Square Enix has released an Official Benchmark for FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail to allow PC gamers to assess how well FINAL FANTASY XIV will run on their systems following the graphics update in the Dawntrail expansion. Word is: "This software is not a trial version. Please be aware that you cannot play FINAL FANTASY XIV using this software. You must read and agree to the terms and conditions before downloading the software." There's an additional element here, as although it is not playable, the benchmark does also include the chance to play with the character creator:

This benchmark will not only gauge your computer's performance running FINAL FANTASY XIV, but also allow you to use the game's character creation tool. Appearance data can be saved for use when creating characters in the retail version. You may choose to have your character appear in place of the default Hyur male viper in the benchmark cutscenes.

• This benchmark and included character creation tool can be used without a Square Enix account or a connection to the game's servers.
• Data from the character creation tool will be saved to the following folder: My Games/FINAL FANTASY XIV - A Realm Reborn (Benchmark).
• To use a Viera or Hrothgar character in the full release, you must own a license for FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers.
  Character appearance data saved using this benchmark software can only be used on the PC on which the Windows version has been installed.

Yahoo Finance reports that Apple is denying accusations from Epic Games that it is in violation of the court ruling against it in Epic's antitrust lawsuit. Apple prevailed on most counts in the suit, but the ruling did say Apple must allow external payment methods for apps sold in its App Store. Last month Epic accused Apple of not living up to the ruling. In response Apple levels accusations it must feel are relevant, calling this an attempt to make Apple's "tools and technologies available to developers for free," and that Epic was asking the court "to micromanage Apple’s business operations in a way that would increase Epic’s profitability." Here's why Epic called for Apple to be held in contempt in the first place:

Epic said in a court filing last month that Cupertino, California-based Apple was in “blatant violation” of the court’s injunction. It pointed to Apple’s imposition of a 27% fee on developers for some purchases, which the video game maker said makes links for alternative payment options "commercially unusable."

Epic also alleged Apple barred some apps from informing users about other ways to pay for goods.

Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Elon Musk’s X and Match Group last month echoed Epic’s arguments, telling Rogers that Apple was in “clear violation” of the court’s order.

Epic Games' busy lawyers have also submitted an injunction proposal in a California District Court with helpful suggestions on how the courts should deal with Google's December court defeat in Epic's antitrust lawsuit. The court found Google was unfairly restricting app distribution outside of its own Play Store. Reuters has the details, noting the obvious point that the court has no obligation to enact any part of the proposal: "Donato is not bound to grant Epic's proposal, and a hard fight is likely before any permanent order on Google is issued. But the new filing sets up the next key test of Google's ability to impose controls on app developers and consumers." Here's what Epic put forward:

Epic made its proposal, opens new tab in a court filing on Thursday to U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco, seeking in part to require Google Play Store to allow users more freedom in how they download apps and to limit Google's ability to make agreements with device makers to restrict preloading of competing app stores.1

Epic said in a statement on Friday it should be allowed to bring its Epic Games Store to Android "without delays and barriers." The company also said consumers and developers must have greater control over "how they make and offer in-app purchases, free from anticompetitive fees and restrictions."

Continue here to read the full story.

The RELB Project is a community project to revive LawBreakers, the vertically oriented first-person shooter created by Boss Key Studios, the startup founded by former Epic designer Cliff Bleszinski. The well-reviewed game shut down six years ago after failing to carve out a place in a crowded market. There was talk of an official revival, but Nexon owns the property, and doesn't seem interested in pursuing it. It's not clear if this makes the developers law breakers, or if Nexon will be cool with this, but for his part, Cliff has endorsed the effort. The new project does not aim to take over development or change the game. Its stated goal is just to get servers online to make it playable again, holding out the unlikely possibility it could eventually take a stab at a balance patch. You can keep up and participate through the RELB Project Discord, where you will encounter this introduction:

Just trying to make LB playable again

note: this is just a project to make LB playable for (hopefully) forever, this is not intended to take over LB, no new updates (at most balancing but that's already unlikely) will be made

• Square Enix hopes to develop Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 in about three years.
• Persona 1 and 2 remakes are coming, it’s claimed.
• EA’s Black Panther game will be open world, job ad suggests.

• Former Blizzard president thinks you should be able to leave a tip after beating $70 games.

• Save 75% on Darkwood on Steam.
• Save 80% on Gold Mining Simulator on Steam.

• Former PlayStation exec joins Nintendo of America.

• Abtos Covert Version 1.1- The Photo Mode Update.
• Infection Free Zone - Bugfix Update - Game Rebalanced.

↑ Official patches. ↓ Unofficial games, patches, and mods.

• Fallout: New Vegas ATMOS Ambience Overhaul Mod adds an object-based directional sound system.

• Soulslinger- Envoy of Death - Official Early Access Update Trailer.

↑ Official trailers. ↓ Content creator videos.

• Breaching the Holes - Helldivers 2 Ep4 - Carbot. Thanks Simon and Ant.

• The Fallout- London mod has been delayed by Fallout 4's planned next-gen update. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic is back on Android phones.
• Hello- 9 Simple Ways to Prevent Butt Dials. Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Election Workers Are Drowning in Records Requests. AI Chatbots Could Make It Worse (may require registration or subscription).
• The New Reality of Digital Nomads. Thanks Max.
• Bluesky now allows heads of state to join the platform. Guess I snuck on before they realized I'm El Presidente for Life.

• An incredible $100 billion bet to get rid of Nvidia dependence — tech experts reckon Microsoft will build a million-server strong data center that will primarily use critical inhouse components.
• Hard drive destroyer vibrates hard drives to death in 90 seconds — DiskMantler then spits out the individual components for recycling. Thanks brother19.

• Antivirus, Cleanup PC, protection for your computer - Microsoft PC Manager. Thanks Console General.

• U.S. lawmakers annoyed with Huawei's latest laptop with Intel Meteor Lake CPUs.

Thanks Neutronbeam.

• Case: Asus ProArt PA602 Review - PCMag.
• SSD: Inland TN470 SSD review- Efficient, fast, and inexpensive - Tom's Hardware.

Well it goes without saying there won't be a brood this year televised by the Big Bear Bald Eagle Live Nest Cam some of us were following. It's well over a month since the eggs should have hatched, and while Jackie and Shadow soldiered on bravely for quite some time, they spent increasingly more time away from the nest. This is quite dramatically evident at the moment, as it has a layer of undisturbed snow on it right now. But I don't regret getting caught up in this, as it was fascinating enough to watch the eggs being so tenderly cared for. There are countless bird webcams out there, but I will definitely check in with this pair again next year.

Unhatched Round-up
Thanks Ant and Neutronbeam.

Story

• Researchers are developing body armor made from silk—but this apparently cutting-edge idea is centuries old. Thanks Max.

Science
Thanks Max.

• Exercise may reverse sign of aging by 'flushing' fat from muscle.
• The Quest to Map the Inside of the Proton (may require registration or subscription). Sub-subatomic particles?
• Unlocking Flow: The Neuroscience of Creative Bliss.
• Q&A: Is xylitol for your teeth a sweet trend or a true cavity blocker?

Media

• Papyrus 2 - SNL. Thanks RedEye9.
• No One Danced With Her - Destination Perfect (Vol. 11) (NSFW). Thanks VideoSift.

Creature Features

• Just found out that rabbits can swim. Also learned their ears go into swim mode when they do.