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The first time you make anything, it probably wont come out perfect, so it wasnt a huge surprise when MSIs debut gaming handheld struggled out of the gate. And thats before you consider the unorthodox choice to go with an Intel chip instead of one from AMD like practically all of its rivals. However, MSI didnt give up, and now its back with not one but two versions of its second-gen handheld, headlined by the Claw 8 AI+. Not only is it bigger than before, it has twice as many Thunderbolt 4 ports, a way bigger battery and some of the best performance weve seen from any device in this category. But more importantly, as the follow-up to a device plagued by lackluster software and unfinished drivers, it feels like the Claw got its bite back. Design and display: The desert cat With its 8-inch screen, the Claw 8 AI+ is bigger than its predecessor and a number of its rivals like the ROG Ally X, though it's still smaller than Lenovos chunky 8.8-inch Legion Go. MSI also zagged by giving it a two-toned black and sandstone chassis. Ergonomics are generally fine, but if Im nitpicking, I would prefer slightly larger grips for increased comfort. But aside from that, the handheld features a relatively straightforward mix of premium components strewn across a familiar blueprint. It has Hall Effect sensors for its joysticks and triggers along with some embedded RGB lighting, the latter of which has become sort of an unspoken requirement among portable gaming PCs these days. You also get two Thunderbolt 4 ports that support both data and charging which are especially handy if you ever plan on using this thing for productivity and a microSD card slot for expandable storage. I appreciate that unlike Lenovos handhelds, MSI included a built-in fingerprint reader that makes unlocking Windows-based devices like the Claw a lot more convenient. That said, you dont get a touchpad, though MSIs software does let you control your cursor with the joysticks, so its not a complete pain in the butt anytime you have to switch between games and apps. And finally, around back, theres a single pair of paddles. As for the display, while it's an IPS panel instead of the super-rich OLEDs on some handhelds, the Claws screen offers above-average brightness (up to 500 nits), a solid 120Hz refresh rate (with VRR) and the perfect resolution for a system this size (1,920 x 1,200). So all told, theres very little to gripe about when it comes to its visuals. Plus, thanks to some surprisingly punchy front-facing speakers, it has solid audio too. Performance and software: A low-key beast Sam Rutherford for Engadget Perhaps the biggest surprise is that after lackluster results from MSIs first attempt, the Claw 8 AI+ pumped out strong performance that was easily able to keep up with and sometimes surpass what Ive seen from its competitors. Some of that is assuredly due to more polished software and recent driver updates from Intel, but still, between its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V chip, 32GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage, the Claw produced framerates that were often 10 to 15 percent higher than what we got from the Ally X. For example, when set to its 30-watt preset, in Cyberpunk 2077 at 800p on medium settings the Claw hit 75 fps versus 65 fps for the ROG Ally X at the same TDP (thermal design power). Meanwhile, in Returnal at 800p on medium, the Claw also bested the Legion Go by reaching 56 fps compared to just 46 fps for the Lenovo. Now its important to note that MSIs midrange power for the preset on the Claw (which is what I used to get those figures in Returnal) is 17 watts instead of 15 watts like on most of its rivals, which may be MSIs attempt to skew benchmarks in its favor. But even after you account for that, the Claw still comes out ahead. Another nice thing about the Claw is that if you dont want to fiddle around with settings all the time, theres what MSI is calling its AI Engine mode, which will automatically adjust things to optimize performance or battery life depending on what you want. Its a nice option for quickly changing how much horsepower you need, though as always, youre going to need to tweak things manually for the best results. The rest of the MSI Center app feels somewhat spartan. There are sections for launching games, performing software updates, changing the RGB lighting and more. You can even install game stores like Steam directly inside the program. But aside from that, the app isnt very fancy or all that pretty to look at. All the important stuff is there though, which is what really counts since Windows 11 as a whole still feels way clunkier to use than more bespoke platforms like Valves SteamOS. Battery life: Surprisingly good Sam Rutherford for Engadget The Claw 8 AI+ features an 80Whr cell, which is one of the largest battery packs in this category and allows for prodigious longevity. In Elden Ring on medium settings, the handheld lasted just over three hours on a single charge. That aint too shabby, especially after my recent testing with the Lenovo Legion G, which only lasted for two and a half hours at best, and that was when playing a much less demanding game in Metal Slug Tactics. Wrap-up After the original bombed, a lot of companies would have simply called it quits. Sure, a lot of the first systems issues may have been caused by Intels chip and unpolished drivers more than anything MSI did (or didnt do). But with the Claw 8 AI+, MSI came back and totally redeemed itself. Not only is it a very competent gaming handheld, this cat offers a solid design, great performance and above-average battery life. Sam Rutherford for Engadget However, even though it pushes out slightly fewer frames, the $800 ROG Ally X remains a better value (especially if you can find it on sale) and its smaller screen makes it a more portable pick for people planning to game on the go. When it comes to larger competitors, Lenovos Legion Go offers similar horsepower for even less money with starting prices of $700 (or less, now that it regularly receives discounts). But if youre looking for top-notch performance from a portable PC with an assortment of premium components, the Claw 8 AI+ makes an interesting case as an upgrade pick among gaming handhelds.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/pc/msi-claw-8-ai-review-this-cat-got-its-bite-back-184526430.html?src=rss
