According to Digital Chat Station, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 prototype can get a multi-core score of 10,000 points since the performance cores run at 4.20GHz.
Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 performance cores and its features
The tipster did point out that these are laboratory experiments, so it’s likely that the results were achieved in a controlled setting before we get too enthusiastic about these findings. As a result, the striking increases in single- and multi-core performance might not accurately reflect real-world performance, and those results could vary greatly based on ambient temperature.
The Snapdragon 8 Gen 4’s power consumption is likewise unknown to us because it was purposefully omitted from the most recent report. Qualcomm’s next flagship SoC outperforms the A17 Pro in both areas, with a greater lead in the multi-threaded category.
A lab prototype of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 also performed remarkably well on benchmarks, most likely Geekbench, with 3,000 single-core and 10,000 multi-core scores, according to the tipster.
Performance gains in single- and multi-core categories are 35.5% and 33.9%, respectively, over the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3.
TSMC’s increasing wafer costs are projected to drive up the price of Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 phones, despite the fact that performance and efficiency will improve. The phones with the new SoC will cost about 4,500 yuan, according to a story that surfaced earlier today.
The wait is over! Sony Pictures has unveiled the first trailer for “Venom: The Last Dance,” marking the epic conclusion for Tom Hardy’s beloved anti-hero.
This film serves as the final chapter for the character who launched Sony’s Spider-Man Universe, though the future of the franchise itself remains uncertain beyond 2024.
‘Venom: The Last Dance’ Trailer Features Surprising Scene with Venom and Mrs. Chen
Get ready for a wild ride, Venom fans! The action-packed trailer for “Venom: The Last Dance” promises an epic conclusion for Tom Hardy’s Eddie Brock. This time, Venom faces a daunting new enemy: a massive symbiote alien straight from its home planet! On top of that, Eddie is hunted by relentless government agents.
The trailer is jam-packed with signature symbiote action, including a hilarious scene where Hardy rides a super-fast, Venom-powered horse. Joining Hardy for this final chapter are Juno Temple and Chiwetel Ejiofor. Temple, known for her role in “Ted Lasso,” takes on a new role, while Ejiofor, fresh off “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness,” portrays a mysterious character with unknown motives.
Buckle up, because the end is nigh for Eddie Brock! With just a few months to go until Venom: The Last Dance slithers into theaters, Sony Pictures has dropped the highly anticipated first trailer. Written and directed by Kelly Marcel, the mastermind behind the previous Venom films, Venom: The Last Dance is set to unleash its symbiote fury on October 25th. Feast your eyes on the trailer below!
This highly anticipated film marks the directorial debut of Kelly Marcel, who wrote both previous Venom movies. She also co-wrote the script with Hardy himself. They join a star-studded production team including Avi Arad, Hutch Parker, Amy Pascal, and Matt Tolmach.
Sony also released the first official Venom: The Last Dance synopsis, revealing more details on the plot for the film:
“In ‘Venom: The Last Dance‘, Tom Hardy returns as Venom, one of Marvel’s greatest and most complex characters, for the final film in the trilogy. Eddie and Venom are on the run. Hunted by both of their worlds and with the net closing in, the duo are forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down on Venom and Eddie’s last dance.”
Venom: The Last Dance Trailer Breakdown – Secrets Revealed!
The Final Showdown for Eddie Brock
Get ready for a wild ride, Venom fans! The trailer for “Venom: The Last Dance” confirms this will be Tom Hardy’s last outing as the anti-hero. This epic finale pits Eddie against a new threat – the Klyntar, a whole race of symbiotes! The trailer hints at an invasion as multiple symbiotes descend upon Earth, likely seeking to reclaim Venom for their own.
Tom Hardy. Image Credis – Getty Images
Who’s Who in This Symbiote Showdown?
While the Klyntar pose the main threat, the trailer introduces some intriguing human players. Chiwetel Ejiofor’s character seems determined to keep symbiotes a secret, possibly capturing the symbiote fragment left behind in Spider-Man: No Way Home. This could potentially affect plans for Tom Holland’s Spider-Man 4, as it suggests this symbiote fragment is no longer available. Ejiofor’s ability to capture the fragment also hints at interdimensional travel capabilities.
A Familiar Face Returns?
