Month: November 2022

Hello everyone and welcome back to another edition of The Rimfire Report! This ongoing series is all about the rimfire firearm world and its many different types of guns, ammunition, and shooting sports. Last week we took a closer look at the inside of the SIG Sauer P322 which I personally believe is one of the better 22LR semi-auto pistols to come out in recent memory. Today we’re taking a look at the newest factory iteration of Trailblazer Firearms’ LifeCard – this time featuring a factory-threaded barrel. A few weeks ago at Triggrcon 2022, James Reeves and I had a chance to shoot this new threaded LifeCard and while it was impressive enough on the range, it was kind of hard to hear just how effectively this particular handgun was as a suppressor host. Today we’ll be taking a look at the new life card to see what has changed about it compared to the standard Life Card, and also see what kind of rimfire mischief we can get into with this neat little firearm.
More Rimfire Report Articles @ TFB:

The Rimfire Report: Fun with the New Threaded LifeCard
The new threaded LifeCard makes its return, this time with options for both a metal framed and a polymer-framed version that comes in at about $50 less. Like previous versions, the LifeCard can have its barrel assembly swapped out with a non-threaded version. Also similar to previous versions, the life card has the same manual of arms for its operation but this time incorporates a slightly larger compartment where you can store spare ammunition.
You can fit three .22 Long Rifle or five .22 Short cartridges in here
The LifeCard in all its forms has a bunch of safety features that make it virtually impossible to detonate a live round while the pistol is folded. The pistol cannot be cocked while in the folded position and even if your fingers slip while cocking it, the firing pin cannot travel far enough to set off a round unless your finger is already on the trigger.

The barrel assembly for the threaded LifeCard lacks the same trench that other life cards do. Not that it would make any difference as the barrel end of the assembly features a shoulder where your suppressor can butt up against. A number of years back fellow writer and King of Chenanagins Nick C had his personal life card threaded so that he could suppress it.

Suppressing The LifeCard
When I saw the LifeCard announced I immediately had plans to suppress it. I even talked with Aaron of Trailblazer Firearms to see if they had any plans to offer a threaded barrel version. At the time I spoke with him, they did not.
So I had my friend mill the steel barrel sleeve shorter and thread the inside of the outer barrel. Then he made a threaded adapter out of titanium 1/2×28 – 3/8×24.
–Review: LifeCard 22 – A Folding .22LR Handgun – Nick C
The Trailblazer Firearms threaded LifeCard now features a 1/2×28 TPI threaded barrel and comes with a thread protector. The new monolithic threaded barrel also adds a little bit of extra rifling length which contributes to better bullet stability, and better clearance for the tilting barrel with or without a suppressor attached. The polymer-handled version of the threaded LifeCard costs $319 while the aluminum-framed version costs $369.

Accuracy
You could have probably guessed it just from looking at it. The LifeCard isn’t very accurate and it’s largely due to how short it is, combined with the fact that it has virtually no sights save for a small, roughly 1/4″ trench section just behind the barrel. However, as stated earlier, the trench section is obscured by the flared end of the barrel assembly and if you’re running this thing suppressed (which you should be doing) this is a moot point anyway since any suppressor is going to completely obscure any chance you have at using the trench.

However, I can safely say that the LifeCard is at least mechanically accurate at short distances. Adding a suppressor not only gives you the world’s smallest suppressor host, but also a tool with which to more accurately aim the pistol. The picture you see below is my best group of the day using my TiOn Inc Dragoon 450B suppressor, which, aside from looking completely ridiculous and silly, actually made for a great aiming assist tool. I was able to put 10 consecutive rounds into a small roughly 2″ group at five yards. Is that impressive? Not in any sense of the word but it at least gives you a small chance of hitting targets at longer distances.

Using a variety of suppressors, I started taking shots at further and further distances and was finally able to land a couple of shots on a small 8″ plate at about 20 yards a number of times, as well as an 18″ steel target at about 50 yards. Again, not that impressive as I can do that all day long with just about any other handgun with proper sights but it demonstrates the kind of fun you can have with this type of firearm.

Quiet Time is Fun Time with the Threaded Life CArd
The main reason to own one of these things, at least in my opinion, is to have fun with it. While the non-threaded LifeCard might have had a small case to make as a deep carry defensive weapon, the threaded version is honestly somewhat useless in that category unless you have a very small pillbox suppressor with wipes. In fact, the unsuppressed LifeCard is so loud that even .22 Short CB loads are loud enough to make your ears ring without hearing protection.

The addition of any suppressor is an instant improvement and will bring a smile to virtually any firearms enthusiast because of just how quiet it is. I probably spent a good hour goofing around with the tiny suppressed pistol at the range and sharing it with a couple of other range members who wandered on by and every single one of them had a smile on their face and shock in their voice regarding just how quiet it was. Even James Reeves, well known for not really caring about any type of rimfire firearm, cracked a big smile after getting a chance to shoot the threaded LifeCard.

Since the threaded LifeCard only has a 3″ barrel, even CCI Mini-Mags will not reach supersonic velocities and this means that just about any off-the-shelf rimfire ammunition you can get your hands on is fair game to use with the LifeCard and suppressor. Obviously, the CCI CB .22 Shorts were by far the quietest out of the ammunitions I tried but Federal American Eagle .22LR Suppressor, as well as CCI Quiet both, did very well in my tests. I’d rate every single one of those ammunitions hearing safe when using a suppressor.
Final Thoughts
The threaded LifeCard is a joy to shoot. I can’t really give you any other good reason to buy it than it being a really fun way to spend an afternoon with your friends while you’re at the range and want a break from all the noise but still keep shooting. The main reason I originally got into firearms as a kid and why it stuck with me until adulthood was because I found it fun and enjoyable and I think the LifeCard perfectly embodies this particular aspect of exercising our second amendment rights – it’s not practical by any means but it sure is fun.

As always, I’d like to hear your guy’s thoughts on the new threaded LifeCard from Trailblazer Firearms. Would you ever pick one of these up? Could the design be improved with the addition of suppressor height sights of some sort or would that defeat the purpose of the overall size of the compact rimfire pistol? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments and we’ll see you back here next week for another edition of The Rimfire Report!  […]

Those who carry concealed usually own a lot of holsters. This is true for many reasons. Some are looking for the perfect holster. Others regularly swap guns, so rigs must change as well. However, some of it just comes from gear-orientated people looking for more gear. If you have a gun owner in your life that is hard to buy for, these 10 gun holsters are the perfect start, all for under $60.

Add These 10 Holsters Under $60 to Your Christmas List
Regardless of what some say, there is no such thing as too much gear. Additionally, manufacturers keep improving technology, which makes gear better. This is especially true when it comes to handgun holsters. There are numerous holster makers out there just waiting to be tried. And more just keep popping up.
So, if you’re looking for the perfect gift for the gun owner in your life, or actually want to point out something you would like to receive, consider putting one of these 10 holsters under $60 on your Christmas list.

