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Product Reviews

I tested Flexera and was impressed us with its approach to managing software assets across on-premise and cloud environments

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Flexera is an enterprise-grade IT asset management software platform that benefits organizations with complex setups.

When we first tried Flexera, we immediately noticed its powerful features for managing software licenses and hardware assets in complex environments. The platform has two main solutions: FlexNet Suite for on-premise and hybrid setups, and Flexera One for cloud-focused organizations. We found that they both excel at optimizing license usage and identifying cost-saving opportunities, leading to substantial ROI.

Flexera stands out for its visibility across the entire IT estate, covering everything from on-premises software to cloud applications. Its customizable dashboards clearly displayed our test environment’s compliance status and spending patterns. The self-service portal and automation features could help IT teams streamline service delivery, freeing them to focus on strategic tasks instead of manual work.


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Yet configuring Flexera properly requires significant expertise and time. The platform’s complexity can hinder smaller organizations without dedicated resources. However, those that manage to navigate the initial setup will find powerful tools for license optimization, cloud cost management, and compliance tracking.

We had a positive experience with Flexera’s reporting, which provided actionable insights into software usage and potential compliance risks. Its integration with major ITSM tools, like ServiceNow, enhances its utility in enterprise settings. Still, Flexera could use some improvements where SaaS management is concerned. For mid to large enterprises managing complex software portfolios, Flexera offers a compelling solution despite its initial complexity.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Plans and pricing

Flexera does not publicly share pricing; it operates on a custom quote model based on organization size and needs. During inquiries, we learned that pricing typically follows a subscription model.

Costs depend on factors like the number of endpoints managed, cloud environments monitored, and specific modules chosen. This enterprise-focused solution generally starts in the five-figure range annually, making it suitable mainly for mid to large organizations.

Customers can choose between FlexNet Suite for on-premise deployments or Flexera One for cloud environments. Modular pricing allows organizations to select only the components they need. While the initial investment is high, organizations managing large software portfolios might achieve ROI in 6-12 months through license optimization and cloud cost savings.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Features

Flexera offers a full suite of IT asset management tools for optimizing investments across on-premise, cloud, and SaaS environments. But here are the features that impressed us the best:

License optimization

Flexera’s license management features give insights into software usage and compliance. The system spots unused or underused licenses, saving money on renewals. It reconciles actual usage with entitlements and creates clear compliance reports, which is very helpful during vendor audits.

Cloud cost management

Flexera One helps you see your cloud software costs across various providers. Its automated recommendations for rightsizing instances and cutting waste are especially helpful. They even offer clear savings estimates for finance teams. We could set budgets, track spending, and get alerts when we approached limits. These features provide governance that many organizations find hard to achieve.

Vulnerability intelligence

Flexera’s vulnerability management integrates with its software inventory to identify security risks. We appreciate how it correlates known vulnerabilities with software inventory, prioritizing remediation based on risk levels and business impact. Integration with popular security tools and patch management systems creates a combined workflow for addressing vulnerabilities efficiently.

IT visibility dashboard

The customizable dashboards provide a unified view of assets, licenses, and cloud resources. We were able to configure role-specific views that delivered relevant insights to stakeholders, from technical details for IT admins to cost summaries for C-suite executives. The ability to drill down from high-level summaries to granular details makes it easy to investigate and understand relationships within the software estate.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Analytics

Flexera’s reporting and analytics features stand out as a major highlight, providing actionable intelligence beyond basic inventory reports. We were impressed by its ability to generate detailed license compliance positions, identify optimization opportunities, and forecast future needs based on historical usage.

Pre-built report templates cover common use cases like compliance audits and budget planning. But the custom report builder allows IT teams to create tailored analyses for specific needs.

The analytics dashboard presents key metrics visually, making complex data accessible to various stakeholders. We liked the trend analysis features that help spot gradual changes in resource use and spending patterns.

Automated report distribution ensures decision-makers receive needed insights regularly, while export options can help you integrate this data into broader business intelligence initiatives.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Ease of use

Flexera has a sleek interface that organizes many features through easy navigation and customizable dashboards. At first, the extensive options can feel overwhelming. But during testing, we loved the contextual help and guided workflows for complex tasks, like reconciling license entitlements or optimizing cloud resources. Still, new users may need formal training to fully use the platform, as many advanced features aren’t clear without guidance.

The platform combines power and accessibility, with role-based views for different user types. The self-service portal is easy to use, letting end-users request software without technical help, while automation cuts down manual tasks for admins. The mobile experience works for basic monitoring and approvals but does not offer the depth of the desktop interface, which is needed for advanced features.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Support

Flexera offers tiered support options. Standard support provides help during business hours. Premium support gives 24/7 coverage with quicker responses for critical issues.

During our research, we found the knowledge base to be quite comprehensive. It includes detailed documentation, implementation guides, and a library of video tutorials for common questions. Customer community forums allow users to share advice. Also, the professional services team offers specialized help and training for organizations needing extra support.

(Image credit: Flexera)

Flexera: Security

Flexera demonstrates a strong commitment to security. It achieves this through SOC 2 Type II compliance, regular penetration testing, and solid data protection measures. There are comprehensive role-based access controls that let organizations define who can view and modify data. Detailed audit logs track user activities. The platform offers single sign-on integration with major identity providers. It also encrypts data in transit and at rest. These features provide essential security controls for managing sensitive IT asset information.

