At an awards event in Los Angeles late on Thursday, the popular role-playing game “Baldur’s Gate 3,” which is set in the Dungeons and Dragons universe, was chosen video game of the year.
It is the newest installment in the Larian Studios-created titular brand, and it takes place in a fantasy world with wizards, elves, barbarians, and other characters.
Chief and creator of the company Swen Vincke accepted the prize, saying, “The team at Larian spent their hearts and souls for six years on this game, sometimes under very difficult circumstances.”
“We lost a good number of people during this Covid game,” he remarked.
As befitting a character from the game that has amassed millions of fans since its release in early August, Vincke was decked up in armor.
“Alan Wake 2,” a survival horror game that won major awards for writing and direction, was one of the other games that was vying for the title at the 2023 Game Awards.
The protagonist of the Remedy Entertainment-published game, Epic Games, is a best-selling novelist who is attempting to escape a parallel universe.
Game director Sam Lake accepted an award and stated, “We can make miracles, we can make art, and we can be more than the sum of our parts when more than 100 people believe in the same vision and build something out of it.”
“We could use a little more of that in our world today,” he remarked.
Celebrities including Timothee Chalamet and Matthew McConaughey made appearances during the ceremony, and a number of teasers for upcoming films were shown.
Legendary Japanese video game developer Hideo Kojima gave a first peek at the “OD” game he is developing with actor and director Jordan Peele.
On stage, Kojima stated that he is collaborating with the cloud computing team and Xbox gaming studios at Microsoft to create an immersive experience for “OD.”
Through an interpreter, Kojima stated, “Don’t get me wrong, it’s a game, but it’s also a movie; a new form of media.”
According to Kojima Productions, OD examines the idea of pushing one’s terror threshold while fusing the worlds of gaming and movies.
The director of the films “Nope,” “Us,” and “Get Out,” Jordan Peele, called Kojima’s work fully immersive and disturbing.
“Jordan grew up playing video games and is now a movie director, and I grew up watching movies and making video games,” Kojima remarked.
He declared, “This collaboration is going to be really awesome.”
As Of 2024, SAP Is An Official Partner Of The Mercedes F1 Team
November 22, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Prior to 2020, SAP had a lengthy relationship with McLaren. During that time, the firm supported Mika Hakkinen’s 1998 and 1999 F1 world championship triumphs as well as Lewis Hamilton’s 2008 victory.
Additionally, the business started supporting the now-defunct Mercedes Formula E team in 2018.
The Mercedes F1 team has been a SAP customer for a while, even though they haven’t had a formal business relationship. The Brackley group will now have access to innovations through the new relationship, however they will really undergo proof testing before being made widely available.
SAP, according to Mercedes, will help increase operational effectiveness, particularly in light of the cost cap and the additional layers of complexity that the FIA financial laws have brought to the functioning of an F1 team.
In order to “explore how artificial intelligence, and cloud solutions from SAP can inform and predict decisions, optimize resources, and future-proof their IT infrastructure,” the team will employ SAP S/4HANA Cloud, private edition.
SAP’s AI capabilities will enable the team to “forecast costs, predict the final budget needs, and optimize both the supply chain and stocked items accordingly” with respect to the particular constraints posed by the cost cap.
In order to “bring together a seamless view of data and systems from various sources across the organization,” the team will also make use of SAP Build and the SAP Business Technology Platform. This will aid in getting components on the track more quickly.
Toto Wolff, the team principal, stated of the new collaboration, “We have a shared heritage and commitment to innovation and improvement which will meaningfully contribute to our on-track performance.”
“We could not think of a better partner to help us improve our efficiencies in 2024 and beyond than SAP, a global leader in its field.”
“SAP has a long history of brilliant partnerships with some of the best teams and leagues across elite level sport,” said Richard Sanders, chief commercial officer of Mercedes F1.
“We are honored to be the newest to collaborate with one of the top businesses in the globe. Their skills, experience, and assistance will be essential in helping the team operate more efficiently.
Chief marketing and solutions officer at SAP and board member Julia White emphasized that F1 was the ideal setting for the business.
