Author Susan Abulhawa returns to South Africa for lecture in memory of Shireen Abu Akleh

FACEIT announced one of its largest interventions against the practice of smurfing in the game Counter-Strike. The platform banned 12,478 accounts identified through the use of alternate profiles and restored approximately 20 million Elo points to over 544 thousand players who were affected by unbalanced matches.

Detection and Bans

Smurfing consists of an experienced player creating or using a secondary account to compete against significantly less skilled opponents. This measure was implemented shortly before the start of Season 9, scheduled for August 5th. FACEIT disclosed on social media that it used new automated detection systems to locate these improperly used accounts.

Details of Penalties

As reported by the platform, 12,478 accounts were banned for smurfing and multiple account abuse through the new automatic detection methods. Furthermore, 20 million Elo points were returned to 544,098 players, amounts that will be accounted for at the beginning of Season 9 on August 5th. In total, on July 27th, 13,645 accounts were banned due to various infractions. Of these, about 45% represent approximately 30 thousand bans that occurred in the last 30 days, demonstrating a notable increase compared to the usual daily average, which fluctuates between 300 and 900 accounts.

Types of Sanctions Applied

FACEIT detailed that the penalties were divided into two distinct categories. Accounts used for smurfing received a permanent ban, while the responsible player's main account suffered a 30-day suspension. This decision drew criticism from part of the community, which considered the sanction imposed on the main account to be lenient.

Commitment to Stricter Penalties

In response to the criticism, Darwin, FACEIT's community manager, clarified that the temporary block applied only to the perpetrator's main account, the one normally used at the correct skill level. He assured that players who faced this main account did not suffer competitive disadvantage, since the Elo was returned to the competitors of the smurf accounts. Darwin also announced that penalties will be tightened in the next season. Starting with Season 9, the suspension of the main account for smurfing will be increased from 30 days to three months.

Improving Competitive Experience

Combating smurfing is a fundamental priority for FACEIT, which serves millions of competitive Counter-Strike players by providing dedicated servers and its own anti-cheat system. With the introduction of these new automated detection mechanisms, the company aims to decrease the incidence of unbalanced matches and raise the quality of the competitive experience before the launch of the new season.

For those who need a quality audio alternative for working, studying, or listening to podcasts, a suitable Bluetooth speaker can replace the native speakers on smartphones and laptops. The Anker Soundcore 2 emerges as a market option, presenting remarkable autonomy, and this review details whether it meets consumer expectations.

Design and Durability

The Soundcore 2 has a bar shape, characterized by a discreet design that integrates well into decor. Its body is constructed from plastic with a rubberized coating, which improves grip and helps absorb impacts, facilitating daily transport in a backpack without causing surface damage.

The controls are located on the top of the device. On the side, a rubber cover protects the connectors, ensuring sealing against liquids. Thanks to the IPX7 certification, the speaker is suitable for submersion in water, making it ideal for use near pools, kitchens, or bathrooms.

Sound Performance

The most crucial aspect of any speaker is audio quality, and the Soundcore 2 performs well in essentials. It is equipped with two 6W speakers and uses the BassUp feature in the equalizer to intensify bass frequencies, resulting in sound superior to built-in phone speakers, although it does not compare to more sophisticated models.

One point to note is the absence of equalization adjustment through a mobile application. While sufficient for everyday use of music or podcasts, it should be noted that at high volumes, the audio may lose clarity and exhibit treble distortion. Therefore, it is better suited for light soundtracks in small gatherings than for parties.

Battery and Connectivity

With an internal battery of 5,200 mAh, the Soundcore 2 offers continuous audio playback for up to 24 hours, standing out as a major benefit of the model. This allows the user to use it for long periods without worrying about charging, moving it freely around the house.

Recharging is done via a micro-USB cable (it is not compatible with USB-C). The average time to reach a full charge is 3.5 hours, and it can be used while charging. The use of the micro-USB connector can be seen as a disadvantage compared to the currently predominant USB-C standard.

Connectivity is established quickly and simply via Bluetooth with smartphones, tablets, and computers. If it has been paired previously, just turn on the device for it to be automatically recognized. Alternatively, there is a 3.5 mm auxiliary input for those who prefer a wired connection or wish to connect it to equipment without Bluetooth functionality.

Pros and Cons

The battery longevity is undeniably the biggest asset of this speaker. Despite being a basic model, it delivers adequate sound performance. Furthermore, its robust structure and water resistance significantly expand its application possibilities, positioning it as a good choice in terms of cost-benefit.

However, there are limitations: the sound becomes distorted at very high volumes, and there is no option to customize the audio according to user preference. The use of the old micro-USB connector can also cause inconvenience for users accustomed to the modern USB-C standard.

Recommended Use

The Soundcore 2 is highly recommended for those looking for an affordable and good quality speaker. It serves perfectly to set the ambiance in offices or rooms with moderate volume, surpassing the quality of common laptop and phone speakers. However, it should not be expected for large events or for meticulous listening to musical details.

To transform the living room into a cinema environment without major complications, it is possible to significantly enhance the TV's audio using suitable soundbars, which provide greater immersion, more clarity, and deeper bass. Three options available on sale on Amazon have been selected for those who wish to upgrade their home sound system.

Soundbar Options on Sale

The JBL Cinema SB180 offers a practical and effective solution for those seeking powerful bass without visible cables in the environment. This model features a 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer and has Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring a consistent and easy-to-use sound experience, making it a complete 2.1 channel system with JBL quality assurance.

There is also the black version of the JBL Cinema SB180, which combines a more discreet design with the same high sound performance. Maintaining the 2.1 channel system, the 6.5-inch wireless subwoofer, and integrated Bluetooth, this version blends well into various environments without being conspicuous, ideal for those who prioritize aesthetics alongside functionality.

Samsung Power and Technology

Another highlighted alternative is the Samsung HW-B450F. This model delivers 300W of power in its 2.1 channel configuration with a wireless subwoofer. Furthermore, it supports Dolby Audio, which substantially improves the playback of movies and series. The inclusion of Bluetooth ensures versatility when connecting to smartphones and tablets, presenting itself as a powerful option compatible with current audio standards.

Information on Offers

It is important to note that promotions on Amazon are dynamic and stocks are limited. If any of these models attract the consumer's interest, it is recommended to access the link immediately to secure the purchase before the price changes or the product sells out.