The Xiaomi Redmi 14C, released in August 2024, promises impressive features for budget-conscious buyers. But does it live up to expectations? Let’s find out. Key Features of Xiaomi Redmi 14C . Design and Build Quality The Xiaomi Redmi 14C boasts a sleek and minimalist design with an 8.2 mm slim body, making it comfortable to hold and use. The phone features a glass front, plastic frame, and either a glass or silicone polymer (eco-leather) back, offering a range of tactile experiences.  Weighing between 204 to 211 grams, Redmi 14C feels heavier than the slightly lower-priced options like the Infinix Hot 40i (190g) and Tecno Spark 30C (187g). Each of them is available at the official price of 13,999 TK.  Though both of these phones feature plastic frames and backs, they lack the eco-leather option that the Redmi 14C offers. Xiaomi’s design feels slightly more premium. Overall, the Redmi 14C’s design is practical yet elegant, suitable for smartphone users who prioritize style and durability. Read more: Vivo V40 Review: A Feature-Packed Premium Smartphone Display Quality The Redmi 14C comes with a 6.88-inch IPS LCD screen that supports a 120Hz refresh rate. This ensures smooth scrolling and a more immersive viewing experience, whether you are gaming, watching videos, or browsing.  The 720 by 1640 pixel resolution, while not full HD, offers clear and vibrant visuals, enhanced by 450 nits of brightness and 600 nits for high brightness mode (HBM). This makes the phone usable even under direct sunlight, although it falls short in sharpness compared to Full HD displays. The Tecno Spark 30C and Infinix Hot 40i feature HD+ resolution but lower display sizes than the Redmi 14C. In display performance, Redmi 14C outshines Infinix Hot 40i offering a 90Hz refresh rate. Performance Powered by the Mediatek Helio G81 Ultra chipset with an octa-core CPU, the Xiaomi Redmi 14C ensures stable and smooth day-to-day performance. It features two Cortex-A75 cores clocked at 2.0 GHz and six Cortex-A55 cores at 1.8 GHz, making it capable of handling multitasking, app loading, and other common tasks efficiently.  Read more: ZTE Blade A35 Review: Top Budget Smartphone for Everyday Use The Tecno Spark 30C, on the other hand, features the Helio G81 chipset, providing nearly identical performance in multitasking and app management. The Infinix Hot 40i, with its Unisoc T606 chipset, offers a slightly lower performance level, particularly when dealing with more intensive tasks or high-demand apps. Gaming Performance While the Redmi 14C is not marketed as a gaming phone, its Mali-G52 MC2 GPU and 120Hz display make casual gaming enjoyable. Games like Asphalt 9 and Call of Duty: Mobile run relatively smoothly at low to medium settings, though users may experience minor frame drops in more graphically intense moments. Extended gaming sessions are possible without significant overheating issues, although some heat buildup is expected. The Tecno Spark 30C offers a similar gaming performance with an almost similar chipset and the same GPU, while the Infinix Hot 40i lags behind due to its less powerful chipset. Gamers on a tight budget might prefer the Redmi 14C or Tecno Spark 30C for a more fluid experience. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A06 Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone with Impressive Features Camera Performance The Xiaomi Redmi 14C has a 50 MP (f/1.8) dual-camera system, a 2 MP (f/2.4) depth sensor, and a 0.08 MP auxiliary lens. This setup allows the phone to capture detailed photos in good lighting conditions, with decent colours and sharpness.  Its front-facing 13 MP (f/2.0) camera performs well for selfies, especially with its built-in beautification features and night mode for low-light conditions. Redmi 14C can capture maximum of 1080 footage at 30fps with both rear and front cameras. On the other hand, the Tecno Spark 30C also offers a 50 MP main camera but lacks some AI enhancements in Xiaomi’s camera software. The Infinix Hot 40i also features a 50 MP main sensor but tends to fall short in low-light conditions and photo sharpness.  