Mehndi, an ancient form of body art and a modern-day symbol of joy, festivity, and beauty.
This article delves into the world of easy mehndi designs.
From elegant floral patterns to contemporary geometric shapes, we explore a range of designs that are not only simple to create but also stunningly beautiful. Whether you’re preparing for a special occasion or simply looking to embrace a piece of cultural heritage, these easy mehndi designs offer a perfect starting point for your artistic journey.
Together elegance and cultural charm mehndi design via
The Omega VSJ843QS stands out for its exceptional blend of high juice yields and robust durability, all at a reasonable price point for its class of slow juicers. While its juice may not rank as the absolute finest, it impresses with its virtually pulp-free and flavorful output. Among the models tested, the Omega demonstrated some of the highest juice yields, leaving behind remarkably dry pulp. Its sleek, low-profile design operates with a quiet hum, and backed by Omega’s 15-year warranty, it ensures lasting performance. While lacking extra attachments for nut butters, the VSJ843 excels at its core purpose: delivering top-notch juice.
Feature: Omega VSJ843QS Cold Press Slow Juicer
Operates at 43 RPM: Utilizes gentle squeezing action to preserve healthy enzymes, reduce heat buildup, and delay oxidation for longer shelf life of juice.
Max Flavor & Nutrients: Incorporates Slow Squeezing Technology (SST) to extract maximum nutrients, vitamins, and flavor from fruits, vegetables, and soybeans while minimizing pulp.
High Yield: Equipped with a dual-edge auger for increased juice extraction and fiber breakdown, resulting in smoother, nutrient-dense juice.
No Drip Juice Tap: Features a convenient no-drip tap at the end of the juice spout for mess-free operation during and after juicing.
Easy To Clean: Boasts an auto-cleaning system to keep the screen clear, enhancing efficiency and reducing cleanup time.
Experience unparalleled taste with the Kuvings EVO820, boasting the brightest flavors and a wide, user-friendly feed chute. Featuring two different-size openings, including a larger one for effortless juicing of bigger chunks or whole produce like apples, this juicer ensures convenience and versatility. With a proprietary strainer to catch extra foam and sediment, the EVO820 guarantees premium-quality juice every time, even without the strainer. Plus, backed by a 10-year warranty, it offers peace of mind and long-lasting performance.
Feature: Kuvings EVO820 Whole Slow Juicer
Patented Masticating Technology: Utilizes Kuvings’ patented 50RPMs low-speed masticating technology to extract maximum vitamins, minerals, and enzymes without aerating the juice.
Time Saver: Features an 82mm wide feeding chute for larger ingredients without cutting, reducing prep time. The chrome-plated drip-free juice spout facilitates mixed juices and easy rinsing between recipes.
Powerful and Efficient: Equipped with a powerful 240W motor that operates quietly. The larger pulp outlet duct releases more pulp, leaving less residue in the strainer for effortless cleanup.
Versatile: Perfect for making smoothies, baby food, nut milk, sorbets, and juicing delicate herbs, berries, carrots, and apples. The luxurious leather-like finish and streamlined style complement any kitchen decor.
Trusted Brand: With 40 years of commitment to quality, Kuvings offers a 10-year warranty on each item. Plus, their responsive customer service team is always ready to assist.
Experience exceptional juice quality with the Tribest Shine – SJV-107, a compact and budget-friendly option that delivers impressive taste. While its yields may be slightly lower compared to other models, it still ranks second in flavor, making it a noteworthy choice. Its lightweight and narrow profile make it perfect for small kitchens, with the added bonus of being travel-friendly according to the company. Despite its shorter three-year warranty, its affordability makes it a compelling option, promising great value for its price point.
Powerful Performance: Equipped with a 200W motor offering a low and slow 40 rpm for jam-free juicing, ensuring frustration-free operation.
Complete Electric Juicer Set: Includes main assembly with juice cap for spill prevention, pusher for stubborn produce, stainless steel juice container, pulp container, slicer, and cleaning brush for comprehensive juicing experience.
Simple and Sleek Design: Durable stainless steel body ensures easy post-juicing cleanup and maintains the juicer’s pristine appearance.
Compact and Portable: With dimensions of 5.25″D x 5.5″W x 19.5″H and a compact base diameter of 5.5 inches, it fits almost anywhere and is travel-friendly.
Healthy, Clean Juice: Specially designed interior parts ensure only desired ingredients are used for clean, fresh juices. Covered by a 3-year manufacturer warranty for added assurance.
Monitoring the plethora of product unveilings at CES. Among the myriad gadgets, apps, and concepts showcased, we’ve identified a set of products that stand out. These items are not only enjoyable and practical but also address specific challenges through innovative technological approaches. Whether through intelligent design, revolutionary engineering, or a visionary outlook, these products encapsulate the essence of CES 2024.
Cutting-Edge Health Tech: Vivoo’s At-Home UTI Diagnostic Kit
Vivoo, a pioneer in health technology, introduces an innovative at-home UTI diagnostic test kit, building on the success of their previous smart toilet gadget. For women, urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common and distressing issue, affecting six out of 10 adult women. Instead of the traditional process of scheduling a doctor’s appointment and providing a urine sample, Vivoo’s solution involves downloading an app, using a test strip, and scanning it with your phone. The deep learning image processing within the app analyzes the results, allowing users to promptly share the information with their doctor for quick prescription and relief. Additionally, Vivoo offers vaginal pH test strips for proactive prevention of future infections. While awaiting FDA clearance, these tests are set to be available for next-day delivery through Amazon and other online retailers later this year.
Heading: Revolutionary Smart Home Solution: Eureka’s Dual Washing Bot
Eureka unveils an unparalleled smart home innovation with the Dual Washing Bot, crowned as the best in the smart home category. The concept of merging a washer, dryer, robot vacuum, and robot mop into a single device may not have been a common wish, but once you witness this domestic amalgamation, it becomes an irresistible addition to your life. This ingenious creation consolidates multiple bulky cleaning appliances into one convenient unit. Housed beneath the combo washer-dryer, Eureka’s robot vacuum emerges to efficiently clean the floors with advanced AI dirt detection capabilities. The true mechanical innovation lies in the robot mop, seamlessly draining its dirty water tank into the same pipe as the washing machine, eliminating the need to empty floor-cleaning water separately. Although currently available only in China due to licensing issues, anticipation is high for its release in the United States, offering a comprehensive solution for washing, drying, robot vacuuming, and mopping tasks.
Cutting-Edge Camera Innovation: Abode Edge Camera
Abode introduces the top-tier Abode Edge Camera, securing its position as the best in the camera category. The standout feature that captured attention at CES is its remarkable Wi-Fi range, powered by Morse Micro’s Wi-Fi HaLow system, providing an impressive wireless range of over a mile. Unlike conventional security cameras requiring close proximity to the Wi-Fi router, the Abode Edge Camera allows flexibility by connecting the base station to your Wi-Fi network, enabling placement anywhere on your property facing your home for a comprehensive view. With a six-month battery life, freedom of placement is ensured without concerns about power sources. The camera incorporates advanced features such as object detection for packages, pets, and people, along with face recognition for identifying known visitors. Customizable alerts and notifications add to its versatility. Priced at $199, the Abode Edge Camera is set to hit the market in the next few months, accompanied by a single-camera subscription plan at $4 per month, offering access to AI features and up to 10 days of footage.
Supernal’s S-A2, an eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) vehicle, claims the spotlight as the best in transportation at CES. While the notion of a flying car might seem like a distant fantasy, Supernal, a division of the Hyundai Motor Group, presents a tangible reality with the S-A2. If their promises hold true, this all-electric vehicle, accommodating a pilot and four passengers, will take to the skies within the next four years. Operating at maximum speeds of 120 mph and flying at altitudes of up to 1,500 feet, the S-A2 is designed to cover distances ranging from 25 to 40 miles. Beyond its striking design, influenced by biomimicry inspired by the shapes of bees, the S-A2 boasts an exceptionally low noise level. During vertical takeoff and landing, it registers at just 65 dB, quieter than the average dishwasher.
Milo Action Communicator takes the spotlight as the best in outdoor gear at CES, offering a revolutionary solution for group activities like skiing or backpacking. The familiar walkie-talkie gets a modern makeover, transforming into a compact voice communication platform designed for small groups. Attach the palm-sized device to your jacket or backpack strap, enabling hassle-free communication without the need to fumble with buttons or frequencies. Milo ensures hands-free and phone-free interaction, with MiloAI providing quick, hands-free assistance when needed. Capable of sending and receiving signals up to 5,000 feet away in clear terrain, Milo redefines group communication, making it efficient and convenient. The long-lasting battery, lasting an entire day on a single charge, coupled with the option of using Bluetooth or a wired headset, enhances the overall outdoor experience. Milo is the perfect companion, ensuring you never have to choose between enjoying the outdoors and staying connected with friends.
Quirky Innovation: Looking Glass Go
Looking Glass presents an unconventional yet fascinating creation with the Looking Glass Go, earning it the title of the best in the “weird” category at CES. Known for their holographic displays, the Brooklyn-based company introduces a compact 6-inch digital frame that redefines visual experiences. The Looking Glass Go boasts a sharper and thinner screen than its predecessors, allowing users to load spatial photos or 3D holograms onto it. An intriguing feature is its capability to transform any 2D photo, including those from Polaroid, into a stunning 3D display. This remarkable transformation is achieved through the ingenious use of generative AI, which enhances the depth of 2D images, creating a holographic effect. Priced at $300, the Looking Glass Go is not only a fun gadget to experiment with but also hints at a future where screens transcend the flat and mundane, reminiscent of Google’s Project Starline, all without requiring cumbersome headsets.
Innovative Parenting Aid: Droyd Venym Electric Scooterboard
Droyd Venym Electric Scooterboard emerges as the frontrunner in the parenting category, catering to the adventurous spirit of children. Prior to parenthood, one might underestimate the creative ways children find to move about, from sliding down hills on cardboard to spinning in mixing bowls. Droyd’s electric scooterboard offers a significant upgrade to traditional toys, featuring a sit-on panel with handles and spinning wheels, designed for children aged 4 and above. Resembling a tarantula with its black color and four spindly legs, the scooterboard comes with customizable stickers to add a personal touch and alleviate any fears. Controlled by dual motors with two push-button accelerators, the scooterboard is engineered with safety in mind, capped at a speed of 3 mph. While it may appear adventurous, rest assured it only brings joy and excitement to children, leaving them a little dizzy and a lot delighted.