The trailer throws in a surprising twist with a glimpse of Rhys Ifans! Ifans previously portrayed Dr. Curt Connors (The Lizard) in The Amazing Spider-Man universe. Whether he’s reprising a healed Connors or taking on a new role entirely remains a mystery, but it adds another layer of intrigue, especially considering the multiverse implications of Spider-Man: No Way Home.
Chiwetel Ejiofor. Image Credis – Getty Images
More to Come?
With this first look at Venom: The Last Dance, we can expect Sony Pictures to gradually reveal more secrets about the film leading up to its October release. Stay tuned, symbiote enthusiasts!
Mark your calendars, because “Venom: The Last Dance” swings into theaters on October 25th. Don’t miss it!
Real Madrid are Champions League winners once again, with their dominance showing no signs of waning.
The easier part was the 90 minutes, as Real Madrid secured their record-extending 15th Champions League title by defeating Borussia Dortmund in Saturday’s final.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Final – Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – June 1, 2024 Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti celebrates with the trophy after winning the Champions League REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Although Madrid did not perform at their best, they still managed to secure the win, as they often do. Goals from Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Junior resulted in a well-earned 2-0 victory, with club captain Nacho lifting the trophy to cap off another exceptional season both on and off the pitch.
The more challenging aspect has been reaching a position where such victories seem almost inevitable, thanks to intelligent planning and decisive actions at the Santiago Bernabeu, particularly by Real Madrid’s influential president, Florentino Perez.
Carlo Ancelotti’s team has had an outstanding season. They clinched this season’s La Liga title with 95 points from 38 games, finishing 10 points ahead of second-placed Barcelona, even after easing up and drawing their last two games with the big Wembley date approaching.
In addition to their La Liga triumph, they won the Supercopa de Espana in January and suffered just two losses in all competitions all season—both to Atletico Madrid, who at least denied them in the Copa del Rey last-16.
The future looks even brighter for Madrid, with key players Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Federico Valverde, Rodrygo, Eder Militao, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eduardo Camavinga all still in their early to mid-20s.
They are also about to add the world’s best player in Kylian Mbappe, along with Brazilian wonderkid Endrick, who turns 18 in July.
Off the pitch, Madrid topped Deloitte’s Football Money League 2024 with the highest revenues in the game over 2022-23. A more recent study by data analytics company Football Benchmark puts their ‘enterprise value’ above all other clubs and predicts they will soon have the most valuable squad in football.
All this follows the impressive and costly rebuild of their Santiago Bernabeu stadium.
Madrid Appears To Be in A Position of Dominance. But How Have They Achieved This, and How Far Can They Go?
Madrid’s incredibly successful 2023-24 season was unexpected, even within the Bernabeu.
At the end of the previous season, the outlook was bleak. Madrid had been thrashed 4-0 by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in their Champions League semi-final second leg, while Xavi’s Barcelona comfortably won the La Liga title.
The biggest names of the Madrid team that won four Champions Leagues in five seasons from 2014 to 2018 were no longer around. By last summer, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale, and Karim Benzema had all left. These were supposed to be transitional years for the team.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football – Champions League – Real Madrid Training – Parc des Princes, Paris, France – February 14, 2022 Real Madrid president Florentino Perez REUTERS/Gonzalo Fuentes
However, the rational approach to rebuilding the team, especially when compared to Barcelona in recent years, has been key to Madrid’s ongoing success both on and off the pitch, argues Borja Garcia, reader in sport policy and governance at Loughborough University.
“Madrid has been managed with the club’s financial health as a priority, which clearly did not happen at Barcelona,” he says. “Look at the relationship of each club with its biggest stars.”
“Perez decided, for the good of the club, to sell Cristiano Ronaldo for as much money as possible: €100 million (£85.2m; $108.5m at current rates). Barcelona were more emotional. They tried to keep Lionel Messi as long as possible on very high wages, and when he left, he left for free.”
In addition to selling Ronaldo to Juventus in 2018, Madrid have also been ruthless with other aging players. For instance, they received €70 million from Manchester United for Casemiro, then 30 years old, in the summer of 2022.
Meanwhile, Madrid have mostly invested in signing the best young players in the world: Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Camavinga, Tchouameni, and Bellingham. They have also taken advantage of market opportunities, such as the cut-price arrivals of Thibaut Courtois, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger.
