With manufacturers looking to raise prices to fuel the AI age we’re sleepwalking blindly towards, Black Friday weekend might offer the last chance to save on PC hardware for a while.
### The Future of Prediction Market Betting: A Look at Kalshi and Its Vision
Kalshi, established in 2018 by Tarek Mansour and Luana Lopes Lara, is generating considerable excitement in the financial sector with its groundbreaking approach to prediction markets. Mansour’s optimistic view on the future of prediction market betting centers on its ability to settle disputes and monetize diverse opinions — fundamentally transforming every facet of life into a tradable commodity.
#### A Billion-Dollar Vision
Recently, Kalshi secured $1 billion in funding, attaining a remarkable valuation of $11 billion. This increase has left investors enthusiastic about the anticipated growth and extensive application of prediction markets. Mansour noted that these markets are already approaching a $100 billion annual asset class and believes they could see substantial expansion, envisioning a marketplace where any disagreement can turn into a viable bet.
“The long-term vision is to financialize everything,” Mansour elaborated during a Citadel Securities conference. He suggests that a powerful, general-purpose exchange capable of settling differing opinions could reveal a total addressable market significantly larger than the existing stock market.
#### Prediction Markets as Information Solutions
Mansour emphasizes the widespread problem of information overload in contemporary society, asserting that while data inundates us, the real challenge is separating truth from falsehood. He contends that prediction markets act as a remedy, skillfully highlighting and refining crucial truths from the noise. This feature positions prediction markets as essential instruments for mitigating risk across a range of uncertain future occurrences, such as elections or international crises.
#### The Appeal of Gamification in Financial Markets
The attraction of turning real-world outcomes into marketable bets aligns with the increasing popularity of trading applications like Robinhood for stocks and DraftKings for sports wagering. Mansour imagines a reality where everything from personal discussions to major world events can be converted into betting chances. This transformation could cultivate a culture where individuals more frequently partake in prediction betting, independent of the setting.
Nevertheless, such a significant transition raises concerns about the repercussions of treating serious matters as gambling ventures. This notion recalls previous incidents in the financial sphere, notably the FTX collapse, prompting caution and doubt among some observers regarding the sustainability and ethical implications of such markets.
#### Cultural Acceptance and Potential Risks
Despite his aspirations, Mansour’s vision may not be universally accepted. The idea of commercializing casual dialogues or disagreements could appear alien to many, as the average person may hesitate to view their opinions or relationships as assets. This potential cultural dissonance raises questions about whether society can accept this change.
Additionally, as prediction markets expand, there is a crucial need for suitable regulations and moral considerations to ensure these platforms do not encourage harmful behaviors or unforeseen outcomes.
#### Conclusion
Kalshi stands at the cutting edge of a new financial landscape where prediction markets might fundamentally alter how individuals understand and interact with uncertainty. While Tarek Mansour advocates for the opportunities for growth and innovation in this arena, the challenge will be to cultivate widespread acceptance and navigate the intricacies of converting personal opinions into concrete financial instruments. As the landscape progresses, investors and consumers will need to thoughtfully evaluate the effects and feasibility of this gamified approach to life’s uncertainties.
Sundays are for writing your first ever Sunday Papers. Though your excitement, like mine, may slip a little when you realise you’ve been reading almost anything but gaming articles this week. So, I shall be leaning quite heavily into the “(mostly)” in the column’s mission of rounding up “great writing about (mostly) videogames”.
I hope you’ll be able to find as much joy in writing about bacteria, lighthouses, and life after a nuclear war as I have.
**Discovering the Excitement of Sektori: A Roguelike Twin Stick Shooter**
In the vast realm of video gaming, certain titles connect with players in a distinctive manner, capturing their interest and providing an exhilarating retreat. One such recent title is *Sektori*, a roguelike twin stick shooter that is generating buzz among enthusiasts of the genre, especially those who delight in the vibrant and chaotic worlds of games like *Geometry Wars*.
Now accessible on various platforms including Xbox, PlayStation, and Steam, *Sektori* delivers an engaging yet user-friendly experience that can easily captivate players for extended periods. The core concept is straightforward: direct a lively shape on the screen, blasting away at equally vivid opponents threatening your survival. Armed with a laser cannon, players must navigate the arena, dodging enemy projectiles while collecting power-ups to boost their combat prowess.
