Latest news with #Bond
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Is Windows the Future of Xbox?
Microsoft dropped some new details about its next-generation Xbox, and it sure sounds like the next console will be very similar to a Windows PC. If so, this plan could conceivably lead to Steam on the Xbox. Xbox President Sarah Bond hinted at big changes for the upcoming Xbox in an announcement on YouTube about AMD's involvement in providing the console's chips. It's not surprising that AMD has a role in the next Xbox, as it's provided hardware for Xbox in the past, but Bond managed to pack quite a few revelations into the short announcement video (below). Bond kicked off the announcement by revealing a 'strategic, multi-year partnership with AMD' that will include the next generation Xbox 'in your living room and in your hands.' As she finished that statement, she held her hands the way one would to hold Asus' upcoming ROG Xbox Ally, a Nintendo Switch-shaped portable gaming console running a custom version of Windows. The UI is that of Xbox, but it supports other stores, like Steam. Unfortunately, as Polygon points out, the Xbox Ally only plays Xbox games designed for PC play. Standard Xbox console games get left out. To cap it off, Bond said the goal was to bring gamers 'an Xbox experience not locked to a single store or tied to a single device.' 'That's why we're working closely with the Windows team to ensure that Windows is the number one platform for gaming,' Bond added. As we said, that has Steam written all over it in our eyes. Of course, other game stores will also want to get access to the console, but adding the Steam Store to the Xbox would be a huge win for gamers. It's also worth noting that Bond said the upcoming Xbox hardware would maintain 'compatibility with your existing library of Xbox games.' That statement, perhaps more than any other she made during the video, suggests that Microsoft is determined to be gamer-centric. If the company forced gamers to ditch their game collections…well, Microsoft isn't doing that, so we don't need to imagine the chaos. The next-gen Xbox should arrive sometime in 2027. The launch of the Asus ROG Xbox Ally was expected for 2025, so if that's any indication, we'd say development of the next Xbox is likely on track.
Buzz Feed
5 hours ago
- Buzz Feed
12 MI6 Facts You Didn't Know But Definitely Do Now
Think MI6 is all tuxedos, fast cars, and shaken martinis? That's just the movie version. The real British intelligence service has a story that's far more surprising, and a lot less glamorous. From spy gadgets hidden in matchboxes to hacking terrorist magazines with cupcake recipes, these are the MI6 facts you probably never heard about… until now. The whole reason MI6 exists? Britain was paranoid about Germany in 1909. MI6 wasn't born out of slick spy missions or dramatic shootouts—it started with good old-fashioned paranoia. In 1909, Britain was convinced that Germany was plotting against them, so they secretly set up what would become MI6 to keep tabs on enemy activity, and let's just say… they've been watching ever since. The head of MI6 isn't called 'M' in real life, it's 'C', and they always use green ink. In the Bond universe, the boss goes by 'M.' But IRL? It's 'C.' That's short for Sir Mansfield Cumming, the very first chief of MI6, who used to sign all his notes with just the letter 'C' (in green ink, no less). The tradition stuck. Every MI6 head since has kept the title and the signature style—yes, they still write in green ink. Very on-brand for a secret agent, honestly. MI6 was a secret for decades, and wasn't officially acknowledged until 1994. MI6 has been around since 1909, but for most of its life, it was like the Voldemort of government departments—never officially named. Originally set up as the Secret Service Bureau, the agency operated entirely in the shadows. It wasn't until 1994—yes, the same year Friends premiered—that the British government publicly admitted MI6 even existed. Talk about a long game. There wasn't just MI6—at one point, there were 19 different MI departments. MI6 didn't always work alone. Back in the day, there were actually 19 different 'MI' branches doing everything from decoding messages to watching the skies. MI1 dealt with information management, MI2 focused on Russia and