FTC Bars Messaging App NGL From Serving Users Under Age 18

The move against the app NGL by the Federal Trade Commission was the first time the agency barred an online service from hosting minors.

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U.S. Plans Up to $1.6 Billion in Funding for Packaging Computer Chips

The proposed funding, part of the CHIPS Act, is intended to stoke chip packaging, a process that helps drive progress in semiconductors but that takes place mostly in Asia.

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Students Target Teachers in Group TikTok Attack, Shaking Their School

Seventh and eighth graders in Malvern, Pa., impersonating their teachers posted disparaging, lewd, racist and homophobic videos in the first known mass attack of its kind in the U.S.

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Openvibe combines Mastodon, Bluesky and Nostr into one social app

Ahead of these potential competitors comes Openvibe, a simple aggregator for the open social web.
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Should venture capitalists be held accountable when startups screw up?

Welcome to TechCrunch Fintech! Last week was a holiday in the United States, so news was a bit lighter than normal. But there was still fintech-related items to report, including the ongoing drama around Synapse and partner Evolve Bank, Revolut’s record year and more. To get a roundup of TechCrunch’s biggest and most important fintech […]
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Darkest Dungeon 2: console release date, game modes, and more

Darkest Dungeon 2 has been out in some shape or form since 2021, continuing the roguelike RPG franchise but it’s soon coming to consoles.
Developed and published by Red Hook Studios, Darkest Dungeon 2 is the sequel to Darkest Dungeon. The game features multiple characters, each with their unique strengths and abilities that can help players advance. Players can emphasize certain traits by equipping these characters with specialist trinkets and combat items.
The world is navigated using a stagecoach, with the ultimate goal being reaching a mountain. An evil force has taken over the in-game world and is based at the mountain but before the player can reach it, they must explore and overcome different obstacles along the way.
Many of these are centered around turn-based combat, where heroes must be positioned just right to maximize the use of their skills. Some cannot be used when they are standing in the wrong spot.
With a score of 81 on game review aggregation site Metacritic (compared to the original game’s 84), the sequel has gone down pretty well among fans. What’s more, it appears that the game is already laying the groundwork for a third game, with a final call at the end of the game that Eldritch forces are still at work and could need to be bested once more.
For now though, here’s a look at when Darkest Dungeon 2 first came out and the details of the highly-anticipated wider release that’s on the way.
When is the Darkest Dungeon 2 release date?
Darkest Dungeon 2 was first released in October 2021 in its early access form for Windows. Since then, the full version of the game was released on May 8, 2023 for via both the Epic Games Store and Steam.
However, there are plans to expand availability to other consoles beyond PC in the near future.
Darkest Dungeon 2 Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation release dates
Specifically, a wider release for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S is scheduled for July 15, 2024. This will be the first time that Darkest Dungeon 2 will be available outside of PC gaming.
What is Darkest Dungeon 2: Kingdoms?
While the main story of Darkest Dungeon 2 is already available for PC gaming, a fresh update is planned for later in 2024. Titled ‘Kingdoms’, the extra content introduces a new campaign and three enemy factions, known as the Coven, the Beastmen, and the Crimson Couriers. Director Chris Bourassa told PC Gamer that the update will “blend some of the permanence and roster management of the original Darkest Dungeon with the traversal and combat of Darkest Dungeon 2”.
The update is entirely free and appears to be geared towards long-term fans of Darkest Dungeon, reintroducing specific gameplay features from the original game. While players will still travel through the in-game world as in the Confessions storyline of Darkest Dungeon 2, the main focus will reportedly be on collecting resources that can be used to upgrade heroes’ skills and bolster the defenses of inns, which act as checkpoints to progress through the game.
Heroes will still be gone for good if they die, as in the main game, but your stagecoach is still there to carry around a party of heroes to liberate the inns under siege. You can see an early look at what Kingdoms are involved in the trailer below.