However, Hot 40i offers a 32MP (f/2.2) selfie shooter which is undoubtedly more powerful than the Redmi 14C’s 13MP and Spark 30C’s 8MP front shooters. Read more: Benco V91 Plus Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone for Everyday Use Battery Life A major selling point of the Redmi 14C is its 5160 mAh battery, which provides excellent longevity. On a full charge, the phone can easily last a full day of heavy use, including gaming, social media, and video playback. The phone also supports 18W fast charging, which gets you back up and running fairly quickly. The Tecno Spark 30C and Infinix Hot 40i both come with slightly smaller 5000 mAh batteries, but the difference in capacity is minor. All three phones feature 18W fast charging, so the Redmi 14C offers a slight edge in battery life, but not by a huge margin. Software and User Interface Running on Android 14 with Xiaomi's HyperOS, the Redmi 14C provides a clean and user-friendly experience. The interface is highly customisable and comes with various features tailored to Xiaomi devices, such as battery optimisations and privacy tools. However, some users might find the bloatware a bit overwhelming, though most of it can be removed. Tecno Spark 30C sports Android 14 HiOS, while Infinix Hot 40i runs on Android 13 XOS. These skins are feature-rich but can sometimes feel bloated, making the Redmi 14C's HyperOS a more refined and smoother experience for users who prefer a lighter, more responsive UI. Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Review: Minimalist Design Meets High Performance? Storage Options With RAM options ranging from 4GB to 8GB Redmi 14C is equipped to meet the needs of most users.  It offers a variety of storage options, ranging from 128GB to 256GB with expandable storage via a dedicated microSD slot. This provides ample room for apps, photos, and videos, particularly for users who opt for the larger variant. Tecno Spark 30C and Infinix Hot 40i offer similar RAM and storage options. Pros and Cons of Xiaomi Redmi 14C Pros - 120Hz display ensures smooth browsing and gaming- 50 MP camera takes sharp images in good lighting- Long battery life with a 5160 mAh battery- Expandable storage with up to 256GB- Android 14 with HyperOS offers a customisable experience. Read more: Tecno Spark Go 1 Review: Does Affordability Compromise Quality? Cons - 720p resolution lacks sharpness on a large screen- Weak low-light camera performance- Heavier design at over 200g. Price of Xiaomi Redmi 14C The Xiaomi Redmi 14C is priced at BDT 14,999 for the 6/128GB variant, while the 8/256GB version is available at an unofficial price of BDT 19,700.  Verdict The Xiaomi Redmi 14C is an excellent choice for users who need reliable performance, a good processor, a high refresh rate, and a long battery life. It is ideal for casual users seeking a budget-friendly smartphone for daily use. However, it is not suited for heavy gamers or photography enthusiasts who need top-tier performance or low-light camera capabilities. Overall, it offers great value for everyday use at an affordable price.  Read more: Top 7 Smartphones Coming in October 2024

Vivo has launched its latest addition to the V series, the Vivo V40, bringing a host of premium features to the smartphone market. Released in India on June 17, 2024, and now officially available in Bangladesh, the Vivo V40 positions itself as a serious contender in the high-end smartphone segment. In this review, we’ll look at the detailed specifications, standout features, and potential drawbacks of this new device. Key Features of the Vivo V40 Design The Vivo V40 5G showcases an elegant and sturdy design. Measuring 164.2 mm by 75 mm by 7.6 mm and weighing 190g, it strikes a balance between sleekness and durability. The phone features a glass front and back, with a reinforced plastic frame enhanced by aluminum alloy corners for added drop protection. Its glossy glass back sports a distinctive wave-like pattern, though it’s prone to fingerprints. With IP68 and IP69 ratings, the V40 is dustproof and water-resistant, capable of withstanding immersion up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. It supports dual Nano-SIM cards, along with an eSIM option. The phone's ergonomic design includes tactile, quiet buttons, and a fast, reliable in-display fingerprint sensor, ensuring both style and practical usability. Read more: ZTE Blade A35 Review: Top Budget Smartphone for Everyday Use Display The Vivo V40 5G features an impressive 6.78-inch AMOLED display, offering vibrant visuals with HDR10+ support and a high 120Hz refresh rate. With a screen resolution of 1260 by 2800 pixels and a 20:9 aspect ratio, the display delivers crisp images at a density of around 453 ppi, ensuring sharp details and immersive viewing. The screen-to-body ratio stands at an impressive 90.1%, maximizing the display area for an edge-to-edge experience. The peak brightness reaches a remarkable 4500 nits, providing excellent visibility even in bright sunlight. For protection, Vivo equips the display with Schott Xensation Alpha, a durable glass technology that shields the screen from scratches and impacts, ensuring long-lasting durability without compromising on sleek aesthetics. Cameras The Vivo V40 5G boasts a dual-camera setup co-engineered with Zeiss, featuring two 50 MP sensors. The main wide camera has an aperture of f/1.9, a 24mm focal length, and optical image stabilization (OIS) for enhanced low-light performance and sharpness. The  50 MP ultrawide camera offers a 119˚ field of view with an f/2.0 aperture and autofocus, capturing expansive shots with consistent color accuracy. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A06 Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone with Impressive Features Both cameras support 4K video recording at 30fps, enhanced by gyro-EIS and OIS.  The front-facing camera is a 50 MP wide lens featuring  f/2.0 aperture with autofocus and HDR capabilities, allowing for detailed selfies and 4K video at 30fps. Zeiss optics, ring-LED flash, and portrait-enhancing features make this camera system versatile and high-performing. Performance and Software The Vivo V40 is powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 4nm processor, offering reliable mid-range performance. The graphic section runs with Areno 720 GPU. It comes with up to 12 GB of LPDDR4X RAM and 512 GB of UFS 2.2 storage, providing ample memory and storage for multitasking and daily tasks. While the chipset remains the same as its predecessor, it delivers a solid performance, handling light to medium gaming with ease, maintaining stable frame rates, and minimizing throttling during extended use. Read more: Benco V91 Plus Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone for Everyday Use The device runs FuntouchOS 14, based on Android 14, offering a smooth user experience with customizable options. While the interface includes some bloatware, most pre-installed apps can be removed. Vivo provides two major OS updates and three years of security patches. AI integration enhances camera performance, with scene recognition and portrait mode, contributing to the phone’s well-rounded software experience. Battery and Charger The Vivo V40 5G is powered by a 5,500 mAh non-removable Li-Ion battery, offering solid endurance for everyday tasks. It supports 80W wired fast charging, allowing the phone to charge from 0% to 100% in about 46 minutes, ensuring quick power-ups when needed. The device is compatible with Power Delivery (PD) charging standards, making it versatile with various chargers. Additionally, the V40 features reverse wired charging, enabling it to charge other devices when necessary. Although the battery life is strong, lasting around 15 hours in the PCMark battery test, it falls slightly behind competitors like the Honor 200. Nevertheless, the Vivo V40 provides reliable battery performance paired with impressive fast-charging capabilities. Read more: Xiaomi Redmi Note 14 Pro+ Review: A Power-Packed Higher Mid-Range Smartphone Pros and Cons of the VIvo V40 Pros - 5G connectivity and NFC- AMOLED screen, 120Hz refresh rate- 4500 nits brightness- Android 14 with Funtouch 14 UI- 4K video, gyro-EIS, OIS support- 80W wired fast charging- Under-display fingerprint scanner- Powerful chipset for gaming and multitasking- IP68 dust and water resistance- Ample RAM and storage. Cons - No optical zoom camera.- Lacks stereo speakers and an infrared port- No wireless charging- No microSD card slot- No Gorilla Glass protection- No audio jack. Read more: Tecno Spark Go 1 Review: Does Affordability Compromise Quality? Price of vivo V40 in Bangladesh The Vivo V40 is officially available in Bangladesh at the price of BDT 62,999. Conclusion The Vivo V40 5G offers a well-rounded package with its sleek design, vibrant 6.78-inch AMOLED display, and robust performance powered by the Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor. The dual 50 MP Zeiss-tuned cameras deliver excellent image quality, especially in portrait and low-light conditions, while the 80W fast charging ensures the 5,500 mAh battery is quickly replenished. The device is well-suited for everyday tasks, gaming, and multitasking, thanks to its ample RAM, storage, and efficient software. Read more: Top 7 Smartphones Coming in October 2024

Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and CEO of Tesla, has pledged to give away $1 million daily until the US Presidential election in November to individuals who sign his online petition backing the First and Second Amendments of the US Constitution. The announcement was made at a campaign town hall in Pennsylvania, where Musk presented the first $1 million cheque to an unsuspecting attendee, John Dreher. Dreher, who had signed the petition without prior knowledge of the prize, was taken by surprise as Musk handed him the award. "By the way, John had no idea. So anyway, you're welcome," Musk said with a smile. Musk’s petition, hosted on the America PAC website, calls on voters to pledge their support for free speech and gun rights—two controversial issues that have sparked widespread debate in the United States. The initiative aims to gather one million signatures from voters in swing states, seen as crucial in determining the outcome of the upcoming election. Elon Musk's xAI seeks AI tutors with good offer "The First and Second Amendments guarantee freedom of speech and the right to bear arms. By signing below, I am pledging my support for the First and Second Amendments," the petition reads. Musk’s political organisation, America PAC, is closely aligned with Donald Trump’s campaign, with the tech mogul having contributed at least $75 million to the group. America PAC has been actively mobilising and registering voters in key battleground states as part of Trump’s re-election bid. Musk’s involvement is expected to further energise voters, particularly those who prioritise constitutional rights like free speech and the right to bear arms. The billionaire’s stance on gun rights has stirred debate in an already divisive political climate. While some Americans see the right to bear arms as fundamental to personal freedom, others argue that increased access to firearms poses a significant risk to public safety. The debate was reignited recently when Vice President Kamala Harris, a known advocate for stricter gun laws, admitted to owning a firearm herself, highlighting the complexity of the issue. As Musk continues to award $1 million each day leading up to the election, the campaign is expected to keep the spotlight on two of the most contentious amendments in the US Constitution. Whether his initiative will significantly impact voter turnout remains to be seen, but it has certainly captured the nation’s attention.

The ZTE Blade A35, released in September 2024, is an affordable smartphone packed with essential features for entry-level users. In this review, we’ll look at the key specs of the ZTE Blade A35 and see how it stacks up against its competitors in the budget smartphone market. Key Features of ZTE Blade A35 Design and Build Quality The ZTE Blade A35 offers a sleek polycarbonate body with a 3D curved-line texture that enhances grip and aesthetics. It is lightweight and durable, making it a solid choice for those who want a phone that can handle everyday wear and tear. Available in Starry Black and Clover Green, the A35 has a stylish look despite its highly affordable price range. In comparison, within a slightly lower price range, the Itel A50C has a bulkier design, weighing 192.6 grams, and lacks the refined texture of the Blade A35. The other competitors ZTE Blade A54 and Symphony Atom 5, also feature plastic bodies, but with slightly different finishes. Within the 10000TK price range, the Blade A54 has a side-mounted fingerprint sensor, offering a more modern feel. While the Symphony Atom 5, within around 8500 TK price range, is also slim and light but lacks the Blade A35’s textured grip. Read more: Samsung Galaxy A06 Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone with Impressive Features Display The ZTE Blade A35 has a 6.75-inch IPS LCD (720 by 1600 pixels) with a 90 Hz refresh rate. This provides a decent viewing experience that is suitable for everyday tasks like watching videos or browsing social media. However, the 720p resolution is standard in this price range and performs well for most users. The Itel A50C has a slightly smaller 6.56-inch water drop HD display with a similar resolution, offering a comparable viewing experience. However, the ZTE Blade A54 falls behind with its 6.6-inch IPS LCD screen.  Camera Performance The ZTE Blade A35 features an 8MP rear camera and a 5MP front camera. While these cameras can capture decent shots in good lighting, low-light performance is subpar, which is typical in this segment. The camera comes with features like night mode and panorama for enhanced photo quality. Read more: Benco V91 Plus Review: Budget-friendly Smartphone for Everyday Use The Itel A50C has a similar 8MP main camera and 5MP selfie camera, performing almost identically to the Blade A35. However, the ZTE Blade A54 offers a 13MP rear camera, providing better image quality, especially in daylight. On the other hand, Symphony Atom 5 stands out with a 52MP UHD rear camera, delivering the best photo quality among these phones.

