics hack disrupted European warehouses and exposed some customer data
• Retailers and Valve reported compromised delivery information and service delays
• Clients warned of targeted scams while awaiting fuller incident details from CEVA

CEVA Logistics, one of the biggest shipping and logistics companies in the world, has suffered a major cyberattack, the effects of which are trickling down to many of its clients.

The details of the hack itself, however, are not yet publicly available and what little information is out there came from the affected clients themselves.

CEVA has not yet issued an official statement, or filed a report with the regulators, but confirmed to TechCrunch that the attack most likely started on July 29, 2026, and affected at least eight warehouses across Europe.

Technical details missing, affected customers step forward

CEVA Logistics is a global logistics and supply-chain company and a wholly owned subsidiary of CMA CGM, a French shipping giant. It provides freight forwarding, contract logistics, warehousing and transportation services to thousands of customers, including major companies in the consumer and retail, automotive, industrial and aerospace sectors.

The company operates in more than 170 countries around the world and last year it generated $18.3 billion in gross revenue, so it is a major player and a key target for attackers.

The details about the incident itself are scarce right now. We don’t know how the crooks broke in (via a successful social engineering attack, or by abusing a software vulnerability, for example), how much data they stole, or if they demanded a ransom payment in exchange for deleting the stolen goods. From one of the victims, though, we have learned that some data was most likely compromised.

When the effects of a cyberattack spill into the physical realm (as is the case here with eight affected warehouses) we can speculate the attack was either ransomware, or disruptive malware. Companies shut down parts of their IT infrastructure only when there is no other way to clear an infection or remove malicious outsiders.

In the meantime, a small number of CEVA’s customers confirmed suffering an attack and losing sensitive data.

Among them is Bol, a Dutch online retail company, which said the incident affected two systems used for processing orders from one of its fulfillment

“No bol systems were affected,” it said. “However, data of customers whose orders were processed via this location may have been viewed or copied.”

Bol also said restoring operations at one of CEVA’s locations was taking longer than anticipated. As a result, the assortment stored at the affected location was taken offline, and the products were unavailable for sale. Also, Bol is currently unable to receive goods from suppliers and sales partners at that location.

A similar announcement was given by De Bijenkorf, another Dutch luxury retailer, who said that order processing, returns, and refunds, might take longer, but stressed that its stores remained open. It also said that some customer data may have been compromised, including names, contact details, online orders data and, in some cases, VAT numbers. Payment information, bank account numbers (IBANs), credit card information, usernames, or passwords, were not compromised, it was confirmed.

Valve steps forward

Retail giants aside, PC gaming powerhouse Valve also notified its customers about the incident. It said CEVA ships Steam hardware to its European customers and as such, receives specific delivery-related information from Steam.

This information, which CEVA retains for up to 90 days after the order, was most likely compromised. It includes names, street addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and the type and price of ordered products.

Valve warned its customers to expect fake messages, either via email, SMS, or phone, that might mention recent hardware orders.

“They may quote your address back to you to prove they're genuine. They may ask you to confirm a delivery, pay a small customs or redelivery fee, or sign in somewhere to “verify” your order. Treat all of them as fake,” Valve warned. The company also stressed that customer accounts are safe and that users need not do anything to secure them.

Other details are missing, not just for the general public, but for the affected CEVA clients, as well. Valve said it was “pressing” the company for the full scope of what was taken and how, and added that it is notifying the relevant authorities, as well.

A spokesperson of the Dutch data protection authority, Mark Schenkel, told TechCrunch the agency so far received 10 incident reports. Given the size of CEVA, it’s safe to assume there will be others.

Anthropic now marks supported Claude-generated text and files worldwide, adding invisible watermarks and provenance data under new EU transparency rules.

The post Claude Now Leaves Machine-Readable Marks on AI-Generated Content appeared first on TechRepublic.

Epson's EcoTank ink tank printer have consistently impressed us during tests, with the format using bottled ink that's much cheaper than traditional inkjet printer cartridges. For an office upgrade or a new back-to-school set-up, I recommend checking out the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 for $200 (was $240) at Amazon.

If you're sick of buying overpriced ink cartridges, this is the cure. It includes four bottles of ink in the box that Epson says can last up to two years, and it's one of the best-selling cartridge-free printers on Amazon for a reason.

Should you buy it?

✅ Buy the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 if...

You print a steady mix of documents and photos and want to escape the cartridge cycle. You want the lowest-cost entry point into Epson's EcoTank lineup. You're fine with manual double-sided printing and scanning one page at a time.

❌ Skip the Epson EcoTank ET-2800 if...

You need automatic two-sided printing (look at the ET-2850 instead). You regularly scan or copy multi-page documents — there's no automatic document feeder here. You print only occasionally — infrequent use can dry out the print heads.

Cartridge-free printing, wireless setup, flatbed scanner and copier, up to 10 ppm, with up to 2 years of ink included in the box.View Deal

Why we recommend it

We've tested the best home printers and best ink tank printers, and Epson's EcoTank line has delivered consistent performance results, topping our lists. Quick, cheap and easy refills, with good text and photo printing results.

The EcoTank system is the whole pitch here: instead of replacing small cartridges every few weeks, you refill from ink bottles, and each set is rated for up to 4,500 black-and-white pages or 7,500 color pages. Epson estimates that's roughly two years of ink for an average household.

At $199.99, this is one of the most affordable ways into that ecosystem, and it comes with wireless printing, a flatbed scanner, and a copier built in, so it covers the basics most home users need without extra bulk.

Price Context & Historical Value

$199.99 matches this printer's going rate at other major retailers, including Best Buy, Staples, and direct from Epson, where it's currently listed at the same price after a $40 discount from $239.99.

The cheapest I've seen for the EcoTank ET-2800 is $175, which is typically around big shopping events like Black Friday and the Christmas sales.

At a cent under $200, that makes this less of a rare price drop and more of a reliably good, currently live price, and $40 off is still a meaningful percentage saving on a printer in this range. It's the lowest we've seen this bundle land since January.

The Catch: What to know before you buy

This is a basic model, and Epson kept costs down by omitting a couple of features that some buyers will miss. There's no automatic document feeder, so scanning or copying multi-page documents means feeding them one sheet at a time. It also doesn't support automatic double-sided printing — you'll need to flip pages manually for duplex. If either is a dealbreaker, Epson's ET-2850 adds both for more money. For most home printing — school paperwork, tax documents, the odd batch of photos — the ET-2800 covers it comfortably.

• See all printer deals at Amazon.