This is a much more astute transfer approach compared to the ‘Galacticos’ policy during Perez’s first term as president from 2000-06, when they signed the biggest and most expensive stars each summer, from Zinedine Zidane to David Beckham. In recent years, Madrid have been relatively frugal in the market (except for summer 2019, when €350 million was spent on flops including Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic).
Soccer Football – Real Madrid celebrate winning the Champions League – Cibeles Fountain, Madrid, Spain – June 2, 2024 Real Madrid bus arriving to the celebration with fans at Cibeles Fountain REUTERS/Susana Vera
Last summer’s transfer window fit with the new model. Ancelotti would have liked to spend €100 million on 30-year-old England captain Harry Kane, but Perez preferred to invest a similar sum in Bellingham, who is a decade younger. The other transfers were also smart. Veteran backup striker Joselu arrived for a loan fee of €500,000, and €20 million went on talented Turkish youngster Arda Guler.
Data from Football Benchmark shows that 55 percent of Madrid’s total transfer spend over the last six years was on players aged 21 or younger—€415 million out of a total of €755 million. Between 2018-19 and 2023-24, only Chelsea (€677 million) spent more on such young emerging talents.
Madrid’s current squad value, as estimated by Football Benchmark, is €1.1 billion, placing them third behind Manchester City and Arsenal. However, Madrid is almost certain to move to the top of that list within the next 12 months as their younger players mature and improve.
Bellingham’s tremendous season saw his predicted worth rise to €188 million, making him the most valuable current player in the world according to this model. Vinicius Jr is third (€176 million) and Rodrygo is eighth (€121 million), while Valverde, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Guler, and Brahim Diaz are all increasing in value too. The ratings below, based on a model devised by sports intelligence firm Twenty First Group, help show the strength of many Madrid players whose best days are still ahead of them.
Mbappe’s arrival has also increased Madrid’s squad value by approximately €220m-€230m, in addition to his remarkable quality on the field. Any further notable signings are likely to be youthful talents with room for further growth, with Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich and Leny Yoro from Lille among those being considered.
Furthermore, the squad overhaul in recent years has led to a decrease in Madrid’s wage bill. Total staff costs decreased from €519 million to €453 million for the 2022-23 season, as high-earning players such as Bale and Isco departed.
With a staff costs-to-revenue ratio of 55 percent, Madrid ranked seventh lowest among this year’s eight Champions League quarter-finalists. This figure is expected to decrease further for the 2023-24 season, as Hazard and Benzema have left, and Bellingham currently earns significantly less than either of them did. While Mbappe’s substantial salary will likely be added next year, Toni Kroos’ retirement creates space, and club revenue is also projected to increase significantly.
Regardless of whether Madrid ended the season as Champions League winners or not, their annual financial reports have consistently shown a positive operating result since 2002-03. The most recent figure for 2022-23 was a modest profit of €11.8 million, achieved from record annual revenues of €831 million. This accomplishment propelled Madrid ahead of Manchester City to top Deloitte’s Money League, marking the first time they have been the world’s highest revenue-generating club since 2017-18.
When Perez’s first term as president began in 2000, Madrid ranked sixth on Deloitte’s Money League list. The Galacticos policy proved so successful (financially) that Madrid topped the list from 2006 to 2015.
Since then, Manchester United, Barcelona, and Manchester City have each held the title of the world’s highest-earning club at different times, while other clubs such as PSG and Chelsea have outspent Madrid on transfers and wages.
Perez has often criticized how “state-owned” clubs like City and PSG have an unfair advantage over his ‘socios-owned’ club (socios are club members). Despite this, Madrid’s smart decision-making has allowed them to remain competitive at the highest level, according to Borja Garcia.
“Real Madrid’s financial management under Perez has been very good,” Garcia says. “They didn’t reinvent the wheel, but Perez arrived with a clear vision of modernisation, following trends in the global sports market. The Galacticos policy worked well, but now the club generates much more revenue, especially through the stadium.”
Financial Strategy and Future Prospects for Real Madrid
The €1.3 billion Bernabeu remodeling has been over two decades in the planning. Even as work continued through the 2023-24 season, the club projected its total matchday revenue to grow from €140 million to €317 million. With the full exploitation of its new VIP and executive areas, this number is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
Real Madrid’s €1 billion Bernabeu rebuild is fun, futuristic, and nearly finished.