Scandinavia, MI4 handled aerial surveillance, and MI11 (weirdly enough) took on codebreaking. Over time, most of these departments either shut down or got folded into MI5 and MI6. So no, MI6 isn't just a spy movie thing—it's what's left after a major intelligence agency merger. MI6 HQ isn't just a building, it's basically a fortress. The MI6 headquarters in London is no ordinary office. With 25 types of glass, bombproof walls, and triple-glazed windows, it's built like a tank. Rumors say it even has a shooting range, rooms where eavesdropping is impossible, and a Faraday cage to block radio signals. James Bond could only dream. Some of the greatest spy novelists were actual spies. Yes, really. Before Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy became a classic Cold War thriller, its author, John le Carré was living the spy life for real. Born David Cornwell, he worked for MI6 but had to use a pen name—real agents weren't allowed to publish under their own identities. And le Carré wasn't alone. The Quiet American author Graham Greene was also with MI6. Meanwhile, Ian Fleming—the man behind James Bond—served in Naval Intelligence, which gave him all the material he needed to invent 007 (minus the gadgets and martinis, probably). The first MI6 chief had a wild way of testing recruits. It involved a knife and a wooden leg. Sir Mansfield Cumming, the original head of MI6, had a pretty unhinged method for screening potential agents. In the middle of an interview, he'd suddenly stab himself in the leg to see how the recruit reacted. Don't worry, it was a wooden leg. But if you flinched? You probably didn't make the cut. In 2011, MI6 swapped b*mb instructions with cupcake recipes, yes that happened. MI6 pulled off one of the sassiest cyber moves in spy history. In 2011, agents hacked into an online Al-Qaeda magazine and replaced its bomb-making instructions with… cupcake recipes. Instead of a step-by-step guide to explosives, readers found details for the best cupcakes in America. It was part sabotage, part bake sale, and 100% genius. Real MI6 gadgets existed, just don't expect exploding pens or laser watches. The spy gear wasn't all Hollywood-level madness, but it was real. While James Bond had grenade pens and magnetic watches, actual MI6 agents worked with gadgets that were a little more low-key (and way more practical). Think cameras hidden inside matchboxes, hollowed-out shaving brushes, and other everyday objects turned into tools for espionage. Less flashy, more sneaky. MI6's top spy almost lost his job because of a Facebook post. Back in 2009, the head of MI6—Sir John Sawers—nearly had his career derailed thanks to his wife's Facebook activity. She casually posted their home address, vacation photos, and even details about their kids' locations… all publicly visible. Not ideal for the UK's most secretive spy. The info was taken down eventually, but not before the headlines started flying. Women in early MI6 weren't exactly given spy gadgets; they were used as 'honey traps' or stuck taking notes. Back in the early days of MI6, women weren't sent on glamorous missions or handed briefcases full of gadgets. Instead, they were often used to seduce and compromise targets—what's known as a 'honey trap'—or assigned to secretarial work behind the scenes. It wasn't until much later that women began taking on actual intelligence roles and field assignments. And now? For the first time ever, MI6 has its female chief. Talk about a full-circle moment. MI6 helped train America's first spies, including the predecessor to the CIA. When the U.S. finally joined World War II, it didn't exactly have a seasoned spy agency ready to go. So MI6 stepped in. Britain's top-secret service helped train America's brand-new Office of Strategic Services (OSS)—aka the baby version of the CIA. That early collab laid the groundwork for one of the most enduring intelligence partnerships in the world. So the next time you watch a Bond movie, just remember, the real MI6 doesn't hand out grenade pens or jetpacks (at least not that we know of). From secret aliases and cupcake hacks to wooden leg interviews and green ink signatures, Britain's top spy agency is full of facts stranger than fiction. And now, with its first-ever female chief at the helm, MI6 is proving it knows how to keep secrets and shake things up.
