Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt is scheduled to release soon and the early access for the game is already live on Steam. Thanks to the early access listing on Steam which reveals the updated system requirements of the game.

The system requirements for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt is pretty modest and does not require the latest and greatest hardware to run. So, here’s what you will need to play the game.

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt: Minimum system requirements
Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i5-7400/AMD Ryzen 1300X or better
RAM: 8GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 970/AMD Radeon RX 580 or better
DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 20GB available space

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodhunt: Recommended system requirements
Operating system: Windows 10 64-bit
Processor: Intel Core i7-8700K/AMD Ryzen 5 3600X or better
Memory: 16GB RAM
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1080 /Radeon RX Vega 64 or better
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 20 GB available space
Additional Notes: SSD strongly recommended

For those unaware, Vampire The Masquerade – Bloodhunt is a free-to-play battle royale game set in the Vampire universe. The game allows players to use supernatural abilities, weapons and more.

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As we are heading towards Apple’s hardware event that should ideally take place this month, rumours about the upcoming Apple products are rife. Now a new online report reveals the launch date of iPhone 13. According to a report by GizmoChina, Apple is expected to unveil its next generation iPhone 13 lineup on September 14. The company is also expected to launch its Apple Watch Series 7 at the same event.

The report further adds that the upcoming iPhone series will go on pre-orders from September 17 and will go on sale starting September 24. Apple is expected to unveil four new iPhones at the event with upgraded chipset, larger batteries and 5G support.

The company is expected to launch iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 13 Pro Max. All the new iPhones are said to be powered by Apple’s own A15 chipset. iPhone 13 is also rumoured to come with a 120Hz ProMotion display which could be an Always-On display.
According to rumours, the Always-On display will only show time, battery percentage and incoming notifications.

Along with the new iPhones, Apple is also expected to unveil the Apple Watch Series 7 at the event. A recent report revealed that Apple may make some design changes in the Watch Series 7.

According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the upcoming Apple Watch Series 7 is said to get a new design. Gurman revealed that the Apple Watch Series 7 will come with a flatter display and edges. The report adds that the display will be slightly bigger than the panels found on the Apple Watch Series 6. Along with the display, the smartwatch series will come with slightly bigger cases as each model is said to get a 1mm bump.

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While the new iPhones are expected to be launched this September, some rumours suggest otherwise about the other prominent Apple gadgets like the Apple Watch and the new MacBooks. As per a report by DigiTimes, these gadgets may suffer from launch delays due to the global chip shortage causing the new MacBook Pros to launch in October or November, instead of September.

The 14- and 16-inch laptops are expected to come powered with the Apple M1X chip and feature mini LED displays. As per an earlier prediction by tech analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the new MacBook Pro will come in a “flat-edged design”, something similar to what has been seen on the latest iMac, iPad Pro and iPhone 12. Apple is also set to introduce more ports to the new Pro laptop models like the HDMI port, an SD card slot and even MagSafe, claims Kuo.

As for the MacBook Air, several rumours say that the device would get the Apple M2 chip treatment and would launch next year only. Both Kuo and tipster Dylandkt earlier claimed that a completely redesigned MacBook Air model powered by the M2 chip is on track and would arrive in the first half of 2022. Reliable tipster Jon Prosser has also hinted at something similar earlier, saying that the upcoming MacBook Air would come with an M2 chip, a new design and new colour options much like those with the iMac.

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Pre-orders for Guerilla Games’ Horizon Forbidden West have gone live. The game is set for a February 18, 2022 release. You can preorder the cross-gen Digital Deluxe Edition, the Special Edition, the Collector’s Edition and the Regalla Edition.

The cross-gen Digital Deluxe Edition on PlayStation Store only and packs in the following content apart from the main game: Horizon Forbidden West (Digital) PS4 and PS5 versions, 2 special outfits (Carja Behemoth Elite and Nora Thunder Elite), 2 special weapons (Carja Behemoth Short Bow and Nora Thunder Sling), in-game resources pack including ammunition, potions, and travel packs, In-game Apex Clawstrider Machine Strike Piece, exclusive photo mode pose and face paint, digital art book, digital soundtrack, digital version of The Sunhawk, which happens to be the first Horizon Zero Dawn graphic novel.

The Special Edition of the game comes with a steel book with a physical disc copy for either PS4 or PS5. You also get the digital soundtrack (via voucher) and a mini art book.