Non-matchday use of the stadium, with its prime city-center location, is also a priority. Madrid’s hierarchy has discussed hosting over 50 non-sporting events annually.
Taylor Swift Performs at the Santiago Bernabeu. Image Credits – Instagram
Taylor Swift recently performed two sold-out concerts at the stadium, generating an estimated €5 million for the club. A regular-season NFL game is scheduled for 2025, another lucrative event. Additionally, a large underground car park is projected to bring in €470 million over the next 40 years.
“We’ll see significant growth for Real Madrid on the stadium revenue side,” says Football Benchmark founder Andrea Sartori. “They now have a major competitive advantage over all other European clubs. Very soon, the new Bernabeu will push them over the €1 billion annual revenue mark.”
Winning this year’s Champions League will bring Madrid around €80 million in UEFA prize money, including €20 million for winning the final (with beaten finalists receiving €15.5 million). Winning the trophy six times in the past 11 seasons has brought almost €500 million in prize money and highly valuable visibility on the biggest stages for sponsors.
Playing and winning so many finals is one reason why Madrid’s jersey is the most lucrative in the world, with partnerships with Adidas (€120 million per year) and Emirates Airline (€70 million per year).
Another key aspect of Madrid’s value is its global reach and brand. Last September, the club announced it was the first football team to surpass 500 million followers across all its official social media accounts (according to the social media analytics tool Blinkfire). Madrid operates 37 different official accounts in seven languages: Spanish, English, Arabic, French, Portuguese, Japanese, and Chinese. This self-image, led by Perez, fosters extra engagement and motivation among its followers.
“Real Madrid has a very broad patrimony and global brand,” Garcia says. “They’ve worked on that and benefited from it significantly in recent years.”
“Through social media and other media outlets, they’ve created a narrative, or an alternative reality, with followers who are more active and engaged. Madrid is the richest club in the world, the most successful, but at the same time: ‘everyone is against us, they all hate us’. I’ve never seen anybody as subjugated, and at the same time powerful, as Real Madrid.”
Such an ability to generate revenues led to Madrid being named the most valuable football club in the world by Football Benchmark, with an ‘enterprise value’ of €5.1 billion, ahead of Manchester City FC (€4.9 billion) and Manchester United (€4.8 billion).
However, the financing of the Bernabeu mega-project means not all such revenues can be reinvested into the team. Perez told club socios at last November’s AGM that repayments would be around €60 million per annum for the next 30 years.
This does not include payments due to global investment firm Sixth Street, which provided €360 million towards the stadium project in exchange for a reported 30 percent of stadium-based revenue (excluding season tickets) over a 20-year period. United States private equity group Providence also provided €250 million in funding for a share of future sponsorship revenues (which was €26.6 million in 2022-23, per the club’s accounts).
Madrid strongly rejects any comparison between these deals and Barcelona’s famous ‘levers’, which raised €867 million for the Catalan club in exchange for a significant cut of its future revenues.
“Madrid has its own ‘levers’, but it does not seem particularly concerning for the future,” Garcia says. “Although we’ll have to see if the Bernabeu actually hosts as many big events as they want.”
Soccer Football – Real Madrid celebrate winning the Champions League – Cibeles Fountain, Madrid, Spain – June 2, 2024 Real Madrid bus arriving to the celebration with fans at Cibeles Fountain REUTERS/Susana Vera
A potential complication from the stadium financing is UEFA’s interpretation of such maneuvers. Last summer, it fined Barcelona €500,000 for using its ‘levers’ to avoid big losses in its annual accounts. Madrid could theoretically face similar sanctions when UEFA releases its annual ‘sustainability’ calculations this summer.
Another potential issue—albeit one Madrid argues will eventually have a silver lining—is their continued support of a breakaway European Super League. Both UEFA and the Super League’s backers claimed victory after last December’s European Court of Justice ruling on the issue, and again after a similar ruling last week by a Spanish court.
The Super League’s organizers, based in Madrid and close to Perez, continue to press ahead with their plans for a new competition. The most optimistic supporters predict a launch as soon as September 2025, with hundreds of millions of euros in revenue further strengthening Madrid’s finances.