Elon Musk's artificial intelligence company, xAI, is seeking to hire AI tutors, offering an impressive hourly wage of up to Rs 5,000. The job, which involves assisting in the training and development of AI systems, allows successful candidates to work remotely after a two-week training period. AI Tutor’s Role AI tutors at xAI will play a crucial part in refining the AI systems, ensuring they can better understand and interact with the world. Their primary responsibility will be providing high-quality, organised data that the AI can learn from. This includes labelling and categorising information, helping the AI recognise patterns and make sense of language – similar to how modern chatbots and AI writing tools function. In addition to labelling data, tutors will help create learning tasks for the AI, such as assignments that improve its understanding of language and its ability to generate text. The role requires close collaboration with xAI’s technical team, ensuring that the AI systems receive accurate and useful information. Who Should Apply? The ideal candidates for this role are those with strong reading and writing skills, particularly in English. While technical expertise is not essential, experience in writing, journalism, or research will be highly valued. OpenAI Unveils 'Swarm': A flexible AI-driven framework for multi-agent research Applicants should also be capable of working independently, making informed decisions even in situations where all the answers may not be immediately available. A keen interest in technology and innovation is also a significant advantage for those applying, given the cutting-edge nature of the work involved. Salary This remote role offers flexible working conditions, enabling tutors to set their own schedule following the completion of their initial training. While the base working hours are from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, employees can adapt these to their respective time zones. In terms of compensation, xAI is offering between $35 and $65 per hour, which equates to up to Rs 5,000 per hour. Along with the attractive pay, the company provides a range of benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance. For individuals with a love for technology, strong research skills, and a knack for writing, this position at xAI could represent a unique opportunity to contribute to the advancement of AI while earning a substantial income. The job posting is currently live on LinkedIn, attracting interest from tech enthusiasts and writers alike. xAI’s mission to build AI systems that can understand and navigate the complexities of the world is ambitious, and with the help of these new AI tutors, the company hopes to make significant strides in that direction. Source: With inputs from agencies  

Intel has announced the termination of over 2,000 employees across several US states, signalling a significant shift in its business strategy. This move follows the company's August declaration of mass layoffs, part of an effort to navigate financial challenges and increasing competition in the semiconductor industry. The job cuts are most severe in Oregon, where Intel employs over 20,000 people and is the state’s second-largest private employer. Approximately 1,300 jobs are set to be cut in Oregon, affecting key facilities in Aloha and Hillsboro. These locations are essential to Intel’s US operations, making the impact of the layoffs particularly profound. Other states affected include Arizona, which will see 385 job losses, California with 319, and Texas with 251. Several employees have shared their experiences of the layoffs on social media platforms. OpenAI founder Sutskever sets up new AI company devoted to “safe superintelligence” One Intel employee posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, saying, "Another restructure, another round of layoffs. This time it's my turn to say goodbye. I'm so proud of this team and so very proud of myself for everything we accomplished at Intel. I've never worked so hard or learned so much, and I'm ready for what’s next." The affected employees are expected to receive either a 60-day notice or a four-week notice, alongside additional pay and benefits to help them through the transition. The layoffs will take effect from 15 November 2024. This development is part of Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger’s broader strategy to cut over 15,000 jobs globally. The goal is to reduce operating costs by $10 billion and reshape Intel into a "leaner, simpler, and more agile company," ensuring its long-term sustainability amidst intense competition from rivals such as AMD, Nvidia, and global semiconductor manufacturers. In a letter addressed to employees on 16 September, Gelsinger stated, "As we continue acting with urgency to execute the plan we announced last month, we are also working to carefully manage our cash as we meaningfully improve our balance sheet and liquidity ... All eyes will remain on us. We need to fight for every inch and execute better than ever before. Because that’s the only way to quiet our critics and deliver the results we know we’re capable of achieving." In addition to the job cuts, Intel has delayed the opening of new facilities outside the US and is reorganising its contract chip manufacturing division. These moves reflect a significant shift in the company’s operational focus, aimed at tightening costs and enhancing competitiveness in a challenging market. Source: Agencies 

