News
People set 5G cell towers on fire believing it spread Coronavirus
Misinformation as dangerous as the pandemic itself
Along with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, misinformation related to the disease also saw a dramatic increase. One that’s particularly worrying is the absolutely false claim that 5G is helping spread the virus. Let us reiterate — this absolutely false.
An indicator of the gravity of this misinformation is the recent developments that happened in the UK over the past few days. A report by BBC says three 5G cell towers were set on fire in various parts of the country. Police are still investigating the incident, but arson is the likely culprit for the towers’ fire.
Some are speculating that the burning of the towers were prompted by the false information spreading that 5G is helping spread COVID-19. The series of accidents prompted one cabinet minister to declare the whole conspiracy over 5G and COVID-19 as nonsense and dangerous.
The incident also has a very real downside as frontliners rely on mobile data to communicate with one another and their loved ones.
The rise of 5G conspiracy theories
Most conspiracy theories about 5G and its role in the COVID-19 pandemic are available online on Facebook groups. These theories seem to warn about the 5G’s possible danger to the public. One crazy theory stated that Wuhan is the origin of the pandemic since it was one of the first cities to roll out 5G.
However, scientists have not established a clear connection between 5G and the pandemic. Any of these conspiracy theories also failed to account for the rise of COVID-19 cases in countries without 5G yet. Anyone who encounters news and posts about 5G and its danger to the public must be skeptical of the claims.
Serious fact-checking is important during these times when there’s not only a rise in COVID-19 cases, but also a rise in misinformation and deceiving posts.
SEE ALSO: How to disinfect your tech from the coronavirus | Coronavirus porn is trending on Pornhub | Here’s where you can donate to the COVID-19 outbreak efforts | 4 ways you can use TikTok to help during the COVID-19 crisis
As general rules, the CDC or The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed these to help with preventing the spread of COVID-19:
- Stay home when sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes
- Frequently wash hands with soap and water
- Clean frequently touched surfaces
Gaming
Microsoft dictates that a new Fallout game is coming
Microsoft cancelled an Avowed sequel to focus on Fallout.
Bethesda used to be a bastion for RPG experiences. Today, however, the company prefers living off its older properties such as Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76. For a while now, the question has been: When will Bethesda release a new game in either of their two biggest franchises? Well, according to a report, a new Fallout game might be coming soon.
As of late, Microsoft has been restructuring its studios. In fact, the company might shut down the studio behind the Dishonored series and the upcoming game based on Marvel’s Blade. Now, as part of that reshuffling (via Bloomberg), Obsidian Entertainment has been told to cancel a sequel to Avowed and focus on a new Fallout game.
It’s a huge change. Microsoft has notably stayed away from its more popular franchises for a while now. The latest Fallout game is still Fallout 76. The latest Elder Scrolls game has been in development for a long, long time now. Only DOOM, via last year’s The Dark Ages, got a new title recently.
To be clear, it’s unknown whether we’re getting the true Fallout 5 or another iteration of the online 76. If it’s really the fifth mainline entry in the franchise, it’s coming at a very opportune time. The franchise is currently on a high, riding the popularity of the TV series of the same name. Fans will surely enjoy a follow-up.
To fuel things further, Josh Sawyer, the director behind the universally lauded New Vegas, is reportedly spearheading the production of the new game.
SEE ALSO: Fallout on Prime Video: What inspired producers to create series
Excitement over new technology is normal. However, when the dust settles, the rose-tinted glasses come off and reveal the potential concerns of using this new technology. Smart glasses are going through that phase now. While these glasses are all the rage now, some concerned establishments are now banning them. Case in point, the entirety of New York has just banned smart glasses in all of its courts.
In the United States, it’s already prohibited to record video or capture photos inside a court building. Naturally, the world is more complicated now. Anyone can just flaunt eyewear that can capture images for them, leaving bystanders none the wiser. As a result, the state of New York, according to Syracuse, has introduced a blanket ban for all smart glasses in all courtrooms. It’s the first state to do so across all courts.
Under the ban, users will be forbidden from even bringing these wearables into the building. This also includes smart glasses with prescription lenses. Those with affected eyesight can come back with a regular pair of glasses.
It’s a very interesting time for smart glasses. Especially for creators, the wearables have become a popular way to discreetly record events. Users don’t need to fiddle around with their phones or bring a bulky camera around.
However, it’s also a concern for privacy and cybersecurity. Though most of these wearables have a distinguishable LED indicator when they’re recording, they can also be modified to disable these indicators. As a bystander, you can be recorded without your knowledge.
SEE ALSO: ARTMS Heejin shows KPop concert day through Ray-Ban Meta glasses
HoYoverse’s annual flagship fan celebration in Southeast Asia, the HoYo FEST, as officially been announced with tickets selling starting July 16.
Fans across Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Singapore can enjoy four days of interactive experiences, live entertainment, and more activities featuring HoYoverse’s famed titles:
- Genshin Impact
- Honkai Impact 3
- Honkai: Star Rail
- Tears of Themis
- Zenless Zone Zero
In addition, the gathering will spotlight a first look at the upcoming Honkai: Nexus Anima. The game will be offered at the Experience Zone so visitors can be among the first to try through limited hands-on sessions.
Fans can expect the following experiences at each HoYo FEST:
- Check-in Zone: Kick off your journey with activities across all six titles, plus exclusive freebies
- Game Booths: Jump into immersive mini games inspired by the aforementioned titles
- Hands-on experiences for Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, and Zenless Zone Zero
- Merch: Grab fan-favorite HoYo FEST merchandise from event-exclusive standees and pillows to Character Giftboxes and more
- Artist Alley: An even larger creative hub for artists and fans to showcase, sell, and share HoYoverse-inspired art
- HoYo FEST Stage: Feel the excitement with Open Stage performances, the Cosplay Runway Walk, and vibrant community showcases
Tickets will be available in the following categories:
- 1-Day Pass
- 1-Day Fast Pass with priority access and exclusive collectibles
- 4-Day Pass (3-Day Pass in Singapore)
Venue details:
- Bangkok: Central Ladprao, BCC Hall
- Ho Chi Minh City: Sky Expo, Hall A4
- Jakarta: Pondok Indah Mall 3, City Hall
- Kuala Lumpur: Pavilion Exhibition Centre Bukit Jalil, Hall 1-3
- Manila: SPACE at One Ayala, Hall A-D
- Singapore: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 403
-
Cameras2 weeks agoDJI Osmo Pocket 4P launches with dual lenses and a 1-inch sensor
-
News2 weeks agoLenovo says RAM prices are not coming back down again
-
News2 days agoNew York becomes first state to ban smart glasses
-
Laptops1 week agoThe ASUS ExpertBook Ultra wins you over
-
Gaming1 week agoPlayStation goes all-digital in 2028
-
Laptops1 week agoASUS launches the ExpertBook Ultra
-
Gaming1 week agoXbox might get rid of physical discs too
-
Enterprise1 week agoGoogle ordered to pay EUR 4.1 billion in fines
