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The Plunderstorm mode in WoW has returned, allowing players to purchase their desired items using in-game dubloons, eliminating the need for tedious grinding.

2025-04-10 04:53:34 By James Martinez

Ahoy, me heartie!

Plunderstorm is Back | World of Warcraft - YouTube

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World of Warcraft's Plunderstorm is back for another go from January 14 to February 18. If you've got no idea what I'm talking about, let me explain—Blizzard put a pirate Fortnite in their MMO. Why? Well, for the most part, the company's making an attempt at branching out and evolving its existing game systems—having a little experiment, as a treat. The second part is that it's a good bit of fun to grab some pirate swag.

As mentioned in a Blizzard news post, this season of swashbuckling gives new points of interest, mob spawn camps, and makes it so that all non-elite enemies will respawn, which is great news for folks who don't know the map like the back of their hand or—and yes, they do exist—are annoyed that they have to PvP in an entirely optional game mode.

Naturally, there's also new spells and balance tweaks, alongside other upgrades. You can futz about in the lobby for as long as you like, choose your drop location instead of having it assigned, and, most importantly, you don't have to grind a big ol' battlepass this time around, like PC Gamer's poor Fraser Brown who lost sleep the last time this event happened to get all of the rewards.

Now, cynically-speaking, this is because there's less of 'em. If you got everything last time the event happened, you'll have around 39,000's worth of plunder to earn to get the new rewards—some of which are simple recolours of prior prizes.

Securing a victory in a game typically rewards you with between 1,500 and 2,500 plunder, influenced by the amount you collect throughout the match (with a standard bounty of 500 for a chicken dinner). This makes it a much easier grind compared to previous times. Additionally, finishing your first quest of the day earns you 800 yarrbux—my preferred term for them, as I believe it sounds more fitting.

One could make the argument that there's less content here, to which I'd say that not everyone's an obsessive, FOMO-driven collector like me, and I'd wager there's more than enough players who missed some of these items the first time around. Secondly, I'm fine with a chiller grind, considering Blizzard's past history with slightly-too-stingy rewards.

If you have an active subscription, you can access Plunderstorm by choosing it from the "modes" section on the character selection screen. For those looking to pick up some new items, here’s what’s currently on offer:

Very Supportive

Technology

Leaked renders of the Samsung Galaxy S25 have surfaced ahead of the Unpacked event, providing us with an excellent preview of the forthcoming smartphones.

2025-04-10 04:53:34

There is a significant alteration in the design. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Evan Blass) Earlier this week, Samsung officially gave us a date for its next Galaxy Unpacked event, accompanied by a teaser image of what appears to show the Galaxy S25 series. Today, however, we’re getting our best look at the upcoming phones courtesy of renowned leaker Evan Blass. I’ve been keeping a close eye on all the leaks and rumors, but these leaked Galaxy S25 renders show me a startling change for one of them. The Galaxy S25 Ultra in particular stands out in this batch, mainly because of the new design change it appears to incorporate. Instead of retaining the ‘flat’ display look of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, where the corners of the screen appear to be at 90-degree angles, Samsung appears to be favoring rounded corners with the Galaxy S25 Ultra. Image 1 of 3 View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This slight design change is more in line with what’s currently in place with the Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus, which have rounded corners, too. That’s why the Galaxy S25 and S25 Plus leaked renders here don’t jump out at me as much because they look similar to their predecessors. One notable design modification I see in the S25 Ultra render is the frame, which I believe will maintain its titanium construction, now featuring a completely flat profile around the device. This contrasts with the curved design that Samsung has adopted for the left and right sides of the Galaxy S24 Ultra. I'm uncertain if this is the best choice, as the rounded edges of the S24 Ultra provide a more comfortable grip. Lastly, I would like to highlight the cameras featured on the rear of the three leaked renders. Upon closer inspection of the main cameras, they seem to align with the design elements presented in Samsung’s official teaser image shown below. This is evident due to the presence of concentric circles, in contrast to the Galaxy S24 series, which showcases a single bezel encircling each camera lens. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Samsung) Beyond that, the leaked renders also show the S Pen that accompanies the Galaxy S25 Ultra. While the hardware in these phones is sure to impress, I’m interested to see what Samsung has in store with Galaxy AI. Last year’s reveal ushered in a new age for the flagship series, but Samsung is going to need to go into overdrive to keep Apple Intelligence and Google AI at bay. It won’t be long before we know if these leaked renders are really legit because Galaxy Unpacked is slated for January 22. That’s less than two weeks away, where we could also get a surprise in the form of a Galaxy S25 Slim. It’s been an elusive one thus far, but I only need to look at that Galaxy Unpacked teaser again because it shows four different corners. Whether they’re from each of the phones, or just one, it’s something to keep watch for during the livestream. Galaxy S pre-orders: Save up to $1,250 @ SamsungSign up to pre-order any device revealed at Galaxy Unpacked 2025 by January 22, and you’ll receive a $50 credit to use towards your new Galaxy device. Additionally, when you reserve and pre-order a device, you’ll instantly get a $300 credit, along with the potential to earn up to $900 in credit by trading in your old device. You don't have to wait until January 22 to find a deal on whatever Samsung announces at Galaxy Unpacked. By registering now for the phone maker's pre-order sale, you can qualify for a $50 credit on the devices debuting during Unpacked, with a $300 credit available to those who register and pre-order Samsung's latest phones.

