Latest news with #Omen
Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘Valorant' 10.10 Patch Notes Bring PC And Console Closer Together
A new Valorant patch is here. Credit: Riot Games A new set of patch notes has been released for Valorant, and while there aren't too many big balance changes, it does set things up for grater parity between the console and PC versions of Valorant. The Valorant 10.10 patch notes have basically no real balance changes of consequence for standard play. Raze gets a visual update that will more accurately indicate hitboxes for her Boom Bot and Paint Shells, which should make playing against them a littler easier to manage. Other than that, all the balance changes come for the Swiftplay mode. In Swiftplay, new agent Tejo gets a change that sees his Armageddon starting points increase to three from two. Although, this isn't really a change for this patch, it's actually part of his rework from the last patch that went undocumented. Other agent changes come in the form of bug fixes, with the 10.10 patch notes featuring quite a few of them. Omen gets a change reverted from a few patches ago which should stop dead allies spectating Omen being able to see through nearsights, while the really annoying issue where Vyse could no longer use Arc Rose for the remainder of the round if it was placed too close to the spike has also been solved. You can see them all in the full patch notes. The bigger news is mostly behind the scenes, with some UI changes coming to Valorant on console to bring it closer in line with the PC version. This will bring the two versions closer together in terms of features, and should make it easier for the dev team to implement changes across both of them at the same time in the same way. Initially this is just to do with the Collection section of the menus, but you can expect to see a lot more changes like these in the coming months. It's also time for Pick'Ems to return, this time for Valorant Masters Toronto. From May 28th, you will be able to make your picks for the Swiss Stage in-client and on the web, with some rewards on the line if you manage to predict all the results correctly. With Masters just around the corner, it really isn't a surprise to see such a small patch for Valorant, but that should mean we are only a few weeks away from a much bigger patch that should bring some welcome balance changes and maybe even some new content to play with.
Time Business News
5 days ago
- Time Business News
Valorant Esports Draft Strategies Enhanced by Meta Predictions
Who is on the team and who isn't often determines the outcome of a match even before it begins. While the players are executing the plays, those in the editing room are making the blueprints and directing them. Now, esports analysts look to the future and make expert predictions, not just provide observations. Because the meta changes fast, strategies around choosing agents, picking maps, and deciding who to face change, too. Experts are now being put in the spotlight for shaping results with data in Valorant Esports. Experts have already predicted the strategies and agents that might be banned before the opening pistol round. Predictions from meta give structure to team strategy and help them gain an advantage before a game. Analysts invest a lot of time creating tier lists that evaluate an agent's usefulness, success rate, and connections to specific maps. Building a draft plan often begins by studying the rankings. Once Killjoy starts being a strong character after the patch in many regions, her name is often seen at the top of ban lists, or she is picked for nearly every game. Using these insights, Valorant teams try to ensure that their lineup includes a variety of players. A poor draft means that a team misses out on area control, the ability to make an entry frag, or clutching achievements. No sooner than a meta changes, meta-analysts revise their list, and experts adjust it more quickly than fans notice. It is not always easy for strategies to work in every part of the world. Teams from the Americas may choose a much more direct approach with duelists, but groups from the Pacific might prefer to use controllers with greater discipline. Analysts now create draft models specifically suited to each region. Learning about how different sections work helps teams overcome their rivals from other countries. These preferences are observed by tracking match replays, popular agent selections, and how well players use these agents. A granular system matters most during big tournaments, for example, VCT Masters or Champions, in Valorant Esports. Planning strategies now revolve around effectively using data. They use modeling tools to test different groups of agents against data on past matches. For example, if many opponents are choosing Omen and Fade at Haven, the analyst may advise selecting Breach or Skye to break up their game plan. Thanks to