Alien Gear Cloak Belt Holster

The Alien Gear Cloak Belt Holster is an OWB but it can be easily concealed if necessary. The holster base has belt loops on the back, in either 1.5-inch or 1.75-inch width which allows the holster to ride up high and flush against the body. The holster base features edge-to-edge layers of woven ballistic nylon and spring steel for a sturdy but flexible core and is padded with Alien’s cushioning and moisture-wicking CoolVent neoprene. The combat cut gives wearers a quick and controlled grip while the sweat shield protects the slide and trigger covered. The custom-molded retention shell is adjustable for passive retention for a secure fit and draw. Shooters can dial in the retention profile with the mounting hardware, or even customize it as needed with the included Parts Pack. At $56.88, the Alien Gear Cloak Belt Holster more than makes the cut.
For more information, visit: aliengearholsters.com

Blackhawk Stache IWB Premium Holster Kit

Blackhawk’s Stache IWB holster offers a fierce blend of wearer comfort, performance, and function. This injection-molded holster can be customized for the right amount of thickness and strength depending on the needs of the wearer. The Stache is engineered with an impact-resistant, injection-molded reinforced polymer, and is available in Base and Premium configurations. The Premium configuration is ambidextrous, has an adjustable IWB magazine carrier with belt clip, and offers an accessory attachment wing for connecting the holster and magazine carrier into a single platform. The Stache is also compatible with handgun-mounted RDS optics. With all these features, it’s shocking that the Stache comes in at just $54.95.
For more information, visit: blackhawk.com
CrossBreed Mini Tuck IWB Concealed Carry Holster

Pocket pistol shooters will certainly appreciate the CrossBreed MiniTuck Concealed Carry Holster. The MiniTuck is hand-molded to fit specific firearms and features one of three premium leather backers with a molded and mounted Kydex pocket. The Mini Tuck also includes a combat cut standard on each holster. The SnapLok powder-coated steel belt clips allow shooters to adjust cant as well as ride height. Marked down from $73.95 to $59.16, this holster is a perfectly affordable Christmas gift for your favorite shooter.
For more information, visit: crossbreedholsters.com
CrossBreed Snapslide Holster

CrossBreed got its start with hybrid holsters. And the company hasn’t traveled away from its original idea. The SnapSlide is a belt-slide holster that keeps guns high and tight on the body. This provides both comfort and easy concealability. The holster carries the gun with an FBI cant for easy access. However, it is also available for guns with RMR optics in a straight cant.

Shooters can choose between hands and two colors for $54.95. Also, shooters can add a sweat guard for $3.71 more or a sweat guard with a combat cut for $8.96.
For more information, visit crossbreedholsters.com.
Clinger Comfort Cling Pocket Holster

In the world of pocket holsters, the Comfort Cling Pocket Holster is truly versatile and ideal for concealed carry. For example, not only does it easily slip into the pocket, but it also holds firmly inside the waistband. Although that may not seem like a big deal, because there are a lot of IWB holsters, this one does it without a belt clip, via friction.

Additionally, the Pocket Holster is truly ambidextrous, swapping easily from right- to left-hand. Coming in at the low price of $27.97, the Pocket Holster is the cheapest holster under $60 in our top 10 holsters.
For more information, visit clingerholsters.com.
DeSantis SOF-TUK Leather IWB Tuckable Holster

The DeSantis SOF-TUCK is an IWB/tuckable holster with an adjustable cant. The versatility of this holster allows it to be worn on one’s strong side, cross-draw, or on the small of the back. It is constructed from supple, non-slip suede and reinforced at the top with premium saddle leather to assist in re-holstering. The SOF-TUK is available for most concealed-carry handguns in right- and left-handed versions. Not only is the SOF-TUK soft on the body, it’s also soft on the wallet – MSRP is $46.99

For more information, visit: desantisholster.com
Elite Survival Systems IWB Clip-On Gun Holster

The Elite Survival Systems IWB Clip-On Gun Holster is made of rugged layered, turned-and-quilted ballistic nylon with a strong spring-steel clip that clamps on and off belts up to 2.25″ wide. The Elite Survival Systems IWB Clip-On Gun Holster was designed to fit most pistols and revolvers so shooters of all preferences can add this holster to their gear collection. This holster is also ambidextrous and the clip can be moved to change wear from appendix carry to back carry. For just $32.95, this is a perfect price-conscious stocking stuffer.
For more information, visit: elitesurvival.com

Galco Stow-N-Go IWB Holster

Galco’s Stow-N-Go IWB Holster manages to marry rugged performance with optimal comfort while maintaining affordability. This holster is made of Premium Center Cut Steerhide and fits belts up to 1 3/4″ and is designed to accommodate a wide variety of semiautomatic pistols and double-action revolvers in both left- and right-hand orientations. For added comfort and ease of use, shooters can orient the holster to accommodate strong side carry, crossdraw, or appendix carry. At $46, you get a holster that suits just about anyone.
For more information, visit: galcogunleather.com
Safariland Model 537 GLS Open Top Concealment Belt Slide Holster

Featuring an all-leather construction, the Model 537 does not have a traditional thumb break design. Instead, the leather gun holster utilizes Safariland’s GLS (Grip Locking System) for its retention. The open-top design additionally allows for quick, easy access to your pistol. When your firearm is in place, a retention screw holds it securely in place.
Although it is slightly over $60, the extra fifty cents is well within the range of keeping it on the list. We feel that the $60.50 price aligns with its robust features.
For more information, visit safariland.com.
Versacarry Zerobulk Pro (IWB/OWB) Holster

The Versacarry Zerobulk Pro Holster was made with convenience in mind thanks to its interchangeable IWB/OWB design that’s effortless to remove as necessary. For added safety, the dual-sided Water Buffalo leather trigger guard encases the trigger mechanism completely and holds to the top of the slide with industrial-strength magnets. Coming in at a mere $49.99, this slim holster is ready to be slipped into your favorite shooter’s stocking.
For more information, visit: versacarry.com Keep Reading […]

This is a review of the InfiRay Clip 1 CE2 and Jerry C C5 clip-on thermal imagers (COTI). These small wonders of technology will snap directly onto the ring of a PVS-14 night vision device. Once set and installed, you will get configurable thermal detection capabilities on top of your night vision.
InfiRay @ TFB:

Below: A PVS-14 with a clip-on thermal imager. You can see the round “mirror” germanium lens and the injection arm that goes out to the center of the analog night vision. The user will not see the arm, only the thermal image that’s displayed on the small screen.

These clip-on thermal imagers add a digital thermal “overlay” to the analog image intensified night vision, but the systems work independently of each other. The “fusion” will happen in your brain, in front of your eyes, so to speak. This will increase the user’s situational awareness, especially when there is little or no light and when there is a big difference between cold and warm objects. Below you can see an example of how it may appear, in outline thermal mode. The image below is taken close with an iPhone and it’s over-exposed as the camera has no idea what’s going on, but it’s possible to adjust the strength of the thermal overlay. An image will tell a thousand words? If it was pitch black in this room, you would not see the person at all with analog night vision only.

Below: The InfiRay Clip 1 CE2 to the left, and the JerryC C5 to the right. Most of the size difference comes from the battery compartment of the C5, but the C5 packs a much more powerful thermal sensor and a wider field of view.

Below: InfiRay Clip 1 CE2 to the right.

Below: The clip-ons are delivered in excellent protection cases, with a custom padded material. 

Below: The InfiRay Clip 1 CE2 to the left is absolutely tiny for a thermal. The battery pack is to the right. The quality is excellent.

Below: The InfiRay JerryC C5 has an internal battery compartment, but it’s also possible to use the same external battery compartment that the CE2 is using.

Clip-on thermal imagers by InfiRay. CE2 (right) offers a 384×288 thermal sensor and the C5 has 640×512. The knife is an automatic Microtech Cypher, with double serrations.

Let’s go through the two models and their main features:
InfiRay Clip 1 CE2 Clip-On Thermal Imager
The InfiRay Clip 1 CE2 features a 384×288 resolution, 12µm thermal sensor, 9,5 mm lens with a 50Hz refresh rate. It provides 20 degrees of thermal overlay (Field Of View). This model has an external battery pack (hence the “E” in the product name), which can be carried at the back of the helmet or on your body, to balance or reduce the overall weight carried on the helmet. The battery pack is said to offer 8 hours of continuous use. The user can calibrate the location of the thermal image so that it lines up with your analog night vision. I understand previous versions didn’t have this feature, but it works great on this unit. The display modes are White Hot, Highlight and Outline (aka “God Mode”).

The Clip 1 CE2 is tiny, and probably the smallest thermal device I’ve ever seen. In fact, InfiRay claims it to be the world’s lightest clip-on thermal imager for night vision devices. It weighs only 78 grams, but it’s IP67-rated and very rugged. I’ve handled a few InfiRays lately, and I think the overall “feel” and surface finish are better on Clips and Jerries. The scroll wheel and button work really well, with a good tactile feel. Just be careful with the lens, don’t damage it!
The thermal detection range is said to be around 1000 meters, and the optical zoom is 1x. I didn’t have the possibility to check if the 1000-meter claim is correct, but knowing from other thermals, the performance seems reasonable.