“F1 is among the world’s most technologically advanced sports, where small improvements have a big impact,” the speaker stated.
Given the harsh operating environments that Formula One teams face, racing offer a worldwide stage for showcasing talent and engineering prowess. But a lot goes on behind the scenes in addition to the race day spectacle.
With the promise of operating many times quicker than existing networks, China has begun to roll out what it calls the most sophisticated internet network in the world.
According to Chinese tech firm Huawei, the network can carry data from 150 movies in a second at a speed of around 1.2 terabits, or 1,200 gigabits, per second.
These are theoretical speeds that will not soon be available in customers’ homes. However, a stronger, quicker internet connection has far-reaching effects on enterprises, including quicker information transfers, benefits for stock trading, and other consequences for national security.
This week, during a press conference, Huawei and China Mobile, in collaboration with Tsinghua University in Beijing and Cernet, an education and research network supported by the Chinese government, formally unveiled the nation’s next-generation backbone network.
A backbone network is the network infrastructure that carries internet traffic to various geographical regions and can handle large-scale data transfers from electric cars and 5G technologies.
A translated press release states that the new network connects Beijing and the south via 1,800 kilometers of optical fiber connections. It withheld information about its intentions to grow across the nation. While testing and operation began this summer, it is launching around two years ahead of schedule according to experts.
Following months of hostility between the two nations, President Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping are scheduled to meet in San Francisco on Wednesday.
According to the press release, Xi had earlier stated that the backbone network’s construction will make the nation “a cyber power” and “accelerate the promotion of core Internet technologies.”
However, unlike how it normally competes with AI, semiconductors, or wireless networking technologies, this doesn’t directly threaten the US because it applies to internet infrastructure rather than household internet speeds. On the other hand, it may provide a basis for Chinese companies that need a lot of bandwidth.
The backbone internet project is being overseen by Wu Jianping, a professor at Tsinghua University’s department of computer science and technology. According to the press release, the system—which consists of both hardware and software—was developed, manufactured, and is under independent management in China. He also referred to it as the world’s most sophisticated network.
The timing of a significant tech launch with a visit to the US has happened before. During a late summer visit by certain US diplomats, Huawei unveiled the much awaited Mate 60 Pro smartphone, which boasts a revolutionary 5G processor manufactured in China.
After extensive US attempts to limit China’s access to foreign chip technology, the US government later claimed it was looking into how the business would have the technology to create such a device. (NBC)
Cricket Sri Lanka Is Suspended By The ICC Due To Political Interference
November 10, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Sport News
Sri Lanka Cricket, according to the organization that oversees the sport, is in “serious breach” of its duties to function independently of the government.
On Friday, Sri Lanka’s membership was suspended by the International Cricket Council (ICC) effective immediately.
The ICC indicated that the reason for the indefinite suspension was political intervention. The board was requested to quit by the Sri Lankan government the day before due to allegations of corruption.
What The ICC Stated On Sri Lanka Cricket’s Ban
According to the international governing body of cricket, Sri Lanka Cricket was “in serious breach of its obligations as a member, in particular, the requirement to manage its affairs autonomously and to ensure that there is no government interference.” This determination was made.
The ICC board will determine the terms of the ban in due course, the statement stated.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 Preorders And Prices Are Announced For North America’s
November 10, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
At the Misano MotoGP circuit in Italy back in early September 2023, Aprilia formally introduced the newest RS on the block. Spy images, rumors, and hidden test mules have been circulating for months, as is customary in the motorcycle community. Most people assumed that this new machine may be dubbed the RS 440 because the RS 660 was the name of the model that was most recently presented.
In the US, It Begins At Less Than $7,000. Are Riders Going To Swarm To The Newest RS?
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Track 3
But Aprilia sets its own standards, therefore the RS 457 was created, capturing the interest of enthusiasts. It has a 35 kilowatt (about 46.9 horsepower) parallel twin engine that complies with A2 standards. 175 kilograms, or somewhat less than 386 pounds, is the stated curb weight.
