Monday, 2 August 2021

The Mandalorian season 3 may see Grogu flex even more powers

Grogu (aka Baby Yoda) is already a pretty powerful little being in the Star Wars universe. In season 1 of The Mandalorian, the doe-eyed internet sensation used telekinesis to block and redirect flames, force choke foes (and sometimes friends) and launch a storming Mudhorn across the desert floor. 

Then, in season 2, the same Force-sensitive child meditated atop the Seeing Stone, levitating surrounding stones and creating a repellent forcefield that sent Mando (Pedro Pascal) flying.

But Grogu may have even more powers up his sleeve for The Mandalorian season 3 – including one reserved for only the most powerful Jedi. 

According to recent comments made by series villain Giancarlo Esposito at GalaxyCon, Moff Gideon’s pursuit of Grogu is “for a very different reason than many people think." 

"This child has magic powers, [is] 50 years old, and can see the future,” Esposito told a young fan, “and we want everyone to know, eventually on this show, that [Grogu] could save our universe."

So, in addition to levitating, choking and shield-making, Baby Yoda can apparently see the future – which is an ability we’ve come across before in the troubled visions of Anakin and Luke Skywalker. 

Analysis: What does this mean for season 3? 

It’s fairly safe to assume, then, that Grogu will be returning for the show’s third season, despite being whisked away by Luke for Jedi training during the dramatic season 2 finale. 

We already knew Gideon was interested in Grogu because of the latter’s high midichlorian-count – which in turn led viewers to conclude that the villain’s motive lay in reproducing and wielding Grogu’s power in other beings – but it now seems the little green alien has a much higher purpose. 

The Mandalorian season 2 baby yoda

(Image credit: Disney/Lucasfilm)

If Grogu can “save [the] universe,” that means the universe must be in danger. At present, that existential danger isn’t clear in the show – the main stakes have so far come from Mando’s paternal relationship with Grogu. 

Interestingly, both Anakin and Luke were considered ‘chosen ones’ with a destiny to bring balance to the force. That sounds a lot like a destiny to save the universe, and if the parallels between Grogu and the Skywalkers continue, might the former have more in common with the dark side than we think?

We’ll have to wait until season 3 to find out – though that isn’t likely to be before 2022. A spin-off show, The Book of Boba Fett, will be arriving first, and is anticipated to arrive in December 2021.

Via GamesRadar 

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IRIS Software is buying Payplus to boost payroll software arsenal

IRIS Software Group has announced that it has acquired Payplus, a leading managed payroll services provider for businesses and educational organisations.

First launched back in 2008, with a focus on managed payroll and P11D services designed to streamline workflow and improve efficiency, Payplus is the latest addition to IRIS’s burgeoning software portfolio aimed at businesses of all shapes and sizes.

The move appears timely as figures from the Office for National Statistics indicate that employees on the payroll are increasing, with a total of 28.9 million recorded for June 2021. IRIS is has an already well-established presence in the payroll sector, with over six million of the UK’s workforce reportedly paid using the British company’s payroll software.

The purchase of Payplus comes with accreditation from the Payroll Assurance Scheme (PAS) along with an extensive knowledge of the business and educational sectors. 

IRIS stands to benefit from the in-house expertise at Payplus, particularly at a time when managing payroll is producing increased challenges. Complications caused as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns and the management of furlough payments has meant payroll has become increasingly difficult to manage effectively.

Payroll software

Elona Mortimer-Zhika, CEO of IRIS Software Group, celebrated the deal, noting, “Payplus joining the IRIS family allows us to expand our offerings for managed payroll services, delivering businesses and educational organisations a best-in-class service, getting payroll right first time, every time. The sheer complexity of payroll, especially during the pandemic, with ongoing regulatory changes around the furlough scheme, has meant businesses need the bandwidth and energy to focus on profitable growth.”

“We’ve spent the last 13 years working with businesses and educational organisations to develop managed payroll services that enable them to outsource the burden of payroll so that they can focus on more profit-focused work," added Robin Mead, MD of Payplus.

"With the incredible IRIS resources and working with the brilliant IRIS team, who are obsessed with everything payroll as we are, we’ll be able to take our services to the next level. We couldn’t be more excited about joining the IRIS family.”

“Our goal is to support our customers to work productively and remain compliant. We are delighted to bring Payplus onboard and will continue to support its growth and invest in its best-in-class services to benefit both existing and new customers.”

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Rejoice - Paint has a new look for Windows 11

In a post on Unsplash, Microsoft has unveiled a new Fluent Design focus for the Paint app, matching it with the new look of Windows 11.

Even if you use a PC once a week, there’s still a good chance that you’ve used the Paint app in one way or another throughout the years. Regardless of new features and applications that have come and gone in Windows, Paint has always been the one constant that’s been in every release since its debut in November of 1985 with Windows 1.

With Microsoft pushing a new look for Windows 11 to make it much more modern, this is now being applied to Paint, making sure that it’s also touch-friendly for fingers and drawing accessories.