**Gameplay Dynamics and Experience**
What distinguishes *Sektori* from its competitors is not only its rapid-fire action but also its intricate mechanics that draw inspiration from critically acclaimed games like *Vampire Survivors* and *Halls of Torment*. As you take out shapes on the battlefield, each enemy shatters, leaving behind sparkling orbs that can lead to worthwhile upgrades. These enhancements can restore your shield, unlock new weapon types such as missiles, or amplify your laser cannon’s firepower, fostering a gratifying gameplay loop that motivates players to further test their limits.
The game also brings in perk cards that enhance your skills during playthroughs. While the tutorial provides a basic foundation, the intricacies of these mechanics unfold through actual gameplay, inviting players to experiment and find optimal strategies. This element of unpredictability keeps the experience vibrant, leading players to the timeless temptation of “just one more run,” often resulting in longer gaming periods.
**Visuals and Sound**
Visually, *Sektori* impresses with its neon-infused art style and stunning particle effects, creating a visual feast for gamers. The design is polished and sharp, harmonizing perfectly with the high-energy gameplay, ensuring that each encounter is as thrilling visually as it is action-packed. Complementing its striking graphics, *Sektori* features an engaging soundtrack that matches the frantic rhythm, enhancing the immersive experience.
**Final Thoughts**
*’Sektori’ represents an enticing mix of simplicity and complexity, making it a must-experience for anyone who loves quick, action-focused gameplay. Its vivid visuals, robust mechanics, and addictive qualities create a journey that is enjoyable whether playing for a few minutes or several hours. As players plunge into this neon adventure, the desire to keep playing intensifies, establishing *Sektori* as a prominent title in the twin-stick shooter realm.*
For those primed to embark on this colorful adventure, you can grab your copy of *Sektori* [here](https://www.gimblll.com/sektori/#:~:text=Store%20Links%20(Game,Steam). Accept the challenge, enhance your arsenal, and prepare to immerse yourself in a game that guarantees hours of fun and excitement.
The Black Friday weekend is almost over (although Cyber Monday is just hours away), and while we’ve covered how you can get an Alienware RTX 5080 build at a discount, Dell’s deals extend to the RTX 5090, too.
**Black Friday Promotions: Unmatched Prices on the MacBook Air M4 256GB**
Black Friday has come and gone, and although many Apple enthusiasts rushed to Amazon for excellent bargains, some stock still awaits buyers. One of the highlight products that remains available is the MacBook Air M4 256GB, which debuted in March 2025. Now offered at $749, reduced from its usual price of $999, this marks a substantial discount, especially for a device under a year old—a rarity within the Apple lineup.
### The M4 Chip: Transforming Performance
At the core of the MacBook Air M4 is its state-of-the-art Apple M4 processor. Users will instantly experience improved speed when navigating between demanding programs. Activities like 4K video editing, which once faced delays, now operate effortlessly. The M4 chip’s efficiency supports multiple resource-heavy applications, such as Chrome and Photoshop, functioning at the same time without triggering the fan—a true indicator of its quiet operation.
The M4 architecture combines the CPU, GPU, and neural engine on a singular silicon chip. This configuration not only speeds up data exchange between parts but also enhances energy efficiency. Consequently, users can enjoy remarkable battery life of up to 18 hours, enabling extensive productivity without the need for constant recharging.
### Enhanced Privacy and Intelligence
The MacBook Air M4 features sophisticated Apple Intelligence functions, allowing it to handle tasks like writing assistance, image creation, and file organization directly on the device. This local processing guarantees that users’ private data stays confidential and is never transmitted to external servers. Users gain access to functionalities such as summarizing lengthy email conversations, designing custom emojis, and managing notifications effectively—all while maintaining privacy.
### Striking Display and Connectivity
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display boasts a brightness of 500 nits and the capability to showcase one billion colors. This quality proves especially advantageous for outdoor use, ensuring visibility in bright sunlight. The display’s sharpness mitigates eye fatigue, making it perfect for prolonged writing sessions. Color fidelity is invaluable for designers and photographers who depend on accurate representations.