Flexera: The Competition

ServiceNow’s IT Asset Management competes directly with Flexera. It offers similar features but is part of a larger IT service management platform. ServiceNow has better integration with ITSM processes. However, Flexera usually excels in software license optimization and cloud cost management.

Snow Software is another option. It has an easier entry point for mid-sized organizations but may not compete with Flexera’s features for complex enterprises.

For those prioritizing cloud cost management over full ITAM, tools like CloudHealth by VMware or Apptio Cloudability are easier to implement. IBM’s License Metric Tool (ILMT) is tailored for managing IBM software licenses. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Endpoint Configuration Manager offers basic software inventory for Windows environments. These alternatives suit organizations with specific needs that may find Flexera’s broad approach too much.

Flexera: Final Verdict

Flexera is an enterprise-grade IT asset management tool that benefits organizations with complex setups. This includes on-premise, cloud, and SaaS deployments. Its approach to IT asset management is impressive, especially for license optimization and cloud cost management. While implementation can be complex, larger companies who are able to invest these resources will see significant returns.

We’ve compiled a list of the best software asset management (SAM) tools.



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vive focus vision
Product Reviews

HTC Vive makes impending tariffs a sales event, giving US consumers one last chance to jump into VR before the price hikes

by admin



VIVE Focus Vision – New PC VR and All-In-One Mixed Reality Headset – YouTube

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With Trump’s tariffs on tech leading the PC gaming industry in uncertainty around potential price hikes, HTC Vive is taking advantage of the situation with a special sale. This gives anyone who didn’t manage to get themselves fully kitted out in some of the best VR machines on offer the chance to do so at pre-tariff prices. It’s a smart move, turning the impending price hikes into an opportunity for one last taste of affordable gaming for those in the US.

While we’ve definitely seen tech prices go up due to the tariffs, it’s worth noting we don’t know exactly how much HTC intends to price things in the future. As such, how much of a deal these regularly priced pieces of tech end up being is up in the air.

“Order by 5/31, we’ll cover the tariff cost!” boasts Vive’s sale site. Essentially it’s a sale, but for the prices you’d’ have expected to see before these announced taxes. The sale covers the Vive Focus Vision, Vive Ultimate Tracker 3+1 Kit, Vive Tracker (3.0), and the Base Station 2.0. This should let most people get setup for a full VR experience, or just grab those last bits before having to pay the extra on top.


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For those brand new to VR, the Vive Focus Vision might be the way to go. It’s the latest headset from Vive and works as a PC headset as well as a standalone VR machine. This means you can go via display port and have a wicked high fidelity experience with a capable PC connected or just go lite mode with what will run on the headset. It also offers mixed reality, eye tracking, and additional tracker support.

If you compare to the potentially more commonly owned Meta’s Quest 3 headset, it’s similar but more feature complete. Realy, the Vive Focus Vision looks more like what the Apple Vision Pro headset was claiming to be, only probably good. It currently goes for $999 on the website, so you’ve got until the end of the month if you want to pick it up before that price goes up.

The Vive Ultimate Tracker 3+1 Kit is a set of accessories that allows you to track more of your body than the standard setup. This one needs to be paired with a SteamVR compatible headset and controllers, so is better as an augment to a current setup, or an addon to the Vive Focus Vision. Once set up, it lets you track your head, hands, waist, and feet without lag. It’s worth being aware that the benefit of something like this will depend on the games you’re looking to play too. You can pick this up in the not-quite-a-sale sale for $599.

If that seems like a bit of overkill for your setup, then there’s the Vive Tracker (3.0). This is a cheaper tracker that works with base station-compatible headsets and allows you to replace controllers with your body movement. Again it’ll depend on what you’re playing and your setup as to whether or not this is worthwhile, but you can pick it up for $129 until the 31st.

Lastly, there’s the Base Station 2.0, which works with Vive Pro Series and Cosmos Elite headsets. This allows for higher precision wide-area tracking of up to Up to 1000 sq. ft, so it’s a good bet for those that have a whole room setup for their VR gaming shenanigans. This one is priced at $199, but at time of writing doesn’t appear to be in stock on the HTC website.

Whether or not Vive’s lineup is what you’re looking for in a headset, this sale makes a good point. If you’re looking to get into VR, or any other kind of gaming tech, it might be worth doing so before price hikes take hold if they haven’t already. Hopefully we’ll see some other companies follow in HTC’s footsteps here and offer some tariff sales to help offset the sudden shock these price hikes are likely to bring to the wallets of the general public.



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Corsair Scimitar Elite SE Wireless
Product Reviews

Corsair Scimitar Elite SE Wireless Review: A not-so-virtual virtual Stream Deck?

by admin



Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware


Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The best gaming mouse for you depends a lot on what types of games you like to play. If you play competitive first-person shooters, you’re probably looking for something speedy and lightweight, like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2. But if you play MMOs, MOBAs, or other RPGs while also streaming on Twitch or YouTube, you might want… whatever the opposite of that is — something consistent and comfortable, with a bunch of extra buttons that you can program shortcuts into.

Something like Corsair’s Scimitar line of mice — large and with a customizable 12-button side panel so you can do (almost) everything with just one input device.