The Collector’s Edition has limited game copies and comes with the following special goodies apart from the digital version of the game: Horizon Forbidden West (Digital) PS4 and PS5 versions, Horizon Forbidden West SteelBook Display Case, a custom sculpted Tremortusk and Aloy statue, a mini art book, 2 special outfits (Carja Behemoth Elite and Nora Thunder Elite), 2 special weapons (Carja Behemoth Short Bow and Nora Thunder Sling), in-game resources pack including ammunition, potions, and travel packs, in-game Apex Clawstrider Machine Strike Piece, exclusive Photo Mode pose and face paint, digital soundtrack and the digital version of The Sunhawk.

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Image Source: Pexels.com

Starbucks chains across the US are facing a national supply shortage that may affect the availability of certain beverages.

According to a spokeswoman for the company: “Some stores will experience outages of various items at the same times.”

The only ingredient that Starbucks has confirmed is affected by the shortages is oat milk. Oat milk has proven a popular dairy substitute, and the shortages are sure to affect lactose intolerant patronage in Starbucks stores nationwide.

According to a Business Insider report, a memo circulating within the company suggests up to 25 items have been affected by supply shortages. Among the products currently on “temporary hold” — as the memo puts it — are hazelnut syrup and green iced tea.

Coffee lovers have taken to social media to air complaints about missing ingredients in their local outlets. Some users have noted that caramel and lemonade are out of stock. Others say their favorite drinks are currently unavailable for order — likely due to key ingredients being out of stock.

Starbucks staff members have also expressed frustration dealing with customers. According to one employee, the company had underestimated the effect that reduced coronavirus restrictions would have on in-store patronage, and as a result, did not order sufficient stock to accommodate the demand of customers returning to Starbucks cafes and restaurants.

According to the spokeswoman, the company is currently in talks with its suppliers to find a solution for the shortages.

The BBC asked Starbucks about the cause of the supply shortages. In an email, the coffeehouse chain attributed the “supply chain constraints” to supply shortages of products.

Starbucks isn’t the only company affected by supply shortages. Chipotle says that wage increases and the rising costs of food have compelled a 4% rise in prices for all items across their entire menu. Chick-Fil-A has said the shortages are “industry-wide,” with the company forced to reduce its dipping sauce options.

Related Reading: Coffee Pulp Might Be the Key to Reforestation

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Microsoft announced Windows 11 earlier this year and later it released the minimum system requirements for the operating system. The system requirements for Windows 11 put a lot of people in confusion about whether their system supports it or not.

To solve that confusion, Microsoft released the PC Health Checker tool that scans system’s hardware and lets people know whether their PC meets Windows 11 system requirements or not.

However, after four days, Microsoft withdrew the software citing accuracy and level of details it offered.

The compatibility checker tool is now back. However, it’s currently only available for Windows Insider users.

If you are an Insider then simply click on this link to download the updated PC Health Checker tool and click on Check Here button.

The system that passes the check gets a message that reads ‘meets requirements’. Failed systems get ‘don’t currently meet’ message.

Don’t worry if you are not a Windows Insider member. There are several other third-party tools that offer such tests. You can download tools like WhyNotWin11 or Windows 11 Compatibility Check script. The latter is a command prompt based tool which runs a small script on your computer to check whether it supports Windows 11 or not.

To make things more simpler for you, we have also listed down the basic system requirements released by Microsoft to run Windows 11.

Processor: 64-bit architecture at 1 GHz or faster (eight-generation Intel processors or newer or AMD Ryzen 3 or better or Qualcomm Snapdragon 7c or higher)
RAM: 4 GB or more
Storage: 64 GB or more
System firmware: UEFI, Secure Boot capable
TPM: Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0
Graphics card: Directx 12 or later
WDDM 2.0 driver or newer

If your system meets these requirements it is most likely that it will support Windows 11 and will also get the free upgrade from Windows 10 to Windows 11.

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Dead Space is being remade in the Frostbite engine and developers recently gave an early look at what would be the new improvements to the game in graphics, combat physics, changes in the story, etc. Also, Isaac’s voice actor Gunner Wright has returned to lend his voice to the usually silent protagonist of the game wherever required.

The game is still in early development and the graphical overhaul is far from being finished. Still, the game’s early look makes for more details in texture, character models and better lighting.