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We knew John Mulaney was getting his own live Netflix talk show after the success of last years Everybody's in LA, but now we have more details. Mulaney dropped a trailer for the show and reconfirmed a March 12 air date. The trailer absolutely captures the anarchic spirit of last years specials, which is fitting for a guy who has said he never wanted to host a talk show. The whole thing is basically a drone shot of Mulaney in a darkened parking lot, as he complains about filming the promo. Finally, he declares that Everybodys Live is on Wednesdays live, then puts on a pair of sunglasses. Hes also calling Everybody's Live with John Mulaney the first ever celebrity sit-down talk show. Theres probably one question on the minds of anyone who watched Everybody's in LA. Will co-host Richard Kind be returning? He sure will, along with everyones favorite delivery robot Saymo. Everybody's Live with John Mulaney will run for 12 weeks, airing on Wednesdays. Its already been picked up for a second season, which will presumably air later in 2025 or early next year. As for Netflix, its been steadily building out its livestreaming infrastructure. It aired that Mike Tyson/Jake Paul fight last year, along with Mulaneys previous show. It has also aired live coverage of golf matches, awards ceremonies and will stream its own Tudum event.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/streaming/theres-an-appropriately-ridiculous-trailer-for-john-mulaneys-live-netflix-talk-show-182510750.html?src=rss
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Since the 2018 Supreme Court decision letting US states legalize gambling, related content has been hard to miss, whether it's odds tickers flashed during sports broadcasts, superstar athletes and celebrities hawking betting sites during commercial breaks or YouTube videos promising that you won't lose if you only use this gambling service. Although the first two won't change anytime soon, the latter could become scarcer, thanks to some upcoming changes Google announced on Tuesday. YouTube said it will prohibit content (URLs, embedded links, logos or spoken references) that directs viewers to unapproved gambling sites or apps. The company defines authorized services as those that meet local legal requirements (a large number, post-2018) and are certified by Google Ads or reviewed by YouTube. But even if a site or app meets those requirements, its content could still be removed if it promises guaranteed returns. Of course, if any truly did offer that, it would cease to be gambling and simply be a service handing out free money. (I believe the technical term is "horseshit.") Meanwhile, even if content does meet YouTube's requirements, it could still be age-gated for users under 18. However, one gargantuan exception the company carved out of that part is online sports betting. Another omission is the depiction of in-person gambling, which would rule out a healthy swath of Hollywood TV and movies and even some music videos or news reports. The changes will take effect on March 19. "We've strengthened our policies that prohibit content directing viewers to unapproved gambling websites or applications," YouTube spokesperson Boot Bullwinkle told CNN. "We will also begin age-restricting content that promotes online casinos." Twitch made a similar move in 2022, banning streams featuring specific types of gambling content. When the Amazon-owned platform expanded its prohibition the following year, it said views for betting-related streams were down by 75 percent. YouTube's changes aren't likely to stem the highly visible onslaught of gambling content in modern culture, which includes betting on esports (something younger users are more likely to engage in). Gambling companies and gaming trade organizations insist that legal gambling content pushes those who would be betting illegally into more regulated areas a fair point in at least some cases. On the other hand, Keith Whyte, executive director of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG), told CNN last year that his organization believes the risk of harmful gambling has risen by about 30 percent since SCOTUS and 38 states (plus Washington, DC) decided to open the floodgates. "Im in the District of Columbia right now," Whyte said. "The mayor recently cut every single penny of public funding to prevent and treat gambling problems. So right where the [American Gaming Association] and the [NCPG] is located the nations capital they abolished all public funds for problem gambling."This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/social-media/youtube-will-tighten-its-policies-on-illegal-gambling-content-180703194.html?src=rss
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