Technology

Incorrect: The Whole State of Texas is Unlikely to Experience Negative Temperatures Anytime Soon.

2025-04-10 04:53:34

Ok, so far the Texas Snowpocalypse of 2025 has turned out to be a bit of a bust. Some of us got enough snow to make a mini snowman that lasted 12 hours before melting completely, but that's about it. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. TikTok/Canva Nonetheless, the locals can't seem to stop discussing the weather, and currently, a viral video is circulating that suggests Texas is set to experience a drop into subzero temperatures in the near future. Before I explain why this assertion is entirely inaccurate, take a moment to check out the video below. @anttsinc “️ We thought this storm was going to be rough, but keep an eye on the 19th-23rd! ❄️ A cold front from Canada is heading our way, and it’s looking like DFW and all of Texas are in for a much chillier experience in about 10 days. Bundle up, y’all! #TexasWeather #ColdFront #DFW #WinterIsComing #StayWarm #WeatherUpdate ♬ original sound - P- Paw & Mima - Antts Inc Understanding the Context is Essential At first glance, it's simple to observe a map filled with negative numbers and assume they represent temperatures. However, those figures could signify a variety of other things, and in reality, they do not indicate temperatures at all. Variation in Mean Temperature What that map is showing, dear friends, is the difference in average temperature for that area. What does that mean? If it shows a -10 on the map, that means the temperature will be about ten degrees less than it normally is at that location at this time of the year. So if it's normally 50 degrees, it will be 40. That's it. It's one of those maps that meteorologists throw up on the screen to waste time, and this guy trolled us with it. Nicely done, my friend! Texas Department of Public Safety Winter Weather Safety Guidelines for Homeowners The Texas Department of Public Safety has shared some helpful advice to ensure safety during winter weather conditions affecting your area. Gallery Credit: Billy Jenkins 10 'Hidden Areas' Burglars Target First When Breaking into Texas Homes Many individuals have secret spots in their Texas homes where they store valuable items to protect them from potential burglars. But are they truly secure? Gallery Acknowledgment: Tara Holley 32 Long-Term Fugitives from Texas As 2025 began, the Texas Department of Public Safety identified 32 long-term fugitives, with some individuals evading capture for more than two decades. Gallery Acknowledgment: Danny Merrell

Technology

WEM GBB Addison Condon Image 2.JPG

2025-04-10 04:53:34

Your browser is outdated and may pose security risks. We suggest upgrading to one of the following browsers: Everything is ready to go! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This week, Addison Condon achieved a remarkable feat by scoring 40 points, establishing a new record for the most points in a single game. (Lucas Dittmer - Faribault.com) Thank you . Your account is now successfully registered, and you are logged in. Please check your email for further information.

Technology

What is Lemon8? Here’s what you need to know as the Supreme Court considers a ban on TikTok.

