Technology
Activision Blizzard and Epic Games halt sales of games in Russia
Activision Blizzard is suspending new gross sales “of and in” its video games in Russia, the sport firm’s president Daniel Alegre introduced in a publicly-shared letter to staff (through Eurogamer). The transfer bars Russians from any new transactions with the corporate, which incorporates each the gross sales of its video games and in-game purchases.
The press launch doesn’t specify whether or not the ban consists of each digital and bodily video games. It does, nonetheless, spotlight a number of the contributions the corporate and its staff made to Ukraine, and in addition provides assets to employees affected by the struggle. The disaster in Ukraine comes at a delicate time in Activision Blizzard’s historical past — the corporate continues to face criticism after it was sued for allegedly fostering a poisonous office tradition final 12 months.
“We’re doing every thing attainable to help staff, and their households, who’re being straight affected by this tragedy,” Alegre says within the letter. “If you happen to or a colleague wants help, please don’t hesitate to succeed in out to your supervisor or native HR leaders. I’d additionally wish to remind you that our Worker Help Program is offered to those that want emotional help throughout this troublesome time.”
Activision Blizzard joins a rising listing of recreation corporations which have stopped doing enterprise in Russia. Microsoft, which introduced its plans to buy Activision Blizzard in January, has moved to ban “new” gross sales of its services in Russia and Belarus — a block that not solely consists of Xbox video games, but in addition merchandise related to Home windows, Workplace, Microsoft 365, and extra.
In the meantime, EA Video games eliminated Russian groups from its FIFA and NHL video games, and later minimize off all gross sales to Russia and Belarus. Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Pink has additionally taken comparable steps in barring bodily and digital gross sales to clients in each nations. Activision Blizzard notably hasn’t blocked gross sales to Belarus, Russia’s financial associate. The Verge reached out to Activision Blizzard with a request for remark however didn’t instantly hear again.
Epic is stopping commerce with Russia in our video games in response to its invasion of Ukraine. We’re not blocking entry for a similar motive different communication instruments stay on-line: the free world ought to hold all traces of dialogue open.
— Epic Video games Newsroom (@EpicNewsroom) March 5, 2022
Shortly after Activision Blizzard’s announcement, Epic Video games said that it’s “stopping commerce with Russia” in its video games, and notes that it gained’t ban Russian gamers from accessing them. It’s unclear whether or not the Fortnite developer’s ban on commerce applies to microtransactions, video games, or each.
Earlier this week, Ukrainian vice prime minister Mykhailo Federov called for Xbox and PlayStation to “briefly block” Russian and Belorussian accounts and halt their participation in esport occasions. He later asked numerous builders, together with Epic Video games, Nintendo, Rockstar, and Tencent to halt their video games in Russia.
Disclosure: Casey Wasserman is on the board of administrators for Activision Blizzard in addition to the board of administrators of Vox Media, The Verge’s mother or father firm.
Replace March fifth 5:53PM ET: Up to date so as to add that Epic Video games has additionally banned gross sales in Russia.
Correction March sixth 9:00AM ET: A earlier model of the story mistakenly referred to Mykhailo Federov because the vice prime minister of Russia, when he’s the vice prime minister of Ukraine. We remorse the error.
Technology
Using your Apple Watch to monitor blood pressure
Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential for maintaining heart health, especially for those with hypertension or concerns about high blood pressure.
With the advent of technology, checking blood pressure has become easier and more accessible, particularly through devices like the Apple Watch.
Let’s explore how to use your Apple Watch to monitor your blood pressure.
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Why monitor blood pressure at home?
Monitoring blood pressure at home allows you to track their readings over time, providing valuable insights into their health. This practice can help identify trends, manage medications and understand how lifestyle factors such as diet and stress affect blood pressure levels. Regular logs can serve as benchmarks for what is considered a healthy range for each individual.
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Can the Apple Watch measure blood pressure?
While the Apple Watch itself cannot measure blood pressure directly, it can be paired with compatible blood pressure monitors. These devices typically consist of an arm cuff and a wireless connection to the Apple Watch, allowing you to sync your readings with the Health app. This integration makes it easy to keep track of blood pressure data alongside other health metrics.
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Compatible blood pressure monitors
Several blood pressure monitors are designed to work seamlessly with the Apple Watch, offering features such as Bluetooth connectivity, data storage and integration with health apps. Check out our three recommended blood pressure monitors that work seamlessly with the Apple Watch.
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How to check blood pressure using your Apple Watch
Using a compatible device like the OMRON Platinum Blood Pressure Monitor, follow these steps:
- Open the OMRON Connect app on your Apple Watch and tap the [START] button.
- Place the OMRON Platinum cuff on your upper arm and ensure it is ready to inflate.
- Press the [START] button on your Apple Watch to begin the measurement.
- View your measurement history and set reminders through the app on your watch.
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Kurt’s key takeaways
Incorporating blood pressure monitoring into your daily routine can significantly contribute to better heart health. While the Apple Watch cannot measure blood pressure on its own, its compatibility with various monitors makes it a powerful tool for health management. By regularly checking your blood pressure and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy heart.
What strategies or tools have you found most effective in managing your blood pressure and maintaining your overall heart health? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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Technology
You can slap a Pixel Watch 2 on your wrist for just $224 right now
The Pixel Watch 3 may be the shining refinement Google’s wearable lineup needed, but the last-gen Pixel Watch 2 is still a great buy. That’s especially true when you can get it for as low as $224 ($26 off) — which is the watch’s current starting price at both Amazon and Best Buy.
Although the Pixel Watch 3 introduces a host of solid improvements — including a bigger and brighter display, a new 44mm size, AI-generated workout suggestions, and offline Google Maps — the second-gen Pixel Watch is still a looker. It only comes in one size (41mm), and the usable display area is only about 10 percent smaller than the third-gen model. It also uses the same Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear W5 Gen 1 chip, though it lacks the ultra wideband chip that lets you unlock nearby Pixel devices and select BMW vehicles.
Overall, performance between the two is similar and battery life on the 41mm models is about the same, averaging about 24 hours per charge. With the Watch 2, you’re only really missing out on the new workout features (other once-exclusive Wear OS 5 features have started to trickle down to the Watch 2), plus a screen that’s said to be twice as bright. If you don’t feel those Watch 3 traits are worth the $350 starting price, we’d still happily recommend picking up the older model.
Technology
Fox News AI Newsletter: 'Fargo' creator: 'We've got a fight on our hands'
Welcome to Fox News’ Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
– ‘Fargo’ creator warns AI is a threat, ‘we’ve got a fight on our hands’
– AI will tamp down inflation, provide greater ‘social safety net,’ Silicon Valley businessman says
– Man paralyzed in diving mishap has medical miracle a year after getting AI-powered brain implant
READY FOR BATTLE: “Fargo” series creator Noah Hawley is wary of the good and bad in artificial intelligence.
AI OPTIMISM: A prominent Silicon Valley businessman and venture capitalist believes artificial intelligence can spur deflation and create enough growth to help those whose jobs will be lost to the technology.
MEDICAL MIRACLE: A New York man who was left paralyzed after a diving accident is starting to regain movement a year after receiving an artificial intelligence-powered implant in his brain.
PUNTED: A federal judge on Wednesday blocked a California bill that outlaws AI-generated “deepfake” content and required the removal of “deceptive content” from social media.
Subscribe now to get the Fox News Artificial Intelligence Newsletter in your inbox.
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