EA Motive has added a new damage system to the original game called ‘peeling’. This comes at the top of having the original combat system which allowed the player to shoot the limbs off aliens. Now, with peeling, you will be able to peel or strip away the flesh from the alien’s skin. This effect will expose the bones and the other inner organs of the enemy after being shot upon.

There will be no microtransactions in the game. The remake will allow the player to float in zero gravity instead of having to jump between the surfaces, a deviation from the zero-G controls of the game. The remake will also allow for 360-degree movement and thrusters.

Also, the secondary characters are also set to receive more depth and it includes Nicole Brennan who Issac searches for in the game. Players will get to know more about her and in a similar way, about the other characters.

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Nvidia has released the Game Ready driver version 471.96 for GeFore GPUs that brings support for Windows 11 operating system, adds new games to GeForce Experience Optimal Settings feature, adds support for six new G-Sync compatible displays and more.

In addition to this, the driver also addresses some known issues and bug fixes. The new driver is now available to download via Nvidia’s website and GeForce Experience app.

Nvidia Game Ready driver 471.96: Update notes
Added 24 new titles to GeForce Experience’s Optimal Settings

Aliens: Fireteam Elite

Bless Unleashed

Blood of Heroes

Car Mechanic Simulator 2021

Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!

Draw & Guess

Faraday Protocol

Final Fantasy

Final Fantasy III

Ghost Hunters Corp

Golf With Your Friends

GrandChase

Humankind

King’s Bounty II

Madden NFL 22

Mini Motorways

Psychonauts 2

Quake Remastered

SAMURAI WARRIORS 5

Supraland

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles

The Walking Dead: Onslaught

Yakuza 4 Remastered

Yakuza 5 Remastered

Added support for G-Sync compatible displays

MANUFACTURER	MODEL	HDR	SIZE	LCD Type	Resolution	VRR Range
EVE Spectrum	ES07D03	Yes	27	IPS	3840×2160 (4K)	48-144Hz
Lenovo	G27Q-20	Yes	27	IPS	2560×1440 (QHD)	48-165Hz
MSI	MAG321QR	Yes	32	IPS	2560×1440 (QHD)	48-165Hz
Philips	OLED806	Yes	48	OLED	3840×2160 (4K)	48-120Hz
ViewSonic	XG250	Yes	24.5	IPS	1920×1080 (FHD)	48-240Hz
Xiaomi	O77M8-MAS	Yes	77	OLED	3840×2160 (4K)	48-120Hz

Apart from this, the driver also includes improved scaling resolution in Nvidia Image sharpening, support for CUDA 11.3 and security updates.

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Fortnite 17.50 update is rolling out today and brings some changes to the battle royal game and bug fixes, as usual. The game has added more categories to enhance the playing experience. Another addition that’s been made is the inclusion of tags for every category which explain what you can expect in that. For example, with Deathrun, you can see tags like adventure, escape and exploration.

The Featured category will show new games and experiences waiting for the player. You can also favourite a new game or experience, after which it will show in the My Library tab. The “My Library” has also got a section for the recently played games/experiences.

Some of the gameplay fixes include patching up of issues like the player spawn settings that caused them to stop working after respawning in a matchmade game, indestructible walls being crushed by passengers in a vehicle, Slurp Mushrooms not correctly applying the 10 HP when used in quick succession etc. Players can now also click outside of Color Picker UI to close without saving.

The device fixes include Mutator and Damage volumes not sending an extra signal when entering the zone in a vehicle, removal of Mutator zone’s dark shadow, no resetting of island’s visuals when adding the Skydome device to the hotbar, etc.

Fortnite recently added Will Smith’s Bad Boys skin to the game. It is one among many character skins to be added from popular pop culture figures.

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Republican efforts questioning the outcome of the 2020 presidential race have led to voting system breaches that election security experts say pose a heightened risk to future elections.

Copies of the Dominion Voting Systems software used to manage elections – from designing ballots to configuring voting machines and tallying results – were distributed at an event this month in South Dakota organized by MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, an ally of former President Donald Trump who has made unsubstantiated claims about last year’s election.

“It’s a game-changer in that the environment we have talked about existing now is a reality,” said Matt Masterson, a former top election security official in the Trump administration. “We told election officials, essentially, that you should assume this information is already out there. Now we know it is, and we don’t know what they are going to do with it.”

The software copies came from voting equipment in Mesa County, Colorado, and Antrim County, Michigan, where Trump allies had sue unsuccessfully challenging the results from last fall.