Also incredibly strong is Perez’s position as Madrid president, following regular tweaks to club statutes to ensure ever-tighter control of its policies. Perez has argued that this brings stability and protects the club’s socio-owned model. However, so much power centralized in one 77-year-old is problematic for some.
“The great potential shadow in Madrid’s future is the setbacks within the club’s democracy,” Garcia says.
“Perez has modified the club’s statutes to take power away from the socios. It’s now very difficult to object to any board decision or to get any accountability.”
“But maybe Madrid’s socios don’t care too much, as long as the team keeps winning.”
Real Madrid claimed their 15th European Cup at a lively Wembley on Saturday, delivering a late surge to secure a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund, who had dominated the first hour and threatened an upset.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Final – Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – June 1, 2024 Real Madrid players throw coach Carlo Ancelotti in the air as they celebrate after winning the Champions League final REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
This victory marked Real’s sixth trophy in 11 seasons and their 11th consecutive triumph in a European final, with their last defeat occurring 41 years ago against Aberdeen in the Cup Winners’ Cup. They have now won Europe’s most prestigious club competition more than twice as often as the next best team. It also extended Carlo Ancelotti’s record to five successes as a coach, adding to the two trophies he won as a player with AC Milan.
On Saturday, Real Madrid faced Borussia Dortmund at Wembley in the Champions League final. Despite many considering Madrid the favorites, the match proved to be a challenging contest, ultimately ending in a victory for Madrid.
Real Madrid vs Dortmund: Champions League Final 2023-24 Tactical Analysis
Tactical Flexibility: Real Madrid’s Key to Victory
Real Madrid’s triumph in the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund showcased their tactical flexibility as a decisive factor in securing their 15th European Cup. Despite facing early challenges, Madrid’s adaptability and versatility proved crucial in overcoming Dortmund’s threats and claiming victory.
High Pressing and Defensive Organization
From the outset, Madrid implemented a high pressing strategy, aiming to disrupt Dortmund’s build-up play and force turnovers in dangerous areas. Deploying a 4-4-2 formation, Madrid utilized Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo to press Dortmund’s center-backs aggressively, aiming to force the ball wide and isolate the opposition’s full-backs.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Final – Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – June 1, 2024 Real Madrid’s Ferland Mendy, Nacho, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao and Eduardo Camavinga celebrate after winning the Champions League REUTERS/Claudia Greco
Central to Madrid’s defensive approach was the concept of trapping their opponents into predictable passing lanes. By closing down passing options and funneling play towards specific players, such as Maatsen, Madrid aimed to regain possession quickly and launch counter-attacks.
Carlo Ancelotti’s tactical acumen was evident in his adjustments to counter Dortmund’s tactical setup. Recognizing Dortmund’s numerical advantage in midfield with their 4-3-3 formation, Ancelotti instructed his players to adapt accordingly, ensuring parity in midfield battles.
Midfield Rotation and Fluidity
Madrid’s midfield rotation and fluidity were instrumental in breaking down Dortmund’s organized defensive structure. Despite initial difficulties in creating meaningful attacks, Madrid’s players showcased their positional versatility, seamlessly interchanging positions to exploit gaps in Dortmund’s defense.
Toni Kroos’s positional switch to the left center-back role was a tactical masterstroke, drawing Dortmund’s midfielders out of position and creating space for Madrid’s attacking players to exploit. With Casemiro and Eduardo Camavinga providing defensive stability, Madrid’s midfield trio effectively controlled the tempo of the game and dictated play.
Wide Exploitation and Defensive Adaptation
As the game progressed, Madrid demonstrated their tactical intelligence by adapting to Dortmund’s defensive approach. With Dortmund adopting a deep defensive block and prioritizing central compactness, Madrid capitalized on the wide areas to stretch their opponent’s defense and create scoring opportunities.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Final – Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – June 1, 2024 Real Madrid fans celebrates after winning the Champions League REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo’s isolation against Dortmund’s full-backs highlighted Madrid’s prowess in one-on-one situations, exploiting the space out wide and delivering dangerous crosses into the box. Dani Carvajal’s positional flexibility further contributed to Madrid’s attacking threat, as his inward movements created overloads in midfield and provided additional passing options.
Furthermore, Madrid’s defensive adaptation was evident in their transition from a high pressing game to a more controlled defensive approach. By dropping deeper and maintaining defensive compactness, Madrid nullified Dortmund’s counter-attacking threats and limited their opponent’s chances on goal.