Revolutionary Software: Apostrophy OS
Apostrophy OS, the latest mobile operating system, makes its debut on the MC02 smartphone by Punkt, a Swiss electronics company. Developed from GrapheneOS, which is derived from Android, Apostrophy OS eliminates every aspect of Google’s presence, offering a privacy-focused alternative to Android without the confines of Apple’s closed ecosystem. While users need to subscribe for $15 per month (free for the first year), the subscription ensures enhanced privacy and peace of mind. Operating entirely from Switzerland, Apostrophy OS features built-in privacy tools like VPN and pre-installed apps such as email clients and calendars. With plans to collaborate with additional device manufacturers, Apostrophy OS aims to avoid the pitfalls encountered by previous privacy-focused Android variants by providing access to a curated app store based on F-Droid. Additionally, a built-in wizard facilitates the installation of Google Play Store and Services Framework, enabling compatibility with a wide range of Android apps while maintaining stringent privacy measures. Despite its simplicity, the MC02 smartphone boasts a 6.7-inch screen, a 5,500-mAh battery, and 6 GB of RAM, with a 64-megapixel primary camera. The MC02 is set to ship within the next four weeks, offering users an unparalleled software experience.
Innovative Mobile Enhancement: Clicks
Clicks Technology introduces a unique solution for smartphone enthusiasts longing for the tactile feedback of physical keyboards. Spearheaded by individuals passionate about buttons, including YouTube tech reviewer Michael Fisher (MrMobile) and fxtech alumni, Clicks presents a case that seamlessly integrates a physical QWERTY keyboard with the iPhone. Unlike previous attempts to revive the BlackBerry-esque smartphone experience, Clicks takes a different approach, prioritizing functionality and user experience. The case, while elongating the phone, adds a touch of charm with its backlit keys. Notably, the iPhone’s virtual keyboard remains hidden unless intentionally summoned, optimizing screen space for users while typing. Clicks supports Mac and iPad keyboard shortcuts, further enhancing productivity. Available exclusively for the iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro, and iPhone 15 Pro Max, the case ranges in price from $139 to $159 depending on the model. Orders are currently open, with select models set to ship in February.
Compact Home Cinema Innovation: LG CineBeam Qube
Amidst the trend of oversized TVs at CES, LG introduces a refreshing solution with the CineBeam Qube projector, offering compact dimensions and elegant design reminiscent of characters from Disney animated films. Measuring just over 3 inches thick and 5.3 inches in height and depth, the Qube delivers impressive 4K images ranging from 50 to 120 inches, boasting a contrast ratio of 450,000:1. Equipped with auto screen adjustment and auto-focus features, it can also display digital images to enhance the ambiance when not in use. Despite its modest 500-lumen brightness, ideal for dimming lights during movie nights, the Qube supports various streaming services via LG’s webOS or through HDMI eARC and USB C ports. Audio is delivered through a built-in 3-watt mono speaker. However, the highlight lies in its compact and stylish design, complete with a 360-degree rotatable handle, allowing for easy transportation between rooms. Smart, sleek, and space-efficient.
Innovative Mobile Companion: Belkin Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit
Among the plethora of Qi wireless chargers showcased at CES, Belkin’s Auto-Tracking Stand Pro with DockKit stands out as the premier mobile accessory. Priced at $180, this MagSafe charger for the iPhone offers a unique feature: doubling as a 360-degree swiveling tripod for your iPhone’s camera. Set to launch soon, it eliminates the need for manual adjustments to ensure you’re always perfectly framed in the shot. One of the first products to support Apple’s Works With DockKit program, the Stand Pro pairs with the iPhone’s camera via NFC, enabling seamless tracking whether using the rear or selfie camera, regardless of the app in use. Whether presenting in Microsoft Teams or filming on Instagram Stories, the Stand Pro ensures you’re never out of the frame. It can be powered via wall plug or battery, providing approximately five hours of usage. With subject-tracking technology expanding to various devices, this innovation heralds a future where capturing moments becomes effortless and independent.
Innovative Computing Solution: Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid
Among Lenovo’s impressive array of 40 new products showcased at CES 2024, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid emerges as the standout, marking it as the most remarkable offering from the brand and the PC category as a whole. While it may appear as a standard Windows laptop at first glance, it boasts a distinctive feature: the ability to detach the entire display from the keyboard, transforming it into an Android 13 tablet instantaneously. Furthermore, when connected to an external monitor, users can seamlessly switch to using Windows, as all computing components are housed within the keyboard portion of the device. With a dedicated button on the keyboard facilitating OS switching between Android and Windows, users can enjoy Android functionality with the convenience of a keyboard and trackpad. Despite the abundance of 2-in-1 laptop designs in the market, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 5 Hybrid stands out for its unique and streamlined approach. Priced at approximately $2,000, it is set to hit the market in the second quarter of the year.
Air purifiers, at their core, are uncomplicated devices consisting mainly of a fan and a filter. However, a proficiently engineered purifier possesses the ability to trap nearly all airborne allergens like pollen and mold spores, alongside bacteria, viruses, and smoke.
The Levoit Core 400S Smart Air Purifier is an efficient solution for whole-room air purification. Equipped with AirSight Plus technology, it scans for particles as small as 0.3 microns in real-time. With a 360° filtration system, including activated carbon and an Efficient Middle Filter, it captures 99.97% of pollutants. The purifier intelligently senses and reacts to air quality changes, displaying real-time data on an LCD screen and the VeSync Link app. It operates quietly at 24dB in sleep mode and can be programmed to turn off after set intervals. Compatible with voice control services like Alexa and Google Assistant, it ensures a sealed system with authentic Levoit filters. Easy to clean and maintain, with built-in filter replacement notifications.
Specification
Floor Area: 1980 sq. ft. Product Dimensions: 10.79″D x 10.79″W x 20.47″H Certifications: Energy Star Certified, FCC Certified, ETL Certified Weight: 12.79 pounds Noise Level: 24 decibels Control Mechanism: App, Button-Based Control
The Coway Airmega 400S air purifier, equipped with Wi-Fi, efficiently filters harmful sources in your space, capturing 99.999% of nano-sized particles down to 0.01 microns. Its 3-stage HyperCaptiveâ„¢ filtration system, including a Green True HEPA filter, provides continuous clean air 24/7. With features like the IoCare App, filter change indicators, Smart Mode for adapting to surroundings, and real-time air quality monitoring, the Airmega 400S is a high-tech solution. It can clean and maintain spaces up to 1,560 sq. ft. in just 30 minutes.
Specification
Floor Area: 1560 sq. ft. Product Dimensions: 15″D x 15″W x 23″H Certifications: Energy Star Certified, ETL Certified, CARB Certified Weight: 25 pounds Noise Level: 22 decibels Control Mechanism: App, Button-Based Control
Levoit air purifiers prioritize safety by avoiding the use of UV-C light, a method known to generate harmful ozone and secondary pollution. The FAQs address concerns about the safety and effectiveness of UV purifiers, highlighting the potential health risks associated with ozone emission. The air purifier features a three-stage HEPA filtration system to capture dust, pet dander, pollen, and more, providing clean and healthy air. With genuine replacement filters, ETL, FCC, and CARB certifications, and whisper-quiet operation at 25dB, Levoit ensures a reliable, safe, and user-friendly experience. Additionally, users can customize their experience with two night light brightness settings for a perfect sleep environment.
Specification
Floor Area: 258 sq. ft. Product Dimensions: 7.9″D x 7.9″W x 12.6″H Certifications: ETL Certified, CARB Certified, EPA Certified Weight: 6.5 pounds Noise Level: 25 decibels Control Mechanism: Button-Based Control
In under 30 minutes, the Coway Airmega Mighty AP-1512HH dramatically reduced heavy smoke pollution by up to 99.6% in a New York City office, demonstrating performance on par with other top-tier machines. This consistent effectiveness has been confirmed across various test environments. We’ve rigorously stress-tested this unit, surpassing its stated capabilities—running its filters non-stop for two years, twice the recommended duration—yet it has maintained unwavering strength and performance. It presents excellent value in both immediate and long-term expenses, while its compact size, quiet operation, and the ability to switch off display lights make it particularly well-suited for use in bedrooms or living spaces.
Specification
Floor Area: 874 sq. ft. Product Dimensions: 9.6″D x 16.8″W x 18.3″H Certifications: ETL and CARB Certified Weight: 12.5 pounds Noise Level: 53.8 decibels Control Mechanism: Button-Based Control
The Coway Airmega 200M mirrors Coway’s Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty in crucial aspects. They match in noise levels, performance metrics, and share interchangeable filters. Their akin controls also enable you to easily turn off display lights. The primary disparity lies in the 200M’s square grille versus the round one in the AP-1512HH Mighty. If the 200M’s aesthetics appeal to you or if you chance upon a better deal, we suggest opting for it.
Specification
Floor Area: 874 sq. ft. Product Dimensions: 16.8″D x 9.6″W x 18.3″H Weight: 12.3 pounds Noise Level: 24.4 decibels Control Mechanism: Button-Based Control
Levoit’s Vital 200S performed equally well as the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty in performance assessments, showcasing remarkable similarity in energy efficiency, noise levels, and the capability to deactivate the display while retaining the selected fan setting. Throughout our initial year of extensive testing in a New York City apartment, it has operated flawlessly.
Specification
Floor Area: 1900 sq. ft. Product Dimensions: 15.6″D x 8.5″W x 19.8″H Certifications: CARB Certified Weight: 13.2 pounds Noise Level: 24 decibels Control Mechanism: App
The Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max, designed for larger areas spanning around 500 square feet, demonstrates exceptional performance by reducing smoke levels in our test space by over 99.9% when set to its high and high-medium settings. Despite its potency, it remains remarkably energy-efficient and operates quieter than anticipated. Its display can be turned off during operation, offering convenience for those sensitive to light while sleeping. Additionally, it features a child lock for the controls. With an air-quality sensor that gauges particulate pollution levels at 1, 2.5, and 10 microns (known as PM1, PM2.5, and PM10—representing smoke, dust, and pollen, respectively), an accompanying app allows remote monitoring of readings and control over its settings. While priced accordingly, if you’re considering this for a smaller or medium-sized room, alternative options provide similar purifying performance for at least $100 less.