heatmaps, round win percentages, and how often games are played, making these judgments is possible. With predictive software, you can expect not only what the opposing team will do but also what drives those choices. As a result, this method of planning helps top and prepared teams succeed in Valorant Esports. A strategy is effective only if it's suitable for the players' skills and team personality. The draft is prepared by analysts with close input from the coaching team. Even though supers like Iso may look great, some teams prefer a different kind of agent that suits their teamwork. Together, coaching and analytics give athletes the confidence they need during stressful decisions. A few organizations put analysts into scrims and watch pre-recorded matches, making changes to the team's strategies during the game. Good teamwork is key in those intercontinental games since the draft determines the mood of the encounter. While tournaments go on, the meta changes. Assets in threats are arranged in creative ways, requiring analysts to respond without much time to prepare. An example is when Yoru dominates the beginning of a match, which can force your team to revise tactics for the rest of the day. Esports analysts now have to respond quicker than ever before. They compare statistics from the team games and modify the team order before the playoffs. Because real-time processing is used, the strategies update as competition continues. People succeed in Valorant Esports because they are fast to react and adjust. Nowadays, several teams try to determine if a new member knows the main strategies for winning. Scouts check players out, and then analysts attempt to picture how they fit into the team. If a duelist can't handle playing different maps, they are unlikely to play a role in a reliable international team. Long-term flexibility is a main goal for Valorant Esports organizations. A good mechanic in a game may lose to somebody with little mechanical skill but strong strategic knowledge. The close relationship between skill and strategy determines draft consistency. Modern Valorant analysts go beyond just crunching numbers—they also predict, influence, and strengthen valuable strategies before players start playing the match. Having meta predictions is no longer a luxury—it's essential. As team approaches and how agents fare continue to develop, top teams are counting on their analysts more than ever to stay successful in Valorant Esports. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Call of Duty Black Ops 6's Season 4 kicks off May 29: Key details, roadmap
Activision has released key details on Call of Duty's website about the content as well as the roadmap for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 4. As per the announcement, Season 4 is set to kick off on May 29, 2025. It is introducing new content and also making a return of some OG aspects. The new season is introducing three new maps: Shutdown, Fugitive 6v6 maps and the Blitz Strike Map. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6's Season 4 will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Here are the details of what Activision has announced. Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Season 4 – Details New maps, modes, and multiplayer upgrades Season 4 brings five Multiplayer maps, including three new maps at launch—Shutdown, Fugitive, and Blitz—followed by Eclipse and a remastered Fringe mid-season. Each offers diverse layouts, from Icelandic prison compounds to neon nightclubs. New modes like Team Elimination, One in the Chamber, and Party Ops expand gameplay variety, while the return of the Grim Reaper Scorestreak and a new season of Ranked Play adds competitive intensity. Players can also unlock five new weapons, including the LC10 SMG and FFAR 1 Assault Rifle, and use new attachments like the G-Grip and full-auto conversion mods. The Battle Pass features the return of Stitch and introduces the mysterious Omen as the BlackCell Operator, alongside over 130 unlockable rewards. Zombies mode revives grief and competitive chaos Zombies mode gets a major refresh with the return of Grief, a 4v4 mode where teams use Capture Zones to sabotage opponents. Eleven Grief arenas are available at launch, with indirect PvP mechanics and timed debuffs like weapon nerfs and zombie ambushes. Additional updates include new GobbleGums, the Shatter Blast ammo mod, and limited-time challenges like Starting Room and Abomination Challenge. Leaderboard events such as King of the Dead and Master of Grief add layers of competition. Warzone expands with new POI, modes, and ranked play Warzone adds The Overlook, a towering new skyscraper POI in Downtown Verdansk with ziplines, cranes, and dynamic combat zones. The 52v52 Clash Mode returns, joined mid-season by Havoc Royale and Resurgence Casual. Two Ranked Play tracks—Battle Royale and Resurgence—offer new challenges and seasonal rewards.
