Month: October 2024

For the first time, a shuttered nuclear power plant in the US could reopen thanks to federal support. The Department of Energy (DOE) announced a $1.52 billion loan to help restore a nuclear generating station in Covert Township, Michigan.

Although it’s still a controversial option among environmental advocates, nuclear energy could be on the verge of a renaissance as an alternative to fossil fuels. Nuclear power plants are already the biggest source of carbon pollution-free energy in the US, and can fill in for renewables when solar and wind power wane.

“It’s a powerful clean energy comeback story,” White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi said in a press release yesterday.

The DOE…

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Devolver Digital has announced the creation of a new publishing label designed specifically for licensed games. The label, named Big Fan Games, is helmed by industry veterans who have worked with brands like Disney, Dark Horse, and more. In a press release, Devolver said that the new company’s goals are “helping independent game developers breathe new life into their favorite movies, comics, TV shows, and cult heroes through the power of video games.” Big Fan already has a number of games on its roster, including Reigns: Game of Thrones, Hellboy Web of Wyrd, and John Wick Hex.

Licensed games were a big portion of the video game industry in the late ’80s and early ’90s. A lot of games that have been enshrined in older gamers’ imagination…

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Sony has announced new versions of its LinkBuds wireless earbuds with “improved wearability” and built-in voice controls, making them easier to leave in your ears all day. Both the new LinkBuds Open and LinkBuds Fit are available for preorder today for $199.99, alongside a new LinkBuds Speaker debuting at $179.99 that will be limited to the US market.

The original Sony LinkBuds, first announced in early 2022, featured a unique “open ring design” that skipped sound-isolating ear tips for a donut-shaped speaker, allowing ambient sounds to be heard at all times. The new version, now known as the LinkBuds Open, features a similar but smaller design, with a new 11-millimeter speaker to enhance volume and bass performance. Sony also includes…

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Halide, a popular advanced camera app for iOS by the company Lux, is releasing a new update that adds manual photography “Adjustments” features for the iPhone 16’s Camera Control button. In version 2.17 (now available), you can adjust focus and exposure on Camera Control; there’s also a new “Locked” mode to lock down some manual settings so an accidental swipe won’t ruin your current shoot.

Halide’s founder Sebastiaan De With says the Exposure adjustment can be set with an exposure bias “three times” that of Apple’s (plus or minus 6 EV vs 2) and that the Manual Focus on Camera Control is a “really nice, smooth experience on iPhone.” Lux also has its own review of the iPhone 16 Pro’s camera.

Halide already supported the iPhone 16 Camera…

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Whirlpool has announced a new feature for its front loading washing machines. Called the FreshFlow Vent System, it will dry the appliance’s drum, door, and rubber seals after a wash cycle. The system will reduce the risk of mold and bacteria growth, and will save you from having to remember to leave the washer’s door open to passively dry its interior.

The new FreshFlow Vent System is being introduced on a pair of new Whirlpool washing machines ranging in price from $999 to $1,199 that are available now. The new feature doesn’t run automatically once a load of clothing has been washed; instead, the system requires you to close the washer’s door and start a “Dry Drum,” cycle, which uses a fan to completely dry out the interior of the…

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