The external battery pack of Clip 1 CE2 takes batteries like 17335, 18500 and 18650 according to the specifications. I had issues sourcing these batteries, so I used CR123s.

And now onto the next model, which has a higher specification (and price):
InfiRay Jerry C C5 Clip-On Thermal Imager
Overall, this model is very similar in shape, feel and finish to the CE2 described above, except it has an internal battery compartment and therefore is bigger. The thermal performance is greater, with a 640×512 resolution, 12µm thermal sensor, 11,5 mm lens and 50Hz refresh rate. It provides 30.5 degrees of thermal overlay (Field Of View), about 10 degrees more than the Clip 1. Most of the time I used it with the external battery pack rather than the internal. The image quality is great.  Beware not to turn the batteries the wrong way on the C5.

The NETD value is rather high at ≤60mK, but since you’re mostly looking for a system like this to detect and discover things (where is the threat?), rather than to identify them in the first place, it works fine. NETD is like a “thermal contrast”, and a measure of how well a thermal imaging detector is able to distinguish between very small differences in thermal radiation “downrange”. The lower the value, the more fine details you’ll see (source). To compare, the best high-end commercial thermals today offer NETD values around  ≤25mK, just remember that they’re gigantic compared to these units, and at least 5-6 times more in weight.

There are two main controls on the C5, one confirmation button and one multi-function scroll wheel. A long-pressing on the confirmation button will take you to the menu. There are three display modes: full thermal, highlight and outline. You also control the gain with the scroll wheel. There’s also a “Pulse Mode”, also controllable, which will make the thermal effect come in a gentle wave on and off so that you can see the difference between any thermal signatures and the analog image.
It’s pretty cool to discover all these features. I wouldn’t say that it’s difficult to set up, but it can be a little frustrating to change settings with miniature controls. Ideally, you want to control this directly with your thoughts, but we’re not there just yet!

Below: Whoever invented this is a genius! Note the “injection” arm, giving you a thermal image on top of the NVG. I couldn’t find any information as to what kind of screen is being used, but it has to be tiny. Through the lens, you can control image calibration, background calibration and shutter calibration. There are also controls for image brightness, contrast adjustment and threshold adjustment. You can see part of the scroll wheel bottom right, with a click function.

Due to the miniature size, it can be a little tricky to configure them, and the software isn’t always logical, but you’ll get there. Note that it has to be dark for you to see the effects of the device at all. There is also an optional “viewing piece” that you can slide on if you want to configure the devices off the NVGs.
Below: The battery pack. Note the Velcro curved attachment point and high-quality contacts. All the signs of a high-quality product are there.

Below you will find various pictures from the testing and configuration.

The green helmet is an ARCH Ballistic Helmet from Protection Group Denmark. The ARCH is a high-cut helmet for ballistic protection according to NIJ IIIA, up to .44 Magnum. The weight is 1.35 kg / 2.97 lbs (size Large).

The backpack is from Snigel in Sweden, and is called “15-20L All pack“. At first, I was skeptical, but this backpack has grown on me and it’s now my favorite. It’s highly recommended.

Below: There are much better ways to arrange the cord than this, but you get the idea.

The operating temperature for these devices is between -40C to +60C. Note how Clip 1 blends in on the NVG and seems to be a natural part of everything.

System setup. The pistol is a SIG Sauer P322 22LR, Leupold DeltaPoint red dot and an A-TEC Wave Carbon suppressor from Norway. The weight of the suppressor is only 88 grams, about the same as the thermal clip-on.

What do you think about the TFB patch?

I just love the combination of all the technologies here. Lightweight composites, fabrics, carbon, woven Aramid fibers, lightweight aluminum, analog and digital thermal night vision. The best from the digital and analog worlds to protect the user and allow him or her to operate at any time of the day (or night rather).

This black helmet is an Ops-Core FAST SF High Cut Helmet System, a tactical ballistic helmet.

The Glock 45 MOS, FS (Front Serrations), TB (Threaded Barrel) in 9×19 mm. Note the Shield sight and Timney trigger. The best Glock on the market? (apart from the Glock 18, obviously). Just like the Glock has its upgrade and perks, the NVG has gone thermal…

Below: We also had the brand new InfiRay FAST FAL19 Thermal Fusion around, which is under review as well. The FAST FAL Holosight gives you a reticle with a thermal overlay that can be configured or turned off.

For a video, TFB’s Nicholas C tested the Clip 1 CE2 here:
[embedded content]
The manuals are simple and sometimes the translations may come out as a little odd. You may get stuck with some issues here and there, but with some Google-fu and common sense, you’ll get there.

Below: From left to right: Infiray JerryC C5 (640×512 sensor), InfiRay FAST FAL19 Thermal Fusion Holosight (384×288 sensor, 19 mm lens) and Infiray Clip 1 CE2 (384×288 sensor).

Prices and Availability
When you hear terms like “the world’s smallest“, “thermal” and “night vision” together, you don’t really expect the expense to do anything but take a huge chunk out of your fundings. Sorry to say, this is no exception. But the money will also buy you some of the coolest things on Earth.
The price I’ve seen for the Clip 1 C2 is $2,699 (CAN). The JerryC C5 goes for $4,199. Cold Harbour Supply in Canada has a very good website for these devices: https://coldharboursupply.com/
The Clips are also available for purchase here and here, and you can find a direct link to the Clip 1 here. (US $3,199.00 at the time of writing).
The devices are made by IRay Technology Co., Ltd., in China. There seems to be a standard 2-year warranty on these devices.

Conclusion
If you own analog night vision, this is a great way of upgrading your system for thermal fusion. In simple terms, it’s a product line that should attract a lot of TFB readers. If you don’t have anything yet, but looking at getting night vision for your helmet, and have the means to go “all in”, you should consider these InfiRay thermal upgrades as well.
What’s not to like? It’s pretty easy really: They will set your economy back a few months (or years), and they add some weight and a little bulk to your helmet. They can also run out of batteries. Given all the advantages and how cool they are, if you can afford them, I’d say go for it. This is about as much fun as you can have in the dark. […]