In November 2023, the motorcycle industry celebrates EICMA once more. Aprilia did bring the RS 457 to the celebrations so that guests could view it in person, but this wasn’t the first time the model has been unveiled. Rather, Piaggio Group Americas decided to use this opportunity to formally reveal the color, price, and availability of the newest member of the RS family in the US and Canada.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Track 2
2024 Aprilia RS 457 Colors Available
For 2024, Aprilia will offer three color options for the RS 457:
Racing Stripes
Prismatic Dark
Opalescent Light
Cost and Availability Aprilia offers the RS 457 among its motorcycles for sale in a number of markets. Because of this, prices and availability differ by location. As of November 7, 2023, preorders are now being accepted at Aprilia dealers in the United States and Canada.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Studio – Opalescent Light – Right Side
The MSRP of the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 in the US for the Opalescent Light and Prismatic Dark hues is $6,799. The Racing Stripes colorway is only $100 more expensive, with an MSRP of $6,899. In April 2024, these motorcycles ought to appear in American dealerships. With the RS 660’s MSRP now set at $11,499, the RS 457 ought to be considerably more affordable for a larger range of riders.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Studio – Prismatic Dark – Right Side
The 2024 Aprilia RS 457 in the Opalescent Light and Prismatic Cark hues will retail for $7,799 in Canada. Alternatively, choose Racing Stripes, which has an MSRP of $7,999. Aprilia dealerships in Canada should start receiving the 2024 RS 457 sometime in June 2024.
2024 Aprilia RS 457 – Studio – Prismatic Dark – Right Side
Your best chance for the most accurate information if you’re interested in the 2024 Aprilia RS 457 but don’t reside in the US or Canada is to get in touch with your local Aprilia dealer.
If you have any queries concerning this or any other Aprilia that catches your attention, they ought to be able to assist you.
The Benelli Tornado Is Back! Benelli Introduces The 300, 400, And 500 Twin Cylinder Engines
November 10, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
After a few years of absence, Benelli appears to be more confident than ever in the medium-displacement sports bike market. Based on what we witnessed at EICMA, it’s not even the only manufacturer that feel this market is ready for a resurgence.
Its primary target market is undoubtedly youth, and it targets them with three distinct bike models rather than just one. Three vehicles with the 300, 400, and 500 twin-cylinder engine variations bear the Tornado moniker again on their bodywork.
Benelli Tornado 300
Benelli’s “small” fairing is a fun-loving, compact sports bike that is meant to appeal to riders who are considering the world of “full-fairing.” As they say in these situations, this bike is really global. The 300cc four-stroke twin-cylinder engine powers the body.
It is an advancement over the in-line twin-cylinder seen in the 302S and 302R. There is 27 Nm of torque at 9,000 rpm and 35 horsepower (26 kW) of power at 11,000 rpm. The gearbox has a chain final drive and six speeds. The frame is constructed from tubular steel lattice and has an inverted fork with 120 mm of travel and adjustable 41 mm diameter rods.
A swingarm with a 147 mm wheel travel and a preload-adjustable spring monoshock is located at the back. 110/70 tires are mounted on the front and 150/60 tires are mounted on the rear of the 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
The bike’s remarkable 14-liter tank capacity is another outstanding feature. A 260 millimeter diameter semi-floating double disc with a four-piston caliper operates the brakes on the front wheel, while a 240 millimeter diameter disc with a single-piston floating caliper operates the brakes on the back wheel. Of course, ABS is there.
Going on to the equipment, we have a full-LED headlight unit that combines a reflecting parabola and a polyellipsoidal lamp for optimal visibility under all lighting circumstances.
The 5-inch TFT color screen on the handlebar, which includes a remote control and Bluetooth connectivity to connect to a mobile phone and show incoming calls and notifications, is in charge of the instrumentation. Additionally, you can use the app to transform your bike’s dashboard into a navigator by downloading it to your phone and connecting via Wi-Fi. Additionally, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is available. Additionally, a USB connector is included with this compact sports bike. The seat is 800 mm above the ground, and the gasoline tank holds 14 gallons.
Benelli Tornado 400
The Tornado 400, like its 300 brother, is a supersport bike that is small and appropriate for younger riders, but it does more than merely raise the standard. To start with, it weighs 172 kg, which is ten kg less than the 300, and it has sophisticated components that were created especially for this bike by Benelli R&D.