Specification
Floor Area: 635 sq. ft. Product Dimensions: 14.4″D x 14.4″W x 22.7″H Certifications: CARB Certified Weight: 22.7 pounds Noise Level: 23 decibels Control Mechanism: App, Button-Based Control
In areas spanning approximately 200 square feet or smaller, the Clorox Medium Room purifier stands out as a reliable and affordable option, offering features typically found on pricier models. During our tests, it demonstrated excellent performance in removing airborne particles. Typically, smaller purifiers tend to be less energy-efficient, but the Clorox breaks this trend, boasting lower-than-usual long-term operational costs for its size. Incorporating a display shut-off and a child lock on its controls, it’s conducive to peaceful sleep and suitable for use in nurseries and playrooms. An upgraded version, slightly more expensive, is equipped with Alexa compatibility for remote or voice-controlled operation. However, despite its name, this purifier is specifically designed for smaller rooms; it may not perform as effectively in larger spaces compared to our other recommended models.
Specification
Floor Area: 1000 sq. ft. Product Dimensions: 8.74″D x 8.74″W x 14.65″H Certifications: Energy Star Certified Weight: 7.33 pounds Control Mechanism: Touch-Based Control
Conclusion
In conclusion, the various air purifiers evaluated exhibit unique strengths and functionalities suited to different room sizes and specific needs. Each model, from the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH Mighty to the Levoit Vital 200S and the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max, offers distinct advantages in terms of performance, energy efficiency, and additional features such as display controls and air-quality monitoring. The Clorox Medium Room, while efficient and cost-effective for smaller spaces, may not match the efficacy of larger models in more expansive areas. Ultimately, the best choice depends on individual preferences, room size, and desired features, ensuring cleaner air tailored to specific requirements.
General Motors has paused the sales of the recently introduced Chevy Blazer EV due to encountering various software issues in some of the initial shipments. Reports revealed problems with the SUV’s screens and challenges with DC Fast station charging, echoing earlier concerns highlighted by journalists who had access to review the vehicles. GM assured that its engineering teams are diligently working to resolve these issues, and once a solution is ready, Blazer EV owners will be required to visit a dealership for a software update.
While GM mentioned that a “limited number” of vehicles are affected, they did not provide a specific figure and emphasized that these problems are not safety-related or linked to Ultium or Google Built-In technologies.
The Blazer EV was recently launched, but it quickly encountered significant issues with test cars from two media outlets. InsideEVs’ Kevin Williams faced a complete blackout of the Blazer’s infotainment screen and charging problems, resulting in being stranded during a road trip. Edmunds also experienced multiple warning messages with its long-term test vehicle and had to hand it over to a Chevy dealer, where it remains.
This challenging start for the Blazer EV, a crucial part of Chevy’s future lineup, is disappointing. Positioned above the entry-level Bolt but below GM’s higher-priced EVs like the Cadillac Lyriq, it’s one of the initial mass-market vehicles utilizing GM’s new Ultium platform, expected to support an entire range of EVs with updated electrical architecture, batteries, and software.
The U.S.-based chip manufacturer Nvidia, along with its employees, contributed $15 million to various Israeli and international non-profit groups aiding civilians affected by the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Over 30 countries’ employees participated, collectively donating $5 million, which Nvidia matched and doubled to $10 million through a special initiative aimed at assisting those impacted by the war. According to Nvidia, this donation marks the largest humanitarian fundraising effort in the company’s three-decade history.
Gideon Rosenberg, Nvidia’s deputy general counsel, expressed gratitude for the widespread support from Nvidia employees globally and highlighted their concern for colleague Avinatan Or’s safe return, along with other hostages held by Hamas. Or, a 30-year-old engineer at Nvidia since April 2022, was taken captive by Hamas during the Nova music festival on October 7, alongside his girlfriend Noa Argamani and approximately 240 others, some of whom have been released.
Nvidia specified that its employees opted to donate to various regional organizations, including Asor Fund (JGive), American Friends of Magen David Adom, Doctors Without Borders, Friends of United Hatzalah, IsraAID (US) Global Humanitarian Assistance, Jewish Agency for Israel, World Central Kitchen, and Zaka.
Additionally, Nvidia reported donating numerous computers to families evacuated from Israel’s northern and southern regions, along with providing thousands of hot meals from its Yokneam office cafeteria.
Google and Twitter advertisements are circulating links to websites housing a cryptocurrency scheme called ‘MS Drainer,’ which has siphoned off $59 million from 63,210 victims in the past nine months. ScamSniffer’s blockchain analysts have uncovered over ten thousand phishing sites employing this drainer since March 2023, with heightened activity spikes observed in May, June, and November.
A drainer, in this context, refers to a malevolent smart contract or a comprehensive phishing suite engineered to drain cryptocurrency from a user’s wallet without their authorization. Victims are lured to seemingly legitimate phishing websites where they unwittingly approve harmful contracts, enabling the drainer to execute unauthorized transactions and transfer their funds to the attacker’s wallet address.
The source code for MS Drainer is marketed to cybercriminals for $1,500 by an individual known as ‘Pakulichev’ or ‘PhishLab,’ who also levies a 20% fee on any pilfered funds using the toolkit. PhishLab additionally sells supplementary modules that enhance the malware’s functionalities, ranging from $500 to $1,000.
Blockchain data reveals instances where victims on the Ethereum chain lost cryptocurrency valued at $24 million, alongside other notable cases involving losses between $440,000 and $1.2 million.
The fraudulent ads promoting MS Drainer exploit Google Search by appearing for keywords related to DeFi platforms like Zapper, Lido, Stargate, Defillama, Orbiter Finance, and Radiant. These ads capitalize on a loophole in Google Ads’ tracking template, masquerading the URL as the official domain of the spoofed project before redirecting users to a phishing site.
On Twitter, MS Drainer advertisements dominate, accounting for six out of nine phishing ads on users’ feeds, many posted from “verified” accounts with the blue tick badge at the time of the ad display. MalwareHunterTeam, a security researcher, suspects that the holders of these Twitter accounts might have fallen victim to malware that pilfered their authentication data, enabling threat actors to create ads from compromised accounts.
Interestingly, when engaging with a Twitter account running a cryptocurrency scam, the researcher found no trace of the ads in the advertising accounts.
The malicious ads on Twitter employ various themes, including one titled “Ordinals Bubbles,” promoting a purportedly exclusive NFT collection featuring characters enclosed in bubbles. Additionally, these ads promote NFT airdrops and new token launches hosted on sites linked to the drainer.
ScamSniffer notes that these ads employ geofencing as a detection evasion tactic, targeting users from predefined regions while redirecting others to legitimate or innocuous websites.
Cryptocurrency scams have historically thrived on Twitter, and the use of compromised “verified” accounts in promoting malicious sites indicates a heightened potential for successful attacks. Users should exercise extreme caution when encountering cryptocurrency-related ads and conduct thorough research before engaging with new platforms or linking their wallets.
Regulators have initiated a formal investigation into X, previously known as Twitter, suspecting potential violations of the European Union’s stringent new Digital Service Act regulations. The investigation, announced today, is particularly focused on the platform’s role in distributing illicit content during the Hamas’ attacks on Israel, according to the European Commission.
In their press release, the Commission outlined that the investigation will assess X’s measures to combat the dissemination of illegal content and its handling of “information manipulation” through its Community Notes system and other policies. Beyond content moderation, the inquiry will delve into issues such as “deceptive design” related to the verification process (known as the “Blue checks”), advertising transparency, and data accessibility for researchers.
Margrethe Vestager, EU Executive Vice-President, emphasized the seriousness of potential rule breaches: “The greater the societal risk posed by major platforms, the more specific the requirements under the Digital Services Act become. We treat any violation of our regulations with utmost seriousness, and the existing evidence is adequate to formally commence proceedings against X.”
Thierry Breton, EU Commissioner for Internal Markets, highlighted the end of an era where significant online platforms could act with disregard, stating, “With the DSA, today’s initiation of formal proceedings against X signals the conclusion of the time when large online platforms believed they were immune to consequences.”
This formal investigation comes just over two months after initial concerns raised by Breton regarding the proliferation of “illegal content and disinformation” on X. In response, the company outlined its moderation efforts, mentioning the removal of “hundreds” of Hamas-linked accounts and the labeling or removal of “tens of thousands of pieces of content.” The Commission subsequently issued a formal information request, also extending similar inquiries to Meta and TikTok.
China has put forth a proposed categorization system to handle data security issues, aiming to address concerns over substantial data breaches and cyberattacks within the country. This initiative, introduced by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), arrives amidst strained international relations, particularly with the United States, and follows an incident involving a hacker claiming access to extensive personal data from Shanghai police records.
The detailed plan, currently open for public feedback, outlines a four-tier classification system based on the severity of harm to national security, corporate networks, or the economy. For instance, incidents causing losses exceeding 1 billion yuan ($141 million) and impacting personal data of over 100 million individuals or sensitive information of more than 10 million people would be categorized as “especially grave,” warranting a red alert.
The plan mandates swift actions for red and orange alert levels, requiring affected entities and local regulatory bodies to establish 24-hour response teams. Additionally, MIIT must be notified within ten minutes of the incident occurring. MIIT emphasizes the immediate reporting of serious incidents to local regulatory departments, strictly forbidding any delay, falsification, concealment, or omission of such reports.
Google has announced upcoming changes in the storage and access of users’ “Location History” in Google Maps. These alterations involve shortening the data retention period and preventing the company from accessing it. Consequently, Google will no longer comply with “geofence warrants,” a contentious legal method used by law enforcement to obtain information about all users within a specified location and timeframe.
The discontinuation of access to location data by Google marks a significant victory for privacy advocates and defense attorneys who have long opposed these warrants. Confirming the impact of this change, a Google employee, speaking anonymously to Forbes, highlighted the privacy advantages of encrypting location data and stated that Google’s decision aims to halt broad location searches.
According to Jennifer Granick, an attorney with the American Civil Liberties Union, Google’s move is beneficial for privacy, as storing extensive location data poses risks. These geofence warrants, also known as reverse-location searches, raise concerns as they potentially implicate individuals merely present near a crime scene.