In the 1980s and 1990s, the arcades were the place to be. The latest games ate our quarters as we pursued ever higher scores. Those days are now sadly behind us but retro gaming has seen massive growth in the past decade. Using a Raspberry Pi, you can run a variety of emulators that allow you to play not only old-time arcade games, but also your favorite titles from tons of old consoles, including the Atari 2600, NES, Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis and Gameboy. There are a number of emulation platforms available, but RetroPie is by far the most popular and arguably the best. Up until recently, installing RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi 4 was a pain in the butt. Even though Raspberry Pi 4 came out in June 2019, RetroPie didn’t officially support it for nearly a year and there were some manual steps you needed to take to make it work. Now, not only can  you install RetroPie on a Raspberry Pi 4, but you can do it using the Raspberry Pi imager. It couldn’t be easier.In this how-to we guide you through setting up your own RetroPie setup, show how to copy ROMs (your games) to the Pi via USB and network shares, connect a controller via Bluetooth, and finally create our own custom boot splash screen. What You Need How to Install RetroPie on Raspberry Pi 4 (or earlier) 1. Open Raspberry Pi Imager on your PC and click on CHOOSE OS. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)2. Select Emulation and game OS. Raspberry Pi Imager groups operating systems by their use. For example there are sections for media players, 3D printing and general purpose OS. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)3. Select RetroPie.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)4. Select the version of RetroPie for your model (ex: RetroPie 4.6 (RPi4)).(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)5. Insert your microSD card and click on CHOOSE SD CARD.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)6. Click on WRITE to write RetroPie to the microSD card.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)7. Eject the microSD card and insert it into your Raspberry Pi 4. Plug in a controller. XBox One and Playstation 4 pads are compatible with RetroPie via Bluetooth, but require a USB connection until Bluetooth is configured.8. Power on the Raspberry Pi and wait for your controller to be detected.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)9. Configure your controller.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Note that you probably will have fewer buttons on your controller than RetroPie asks you to configure. Just hold down a button that you’ve already configured to skip past any options you don’t need.10. Press the A button on your controller to close the configurations menu and open the main menu.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Adding Games To RetroPie All the games exist as files called ROMs, which are dumps of real boards / cartridges. The easiest method to add games is to use a USB stick to transfer the files from your computer to your Raspberry Pi. But note that games from retro consoles are under copyright no matter their age. If you don’t personally own the cartridge / board and rip a copy of your own, downloading and distributing these ROMs may violate laws in your country so proceed at your own risk.1. On your computer create a folder called retropie on a FAT32 / exFAT formatted USB flash drive.2. Plug the USB flash drive into the Raspberry Pi 4 and RetroPie will create a folder structure inside the retropie folder on the stick.3. Remove the flash drive and insert it into your computer. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)4. Copy your games to the correct system / console folder in retropie/roms/. For example, put atari 2600 games in the /atari2600 folder.5. Eject the flash drive from your computer and place it back into a USB port of the Raspberry Pi 4. The time that this will take depends on how many games are transferred over. This could take minutes for a few games, or hours if transferring a large amount.6. When complete, remove the USB flash drive and press START and from the menu select Restart Emulationstation / Restart System. The games list will now update and show the available computers / consoles for which there are now games.Adding Games via SMB (Samba) Adding games via a network share is a convenient and laughably simple task thanks to RetroPie automatically configuring an SMB (Samba) share. ROM transfer times will vary greatly depending on your connection (Ethernet being the preference) and the amount of ROMs and their size.1. On your Windows machine, open the file manager.2. In the address bar type in the following address and press Enter.//RETROPIE(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)3. Copy your ROMs into the relevant system via the roms folder. The RetroPie network share has four folders, bios, configs, roms and splash screens. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Please keep in mind that, when it comes to playing retro arcade games from actual arcade machines, not all ROMs are compatible with all emulators. Retropie can run with ten different versions of MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator), the most popular arcade emulator, and some ROMs will run on some versions of MAME and others will work on others. RetroPie maintains a handy chart, but if your arcade games don’t load in one MAME, try another. Adding Bluetooth ControllersSitting back and relaxing while we game used to mean a tangle of wires. But with Bluetooth you can easily connect our favorite games controller and play in comfort. RetroPie has an easy to follow wizard that steps you through the process.1. Select the RetroPie menu.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)2. Scroll down and select Bluetooth.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)3. In the new menu select Pair and Connect Bluetooth Device. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)4. Select your device from the list. Devices are listed by their Bluetooth MAC address, which is typically printed on your controller.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)5. Validate the connection using a security mode. This will confirm that your Raspberry Pi is connected to the correct controller. If the first security mode does not work, try the next in line.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)6. Select Configure bluetooth connect mode. This will set up how Bluetooth connects to our controller.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)7. Set the connection to happen at boot. This forces RetroPie to connect to our controller as soon as the system is ready.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)The controller is now connected and ready for use with RetroPie. Note that some emulators may require additional tweaks for specific layouts.Most Bluetooth controllers will work straight away, but some, such as those from 8bitdo, require additional steps to get working.Adding a Splash Screen(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)The default RetroPie splash screen, the screen that appears when the Raspberry Pi is powered up, is perfectly fine, but what if you could add our own? Well, you can. RetroPie has a simple menu where you can add your own images for use at startup.1. Select the RetroPie menu.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)2. Select Splash Screens.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)3. Select Choose splashscreen.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)4. Select Own / Extra Splashscreens. This will produce an error as the folder does not yet exist. By doing this we create the folder where the images can be stored.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)5. On your Windows PC, open the SMB share \RETROPIEsplashscreens and copy the image that you wish to use. We used a 1920 x 1080p PNG of the Tom’s Hardware logo.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)6. Repeat steps 1 to 4. You will see the image that was copied to the folder. Select the image.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)7. Reboot the Raspberry Pi and your new splash screen will be displayed.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Today’s best Raspberry Pi 4 deals (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) […]

Everyone loves a good stocking stuffer during the holidays, but finding the perfect item to add to your gift giving can be challenging. A stocking stuff has be small is size but thoughtful in execution. It can’t be too expensive, but shouldn’t be too cheap, either. The best stocking stuffers are things your friends and family would love but wouldn’t necessarily buy for themselves.
With the holiday season just beginning, we thought it would be a right time to drop a list of our favorite stocking stuffers for 2022. From games to electronics to clothes, you are sure to find something good for your favorite people on this list.

Drake has been arguably the most popular figure in hip-hop for the past decade, and now with his new Nike line NOCTA he is venturing into the fashion industry. These socks are perfect for you if you want to show off your support as a Drake fan while working out or if you want to remind the people around you about that one person that got away without blasting his music.

It’s the holiday season so naturally we spend time with our friends and family and throw the pigskin around, but then it evolves into a full blown game of football. The problem is we all have that one family member that never admits they are down in two-hand touch. The SKLZ flag football set solves that problem with flags that mark when a person is down. This set not only includes flags, but also comes with cones to mark each end zone so now you don’t have to use those random trees that aren’t even parallel to each other.

Winter has come and that means the baseball season is over. While basketball, football, and hockey are in season, there is nothing quite like the experience and smell of a baseball game. With the Homesick Stadium Candle you can immerse yourself back into six stadium’s around the country: Dodger Stadium, Yankee Stadium, Oracle Park, Fenway Park, Wrigley Field, and Busch Stadium. Now the constant smell of hot dogs, beer, and popcorn will fill your space and help bring you back to your happy place.

From our sponsor, this Gx bottle delivers a unique hydration experience for every athlete. The flip cap design and high-flow valve allow you to choose a formula pod, add to water, and drink without worrying about leaks or spills. Featuring a variety of colors and patterns — and even bottles designed by your favorite athletes — there is a design for everyone! Only customizable on Gatorade.

Tennis balls are a great gift because they are so versatile. You can use them to play catch, play fetch with your dog, or put them on the bottom of a walker. Now you may be asking why you would get these instead of the standard green tennis balls. Well, these tennis balls are very different from your normal ones. The first thing is that instead of being green they are white with really cool designs! Also, 15 percent of the core of the ball is made from recycled rubber which increases its durability for playing, and the tube and lid are developed to reduce plastics. This helps you not only preserve your tennis balls, but also the planet.

The Bucket Bag by Le Court is a 100 percent handmade tote with authentic basketball nylon netting. It’s also a wonderful conversation starter. This gift is the perfect bag to carry larger items, such as your basketball, clothes, or even a laptop helping you show off your passions while making a fashion statement. Not only can it be used as a tote bag, but you can use it to display pieces in your home by hanging it on your wall to showcase various things such as flowers, sneakers, or even books.

The Tabletop Bowling Set is the perfect mini game for the whole family. Not only can this be used at home, but the bowling set is small enough that you can bring it into the office and keep it on your desk. Now you can stop settling arguments with rock, paper, scissors when you and your cubicle partner have some down-time.

Everyone knows of Michael Jordan’s iconic free throw line dunk from the 1988 dunk contest, and now you can have it in funko pop form with Jordan donning his bright red Chicago Bulls jersey. This is the perfect item to display if you want to show your support for the greatest basketball player of all-time, or if you’re an undercover LeBron James stan just want to impress your boss or someone else who thinks MJ is the GOAT.

Arthur Ashe is one of the most iconic figures in tennis history. He was a three-time Grand Slam champion and the first Black player to win a men’s major singles championship. He was also an icon off the court, helping bring awareness to various social causes and inspiring the youth throughout his career. His style on the court was also impeccable. This jacket is inspired by the one Ashe wore during his historic win at Wimbledon in 1975.

This body spray by Off Court is one of the first men’s grooming products that includes probiotics in its formula. This is helpful to “fuel good bacteria, which in turn helps them fight bad bacteria and body odor. Continued use of prebiotic deodorant can help keep the skin’s biome in check while reducing the risk of skin irritations like eczema, allowing the skin to perform its role as a barrier to pathogens.” Not only are the probiotics a plus, the spray trio packs have wonderful scents that will last all day.