Corsair’s new Scimitar Elite Wireless SE looks a lot like its predecessor, the Scimitar Elite Wireless — in fact, it’s identical, minus the new color scheme. But it sports some under-the-hood upgrades, including a new sensor: Corsair’s Marksman S 33K optical sensor, which has a maximum resolution of 33,000 DPI, a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and can handle up to 50 G’s of acceleration. It also has improved battery life — up to 150 hours over 2.4GHz wireless and up to 500 hours over Bluetooth, and features Elgato Stream Deck integration, including support for Elgato’s new “Virtual Stream Deck.”


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The mouse comes in black and yellow and gunmetal and white colorways — Corsair points out that this is the first time the Scimitar line has been offered in white, for what that’s worth — and costs $139.99.

Design and Comfort of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is a large, ergonomically-sculpted wireless gaming mouse with 16 programmable buttons — including an adjustable 12-button side panel. Like other mice with a ton of buttons, this mouse is aimed primarily at MMO and MOBA players — it’s large and heavy, designed to support your hand during long gaming marathons, not fly across your desk in seconds.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Our review unit came in black and yellow, which features a mostly-black chassis with a matte, soft-touch finish, and a bright yellow panel on the left side, surrounding the 12-button side panel. The scroll wheel is also yellow (though it has a textured black rubber cover for grip). It’s an interesting color scheme — the yellow is a bright true yellow just shy of neon, and it definitely pops. I’m not sure how many gaming rigs this is going to seamlessly blend with (probably not many), but the mouse does have two zones of RGB lighting — in Corsair’s ship logo on the palm rest, and in the numbers on the side panel. My high school colors were black and gold (yellow), and this mouse looks like something our Spirit Booth would have sold. It’s a pretty aggressive yellow.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is the same size and weight as the Scimitar Elite Wireless, which we reviewed back in Aug. 2023. It’s a big mouse, measuring 4.69 inches (119.23mm) long by 2.89 inches (73.48mm) wide, and it’s 1.66 inches (42.17mm) high at its highest point, and it feels bigger because it’s designed to have a lot of contact with your hand. It has a wide, flat hump (shifted to the left for right-handed ergonomics) and the right side features a textured side panel / finger rest.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

I still use the Razer Naga V2 Pro as one of my primary mice — I love mice with tons of buttons — and the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE feels bigger than the Naga V2 Pro despite being slightly smaller (the Naga V2 Pro measures 4.7 x 2.97 x 1.72 inches / 119.5 x 75.5 x 43.5mm), because the Scimitar Elite Wirless SE has less sculpting on the left and it just ends up hitting more of your hand. Instead of a gentle slope like the Naga V2 Pro has, the left side of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is scooped out somewhat abruptly, which gives it a curved shape — similar to a scimitar. The 12-button side panel follows this curve — the buttons are arranged in a 4 x 3 grid, with texturing on alternating columns for easier distinction.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The side panel can be moved forward or backward approximately 1/4 of an inch, so people with smaller hands or shorter thumbs are better able to reach all 12 buttons. To slide the panel, you’ll need to unscrew it using a hex key (included with the mouse) and then move it to your desired location.

You can lock it into place using the screw at any point along its track, so you can fine-tune the positioning if you need to. I’m sure this flexibility is very much appreciated by some, but in general I don’t think it will wildly affect most people’s experience. Ergonomically the mouse is a little clunky and I don’t love the inward curve of the side panel — I find it makes everything a little less ergonomic. I would prefer a side panel that curves outward and perhaps angled buttons over the ability to move the side panel a quarter of an inch forward.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Speaking of the buttons, the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE has 16 programmable ones: 12 on the side panel, left/right primary buttons, a DPI switch button above the scroll wheel, and the scroll wheel center click. In addition to texturing, the side-panel buttons are also slightly different heights (the center row is slightly raised compared to the top and bottom row), and I didn’t love this. Maybe there was just too much going on — different textures, different heights, and there’s also a homing bump on the 5 — but it took me a while to get used to where the buttons were by touch. (And I normally use a mouse with a 12-button side panel!) I’m sure it will eventually become second-nature if I keep using it, but I prefer the Razer Naga V2 Pro’s angling.

The mouse has a notched scroll wheel — not a tilt wheel, like the Naga V2 Pro, and not adjustable or dual-mode like the Logitech G502 X Plus, just a regular scroll wheel. The scroll has a comfortable amount of tension, but the notches are on the softer side.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

On the bottom of the mouse, you’ll find four medium-sized PTFE mouse feet, a power/connectivity switch, and a profile switch button. There’s also a small compartment that holds the mouse’s 2.4GHz wireless USB-A dongle; the door is a little flimsy (and perhaps not necessary, as the dongle fits pretty tightly). This is also where you’ll find the screw that unlocks and locks the side panel.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The mouse comes with a 6.5-foot (2m) USB-C to USB-A cable and a hex tool for moving the side button panel. The cable is braided but fairly stiff — it’s a far cry from the ultra-flexible paracord-style cables that come with Razer’s and HyperX’s mice. You’ll be able to use it as a mouse cable if you need to, but it won’t be the most comfortable, drag-free experience.