Darkest Dungeon 1 vs 2
With the two Darkest Dungeon games being quite distinct from one another, they have their own unique identities. While the first game was centered around the characters and developing their skills for combat, the sequel takes the opportunity to expand the lore of the in-game world.
There are, of course, also some technical updates, with improved graphics, more complicated (and therefore versatile) combat, and a rogue-like style that offers more possibilities for replaying the game.
In some ways, Darkest Dungeon 2 took the best parts of the first game (specifically the combat and style) and improved on them. This is most keenly felt in the Kingdoms update, which brings the game closer to the first in the series.
Where to find Darkest Dungeon 2 mods
As with any popular PC game that’s been out for over a week, there are plenty of mods to help fine-tune your Darkest Dungeon experience. Some of the most popular ones on Nexus Mods are a good place to start if you haven’t already, offering the options for more trinket slots, sellable items, or equipping all skills at once.
If you want a slightly easier start in the game, there are also mods you can equip to start your game with increased space or a number of Mastery Points. This is also a popular option for people on a replay, as it means there’s less pressure to grind early on, if you can get a leg up using the Mastery Points mods.
Featured image: Red Hook Studios
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Once Human controller support explained: Is it available on launch?

Once Human brings more survival action we all know and love and this time, it’s in a full open world environment.
Since the game is on both PC and mobile but not console, controller lovers are wanting to know if they’ll be able to get stuck in with their preferred input method.
Here, we’ll explain everything we know on the Once Human controller support, hopefully providing a definitive answer on whether you’ll be able to use it or not.
Can you play Once Human with a controller?
Previously, in the Once Human betas, there was no ‘official’ controller support for the game, only via adding it as a non-Steam game and creating a workaround.
This meant that you could technically still play the game with a controller but instead of being native inputs, Steam basically emulates the key presses on keyboard in relation to the button presses on your controller.
However, with the full game launching, it appears that full controller support may have been on the cards.
This news came from the official Once Human X account which replied to a question on whether players will be able to dive in, controller in hand.
The question from user Seething Smiles was simply “Will controller support be ready at launch” which received a reply of it will be “available at the release”.

These will be available at the release.
— Once Human (@OnceHuman_) July 3, 2024

This meant that you should have be able to simply plug in and play when Once Human 1.0 dropped without having to go through any bypass systems. But, there has been a spanner thrown into the works.
Again via the Once Human X account, a reply has been posted once more stating that controller support just isn’t ready for launch due to “technical adjustments” but the “development team is actively working on changes”.

Due to technical adjustments, the release version will not support controllers and Steam Deck. Our development team is actively working on changes to bring controller support as soon as possible.
— Once Human (@OnceHuman_) July 8, 2024

This is a little disheartening for those wanting to get into the game via controller right away but we expect an update to change things pretty rapidly.
Other Once Human guides you may like

Once Human system requirements
Once Human pre-registration rewards
Once Human crossplay explained
Once Human PvP explained

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New Pepe Alternative Surges in Presale, Nearing $3 Million Despite Bearish Market

As the crypto market takes a tumble, meme coins are taking a beating. But Pepe Unchained is bucking the trend.
Its successful presale, nearing $3 million, shows investor confidence in its potential to replace the original Pepe (PEPE). Could $PEPU be the meme coin to rewrite history?
Pepe Unchained presale soars despite meme coin slump
Pepe Unchained has raised over $2.9 million, with approximately 3.5% left to be raised before the next price increase.
With its ticker symbol $PEPU, Pepe Unchained represents a novel approach to blockchain technology.

Developed as a layer 2 solution on the Ethereum network, $PEPU aims to cater specifically to meme coins and their unique requirements.
This initiative has caught the attention of investors and enthusiasts alike due to its pioneering concept—creating a blockchain infrastructure tailored explicitly for memes.
Central to $PEPU’s appeal is its promise of enhanced speed, security, and cost-efficiency. By leveraging a layer 2 architecture, $PEPU facilitates near-instant transactions with significantly lower fees compared to traditional Ethereum transactions.
This scalability advantage allows Pepe Unchained to handle higher transaction volumes, potentially alleviating congestion issues often faced by popular meme coins.