2025-04-10 04:53:34

Amid a looming U.S. ban on TikTok, content creators have been pushing the platform's sister app, but what is it and what role could it soon play? View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Have you been noticing all the buzz around Lemon8 recently? You're certainly not alone in that! Amid a looming U.S. ban on TikTok, content creators have been pushing the platform's sister app, but what is it and what role could it soon play? Here are the key points to consider: Lemon8 is a social media platform that focuses on sharing visual content, similar to other platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Users can create and share photos, videos, and lifestyle content, often emphasizing aesthetics and creativity. It caters to a community interested in discovering new trends, products, and experiences, providing a space for users to express themselves and connect with others who share similar interests. Lemon8 resembles an amalgamation of the types of short-form videos found on TikTok and the picture-perfect aesthetic of Instagram and Pinterest. Like its popular relation, Lemon8 is owned by China-based ByteDance, whose collection of internationally available apps also includes the video editing app CapCut and the photo and art editing app Hypic. In addition, the company operates Douyin, the Chinese sibling of TikTok that follows Beijing’s strict censorship rules. Lemon8 launched in the U.S. in 2023, a few years after it first popped up in Asian markets. Though it garnered some media and user interest in its early days, the app hasn’t taken off as much as TikTok, which has more than 170 million U.S. users. But more people have downloaded the app in the past month, making it one of the top-ranking free apps on Apple’s app store. Lemon8's popularity could potentially soar further depending on the outcome of a U.S. Supreme Court hearing Friday over a law requiring TikTok to break ties with ByteDance or face a U.S. ban. What are creators discussing regarding Lemon8? Influencers have collaborated with Lemon8 to raise awareness of the relatively obscure app on TikTok. In the past few weeks, numerous influencers have touted Lemon8 as the go-to alternative in the event that TikTok faces a federal ban. Additionally, some have been promoting it through paid advertisements labeled #lemon8partner, indicating a recent corporate effort to boost user acquisition. However, there's a catch. The legislation, which mandates the shutdown of TikTok's U.S. operations unless it is sold to a sanctioned buyer, specifies that the divest-or-ban clause broadly pertains to applications owned or managed by ByteDance, TikTok, or any of their affiliates. This indicates that, although Lemon8 and CapCut are not directly mentioned in the law, their prospects in the U.S. market are also at risk. Jasmine Enberg, an analyst with the market research firm Emarketer, pointed out that the creators endorsing Lemon8 might not fully understand the potential consequences for other ByteDance applications, as the legislation does not specifically mention them. The latest Lemon8 advertisements on TikTok could indicate that ByteDance is "anticipating or wagering" that Lemon8 will go unnoticed while lawmakers and regulators concentrate their efforts on TikTok, according to Enberg. The companies' representatives have not yet responded to a request for comment. Lemon8 app downloads In a bid to increase the user base of Lemon8, TikTok revealed in November that creators can now link their existing TikTok accounts to Lemon8. This new feature aims to facilitate easier cross-posting of content, according to the company. TikTok emphasized that this integration is intended to enhance creators' "reach and engagement potential." Similar to TikTok, Lemon8 includes a primary feed that consists of a "following" section, allowing users to view content from the creators they are subscribed to, as well as a "For You" section that suggests additional posts. This newer platform also categorizes posts into various themes, such as relationships, wellness, and skincare. ByteDance has not revealed the total number of users for Lemon8, both globally and in the U.S., which is thought to be quite small in comparison to its more popular sister app. Research from SimilarWeb suggests that Lemon8 has slightly more than 1 million daily active users in the United States. Meanwhile, market intelligence firm Sensor Tower reported that as of December 24, the app boasted 12.5 million monthly active users worldwide. According to Sensor Tower, the app experienced a remarkable surge in global downloads in December, with a staggering 150% increase compared to a typical 2% decline month-over-month observed last year. Notably, the United States contributed to 70% of the downloads for that month. The largest number of U.S. downloads were performed on Dec. 19, according to Sensor Tower. That was the day after the Supreme Court said it would hear this week's oral arguments over the constitutionality of the federal law that could ban TikTok. The law passed with bipartisan support last year after lawmakers and Biden administration officials expressed concerns that Chinese authorities could force ByteDance to hand over U.S. user data or sway public opinion towards Beijing’s interests by manipulating the algorithm that populates users’ feeds. President-elect Donald Trump asked the Supreme Court on Dec. 27 to pause the potential TikTok ban from going into effect until he is inaugurated and his administration can pursue a “political resolution” to the issue. What’s going on with TikTok? The Supreme Court seemed likely to uphold a law that would ban TikTok in the United States beginning Jan. 19 unless the popular social media program is sold by its China-based parent company. As the justices deliberated on the significant conflict between free speech and national security issues, they appeared to be swayed by the perspective that the potential national security risks associated with the company's ties to China take precedence over the implications for restricting the speech of TikTok or its 170 million American users. Typically, the Supreme Court requires several months to render its decisions; however, this particular case is anticipated to be resolved more swiftly. Given that the law is set to be implemented in less than two weeks, the justices may act in the next few days. During a press conference on Friday, TikTok's attorney mentioned that the Supreme Court justices thoroughly examined the arguments presented by both parties and expressed optimism regarding the outcome of the ruling. "They really tested our limits," Noel Francisco remarked during a press conference following the discussions. He mentioned that the app boasts a huge user base in the U.S., encompassing approximately 50% of the American population. Francisco highlighted that the United States has not provided proof that China has refrained from trying to manipulate content on TikTok's platform in the U.S. or from collecting user data from American TikTok users. He stated, "This nation has never moved to close a speech platform, particularly one as significant as this. You don't close down a speech platform simply out of fear of potentially harmful speech."