Specs

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Sensor Model

Marksman S 33K Sensor

Max Sensitivity

33,000 DPI

Max Speed (IPS)

750 IPS

Max Acceleration

50 G

Polling Rates

1,000 Hz / 500 Hz / 250 Hz / 125 Hz

Programmable Buttons

16

LED Zones

2

Cable

6ft / 1.8m USB-C to USB-A

Connectivity

2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, wired (USB-C)

Measurements (L x W x H)

4.69 x 2.89 x 1.66 inches / 119.23 x 73.48 x 42.17 mm

Weight (excluding cable)

4.02oz / 114g

MSRP

$139.99

Release Date

May 19, 2025

Performance of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE sports Corsair’s Marksman S 33K optical sensor, which has a maximum resolution of 33,000 DPI, a maximum speed of 750 IPS, and can handle up to 50 G’s of acceleration. Corsair says the sensor features “improved DPI detection and IPS tracking,” as well as lower power consumption, and while the sensor was very accurate and consistent in my testing,

I didn’t have any issues with accuracy or consistency in the Scimitar Elite Wireless, either. The sensor is able to track on a variety of surfaces, including laminate, wood, plastic, glass, polished concrete, and, of course, mouse pads.

The mouse features Corsair’s house-brand optical switches, which are somewhat loud (though not any louder than the optical switches in other mainstream gaming mice). I didn’t have any issues with misclicks or double-clicking while I was testing the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE, but I did find the switches to be a little inconsistent in both sound and feel. They felt and sounded a little lightweight and “fluttery,” which made me worry there would be misclicks or accidental double-clicking, but this never happened.

This sounded more concerning if I clicked off-center — not at the very edge, just not directly in the center. I’m a little concerned with durability, but Corsair does say the switches are rated for 100 million clicks.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE performed well in MMOs and RPGS (and MMORPGs), with smooth, accurate movements and a relatively comfortable form factor for a palm grip. While I’m not the biggest fan of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE’s side panel curve, I don’t use those extra buttons often enough that the lack of ergonomics was really an issue — it’s not like I’m constantly mashing them, even if I bind my most frequently-used actions and macros.

The mouse also performed decently well in more action-oriented / skill-based RPGs, such as Elden Ring, though it’s not the kind of mouse you can move around very quickly. Not only is it particularly wide and therefore difficult to really hold (as opposed to move), it’s also fairly heavy at 4.02 ounces (114g). That still makes it slightly lighter than my go-to, the Naga V2 Pro (4.73oz / 134g), and it definitely feels pretty hefty (especially compared to all the super lightweight mice we’ve been looking at recently).

It’s also not the type of mouse you can pick up and move around your desk — even if you can wrap your hand around it, it has a side panel full of buttons. This is definitely not a mouse for quick swipes and flicks.

Features and Software of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE works (well, “works”) with Corsair’s universal peripheral software, iCUE. You can use iCUE to update your device firmware, customize the mouse’s RGB lighting, and adjust some settings, such as DPI steps, polling rate, and surface calibration. Unfortunately, since this is a 16-button mouse, you can’t really avoid iCUE completely — you’ll also need it to remap/program buttons, and I assume you want to do at least some of that if you’re getting a 16-button mouse.

iCUE is, however, terrible — not only did I have to restart my PC more times than I could count during the program’s extremely slow and inefficient updating system (where it updates each device, including the dongle, one at a time and requires like three restarts after each one), but it was unable to complete the mouse’s final firmware update because… it just wouldn’t go (I’m not sure why).

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Anyway, once you remap your keys and tweak some settings on the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE, you can save your changes to the hardware (three profiles) and uninstall iCUE if you want. Well, sort of. The other key feature of this mouse is that it has native Elgato Stream Deck integration and it also works with Elgato’s new Virtual Stream Deck app works with Elgato’s new “Virtual Stream Deck” software. Which is, of course, even more software for you to download (though Elgato’s software is, thankfully, much better than iCUE’s).

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Virtual Stream Deck is… exactly what it sounds like: a virtual Stream Deck, i.e., a pop-up of a stream deck that lives on your desktop and can be used to perform various Stream Deck features, such as interacting with your connected Elgato equipment, or doing complicated multi-task “macros.”

Not only can the mouse interact with your Elgato streaming gear, it can also act as a physical ‘virtual’ stream deck with all of its buttons — you can assign Stream Deck actions directly to the side panel of the mouse, though you’ll need iCUE running in the background for this to work.

Wireless Experience and Battery Life of the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE offers three forms of connectivity: low-latency 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and wired (via USB-C). Corsair rates the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE’s battery life at up to 150 hours over 2.4GHz wireless with the backlighting turned off, which is pretty solid — 30 hours over the Scimitar Elite Wireless’ 120-hour rating, and on par with the Razer Naga V2 Pro’s 150-hour rating.

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE also gets a serious boost in battery life over Bluetooth — up to 500 hours with the lighting turned off, which is a big jump from its predecessor’s 150 hours, but this is neither here nor there as even no gamers — not even those playing cozy, dreamy platformer/crafting games such as Infinity Nikki — are connecting over Bluetooth, unless they’re traveling or something.

Bottom Line

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is basically identical to the two-year-old Scimitar Elite Wireless, but it’s been improved on the inside. It has a new sensor, better battery life, and it integrates with Elgato’s Stream Decks as well as the new virtual Stream Deck software.

But I would have liked to see some — any — attention paid to the mouse’s chassis, which felt bigger and clunkier than it needed to be when we tested the Scimitar Elite Wireless and feels even bigger and clunkier now. The fact that you can turn your mouse into an impromptu Stream Deck is neat, especially if you’re the type of person who actually uses their Stream Deck, but it doesn’t really feel like enough to be considered a “real” update. This is sort of like the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K — same mouse, new sensor… but that’s basically it. It’s also $139.99, which is $10 more than MSRP of the Scimitar Elite Wireless.

