This is a strategic win for SeatGeek. With direct placement in the Spotify app, SeatGeek is positioned to reach millions of active music fans as they discover upcoming events, increasing the chances of converting listeners into ticket buyers.
Def Con Hacking Conference Bans Three Individuals Linked to Epstein
The Def Con hacking conference banned hackers Pablos Holman and Vincenzo Iozzo, as well as former MIT Media Lab director Joichi Ito, from attending the annual conference after their reported connections with Jeffrey Epstein.
Budget-Friendly Printers with Inexpensive Ink Choices
best printer choices.
One strategy to avoid these hidden expenses is to consider the long-term costs associated with a printer you’re evaluating. For instance, if you print infrequently, a basic monochrome laser printer is a wise option, as toner remains effective and inexpensive per page. On the other hand, if you frequently use your printer and require color prints, it’s advisable to bypass ultra-low-cost inkjets with pricey cartridges and instead seek models that accommodate third-party cartridges or have refillable tanks.
Choosing one of these options enables you to keep your investment affordable, not just in terms of the printer’s price but also in the long run. Selecting the appropriate printer allows you to manage your expenses for ink refills or cartridges effectively, without being restricted to a narrow selection. You can find the comprehensive methodology at the end of the article for further information on how we selected these printer options.
Brother HL-L2460DW
If you’re in the market for a basic printer primarily for black and white documents, the Brother HL-L2460DW stands out as one of the top choices available. As a laser printer, this model utilizes dry toner powder instead of liquid ink, ensuring that it won’t dry out even if it sits unused for several weeks. Regardless, it’s an excellent home office tool for remote workers and students alike.
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“2018 Sci-Fi Movie: A Revenge Tale Inspired by RoboCop and Venom”
As a creative partnership, James Wan and Leigh Whannell truly harnessed something special when they crafted “Saw” and the initial two “Insidious” movies. They managed to discover an impactful formula for transforming essentially low-budget horror flicks into something that is brutally entertaining and enjoyable, despite their minimal costs. When the two branched out into solo careers, they both partially drew upon that original strategy and mindset, but it was Whannell who took more daring and possibly more ambitious risks to refine his horror craft with subtle adjustments.
After mainly working as an actor and screenwriter, he transitioned into directing. His first directorial effort was fairly conventional (a prequel within the “Insidious” series), but his second film, the 2018 techno-horror “Upgrade,” showcased compelling promise for him as an emerging filmmaker. He wrote and directed that feature with such assurance that it promptly impressed both critics and audiences, making its scant $3 million budget often seem like it was worth ten times that amount.
“Upgrade” centers on Grey Trace (Logan Marshall-Green), a husband and mechanic in a near-future world, who becomes paralyzed after a band of cyborgs shoots him and murders his wife in a brutal manner. As a quadriplegic, Grey is soon presented with a groundbreaking technology in the form of an AI chip implant — and as we’re aware, merging humans with AI comes with significant risks. He hesitantly chooses to undergo the procedure, and the AI, named Stem (voiced by Simon Maiden), aids him in regaining his complete motor functions. Eventually, he discovers that his newfound robotic abilities can assist him in tracking down, identifying, and exacting vengeance on the individuals who murdered his wife and left him immobilized.
“Upgrade” is an exhilarating, bloody, and darkly humorous B-horror experience.
Leigh Whannell’s intriguing concept grabs attention from the start, but it’s truly his innovative direction (paired with Stefan Duscio’s swift, deliberate, and polished cinematography) that transforms “Upgrade” into a tight and thrilling joyride. Whannell shows little interest in pondering the intricate connection between humans and machines — even if “Upgrade” almost instantly evokes Paul Verhoeven’s iconic “RoboCop” — and he focuses more on the revenge narrative and the standout action mixed with the kind of uncompromising gore that turned the “Saw” films into icons of torture porn. While the graphic violence can feel excessive and exaggerated at points, it’s also thrill-seeking and gratifying for B-movie aficionados in a way that very few other genre entries genuinely manage.
The AI’s frigid and somewhat sardonic demeanor may also remind audiences of Ruben Fleischer’s guilty pleasure “Venom” from the same year — a film that critics viewed as a disarray that squandered Tom Hardy’s abilities — where Hardy’s character squabbles with the symbiote residing within him similarly to how Grey interacts with Stem. Honestly, it’s unfortunate that “Upgrade” never quite had the opportunity to achieve the commercial impact of the Marvel film, remaining a relatively modest box office performer that garnered just over $16 million globally.