Geeky Gadgets
23-05-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
HP OMEN MAX 16 (2025): The Ultimate Gaming Beast Unleashed
The HP Omen Max 16 (2025) redefines expectations for gaming laptops by combining state-of-the-art hardware, advanced cooling solutions, and a sleek, professional design. Whether you're a competitive gamer or a creative professional, this laptop is engineered to handle demanding tasks with ease. Featuring the latest Intel Core Ultra 200 series processors and Nvidia RTX 50 series GPUs, it delivers exceptional performance for gaming, content creation, and multitasking. The video below from Tech Spurt gives us a detailed look at this new HP gaming laptop. Watch this video on YouTube. Top-Tier Performance for Gaming and Creative Work At the heart of the HP Omen Max 16 lies the Intel Core Ultra 200 series processor, with configurations reaching up to the powerful 9275HX. This innovative CPU is paired with Nvidia RTX 50 series GPUs, including the flagship RTX 5090, making sure smooth frame rates and stunning visuals, even in the most graphically demanding games. The combination of these components makes the laptop a powerhouse for both gaming and creative applications. Key performance highlights include: Overclocking capabilities via the Omen Gaming Hub, allowing advanced manual tuning for both CPU and GPU. Support for Nvidia DLSS technology, which enhances graphics quality and performance in compatible games. Exceptional benchmarks in creative applications like video editing, 3D rendering, and animation. Whether you're competing in fast-paced esports tournaments or working on high-resolution creative projects, the HP Omen Max 16 ensures uncompromising power and responsiveness. Efficient Cooling for Sustained Performance To maintain peak performance during intense workloads, the HP Omen Max 16 employs Tempest Cooling Pro technology, a sophisticated cooling system designed to keep the laptop running efficiently under pressure. This system includes: A wide vapor chamber covering 60% of the motherboard for effective heat dissipation. Dual high-speed fans capable of reaching 6,000 RPM, making sure robust airflow. A self-cleaning mechanism that prevents dust buildup and extends the laptop's lifespan. These features work together to keep the laptop cool and quiet, even during extended gaming sessions or resource-heavy tasks. By maintaining optimal thermal performance, the HP Omen Max 16 ensures consistent reliability over time. Durable Build with Customizable Design The HP Omen Max 16 is built with a durable all-metal chassis, offering a premium feel and long-lasting protection. Its professional design, featuring subtle branding, makes it equally suitable for gaming and work environments. For users who value personalization, the laptop includes customizable RGB lighting options, such as: Per-key illumination for tailored lighting effects. An integrated light bar to complement your gaming setup. The keyboard is firm and responsive, providing a comfortable experience for both typing and gaming. Additionally, the laptop features front-facing speakers that deliver clear audio with strong bass, enhancing immersion in games, movies, and music. This combination of durability, design, and functionality ensures the HP Omen Max 16 is as versatile as it is powerful. Immersive Display for Stunning Visuals The HP Omen Max 16 features a 16-inch WQXGA IPS display with a resolution of 2560×1600, offering vibrant colors and sharp details. For users seeking even greater visual fidelity, an optional OLED upgrade is available, providing deeper blacks and richer contrast. Designed to meet the needs of both gamers and creators, the display features: A refresh rate of up to 240 Hz and a 0.2 ms response time for smooth, blur-free visuals. Variable refresh rate technology to minimize screen tearing and stuttering. Whether you're navigating fast-paced gameplay or editing high-resolution content, the display ensures a visually immersive experience that enhances productivity and entertainment alike. Comprehensive Connectivity for Seamless Workflows The HP Omen Max 16 is equipped with a wide array of connectivity options to support gaming, productivity, and multitasking. These include: Dual Thunderbolt 4 ports for high-speed data transfer and external display support. HDMI 2.1 compatibility for 4K gaming and media streaming. Ethernet and multiple USB-A ports for peripherals and stable network connections. These features make the laptop ideal for multi-monitor setups, external storage solutions, and efficient workflows. Whether you're a gamer looking to expand your setup or a professional managing complex projects, the HP Omen Max 16 provides the connectivity you need. Software Features and Battery Life The Omen Gaming Hub software acts as a centralized control center, offering tools for performance tuning, power management, and system monitoring. It also includes an AI optimization feature (currently in beta) that adjusts game settings automatically to achieve the best balance of performance and visuals. This software enhances the overall user experience by providing intuitive control over the laptop's capabilities. However, the laptop's battery life is limited to approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes during gaming. While this is typical for high-performance laptops, connecting