If you have a big Astros fan you need to check off your shopping list, there is probably nothing they would enjoy more than some Houston Astros World Series championship gear. A new beanie, t-shirt, or hoodie will keep them nice and warm this holiday season, and they will look like a winner, too.

With pickleball on the rise, and now the fastest-growing sport in America, give the gift of new experiences to your favorite sports fan this year. This is the best way to create an informal introduction to the game, especially with pickleball courts popping up all over the country.
This set is all-inclusive — a set of paddles, pickleballs, and a court bag to keep it all together. Did I mention you can customize your paddles too? Who knows, you might be responsible for creating the world’s next-best pickleball player.

The new Apple headphones have been all the rave over the past year. It comes with a sleek new design, much different than the previous AirPod models, but can also offer more comfort with its over-ear fit. The AirPods Max comes in more colors than ever before and features Active Noise Cancellation, which could be great for travel, workouts, or just your daily workflow. They’re also BlueTooth, which can offer even more flexibility in your day-to-day tasks. These just make for an easy gift-giving win, sports fan or not.

Video game lover, sports fan, virtual reality nerd, or all of the above? The new Meta Quest 2 checks off all the boxes. This is the best way to get your favorite esports fanatic immersed in the game.
The Meta Quest 2 includes a VR headset with two touch controls that can put you almost anywhere you can imagine — on the football field, snowboarding through snowy slopes, or tight roping across incredibly high buildings. There’s a game made for everybody, and it’s definitely worth the cost.

If you know a football lover, you really can’t go wrong with this one. The 2023 All-Madden edition has added an exciting new feature called FieldSENSE, which offers players more control overall throughout the game than ever before. Previous Madden players will be happy to know that the once-beloved franchise mode has been revamped to include more detailed scouting and free-agent signing factors.
It also features the all-new John Madden Legacy Game, which highlights the famed coach, teams inspired by All Madden rosters, and even some audio clips from Madden’s broadcasting days. This makes this edition more special than ever before, and a collectible to say the least.

Do you have any whiskey drinkers in your life that just so happen to love baseball too? This decanter set can be the perfect addition to any sports-lovers home. And it doesn’t just have to be whiskey, but it can be spilled with their drink of choice. You can also have it personally engraved for just a few dollars more. It’s a classy but sporty look, and you’ll be sure to knock it out of the park with this gift set.

This is the perfect gift for that hardcore golfer in your life. This killer headcover is twice as convenient — keep your clubs protected while keeping yourself (or your loved one) hydrated. Its suitable hand grip can hold your favorite can or bottle while switching between holes on the green. It’ll for sure be a head-turner among golf buddies.

Keep your favorite golfer merry and stocked this holiday season with this convenient beer sleeve. Help them hit the course with their favorite cans on the go — the more the merrier, right?
The Pins & Aces beer sleeve can stock up to seven cans at once, and can easily fit into your golf bag. The sleeve is fully insulated and has a concealed design, keeping your beverages ice cold and out of sight.

Every golfer needs one of these. The Pins & Aces golf ball stamp can be used as a marker for your own set of golf balls, so you can find them out on the course with ease. The ink is permanent, so it will never fade no matter rain or snow.
The marker also comes in different colors or designs, allowing your special someone to leave their mark on the course without doubt.

The Carhartt beanie makes for a great stocking stuffer, no matter who it’s for. It will be sure to keep your special someone warm all winter long. With 30 different colors to choose from, there’s no doubt this wouldn’t make the perfect gift for just about anybody.

We all know Giannis for his hilariously bad jokes. It seems like he can’t even complete a press conference without dropping one in before it’s over. But I do have to admit, as bad as they are I still chuckle a little bit.
Make your favorite sports-loving dad’s dream come true and gift him Giannis’s go-to joke book. He’ll be the talk of the holiday party, and could potentially elevate his jokes from “not so funny” to at least “he tried.” […]

Internal storage drives were designed to connect to the SATA or M.2 interfaces inside a PC, but with an SSD or hard drive enclosure, you can turn one into a USB-connected, portable backup device. Whether you want to give an old drive new life by turning it into external storage, you buy a new, internal SSD with the goal of turning it into an external drive or you just need to plug your new SSD into a USB port so you can clone your system onto it, the right enclosure is essential.Depending on the type of storage you are enclosing and how fast you want the connection to be, an SSD or hard drive enclosure will cost anywhere from $12 to $150. While most SSD enclosures do nothing more than protect your drive, dissipate heat and convert its interface to USB, some also have extra bells and whistles such as RGB lighting or a status menu.  To help you choose, we’ve tested more than a dozen different models to help you find the best SSD and hard drive enclosures, which we list below. If you don’t have a spare drive or don’t want to deal with installing an internal drive into an enclosure, you can of course buy one of the best external SSDs from our tested list. Just know that you can often save money by going the DIY route by buying and enclosure and installing your own drive. Plus, you can upgrade your drive down the road with an enclosure, while external SSDs are sealed devices that aren’t designed to be opened.  What Kind of SSD / Hard Drive Enclosure Do I Need?Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware

Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.Ask yourself the following questions when choosing an enclosure:Which form factor? You have to get an SSD enclosure that matches the physical size of your drive. If you have a 2.5-inch hard drive or SSD, get a 2.5-inch SATA enclosure. For a 3.5-inch hard drive, you’ll need a 3.5-inch SATA enclosure. M.2 SSDs require M.2 enclosures, but be careful if your SSD is shorter than the standard 2280 (80mm size); most have mounting screws for the shorter sizes, but if you plan to use one, check the specs before you buy. Also, if you plan to use an M.2 SATA SSD, as opposed to an NVMe one, make sure that the enclosure supports that standard instead.How fast? Enclosures can only handle as much speed as their USB ports and the USB ports on your computer allow. Most 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch hard drive / SSD enclosures operate under standard 5 Gbps USB (USB 3 / 3.1 or 3.2 Gen 1). Most M.2 SSD enclosures operate at 10 Gbps (aka USB 3.1 or USB 3.2 Gen 2).Some, much more expensive models – often in the $130+ range – operate at up to 40 Gbps because they support USB 4, Thunderbolt 3 or Thunderbolt 4 (all functionally the same). There are also a few drives that support 20 Gbps USB, which is known as either USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 or USB 4. In our tests, the real-world performance delta between 10 Gbps and 40 Gbps drives wasn’t wide enough to justify most people spending more money for the added speed, but if you’re a professional video editor, it might matter to you.Also, consider what ports your computer has: If you buy a fast drive but your computer only has a 5 Gbps port, your drive isn’t going to perform any faster than the port’s capabilities. And if you plug a Thunderbolt enclosure into a port that doesn’t support Thunderbolt, it may not work at all. USB 4 enclosures are supposed to be backward compatible with USB 3.x ports, but in our tests, one USB 4 enclosure wouldn’t do so.How often will you open it? Most of the M.2 SSD enclosures we tested were made to be opened once, have a drive installed inside and then screwed closed for the long haul. While you can reopen all of them and change drives at any time, you should consider an enclosure with a tool-less design if you think you’ll be changing the drive frequently.Best SSD and Hard Drive EnclosuresPlugable Tool-Free NVMe Enclosure (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)1. Plugable Tool-Free NVMe Enclosure Best M.2 SSD Enclosure for Most PeopleSpecificationsOutput Port: USB-COutput Speed: 10 GbpsSupported SSDs: NVMe M.2 2280, 2260, 2242 and 2230Included cables: USB-C to C, USB-C to ADimensions: 4.5 x 1.25 x 0.5 inches (112 x 31 x 13 mm)Today’s Best DealsReasons to buy+No tools needed+Easy to swap drives in and out+Attractive, compact designReasons to avoid-Not the cheapest-No SATA supportMost M.2 enclosures require you to use a screwdriver both to bolt down the SSD and to secure the case, but Plugable’s plainly named “Tool-Free NVMe Enclosure” makes installing and removing drives a breeze. That makes this model a great choice for anyone who needs an SSD enclosure for drive cloning. We loved working with the enclosure because we were able to take our test SSD in and out in just a few seconds.A spring-loaded switch ejects half of the casing so you can access the drive bay inside, while arrows on each of the two pieces show you just how to snap them back together again when you’re done. On the inside, Plugable’s SSD enclosure uses a flexible rubber peg instead of a screw to hold the end of your M.2 drive down. Unless you’re using the mounting holes for a 2260, 2242 or 2230 sized SSD, you don’t even need to remove the peg, as it bends to accommodate your M.2 stick. Image […]