Apple is gearing up to introduce a new feature, potentially named Business Caller ID, early next year, designed to improve both user experience and security. Similar to Truecaller, this service will allow businesses to display their verified name, logo, and department information during calls, helping users instantly identify who’s contacting them. As part of the Apple Business Connect platform, this feature gives businesses more control over how they are presented across multiple Apple services like Maps, Messages, Siri, and Wallet. By registering their information, companies can ensure consistent branding and communication throughout the Apple ecosystem. Apple’s upcoming iPhone SE 4 could redefine budget smartphones David Dorn, Apple’s Senior Director of Internet Software and Services Product, said that the feature was developed to provide relevant and accurate information to users, allowing businesses to showcase the correct details to enhance engagement and grow their presence across Apple’s services. This move is seen as part of Apple’s continuous push to enhance both user security and the overall customer-business interaction experience. With this feature, businesses will gain a direct channel to deliver verified and trusted information to millions of Apple users globally, reinforcing brand trust and improving communication. This caller ID feature could transform the way businesses connect with customers, much like Truecaller has done, but with Apple’s signature ecosystem integration.  

OpenAI has quietly launched Swarm, a new experimental framework designed to advance the collaboration and interaction of multiple AI agents. This innovative initiative offers developers a comprehensive toolkit to create AI systems that can operate autonomously, performing complex tasks with minimal human intervention. Despite the low-key release, the introduction of Swarm has significant implications for the future of AI. OpenAI positions Swarm as a research and educational experiment, similar to the early days of ChatGPT when it was released in 2022. The framework is now available on GitHub, enabling developers to explore its potential for building multi-agent AI systems. A Glimpse into the Future of AI Collaboration Swarm provides an insight into a future where AI systems can autonomously collaborate across different tasks and sources of information. The framework allows developers to create AI agents that can work together in networks, tackling sophisticated tasks. These agents can potentially perform activities across multiple websites or even act on behalf of users in real-world situations. OpenAI emphasises that Swarm is not a commercial product but rather a "cookbook" for experimental code. ChatGPT being used to influence US elections, alleges OpenAI According to Shyamal Anadkat, an OpenAI researcher, "Swarm is not an official OpenAI product. Think of it more like a cookbook—experimental code for building simple agents. It’s not intended for production use and won’t be maintained." How Swarm Works: Agents and Handoffs At the heart of Swarm lies its focus on two key components: Agents and Handoffs. Agents in the Swarm system are AI entities equipped with specific instructions and tools, enabling them to autonomously perform tasks. When needed, these agents can "hand off" their responsibilities to other agents, facilitating smooth task delegation. This design allows for the breakdown of complex tasks into smaller, manageable steps, distributed among multiple agents. For example, an agent might retrieve and process data, then hand off the task of data transformation to another agent. This flexibility makes Swarm particularly useful for workflows and operations requiring intricate, multi-step processes. Concerns Over Jobs While Swarm offers exciting possibilities, it has also sparked concerns over its potential impact on the job market and the risks of autonomous AI. One of the primary concerns is job displacement. With AI systems like Swarm becoming more autonomous and efficient, some fear that human roles, particularly in white-collar jobs, could be replaced by automated networks of AI agents. Others argue that rather than eliminating jobs, such technologies may lead to job reshaping, where human workers collaborate with AI systems. Security risks and biases in AI-driven