Author: Scott Larrabee

For nearly two decades, traditional microSD cards have been the go-to storage solution for portable devices like smartphones, tablets, and handheld gaming consoles. However, with the advent of microSD Express, the storage landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. The Basics: microSD vs microSD Express At first glance, microSD and microSD Express cards may look identical, but their underlying technologies and performance capabilities are vastly different. microSD Express is the newer, more advanced iteration, leveraging PCIe and NVMe interfaces to achieve transfer speeds of up to 985MB/s. This is a substantial leap from the standard microSD cards, which typically max out…

The virtual reality (VR) landscape is about to get a significant boost, thanks to Valve’s upcoming standalone VR headset, codenamed “Deckard.” This highly anticipated device, rumored to launch by the end of 2025, promises to redefine the VR experience with its innovative features and seamless integration with the Steam ecosystem. A Standalone Wireless VR Headset Valve’s Deckard is poised to be a game-changer as a standalone, wireless VR headset. Unlike its predecessor, the Valve Index, which required a PC to function, Deckard operates independently, offering users the freedom to enjoy VR content without the constraints of cables or a computer.…

A New Chapter in Cyber Warfare In a significant follow-up to the landmark Operation Endgame initiated in May 2024, Europol has announced a series of arrests and disruptive actions aimed at the customers and infrastructure of the notorious Smokeloader malware. This ongoing operation is part of a broader effort to dismantle the complex network of cybercriminals relying on this potent malware. The Rise and Fall of Smokeloader Smokeloader, a pay-per-install malware loader, has been a thorn in the side of cybersecurity for years. This modular malware, first appearing in 2011, is known for its versatility in installing various follow-on payloads,…

What Are Game-Key Cards? Nintendo’s introduction of Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2 has sparked both curiosity and controversy among gamers. These cards are essentially a hybrid between physical and digital game distribution, but what exactly do they offer, and why are they necessary? The Concept Behind Game-Key Cards Game-Key Cards are not your traditional physical game cartridges. Instead of containing the full game data, these cards hold only a portion of the game, with the remainder available for download from the Nintendo eShop. This setup means that when you insert the card into your Switch 2, it serves as…

BenQ has just unveiled two groundbreaking 4K projectors designed to elevate the home cinema experience: the W2720i and the GP520. These new additions to BenQ’s Home Cinema Series are packed with innovative features that promise to deliver top-notch picture quality and ease of use, making them strong contenders in the competitive projector market. Theater-Grade Image Quality with the W2720i The BenQ W2720i is tailored for those seeking a professional-grade home theater experience. This projector boasts 2,500 ANSI lumens of picture quality, making it ideal for larger screens and more immersive viewing. It features BenQ’s AI Cinema technology, which includes advanced…

The New Meta AI Button: What You Need to Know If you’ve recently opened WhatsApp and noticed a mysterious new blue, purple, and green ring symbol in the bottom-right corner of your chats, you’re not alone. This symbol represents Meta’s new AI chatbot, and its rollout has sparked significant controversy among WhatsApp users. What is Meta AI? Meta AI is essentially Meta’s version of advanced AI assistants like ChatGPT. It has been integrated into WhatsApp, along with other Meta apps such as Instagram and Messenger. On WhatsApp, you can summon the AI in group chats or use it through the…

In a stark reminder of the escalating cyber war, Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has successfully blocked over 100 million malicious emails in the past three years. This staggering figure underscores the relentless nature of cybercriminal activity and the critical need for robust cybersecurity measures. The Scale of the Threat Between November 2021 and September 2024, HMRC’s security systems intercepted a whopping 105 million malicious emails. This period saw a significant spike in attempted email attacks, with 23.7 million blocked between November 2021 and October 2022, followed by 40.3 million between November 2022 and October 2023, and another 40.9…

As the countdown to Marvel Rivals Season 2: Hellfire Gala reaches its final hours, excitement is building among the game’s enthusiastic player base. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s in store for this highly anticipated update. Marvel Rivals Season 2 Start Time and Maintenance Marvel Rivals Season 2 is set to launch on April 11, 2025, at 8 AM UTC. However, players should be prepared for some downtime beforehand. The servers will go offline for maintenance starting at 9 AM UTC, which is expected to last approximately 2-3 hours. Here’s a breakdown of the start times in various time zones:…

Microsoft’s recent antics in the advertising realm have left many users feeling frustrated and invaded. The latest in a series of intrusive ads has Windows 10 and Windows 11 users questioning the company’s tactics. The Avowed Advert: A New Low? Users of both Windows 10 and Windows 11 have been encountering a new type of advert that is hard to ignore. This time, it’s for the game Avowed, specifically pushing the more expensive Premium Edition. The notification, labeled as a “suggestion,” appears in the notification center and urges users to “forge their destiny” with a prominent “Buy Now” button. The…

The recent buzz around the internet about Apple introducing pop star emojis in iOS 18.5 has been nothing short of sensational, but unfortunately, it’s a rumor that has been thoroughly debunked. The Claim: Apple is Bringing Pop Star Emojis to Its Next iOS 18.5 Update It all began with a single, highly convincing image posted on X by the pop culture account Drop Pop. The image depicted emojis of famous female artists such as Ariana Grande, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift, complete with the Apple logo, making it look like an official announcement from Apple. This post quickly went…