After announcing Unreal Engine support in March, Intel has finally launched XeSS integration into Unreal Engine 4 and 5 as a plugin option. This will give developers easy XeSS integration into Unreal Engine projects without manually integrating XeSS’ SDK.The XeSS integration also realizes Unreal Engine’s full compatibility with all four upscaling models from Nvidia, AMD and Intel, including DLSS, NIS, FSR, and XeSS. There’s also support for Unreal Engine’s proprietary upscaling solutions.The XeSS plugin for Unreal Engine will work with versions 4.26, 4.27 and 5.0. The plugin is available exclusively on Github for the time being, but we expect it will arrive on the Unreal Engine marketplace sometime soon – like AMD’s FSR and Nvidia’s DLSS.Intel’s plugin will substitute Unreal Engine’s Temporal Anti-Aliasing (TAA) with XeSS, applying the upscaler after the rasterization and lighting stages are complete in the rendering pipeline, with integration occurring at the beginning of the post-processing stage. This way, XeSS only upscales necessary parts of the rendering pipeline, while leaving other parts of the game – like the HUD, rendered at native resolution for better image quality.For the uninitiated, Xe Super Sampling (XeSS) is Intel’s take on temporal resolution upscaling, which competes directly with AMD’s FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) and Nvidia’s Deep-Learning Super Sampling (DLSS). From a design standpoint, XeSS aligns closely with DLSS as an AI-generated upscaler that uses AI-trained networks to upscale images. But unlike DLSS, XeSS has different modes for operation on different GPU types.These two modes include a “higher level” version that operates on Intel’s XMX AI cores found exclusively in its Arc Alchemist GPUs and a “lower level” mode that runs on the DP4a instruction set, for operating on other GPU types, including GPUs from Nvidia and AMD.We don’t know much about these different modes and their actual quality and performance differences, but we do know that the DP4a model uses a different trained network compared to the main version that operates on Intel’s XMX cores. Being different doesn’t necessitate higher or worse image quality, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the DP4a version features some performance and visual sacrifices. Due to the fact DP4a needs to run on GPU shader cores with INT8 operations, which are much slower on shader cores in comparison to Intel’s XMX cores. XMX natively supports INT8 and can process INT8 operations much more quickly as a result. […]

What is Mastodon?Mastodon is an alternative social media platform which uses individual servers, each independently run by an administrator, to create a larger network (often called the “Fediverse,” a combination of “federated” and “universe”) where users can post messages. Each Mastodon instance is independent of others, in much the same manner as an email server. You may sign up for one instance, but you can send and receive messages with others. The example given on the Mastodon GitHub page is that when we sign up for an email account with Gmail, Yahoo or Outlook, we are not limited to just sending emails to users on the same server.Unlike Twitter, Mastodon has two timelines, local and federated. The local timeline is every post with a public status from users on the same instance as you. The exceptions are posts (which were called toots) which are replies to others. The federated timeline is every post with a public status from other instances which are known to your instance. Both of these timelines can be busy, with posts flying up the screen. A new term to learn is “boost” which is analogous to Twitter’s retweet. Of course, you can also follow a feed made of accounts that you have subscribed to, much like Twitter.How can you move from Twitter to Mastodon and which is the right instance for you? In this how-to we will cover exactly that and learn how to cross post from Mastodon to Twitter and search for our Twitter followers on the many Mastodon instances.Moving from Twitter to MastodonThe first task when moving from Twitter to Mastodon is choosing the correct instance. With Twitter, there is just one instance and timeline. But with Mastodon you first have to choose an instance (server). There are two things to consider. Firstly, the size of the server. A larger server is more likely to be backed by a group / organization that can financially support it. Smaller servers may be quiet havens in a busy world, but they run the risk of being the folly of a well-intentioned and eager admin. Secondly, try and select an instance for a subject you are interested in. This means that your posts will merge seamlessly with the posts in the local timeline. If you are interested in Raspberry Pi, but others are not, then your posts may not get the attention they deserve.1. Open a browser to this wizard to select the correct server for you, click Start to begin. If you know which instances you’re interested in, you can also go to them directly.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)2. Set your preferred language(s) and click Next.3. Select the number of users that you would like on an instance. Smaller instances are quieter, but you run the risk of the instance disappearing. We chose “It does not matter”.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)4. Set your moderation rules for each of the criteria and click Next. The moderation rules are used to filter instances that support your choices.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)5. Use the search bar to filter the instances for your chosen subject. We searched for retro computing hardware and found two instances that supported our interest.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)6. Click on your preferred instance and follow the sign-up process. The sign up process is generally straightforward, requiring you to provide a username, password and email details. Some instances are invite only. Popular instances, such as mastodon.social have periods where sign-ups are paused. This is to reduce the load on the server. Before signing up it is wise to read the rules / terms for that server.Your First PostIn Mastodon a message can be sent to your followers, and, in this case, anyone on the local and federated timelines. 1. In the web interface type, in your message and click “Publish” to send a message to all of your followers, local and federated timelines.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)2. Type @ and then the first few letters of a follower name to send a post directly to a follower.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Sending a DM1.  Search for / select the person who you wish to DM. There is a search box in the top left of the Mastodon page.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)2. On the recipient’s profile click on the three vertical dots and select Direct Message.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)3. In the dialog box on the left side of the screen, type your message and click Publish to send. Note that the message starts with @ and the name of the recipient. Also note that the Publish button has a padlock. Indicating that the message is private.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)4. Alternatively, click on the globe icon and select “Mentioned People Only” then type in the handle of the recipient. Direct messages will still appear in your home timeline; this is normal and does not mean that it has been sent to all of your followers. Not that the timestamp (top right) is altered to show @ rather than a globe. This means the message is private.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)5. Messages can also be posted as Unlisted, visible to all (but opted-out of discovery) or only for Followers.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Finding Your FollowersYou’ve made the move, but have your Twitter followers? That carefully curated group of followers are mostly likely in the same boat as you. So how do we find our followers and the people we follow?The simplest way is to use a tool that checks your follower list and searches for them on the many Mastodon instances. Debirdify by Manuel Eberl is just such a tool and we will use it to find our followers on Mastodon. Hat tip to Drew Fustini (https://mastodon.social/@pdp7) for pointing us to this tool.1. Open a browser and go to the Debirdify website.2. Click on “Authorise With Twitter.”(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)3. Authorize Debirdify to use your Twitter account. This provides read only access to Twitter, enabling the tool to scan your followers and the people you follow, and use the data to search Mastodon’s instances.4. Click on Search Followed Accounts to search for the accounts that you follow on Twitter.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)5. Scroll down the page and download the CSV export. Graphs and a list of followed accounts (grouped by instance) show how they are spread across the many instances of the fediverse.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)6. Click on Search Followers to find those that follow you on Twitter.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)7. Scroll down the page and download the CSV export. Graphs and a list of followers (grouped by instance) show how your followers are spread across the many instances of the fediverse.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)8. Open a browser to your Mastodon account and click on Preferences. Our instance is on mastodon.social, opening this in a browser will open a columned display similar to Tweetdeck.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)9. Click on Import and Export.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)10. Click on Import and then set the import type to Following list and then select the CSV file containing the accounts that you followed on Twitter. Ensure that Merge is selected before pressing Upload. This will merge the list of CSV contacts with your current Mastodon contacts.The process can take some time, depending on the instance’s current load and the number of users in your list.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)11. Optionally, import the list of the accounts that follow you on Twitter. The import will take some time and will happen in the background, over the next few hours you will see many notifications confirming that you are now following the accounts.Cross-posting Between Mastodon and TwitterCross-posting is where we can post from one service to another. It is normally used when either migrating one service to another, or for growing your presence across multiple services. Setting up cross posting is a simple matter of authorizing an application to act as a bridge between the two services.1. Open a browser to Mastodon Twitter Crossposter. This project was created by Renato Lond Cerqueira.2. Click on Twitter and authorize the Crossposter app to access your account.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)3. Click on Mastodon and authorize the Crossposter app to access your account.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)4. Check that both accounts are now linked. This provides the basic bridge between the two services.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)5. Click on Options > > Options overview. Using this menu we can further tweak the settings at a granular level to create a bespoke bridge between the services.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)6. Select to send your posts to Twitter, and Tweets to Mastodon then click Update User. Now we have set up the basic bridge between Twitter and Mastodon. In our example we have decided not to post our Tweets to Mastodon, but our posts will go to Twitter. You may want to experiment with this and consider which messages are appropriate for which platform.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)7. Click on From Mastodon to Twitter. Here you can optionally configure which messages are sent to Twitter. Tweak your settings accordingly and click Update User to save.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)8. Click on From Twitter to Mastodon. Here you can optionally configure which messages are sent to Mastodon. Tweak your settings accordingly and click Update User to save.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Mastodon Clients(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Mastodon can be used via the browser, and for the first few days of using Mastodon that is exactly how we used it. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)The basic UI is pleasant and easy to use. Power users can unlock a Tweetdeck inspired UI via Preferences > > Advanced > Appearance > Enable Advanced Web Interface. But there are alternative clients for the desktop and mobile devices, including official apps, which provide a better user experience.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)For Windows, macOS and Linux users, Whalebird is an excellent application which uses a Slack-inspired layout to enhance your Mastodon experience. The layout is clear, with a series of tabs along the left side of the interface offering quick access to notifications, direct messages and the local / public timeline.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)For Android users, Tusky has proven to be a good client in the time that we have been using it.(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)The interface is clear, with a top row for quick links to our timeline, notifications, local and federated timelines. Posting, boosting etc are all within easy reach and the user interface feels responsive. […]