Jennifer Lynch, an attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, emphasized the threats to privacy and liberty posed by these warrants, as innocent individuals could be wrongly targeted. Despite this change, the government can still obtain specific user information by demanding full account details, but Google will no longer provide identifying data or metadata for all users within specified parameters based solely on coordinates and timeframe.
This decision by Google arrives shortly after the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit heard arguments regarding the legality of geofence warrants in the case United States v. Chatrie. This move by Google may influence future judicial decisions and has been praised by legal experts and defense attorneys.
While Google has not disclosed the exact number of geofence warrants it receives, it previously revealed a significant increase in these warrants, highlighting their prevalence in law enforcement requests. Other tech firms, like Apple, have also received similar warrants but have cited protection measures for user locations as a reason for non-compliance.
Geofence warrants have been instrumental in various law enforcement cases, including investigations related to Capitol Hill unrest and the Kenosha riots. However, they have also been used for less severe incidents, such as petty theft.
While acknowledging the efficacy of geofence warrants in solving major cases, critics argue that such measures compromise privacy. The California District Attorneys Association highlighted instances where these warrants aided in solving multiple burglaries. Similarly, legal experts note the significance of these warrants in resolving cases but also acknowledge the privacy concerns they raise.
Overall, Google’s decision to halt the response to geofence warrants reflects a stance prioritizing user privacy, although it has implications for law enforcement investigations.
Apple is introducing enhanced security measures for iPhones following a report on a vulnerability exploited by thieves, resulting in severe consequences for victims. The thefts, occurring across various cities, involved criminals using passcodes to access Apple accounts, steal information, and lock users out of their iCloud-stored data.
These incidents prompted Apple to develop the Stolen Device Protection setting to counter such attacks, which is currently being rolled out to beta testers and will be included in an upcoming software update. However, users need to activate this feature, which, although helpful, doesn’t cover all potential threats to personal and financial information on an iPhone.
How it operates: Enabling Stolen Device Protection limits certain settings when the iPhone is away from familiar locations, like home or work, to prevent unauthorized access.
Effects on various settings:
Changing the Apple ID password: With the protection enabled, changing the password away from a familiar location requires Face ID or Touch ID, with an hour delay and additional confirmation scans to thwart unauthorized changes.
Updating Apple security settings: Altering recovery keys or trusted phone numbers necessitates two biometric scans an hour apart to prevent unauthorized modifications.
Accessing passwords in Keychain: Face ID or Touch ID becomes mandatory to access stored passwords, nullifying the passcode’s backup role.
However, even with this protection, a thief possessing both the iPhone and its passcode can still unlock the device and access apps without additional protection or those resettable via text or email. To minimize risks, it’s advisable to avoid sharing passcodes, use stronger alphanumeric passcodes, and implement additional security measures within specific apps, such as enabling extra PIN or biometric verification.
In case of theft, users are urged to swiftly utilize the iCloud’s remote wipe feature through icloud.com/find to erase data on the stolen device.
Apple intends to prompt users to activate Stolen Device Protection within the Face ID & Passcode settings upon its release.
Alphabet’s Google, Meta Platforms, and Qualcomm, along with seven other tech firms, have united to advocate for open digital environments, responding to new EU tech regulations. This collaboration, named the Coalition for Open Digital Ecosystems (CODE), aims to endorse more accessible platforms and systems to stimulate growth and innovation in Europe. CODE intends to collaborate with academics, policymakers, and companies to explore digital openness and its attainability within Europe, focusing on implementing the Digital Markets Act (DMA) and forthcoming EU regulatory frameworks.
Under the DMA, tech giants acting as gatekeepers must permit third-party interoperability with their platforms and enable their business users to promote and finalize contracts outside the platform. Stan Larroque, founder of Lynx, emphasized the importance of openness in fostering innovation and competitiveness within digital ecosystems.
The coalition includes Honor, a Chinese smart devices manufacturer; Lenovo from China; Lynx, a French augmented reality startup; Motorola, a US telecoms equipment maker; Nothing, a UK electronics manufacturer; Opera, a Norwegian tech firm; and Wire, a German messaging services provider. Their collective goal is to promote cross-industry collaboration to unlock digital ecosystems, advocating for seamless connectivity and interoperable systems.
When it comes to getting the most out of your gaming budget, few options rival the classic 52-card deck. It’s a small investment that unlocks a treasure trove of game possibilities, each with its own complexity and richness that have entertained players across generations.
While the traditional deck covers a wide spectrum of games, newer designer card games specialize in unique ways. These games deviate from the standard norms, introducing fresh mechanics, choices, and play styles beyond the typical suits.
After thorough exploration and hands-on experience with numerous games spanning trick-taking, deck-building, bluffing, and more, we’ve curated a selection of the most captivating, innovative, and endlessly enjoyable experiences to suit various preferences.
Cat in the Box follows the standard gameplay of most trick-taking games like Hearts, Oh Hell, Spades, and Bridge.
The game progresses through several rounds known as tricks. In each round, a player leads by playing a card with a specific value and suit. The highest card in that suit wins the trick. If you lack a card in that suit, you can play other cards, including a trump card—a special card that prevails even if it doesn’t match the suit.
For fans of card games, exploring MTG singles for sale online can open up opportunities to enhance and customize your deck, introducing unique elements to your gameplay strategies.
The intriguing twist in Cat in the Box—a nod to Schrödinger’s cat thought experiment—is that the cards don’t have pre-defined suits. Instead, players declare the suit the moment they play a card. They also place a token of their color on a game board to mark the played cards, removing that suit/card combination from the round.
Players earn points for winning tricks. Additionally, correctly predicting the number of tricks won rewards extra points for the longest continuous set of tokens placed on the board.
What Makes it Stand Out:
Cat in the Box introduces two additional layers of strategy to the classic trick-taking style: the absence of pre-set suits on cards and the strategic use of the tracking board for token placement. The board prevents unintentionally replaying a card and becomes pivotal for scoring points by building a significant line of tokens while winning tricks. However, failing to meet your predicted bid nullifies the effort invested in creating the token line.
The game excels in balancing these strategic choices, elevating the gameplay and enhancing the traditional format by offering more opportunities for players to showcase their cleverness, a hallmark of trick-taking games.
Skull keeps it incredibly straightforward. Each player holds only four cards: three roses and a single skull.
At the onset of each round, you select a card to place face down. As rounds progress, you have the choice to either stack another card on top of your previous one or bet on the number of cards you can reveal without encountering a skull (starting with your own stack and then moving to others).
Winning the bet by successfully revealing cards without uncovering a skull earns you a point, halfway toward winning the game. However, failing by exposing a skull results in losing one of your four cards—either randomly chosen by an opponent or a self-selected card, depending on where the skull was found. If a player succeeds twice or if only one player remains with a card, that player wins the game.
What Makes it Stand Out:
While poker might not hit the mark for me, Skull truly lives up to its excitement. Initially, the focus is on winning bets to secure one of the two points required for victory. Yet, the real thrill comes from setting traps for your friends—strategically bidding early to convince them that your stack isn’t hiding a skull, then sitting back and watching them take the risk of revealing it.
Dominion pioneered the deck-building game mechanic. Each player begins with an identical set of cards. During your turn, you draw cards from your personal deck, which can be used to purchase cards from a central market. These newly acquired cards integrate into your deck, enabling additional actions, card purchases, or scoring points by game’s end.
What Makes it Stand Out:
Similar to classic card games, Dominion offers an easy learning curve and enjoyable gameplay. However, as you progress beyond initial plays, it reveals layers of complexity and challenging decision-making.
The key lies in finding a balance between acquiring victory point cards, which occupy space in your hand, and selecting cards with immediate beneficial abilities. The dilemma arises because point cards are limited, and if opponents secure them first, they may no longer be accessible to you. This dynamic creates an engrossing and intricate puzzle to solve.
Bohnanza revolves around trading, planting, and selling beans. Players receive a hand of cards (representing beans) that they cannot rearrange, akin to the structure in Scout. Each player possesses a play-mat featuring two or three “bean fields” (depending on the player count).
On their turn, players must plant the foremost card from their hand into a field—either any bean type into an empty field or the same bean type into a field with existing plantings. After planting, two more beans are flipped over from the deck, initiating the trading phase. During this phase, players can propose trades for the revealed beans, even committing to future exchanges. However, any traded bean must be planted, adding pressure due to the limited number of fields available to each player.
Once a player accumulates a significant number of beans in their field or if they need space for a new bean type, they can sell their beans, earning points based on the quantity sold. The rarity of the bean determines the number of points earned.
What Makes it Stand Out:
Despite my extensive reading and experience in the stock market and financial investments, Bohnanza provides a superior understanding of market dynamics and their unpredictability compared to any class or article I’ve encountered.
The obligation to always plant the first card, the scarcity of planting space, and the responsibility for the two flipped-over cards create immense pressure to engage in trading. Similar to real-world markets, the actual “value” of a bean doesn’t solely dictate its worth (though the bean’s rarity is conveniently displayed on each card). What truly matters is what other players are willing to trade for it at that specific moment. The game consistently incentivizes negotiation and strategic deals, rewarding those who can read the market dynamics and apply pressure on trading partners at opportune times.
Bohnanza encourages active involvement from all players throughout the game, even when it’s not their turn. Proposing trades, lobbying, persuading, or enticing trading partners with promises of more favorable exchanges in the future create an atmosphere reminiscent of a lively stock market—a chaotic trading arena fueled by beans and aspirations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these games offer a diverse spectrum of entertainment, strategy, and engagement. From the intricate decisions of Dominion’s deck-building mechanics to the captivating trading dynamics of Bohnanza and the strategic twists in Cat in the Box and Skull, each game presents unique challenges and opportunities for players. Whether it’s exploring market forces through bean trading or experiencing the thrill of uncovering cards in a skull-filled game, these titles go beyond mere entertainment, providing valuable lessons in strategy, negotiation, and decision-making. The allure of these games lies not only in their gameplay mechanics but also in the vibrant social interactions they foster among players. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the world of card and board games, these titles promise hours of immersive fun and the chance to sharpen your strategic acumen while enjoying quality time with friends and family.
Using a pressure washer to remove years of mildew from patio furniture brings a unique satisfaction that only this powerful tool can provide. Following our research, we discovered the ideal pressure washer for the majority of homeowners.