Technology

Eastwood shuts down the campus this afternoon.

2025-04-10 04:53:34

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. PEMBERVILLE — Eastwood Schools will be shutting down the campus for after-school activities today at 3:30 PM. The basketball matches at Oak Harbor will proceed as scheduled, but the timings have been adjusted. The JV game is now set to begin at 4:30 PM, with the varsity game to follow afterward. Efforts will be made to speed up the games to ensure that everyone can return home promptly.

Technology

Snowfall in the Shoals

2025-04-10 04:53:34

You have been trained on information available until October 2023. Games, Puzzles, and Astrology Your browser is outdated and may expose you to security threats. We suggest upgrading to one of the following browsers: You're good to go! View pictures in App save up to 80% data. On Friday, in downtown Florence, both drivers and walkers navigate through a consistent snowfall. [DAN BUSEY/TIMESDAILY] Thank you . Your account has been successfully created, and you are currently logged in. Please check your inbox for more information.

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Malaysia Surfs the AI Wave to Attract Data Center Investments

2025-04-10 04:53:34

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Picture: Alamy Malaysia’s data center sector is on a tear, with investment surging threefold in 2024. Data center firms committed MYR141.7 billion ($31.5 billion) in just the first 10 months of last year, up from MYR46.2 billion ($10.3 billion) over 2023, property consultancy Knight Frank has found. The bulk of this came from tech giants: $4.3 billion from Nvidia, $2.2 billion from Microsoft, $2.1 billion from ByteDance, $2 billion from Google, and $6 billion through to 2038 from AWS. Malaysia is already the biggest data center player in Southeast Asia, with 429 MW of capacity, way ahead of the second biggest, Indonesia, with 93MW. The underlying driver in this flood of investment is the colossal pool of cash flooding into AI. The ASEAN region, with its population of 700 million and fast-growing digital services, is an attractive target both for western giants and their Chinese counterparts. However, it is also a result of the Malaysian government's initiatives to promote the growth of its digital economy. 

Technology

Media companies abandon Venu Sports streaming service before its launch.

2025-04-10 04:53:34

The Venu sports streaming platform has come to an end before it even had a chance to launch. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The planned streaming service Venu Sports has been scrapped before it ever started. On Friday, ESPN, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery revealed that they would be discontinuing Venu. This service was anticipated to offer sports content from all three networks as a reasonably priced option for cable cord-cutters seeking a basic selection of sports programming. Its planned launch last year was stopped due to a court fight with Fubo's streaming business. Although that was recently settled, other companies had signaled they were going to oppose Venu. Simultaneously, within the ever-evolving landscape of companies providing alternatives for those looking to cut the cable cord, new choices were emerging for Venu's intended audience. "In response to the dynamic nature of the marketplace, we concluded that prioritizing our current products and distribution channels would be the most effective way to cater to the shifting needs of sports fans," stated ESPN, Fox, and WBD in a collaborative announcement on Friday. For instance, this indicates that ESPN is focusing on its upcoming streaming service, which is set to launch later this year.