One thing is certain, though: Whannell’s second venture is a definite delight and an essential watch for fans of B-horror and revenge films. Not to mention that it serves as a masterclass in extracting the maximum potential from a low-budget movie that, frankly, should serve as a study case for every up-and-coming filmmaker. If you somehow missed it back then, you can easily correct that as “Upgrade” is now available for streaming on Netflix.
China’s Cutting-Edge Earbuds Captivate Top Audiophiles
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Authority in Android Technology
Google unveiled the Pixel 10a this week and, well, it’s quite an unusual release. Google is familiar with issuing minor annual smartphone updates, but the Pixel 10a elevates this to a new degree that we haven’t experienced before.
When you compare the Pixel 10a alongside last year’s Pixel 9a, it’s nearly impossible to notice any variations — not only in the design but in specifications as well. To be frank, the Pixel 10a is the most lackluster and tedious Pixel launch we’ve encountered.
That doesn’t inherently mean that the Pixel 10a is a poor device, but there are many other phones that offer better value for your money. If you’re contemplating acquiring the Pixel 10a, here are five other Android smartphones you might consider purchasing instead.
The most apparent alternative to the Pixel 10a is the device it closely resembles — the Pixel 9a. While the Pixel 10a is a year newer and should theoretically provide an improved smartphone experience, it is virtually undetectable when compared to the Pixel 9a.
As exaggerated as that may sound, I assure you it’s not. Both devices are equipped with the same Tensor G4 chipset. Both possess identical display specifications. The phones share the same camera sensors, RAM, storage, and battery capacity. Any specification from the Pixel 9a that you can think of, it’s likely identical on the Pixel 10a.
So, what exactly is new about the Pixel 10a? It includes a few software features that were introduced with the Pixel 10 series last year, and even though they’re not currently available on the Pixel 9a, there’s no reason they shouldn’t eventually reach that device in the months ahead. The Pixel 10a also features a sturdier variant of Corning Gorilla Glass, a more integrated camera bump, slightly quicker charging, and will receive an additional year of software updates in comparison to the 9a. However, that’s about it.
Google is offering multiple pre-order incentives for the Pixel 10a, including trade-in options and in-store credits, that help mitigate its $499 retail cost. That being said, the Pixel 9a is also frequently discounted down to $399. If you can spot the 9a on sale and prefer to avoid the complications of the 10a pre-order promotions, the Pixel 9a still represents a fantastic buy.
Alternatively, if you can extend your budget beyond the Pixel 10a’s $499 retail price, it’s definitely worthwhile to consider splurging on the base Pixel 10. Although the Pixel 10’s $799 retail price is significantly higher than the 10a’s, you can often find it for less. The Pixel 10 was discounted to just $549 in December, and as recently as this month, it was available for $649. If you can grab the Pixel 10 at such a price, it’s a straightforward recommendation over the Pixel 10a.
One of the key reasons for this recommendation is performance. In contrast to the Tensor G4 and 8GB of RAM in the Pixel 10a, the Pixel 10 comes equipped with the Tensor G5 and 12GB of RAM. This not only provides greater power for apps, gaming, and multitasking, but the Pixel 10 also enables several AI functionalities that the Pixel 10a is unable to support.
While the main and ultrawide cameras are identical on both models, only the Pixel 10 offers a 5x telephoto camera for superior zoom capabilities. The Pixel 10 also supports Pixelsnap and other Qi2 magnetic accessories (a feature absent in the Pixel 10a), an autofocus selfie camera, and significantly slimmer display bezels.
The Pixel 10 is an overall superior phone compared to the Pixel 10a, and if you can acquire it for an additional $150 (or less) than the 10a, you should definitely do so.
The Pixel 9a and Pixel 10 emerge as the top two alternatives for most users considering the Pixel 10a as their next Android smartphone. However, if you’re not set on purchasing a Pixel, there are more excellent choices available — one of which is the Samsung Galaxy S25 FE.
In relation to the Pixel 10a, the S25 FE presents several notable advantages. If you prefer larger smartphones, the S25 FE’s 6.7-inch display is significantly more accommodating than the Pixel 10a’s 6.3-inch screen. The S25 FE also features a 3x telephoto camera, a more robust chipset, and a more customizable software experience with Samsung’s One UI interface.
Other features of the 10a and S25 FE are quite comparable. Both devices have batteries of similar sizes, comparable charging speeds, and durability. They also both offer the same seven-year software update policy.
The Galaxy S25 FE is
The Sole 25W Qi 2.2 Power Bank I Rely On Nowadays Because of Its Distinctive Feature
Thanks to active cooling with an integrated fan, Sharge’s Icemag 3 excels at maintaining temperatures compared to other Qi 2.2 power banks. Sharge is known for creating distinctive charging accessories, and I frequently utilize the Icemag and Shargeek 170 power banks. With the Icemag 3, the company is enhancing the design and providing Qi 2.2 charging at 25W. Currently, I possess around six Qi 2.2 power banks, which include the UGREEN MagFlow, Baseus’s impressive PicoGo power banks, and a variety of emerging brands entering this market.