But if you’re looking for a mouse with a lot of buttons, your choices are a little scarce in our current world of ultralightweight, super-fast, eSports-player-endorsed peripherals. While it’s not my favorite 12-button side panel, it’s still a pretty good one, and it’s $50 cheaper than the $180 Naga V2 Pro.



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3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (May 23-25)
Product Reviews

3 underrated Netflix movies you should watch this weekend (May 23-25)

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Netflix is stacked with interesting movies, but they’re often not the easiest to find. Netflix’s algorithm might claim to understand your tastes, but does it? At times, it can feel like the streaming service hides the best stuff from you.

That’s where we come in. We’ve pulled together a list of three great Netflix movies that are well worth watching this weekend. Whether you’re looking for something scary or profound, this list should have you covered.

Need more recommendations? We also have guides to the best movies on Netflix, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Amazon Prime Video, the best movies on Max, and the best movies on Disney+.

The Outrun (2024)

Saoirse Ronan is one of the greatest actresses of her generation, and The Outrun is all the proof you need. The movie follows a young girl who flames out of life in London and then returns home to her small Scottish town to deal with her alcohol addiction. As she comes to terms with her sober life and her family, she also forges a new connection to the natural beauty around her.

Ronan elevates what could be a fairly standard addiction drama into something far more fascinating than that, in part because she seems to understand all the ways her character is both fascinating and frustrating.

You can watch The Outrun on Netflix.

Lion (2016)

A fascinating, heartbreaking true story, Lion follows a young boy who gets lost thousands of miles from home in India after staying on a train too long. As he struggles to survive on the streets of Kolkata, he’s eventually adopted by a couple from Australia.

Then, 25 years later, he (Dev Patel) uses Google Earth to find his way back to the town he’s from and reunite with the family he left behind. Lion is uplifting and heartbreaking in equal measure. Most crucially, it’s a story in which everyone tries their best to help those around them, even as they find themselves approaching the limits of what they can do.

You can watch Lion on Netflix.

Talk to Me (2022)

A smart, genuinely original horror film, Talk to Me follows a group of teenagers who discover a hand that allows them to commune with the dead. What starts as a party game eventually becomes something much more genuinely horrific, as they realize just what kind of power they’ve been dealing with.

Anchored by a mostly unknown young cast filled with excellent actors and some fascinating visuals, Talk to Me feels like the rare horror movie that isn’t just trying to ape something that came before it. It was a major phenomenon among horror fans, and with good reason.

You can watch Talk to Me on Netflix.





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Cooper's Hawk
Product Reviews

This Hawk Figured Out Traffic Signals to Ambush Its Prey

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Birds continue to be amazing. Crows can use tools and hold grudges against specific people. Magpies can recognize themselves in mirrors. And now, hawks are using traffic signals to hunt down prey, according to a study published today in the journal Frontiers in Ethology. 

The story starts with Vladimir Dinets, a zoologist at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the study’s author, and an intersection in West Orange, New Jersey, near his home. As a zoologist, he had long been interested in animals’ perspective on and understanding of urban environments—and in birds’ relationship with cars, in particular. Scientists have previously observed ravens patrol American highways waiting for roadkill and songbirds using cars to hide from predators.

Dinets was on the lookout for these interesting interactions when a young Cooper’s hawk migrated into his neighborhood and started doing something brilliant.

The intersection wasn’t particularly busy, even during rush hour, Dinets wrote in a guest editorial for Frontiers in Ethology. But sometimes, a pedestrian would cross the street, causing cars to pile up all the way to a small, bushy tree down the block. The pedestrian “walk” signal would also make a sound that indicated it was time to walk.

One morning, Dinets saw the hawk emerge from the tree, fly very low above the line of cars, cross the street between the cars, and then dive to get something near one of the houses.

Then the same thing happened again. And again.

It turns out that the family that lived in that house near the bushy tree liked to have dinner in their front yard. In response, birds—like sparrows and doves—would flock there to claim the leftover crumbs.

That made for easy pickings for the hawk, who would swoop down into the yard to catch said sparrows and doves. But, curiously, the hawk only did this when cars were lined up along the block all the way to the tree.

Dinets eventually figured out that the line of cars provided cover for the hawk, and that the hawk had learned to recognize the sound of the pedestrian “walk” signal. As soon as a pedestrian pressed the button, the hawk would fly from wherever it had been hanging out and into the small, bushy tree. It would then wait for cars to pile up before using the line of cars as cover to sneak up on its prey.

The hawk had, apparently, learned to use the pedestrian signal as a cue to start heading over to the house crowded with defenseless birds, according to Dinets.

“That meant that the hawk understood the connection between the sound and the eventual car queue length,” Dinets explained. The hawk also apparently had a good mental map of the neighborhood.

The hawk (or what Dinets thinks was the same hawk) returned the next year and used the same strategy to hunt. Eventually, though, the family moved away and the signal stopped working, so Dinets hasn’t seen any super smart hawks hunting near his home since.

Life is tough for birds in cities—they have to avoid windows, weave through cars, and deal with noise. But this study shows at least one way that they’ve adapted to urban living.

“I think my observations show that Cooper’s hawks manage to survive and thrive there, at least in part, by being very smart,” Dinets wrote.



