Aug 01
The Republican governor ordered state agencies to use narrow definitions of “male” and “female” in their operations.
Aug 01
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak’s space start-up Privateer aims to bring satellite access to the masses through a global online marketplace. Satellite-based data is primarily available to governments, but the company hopes to create a way for private citizens to share the cost of accessing a satellite, potentially…
Aug 01
Let’s get streaming! Welcome to io9’s latest edition of the Nerd’s Watch, where we pare down the enormous lists of new films and television shows arriving on all your favorite streaming services into the sci-fi, fantasy, and horror titles we think you’ll like most. (And sometimes, just the ones that we like most.)
Aug 01
YouTube star MrBeast (aka Jimmy Donaldson) may be as well known for his collaborations as he is his videos, but one of those partnerships is souring quickly. Bloombergreports the creator is suing Virtual Dining Concepts, the “ghost kitchen” (a food service that operates from other restaurants) that runs his delivery-only MrBeast Burger fast food chain, for allegedly tarnishing his brand. VDC was supposedly more interested in rapid expansion than maintaining quality, leading to subpar food that reflected badly on its namesake. He wants a judge to terminate the licensing agreement and shut down the business.
MrBeast points to numerous reviews that call the burgers “inedible,” “revolting” and similarly less-than-flattering descriptions. “Thousands” of customers have reportedly complained about raw meat, cold fries, missing ingredients and items that never showed. Some locations couldn’t get the branding right, delivering orders in generic containers or even 7-11 bags.
The YouTuber’s lawyers claim VDC either refused or was incapable of fixing quality issues when he got in touch. He adds that he hasn’t received “a dime” from MrBeast Burger despite being owed royalties, and that the virtual chain frequently uses branding and registers trademarks without consent. VDC has allegedly been reluctant to support fledgling brick-and-mortar restaurants as they’d cut into its profits. It’s using the MrBeast name to attract other celebrities, according to the lawsuit.
We’ve asked VDC for comment. MrBeast formed the partnership in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced many people to switch to delivery food. It was a way to help (and capitalize on) fans while giving restaurants more business at a time when in-person dining wasn’t an option. MrBeast Burger would share its revenues with hosts, rather than competing directly with those brands.
Ghost kitchens will carry on regardless of the lawsuit’s outcome. They let entrepreneurs launch restaurants with only a small physical footprint, and lean on services like DoorDash and Uber Eats for delivery. However, the legal action illustrates what can go wrong with these outlets — without a retail presence, they aren’t always subject to the same scrutiny as their conventional counterparts.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mrbeast-sues-his-fast-food-chain-for-selling-inedible-burgers-203055288.html?src=rss
Aug 01
Are you a gaming enthusiast with a penchant for retro-style gadgets? If so, you’re in for a treat! 8BitDo, renowned for its retro style and feature-rich game controllers, is now stepping into the mechanical keyboard market, introducing the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard, a true gaming marvel that comes with massive NES-style buttons.
Image: 8BitDo
The 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard embraces its nostalgic roots by offering two colorways that pay homage to iconic gaming consoles: the Japanese Famicom and the American Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). These keyboards don 80s-style graphics and control knobs, instantly transporting gamers back to the golden era of gaming.
Classic NES Buttons and Custom Programming
The standout feature of this keyboard is the inclusion of two massive, separate buttons styled after the iconic A and B primary action buttons on the NES controller. These add-on “Super Buttons” are not just for show; they can be fully customized for individual keys or macros. The keyboard provides four inputs, allowing you to connect up to eight buttons in total (with two included in the box and additional sets available for purchase).
Image: 8BitDo
A Gamer’s Dream: High-End Features
- Don’t let the retro aesthetics fool you: the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard is a serious gaming peripheral equipped with top-tier features. Its PBT keycaps feature an “MDA-like” profile, ensuring durability and a comfortable typing experience. The hot-swap switch sockets, which come with Kailh BOX switches included, enable easy customization to suit your preferences.
- Advanced Functionality: The keyboard boasts N-key rollover, meaning it can register multiple key presses simultaneously, eliminating the dreaded ghosting issue during intense gaming sessions. Programming this gaming marvel is a breeze with 8BitDo’s “Ultimate” software, and with on-the-fly macro capabilities, gamers can create intricate combinations with ease.