Real Madrid’s tactical triumph in the Champions League final exemplified the importance of flexibility, adaptability, and tactical intelligence in modern football. From high pressing and defensive organization to midfield rotation and wide exploitation, Madrid’s strategic adjustments played a pivotal role in securing victory against a formidable opponent. As football continues to evolve, Madrid’s tactical masterclass serves as a testament to the significance of tactical flexibility in achieving success at the highest level.
Real Madrid’s Clinical Triumph and Dortmund’s Missed Opportunities
Real Madrid’s victory in the Champions League final at Wembley showcased their clinical finishing and unwavering belief as they secured their 15th European Cup. Post-match interviews echoed sentiments of “clinical”, “ice-cold”, and “belief”, capturing Madrid’s ability to seize crucial moments in the game.
After a challenging first half, Real Madrid emerged from the break with renewed determination and belief in their ability to turn the tide. As Dani Carvajal aptly summarized, despite their lackluster performance in the first half, they remained resilient and poised for their moment to shine, ultimately delivering a LaLiga-Champions League double.
Soccer Football – Champions League – Final – Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid – Wembley Stadium, London, Britain – June 1, 2024 Real Madrid’s Rodrygo celebrates with a balloon trophy and the fans after winning the Champions League final REUTERS/Lee Smith
In contrast, Borussia Dortmund, buoyed by their impressive semi-final victory over Paris St Germain, enjoyed a dream first half characterized by confidence and aggression. However, their failure to convert numerous opportunities into goals proved costly, as Madrid capitalized on defensive lapses to secure victory.
Despite Dortmund’s valiant effort and commendable performance, coach Edin Terzic acknowledged Madrid’s superior finishing and “killer instinct”. Dortmund’s fans continued to support their team fervently, but the missed opportunities and defensive lapses ultimately cost them the chance to lift the trophy. Terzic’s assessment reflected the sentiments of many, recognizing Madrid’s deserved victory while lamenting Dortmund’s missed opportunities.
Sydney Sweeney, one of Hollywood’s most well-known actresses in recent years, has been cast as the Blonde Phantom in a new Marvel series for Disney+, replacing singer Taylor Swift, who was originally considered for the part.
Scarlett Johansson is producing the television series, which will center on the 1950s heroine Louise Grant. This character, created by Stan Lee and Syd Shores in 1946, is a superb fighter and detective without supernatural abilities who discreetly helps her boss combat crime.
Blonde Phantom initially appears in the eleventh issue of All Select Comics. Blonde Phantom’s real name is Louise Grant, and she worked as a private investigator’s secretary. She accepted her secret identity to assist her boss in solving crimes, exhibiting exceptional hand-to-hand combat and investigation skills.
The Disney+ show aspires to bring back the essence of this great character, modernizing it for new generations while remaining true to her comic book roots.
Marvel Faces Are Dominating the Production
Scarlett Johansson, who played Black Widow in Marvel’s Cinematic Universe, will produce the series. Sweeney’s casting has raised expectations, as she is well-known for her work in HBO’s ‘Euphoria.’ Fans are excited to see how Sweeney portrays Blonde Phantom, a character who combines elegance and strength.
Johansson’s involvement in the production ensures a high level of quality and authenticity, thanks to her extensive understanding of the Marvel universe and dedication to perfection. MyTimeToShineHello announced Sweeney’s involvement on the social network X, generating a commotion among followers. Previously, there were reports that Swift would make a cameo appearance in the Deadpool and Wolverine film, which is planned to be released July 25, 2024.
Although Swift’s prospective involvement in future Marvel ventures is unknown, her absence as the Blonde Phantom has left fans of both performers disappointed and curious.
Michael Jordan has set a new record, with his signed 2003/04 NBA trading card being auctioned off at an eye-catching $2,928,000 as revealed by Goldin Auctions. This is a record for any one of the NBA legend’s trading cards, with the bid confirmed by the company recently.
The buyer has not been revealed by Goldin, but the final value of the bid was $2.4 million. The auctioning house adds a 22% buyer premium, which bumped the total price up close to $3 million.
Michael Jordan trading card sets new record at auction
Michael Jordan dropped 40 PTS in ECSF Game 3 against the Magic! (1995)
A total of 38 bids were made for the signed trading card, which exceeded the 10pm deadline. The winning bid was made around 11:30pm, beating out the rest to set a new record.