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
‘We're all very excited' says A-list actor on Cillian Murphy as he opens up on working with Oscar winner
CILLIAN Murphy's A-list co-star has opened up on his experience working with the actor. The Oscar winner can next be seen on the big screen in the Peaky Blinders film adaptation, The Immortal Man. Advertisement 2 Cillian Murphy is producing a new blockbuster action movie Credit: GETTY IMAGES 2 One of the films stars opened up on working with Cillian Credit: EPA Until the much-anticipated gangster film is released, fans will have to take an upcoming return to a franchise Murphy once led. 28 Years Later is the third instalment in the 28-film series and will take audiences through the journey of survival with a brand new set of survivors trying to make it through the zombie apocalypse. The cast for this film includes Aaron Taylor Johnson, Jodie Comer and Ralph Fiennes. However, Cillian played a pivotal role in getting this latest instalment made as he starred in the first film of the franchise. Advertisement read more on cillian murphy He is also serving as an executive producer on this film, frequently dropping in on the movie's set. Speaking to FM104 Strawberry Alarm Clock, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, one of the film's stars opened up on his experience working with Cillian Murphy. He said: "He's the sweetest, he's actually such a wonderful man. And we just are so grateful to be a part of this franchise. "And yeah as an audience who enjoys these movies, I think we're all very excited to see Cillian Murphy make an appearance at some point." Advertisement Most read in Celebrity Exclusive Exclusive Cillian could soon make another appearance in a Ever since the rumour mill has been whirring as to who will take on the iconic 007 gig - but now fans want to know who will play the next Bond baddie. Forgotten Cillian Murphy film soars up Netflix charts - despite terrible reviews and Rotten Tomatoes score Now, an According to the bookies, Peaky Blinders actor Cillian Murphy is the current favourite to be named as the next 007 baddie. Advertisement He is leading the pack with odds of 9/2. The Irish actor - best known for playing Thomas Shelby - previously said he was "too old" to play the famous spy. NEW ROLE But thanks to being at the peak of his career, the Oppenheimer star could be the next Bond villain. Bookmaker expert Jake Ashton said: 'The villain role in Bond movies is just as iconic as Bond himself. Advertisement "With Cillian Murphy at the height of his powers and trusted by major directors, he's a natural favourite.' Meanwhile, the race for Stars including
The Advertiser
20 hours ago
- General
- The Advertiser
'Fiercely loyal': The people who keep this tiny town's heart beating
Beyond the silos and green spaces of this beautiful country town lies an infectious community spirit. The tiny town of Geranium in South Australia, near the Mallee Highway, has had its population shrink to double digits, but there are families still there who treasure it. "It's a really unique little community in that it's fiercely loyal," said resident Margaret Smith. Read more in The Senior The town's Community Hub bought the Geranium Primary School from the state government for $1.10 earlier this year after it had closed due to dwindling enrolment numbers. Since the purchase, an Op Shop has opened at the site in the old technology area, and there are plans for a cafe to start soon. A gym and yoga classes have been run from the school already. Geranium Community Hub secretary Anne Bond grew up in the town, with her great-grandparents moving to a farm there in 1910. Mrs Bond recalls seeing numerous families on farms in the town and neighbouring areas, with community life revolving around sporting clubs, and the school becoming a focal point in the district. She said there was a lot of grief when the school closed, but there was a strong community response. "That brought a lot of people together to support that dreaming of what we could do with the school," she said. "We felt that we can make it a meeting place." In the town, there is a bowling club that hosts meals plus several games, a community pool that runs in the summer, an antique shop, a post office, Uniting Church, a space for free camping and a a Soldiers Memorial Park - a nice space to "meditate and have afternoon tea", said Mrs Bond. Geranium is part of the Southern Mallee district, where farming became a big part of the region's development after railway services started in the early 1900s. According to the 2021 Census data, Geranium's population was 83, down from 240 in 2006. There are several volunteers who donate their time to keep the town's spirit and connectedness alive. Adam Morgan is a fourth-generation farmer in the town with his wife, Tanja, and they have three children. "I've lived here all my life... I love farming here, but also enjoy the small community," he said. The Geranium Community Hub chair said keeping the school in community hands has given people a place to gather, including for working bees and local events. "School has always been somewhere where people have been able to