Beginning with the whole new engine and continuing with an entirely new frame geometry and swingarm design. A bike with athletic lines that enhance its bold, contemporary, and captivating style.
As previously stated, the engine is still a 399 cc four-stroke twin-cylinder, but it has been particularly tuned for the Tornado 400. There is 38 Nm of torque at 8,000 rpm and 47.6 horsepower (35.0 kW) of power at 10,000 rpm.
The “superframe” engine, which has a displacement of 399 cc and a stroke ratio of 51.8 mm and a bore of 70 mm diameter, allows it to achieve above 10,000 rpm and behave like a genuine sports bike. The crankcase and engine head are fastened to steel plates, which are based on a tubular steel framework and add to the overall strength of the frame.
Additionally, there is a unique single-sided aluminum swingarm with progressive linkage and a single central shock absorber that can be adjusted for spring preload (141 mm of wheel travel), as well as an inverted fork with a diameter of 37 mm and 115 mm of travel.
The contemporary 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels are shod with 110/70 tires up front and 150/60 tires in the back. The brakes are equipped with a 240 mm diameter disc with a two-piston floating caliper at the back and a 300 mm diameter semi-floating double disc at the front with a radial master cylinder. ABS is given. There features a 14.8-liter gasoline tank and a 795-mm seat height.
In terms of equipment, the Tornado 400 is equipped with the newest model of overlapping poly-ellipsoidal twin headlights, rather than the standard full-led headlight unit.
The 5-inch TFT color screen on the handlebar, which includes a remote control and Bluetooth connectivity to connect to a mobile phone and show incoming calls and notifications, is in charge of the instrumentation.
Furthermore, you may use the dashboard of your bike as a navigator by downloading an app on your phone and connecting via Wi-Fi. Additionally, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is available. Additionally, a USB connector is included with this compact sports bike.
Benelli Tornado 500
The “biggest” of the three Tornado sisters, the 500, is the last one we discuss. Aggressive lines and small proportions are also included in this modern design, which is targeted towards the worldwide market. This bike was created entirely by R&D and the Benelli Design Center in Pesaro.
The goal was to add some originality to the style by modeling larger shapes than the other Tornados and by using a unique lighting signature, in which the position lights depict the fangs of a lion, which is the Benelli symbol. The technical foundation of the bike is the same as that of the Tornado Naked Twin 500.
Conversely, the lights are incorporated into the turn signals on the back. The 500 cc, four-stroke, liquid-cooled twin-cylinder engine powers the Tornado 500. The maximum torque is 46 Nm at 6000 rpm and the maximum power is 47.6 horsepower (35 kW) at 8500 rpm. Although the engine is “old,” it has previously undergone an upgrade to meet the Euro 5+ standard.
The frame has the same classic tubular steel trellis design as the naked bike. The fork is an inverted Marzocchi with a diameter of 41 mm, adjustable spring preload, and a hydraulic brake that can brake in both compression and extension for a maximum stroke length of 115 mm.
Conversely, the swingarm with the central shock absorber and adjustable spring preload and extension damping is located in the back. Here, the travel at the wheel is 125 mm. 120/70 tires are mounted on the front and 160/60 tires are mounted on the 17-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
A 320 mm diameter semi-floating double disc with a radial master cylinder and a four-piston radial monobloc caliper on the front wheel power the Brembo brakes. A floating caliper with a single piston and a 260 millimeter diameter disc are located at the back. ABS is the norm.
The instrumentation consists of a 5-inch TFT color screen with excellent quality. It may be used to connect and cancel calls to and from a mobile phone via Bluetooth, and knobs positioned on the handlebars facilitate this process.
You may also use the Wi-Fi connection to make your bike’s dashboard a navigation. Additionally, a tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is available. as regular USB socket and USBc. The final, crucial information is as follows: the vehicle weighs 186 kg, has a 16.5 liter gasoline tank, and has a 790 or 810 mm seat.