If you’re working within a tighter budget or foresee using your pressure washer sparingly, the Sun Joe SPX3000 Electric Pressure Washer stands out as our choice. It comes at a lower cost than the Ryobi RY142300 while offering comparable cleaning performance. However, akin to most models in its price range, it features a shorter hose, a motor of slightly lower quality, smaller wheels, a shorter warranty, and a design that’s more prone to tipping over. In contrast to other similarly priced options we tested, it boasts a broader array of spray nozzles, a sturdier metal spray wand, and convenient storage for both hose and cord, much like the RY142300.
The DeWalt DWPW2400 2400 PSI Electric Cold-Water Pressure Washer is another favorite of ours. With its body structure, brushless motor, and overall strength and convenience, the DeWalt offers several perks. It includes two extra nozzles, a detergent tank that’s simpler to monitor and empty, and large pneumatic tires that maneuver more smoothly over uneven lawns. However, its cumbersome cord wrapping mechanism poses challenges, and the holder for the spray wand is inefficient.
For those prioritizing effortless storage, our suggestion is the DeWalt DWPW2100 2100 Max PSI Electric Jobsite Cold Water Pressure Washer, designed for easy stowing and stacking. Its wand disassembles into three sections stored within an internal compartment, while the hose and cord neatly fit behind the external roll cage, each on opposite sides. Portable in size, it features a retractable luggage handle and compact onboard wheels for more efficient mobility than many alternatives.
Conclusion
Wrapping things up, finding the right pressure washer means considering not just power and features but also factors like storage, maneuverability, and usability. Whether it’s the DeWalt series for its clever storage solutions or the Sun Joe for its budget-friendly approach, each option brings its own set of advantages to cater to various needs. So, pick the one that aligns best with your requirements and get ready to blast away that dirt and grime!
During the May 2023 I/O event, Google showcased an “AI-centered notebook” initially named Project Tailwind. NotebookLM, now released widely in the US, is powered by Gemini Pro, similar to Bard.
Since its early access launch in July, Google has engaged with knowledge workers, creators, students, and educators to understand how they utilize NotebookLM. Users appreciate features like auto-generated summaries and suggested follow-up questions, which facilitate understanding complex texts and making connections across multiple documents.
Gemini Pro’s focus lies in document comprehension and reasoning, although PaLM 2 and other models are also utilized.
The current launch of NotebookLM brings about a dozen new features in the following weeks. A “Noteboard” above the chat box, utilizing a card-based grid UI, allows users to save NotebookLM responses, excerpts from sources, and personal notes. Users can select multiple notes to instruct NotebookLM to summarize, combine into a single note, create outlines, study guides, or broader documents like email newsletters or marketing plans. Additionally, there’s a shortcut to export content to Google Docs.
Furthermore, NotebookLM will suggest actions dynamically based on ongoing activities:
When users highlight a passage in a source, NotebookLM offers to summarize the text into a new note or assist in understanding technical language or complex ideas.
While writing a note, NotebookLM provides tools to refine prose and suggests related ideas from sources based on the user’s recent content.
NotebookLM now enables users to select specific sources from the sidebar for focused interactions and increases the per-source notebook limit to 100. Various usability enhancements such as hiding the source and swiftly navigating from a citation to the source are set to roll out in the upcoming weeks following the Gemini Pro launch.
Could Beeper’s dream become a nightmare? The startup, which ingeniously brought iMessage to Android users by reverse-engineering the service, has hit a snag. In an announcement on X, the company revealed an outage apparently caused by Apple, preventing texts from going through via Beeper Mini, a newly launched service that facilitated iMessage on non-Apple devices.
An error message in red letters, reading “failed to lookup on server: lookup request timed out,†started appearing for users, signaling the problem.
Initially, the Beeper team urged users to report issues within the app for investigation. However, CEO Eric Migicovsky confirmed that it seemed Apple had found a way to disable Beeper Mini’s functionality, stating, “Yes, all data indicates that.â€
The future of Beeper Mini’s capabilities remains uncertain unless their engineers find a workaround for this setback.
Migicovsky, previously known for founding Pebble smartwatches, emphasized Beeper Mini’s significance beyond connecting Android users to iMessage group chats. He highlighted its role in enhancing security for iPhone users, exposing the vulnerability of unencrypted green bubble texts exchanged with Android devices.
In an earlier interview, Migicovsky pointed out the lack of encryption in green bubble texts, making them susceptible to interception by various parties, including Apple and phone carriers. He positioned Beeper Mini as a solution to heighten iPhone security.
Apple’s stance on iMessage, considering it a pivotal tool to retain users within its ecosystem, refrains from releasing an iMessage app for Android. Recent developments suggest that EU regulations won’t mandate iMessage’s interoperability, granting Apple the freedom to combat services like Beeper Mini, as it reportedly isn’t popular among business users.
Migicovsky expressed discontent with Apple’s actions, questioning why they’d compromise iPhone user security by thwarting a service enabling encrypted chats to Android users.
Beeper, initially working on a messaging aggregator, rebranded to Beeper Cloud as Beeper Mini launched. The service, priced at $1.99 per month, cleverly allowed Android users to message iMessage contacts seamlessly. By avoiding intermediary servers used by other iMessage-to-Android apps, Beeper Mini mimicked native iMessage interactions, raising uncertainty on how Apple managed to block its access.
The future of Beeper Mini hangs in the balance as Migicovsky indicated they’d assess their options moving forward.
Apple is reportedly directing its development resources for the iPad to Vietnam for the first time, according to sources familiar with the matter. This move signifies a significant step toward bolstering Vietnam’s position as an alternative manufacturing center outside of China.
Collaborating with China’s BYD, a major iPad assembler, Apple intends to transfer new product introduction (NPI) resources to Vietnam. NPI involves tech companies like Apple working closely with suppliers to ensure the feasibility of new product designs and developments. This marks the initial instance of Apple shifting NPI resources to Vietnam for a core device like the iPad.
Sources informed Nikkei Asia that the engineering validation for test production of an iPad model is set to commence around mid-February next year, with the model slated for release in the latter half of the year.
BYD was the pioneer Apple supplier aiding the tech giant in relocating iPad assembly to Vietnam in 2022, as reported by Nikkei. However, this specific transfer of NPI engineering resources focuses on entry-level models rather than the premium iPad Pro.
NPI demands significant resources from both the tech company and its suppliers, necessitating engineers and investment in laboratory equipment to test new features and functionalities.
Traditionally, much of Apple’s NPI activities have been conducted in China in partnership with engineers in Cupertino, leveraging the country’s extensive experience in hardware manufacturing. However, geopolitical uncertainties are prompting the company to reconsider this approach. Earlier reports from Nikkei Asia indicated Apple’s plans to also shift some NPI processes for the iPhone to India.
According to IDC data, Apple holds the top spot as the world’s largest tablet maker with a market share of 36.6% in the first three quarters of 2023. Nevertheless, only about 10% of all iPads were manufactured in Vietnam this year, with the majority still produced in China, as per Counterpoint Research.
Vietnam has emerged as a crucial tech manufacturing hub for Apple outside of China. The company has instructed its suppliers to establish new manufacturing capabilities for nearly all its products, except the iPhone, in the Southeast Asian country. The existence of NPI resources outside of China implies that non-China hubs could become a genuine alternative manufacturing base, according to industry insiders and experts.
Ivan Lam, a tech analyst at Counterpoint Research, highlighted Vietnam’s strategic importance in manufacturing, emphasizing its potential as a significant global manufacturing center. Lam noted that Apple’s recent supply chain assessment demonstrates Vietnam’s manufacturing capability for the iPad and its potential to expand production.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bryan Ma, vice president of client devices research at IDC, highlighted Vietnam’s position as a beneficiary of the device industry’s efforts to diversify manufacturing, including not just tablets but also more complex products like personal computers. Ma emphasized the importance of the entire ecosystem moving with assemblers, particularly in the case of notebooks with multiple discrete parts.
Vincent Chen, president of CTBC Securities Investment Service and a seasoned tech analyst, emphasized the emergence of India and Vietnam as crucial manufacturing ecosystems. However, he also noted that despite U.S.-China tensions, Apple will likely continue to collaborate closely with Chinese suppliers during its supply chain shift.
“If you’re an up-and-coming aerial photographer or videographer, drones are your passport to the skies. They offer unique perspectives that were once only achievable using costly equipment like cranes or dollies. That’s why these affordable and portable marvels have become a must-have for many content creators online.
However, navigating through the multitude of drone options—sometimes even within a single brand—can be overwhelming. After test-flying 33 drones, we’ve determined that the DJI Air 3 stands out as the top choice. It combines a high-quality primary camera, a valuable telephoto camera, and cutting-edge autonomous features, all in a relatively lightweight and reasonably priced package.”
The DJI Mini 3 is an excellent entry-level choice for drone photography, especially for personal use. Priced at less than half of our top selection, it boasts a 4K camera, an impressive 38-minute battery life, and a compact design that falls comfortably within the FAA’s 250-gram limit.
While its camera and sensors don’t match the Air 3’s quality, the f/1.7 aperture delivers surprisingly good images in low-light settings. It covers essential video drone features like image and flight stabilization, includes a controller, and offers smart flight modes for effortless cinematic shots. However, it lacks the obstacle-avoidance sensors found in pricier models.
Opting for DJI’s Intelligent Flight Battery Plus can extend the battery life to 51 minutes, but this addition surpasses the weight limit requiring FAA registration.
The DJI Air 3 offers a user-friendly flying experience, boasting an extensive 46-minute battery life and dual cameras that allow for a more diverse range of captivating shots compared to its previous model. We highly recommend opting for the Fly More combo as it exclusively includes the DJI RC 2 controller, a significant upgrade from the standard controller that relies on your phone’s screen for live viewing, featuring a built-in screen for enhanced control.
With enhanced obstacle-sensing capabilities covering all directions, including side sensing absent in our earlier recommendation, the Air 3 facilitates smoother usage of the ActiveTrack feature. This feature enables the drone to autonomously track and film a subject while intelligently avoiding obstacles, now adaptable to more scenarios.
Maintaining a stable position even in moderate winds, this drone allows you to concentrate on your cinematography. Its portable design, measuring 8 by 3.5 by 3.25 inches when folded and weighing approximately 1.5 pounds, conveniently fits into most standard-size backpacks, making it highly portable for various shooting locations.