Connectivity is robust, featuring two Thunderbolt 4 ports for charging, rapid data transfers at 40Gbps, and video output. This versatility allows users to attach multiple external monitors, boosting productivity. The return of MagSafe charging enhances safety, as the magnetic connection detaches effortlessly if the cable is snagged. Along with Wi-Fi 6E compatibility, users benefit from enhanced wireless speeds.
### Audio and Microphone Quality
The MacBook Air M4 excels in audio quality. Its four-speaker system delivers rich sound, which is impressive given the laptop’s slim design. Furthermore, the three-microphone array effectively emphasizes the speaker’s voice during calls, ensuring crystal-clear communication even amid background noise.
### The Ultimate Value for Current-Generation Technology
At $749—$250 lower than the typical retail price—this MacBook Air M4 presents outstanding value. It accommodates current software updates and manages demanding applications effortlessly, making it a worthwhile investment for the long haul. This offer signifies the lowest price ever for an Apple laptop capable of seamlessly handling both creative projects and daily tasks.
In summary, whether you’re a student, a professional, or a creative, the MacBook Air M4 256GB stands out as a powerful device that merges performance, privacy, and portability—all at an unbeatable price point.
[See at Amazon](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/4498/)
Dastardly December has done it again. Here I was having a nice time with November, joking about the time February tried to explain leap years to August, and the wintry month snuck up in my blindspot. Now December’s in the house, kicking back on the sofa with its feet up on the table. At least it’s brought a gift: the RPS Advent Calendar 2025, the list of our favourite games of the year.
**Amazon’s Inventory of PlayStation Controllers: A Chance for Gamers**
As the holiday season winds down, Amazon finds itself with a considerable stock of PlayStation controllers, featuring both standard variants and the premium DualSense Edge. At present, the DualSense Edge is offered at a record low price of $169, down from its usual $199. This Black Friday deal is applicable to both color choices—black and white—making it a tempting option for gamers eager to enhance their gameplay.
The significance of the DualSense Edge is rooted in its superior customization and performance capabilities, designed explicitly for dedicated gamers. With interchangeable stick caps, adjustable triggers, and programmable back buttons, this controller meets the needs of competitive players. Sony crafted the Edge to act as a solid alternative to third-party controllers, ensuring that gamers have access to official hardware along with warranty coverage.
### Reasons to Upgrade to the Edge Controller
One of the key benefits of the DualSense Edge is its interchangeable stick design, enabling users to choose from three different cap styles according to their liking and the nature of the game. Standard caps suit most games; however, high dome caps improve aiming accuracy in shooters, while low dome caps allow for quicker movements in fighting or racing games. Switching caps is a straightforward process that doesn’t require tools, ensuring easy setup.
Additionally, the Edge maintains the same haptic feedback and adaptive trigger technology found in the standard DualSense, delivering an immersive gaming experience that sets PS5 games apart from titles on other systems.
The programmable back buttons are a noteworthy improvement for players involved in intricate game mechanics. Users have the ability to assign any button function to these back paddles, enabling actions like reloading or jumping without losing grip on the aiming sticks. In fast-paced shooters, this feature can be pivotal in determining success or failure. Moreover, the controller’s built-in memory accommodates multiple profiles, allowing gamers to switch button configurations quickly using a specific function button.
The adjustable trigger system further augments gameplay by enabling players to set how far they must pull L2 and R2 for actions to be executed. Multiple stop points are provided, minimizing the distance required for trigger pulls. This adjustment is especially advantageous in shooting games, where faster trigger responses yield quicker firing rates. Players can also adjust the dead zones on the analog sticks via the console’s settings menu.
Included with the Edge is a protective carrying case for convenient transportation, along with additional stick caps and a USB cable for wired gameplay. Connectivity options comprise USB-C for tournament environments or scenarios where wireless latency is crucial, although the Bluetooth connection is sufficiently quick for most casual users. Battery life is similar to that of the standard DualSense, offering around 5 to 7 hours of gameplay depending on the use of haptics and adaptive triggers.