decisions are also major points of concern. Autonomous systems operating without human oversight could malfunction or make biased decisions, potentially posing serious security threats. OpenAI is aware of these risks and encourages developers to use custom evaluation tools to assess the performance of their agents thoroughly. The company underscores the need for responsible AI development as the conversation around balancing innovation with ethical concerns continues. A Research Tool with Far-Reaching Potential Though Swarm is experimental, its release marks a significant step in the development of multi-agent AI systems. As developers explore its capabilities, the framework is expected to play an important role in shaping the future of AI, particularly in terms of collaboration and autonomy. For now, OpenAI's Swarm stands as a powerful research tool, offering a glimpse into what AI could achieve while also highlighting the importance of careful oversight and responsible innovation. Source: Agencies

November 2024 is packed with exciting video game releases that will thrill gamers of all genres. As the year draws to a close, this month offers a diverse lineup of highly anticipated titles, providing something for everyone. Whether you're into action, RPGs, or immersive simulations, November’s game releases are set to deliver unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore the top games hitting the market this month! Video Games Awaiting November 2024 Release . Albatroz Albatroz, developed by Among Giants and published by SOEDESCO, is a backpacking adventure RPG set to release on November 1, 2024. Players join Isla on a quest through the stunning "Forbidden Lands" to find her missing brother. The game offers a deep narrative with captivating characters, immersive landscapes, and diverse villages to explore. It features resource management, a skill tree for character progression, and travel by hiking or driving. Albatroz delivers a thrilling, atmospheric journey. Its full controller support and multiple languages enhance accessibility for diverse players. Read more: Pirate-themed Video Games for Android, iOS Run From Mummies Run From Mummies, developed and published by Lost Turnip, LLC, is a fast-paced 2D action-adventure dungeon crawler released on November 6, 2024. Players navigate ancient pyramids, evading traps and mummies using a camera's flash to stun enemies and solve puzzles. The game features seven unique regions with distinct enemies, traps, and bosses, alongside hilarious cutscenes and rich lore. With solo and multiplayer modes (up to three friends via local or Steam Remote Play), Run From Mummies offers diverse characters, mini-games, and scaling difficulty for replayability. Full controller support enhances the gameplay experience. Magical Bakery Magical Bakery, developed by SUPERLUMEN and published by SOEDESCO, is a single-player cooking and management game set for release on November 7, 2024. Players take on the role of a young magical baker tasked with creating enchanted sweets and pastries to solve customers' problems and bring them joy. Read more: Top 10 July 2024 Video Game Releases: Exciting New Titles for Every Gamer The game features cozy management mechanics, where players can upgrade their bakery, unlock ingredients, and customize their character. With whimsical 2.5D visuals, Magical Bakery also includes a progression system tied to exams at the Academy of Magical Bakers, challenging players to prove their magical baking mastery. Slitterhead Slitterhead, developed and published by Bokeh Game Studio Inc., is an action-adventure game set to release on November 8, 2024. Set in the chaotic neon-lit streets of "Kowlong," players take on the role of "Hyoki," a bodiless entity tasked with eradicating the monstrous "Slitterheads" disguised as humans. With possession-based high-speed action, Hyoki infiltrates dangerous organizations by controlling human bodies, utilizing blood as a weapon to fight enemies. The game's intense combat system and dark narrative immerse players in a suspenseful journey to uncover the mystery behind Hyoki's existence and the lurking Slitterheads. Read more: PUBG Mobile World Cup 2024: Schedule, Teams, Prize Pool and More Farming Simulator 25 Farming Simulator 25, developed and published by Giants Software, launches on November 12, 2024. This immersive farming sim allows players to build their farming empire across North America, Europe, and East Asia. Featuring new crops like rice and spinach, along with animals like goats and buffalo, it expands the classic farming experience. With over 400 authentic machines from top brands, GPS-assisted steering, and enhanced weather effects like twisters, the game offers a realistic and engaging farming atmosphere. Players can enjoy solo or cooperative multiplayer modes, managing crops, livestock, and business ventures across stunning, deformable landscapes.