What does it look like?

The new Paint app gives the impression that it’s touch-focused this time, with an aim for content creators to use the app as a Photoshop-lite alternative. The user interface looks more refined this time, getting rid of the aging Ribbon interface that’s been prevalent across previous versions of Paint and the Office suite for some time.

The new Paint app with a new look in Windows 11

(Image credit: Unsplash - Microsoft)

In a small but nice touch, the file size is also displayed toward the bottom of the app, letting you know if the size is still low enough to be uploaded to a certain site with certain file size limitations for example.

With Windows 11 reaching Beta status on the Insider channels, it looks like it’s only a matter of time before we see this new look of Paint appear in the preview builds for users very soon.

Analysis: Something old, something new

Paint has been around since Windows 1, so to see any update to the app in 2021 is very significant. Whether you remember using it during your school years or as a way of practicing your creative craft for a future career, Paint has always been around.

Windows 11 looks as though it’s Microsoft’s opportunity to look at every aspect of the operating system to see just what could be updated and refined, to justify the version numbering from 10 to 11. Paint will be a big justification for this to many users - it’s that important.

Paint has always been a simple but reliable app, and with the omission of the Ribbon interface finally disappearing in the app, it could make it even more accessible to new users who just want to draw a new Simpsons meme or a family portrait with even more ease, once Windows 11 arrives later this year.

Via Windows Latest

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Square snaps up buy now, pay later service Afterpay

Payments giant Square could be set to offer more flexible payment options after it revealed a deal to acquire Afterpay, the Australian company that specializes in buy now, pay later services.

In an update, Jack Dorsey, Square CEO highlighted how the $29bn deal would mean the companies could use the combined power of Square’s CashApp and Seller ecosystem to offer better services for merchants and consumers alike.

The purchase will further boost Square’s investment in the financial sector, and wider overall expansion, having recently also unveiled plans for a Bitcoin business unit along with recently purchasing a majority stake in streaming service Tidal.

Buy now, pay later services are proving incredibly popular with consumers thanks to the ability to spread payments for products over a period of time via installments. 

The growing appeal of the services has spawned several key players, including Klarna and Affirm alongside Afterpay. Even Apple has plans to enter the buy now, pay later marketplace and is rumoured to be working on its own Apple Pay Later service.

Buy now, pay later

The acquisition will also give Square access to over 16 million of Afterpay’s customers as well as a network of merchants that numbers almost 100,000. Square expects to complete the purchase of Afterpay during the first quarter of 2022 in a move that will see an Afterpay director added to the board of Square. 

“Square and Afterpay have a shared purpose. We built our business to make the financial system more fair, accessible, and inclusive, and Afterpay has built a trusted brand aligned with those principles,” said Dorsey. “Together, we can better connect our Cash App and Seller ecosystems to deliver even more compelling products and services for merchants and consumers, putting the power back in their hands.”

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Boxing: How to catch Lovlina Borgohain semi-final bout in Tokyo Olympics 2020 live

It has been an all-woman show as far as India is concerned in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. They have walked away with most laurels so far.

On the inaugural day of the Games, Mirabai Chanu clinched a silver in weightlifting, and on Sunday last (August 1) ace badminton star PV Sindhu triumphed in the bronze medal contest.

In between, the Assam-born boxer Lovlina Borgohain assured herself and the country a medal after she entered the semi-final of the women’s 69kg category. 

She defeated Taipei’s Nien Chin Chen in the women’s welterweight bout with a score of 4-1.

What is creditable in Lovlina's achievement is the fact she had met Chen four times before, but had never managed to defeat the Chinese Taipei's pugilist. Lovlina showed tremendous counter-attacking game to emerge victorious.

Lovlina Borgohain's semi-final bout

The semi-final 69 kg boxing bout between Lovlina Borgohain and Busenaz Surmeneli is scheduled for August 4 (Wednesday) at 11 a.m. IST.


Lovlina's bout inspired the Indian contingent

After Mirabai's silver-winning effort, India's campaign in the Tokyo Games had been patchy till Lovlina's crucial bout happened. There were disappointments especially in archery and shooting. Even in boxing much fancied names from India bit the dust.

But after the 23-year-old, a two-time World and Asian championships bronze medalist's quarter final show, there was renewed optimism in the Indian camp. PV Sindhu snapped up a bronze, while Kamalpreet Kaur stormed into the final of women's discus. And, of course, there was the adrenaline-pumping show from both Indian men and women in hockey. Both the teams have made it to the semi-finals --- a historic double.

Up against the top-seeded Turkish boxer

Lovlina had entered the quarter-finals after beating Nadine Apetz of Germany last Tuesday. She will be the third Indian boxer to win an Olympic medal after Vijender Singh (2008) and Mary Kom (2012). Both of them had bagged bronze medals. 

But Lovlina hopes to do better and is aiming for the top podium finish. Lovlina, whose twin sisters are kick-boxers too, will not have it easy in the semi-finals. She is up against top seed Busenaz Surmeneli of Turkey. The latter had bagged a gold in the welterweight category in February 2020 at the 64th Bocskai István Memorial International Boxing Tournament.