Originally listed at $199, the DualSense Edge faced competition from the lower-priced $74 DualSense, which is currently available for about $55-$60. Nonetheless, the enhanced features and comfort provided by the Edge warrant the increased price, representing less than 2.5 times the cost of the basic controller.
The chance to acquire the DualSense Edge at a discounted price on Amazon offers an optimal opportunity for gamers looking to upgrade their gear.
*For further information and to buy the controller, visit [Amazon now](https://shop.kotaku.com/go/5850/).*
Grotesque and surreal ‘farming simulation’ Horses has been banned from the Epic Games Store on the eve of release, a couple of years after a work-in-progress version of the game was rejected by Valve. In an alleged statement to developers Santa Ragione, the Fortnite makers explain that they’ve found the game to be in contravention of policies against “Inappropriate Content” and “Hateful or Abusive Content”. Given that, according to Santa Ragione, Epic have had access to a build for two months and had already approved the game for publication on their store 18 days before launch, the whole thing feels like a frantic response to Valve’s claims about the unfinished build, which Epic presumably haven’t seen.
# Google Pixel 10: An Attractive Substitute to the iPhone 17
Google’s Pixel 10 smartphones act as direct rivals to the iPhone 17 series, offering exceptional value that underscores the high prices of Apple’s products. Presently, an unlocked Pixel 10 with 128GB storage is listed on Amazon for $549, a considerable reduction from its initial price of $799. This flagship gadget is driven by Google’s cutting-edge Tensor G5 chip, incorporates an advanced triple rear camera setup with 5x optical zoom, and promises seven years of Android updates.
## Gemini AI Integrated Tensor G5 Processing
At the core of the Pixel 10 lies the Tensor G5 chip, the most recent version of Google’s proprietary silicon crafted specifically for AI processing and computational photography. In contrast to standard processors that primarily emphasize benchmark performance, the Tensor G5 thrives in handling intricate machine learning operations directly on the device. This enables users to take advantage of real-time language translation, enhanced image processing, and Gemini AI interactions without depending on cloud services. The framework of this architecture prioritizes efficiency in everyday tasks while also providing additional power when needed.
The integration of Gemini AI transforms the Pixel 10 into an exceptionally interactive assistant capable of comprehending natural dialogue. With features such as Gemini Live, users can easily point their camera at unknown objects or text and pose questions in casual language. This visual lookup functionality is adaptable, assisting with tasks like recognizing plants while hiking or translating signs in real time.
## Superior Camera Setup
The Pixel 10 showcases a remarkable triple rear camera system, highlighted by a 48-megapixel primary sensor with optical image stabilization for clearer images, even in shaky situations. Its 10.8-megapixel telephoto lens offers 5x optical zoom, guaranteeing quality images from afar. Moreover, the 13-megapixel ultra-wide lens amplifies landscape photography and group shots, while Super Res Zoom blends both optical and digital techniques to achieve up to 20x magnification without losing clarity.
Additionally, the Camera Coach feature reviews shot composition in real time, providing suggestions for adjustments that can enhance photo quality. By offering advice on framing, lighting, and positioning as users capture images, this feature assists casual photographers in taking better pictures efficiently.
## Outstanding Display and Battery Performance
The Pixel 10 comes equipped with a 6.3-inch Actua OLED screen featuring a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels. Its refresh rate smartly adjusts between 1Hz and 120Hz depending on the content being observed, enhancing battery longevity; for example, still content like reading is displayed at lower refresh rates. The display performs excellently in bright sunlight, achieving peak brightness levels of 3,000 nits, and an IP68 rating guarantees the screen’s durability against immersion in water for up to 30 minutes.
The sturdy 4,970mAh battery of the device provides over 24 hours of battery longevity under typical usage scenarios, allowing users to depend on it throughout the day without needing to charge during midday. It enables fast charging at 30 watts via the USB-C port, and can also use Qi wireless charging at 15 watts for convenient, cable-free charging at home or in a car.
## Conclusion
With a price of $549, the Pixel 10 offers a flagship alternative that includes premium features without the elevated costs commonly found with iPhones and Samsung Galaxy devices. This ongoing Cyber Monday promotion highlights the potential for considerable savings during the December shopping season, demonstrating that patience can often lead to better deals than those obtained during the initial holiday shopping frenzy.