to a power source is recommended for extended use. For less demanding tasks, the battery life is sufficient to handle short sessions of productivity or entertainment. Why the HP Omen Max 16 Stands Out The HP Omen Max 16 (2025) is a high-performance gaming laptop that excels in both gaming and creative tasks. With its powerful hardware, advanced cooling system, premium display, and versatile connectivity, it offers a top-tier experience for demanding users. Whether you're a gamer seeking competitive performance or a professional in need of a reliable workstation, the HP Omen Max 16 delivers the features and capabilities to meet your needs. Its combination of innovative technology, durable design, and user-focused features makes it a standout choice in the competitive gaming laptop market. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in High-performance gaming laptop. Source & Image Credit: Tech Spurt Filed Under: Gaming News, Hardware, Laptops Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
WIRED
14-05-2025
- Business
- WIRED
Top HP Coupon Codes for May
Enjoy discounts on HP laptops, printers and more with these HP offer codes. All products featured on WIRED are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links. If you don't know where to start—and use—your HP coupon code, there's a wide variety of options available at in terms of budget and use case, but my eye goes first to the high-end HP Omen gaming monitors, like the fantastic HP Omen Transcend 32. This 4K 240Hz monitor is a favorite among PC gamers, even among the huge amounts of OLED options out there. It can hit a peak brightness of over 1,000 nits in HDR, bringing scenes in games to life in vivid detail. Or if you're on the other side of the budget spectrum and just need something basic, we recommend checking out one of HP's 27-inch 1080p monitors, such as the HP V27i G5, which retails for $209. It even comes with a 75Hz refresh rate, a small but appreciated bump over the standard 60Hz. We have HP coupon codes to help you save on all this tech and even more below. Get 10% Off Select HP Monitors With a Coupon Code HP is one of the biggest monitor manufacturers in the world, and this coupon will get you 10% off some of the monitors they have in stock, whether that's for a long-needed work-from-home upgrade or for your PC gaming setup. We have a 10% off HP coupon code for monitors, valid until May 17, along with other offers and promos to help you save on this important tech. $20 Off Your First Order With Our HP Promo Code HP offers a $20 discount right off the top of your order if it's your first time buying from While you can't use it in addition to the other coupons, it might be a better discount if you're purchasing something less expensive. To get this HP promo code, your order has to be $65 or more though (before taxes and shipping), and it requires signing up for the HP newsletter. This HP promo code is valid for a month after subscribing to the newsletter and is restricted to one per customer. If you aren't planning to spend too much and it's your first time buying from this could be the way to go. Save 40% on Tech With HP Student Discounts If you're a student, you're in luck. HP is offering a serious 40% off discount for students on all kinds of tech, including laptops, desktop PCs, printers, and accessories. All stuff you'll need for school, of course. HP rebranded its laptops in 2024, introducing the OmniBooks into the world, including the premium HP OmniBook Ultra Flip. Powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon X chips and a killer OLED display, the OmniBook Ultra Flip would be a great laptop for college thanks to its long-lasting battery life, especially with a 40% discount for students or teachers. It's not just laptops though. The HP student discount also applies to desktop PCs, printers, and much more. HP Military Discount: Get 40% Off the Latest Tech HP offers more than just a standard military discount. The company's exclusive military discount is extended to support active service members, veterans, and their families, but also healthcare workers and First Responders. If you belong to any of those groups, the HP military discount will drop the retail prices significantly, whether you're searching for a new laptop, PC, mouse, and many more select products at Get an HP Discount on Gaming Laptops HP's high-performance gaming laptops and PCs are also included in this coupon code. HP has two brands of gaming laptops to choose from: the more affordable Victus and the higher-end Omen. Finding a gaming laptop under $1,000 can be tricky, especially since you'll want something that doesn't use a 5-year old GPU and only 8 GB of memory. That's why I'd avoid the cheapest Victus laptop here, and bump up to at least the Victus 16t-r100. That gets you an RTX 4050 and 16 GB of RAM, despite costing only $150 more. Meanwhile, the higher-end Omen models get you access to the new RTX 50-series graphics cards, and the new multi-frame generation feature that's got everyone talking. They also come with a 16-inch 1920 x 1200 screen with a 240Hz refresh rate, such as the Omen Max gaming laptop. Beyond gaming laptops, HP gaming desktops like the opulent Omen 45L will also be discounted when using this coupon code. Like the Omen Max laptops, the Omen 45L comes with RTX 50-series graphics.