Power Up Notice!
Pepe is about to bring something big 🐸💪 pic.twitter.com/aBwy1zgBZM
— Pepe Unchained (@pepe_unchained) July 8, 2024

Moreover, Pepe Unchained introduces a dedicated blockchain explorer, similar to Etherscan for Ethereum or Solscan for Solana.
This tool will provide users with transparency and accessibility, allowing them to monitor transactions and explore the blockchain’s functionality—a crucial feature for a project targeting widespread adoption among meme creators and communities.”
$PEPU fuels the community with early staking and high yields
Beyond its technical prowess, Pepe Unchained is set to engage its community through innovative staking opportunities. In a move uncommon for projects at this early stage, Pepe Unchained offers a staking protocol that allows users to stake their tokens immediately upon purchase.
This feature not only incentivizes early adoption but also promises substantial rewards, with current staking yields reaching up to 651% annually—a testament to Pepe Unchained’s commitment to rewarding its supporters.

With a solid foundation and strategic branding efforts, Pepe Unchained has garnered attention from major cryptocurrency platforms and media outlets.
Featured on prominent sites like Bitcoin.com, CoinMarketCap, Cryptonews, and many more, Pepe Unchained is positioning itself as a frontrunner in the meme coin revolution.
This exposure not only enhances its credibility but also underscores its potential to achieve a significant market cap, which is crucial for hosting and nurturing a thriving ecosystem of meme coins. To take part in the $PEPU token presale, visit pepeunchained.com.
Conclusion
As the cryptocurrency market continues to expand, projects like Pepe Unchained highlight the industry’s capacity for innovation and adaptation.
By introducing a dedicated blockchain for memes, Pepe Unchained not only addresses existing challenges but also paves the way for a new era of meme coin development and adoption.
With its presale underway and enthusiastic community support, $PEPU appears poised to make a substantial impact in the cryptocurrency landscape.
For those interested in exploring Pepe Unchained further, including audits, the whitepaper, and the latest updates, visit their official website.
With its bold vision and robust execution, Pepe Unchained stands ready to usher in a new golden age for meme coins—one where Pepe reigns supreme in its blockchain kingdom.
If you’re interested in the absolute best initial coin offerings (ICOs) of 2024, explore our comprehensive guide featuring the most promising options.
Related

Top Meme Coins to Watch During a Bear Market – dogwifhat, PlayDoge, and Pepe Unchained
Pepe Unchained Presale Raises Over $2 Million Despite Market Slump – Could This Be the Next 10x Crypto?

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Rennsport – everything we know about the new Unreal Engine 5 sim racer – release date, how to play the beta, free cars and more

The hardcore sim racing genre has been the stomping grounds of Assetto Corsa, Project Cars (up to PC2, not counting PC3 as that would be heresy), iRacing, and rFactor2. Seeming being polished in the background for what seems like an age is Rennsport the photo-realistic racing simulation, which has suddenly shot through a closed beta and is set to hit the Epic Game Store tomorrow (10th July) in Open Beta and will be free for everybody to try out.
Rennsport has had a bit of controversy around some of its technology of late, even so far as one of its rivals calling it out for using its technology without permission. Exciting times, this is just like real motor racing with everybody accusing each other of dirty tricks.
Regardless, Rennsport will be downloadable and playable and the devs – German studio Competition Company and Polish Studio Teyron have just come forward to explain how monetization is going to work in the game they have been slaving over. So let’s compartmentalize what we know at this stage

When is Rennsport coming out?
Although there is no date for a full release, the Open Beta can be played from July 10th by downloading it from the Epic Game Store and creating a Rennsport account. This open beta will form the final stages of testing before the game goes into Early Access and gets a Steam release alongside the Epic one.
What have the Rennsport developers said?
In a new blog post, the devs have highlighted their vision for the game as it heads toward Early Access saying:
“As we plan to run Rennsport for many years, our intention is to provide our drivers with a fully free-to-play experience. We want to bring Rennsport and the thrill of racing to everyone without any upfront costs. You can get in and start racing right away without spending money.
Importantly, most tracks will be free. That said, we will introduce some premium tracks for purchase from time to time. We want everyone to experience the best racing environments, but creating top-notch tracks takes a lot of time and resources. So, by offering premium tracks, we can make sure we keep delivering the best content for you.
Cars are a similar story. All our cars are licensed and based on real life data we get from our OEM partners. You’ll still be able to get a free GT3 with your account, and we’ll have rotating free to drive cars, but we will also offer you the option to purchase cars and record your very own history on them.”
Rennsport feature list from the horse’s mouth
It is the photo-realistic racing simulation offering the highest forms of multiplayer competition. It is where gamers, drivers, pro athletes, modders, and car enthusiasts come together to drive, live, and share their passion for racing and special cars.
Race the most competitive cars in the world on real-life motorsport tracks, laser-scanned with immense detail, and get a taste of the extraordinary places waiting to be explored. Build your legacy with your own collection of unique cars, custom tracks, and much more.
RENNSPORT is car culture designed for the future and it will evolve together with the community for years to come, on the racetrack and beyond… Together, we strive to push the boundaries of tomorrow.
We will be covering Rennsport extensively over the coming weeks starting with the Open Beta, so make sure you check back.
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How Do I Convert a Picture to PDF Notes?