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Fire Breaks Out at a Data Center Leased by Elon Musk’s X
Product Reviews

Fire Breaks Out at a Data Center Leased by Elon Musk’s X

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A fire broke out Thursday morning at a data center in Hillsboro, Oregon, leased by Elon Musk’s X, forcing an extended response from emergency crews, according to multiple sources who spoke to WIRED. The sources required anonymity as they aren’t authorized to speak publicly about the company.

Firefighters arrived at the Hillsboro Technology Park, in a suburb west of Portland, at 10:21 am, according to Hillsboro Fire and Rescue spokesperson Piseth Pich. They found a room with batteries that were deemed to be involved in the fire. Pich noted that the fire had not spread to other parts of the building, but said the room in question was heavy with smoke. As of 3:00 pm, the crew was still on the scene.

X did not immediately respond to a request for comment from WIRED. It could not be learned whether server operations at the data center had been affected by the incident.

Before Elon Musk bought Twitter, the company had three data centers in Sacramento, Portland, and Atlanta. This ensured that if one data center went down, traffic could be shifted to the other two—and split so no single data center was overwhelmed.

Around Christmas Eve 2022, Musk shut down X’s data center in Sacramento in an effort to cut costs. The company experienced a major outage in the wake of the shutdown. Over the next six months, the company moved more than 2,573 server racks from the Sacramento facility to data centers in Portland and Atlanta, according to internal documents.

In the Portland area, X appears to lease space from a building that has been linked to Digital Realty, one of the world’s largest developers of data centers. Digital Realty provides varying levels of operating support at its sites, which can have one or more tenants. It’s unclear if X shares this facility with other companies.

Ryan Young, vice president of Americas operations for Digital Realty, said in a statement to WIRED on Thursday evening that the “fire-related incident at our PDX11 facility” had been contained and that the fire department had left. “All personnel were safely evacuated, with no reported injuries,” Young stated. “We continue to monitor the situation, prioritizing the safety of our personnel, the integrity of the facility, and minimizing customer impact.”

Young declined to comment on customers.

Batteries often function as a backup power source at data centers. But lithium-ion varieties can be volatile, and issues with upkeep and inadequate safety measures have contributed to costly blazes at data centers around the world. Pich, the Hillsboro Fire Department spokesperson, says he could not recall any previous fire involving batteries in the Oregon region’s many other data centers.

X’s parent company, xAI, has taken criticism in recent months for its rapid expansion of power capacity at a new data center in Memphis, which opened last year. That facility, which Musk named Colossus, was built up at breakneck speed to train xAI’s Grok and other AI tools. The company installed more than 30 methane-powered gas turbines, but because the turbines are temporary, a federal permit for pollution control isn’t required, which appears to exploit a loophole in the Clean Air Act. The facility has drawn widespread criticism from surrounding Black and brown communities, who are already exposed to a large amount of air pollution and industrial emissions from other facilities in the area.

Update 5/22/25 11:03 ET: This story has been updated to include additional comment from Digital Realty.



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X is experiencing a data center outage
Product Reviews

X is experiencing a data center outage

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If you had trouble using X today, you’re not alone. DownDetector reports that over 5,000 people have reported issues accessing the social media platform as of 4PM ET. X’s official Engineering account claims the issue is due to a data center outage.

“X is aware some of our users are experiencing performance issues on the platform today,” X’s Engineering account writes. “We are experiencing a data center outage and the team is actively working to remediate the issue.” The platform last experienced a major outage in March 2025. At the time, X CEO Elon Musk blamed the outage on a “massive cyberattack.” Security researchers who looked into the issue later said it was poor security on X’s part that left the company’s servers vulnerable to attack.

X is aware some of our users are experiencing performance issues on the platform today. We are experiencing a data center outage and the team is actively working to remediate the issue.

— Engineering (@XEng) May 22, 2025

Update, May 22, 6:30PM ET: Users are still reporting problems accessing X, though at a lesser rate than its peak of 3:40PM ET. The X Engineering report has not posted an update since its original tweet.

Update, May 22, 9:35PM ET: X is still experiencing site-wide outage. Wired has reported that a fire broke out at a data center leased by Elon Musk in Hillsboro, Oregon. It’s not quite clear if that has anything to do with the current outage.





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SysAid
Product Reviews

I tested SysAid and found it offers traditional ITSM features with new AI tools that boost productivity

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We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

SysAid is a complete IT Service Management (ITSM) solution. It focuses on ticket management and service delivery for mid-sized teams. Its standout feature is the new SysAid Copilot. This tool uses generative AI to automate tasks like ticket categorization, prioritization, and assignment. The software balances strong features with easy setup, letting IT teams start quickly without much configuration.

The platform excels in IT management, covering incident and problem management, asset tracking, and knowledge base functions. During testing, we liked the customizable workflows. They let us automate complex processes with little effort. The self-service portal was also helpful. It allowed end users to solve common issues independently, which reduced our ticket volume.

While SysAid offers great core features, some areas need improvement. The user interface feels outdated in sections like the admin portal and workflow management. The built-in remote control features are limited compared to specialized remote access tools, leading many users to prefer third-party integrations. Still, SysAid’s strong customer support and regular updates show their commitment to improvement.


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SysAid’s pricing is flexible, with options ranging from basic ticketing to full ITSM features. The platform suits organizations aiming to enhance IT service delivery without added complexity. The implementation process is straightforward, supported by helpful resources and an easy configuration that gets teams operational quickly. Overall, SysAid is a strong ITSM solution that offers a good mix of functionality, usability, and value.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Plans and pricing

SysAid has three main plans: Help Desk, ITSM, and Enterprise. Each plan fits different organizational needs and IT maturity levels.

