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Games Tech

Orange Pi Neo: The Upcoming Handheld Console Comes Equipped With Manjaro Linux

Credit: neo.manjaro.org

Who said that Linux distributions weren’t made for gaming? Many of the popular Linux operating systems out there have managed to demolish that myth in recent years, and Manjaro is one of them. You can easily run many of your favorite games on various Linux distributions due to programs such as Lutris or Proton.

Orange Pi Neo is the designation of a new handheld console for gamers that’s being built by the Manjaro Linux team in partnership with the Orange Pi hardware vendor. We’ve seen instances of the Orange Pi Neo gaming machine during the FOSDEM 2024 event.

Orange Pi Neo will be featuring Manjaro Linux

The forthcoming Orange Pi Neo handheld console will run on the Manjaro Linux distribution, and perhaps nobody could possibly complain about that. The guys from the Manjaro Linux team posted a few photos on the X platform.

The rest of the specs for the Orange Pi Neo handheld console don’t look bad at all, as they clearly indicate a solid product for hardcore gamers.

Orange Pi Neo specifications

The Orange Pi Neo handheld console is a true powerhouse of portable gaming. The machine is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840U processor and it features a 7-inch FHD+ display that boasts a resolution of 1920 x 1200 that offers vivid visuals with a 16:10 aspect ratio and a refresh rate of 120Hz. If you buy the console, you can even choose between 16GB or 32GB of lightning-fast LPDDR5 RAM memory, running at 7500MHz in dual channel configuration and paired with a generous storage capacity that ranges from 512GB to 2TB PCIe® 4.0 NVMe™ M.2 SSD.

The console was built with portability in mind, as it measures 259mm107mm19.9mm and houses a 50WHrs 3-cell Li-polymer battery, providing extensive gaming sessions while you’re on the go. As for the connectivity options, the console also stands well by including 2x USB 4.0 Type-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a TF card slot, catering to various peripherals and expansion needs.

The rich audio experience delivered by dual 1W panoramic speakers is also worth mentioning, while the innovative cooling system, comprising a turbo large fan, dual copper pipes, as well as aluminum alloy cooling fans, and custom air ducts, ensures enough heat dissipation even during intense gaming sessions. With Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity, dual trackpads, dual 6-axis gyroscopes, and dual thumbsticks adorned with RGB lighting, the Orange Pi Neo handheld console redefines portable gaming with uncompromised performance and immersive features.

Gaming consoles running on Android or Windows don’t represent anything unusual, but it’s sure great to see that Linux distributions are getting more love. Recently, Microsoft even made an announcement that managed to piss off a lot of users: the Redmond-based giant will halt support for Windows 10 in 2025, similarly to how the company did in the case of Windows 7. This means that users will have to either upgrade to Windows 11 or the forthcoming Windows 12, or look for alternatives that don’t have the Microsoft logo on them. In other words, migrating to Linux distributions is an option that more and more Windows users consider, and for good reasons. Windows 11 still has its flaws, as it doesn’t seem to be a stable and reliable operating system.

It will be interesting to see how the Orange Pi Neo handheld console will compete against the Nintendo Switch device, but we’ll soon find out the answer to that dilemma.

 

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Tech

Mach Speed Marvels: Exploring the World’s Fastest Jet Planes

Photo by Jonathan Saleh on Unsplash

If someone had dared to claim back in the nineteenth century that it is possible for a machine heavier than air to fly, that would have been considered an insane idea or even blasphemy. But since Orville and Wilbur Wright, two American brothers from Dayton (Ohio) invented the very first successful powered airplane, it became clear that humanity is capable of much more wonderful stuff than anybody would have dared to dream.

As for nowadays, there are lots of jet planes out there that are capable of fabulous velocities. Their inventors clearly pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the skies, which is why we need to check out a little list of some of the fastest jet planes out there:

North American X-15 (Mach 6.72):

 

X-15 is the fastest manned aircraft that was ever built by the human mind. This rocket-powered aircraft is capable of an astonishing speed record of Mach 6.72, meaning 4,520 miles per hour. The record was set during a flight in 1967, as the aircraft paved the way for future hypersonic research.

Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (Mach 3.3):

The SR-71 Blackbird remains an icon of the espionage from the Cold War era. This aircraft was designed for high-speed and high-altitude reconnaissance, and it could cruise at speeds higher than Mach 3.3 (2,193 miles per hour). This aircraft is capable of flying from New York to London in less than two hours, which is absolutely mind-boggling!

Lockheed YF-12 (Mach 3.35):

The Lockheed YF-12 was developed as a high-speed interceptor, as it was an experimental aircraft related to the SR-71 Blackbird, as you might have already guessed. YF-12 is capable of reaching speeds of Mach 3.35, or, to be more precise, 2,275 miles per hour during test flights.