Wireless Connectivity and Affordable Price Tag
With a rotary switch for Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, you can enjoy seamless connectivity without the clutter of wires. Despite its impressive features, the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard comes at an affordable price point of just $100 (including the two Super Buttons). The only thing missing is RGB lighting, but given the retro theme, it’s a fitting omission.
Image: 8BitDo
Availability and Pricing
Excited to get your hands on this gaming gem? You can pre-order the 8BitDo Retro Mechanical Keyboard now, and it is set to ship on September 20th. Both the keyboard and the add-on Super buttons are available in two color variants: “N Edition” and “Fami Edition,” inspired by the iconic consoles they pay homage to.
For those who crave the ultimate retro gaming experience, there is also the possibility to pair the keyboard with the 8BitDo NES-style mouse for the complete vintage setup that takes you back to the good old days of gaming.
8BitDo’s 1st Keyboard: A Retro Gaming Marvel With Huge NES Buttons
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Aug 01
Just a few years ago, the idea of having a color E-ink monitor seemed like a distant dream. E-ink displays were mostly limited to black and white, larger screens were prohibitively expensive, and the slow refresh rate made them impractical for many applications.
However, recent advancements in technology have brought significant improvements to color displays, faster refresh rates, and more affordable prices. As a result, devices like the Onyx BOOX Tab Ultra C and PocketBook Color have already emerged, pushing the boundaries of E-ink technology. Now, DASUNG is ready to take the next leap with the introduction of the world’s first color E-ink monitor.
DASUNG E-Ink color monitor (Image: DASUNG)
Impressive Specs
DASUNG’s upcoming E-ink monitor is expected to be a game-changer in the world of displays. Here are the preliminary specifications that have been revealed:
- 23.5-inch Color E-ink Kaleido 3 Screen: The monitor features a 23.5-inch E-ink Kaleido 3 color screen with a resolution of 3000 x 1800 pixels, supporting 4096 colors. This represents a significant milestone in E-ink technology, bringing vibrant colors to a traditionally grayscale medium.
- Frontlight and “Ultra-Fast Turbo Refresh Tech”: To enhance user experience, DASUNG has equipped the monitor with frontlight technology, ensuring visibility in various lighting conditions. Additionally, the “Ultra-Fast Turbo Refresh Tech” aims to minimize screen refresh times, reducing any perceived lag while interacting with the display.
- Landscape and Portrait Mode Orientation: The monitor offers both landscape and portrait mode orientation options, catering to different user preferences and applications.
- Versatile Connectivity Options: For connectivity, the monitor includes HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB Type-C inputs, allowing users to connect various devices seamlessly.
- Enhanced Audio and Wireless Connectivity: The monitor comes with built-in stereo speakers and a 3.5mm audio jack, enabling users to enjoy multimedia content with clear sound. Moreover, dual-band WiFi connectivity supports Miracast and Airplay for effortless wireless streaming.
- Multiple USB Output Ports: With three USB output ports, users can conveniently connect and charge peripherals.
- Power Supply: The monitor can be powered via a DC jack, ensuring stable and reliable operation.
Enhanced User Experience
DASUNG’s color E-ink monitor is designed to deliver a smoother browsing, document editing, and online learning experience. Additionally, the display is capable of handling video content, as showcased in the demonstration video. Although gaming performance might not be its forte, the E-ink monitor offers the advantage of reduced eye strain compared to traditional displays, making it suitable for extended usage periods.
Availability and Pricing
As of now, DASUNG has not disclosed the exact pricing for its color E-ink monitor. However, based on the cost of their grayscale E-ink monitor, which currently sells for $1,898 with front light, it is reasonable to expect the color version to be priced at around $3,000.
The company plans to launch its product on Indiegogo, and interested consumers can register their interest to stay updated on the campaign.
The Future of E-Ink Displays
The introduction of DASUNG’s color E-ink monitor indeed marks a significant milestone in display technology, revolutionizing how we interact with screens. With its impressive features, vibrant colors, and reduced eye strain, this monitor is likely to find applications in various industries, including e-reading, document editing, and online learning.