The Help Desk plan is for small teams needing basic ticketing and asset management. The ITSM plan offers advanced IT service management features for mid-sized and mature organizations. The Enterprise plan is a complete package with no limits, ideal for larger teams or those needing full customization and advanced analytics.

Exact pricing is not publicly available. It varies based on the number of agents and the number of assets to manage, like workstations, servers, and mobile devices. You have to contact SysAid directly for a custom quote that meets your needs.

All plans come with cloud and on-premises annual licenses. A free trial is available so teams can test all features before deciding. Keep in mind that a one-time onboarding fee is not included in the plan pricing.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Features

SysAid offers a complete ITSM platform. It covers everything from ticket management to advanced IT automation and AI-driven service delivery. Our tests showed the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. Recent AI upgrades genuinely boost productivity instead of just following trends.

Ticket management

The ticket management system is at the heart of SysAid. It features flexible categorization, automated routing, and customizable SLA management. Both admins and end-users found the interface intuitive. Users can create custom fields and workflows tailored to their processes. The AI-powered ticket categorization and prioritization are especially helpful. They accurately assign incoming requests and suggest knowledge base articles, which cut down resolution times.

Asset management

SysAid’s asset management offers clear visibility into hardware and software across the organization. It uses automated discovery and inventory tracking. We were impressed by how it maps relationships between assets and services. This creates a clear view of how infrastructure supports business functions. The software license management features help identify compliance risks and optimization chances. Integration with the service desk links assets to related incidents smoothly.

Automation and workflows

SysAid lets IT teams create complex workflows without needing programming skills. This cuts down on manual work for routine tasks. The visual workflow designer is user-friendly, allowing us to set up approval processes, escalation rules, and notification systems quickly. We appreciated the ability to trigger automated actions based on certain conditions. For example, software licenses can be auto-provisioned when approved, and tickets can escalate if SLAs are at risk.

Self-service portal

The customizable self-service portal helps end-users find solutions on their own. It features an easy-to-navigate knowledge base and a streamlined service catalog. We found it easy to configure with our branding, enhancing user experience and encouraging adoption. The integration with the knowledge base is effective. The system suggests relevant articles based on user queries, often solving issues before tickets are submitted.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Analytics

SysAid’s reporting features give IT managers a clear view of key performance metrics. Users can customize dashboards and choose from pre-built report templates. Our evaluation showed that standard reports included vital metrics like ticket volume, resolution times, and SLA compliance. These reports offer solid insights into service desk performance. The option to schedule automated report delivery helps keep management updated without manual work.

While basic reporting meets needs, advanced analytics feel limited compared to dedicated BI tools. Although dashboard customization exists, it lacks some flexibility in visualization types and data manipulation that power users want.

Organizations needing detailed data analysis may have to export data to other tools. However, SysAid’s recent updates indicate that enhancements in analytics are planned for the future.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Ease of use

SysAid has a user-friendly interface that’s easy to adopt. The ticket management system helps with categorization, routing, and customization. The self-service portal is also very accessible. End-users can find solutions on their own, through a simple knowledge base and detailed service catalog. This really cuts down on ticket volume.

However, some parts of the interface, especially in the admin portal and workflow management, seem outdated and need updating.

Overall, the platform balances functionality and ease of use well. IT teams can start operations quickly without needing a lot of configuration. During our testing, we liked the visual workflow designer. It was very intuitive and let us set up approval processes, escalation rules, and notifications quickly.

Yet while the main features are easy to use, some user reviews mention bugs. These include things like login errors and situations where ticket creation freezes when switching tabs.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Support

SysAid’s customer support is one of its best features. It offers several channels, including a helpful helpdesk, biweekly customer care chats, and thorough documentation. We found the support team to be very responsive and knowledgeable. They quickly addressed our questions and escalated complex issues to higher support tiers when needed.

The company also implements user feedback during product development. Many new features come from customer suggestions in the Feature Request Forum within the SysAid Community.

(Image credit: SysAid)

SysAid: Security

SysAid uses strong security measures throughout its platform. It meets strict international standards with ISO and SOC2 Type 2 certifications. Their data centers are also SOC2 and ISO 27001 compliant. The platform protects data with AES-256 encryption for data at rest. It uses secure network protocols with SSL/TLS encryption for data in transit. Advanced authentication options include password complexity rules, multi-factor authentication, and single sign-on with SAML 2.0.

For the AI-powered Copilot feature, SysAid takes extra security steps. They use Microsoft Azure OpenAI Services instead of consumer ChatGPT. This keeps all AI-related data in the customer’s SysAid database. They also use advanced PII removal tools to safeguard sensitive information.

SysAid: The Competition

The ITSM market has many strong alternatives to SysAid. ServiceNow, Jira Service Management, and Freshservice are the top competitors.

ServiceNow is an enterprise-grade solution with strong governance and compliance features. It suits highly regulated industries, but its complexity and higher cost may not fit smaller organizations.

Freshservice attracts those wanting automation and a customizable platform. However, some users find its reporting and analytics less effective compared to others.