Russia, China and Iran are increasingly relying on criminal networks to lead cyberespionage and hacking operations against adversaries like the U.S., according to a report on digital threats published Tuesday by Microsoft. The growing collaboration between authoritarian governments and criminal hackers has alarmed national security officials and cybersecurity experts who say it represents the increasingly blurred lines between actions directed by Beijing or the Kremlin aimed at undermining rivals and the illicit activities of groups typically more interested in financial gain. In one example, Microsoft's analysts found that a criminal hacking group with links to Iran infiltrated an Israeli dating site and then tried to sell or ransom the personal information it obtained. Microsoft concluded the hackers had two motives: to embarrass Israelis and make money. Microsoft Copilot adds ChatGPT-like features In another, investigators identified a Russian criminal network that infiltrated more than 50 electronic devices used by the Ukrainian military in June, apparently seeking access and information that could aid Russia's invasion of Ukraine. There was no obvious financial motive for the group, aside from any payment they may have received from Russia. For nations like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea, which has its own ties to hacking groups, teaming up with cybercriminals offers a marriage of convenience with benefits for both sides. Governments can boost the volume and effectiveness of cyber activities without added cost. For the criminals, it offers new avenues for profit and the promise of government protection. "We're seeing in each of these countries this trend towards combining nation-state and cybercriminal activities," said Tom Burt, Microsoft's vice president of customer security and trust. So far there is no evidence suggesting that Russia, China or Iran are sharing resources with each other or working with the same criminal networks, Burt said. But he said the growing use of private cyber "mercenaries" shows how far America's adversaries will go to weaponize the internet. Microsoft's report analyzed cyber threats between July 2023 and June 2024, looking at how criminals and foreign nations are using hacking, spear phishing, malware and other techniques to gain access and control over a target's system. The company says its customers face more than 600 million such incidents every day. Russia focused much of its cyber operations on Ukraine, trying to gain entry into military and government systems and spreading disinformation designed to undermine support for the war among its allies. Iran is accelerating cyber activity that appears meant to influence the US election, Microsoft says Ukraine has responded with its own cyber efforts, including one last week that knocked some Russian state media outlets offline. Networks tied to Russia, China and Iran have also targeted American voters, using fake websites and social media accounts to spread false and misleading claims about the 2024 election. Analysts at Microsoft agree with the assessment of U.S. intelligence officials who say Russia is targeting the campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris, while Iran is working to oppose former President Donald Trump. Iran has also hacked into Trump's campaign and sought, unsuccessfully, to interest Democrats in the material. Federal officials have also accused Iran of covertly supporting American protests over the war in Gaza. Russia and Iran will likely accelerate the pace of their cyber operations targeting the U.S. as election day approaches, Burt said. China, meanwhile, has largely stayed out of the presidential race, focusing its disinformation on down-ballot races for Congress or state and local office. Microsoft found networks tied to Beijing also continue to target Taiwan and other countries in the region. In response, a spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington said allegations that China partners with cybercriminals are groundless and accused the U.S. of spreading its own "disinformation about the so-called Chinese hacking threats." In a statement, spokesperson Liu Pengyu said that "our position is consistent and clear. China firmly opposes and combats cyber attacks and cyber theft in all forms." Russia and Iran have also rejected accusations that they're using cyber operations to target Americans. Messages left with representatives of those three nations and North Korea were not immediately returned on Monday. Microsoft quits OpenAI board seat as antitrust scrutiny of artificial intelligence pacts intensifies Efforts to disrupt foreign disinformation and cyber capabilities have escalated along with the threat, but the anonymous, porous nature of the internet sometimes undercuts the effectiveness of the response. Federal authorities recently announced plans to seize hundreds of website domains used by Russia to spread election disinformation and to support efforts to hack former U.S. military and intelligence figures. But investigators at the Atlantic Council's Digital Forensic Research Lab found that sites seized by the government can easily and quickly be replaced. Within one day of the Department of Justice seizing several domains in September, for example, researchers spotted 12 new websites created to take their place. One month later, they continue to operate.