The card holds a score of 10 by the Professional Sports Authenticators, meaning it is almost a perfect piece of memorabilia.
While the card might have set a new record for Michael Jordan’s own series, it is a fraction of the all-time. That record belongs to Mickey Mantle, whose 1952 Topps card was sold for $12.6 million in August 2022 by Heritage Auctions.
Chelsea are set to earn £5 million from Real Madrid after their 15th Champions League win this past weekend at Wembley Stadium in London. The Blues had included a clause in Eden Hazard’s contract for a bonus payout if Los Blancos won their 15th title in Wembley.
And even though Hazard has retired from football, the West Londoners are still profiting from their big-money sale in 2019, earning a small boost from the Champions League winners.
Eden Hazard transfer still paying off for Chelsea with Real Madrid bonus
💙🧬 Eden Hazard and Chelsea…
👤 352 appearances ⚽️ 110 goals 🅰️ 92 assists
🏆 Premier League x2 🏆 FA Cup 🏆 League Cup 🏆 UEFA Europa League x2
⭐️ Chelsea Player of the Year 2014, 2015, 2017, 2019.
⭐️ Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year 2015, 2019.
At the time, Eden Hazard was Real Madrid’s record transfer and was expected to become the heir to Cristiano Ronaldo on the left wing. However, he struggled to replicate his incredible form at Stamford Bridge, and was held back by several injuries throughout his four-year spell at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, he still won the Champions League with Real Madrid in 2022 and also lifted a couple of LaLiga titles in the famous white shirt.
Hazard will be returning to West London for Soccer Aid on June 9, and has been enjoying life after retirement last summer. He is still hailed as one of the Blues’ best ever players, after a career that has inspired many.
Ross Barkley is set to return to Premier League football, with a move to Aston Villa imminent. The Clarets are set to pay a sum worth around £5 million to Luton Town for their star midfielder, who had a brilliant season although Luton Town were relegated in the end.
There is an agreement on the player’s side already, and only the medical and formalities need to be completed for Villa to have their first new signing of the season.
Ross Barkley to join Aston Villa from Luton Town
🚨🟣🔵 Aston Villa are in advanced talks to sign Ross Barkley from Luton Town, confirmed.
Negotiations are progressing, as per @guardian_sport — Barkley is keen on the move.
❗️ Understand Unai Emery really likes Barkley and believes he could be a smart signing for #AVFC. pic.twitter.com/E0MK8QmPDy
The midfielder spent one season on loan (20/21) with Villa, before moving back to Chelsea, followed by a spell with OGC Nice in France. He then returned to England to join newcomers Luton, and scored five goals while providing six assists in 37 games.
Ross Barkley could prove to be a great signing for the club, considering he has Champions League experience with Chelsea. And with Unai Emery’s side returning to the European top flight after decades, it’ll be great to have a senior player who can provide much needed composure in tense situations.
Villa are expected to make more signings in due course, specifically to bolster their defence and add more quality in attack as the transfer window opens.
ASUS made waves at the Always Incredible launch event for Computex 2024 by introducing a range of groundbreaking technological advancements and reaffirming its dedication to AI integration. The event shone a spotlight on the company’s latest AI-driven innovations, with a particular focus on the Copilot+ PCs spanning from everyday AI to advanced AI capabilities. These new PCs represent a pioneering category of computing, empowered by a 45+ TOPS NPU AI engine, promising revolutionary speed and performance across ASUS’s product lineup.
ASUS Announces Ubiquitous AI. Incredible Possibilities. AI Strategy, Copilot+ PCs, and Creator Solutions at Computex 2024 Always Incredible Launch Event
Embracing Ubiquitous AI for Endless Possibilities
ASUS Co-CEO Samson Hu took center stage to unveil the company’s Ubiquitous AI. Incredible Possibilities. AI Strategy, emphasizing ASUS’s commitment to leading the charge in the AI revolution. Samson Hu stated, “ASUS is helping lead the way to make AI accessible everywhere for everyone and ensuring that everybody can benefit from the possibilities guaranteed by AI.”