Since demand for computers and consumer electronics has weakened, memory sales have dropped as a result of inventory adjustments by PC manufacturers. Consequently, DRAM revenue has dropped by nearly 30% quarter-over-quarter in Q3 2022, an unprecedented turn of events. At the same time, Micron and SK Hynix slightly increased their market share in the third quarter, whereas Samsung and smaller suppliers dropped.Sales of DRAM Drop by 28.9%The DRAM industry earned $18.187 billion in revenue in Q3 2022, down 28.9% from $25.594 billion in Q2 2022, according to TrendForce. Contract prices for memory declined by 10% to 15% during the quarter, whereas spot prices experienced even deeper declines. Analysts from TrendForce claim that sales of all types of memory dropped, including DRAM for consumer electronics, PCs, and even servers, as producers adjusted their inventory due to slowing demand.(Image credit: TrendForce)When it comes to the top memory supplier, Samsung retained its No.1 position as the global DRAM leader by revenue, though its sales declined by 33.5% quarter-over-quarter, whereas its market share dropped to 40.7% from 43.5% in Q2 2022. SK Hynix lost 25.2% of DRAM revenue QoQ but increased its market share to 28.8% in the third quarter. Micron’s DRAM sales decreased by 23.3% sequentially in Q3 2022, but its share increased from 24.5% to 26.4%. In fact, Micron’s DRAM declines were the lowest in the industry. By contrast, smaller makers like Nanya, Winbond, and PSMC experienced 37.4% – 40.8% declines in revenue and lost market share.DRAM Makers to Cut OutputAmong the ways for memory makers to stabilize the pricing is to limit DRAM bit output by either slowing down capacity expansion or slowing down the transition to more advanced fabrication technologies. Putting equipped fabs on hold is an extremely expensive measure that leads to giant losses as expensive fab equipment has to be depreciated, but decelerating the transition to new production nodes is a relatively easy way to limit DRAM bit output growth. Apparently, this is exactly what memory makers will do in the coming quarters. Samsung will deploy its new P3L fab next year and will raise its DRAM production capacity, but will slow its transition to newer nodes. SK Hynix will also slow down the transition to more advanced fabrication processes at different fabs. Micron, which just started production of LPDDR5X memory using its 1β node in Japan, will not aggressively ramp up production using this fabrication process. Furthermore, TrendForce believes that Micron could implement more aggressive ways of cutting down its DRAM output.  Smaller makers of DRAM will follow the larger ones with their node transitions, but since they controlled around 4% of the market in Q3 2022, the impact of their actions on prices will be limited. Good for End Users?Dropping memory prices are generally good for the end user (and, to some degree, PC makers), especially if you transition to DDR5 memory this year. But after DRAM makers cut their output, prices will inevitably rise when demand stabilizes or gets stronger, so perhaps it makes sense to plan your upgrade now. […]

The No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft has been a freshman playing college basketball for the last 13 years. The last time the top pick in the draft came from outside of the college ranks was 2006 when the Toronto Raptors selected Italian forward Andrea Bargnani with the first pick.
That makes this season of college hoops something of an oddity: everyone knows French wunderkind Victor Wembanyama is going No. 1, and G League Ignite point guard Scoot Henderson is going No. 2 when the 2023 NBA Draft rolls around. At the moment, Overtime Elite guard Amen Thompson might be the front-runner to go No. 3 overall. The last time the top three picks in the draft all came from outside of college basketball was back in 2001, when Kwame Brown, Tyson Chandler, Pau Gasol, and Eddy Curry went with the first four picks.
College basketball might not be the home of the top picks in the draft this season, but NBA fans will still find plenty of future pros in the freshmen class. Our first 2023 NBA mock draft had 15 freshmen going in the first round. With the college season just getting underway, this is our look at eight freshmen NBA fans need to be following in college basketball this year — even if they’re not as exciting as Wemby and Scoot. SB Nation evaluated each of the players on this list at the McDonald’s All-American Game and the Jordan Brand Classic to get a first look at this year’s top incoming college talent.

8. Keyonte George, G, Baylor Bears

Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports

In a draft class loaded with combo guards (Nick Smith, Cason Wallace, Terquavion Smith, and Amari Bailey among them), Keyonte George stands out as perhaps the best pure shooter in the group. While George lacks Nick Smith’s ridiculous flexibility as a scorer and Wallace’s elite defensive aptitude, the Baylor freshman is seemingly able to meet in the middle on both skills to assert himself as a 6’4 guard who can knock down open jumpers and compete defensively with long arms.
George projects as the go-to option for the Baylor offense all year, but the malleability of his game alongside other stars is part of what makes him so appealing. George is an excellent catch-and-shoot threat who can dart around the perimeter and hit jumpers off movement. He can attack a closeout, too, with solid ball handling ability, good burst as a driver, and improving passing ability to find the open man when he doesn’t try to score himself. George isn’t a power athlete at the rim and scouts will want to see if he can finish over length. On the defensive end, George can defend the ball with his physicality and quickness, though he can lose his man at times off the ball. George’s on-ball scoring package and rim finishing could determine his draft ceiling, but for now he looks like one of the safer guard bets in the class to be a productive pro.
7. Brandon Miller, F, Alabama Crimson Tide

Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Miller was one of the biggest winners of the postseason All-Star circuit, looking like one of the best long-term prospects in the class when going against his top peers. At 6’8, 200 pounds, he has an ideal frame for a pro wing with a developing dribble, pass, shoot skill set. Miller isn’t a power athlete like the wings who usually go near the top of the lottery, but he’s smooth with the ball and has shown impressive deceleration and body control in the paint. Miller’s passing has popped off the screen in Alabama’s early games: he has the size to pass over the top of most defenders, and the vision to spot teammates all over the floor. His ability to put the ball on the floor, quickly find the open man or go into his pull-up jumper is the foundation for stock as a potential lottery pick.
Miller’s three-point shot is less developed than his floor game, but he knocked down 4-of-5 attempts in Alabama’s win over Liberty with a couple of them coming from NBA range. He has the look of a confident shooter and scouts will be happy to see the attempts from deep even if the early results aren’t amazing. Miller needs to add strength to his frame and tighten his handle, but that can be said for most 18-year-old wing prospects. If the shooting holds, his size and passing is compelling enough to make him a top-10 pick.
6. Jarace Walker, F, Houston Cougars

Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images

Head coach Kelvin Sampson has turned Houston into a modern college basketball powerhouse, but he’s never had an NBA prospect like Jerace Walker before. A long-time standout at IMG Academy, Walker is a 6’8, 240-pound powerhouse who combines massive raw athletic power with impressive perimeter skills for his size. Perhaps the best thing about Walker is that he’s always playing with a high motor, making him a monster on the glass and a factor for every 50/50 ball with such imposing physicality.
There’s more to Walker’s game than just bully ball. He’s a good ball handler and flashes impressive shot-making touch from inside the arc. His spot-up three-point shot is coming around: the release is slow, but he’s showing he can knock down shots if he’s wide open. As Walker’s three ball improves, it will make him even scarier as someone who can attack closeouts. For such a big body, he’s shown the ability to get downhill and change directions on the move, with enough craft to score consistently in the short midrange area. Walker’s defensive translation feels like a bigger question when he has to guard quicker wings on the perimeter, but this is simply a big, powerful athlete with real skill flashes who goes hard on every possession.
5. Kel’el Ware, C, Oregon

Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Ware partnered with Nick Smith Jr. to lead North Little Rock High to a state championship in Arkansas before flying to the opposite corner of the country to start his college career at Oregon. Ware joins a deep Ducks front court that already included N’Faly Dante and Nate Bittle as starting caliber centers, but his physical gifts are so immense that it will be hard for head coach Dana Altman to keep him off the floor. Ware looked like the most talented 7-footer in the incoming freshman class during the All-Star circuit, showing off impressive athletic fluidity and tantalizing flashes of skill that can be developed long-term.
Ware’s defense will be his calling card early in his career. He moves well on his feet for someone his size, giving him the versatility to play multiple defensive schemes. His length and shot-blocking skills are suited to play drop, but he can also get to the level of the screen and bother peterimeter shooters. On offense, Ware will be a lob threat on rolls and has the developing signs of a face-up game. He’s already hit one three-pointer early in the season, and looks comfortable at the foul line, too. Ware isn’t in an ideal situation for playing time with Oregon having so many other good bigs, but there’s no doubt his long-term projection is tantalizing.
4. Cam Whitmore, F, Villanova Wildcats

Photo by Chris Kohley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Cam Whitmore was long considered a five-star recruit during a standout prep career in Maryland, but his strong play on the All-Star circuit and dominance during the FIBA Americas U18 Championships in the summer suddenly has him getting hyped as a potential top-five pick. No one in this class has a better combination of size, speed, and power. At 6’6, 240 pounds, Whitmore plays basketball like a middle linebacker with a 40-inch vertical: he relentlessly attacks the rim on drives, in transition, and as an offensive rebounder, using his big frame and incredible leaping ability to consistently finish at and above the rim. If Whitmore has a runway and time to load up, there aren’t many rim protectors who are going to be powerful enough to deny him a bucket.
Whitmore’s three-point shot will be his biggest swing skill. At the moment, he projects as a low volume shooter who can hit them at a decent clip if he’s wide open on a spot-up. His defense will also be worth monitoring: is he too bulky to stick with wings darting around screens on the perimeter? Is he better used as a weak-side rim protector inside? There hasn’t been a freshman freight train in college hoops like this since Zion Williamson. His debut has been delayed because of a surgically-repaired thumb, but his immense physicality gives him a great chance to be an instant-impact freshman when he eventually takes the floor.
3. Dariq Whitehead, G, Duke Blue Devils

Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images

Dariq Whitehead is the latest star from Florida prep powerhouse Montverde Academy, going from a sidekick alongside older stars Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, and Moses Moody early in his high school career to the team’s leading man as a senior. Now Whitehead is poised to be the first freshman star of the post-Coach K era at Duke. The 6’5 combo guard has the right mix of open floor athleticism, halfcourt skill, and defensive upside to demand looks in the top-10 or even the top-five of the 2023 draft.
Whitehead has impressive speed as a ball handler in transition, and a quick first step against a set defense. He’s a very good leaper when he gets into the paint, showing the ability to rise off one foot or two for finishes above the rim. Whitehead is also a heady passer, one that’s developing his live dribble chops while already possession the ‘connective’ traits as a quick ball-mover that coaches love to see. Whitehead should also be a plus on the defensive end, using a 6’8 wingspan and big frame to harass smaller ball handlers. The swing skill is again the three-point shot, but Whitehead certainly has the confidence to take it often off the dribble. When it goes in, there’s a convincing argument that Whitehead is the second most complete guard in the draft behind Henderson. Pro scouts will want to see good shot selection and fewer variances in accuracy when he lets it fire from deep. If the jumper is falling, Whitehead is one of the most well-rounded players in this year’s class.
2. Cason Wallace, G, Kentucky Wildcats

Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images

Cason Wallace is next in the long line of great guards to come out of Texas (Marcus Smart, Tyrese Maxey, Jimmy Butler, etc.) playing with an undeniable nasty streak. He’s also the next freshman star for John Calipari at Kentucky. At 6’4, 195 pounds, Wallace is a lockdown defender at the point of attack who is going to stockpile steals, deflections, and blocks against overmatched opposing guards all season. He’s incredibly difficult to screen and he’s seemingly never out of a play on the defensive end with tremendous closing speed and the length to challenge shots from a variety of angles. He has the strength to take on bigger assignments on switches, and will also make an impact as a roaming off-ball defender. His intensity on the defensive end will draw comparisons to Smart and Jrue Holiday, but he should have real offensive utility in the NBA, too.
Wallace can switch between either guard role on offense. He’s a good enough driver to bend defenses by getting into the paint and kicking out to teammates. He also has connective traits as a floor spacing shooter and quick ball-mover around the perimeter. Just how reliable he’ll be as an outside shooter will be a question mark for Wallace, but Kentucky will feel comfortable letting him take the open ones. There aren’t many players in this draft class who will pack the box score the way Wallace does on an every night basis. The Wildcats will still feel like the veteran team we saw last year, but now they have a stud freshman guard to serve as the proverbial head of the snake.
1. Nick Smith Jr., G, Arkansas Razorbacks

Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Nick Smith Jr. is a lightning-quick 6’4 guard who sky-rocketed up the class rankings as a high school senior, going from a four-star recruit ranked in the late 30s to the No. 1 player in the country, according to 247 Sports. He decided to stay home and play for his in-state Arkansas Razorbacks, where he’s the crown jewel of a class that includes two other McDonald’s All-Americans with legitimate aspirations to be one-and-done first round picks in Jordan Walsh and Anthony Black. Unfortunately, Smith has been sidelined to start the year for the Razorbacks with what the program is calling “right knee management.”
When Smith does take the court, he’s expected to be the most electric freshman scorer in college basketball who projects as a dynamic offensive threat both on- and off-the-ball. Smith is a fast and shifty ball handler who can burn his initial defender and collapse the defense by getting into the paint. He’s has great flexibility and body control in tight spaces, with soft touch on floaters and the creativity to get off his shot from a variety of angles. Smith also has deep range on his jumper out to the NBA line, whether he’s pulling up off the dribble or spotting up. Smith looks good playing off the ball, showing the ability to space the floor, attack closeouts, and run late shot-clock actions in the mold of professional scorers like Jordan Poole and Jordan Clarkson. There are some intriguing passing flashes here, too. He could be a killer in the pick-and-roll as he continues to hone his playmaking. Smith lacks the bulk to finish through contact in the paint, and he’s never really had the elite leaping ability to finish above the rim. His best NBA fit might come next to a bigger primary initiator, but for now, Smith should be one of the best scorers and best shot creators in the class. […]