Other notable options include ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, SolarWinds Service Desk, TOPdesk, and BMC Helix ITSM. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses. SysAid provides a comprehensive ITSM solution at a competitive price. However, Jira Service Management may offer better integration with development tools. Freshservice is often praised for its modern interface and ease of use.

Ultimately, the choice depends on specific needs. Factors like scalability, integration capabilities, and pricing will play crucial roles in decision-making.

SysAid: Final Verdict

SysAid offers a complete ITSM solution that balances functionality, usability, and value. It excels in ticket management, asset tracking, and AI features that boost IT productivity.

We think the platform is ideal for mid-sized organizations. It helps improve IT service delivery without adding complexity. Plus, it has flexible deployment options and pricing that grow with the organization.

Still, some interface elements could use a refresh, and features like remote control have limits compared to dedicated tools. However, SysAid stands out with its excellent customer support, regular updates, and willingness to adapt based on user feedback.

We compiled a list of the best software asset management (SAM) tools.



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Elden Ring - The Prisoner
Product Reviews

A live-action Elden Ring movie from A24 and Alex Garland is in the works

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The rumors about an Elden Ring movie seemed too specific not to be true, and sure enough, Bandai Namco confirmed today that it’s working with A24 on a live-action Elden Ring movie.

The film will be written and directed by Alex Garland, best known for Civil War, Annihilation, and Ex Machina. He also wrote the screenplays for 28 Days Later and Dredd.

George RR Martin, who had a hand in Elden Ring’s lore, is on board as a producer.


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We first heard about the project earlier in May, but the article revealing its existence was taken down and no official announcement was made until now.

Elden Ring co-op spin-off Elden Ring: Nightreign is on the verge of release—it’ll be out on May 29. Meanwhile, Garland’s latest movie is Warfare, which he wrote and directed with former Navy SEAL Ray Mendoza. Reviews are largely positive.

So how do you make an Elden Ring movie? Hop into the comments if you have any good ideas. I suppose I’d go for something surreal and not super concerned with plot like David Lowery’s The Green Knight, also an A24 film. I’m not sure that’s how I’d expect Garland to approach it, though.

He does, at least, know the games: in a Reddit AMA in April, Garland said he was on a NG+6 run of Shadow of the Erdtree. He also has experience writing for games, including 2010’s Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and Ninja Theory’s DmC: Devil May Cry.

Good or bad, the Elden Ring movie will probably at least be a spectacle. Hopefully we see a pot with legs.



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HDMI Connection
Product Reviews

More players. More choices. Unlocking HDMI gaming features

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Gamers have more freedom and choices than ever to play in every room in their house, in other locations or even on the move, without breaking the bank. All major manufacturers of HDTVs include key HDMI® gaming features that make playing feel more immersive and responsive, reduce lag and maximize the overall experience.

Add in the choice of using 4K or even upscaled 8K, and you don’t have to play in an esports arena to get the full effects the game designers intend. The high adoption rate of HDTVs with the gaming features also means there are more choices for gamers than just relying on specialized gaming monitors; although both types of displays have multiple features and benefits that gamers should check, especially with the growing category of smart HDMI-enabled monitors.

Three HDMI gaming features make all of the difference. They include:


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  • Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), which reduces or eliminates lag, judder, and frame tearing for more fluid and better detailed gameplay. VRR enables a gaming source, such as a console or computer, to deliver frames as fast as it can, which in many cases is slower than the normal static refresh rate.
  • Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), which enables the ideal latency setting to be set automatically allowing for smooth, lag-free and uninterrupted viewing and interactivity. In many cases this is referred to as game mode, and it usually has to be set manually, which involves going through menus and settings and then switching back again for normal viewing.
  • Quick Frame Transport (QFT), which reduces latency for smoother no-lag gaming and virtual reality. QFT transports each frame at a higher rate to decrease “display latency,” which is the amount of time between a frame being ready for transport in the GPU and that frame being completely displayed.

Right now, many top manufacturers offer the benefits of these HDMI gaming features and at higher refresh rates such as 144 Hz and 165 Hz for smoother, more responsive gameplay.

Gaming monitors from many of these same companies and others are available with these HDMI gaming features with refresh rates up to 240 Hz, 280 Hz and even 480 Hz—but consider some may sacrifice resolution or luminance, so make sure to check the specs.

There’s other good news for gamers as well. Many portable game consoles can output to an HDTV, and most of them are equipped with HDMI technology, making these portables easy to connect. It has recently been announced by Nintendo that the new Switch 2 will be bundled with an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable for HDTV connection. These portables include:

  • Mobile phones via a USB C to HDMI adapter and HDMI Cable.
  • Steam Deck via the Steam Deck Docking Station and an HDMI Cable.
  • Nintendo Switch via an HDMI Cable to a TV from the dock’s HDMI Out. Be sure to power the setup using a USB Type C plug to connect the Switch AC adapter to the dock’s AC Adapter terminal.
  • ASUS ROG Ally using an ASUS ROG Gaming Charger Dock connected to the TV via an HDMI Cable.
  • Lenovo Legion Go via the HDMI port on the USB-C dock.
  • Retroid Pocket 4 Pro via a micro HDMI to HDMI Type A Cable.

Of course, always be sure to connect to a TV with the correct HDMI® Cable to ensure support for the maximum bandwidth and feature set your gaming setup is capable of delivering.

The terms HDMI, HDMI High-Definition Multimedia Interface, HDMI Trade Dress and the HDMI Logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. All other trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners.



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