The Dominion software is used in some 30 states, including counties in California, Georgia and Michigan.

Election security pioneer Harri Hursti was at the South Dakota event and said he and other researchers in attendance were provided three separate copies of election management systems that run on the Dominion software. The data indicated they were from Antrim and Mesa counties. While it’s not clear how the copies came to be released at the event, they were posted online and made available for public download.

The release gives hackers a “practice environment” to probe for vulnerabilities they could exploit and a road map to avoid defenses, Hursti said. All the hackers would need is physical access to the systems because they are not supposed to be connected to the internet.

“The door is now wide open,” Hursti said. “The only question is, how do you sneak in the door?”

A Dominion representative declined comment, citing an investigation.

U.S. election technology is dominated by just three vendors comprising 90% of the market, meaning election officials cannot easily swap out their existing technology. Release of the software copies essentially provides a blueprint for those trying to interfere with how elections are run. They could sabotage the system, alter the ballot design or even try to change results, said election technology expert Kevin Skoglund.

“This disclosure increases both the likelihood that something happens and the impact of what would happen if it does,” he said.

The effort by Republicans to examine voting equipment began soon after the November presidential election as Trump challenged the results and blamed his loss on widespread fraud, even though there has been no evidence of it.

Judges appointed by both Democrats and Republicans, election officials of both parties and Trump’s own attorney general have dismissed the claims. A coalition of federal and state election officials called the 2020 election the “most secure” in U.S. history, and post-election audits across the country found no significant anomalies.

In Antrim County, a judge had allowed a forensic exam of voting equipment after a brief mix-up of election results led to a suit alleging fraud. It was dismissed in May. Hursti said the date on the software release matches the date of the forensic exam.

Calls seeking information from Antrim County’s clerk and the local prosecutor’s office were not immediately returned; a call to the judge’s office was referred to the county clerk. The Michigan secretary of state’s office declined comment.

In Colorado, federal, state and local authorities are investigating whether Mesa County elections staff might have provided unauthorized individuals access to their systems. The county elections clerk, Tina Peters, appeared onstage with Lindell in South Dakota and told the crowd her office was being targeted by Democrats in the state.

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold said she alerted federal election security officials of the breach and was told it was not viewed as a “significant heightening of the election risk landscape at this point.” This past week, Mesa County commissioners voted to replace voting equipment that Griswold had ordered could no longer be used.

Geoff Hale, who leads the election security effort at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, said his agency has always operated on the assumption that system vulnerabilities are known by malicious actors. Election officials are focused instead on ways they can reduce risk, such as using ballots with a paper record that can be verified by the voter and rigorous post-election audits, Hale said.

He said having Dominion’s software exposed publicly doesn’t change the agency’s guidance.

Security researcher Jack Cable said he assumes U.S. adversaries already had access to the software. He said he is more concerned the release would fan distrust among the growing number of people not inclined to believe in the security of U.S elections.

“It is a concern that people, in the pursuit of trying to show the system is insecure, are actually making it more insecure,” said Cable, who recently joined a cybersecurity firm run by former CISA Director Christopher Krebs and former Facebook security chief Alex Stamos.

Concerns over access to voting machines and software first surfaced this year in Arizona, where the Republican-controlled state Senate hired Cyber Ninjas, a firm with no previous election experience, to audit the Maricopa County election. The firm’s chief executive also had tweeted support of conspiracy theories surrounding last year’s election.

After the county’s Dominion voting systems were turned over to the firm, Arizona’s top election official determined they could never be used again and ordered the county to buy new ones.

Dominion has filed suits contesting various unfounded claims about its systems. In May, it called giving Cyber Ninjas access to its code “reckless,” given the firm’s bias, and said it would cause “irreparable damage” to election security.

Election technology and security expert Ryan Macias, in Arizona earlier this year to observe that review, was alarmed by a lack of cybersecurity protocols. There was no information about who was given access, whether those people had passed background checks or were asked to sign nondisclosure agreements.

Cyber Ninjas did not respond to an email with questions about the review and their security protocols.

Macias was not surprised to hear that copies of Antrim County’s election management system had surfaced online given the questionable motives of the various groups conducting the reviews and the central role that voting systems have played in conspiracy theories.

“This is what I anticipated would happen, and I anticipate it will happen yet again coming out of Arizona,” Macias said. “These actors have no liability and no rules of engagement.”

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