Introducing the Zenbook S 16 and ProArt Creator Solutions
The highlight of the event was the Zenbook S 16, an ultra-slim OLED laptop featuring the exclusive Ceraluminum™ chassis in nature-inspired colors. This premium laptop boasts the latest AMD Ryzen™ AI 9 HX 370 processor, delivering exceptional performance in a remarkably thin design. The ProArt portfolio also received a boost with new creator solutions, including laptops, displays, and peripherals designed to empower users for smarter and faster creation on-the-go.
Gaming Powerhouses and Professional Laptops
The Taiwanese giant also unveiled the TUF A16 and TUF A14 gaming laptops, equipped with up to an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40-series GPUs. These stylish and portable gaming machines offer high-refresh-rate G-SYNC® displays, Dolby Atmos® audio, and advanced connectivity for immersive gaming experiences on-the-go. Additionally, the Zenbook S 14 and ExpertBook P5 cater to professionals and small office settings, powered by Intel® Core™ Ultra processors.
Collaborative Efforts for Next-Gen AI PCs
Leaders from Microsoft, AMD, and NVIDIA joined ASUS at Computex to emphasize their collaborative efforts in advancing the AI era. Mark Linton from Microsoft Corp. praised ASUS for pushing boundaries with Copilot+ PCs, while AMD’s Jack Huynh highlighted the cutting-edge technology embedded in the third-generation AMD Ryzen AI processors. NVIDIA’s Jason Paul underscored the enhanced AI performance present in ASUS’s ProArt 16 laptop, catering to creators and gamers alike.
Availability and Pre-Orders
The Zenbook S 16, ProArt P16, and PX13 laptops, powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor, are now available for pre-order worldwide. Interested customers can visit http://asus.com globally or http://BestBuy.com in the US to secure these innovative devices. Pricing starts at US$1,399 for the Zenbook S 16, US$1,699 for the ProArt PX13 convertible, and US$1,899 for the ProArt P16 clamshell laptop.
Experience the future of AI-powered computing with ASUS’s latest offerings, designed to elevate productivity, creativity, and gaming experiences. Stay tuned for more updates as ASUS continues to drive innovation and accessibility in the realm of next-generation AI PCs.
Acer has announced an exciting update for its Swift series of thin-and-light laptops. Beginning in Q3 2024, the Swift lineup will feature models powered by the new AMD Ryzen™ AI 300 Series laptop processors. These cutting-edge processors bring unrivaled speed and performance to Acer’s latest AI-driven PC offerings, thanks to their enhanced CPU and GPU cores, as well as an ultra-efficient NPU. Additionally, the new laptops will receive a free update to Copilot+ PC experiences upon availability.
Upcoming Acer Swift Series Laptops to Feature Models with New AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Processors
Bringing AI to Everyday Computing
“AI is continuing to reshape our customers’ expectations for PCs across gaming, content creation, professional and everyday use,” said Jerry Kao, COO, Acer Inc. “With AMD, we are delivering more AI-enabled experiences to our customers with unprecedented power and performance. In the coming months, we are excited to announce new systems powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors.”
Jack Huynh, Senior Vice President and GM of the Computing and Graphics Group at AMD, echoed these sentiments: “We’re excited to partner with Acer across their thin-and-light next-generation AI PCs. We are creating a new category of AI PCs with Acer featuring our 3rd generation AMD Ryzen AI processors with the world’s most powerful NPU with 50 TOPS, the world’s fastest APU with next-gen Zen 5 architecture, and the world’s best graphics for gaming.”
Next-Level Performance with AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series Processors
The AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, based on the advanced Zen 5 architecture, bring up to 12 high-performance cores and 24 threads, promising groundbreaking performance for ultrathin laptops. The new processors integrate AMD XDNA™ 2 technology, delivering up to 50+ NPU TOPS of AI processing power. This ensures users can leverage AI capabilities locally, running generative AI applications, Large Language Models, and AI assistants directly on Acer Swift laptops without needing an internet connection, thereby maximizing creativity and productivity without draining battery life.
Optimized for Power Efficiency and High Performance
One of the standout features of the AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors is their optimization for lower power consumption, which translates to excellent battery life even under heavy computing loads. These processors also offer up to 36 MB cache, enhancing productivity and responsiveness. Built-in AMD Radeon™ 800M graphics provide robust support for high-resolution displays and accelerated encoding, whether or not a discrete graphic card is present.