Taking notes has evolved beyond traditional pen and paper. With the upsurge of smartphones and digital gadgets, capturing information in various formats has become commonplace. One popular method is converting pictures to PDF notes, which offers convenience, accessibility, and organization. 
Whether digitizing handwritten notes, saving diagrams, or archiving important documents, converting JPG to PDF online provides a versatile solution for storing and sharing information. 
This article explores converting pictures to PDF notes and the tools and techniques to streamline this workflow, enabling you to effortlessly create comprehensive and portable digital notes.
Online Image to PDF Converter
Converting a picture to PDF format can be done using various methods. One convenient option is utilizing an online JPG to PDF converter. These web-based tools allow you to upload JPEG, PNG, or other image files and convert them into PDF documents quickly and easily. With a few clicks, you can select the images you want to convert, adjust settings such as page orientation and size, and download the resulting PDF file to your device. Additionally, many online converters offer batch processing capabilities, letting you convert multiple images into a single PDF document efficiently.
Desktop Software for Image-to-PDF Conversion
For users who prefer offline solutions or who require advanced features, desktop software provides a robust alternative for converting images to PDF format. Numerous software applications specialize in document conversion, offering various features such as batch processing, Optical Character Recognition capabilities, and customization options for output PDF files. These applications typically provide a user-friendly interface where you can easily drag and drop images, adjust settings, and initiate conversion. Moreover, desktop software often allows for greater control over PDF documents’ output quality and formatting, enabling users to tailor the outcomes to their specific requirements.
Mobile Apps for On-the-Go Conversion
Mobile devices are ubiquitous and having the ability to convert JPG to PDF notes on the go is highly beneficial. Many mobile applications are obtainable for iOS and Android gadgets, specializing in image-to-PDF conversion. These apps offer intuitive interfaces optimized for touchscreen interaction, allowing users to capture images using their camera or import existing photos from the gallery. With cropping, resizing, and annotation tools, mobile apps enable users to customize their PDF notes directly within the app before saving or sharing them. Additionally, cloud integration features allow for seamless synchronization across multiple devices, ensuring that your digital notes are always accessible whenever and wherever you need them.
Steps to Convert Pictures to PDF Notes
Choose a Conversion Platform: Decide whether you prefer an online service, desktop software, or a mobile app based on your needs and the features you require.
Prepare the Images: Ensure the pictures are of high quality—clear, well-lit, and free from distortions. This step is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the information when converted to PDF.
Upload or Import Images: For online converters, upload your images directly to the platform. If using desktop software or a mobile app, import the pictures from your device.
Adjust Settings: Set your preferences for the PDF output, such as page orientation, size, and resolution. This customization is vital for ensuring the documents meet your requirements.
Convert and Download: Initiate the conversion process. Once complete, download the PDF file to your device or save it directly if using a mobile app.
Organize and Annotate: Group related images and add annotations, captions, or titles for clarity and better organization of your PDF notes.
Backup and Sync: Regularly backup your PDF files to avoid data loss. Utilize cloud storage for syncing across devices, ensuring access to your notes from anywhere.
In conclusion, converting JPG to PDF notes offers a convenient and versatile solution for capturing, storing, and sharing information in a digital format. Whether you prefer online converters for quick and easy conversion, desktop software for advanced features and customization options, or mobile apps for on-the-go convenience, various tools suit your needs. By following best practices and leveraging the capabilities of these tools, you can create comprehensive and portable digital notes that enhance productivity and organization in both personal and professional contexts.
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