Honda CB1000 Hornet A Comprehensive Four-Cylinder Performance Range
November 8, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Europe once again saw the Hornet moniker returned with the 2023 CB750. It also received a lot of praise for its sleek streetfighter style, power, and agility, which was evident in its strong sales numbers. Up until August 2023, it was the best-selling naked bike in Europe.
The Hornet family has grown by adding not one, but two new members for the year 2024. The CB1000 Hornet is the leader of the trio, with the CB500 and CB750 Hornet following suit.
Equipped with the 2017 CBR1000RR Fireblade’s engine, the CB1000 Hornet has a broad range of powerful inline four-cylinder performance and nimble handling, making it an enjoyable ride in both city traffic and on winding, twisting rural roads.
Its transformational look, inspired by two words, violence and purity, was designed in Japan. The bike has a wide front but taper dramatically towards the back, which is reflected in the simple seat that matches the classic narrow waistline of the Hornet.
The two small projector-style LED headlights are the main attraction, as is the iconic fuel tank. Like the tubular rear subframe with a lattice pattern, the new frame is likewise a design feature, but it is rather darker in this instance.
It’s difficult to overlook the CB1000 Hornet because of its ability to “get miles fast,” high-quality specs, small size, and unique styling—especially for riders who already ride a medium-sized naked bike and want to step it up a level.
The following colors will be offered for the 2024 CB1000 Hornet:
Red Grand Prix
Matte Metallic Iridium Grey
White Pearl Glare
Technical Specification Highlights:
999 cm³ DOHC in-line four-cylinder engine: around 150 horsepower (over 110 kW) maximum torque and peak power of more than 100 N-m
Intake by vertical draft, exhaust by 4-2-1
TBW electronic throttle system, HSTC traction control system, assisted clutch with slip function, and three default driving modes
A brand-new steel frame with double bracing.
Showa SFF-BP inverted fork with a 41 mm diameter and adjustable compression and extension damping
Pro-Link equipped rear monoshock seen in Showa.
Front calipers with four pistons and floating discs measuring 310 mm
Front tire 120/70 ZR17; rear tire 180/55-17
A 5-inch TFT color display including the smartphone connectivity feature Honda RoadSync
Two projector-style headlights with integrated LED illumination and other LED components
September 27, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Automotive News
Enduro Veloce has replaced Lucky Explorer and is now more in line with the rest of the portfolio.
With the Lucky Explorer, MV Agusta deviated from their naming policy. We anticipated seeing an entirely different Italian horse with an entirely different name to emphasize its singularity in the lineup. The Lucky Explorer, according to a source will instead be known as the “Enduro Veloce.”
According to certification files made in Australia, MV Agusta will replace the moniker Lucky Explorer with the more traditional “Enduro Veloce.”
MV Agusta Enduro Veloce
Conventional because the brand’s 800cc sport-tourer is known as Turismo Veloce, which indicates what it is meant to do.
The new adventure bike from MV will no longer be known as the Lucky Explorer, or LXP. Instead, it will be remembered only as a humorous concept name that once captured the interest of the business world.
In addition to the renaming, several images that painted the bike red and silver, much like the Superveloce and much like MV’s other legendary motorcycles, were also included in the documents. Without a doubt, MV Agusta will introduce its new adventure bike with a color scheme that is distinctly MV Agusta: red and silver with bronze highlights.
The LXP moniker was so dropped by MV Agusta. The fact that Lucky Explorer is a sub-brand is one of the causes. As a result, the models were sold under the secondary brand rather than the primary.
The LXP may now be formally referred to as an MV Agusta thanks to the Enduro Veloce trademark, especially the 9.5 version with an MV Agusta triple cylinder at its heart. When it launches, it will be the greatest off-road MV Agusta money can buy, fitting perfectly within the portfolio.
The Italian company has so far only produced sportbikes and roadsters. But with the new Enduro Veloce, the model’s purpose is obvious from the name alone.
What does this indicate for MV Agusta, then? Timur Saradarov said in an interview that the 9.5 model will succeed. 500 Enduro Veloces will be produced in the initial batch. The first few will be first editions, and it is yet unknown whether they would include extras for early adopters.
We can also anticipate that MV Agusta will have a unique exhibit for us to see at EICMA 2024 this year, and we’ll be on the lookout for the Enduro Veloce in the lineup.