MiG-25 Foxbat (Mach 2.83):

The MiG-25 Foxbat is a Soviet interceptor, and it was designed to counter high-speed threats. Being able to reach a top speed of Mach 2.83 (meaning 1,929 miles per hour), the Foxbat became rapidly renowned for its insane speed and altitude capabilities during the Cold War.

North American XB-70 Valkyrie (Mach 3.1):

The XB-70 Valkyrie is a testament to 1960s aeronautical innovation, as it was a prototype strategic bomber capable of reaching speeds up to  Mach 3.1 (2,056 miles per hour). However, it’s important to mention that the Valkyrie never entered full protection, but even so, it remains an indelible mark on aviation history due to its speed and design.

Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor (Mach 2.25):

The F-22 Raptor represents a fifth-generation fighter jet, and it’s known for its speed and agility. This jet plane is capable of speeds up to Mach 2.25, meaning 1,500 miles per hour. The F-22 Raptor gains air superiority by combining stealth and speed.

Bell X-2 Starbuster (Mach 3.196):

The X-2 Starbuster was a rocket-powered research aircraft that broke speed records back in the 1950s. This beauty was capable of a maximum speed of Mach 3.196, meaning 2,094 miles per hour before it was retired. Even so, it contributed valuable data to the understanding of high-speed flight.

Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker (Mach 2.35):

The Su-27 Flanker is a Russian superiority fighter, and it’s celebrated for its speed and maneuverability. It can reach a top speed of Mach 2.35, meaning 1,550 miles per hour. This jet plane has been a stalwart of the Russian Air Force since it was introduced.

Believe it or not, humanity wants even greater speeds than what the jet planes mentioned in this article are capable of. That’s precisely what will determine advancements in the field of aeronautics.

 

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News Tech

2023’s Top 5 NBA Streaming Services: Your Gateway to Live Basketball Action

If you’re an NBA fan looking to catch all the live action this season, you’re in luck. 2023 brings a lineup of streaming services that are game changers. Here, we highlight five key players in the NBA streaming arena. And for an even deeper dive into the world of NBA streaming, including insights on Reddit’s NBA streams, make sure to check out the features on Digital-Overload, where they’ve got you covered with all the insider details.

1. DIRECTV STREAM: The All-Encompassing Choice

  • Extensive Coverage: Offering ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV for national games and various regional networks, DIRECTV STREAM caters to all your NBA needs.
  • Why Pick DIRECTV STREAM?: It’s perfect for those seeking a blend of national and regional NBA broadcasts​​.

2. FuboTV: The Sports Fanatic’s Dream

  • Diverse Sports Content: FuboTV provides ABC, ESPN, and NBA TV for national games, along with a range of regional sports networks.
  • Top Feature: Known for its sports diversity, it’s ideal for fans who crave a broad sports viewing experience​​.
  • Additional Note: Recognized for its extensive range of sports options, fuboTV is a frontrunner for sports enthusiasts​​.

3. Sling TV: Affordable and Versatile

  • Cost-Effective Streaming: Sling TV is your go-to for budget-friendly NBA action, offering ABC, ESPN, and TNT.
  • Best Suited For: Average sports fans seeking an economical yet comprehensive NBA viewing option​​​​.

4. Hulu + Live TV: Entertainment and Sports Combined

  • A Complete Package: With ESPN, NBA TV, and additional entertainment options like ESPN+ and Disney+, Hulu + Live TV is great for the whole family.
  • Why Hulu + Live TV?: It blends sports with entertainment, catering to a wide audience​​.

5. YouTube TV: Tailored for the Modern Sports Fan

  • Focused Sports Coverage: It offers NFL Network and NBA TV, making it a cost-effective choice for dedicated sports followers.
  • Ideal Choice For: Those seeking a comprehensive, budget-friendly national sports package​​.

6. ESPN+: For the Dedicated Basketball Aficionado

  • Exclusive NBA Content: ESPN+ provides a unique perspective on the NBA, perfect for die-hard fans looking for in-depth coverage.
  • Why ESPN+?: It’s the go-to for exclusive NBA analysis, documentaries, and more, adding depth to your NBA experience​​.

Making the Right Choice

  • Your Preferences Matter: Whether it’s comprehensive coverage, budget consciousness, or a blend of sports and entertainment, there’s a service for you.
  • Regional Game Coverage: Ensure your service covers your favorite team’s regional games.
  • Take Advantage of Trials: Use trial periods to test out services and find your perfect match.

The 2023 NBA season is all about choice and quality in streaming. From comprehensive coverage to budget-friendly options, these services ensure you won’t miss a beat of the action. Dive into these top picks and gear up for an exhilarating season of NBA basketball, streamed right into your home!

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Tech

Is Windows 7 Microsoft’s Best Operating System Ever?

Photo by Itadaki on Unsplash

Windows 7 is now 14 years old, and it stopped receiving technical support from Microsoft in January 2020. But even so, many companies out there still prefer running Windows 7 on their computer, not to mention that there are numerous folks who still prefer to cling to the good ol’ operating system.

