Sophie Lin - Technology Editor

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 has received a significant update introducing the Techmarine as a novel playable class, injecting fresh strategic options into both PvE and PvP game modes. The update, released by Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive, expands the game’s roster and offers players a unique combat experience focused on technological prowess and battlefield control.

The Techmarine is now available across all of the game’s core modes – Operations, Strategeme, Siege and Eternal War – and distinguishes itself through specialized equipment and powerful automated weaponry integrated directly into its armor. Players taking on the role of the Techmarine will excel at crowd control and area denial, and in PvP, will visually represent the Red Corsair Warpsmiths.

Exclusive to the Techmarine is the Omnissian Axe, a new melee weapon designed for devastating close-quarters combat against enemies like Tyranids and Thousand Sons. Players can further customize their Techmarine with 25 available perks, allowing for tailored builds to suit individual playstyles. The addition of this class aims to deepen the tactical complexity of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, offering a new approach to combat within the grim darkness of the far future.

Beyond the new class, the update introduces a fresh PvE mission for players to tackle. Season Pass 2 holders gain access to the Raven Guard Champion Pack and the Carcharodons Cosmetic Pack. The Raven Guard pack includes a full-body armor skin for the Assault class and a Bolt Pistol skin. The Carcharodons pack provides the first armor pieces for the Carcharodons, including two shoulder pads, two helmets, and a chestplate.

New Voice Pack Expands Immersion

Patch 1.20 similarly delivers the Chapter Voice Pack 1, featuring 1,300 newly recorded lines of dialogue inspired by the Space Marine Chapters Blood Angels, Space Wolves, and Black Templars. This pack adds further depth to the game’s atmosphere, with three unique Space Marine voice sets applicable to all classes. According to GamingBolt, this addition aims to enhance player immersion through more authentic and chapter-specific voice lines.

Update 1.20 Details and Availability

The update, designated as version 1.20, is available now as a free download for all Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 players. PlayStation Universe reports that the update also includes various bug fixes and performance improvements, enhancing the overall gameplay experience.

The introduction of the Techmarine class represents a continued commitment from Saber Interactive to expand and refine Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2, building upon the foundation laid by its release a year and a half ago. The developers have also unveiled a Year 2 Roadmap, with the Anniversary Update slated for September 4th, promising further content and enhancements for the game. Focus Entertainment details the roadmap, indicating ongoing support and development for the title.

As Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 continues to evolve, players can expect further additions and refinements that deepen the immersive experience within the brutal universe of the 41st millennium. The Techmarine class is just the latest step in a long-term plan to deliver a compelling and engaging experience for fans of the franchise.

What are your thoughts on the new Techmarine class? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to spread the word to fellow Space Marine players!

The quest for faster charging speeds is a constant one, and a new deal on Amazon makes upgrading your cable infrastructure remarkably affordable. A Baseus 100W USB-C cable is currently available for $7.99, offering a significant boost to charging times for smartphones, tablets, and even laptops. For anyone still tethered to slow charging, this cable presents a compelling solution.

USB-C has become the dominant standard for charging and data transfer, but not all cables are created equal. A high-quality cable is crucial to unlocking the full potential of modern charging protocols. This Baseus cable supports up to 100 watts of power delivery, a specification that can rapidly charge many devices and even power some laptops whereas in use, according to PCWorld. Still, achieving these speeds requires a compatible power adapter capable of delivering the same wattage.

Beyond charging, the Baseus cable also facilitates data transfer at speeds up to 480 Mbps. While not the fastest data transfer rate available – newer standards offer significantly higher speeds – it’s more than adequate for transferring documents, photos, and videos. It’s significant to note, however, that this cable does not support video output, meaning it cannot be used to connect a laptop to a USB-C monitor, as detailed by Amazon.

Durability is another key feature of the Baseus cable. Its nylon-braided exterior is designed to withstand daily wear and tear, resisting damage from bending and twisting. At 6.6 feet long, the cable offers ample reach, providing convenience whether charging at a desk or in bed. Baseus also offers a variety of other Type-C cables, including those with Lightning connectors, according to Baseus Accessories.

What Makes 100W Charging Significant?

The 100W power delivery supported by this cable is a substantial upgrade over older USB standards. Many modern laptops now support USB-C Power Delivery (PD), allowing them to be charged via USB-C. A 100W cable ensures these devices can charge at their maximum supported speed. Even smartphones and tablets benefit from the increased power, reducing charging times considerably. Baseus also offers cables supporting 60W fast charging, but the 100W option provides greater versatility, as noted on the Baseus official website.