go," he said. Margaret Smith opened the Op Shop at the school shortly after the sale. "It's a really good connecting place for locals," she said. Ms Smith and her husband David - who is involved with the local Uniting Church - moved to the town about 40 years ago. They have barley, wheat, canola and sheep on their farm, plus David breeds Merino rams. The couple's five children were students at the school and Ms Smith worked there for a time, including as a teacher and a pastoral worker. She recalls families rallying together for school and other community events, and noted how even today, lots of people put their hand up for various causes. "Everyone sort of pitched in... there's a real loyalty [here]," she said. Rosemary Howard is the editor of The Guardian, the town's newsletter and has lived in Geranium with her husband Peter since 1968. Their children went to the town's school and their son lives next door, where he has cattle, dorper sheep and crops. Mrs Howard had noticed people had been moving to the town in recent years in search of quietness and cheaper housing. Socially, she said the bowling club's dinners attracted people far and wide, and she loved having a coffee at the Op Shop recently with people who had just finished a yoga class. "It's always been a friendly town," she said. "It really is just a very friendly, welcoming place." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Beyond the silos and green spaces of this beautiful country town lies an infectious community spirit. The tiny town of Geranium in South Australia, near the Mallee Highway, has had its population shrink to double digits, but there are families still there who treasure it. "It's a really unique little community in that it's fiercely loyal," said resident Margaret Smith. Read more in The Senior The town's Community Hub bought the Geranium Primary School from the state government for $1.10 earlier this year after it had closed due to dwindling enrolment numbers. Since the purchase, an Op Shop has opened at the site in the old technology area, and there are plans for a cafe to start soon. A gym and yoga classes have been run from the school already. Geranium Community Hub secretary Anne Bond grew up in the town, with her great-grandparents moving to a farm there in 1910. Mrs Bond recalls seeing numerous families on farms in the town and neighbouring areas, with community life revolving around sporting clubs, and the school becoming a focal point in the district. She said there was a lot of grief when the school closed, but there was a strong community response. "That brought a lot of people together to support that dreaming of what we could do with the school," she said. "We felt that we can make it a meeting place." In the town, there is a bowling club that hosts meals plus several games, a community pool that runs in the summer, an antique shop, a post office, Uniting Church, a space for free camping and a a Soldiers Memorial Park - a nice space to "meditate and have afternoon tea", said Mrs Bond. Geranium is part of the Southern Mallee district, where farming became a big part of the region's development after railway services started in the early 1900s. According to the 2021 Census data, Geranium's population was 83, down from 240 in 2006. There are several volunteers who donate their time to keep the town's spirit and connectedness alive. Adam Morgan is a fourth-generation farmer in the town with his wife, Tanja, and they have three children. "I've lived here all my life... I love farming here, but also enjoy the small community," he said. The Geranium Community Hub chair said keeping the school in community hands has given people a place to gather, including for working bees and local events. "School has always been somewhere where people have been able to go," he said. Margaret Smith opened the Op Shop at the school shortly after the sale. "It's a really good connecting place for locals," she said. Ms Smith and her husband David - who is involved with the local Uniting Church - moved to the town about 40 years ago. They have barley, wheat, canola and sheep on their farm, plus David breeds Merino rams. The couple's five children were students at the school and Ms Smith worked there for a time, including as a teacher and a pastoral worker. She recalls families rallying together for school and other community events, and noted how even today, lots of people put their hand up for various causes. "Everyone sort of pitched in... there's a real loyalty [here]," she said. Rosemary Howard is the editor of The Guardian, the town's newsletter and has lived in Geranium with her husband Peter since 1968. Their children went to the town's school and their son lives next door, where he has cattle, dorper sheep and crops. Mrs Howard had noticed people had been moving to the town in recent years in search of quietness and cheaper housing. Socially, she said the bowling club's dinners attracted people far and wide, and she loved having a coffee at the Op Shop recently with people who had just finished a yoga class. "It's always been a friendly town," she said. "It really is just a very friendly, welcoming place." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Beyond the silos and green spaces of this beautiful country town lies an infectious community spirit. The tiny town of Geranium in South Australia, near the Mallee Highway, has had its population shrink to double digits, but there are families still there who treasure it. "It's a really unique little community in that it's fiercely loyal," said resident Margaret Smith. Read more in The Senior The town's Community Hub bought the Geranium Primary School from the state government for $1.10 earlier this year after it had closed due to dwindling enrolment numbers. Since the purchase, an Op Shop has opened at the site in the old technology area, and there are plans for a cafe to start soon. A gym and yoga classes have been run from the school already. Geranium Community Hub secretary Anne Bond grew up in the town, with her great-grandparents moving to a farm there in 1910. Mrs Bond recalls seeing numerous families on farms in the town and neighbouring areas, with community life revolving around sporting clubs, and the school becoming a focal point in the district. She said there was a lot of grief when the school closed, but there was a strong community response. "That brought a lot of people together to support that dreaming of what we could do with the school," she said. "We felt that we can make it a meeting place." In the town, there is a bowling club that hosts meals plus several games, a community pool that runs in the summer, an antique shop, a post office, Uniting Church, a space for free camping and a a Soldiers Memorial Park - a nice space to "meditate and have afternoon tea", said Mrs Bond. Geranium is part of the Southern Mallee district, where farming became a big part of the region's development after railway services started in the early 1900s. According to the 2021 Census data, Geranium's population was 83, down from 240 in 2006. There are several volunteers who donate their time to keep the town's spirit and connectedness alive. Adam Morgan is a fourth-generation farmer in the town with his wife, Tanja, and they have three children. "I've lived here all my life... I love farming here, but also enjoy the small community," he said. The Geranium Community Hub chair said keeping the school in community hands has given people a place to gather, including for working bees and local events. "School has always been somewhere where people have been able to go," he said. Margaret Smith opened the Op Shop at the school shortly after the sale. "It's a really good connecting place for locals," she said. Ms Smith and her husband David - who is involved with the local Uniting Church - moved to the town about 40 years ago. They have barley, wheat, canola and sheep on their farm, plus David breeds Merino rams. The couple's five children were students at the school and Ms Smith worked there for a time, including as a teacher and a pastoral worker. She recalls families rallying together for school and other community events, and noted how even today, lots of people put their hand up for various causes. "Everyone sort of pitched in... there's a real loyalty [here]," she said. Rosemary Howard is the editor of The Guardian, the town's newsletter and has lived in Geranium with her husband Peter since 1968. Their children went to the town's school and their son lives next door, where he has cattle, dorper sheep and crops. Mrs Howard had noticed people had been moving to the town in recent years in search of quietness and cheaper housing. Socially, she said the bowling club's dinners attracted people far and wide, and she loved having a coffee at the Op Shop recently with people who had just finished a yoga class. "It's always been a friendly town," she said. "It really is just a very friendly, welcoming place." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Beyond the silos and green spaces of this beautiful country town lies an infectious community spirit. The tiny town of Geranium in South Australia, near the Mallee Highway, has had its population shrink to double digits, but there are families still there who treasure it. "It's a really unique little community in that it's fiercely loyal," said resident Margaret Smith. Read more in The Senior The town's Community Hub bought the Geranium Primary School from the state government for $1.10 earlier this year after it had closed due to dwindling enrolment numbers. Since the purchase, an Op Shop has opened at the site in the old technology area, and there are plans for a cafe to start soon. A gym and yoga classes have been run from the school already. Geranium Community Hub secretary Anne Bond grew up in the town, with her great-grandparents moving to a farm there in 1910. Mrs Bond recalls seeing numerous families on farms in the town and neighbouring areas, with community life revolving around sporting clubs, and the school becoming a focal point in the district. She said there was a lot of grief when the school closed, but there was a strong community response. "That brought a lot of people together to support that dreaming of what we could do with the school," she said. "We felt that we can make it a meeting place." In the town, there is a