The DJI Mavic 3 Pro incorporates many of the standout features found in the Air 3 and, for a slightly higher price, elevates the camera setup to three lenses. This includes a Hasselblad-branded 24mm-equivalent wide-angle lens equipped with a Four Thirds sensor, accompanied by two telephoto lenses: one at a 70mm-equivalent with a 1/1.3-inch sensor and another at a 166mm-equivalent with a 1/2-inch sensor.
Thanks to the significantly larger sensor in its primary camera, the Mavic 3 Pro excels in capturing intricate details across a broader range of lighting conditions compared to our other recommendations. This results in superior images straight from the camera while providing ample data for editing software to further enhance the visual output.
With its trio of cameras, this model excels in capturing vibrant, detailed still images, while its video capabilities, reaching up to 5.1K resolution, display more accurate colors compared to competing models. The drone also offers a 43-minute battery life, not the longest we’ve tested (our top pick slightly surpasses it), but it comes remarkably close in our assessments.
If you have reservations about DJI because of security or human-rights issues or if you’re seeking a drone with a 6K camera, we suggest considering the Autel Robotics Evo Lite+.
This drone offers a flight time of up to 40 minutes and provides autonomous features akin to those found in DJI drones. Additionally, unlike the DJI Fly app, the Autel Sky app can be directly downloaded from the Google Play store.
However, despite these capabilities, we still lean towards DJI drones due to their overall value and superior image quality.
Conclusion
In conclusion, drones have revolutionized the way we capture photos and videos, offering unique aerial perspectives and creative possibilities. With various models available catering to different needs, DJI stands out as a top choice for its remarkable features, flight performance, and image quality. However, alternatives like the Autel Robotics Evo Lite+ provide viable options for those concerned about specific issues or seeking particular camera specifications. Ultimately, selecting the right drone depends on individual preferences, balancing features, quality, and any ethical considerations that matter most to each user.
An unnamed senator from the US cautioned that certain governments are covertly monitoring smartphone users through the push notifications of various applications. The senator, Ron Wyden, conveyed concerns in a letter to the Department of Justice, highlighting foreign authorities’ requests directed at Google and Apple for user data, shedding light on an additional means for governments to track smartphones.
Push notifications, commonly used across apps to alert users of messages or updates, rely on Google and Apple servers, offering these companies exclusive insights into the data flow from apps to their users. This position, as noted by Wyden, potentially aids government surveillance of specific app usage patterns. He urged the Department of Justice to revise policies obstructing public discourse on push notification surveillance.
Apple mentioned that Wyden’s letter provided an opportunity to disclose more information about government monitoring of push notifications, citing prior federal restrictions preventing such revelations. Google expressed solidarity with Wyden’s objective of informing users about these data requests.
The Department of Justice did not respond to inquiries regarding push notification surveillance or whether it had prohibited Apple or Google from discussing it.
Wyden’s letter referenced an undisclosed “tip” as the source of this surveillance information. While Wyden’s staff didn’t offer further details, a source familiar with the situation verified that both US and foreign government agencies had approached Apple and Google for metadata linked to push notifications. These requests aimed to connect anonymous users of messaging apps to specific Apple or Google accounts.
The source refrained from identifying the foreign governments involved but characterized them as democracies allied with the US. The duration for which such data gathering occurred in this manner remained unknown.
Push notifications, often overlooked by users, have occasionally drawn attention from technologists due to the challenge of deploying them without transmitting data to Google or Apple. Earlier in the year, French developer David Libeau underscored the lack of awareness among users and developers about how these notifications relay data to these tech giants, labeling them as a “privacy nightmare.”
Although OpenAI’s ChatGPT has surged as a global sensation, quickly becoming one of the most rapidly embraced consumer products, Google’s Bard has lagged behind. Despite acquiring new functionalities like accessing user data from various Google products, Bard’s responses and information have often fallen short compared to ChatGPT and other bots utilizing GPT-3 and GPT-4.
However, the case for Bard might be evolving. As of today, for English-speaking users in 170 countries, Bard now operates on Google’s fresh Gemini model, which Google claims matches or surpasses OpenAI’s technology in multiple aspects. According to Google, Gemini will expand to more languages and regions “soon.”
Bard now utilizes Gemini Pro, positioned as the middle tier among the Gemini models. While Ultra is the largest but slowest and most capable, Nano is compact, swift, and designed for on-device tasks, leaving Pro as the balanced version—swift and efficient yet highly capable.
Sissie Hsiao, overseeing Bard and Assistant at Google, expressed in a briefing that Gemini marks the “most significant and superior upgrade” for Bard. Expectedly, this upgrade should noticeably enhance Bard’s existing functions: summarization, brainstorming, writing, and more. Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, noted improved understanding of intent, enhanced factual responses, higher quality output, and better performance, particularly in coding tasks.
Presently, Bard functions solely as a chatbot—text in, text out. However, an upcoming iteration of Bard, called “Bard Advanced,” powered by Gemini Ultra, is slated for next year. Gemini Ultra, the most potent version, is multimodal, capable of handling images, audio, video, and text interactions.
According to Demis Hassabis, head of Google DeepMind, Gemini excels particularly in non-text interactions, showcasing seamless integration across multiple modalities. Google’s demonstrations included scenarios like YouTuber Mark Rober using Bard to perfect a paper airplane, utilizing AI-provided feedback from photos of his designs, and parents seeking help with their children’s homework by uploading images for assistance in understanding math errors.
While these demonstrations are currently limited to promotional materials, Pichai views this launch as a significant milestone for Bard and the inception of the Gemini era. If Google’s assessments hold true, the new model might position Bard on par with ChatGPT, signifying an impressive accomplishment in itself.
Picking an awesome Secret Santa present can pose a bit of a challenge: You might have a limited budget and minimal information about the person you’re gifting. The selections in this guide are ideal for someone you’re well-acquainted with or even for someone you’re meeting for the first time. These gifts are somewhat universal, yet charming and practical enough to avoid being discarded soon after New Year’s Day.
The LEGO Icons Bonsai Tree, part of Lego’s Botanical Collection, comprises 878 pieces and replicates a real bonsai tree without the need for constant care. It features adjustable leaves and cherry blossoms, making it an attractive addition to any shelf. This set, highly sought after during the peak of the pandemic, offers a sense of mindfulness and relaxation akin to tending to actual bonsai trees. Joshua Lyon, Wirecutter’s resident Adult Fan of Lego (AFOL) and supervising editor, suggests enhancing the Lego bonsai’s design using extra pieces like the Plant Vine Seaweed and Plant Flower Stems available on Lego’s Pick a Brick page.
Smart gloves are a perfect gift for anyone who’s glued to their phone or occasionally frustrated by it. These touchscreen gloves, like the Moshi Digits Touchscreen Gloves, are excellent options. Crafted with conductive-fiber knit, they enable precise tapping even in the era of editable tweets. Additionally, their microfleece lining offers both comfort and warmth. Unlike some touchscreen gloves that may feel too thin or overly bulky, these strike a balance. Available in three sizes and two colors, they have withstood multiple winters for some of our editors, showing no signs of wear like holes or pilling.
Bananagrams offers the thrill of Scrabble but at a lightning-fast pace. Instead of a board and scoring, players race against each other to create word grids using tiles. Simple to grasp, it accommodates two to eight players, suitable for ages 10 and up. Plus, it’s conveniently packed in a portable, unmistakable pouch shaped like a banana. Its enjoyable and easily transportable nature has made it a staple on all of Samantha’s family excursions.
Even Secret Santa pairings who prefer the indoors will find joy in the charming Jarkyfine Window Bird Feeder, attracting delightful winged visitors directly to their window. Utilizing suction cups, it’s an ideal option for apartment residents lacking their own outdoor green areas. Homeowners might also appreciate it, affixed to a kitchen window or a similar eye-level corner. While it might not rank among our top choices for bird feeders due to its open design potentially exposing birds to cat attacks and seeds to squirrels in certain areas, placed thoughtfully at the right price, it offers ample close-up enjoyment.
Almost everyone knows someone who loves exploring new brunch spots or sharing the latest plates from their go-to places on social media. They’d probably appreciate making their own hot, fresh waffles at home using one of our top-rated waffle makers. The Cuisinart Round Classic Waffle Maker WMR-CAP2 is particularly ideal for those who prefer thin, crispy waffles over the fluffier variety. Out of the 30 models we tested, this Cuisinart stood out for its user-friendly design, consistent performance, and compact size (just a bit over 10 inches wide, making it easy to store, even in smaller kitchens). If you’re fortunate, your recipient might even invite you over for a waffle feast.
Not many dislike chocolate, making it an excellent gift choice. But if you’re aiming for something less traditional than a box of chocolates, think about presenting a collection of gourmet bars. Tony’s Chocolonely bars come in vibrant, cheerful packaging, and the flavors inside are equally delightful. This set of four includes some of Tony’s top flavors (milk chocolate hazelnut, milk chocolate caramel sea salt, dark milk chocolate pretzel, and 32% milk chocolate), catering to any dessert craving your gift recipient might have.
For the Secret Santa recipient familiar with the rejuvenating effect of a midday nap during their work-from-home lunch hour or on a leisurely Sunday, a comfortable eye mask is an ideal gift choice. The Nidra Deep Rest Eye Mask features contoured eyecups that comfortably fit over the eyes, allowing for easy movement. Its adjustable Velcro strap ensures a secure fit, perfect for restless sleepers. Additionally, for travel purposes, this eye mask efficiently blocks out harsh cabin lighting on planes and works well alongside a face mask if your recipient needs to wear one.
If your giftee enjoys lively events, consider gifting them the Loop Experience Earplugs, the ultimate choice for concerts or bustling environments. Unlike regular foam plugs, these earplugs lower the overall volume without compromising the sound quality, preserving the music’s excellence while reducing the loudness. They’re comfortable for prolonged wear and include various tips (four pairs) to suit nearly every ear shape.
Conclusion
There are various gift ideas suitable for Secret Santa exchanges, catering to different preferences and interests. It highlights items like smart gloves for tech enthusiasts, LEGO sets for creative individuals, and practical yet enjoyable gifts like waffle makers or eye masks. The article emphasizes the suitability of these gifts for diverse tastes and preferences, ensuring a thoughtful and enjoyable Secret Santa experience for the recipients.