Riccardo Rossi Will Compete In Moto3 With CFMoto In 2024, And Xavi Artigas Will Remain With The Team
September 26, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Sport News
The Moto3 World Championship will mark the start of a new era in Riccardo Rossi’s career the following year. The rider will represent the CFMoto Factory Team, which will continue to be home to Xavier Artigas.
Rossi joins the Moto3 division in 2019 after competing for Gresini, BOE, and SIC58 Squadra Corse for the previous two seasons. His two third-place performances so far are his best finishes.
Artigas made his full-time debut in 2021, the same year that he also won his lone career race. The Italian has been a member of CFMoto Racing PrüstelGP since last season, following his debut with Leopard Racing.
The selection of these riders was justified, according to managing director Florian Prüstel, because “as a factory team, there will be many innovations for us next year.”
The new Pirelli tires have already been tested, but there will also be some technical improvements to the bike itself. We made the early decision to rely on the skill and riding safety of the current Moto3 riders because the race schedule is growing increasingly more international.
The German president said of Artigas, “We are still dedicated to Spaniard Xavier Artigas, and we completely believe in him and his potential.
We know he has what it takes to be at the head of the pack since he has previously taken a Moto3 class victory and several podium results. We want to give him the confidence to completely concentrate on the present season by expanding our working relationship.
Xavi is a very skilled and driven rider who, like us, has a specific objective in mind. Together, we shall put forth a lot of effort to put up our best effort on the track.
Prüstel stated: “We have been watching Riccardo Rossi for a while and now we have signed him.” with regards to expectations for Rossi.
Riccardo has already been able to establish his highlights in the field of Moto3 riders, so we are really excited to work together. We will be stronger as a team in the World Championship if he joins us as a factory rider for CFMoto, and we can advance together.
According to PCB, The Indian Government Issues Pakistani Team Visas For The World Cup
September 26, 2023 / By Zunair Tahir / Sport News
The Pakistani team’s visas were finally granted by the Indian government on Monday, allowing them to go for the neighboring nation for the World Cup after several delays, Pakistan Cricket Board spokesperson Umar Farooq Kalson revealed
Finally got a call to pick up the passports from the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, he added.
The squad will depart from Lahore for Dubai on September 27 before travelling to Hyderabad, India, for two exhibition games against New Zealand and Australia on September 29 and October 3, respectively.
After the PCB complained to the International Cricket Council (ICC) about “extraordinary delays” in the issue of Indian visas, today’s development took place a short while later.
Farooq stated, “We have written to the ICC highlighting our concerns over the unfair treatment of Pakistan and reminded them of these commitments towards the World Cup.
“It’s disappointing that the Pakistani team has to deal with uncertainty before the important competition.”
It had all come down to the final two days with the national team’s first warm-up game planned for September 29. Farooq said the board had been reminding the ICC of duties for the previous three years, but it had all come down to the last two days.
“We had to abandon our initial plan to do team-building activities in Dubai while travelling to India. We have to alter our itinerary and make new reservations, but all arrangements are contingent on the issue of visas, the representative continued.
ESPNcricinfo reports that the visa application was submitted more than a week ago.
The team’s pre-World Cup team-building activity in Dubai had been postponed due to visa issues.
Earlier, the group was supposed to fly out to Dubai on September 25 and spend two days there. On October 6, Pakistan will face the Netherlands in their inaugural game.
In order to attend the competition, fans and media had to apply for visas online through the website of the Indian High Commission.
The applicants were disappointed to see that the webpage was still unavailable. A journalist from Lahore who covers sports stated he and his colleagues sports reporters had to pay agents to fill out the online applications for them in order to avoid potential visa issues.
Visa applicants said they had been instructed to use a VPN in order to access the high commission’s website due to problems with accessibility.
Earlier, the Board of Control for Cricket in India, the country’s national cricket regulatory body, and the International Cricket Council (ICC) all complained that even media members accredited with them were having problems.
If the problem remained, the group urged the Indian High Commission to accept handwritten visa applications. The message also said that because there wasn’t much time left until the huge event started, the media should be assisted.