bowling club that hosts meals plus several games, a community pool that runs in the summer, an antique shop, a post office, Uniting Church, a space for free camping and a a Soldiers Memorial Park - a nice space to "meditate and have afternoon tea", said Mrs Bond. Geranium is part of the Southern Mallee district, where farming became a big part of the region's development after railway services started in the early 1900s. According to the 2021 Census data, Geranium's population was 83, down from 240 in 2006. There are several volunteers who donate their time to keep the town's spirit and connectedness alive. Adam Morgan is a fourth-generation farmer in the town with his wife, Tanja, and they have three children. "I've lived here all my life... I love farming here, but also enjoy the small community," he said. The Geranium Community Hub chair said keeping the school in community hands has given people a place to gather, including for working bees and local events. "School has always been somewhere where people have been able to go," he said. Margaret Smith opened the Op Shop at the school shortly after the sale. "It's a really good connecting place for locals," she said. Ms Smith and her husband David - who is involved with the local Uniting Church - moved to the town about 40 years ago. They have barley, wheat, canola and sheep on their farm, plus David breeds Merino rams. The couple's five children were students at the school and Ms Smith worked there for a time, including as a teacher and a pastoral worker. She recalls families rallying together for school and other community events, and noted how even today, lots of people put their hand up for various causes. "Everyone sort of pitched in... there's a real loyalty [here]," she said. Rosemary Howard is the editor of The Guardian, the town's newsletter and has lived in Geranium with her husband Peter since 1968. Their children went to the town's school and their son lives next door, where he has cattle, dorper sheep and crops. Mrs Howard had noticed people had been moving to the town in recent years in search of quietness and cheaper housing. Socially, she said the bowling club's dinners attracted people far and wide, and she loved having a coffee at the Op Shop recently with people who had just finished a yoga class. "It's always been a friendly town," she said. "It really is just a very friendly, welcoming place." Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to unlock Family Pond in Roblox My Fishing Pier
Image via Roblox Family Pond is a special location in Roblox My Fishing Pier, the location is great for fishing as it offers unique fish species and increased catch rates, making it one of the best. But unlike other spots, this area requires special objectives to be accomplished in order to gain access. This article outlines a step-by-step guide on requirements and challenges to unlock the Family Pond, including necessary in-game purchases. Steps to unlock the Family Pond Here are the following steps to unlock Family Pond in Roblox My Fishing Pier: 1. Get Angler Level 15. Players need to progress through the game by catching fish and complete daily challenges to increase their Angler Level and unlock level 15. As Angler Level 15 unlocks the Family Bond achievement, since it is a must to access the pond. 2. Finish the "Family Outing" questline. Players have to accept the quest from the bulletin board near the main pier in order to unlock the pond. Here are the following objectives players need to complete: Catch 3 Golden Carp . Donate 5 Common Fish to the Community Tank. Participate in 3 multiplayer fishing sessions. 3. Purchase the Family Fishing License . In order to unlock the Family Pond players must have a Family Fishing License first. Here is how players can get one Visit the in-game store. Look for a Family Fishing License. Buy the license for 250 pier points or $4.99. Once the players purchase the license it remains as a permanent upgrade which allows unlimited access to the Family Pond for all players in your friend list. 4. Upgrade your tackle box. The pond requires specialized bait; here are the following baits: Craft 10 Family Bait using 20 worms (collected from rainy weather). 5 honey (purchased from the general store). 3 Flower Petals (found near the lake shore). 5. Host or join a family fishing session. Players have to host or join a family fishing session in order to unlock the pond. To do so, players have to gather at least 2 other players, friends, or matchmade partners. Then interact with the locked gate near the northern dock to initiate the Family Fishing Event . Players have to catch 15 fish collectively within 10 minutes to permanently unlock the area. Features to note of Family Pond The Family Pond has exclusive fish species like Harmony Koi (sells for 2x standard value). Generational Catfish (used for high-tier cooking recipes). Bonus rewards players get: 20% increased chance for rare catches during family sessions. Daily login streak bonuses when fishing with the same group. These were the above steps through which players can unlock the Family Pond in Roblox My Fishing Pier. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