The most recent blog post on Google Security discusses a significant enhancement to Gmail’s spam filters, labeled by Google as “one of the most substantial defense improvements in recent times.” This upgrade introduces a new text classification system named RETVec (Resilient & Efficient Text Vectorizer). Google claims that this system aids in comprehending “adversarial text manipulations,” referring to emails containing special characters, emojis, typos, and other elements that were previously legible to humans but challenging for machines to interpret. In the past, spam emails employing such characters often bypassed Gmail’s defenses.
To illustrate what “adversarial text manipulation” entails, a sample message from the spam folder is provided. Historically, these types of emails were a significant issue in the first half of the year, frequently appearing in the inbox. However, with the implementation of RETVec technology, these problematic emails have ceased to be an issue in recent months.
Identifying emails like this proved difficult because traditional spam filters were ineffective against content featuring “homoglyphs.” These are obscure characters from the Unicode standard that resemble normal Latin alphabet characters but differ from them. For instance, seemingly bolded text like “CheckYourAccount” actually utilizes Unicode glyphs like the “Mathematical Bold Capital C,” which appears as the letter “C” but is recognized by the filtering system as a mathematical symbol, not part of the English language. The email’s content further complicates matters with tactics like replacing characters with similar-looking symbols or employing unusual formatting.
Google asserts that RETVec addresses these challenges by being resilient against various character-level manipulations, including homoglyphs, typos, and other alterations. What sets RETVec apart is its efficiency; unlike other methods requiring extensive resources, RETVec’s model is compact, containing only 200,000 parameters. This makes it feasible for deployment even on local devices. Additionally, RETVec’s open-source nature indicates potential use beyond Gmail, extending to various platforms and services.
Functioning akin to human cognition, RETVec utilizes a machine-learning TensorFlow model to interpret words based on visual “similarity” rather than their specific character content. Google’s demonstrations highlight its successful application in recognizing visual similarities, like identifying images of cats, and this technology has significantly enhanced spam detection in Gmail.
According to Google’s assessments, the implementation of RETVec has notably improved Gmail’s spam detection rate by 38% over the baseline while reducing false positives by 19.4%. Furthermore, RETVec usage has substantially decreased the model’s TPU usage by 83%. This deployment of RETVec stands as one of the most significant recent security enhancements, as stated by Google.
Google mentions having tested RETVec internally for a year, and it has already been integrated into Gmail accounts.
Meta has initiated the process of ending the capability for “cross-app chats” between Instagram contacts and Facebook Messenger. This change comes after Meta, previously known as “Facebook,” initially connected Messenger to Instagram in 2020, aiming to enhance the chatting experience across platforms. This integration allowed users to communicate with Facebook friends and Instagram contacts by updating the messaging experience in either app.
Fast forward three years, the company is now reversing this integration. According to a new support page, by “mid-December 2023,” cross-app chatting between Messenger and Instagram will cease. The upcoming changes include:
Inability to start new conversations or calls with Facebook accounts from Instagram.
Existing chats with Facebook accounts will become read-only, preventing new messages.
Facebook accounts won’t see your Activity Status or message read receipts.
Existing chats with Facebook accounts won’t transfer to your Facebook or Messenger inbox.
The reason behind this change hasn’t been explicitly stated, but it might be linked to Europe’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), which requires major companies to offer messaging platform interoperability. Another Meta product, WhatsApp, is reportedly preparing a “Third-Party Chats” feature to comply with DMA.
Meta might be discontinuing this service-specific cross-app chatting to pave the way for broader DMA-compliant interoperability within Messenger. Alternatively, this move could be part of Meta’s recent trend of scaling back Messenger, seen in the app’s loss of SMS/MMS capabilities on Android and the shutdown of Messenger Lite.
Last Friday, genetic testing firm 23andMe revealed that hackers had accessed personal data belonging to approximately 0.1% of its customers, roughly 14,000 individuals. These hackers were able to reach a substantial amount of profile information on other users’ ancestry through these compromised accounts. The company did not specify the scale of impact on these “other users” in its initial disclosure in early October.
However, it has now come to light that a significant number of other users were affected by this breach—totaling 6.9 million individuals. According to a statement from 23andMe’s spokesperson Katie Watson, hackers accessed the personal details of around 5.5 million people who had opted into the DNA Relatives feature, which allows data sharing among customers. The stolen information encompassed names, birth years, relationship labels, shared DNA percentages with relatives, ancestry reports, and self-reported locations.
Additionally, another group of approximately 1.4 million users who had also opted into DNA Relatives had their Family Tree profile data compromised. This included display names, relationship labels, birth years, self-reported locations, and the decision to share their information.
Interestingly, 23andMe did not reveal these specific numbers in their initial disclosure, prompting questions about the extent of the breach. With these new figures, it’s estimated that nearly half of 23andMe’s reported 14 million customers have been affected.
The breach was initially brought to light in early October when a hacker claimed to have accessed the DNA information of 23andMe users on a renowned hacking forum. Subsequently, this hacker released alleged data of specific user groups and attempted to sell this information. Another hacker on a different forum had earlier advertised a set of supposedly stolen 23andMe customer data two months before the widely publicized advertisement.
Upon analysis, it was discovered that some of the leaked data matched genetic information shared online by enthusiasts and genealogists. Despite differences in formatting, both sets contained overlapping user and generic data, indicating that the leaked data was likely authentic 23andMe customer data.
23andMe attributed the breach to customers reusing passwords, enabling hackers to use known passwords from other breaches to gain unauthorized access. The design of the DNA Relatives feature exacerbated the impact, allowing hackers to access not only the account holder’s data but also their relatives’ information upon breaching a single account.
IBM researchers claim that quantum computing is beginning to fulfill its potential as a crucial tool in scientific research, addressing concerns that the technology might not meet the high expectations set for it. The company is set to reveal 10 projects demonstrating the capabilities of quantum calculation when combined with established methods like traditional supercomputing, according to Dario Gil, IBM’s head of research.
Gil stated in an interview that they now have sufficiently large and capable systems for practical technical and scientific work, marking a significant step forward. These projects, a collaborative effort between IBM and partners such as Los Alamos National Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, and the University of Tokyo, primarily concentrate on areas like simulating quantum physics and solving problems in chemistry and materials science.
While substantial funding has flowed into quantum systems with hopes of imminent commercial use, the delay in business applications has raised concerns about a potential “quantum winter,” causing a decline in investor confidence and financial support.
IBM’s recent announcements imply that quantum computing’s primary applications have not yet fully encompassed the wide array of commercially viable computing tasks envisioned by many in the field. Jay Gambetta, IBM’s vice president of quantum, emphasized that transitioning from scientific value to business value will take time, although the gap between research and commercialization is narrowing.
Despite the uncertainty about when quantum computing will become mainstream in the commercial arena, IBM’s researchers remain confident about its long-term potential. They have outlined a 10-year roadmap aiming for significantly more capable “error-corrected” systems.
Quantum computing leverages the unique properties of sub-atomic particles, allowing them to exist in multiple states simultaneously. This capability enables quantum machines to perform numerous calculations simultaneously, potentially solving problems beyond the scope of traditional computers. However, the qubits forming these systems are unstable and maintain their quantum states for very brief periods, leading to errors or “noise” in calculations.
IBM indicated that the new scientific applications for its systems mark the end of the initial experimental phase, which focused on linking sufficient qubits, controlling them for practical measurements, and developing the first algorithms over the past seven years.
Theoretically, quantum computers excel in modeling the sub-atomic behavior of substances, suggesting potential applications in discovering novel materials, addressing energy challenges, and developing new pharmaceuticals. Additionally, IBM researchers are exploring using quantum systems to identify correlations in extensive data sets and solve optimization problems to enhance business processes.
Despite the limited progress in commercial uses, Gil noted that companies incorporating IBM’s quantum systems into their research and development activities continue to invest consistently in the technology, reflecting a robust industrial interest.
The summer saw Saudi Arabia dominate the realm of sports, merging its backed LIV Golf with the Professional Golfers’ Association, heavily funded by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) to the tune of over a billion dollars. This trend extended to soccer, with the kingdom attracting global superstars like Karim Benzema, Neymar, and Jordan Henderson to play in the scorching desert, despite facing criticism for ‘sportswashing’. Beyond sports, Saudi Arabia ventured into the movie industry, launching the Red Sea International Film Festival, and hosted pay-per-view WWE events. However, their foray into the gaming industry, valued at $187 billion globally, while aggressive, seemed less overt compared to their sports endeavors.
Stacking up minority investments in renowned companies like Nintendo, Take-Two, EA, Activision Blizzard, Saudi Arabia, through the PIF-funded Savvy Games Group, made significant acquisitions such as mobile developer Scopely for $4.9 billion and esports organizations ESL and Faceit for $1.5 billion. With earmarked funds of $13 billion for acquiring a leading game publisher and additional billions for more minority investments, the kingdom is injecting oil money swiftly into the gaming industry.
The objective, as stated by Savvy CEO Brian Ward, is to establish Saudi Arabia as a gaming “powerhouse,” transforming the nation into a center for game development and esports. This move aligns with the country’s strategy for economic diversification and societal change, utilizing traditional tactics of “bread and circuses” to strengthen its domestic political standing while staying relevant in a world moving away from fossil fuels.
The substantial investment in gaming isn’t unprecedented in terms of strategic planning, drawing parallels to how South Korea’s investment in internet infrastructure led to its prominence in the gaming world. However, Saudi Arabia’s approach, while monumental, enters a gaming landscape facing challenges such as declining viewership in esports and economic downturns.
The kingdom’s interest in esports, considered a ‘distressed asset,’ capitalizes on organizations and infrastructure struggling financially. This move comes as Saudi Arabia undergoes socio-political changes, juxtaposing social reforms in major cities with crackdowns on dissent elsewhere. The country, dependent on oil and gas for a significant portion of its GDP, seeks industrial diversification and aims to address the demands of its large youth population, potentially curbing radicalization.
Beyond the economic and political aspects, Saudi Arabia utilizes video games for international influence and diplomacy. The country’s investment in Chinese esports during President Xi Jinping’s visit highlights the use of esports as a form of international relations strategy.
Similar to sports, video games have devoted and passionate fandoms, and Saudi Arabia’s actions in these industries contribute to its global image building, akin to ‘gameswashing.’ Despite investments in various sectors, scrutiny remains regarding potential strings attached to Saudi spending and the impact on freedom of expression within the acquired companies.