While the pricing is yet to be unveiled, the excitement and anticipation surrounding the world’s first color E-ink monitor are palpable (especially for us, technology fanatics). Let’s wait and see for the future possibilities, hopefully, not only from DASUNG but from other different (and more popular) brands too.
DASUNG To Launch World’s First Color E-Ink Monitor
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Aug 01
Australian mining company Fortescue is taking significant strides towards sustainability, aiming to clean up its own operations by 2030 while also developing green solutions for the broader market.
Through its subsidiary, Fortescue Future Industries, the company recently acquired Williams Advanced Engineering and is now venturing into green technology.
In a groundbreaking collaboration, the two companies have unveiled their first joint project: an electric “infinity train” capable of transporting iron ore loads without the need for external charging.
WAE and Fortescue announced the world’s first, zero-emission “Infinity Train”. (Image: WAE)
The Promise of the Infinity Train
Fortescue’s CEO, Elizabeth Gaines, describes the “Infinity Train” as a potential game-changer in the realm of battery electric locomotives. By leveraging downhill slopes and braking opportunities during loaded travel, the train’s innovative design allows for regenerative charging.
This means that the train can harness the energy generated during downhill travel and utilize it to recharge its batteries, eliminating the need for renewable energy generation or charging infrastructure along the rail route.
One of the primary goals of the “Infinity Train” project is to eliminate diesel usage and emissions from Fortescue’s rail operations. By capitalizing on regenerative charging, the train offers a capital-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional diesel-powered locomotives. The reduction in emissions and dependency on fossil fuels aligns with Fortescue’s commitment to cleaner and greener operations.
Fortescue Metals Group’s “Infinity Train” Initiative: Replacing Diesel Locomotives with Self-Charging Battery-Electric Trains through Regenerative Braking (Image: Fortescue Metals Group)
Technical Challenges and Future Prospects
While the concept of the “Infinity Train” is intriguing, there are still technical questions to address as the project progresses. The success of the train depends on factors like topographical parameters, the feasibility in wetter or lower-friction regions, and whether it remains cost-effective in scenarios where partial charging might be necessary during loading and unloading.
More Green-Tech Projects
The “Infinity Train” is just one of many impressive green-tech projects undertaken by Fortescue Future Industries. The company has been at the forefront of developing environmentally friendly solutions. One notable initiative is the plan to operate the world’s first ammonia-powered ship by the end of the year.
Additionally, Fortescue is exploring hydrogen-fuel cell mining trucks and ammonia-fueled trains. Moreover, the company is positioning itself as a major global player in green hydrogen production and distribution, and it is constructing a factory in Australia that will significantly increase the world’s electrolyzer production capacity.
Green Innovations in Rail Transportation
Fortescue’s collaboration with Williams Advanced Engineering has resulted in an ambitious and revolutionary project—the “Infinity Train.” This battery-electric locomotive’s ability to recharge through regenerative methods sets it apart from conventional train designs.
If successful, the “Infinity Train” has the potential to transform rail transportation, making it more sustainable and environmentally responsible. As Fortescue continues to expand its green-tech portfolio, the world awaits further developments and breakthroughs in sustainable transport solutions.
Championing Green Rail Operations: Fortescue’s Pioneering “Infinity Train”
, original content from Ubergizmo. Read our Copyrights and terms of use.
Aug 01
A TikTok user has fans wondering how they missed this subtle explanation in the hit film.
Aug 01
Arrow's Stephen Amell Speaks Out Against Actors' Strike, But Later Clarifies
Posted in: Today's Chili
We’re sorry to say it but the Green Arrow might be a bit of an A-Hole. Speaking at GalaxyCon in Raleigh, NC this past weekend, Stephen Amell had some disappointing thoughts on the current WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which makes him the most vocal star so far to speak out against the work stoppage. However, after he got…
Aug 01
The high-powered handheld gaming market keeps on growing, and now Lenovo is reportedly getting in on the mix. The company had previously started on then dropped a handheld streaming device, but a new report says Lenovo has its eyes set on a full portable gaming machine akin to a Steam Deck.
Who's in charge here?
This is site is run by Sascha Endlicher, M.A., during ungodly late night hours. Wanna know more about him? Connect via Social Media by jumping to about.me/sascha.endlicher.