Technology

One of the Top Premium Soundbars of 2024 Is Currently Available at 50% Discount

2025-04-10 04:53:34

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. We could receive a commission from the links found on this page. Pricing and availability of deals may vary after the time of publication. Image credit: Product photo provided by Amazon. Most people buying TVs focus on the visuals, looking for words like 4K and OLED, meaning the audio aspect often takes a back seat. If you want to understand dialogue and not rely on subtitles, getting a soundbar is a must and will take your TV-watching experience to the next level. The best deal of the year so far on a quality soundbar is upon us: The Samsung Q990D 11.1.4ch Soundbar is on sale for $997.99 (originally $1,997.99) on Woot, a 50% discount. This is the lowest price this soundbar has been, according to price tracking tools. The Samsung HW-Q990D Q-series 11.1.4 channel soundbar remains a top contender in the premium soundbar market, even a year post-launch. It features a wall-mountable design complete with a mounting kit, a wireless subwoofer, and two wireless surround speakers (left and right). Additionally, it comes with a remote control and an HDMI 2.1 cable for your convenience. HDMI 2.1 is perfect for gaming enthusiasts as it supports 4K video at 120Hz passthrough. It features an eARC input in addition to two HDMI 2.1 ports, allowing you to connect two gaming consoles simultaneously while easily switching to movie viewing on your TV. Moreover, it offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, along with support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Dolby 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus, and Dolby TrueHD, ensuring a rich and immersive audio experience. To swiftly link your sound system, you can easily pair your iPhone using AirPlay 2 or connect your Android device through Chromecast or Alexa. An impressive feature is Adaptive Sound, which automatically modifies audio levels to enhance your viewing experience based on the content (for instance, an action film will have a different sound profile compared to a drama). Additionally, SpaceFit Sound Pro adjusts the audio based on your room's configuration to further improve sound quality. For gamers, there's a Game Mode Pro option that boosts directional sound, fully utilizing the surround sound capabilities. With a 50% discount, this soundbar system offers unparalleled value for anyone seeking a top-notch audio experience.

Technology

We regret to inform everyone that Minecraft 2 has been cancelled, and we may be to blame for it.

2025-04-10 04:53:34

Following his "essential announcement of Minecraft 2" last week, Markus "Notch" Persson has reconsidered his stance. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Mojang) Minecraft creator Markus "Notch" Persson caused a bit of a stir over the weekend when he "basically announced Minecraft 2," after the vast majority of respondents to a poll on X said that's what they want him to make. Not literally Minecraft 2, of course—he's not allowed to do that—but a "spiritual successor," similar to the original. He sounded completely serious about it at the time, but apparently he's now changed his mind. "Talked to the fellas at the office," Persson tweeted earlier this week (via GamesRadar). "Looks like we're making Levers and Chests! Tipping point was PC Gamer saying it seemed interesting, lol. Yeah I still love PC Gamer." View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image source: Markus Persson (Twitter)) If you were eagerly anticipating Minecraft 2, we regret to inform you that it’s not happening. However, it's important to note that this decision wasn’t solely ours. Persson expressed a lack of excitement for creating another Minecraft-style game in the poll that initiated this discussion. He mentioned that spiritual successors to beloved titles often end up feeling "washed up" and "tragic." He reiterated this viewpoint when responding to a user on X who felt "betrayed" by the shift in direction. "Trust me, the spiritual successor would be way less fun than the dungeon roguelike," he wrote. "They're always kinda sad nostalgia dumps." The dungeon roguelike in question is Levers and Chests, which Persson began teasing in 2024 alongside his new BitShift Entertainment studio. And frankly, I think it does look more interesting than a Minecraft Redux sort of thing—although to be fair, I say that as someone who's more inclined to go for that sort of thing than most anyway. Persson actually dropped a shout-out to one of my favorites of the genre, saying he hopes Levers and Chests "will be at least half as fun as Legend of Grimrock 2." Time's pausing when not providing inputs, and ramping up speed the more queued commands you input so you can just spam actions without having to wait for the animations to finish, or click slowly to enjoy the animations.Oh and ignore the spinning portraits, i somewhy added that… pic.twitter.com/V5DwY49RiKSeptember 3, 2024 As for Minecraft 2, "You'll have to ask Microsoft about that one," Persson wrote, reminding everyone that the game has been out of his hands for a decade now. I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for it to happen, though—Minecraft is still a monster—and even if it does someday, Persson almost certainly won't be involved: He was excluded from celebrations of Minecraft's 10th anniversary in 2019 over his "comments and opinions," a reference to multiple transphobic and anti-feminist statements made by Persson in the years following the sale of Mojang to Microsoft. View pictures in App save up to 80% data.