Staying true to Sharge’s design-oriented approach, the Icemag 3 significantly distinguishes itself. It is considerably thicker than Baseus’s 10,000mAh power banks, but the advantage is that it includes many practical features. Similar to its predecessor, the Icemag 3 features a transparent panel where the cooling fan is located.
While the fan on the Icemag 2 wasn’t particularly effective, this version performs much better. It prevents the power bank from overheating, and I encountered no thermal issues when using the Icemag 3 with my Pixel 10 Pro XL and iPhone 17 Pro. The fan significantly enhances usability, giving the Icemag 3 an advantage over competing Qi 2.2 power banks. Priced at $67 on Amazon, it remains competitively priced against its counterparts.
Another aspect I appreciate is the integrated foldable kickstand; it allows you to utilize your phone while it is charging, and the metal stand offers impressive adjustability. On the opposite side, the magnets hold securely to the device, and as long as you have a magnetic case, usage with the Icemag 3 will be hassle-free.
Additionally, there’s RGB lighting surrounding the fan. I find it appealing as I tend to enjoy RGB lighting, but if you’d prefer your power bank not to attract too much attention, you can turn off the lighting by pressing and holding the power button.
The 10,000mAh battery in the Icemag 3 is more than sufficient for charging the Pixel 10 Pro XL or iPhone 17 Pro without any complications, and its charging efficiency is comparable to other Qi 2.2 power banks I have tested recently. Keep in mind that just having a 10,000mAh battery doesn’t mean all of it is usable — in practical use, you receive approximately 5,500mAh to 5,700mAh of usable charge before needing to recharge, which is standard for all power banks; it’s simply the nature of charging.
Technically, you can charge three devices simultaneously with the Icemag 3: it includes a Qi 2.2 pad, a USB-C port on the side, and comes with a USB-C cable attached to the power bank. I used the cable for charging accessories, and it performed adequately. With a total power capacity of 35W, charging multiple phones at once is not feasible, but you can easily charge your earbuds alongside your phone.
The Icemag 3 is available in both white and black variants, and I personally think the white model is more appealing. This is if you prefer a power bank that garners attention; otherwise, the black version is much more understated. Overall, I have enjoyed using the Icemag 3, and it is set to become my primary Qi 2.2 charger during my travels.
Four Transformative Enhancements in the Vivo V70 Elite Following a Week of Usage
Vivo has finally introduced significant enhancements to a phone in the V series.
YouTube Tests Improved Engagement Functions for Television Audiences
The organization is trialing a new capability that enables viewers to pose questions and seek clarifications on videos.
YouTube is rolling out a new feature driven by its Gemini AI, which allows viewers to inquire and follow up on videos directly from smart televisions, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. This feature, currently in a limited testing phase, permits users to interact with video content in a more engaging manner by submitting prompts related to the video, such as requesting a summary or specific information like Geekbench scores in a technology review. At first, this tool is accessible to a small group of Premium Labs users, with intentions for wider access in the future.
The Ask functionality, already available on YouTube’s desktop and mobile platforms, is now being broadened to larger screens, enhancing the experience by enabling users to interact with content in real-time. Viewers can initiate the feature by selecting the Ask button or utilizing the microphone button on their TV remote to voice their inquiries.
This advancement follows Google’s continuous initiatives to incorporate AI throughout its services, with the goal of delivering a more tailored and engaging user experience. In conjunction with this, YouTube is also testing ways to lessen notifications from lesser-watched channels, demonstrating its dedication to improving user interaction on the platform.
“Google Home Upgrade Improves Automation and Routine Oversight”
**An Essential QoL Upgrade**
Google has implemented a major update to its Home app, improving the automation and routine functionality for its users. This update brings forth new “pre-defined voice assistant actions,” enabling users to execute tasks such as announcing the current time, setting alarms, playing music, and more. Furthermore, users are now able to remove pre-configured routines like “Good Morning” and “Bedtime,” allowing for greater customization in creating personalized routines. The update also enhances the online version of Google Home, facilitating uninterrupted video clip downloads of up to five minutes.
The October enhancements to Google Home were considerable, introducing the “Ask Home” feature and incorporating Gemini, which accelerates the app and consolidates Nest devices. Loading speeds have increased by roughly 70%, and numerous bugs have been resolved. Gemini now empowers users to set up automations and find video recordings via “Ask Home.”
These quality-of-life enhancements are vital for improving the user experience, rendering smart home management more effective and tailored.