But irrespective of what happens in that bout, the loser is, in the least, assured of a bronze medal. 

In boxing (and other combat sports like wrestling and taekwondo), two bronze medals are given along with a gold and silver. That is both the losing semi-finalists get a bronze each.

Lovlina Borgohain's bout on August 4 at 11 a.m. IST

The semi-final bout between Lovlina and Surmeneli is set for August 4 (Wednesday), and according to the scheduling, the bout is at 11 a.m. IST.

The official broadcaster of the Tokyo Olympics in India is Sony Sports Network and the coverage will be live on five network channels and 4 languages. It will be available on Sony Six, Sony Ten 1, Sony Ten 2, Sony Ten 3 and Sony Ten 4 channels.

If you prefer to watch it on mobile or laptop, you can catch all the live-action on SonyLIV 一 a premium subscription is a must to watch the live-action which will cost Rs 999/year. 

Prasar Bharati’s Doordarshan will also air the Games live. Also, Jio users can enjoy free Olympics live streaming on the JioTV application.

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Marvel's What If...? first reactions: here's what the critics thought

Marvel's What If...? will be the studio's next TV series to drop on Disney Plus – and early reactions to the animated show have been largely positive.

With the social media embargo lifting over the weekend, critics – including your friends at TechRadar – have given their spoiler-free thoughts on Marvel's latest series.

Below, we've rounded up the most interesting reactions to Marvel's What If...? animated show to give you an idea of what to expect ahead of its release.

Bear in mind that journalists have only seen the first three episodes, though, and that there are no spoilers in any of their tweets, so you're safe to read them.

DiscussingFilm's editor-in-chief Jacob Fisher kicked things off by lauding What If...? as "one of the best animated shows this year" and reserved particular praise for the series' animation style and voice actor ensemble:

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Fandango journalist Erik Davis compared What If...? to iconic anthology series The Twilight Zone, calling it "weird, wild, good fun" with plenty of twists along the way:

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Deseret News' Herb Scribner hailed the show's "nods and winks to the original tales" and believes that What If...?'s strength lies into its genre storytelling:

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Reactions weren't universally positive, however. Rotten Tomatoes critic Tania Lamb said that, while What If...? offers a "crazy, trippy ride" for viewers, some of its twists and turns weren't always enjoyable:

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SlashFilm's Jacob Hall was more critical, stating that the voice cast's recordings "felt phoned in" and that the series "leans too heavily on the 'isn't this crazy?' factor":

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Finally, TechRadar's Tom Power (that's me) suggested that What If...? may be "Marvel's most interesting project in a while", citing its "superhero sandbox of infinite possibilities" as an element that could turn What If...? into a long-running Marvel property:

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Our full, spoiler-free thoughts will be available in a review for Marvel's What If...? closer to release. 

We also recently sat down with What If's chief creative team and star Jeffrey Wright to discuss the animated series in more detail, so check back in with TechRadar before August 11 to see when those articles go live.

Marvel's What If...? will launch exclusively on Disney Plus on Wednesday, August 11.

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Telegram has a raft of updates - 1,000 viewers on a video call is one of them

Just last month, Telegram rolled out its much-delayed group video call feature. And already it has come up with a raft of updates for video calling and video sharing. The biggest one is the feature to have 1,000 viewers in a group video call, even though the number of participants to the video call remains pegged at 30.

"We will keep increasing this limit until all humans on Earth can join one group call and watch us yodel in celebration (coming soon)," Telegram said in its blog post announcing the new updates.

You can now send higher resolution videos on Telegram

The slew of updates also improves the quality of video messages, allows users to capture and send higher resolution videos, and even play it in full-screen. Tapping on the video in expanded mode pauses it, when users can fast forward or rewind it.

Further, regular videos may be watched at 0.5 or 2x speed. Screen sharing is now possible with sound to all video calls, including 1-on-1 calls.

On both Android and iOS, playback speed can be switched by going to options while watching videos in full-screen. Android users can also press and hold the 2x button when playing voice or video messages to switch between 0.5x, 1x, 1.5x and 2x playback speed.

Additionally, recording with your rear camera lets users pinch to zoom in and capture things at a distance or add a dramatic effect.

The auto deletion option in Telegram

(Image credit: Telegram)

Telegram will also allow audio from the device to keep playing even while recording video messages. 

"Audio from your device will keep playing as you record so you can now sing along to your favorite songs or reply without pausing your podcast," Telegram said.

Telegram has also introduced timestamp links, where users can press and hold on a timestamp in a message to copy the link and share the moment in another chat. Tapping on the timestamp will play the video from that point.

Telegram is also moving towards auto-deleting info. "Messages in any chat can be set to erase themselves after 1 day or 1 week – and now 1 month, in case you need your chats to stick around for a full lunar cycle before disappearing," it said.

The messaging platform has added a password recovery option that doesn't rely on an email account.

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