Despite its venerable age, Windows 7 is still preferred by many today, and at least for its time, it was considered Microsoft’s best operating system ever released. But why would someone consider that about such an old and apparently obsolete operating system? Let’s find out:

“It just works”

Some sources claim that Steve Jobs once said about Windows 7 that “it just works.” Whether it’s true or not, it represents the essence of what could be said best about the 14-year-old operating system. It’s stable and mature, and that’s all you can want if you don’t care about some little tech gimmicks that are present on Windows 10 or 11.

Although Windows 7 was built upon the foundation of Windows Vista, it addressed many of its predecessor’s problems. Windows 7 rapidly gained a reputation for reliability and stability, providing a smoother experience than ever for the users.

Performance efficiency

Windows 7 was built in a way that was more efficient with the resources compared to its predecessor, Windows Vista. At its release, Windows 7 was able to run well on multiple hardware configurations. Pretty much any computer that can go online can run Windows 7 nowadays, although we need to keep in mind that many of the new laptops and desktop PCs on the market have a built-in restriction in case you want to install Windows versions older than Windows 10. But there should be a way to overcome that restriction somehow.

Longevity

Longevity is a very important aspect of an operating system if we want to assess how efficient it is. The mainstream support for Windows 7 ended in 2015, while extended support continued until January 2020. Microsoft understood that Windows 7 had a huge fanbase, which determined them to offer extended support, allowing users and businesses to rely on the operating system for an extended period of time without the pressure of opting for an upgrade.

User-friendly interface

This part might be subjective, but very few people could possibly deny that Windows 7 has a friendly interface. The corners and the margins had a very pleasant and smooth appearance, appearing transparent with a shade of light blue for the default colors. For Windows 7, Microsoft refined the Windows Aero visual style and introduced the Superbar, which is now known as the taskbar. Features such as Snap and Aero Peek also contributed to the friendly interface of Windows 7.

Windows 7 users also had the possibility to change the theme into a more modern or even retro one if that’s what they wanted, which is always a nice feature for any operating system out there.

Ultimately, saying for sure which Windows version is the best can be purely subjective, but nobody can deny that Windows 7 offered some amazing advantages for its time. It is still preferred today by some netizens to the detriment of Windows 11 or Windows 10, believe it or not.

 

Categories
Tech

Top Reasons to Buy an iPhone

Photo by Tron Le on Unsplash

Many people consider iPhones too expensive for what they have to offer, but we all know how the world works: people say a lot of things that are not necessarily true. About 1.5 billion of the world’s population represents active iPhone users, and that number will probably even go up in the near future.

Let’s say you think about buying an iPhone while you’re still not absolutely sure that it’s what you need and want. You can’t buy an iPhone or any other gadget just because your friend has one, as you’re an educated and rational person who seeks objective arguments above anything else. Or at least that’s how it should be. Either way, let’s see what the most important reasons you can have for buying an iPhone, whether it’s one of the old models or a high-end device (iPhone 15, iPhone 14, iPhone SE, etc.):

Both the software and hardware parts are built by the same company

One very important difference between iPhones and Android devices is that in the case of the first gadgets, the same company is responsible for creating both the software and the hardware part. Apple has created and maintains the iOS operating system, while the same Cupertino-based giant is also responsible for creating the iPhones themselves. Before asking, “so what?,” you must be aware that any device will work much better if the operating system cooperates efficiently with its hardware area. That’s certainly the case for iPhones, which is why so many people prefer using them.

Camera quality

iPhones are usually renowned for their great camera quality, and let’s face it: taking photos and recording videos are among the main reasons why people buy smartphones nowadays! Apple is known for investing a lot in advanced camera technology, computational photography, and software enhancements. As a result, those iPhones will be capable of impressive photo and video capabilities.

You can convince people that you are a rich person

If you want to make others believe that you’re filthy rich, as you can’t seem to think about any other way of impressing your crush, you could consider buying an iPhone. You can even make some extra financial efforts, such as eating less for several months in a row in order to save the amount of money that you need. A new high-end iPhone is usually priced at around $1,000, which means that you definitely need to make some effort to make that kind of money. But as long as others will believe that you’re a rich person, if and only if you truly want that, what else could matter more?

Wide range of accessories

iPhones can also benefit from a wide range of compatible accessories, such as chargers, cases, smart devices such as Apple Watch smartwatches, and more. In other words, iPhones will open the door for you to a diverse and generous ecosystem.

Customer Support

We all have our moments when we need to reach customer support and demand answers, even if it’s about something that we can fix ourselves. iPhones usually offer some interesting customer support service, as those guys are always polite and willing to help out their customers. You can reach customer support through AppleCare, Apple Stores, and even online resources.

In the end, as long as you don’t reach customer support just because you forgot to charge your phone and you wonder why the device doesn’t start anymore, it shouldn’t be a problem.

There are numerous online stores that you can use to buy your next iPhone, such as eBay, Walmart, T-Mobile, the Apple Store itself, and many more.

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