Cable Specifications and Features

• Power Delivery: Up to 100W
• Data Transfer Speed: 480 Mbps
• Cable Length: 6.6 feet (2 meters)
• Construction: Nylon-braided exterior
• Connector Type: USB-C to USB-C

The Baseus Dynamic Series USB-C to USB-C cable incorporates an E-Marker chip for stable and secure charging, ensuring compatibility and preventing potential damage to connected devices, according to Baseus Online.

For those looking to optimize their charging setup without breaking the bank, the Baseus 100W USB-C cable offers a compelling combination of speed, durability, and affordability. As USB-C continues to become the standard, investing in a quality cable like this is a smart move for any tech user.

Looking ahead, the continued adoption of USB-C and Power Delivery will likely drive further innovation in charging technology. Expect to see even faster charging speeds and more versatile cables emerge in the coming years. For now, this $7.99 cable provides a significant upgrade for anyone still relying on slower charging solutions.

What are your experiences with fast charging cables? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

The pervasive influence of shortform video platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts is raising alarms among experts regarding the developmental well-being of today’s youth. Social psychologist Jonathan Haidt, a CBS News contributor, asserts that these platforms are “harming the majority of the children born on this planet since the late 1990s.” His concerns stem from extensive research into the effects of smartphones and social media on adolescent development.

Haidt’s observations aren’t simply anecdotal. He points to a growing body of scientific evidence suggesting a correlation between increased screen time and negative mental health outcomes in young people. These include rising rates of anxiety, depression, and a diminished capacity for focused attention. The rapid-fire nature of shortform video, designed to maximize engagement through constant stimulation, may be particularly detrimental to developing brains.

Haidt’s latest work, a book titled “The Anxious Generation,” aims to provide a roadmap for both parents and young people seeking to navigate this complex digital landscape. The book isn’t a condemnation of technology itself, but rather a call for a more mindful and balanced approach to its employ, with a focus on reclaiming childhood experiences in the “real world.”

The concerns extend beyond mental health. Recent reporting has highlighted the potential for harmful content to proliferate on these platforms. A 2021 investigation by The Wall Street Journal, as reported by CBS News, revealed that TikTok’s algorithm, when tested with simulated teen accounts, frequently surfaced videos related to drug use, eating disorders, and even pornographic material. TikTok’s head of public policy for North America, Michael Beckerman, told “CBS Mornings” that the app has “tools in place” to moderate content and manage screen time, including features like screen time management and family pairing for parental controls. However, the study suggests these measures aren’t always effective.

The Science Behind “Brain Rot”

The impact of constant smartphone use isn’t merely behavioral; it’s demonstrably affecting brain structure and function. Psychiatrist Dr. Brent Nelson, chief medical information officer for Newport Healthcare, which operates mental health treatment centers for teens, has observed significant changes in the brains of smartphone-addicted individuals. He showed CBS News MRI images from a 2021 study conducted in Korea that revealed increased brain activity in addicted users even when performing simple tasks. This heightened activity, informally termed “brain rot,” suggests the brain is working harder to maintain focus, leading to increased distractibility and reduced attentiveness. According to the study, the brains of addicted smartphone users were significantly more active – visually represented as more colorful on the MRI scans – than those of non-addicted individuals.

This “brain rot” can manifest in practical ways, Nelson explains. “You’re sitting in class and you’re trying to focus,” he said. “They’re going to be looking around, not attending to what the teacher is trying to teach them.” Emerging research likewise links these changes to behavioral issues, depression, and anxiety. A freshman at the University of North Carolina Asheville, Katy Paige Rosenberg, shared her experience with CBS News, describing how nine hours of daily phone use left her unable to concentrate, constantly needing to check her phone “every couple of minutes.”

TikTok’s Algorithm and User Safety

TikTok, with over one billion monthly users as of 2021, according to the company, has become a dominant force in the shortform video landscape. Approximately half of American adults under 30 use the platform, according to The Pew Research Center. Even as the app emphasizes entertainment and authentic content, concerns remain about the impact of its algorithm on young users. Beckerman stated that TikTok proactively implements safety measures, such as restricting direct messaging for users under 16, to mitigate potential risks.

However, the 2024 book “The Anxious Generation” by Jonathan Haidt, which catalyzed much of the current debate surrounding social media addiction, suggests these measures may not be sufficient. Haidt’s work emphasizes the need for a broader societal shift in how we approach technology and childhood development.

The long-term consequences of this constant digital stimulation remain to be fully understood. As research continues to unfold, it’s clear that the relationship between shortform video platforms and the developing brains of young people warrants careful consideration and proactive intervention.

What comes next will likely involve continued scrutiny of social media algorithms, increased pressure on platforms to prioritize user safety, and ongoing dialogue between parents, educators, and policymakers about how to best support the healthy development of the next generation. Share your thoughts on this important issue in the comments below.