The kingdom’s financial power has already affected the gaming industry, as seen in the fallout of a deal between Embracer and Savvy Gaming Group, resulting in studio closures and job losses. This financial influence mirrors Saudi Arabia’s impact on sports and culture globally, driven by the pursuit of power, expansion, and enrichment, even as it faces criticism for human rights abuses and military actions in Yemen.
Recently, numerous Google Drive users have observed the disappearance of files, prompting Google to confirm its investigation into the issue, which is believed to be caused by the desktop app.
To summarize the ongoing situation, users of Google Drive have experienced the sudden loss of data spanning months or even years. The problem seems to erase the stored information, almost reverting the account to a state before that data was added. Instances have been reported where spreadsheet data has vanished from recent periods, leaving data only from an earlier date.
This issue raises significant concerns, particularly for business users.
In a concise statement on its Community forums, Google officially recognized the problem of missing files and attributed it to the Drive for Desktop application.
Despite no clear explanation for the glitch, Google has specified that only a “limited subset of Drive for desktop users” are affected. The issue appears to be related to versions 84.0.0.0 through 84.0.4.0, which were recently released. Google is actively “investigating” the matter, and there’s currently no information available regarding a fix.
Furthermore, Google advises users against disconnecting their Google account from the Drive for Desktop app. Additionally, users are cautioned not to delete or relocate data from the “DriveFS” folder on their computers, situated under AppData\Local\Google\DriveFS on Windows and Library/Application Support/Google/DriveFS on macOS. However, Google does suggest creating a backup copy of this folder if sufficient space is available on the system.
EU regulators warned that Amazon’s purchase of iRobot, valued at $1.4 billion, might lead to the exclusion of competing robot cleaners from its online platform. This acquisition, announced by Amazon last August, occurred amidst growing scrutiny over tech giants acquiring smaller companies and amassing data that could strengthen their market dominance or aid expansion into new sectors.
According to the European Commission, Amazon could potentially impede iRobot’s rivals by employing various strategies aimed at blocking them from selling robot vacuum cleaners (RVCs) on Amazon’s online marketplace or reducing their access to it.
The Commission emphasized the significance of Amazon’s marketplace as a crucial avenue for RVC sales in France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. In response, they issued a statement outlining their concerns to Amazon, a move that typically prompts companies to offer solutions. However, it also provides an opportunity for firms to directly address specific issues and potentially secure unconditional approval.
Amazon responded by stating its collaboration with the Commission to tackle these concerns. They defended the acquisition, citing iRobot’s innovative products in a highly competitive vacuum cleaner market. Amazon believed their resources could accelerate iRobot’s innovation, enable investment in essential features, and potentially lower prices for consumers.
Amazon Web Services Inc. unveiled the Amazon WorkSpaces Thin Client, a compact computing device enabling employees to access cloud-based virtual desktops. These virtual workstations are hosted in data centers rather than on-site, accessed remotely akin to a standard PC but via network logins. Typically, enterprises employ thin clients, cost-effective computers optimized for cloud-based service access, for this purpose.
AWS CEO Adam Selipsky highlighted complexities in deploying such clients for workspace services, citing security concerns and the potential for devices to leave with employees. The WorkSpaces Thin Client marks AWS’ entry into the thin client market. It’s a compact device allowing access to virtual desktops through Amazon’s WorkSpaces service, including support for Amazon WorkSpaces Web for browser-based access.
This new device integrates with Amazon AppStream, a cloud service targeting similar use cases but differing in features. AppStream hosts virtual desktops with multiple applications or individual business apps for cloud-based employee access.
Based on Amazon.com Inc.’s Fire TV Cube, the WorkSpaces Thin Client shares hardware specifications but has a distinct software stack tailored for virtual desktop use, ensuring no local storage of files from the virtual desktop to mitigate data security risks if the device is misplaced.
The ports originally meant for connecting to a TV on the Fire TV Cube now accommodate mouse and keyboard connections for WorkSpaces Thin Client users, enabling desktop-like usage. AWS Management Console facilitates centralized management of these devices for organizations, offering controls for application access and monitoring tools to track device usage and updates.
Priced starting at $195, the WorkSpaces Thin Client will be available through Amazon Business, Amazon’s marketplace tailored for organizational procurement. Selipsky expressed confidence in its appeal to Amazon WorkSpaces users as a new and enticing option.
Ubisoft attributes the sudden appearance of a fullscreen pop-up ad in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey to a “technical error.” Users on Reddit reported spotting these pop-ups on both Xbox and PlayStation versions of the game, particularly when navigating to the map screen. One Reddit user expressed disgust at encountering such interruptions during gameplay, reflecting a general sentiment against these intrusive pop-ups.
In response to this issue, Ubisoft’s spokesperson, Fabien Darrigues, acknowledged the problem, stating, “We have been made aware that some players encountered pop-up ads while playing certain Assassin’s Creed titles yesterday. This was the result of a technical error that we addressed as soon as we learned of the issue.”
Initially, it was unclear why the game suddenly displayed Black Friday pop-up ads promoting Ubisoft’s latest Assassin’s Creed versions. However, Ubisoft later clarified the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter). The publisher explained that it intended to feature an ad for Assassin’s Creed Mirage on the main menu of other Assassin’s Creed games but a “technical error” caused the promotion to appear in in-game menus instead. Ubisoft claims to have resolved the issue.
While Microsoft has previously used fullscreen Xbox pop-up ads to promote its games, which annoyed some Xbox users upon booting up the console, these ads are distinct from the in-game interruptions experienced in Ubisoft’s case. Unlike typical ads seen on game consoles, such as billboards in games like Saints Row 2 or in-game ads in EA Games titles from the mid-to-late 2000s, fullscreen pop-up ads during gameplay are highly unusual.
The idea of encountering such intrusive ads in games for which players have already paid a premium price, like $70, raises concerns. Hopefully, Ubisoft’s attributed “technical error” won’t become a common occurrence in the gaming industry.
Nvidia, identified by the ticker NVDA.O, informed its Chinese clientele about deferring the launch of a new AI chip developed to comply with U.S. export regulations. This delay is anticipated until the first quarter of the upcoming year, as disclosed by two sources familiar with the situation.
The postponed chip, known as the H20, stands as the most potent among three chips specifically designed by Nvidia for the Chinese market to adhere to the latest U.S. export constraints. This setback could pose challenges for Nvidia in maintaining its market presence in China, especially when competing against local contenders like Huawei (HWT.UL).
Initially projected for release around November 16, the launch of the H20 has now been rescheduled for the first quarter of the following year, with one source suggesting a potential timeframe in February or March, as per the sources familiar with the matter. Both sources opted to remain anonymous due to the confidential nature of the information. Nvidia declined to provide any comments on this matter.
Reportedly, the delay in the H20’s release is attributed to complications faced by server manufacturers in integrating the chip into their systems.
In addition to the H20, Nvidia has been devising two other chips to comply with the updated U.S. export guidelines, namely the L20 and L2. While the sources mentioned no delays concerning the L20, its launch is expected to proceed according to the original schedule. However, information regarding the status of the L2 remained undisclosed.
Nvidia is relying on these chips to sustain its market standing in China, especially after being prohibited from shipping various products, including its advanced A800 and H800 AI chips, due to Washington’s tightened export regulations.
The A800 and H800 were introduced as substitutes for Chinese customers in November 2022, approximately a month after the initial U.S. ban on exporting advanced microchips and equipment to China.
While the H20, L20, and L2 incorporate most of Nvidia’s latest AI features, their computing power has been slightly reduced to comply with the new U.S. regulations, as analyzed by SemiAnalysis based on the chips’ specifications.
The U.S. export restrictions have paved the way for competitors like Huawei to secure orders that might have otherwise gone to Nvidia, renowned for its dominance in the AI market with its graphics processing units (GPUs).
According to report earlier this month, the Chinese internet giant Baidu (9888.HK) placed a substantial order for Huawei AI chips. One source indicated that Baidu had done so prior to the announcement of the U.S. restrictions, preparing for a future where procurement from Nvidia might not be feasible.
Google Bard may not match ChatGPT in various aspects, but it’s steadily progressing towards that level. For instance, Google’s recent announcement reveals Bard’s enhanced capability to delve deeper into analyzing YouTube video content, which could prove highly beneficial.
Previously, in a September update, Bard could already analyze YouTube videos. However, this didn’t involve the actual scrutiny of video content and the capacity to interpret it for detailed inquiries.
In the updated Bard changelog, Google briefly outlined Bard’s newfound proficiency with YouTube content and provided an illustrative example:
“We’re taking the first steps in Bard’s ability to understand YouTube videos. For example, if you’re looking for videos on how to make olive oil cake, you can now also ask how many eggs the recipe in the first video requires.”
This capability to ask precise questions about video content holds immense value. Another instance could involve querying the specific tool used in a DIY repair video or the exact location showcased in a travel vlog.
Google introduced this feature in response to the desire for “deeper engagement with YouTube videos” and a desire for a “more extensive dialogue with Bard about it.”
Securing your home and enjoying peace of mind shouldn’t break the bank or be a hassle. While conventional home security setups often demand costly contracts and professional installations, the majority of modern DIY smart security systems are budget-friendly, simple to set up, and offer flexible monitoring plans that you pay for only when needed.
Alexa-compatible and integrates with Ring devices. If you prefer not to use a mesh network or already have one in place, the original Ring Alarm is suggested. This user-friendly DIY security system is compatible with the same additional components as the Ring Alarm Pro. It supports the Ring Protect Pro monitoring plan at a cost of $20 per month. Unlike the Ring Alarm Pro, this version lacks internet backup or compatibility with external battery packs. However, its base station includes 24 hours of battery backup, and the Pro plan comes with cellular connectivity.
Compatible with a variety of platforms including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, IFTTT, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. It caters to individuals seeking a security system that seamlessly integrates with smart lighting, thermostats, voice-controlled speakers, and diverse smart-home devices. While Abode supports Zigbee and Z-Wave devices, along with Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Assistant, and IFTTT, setting up this integration requires some effort. However, this extensive compatibility comes with a higher price tag compared to other options we’ve reviewed for Abode starter packages and most accessories.
Compatible with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and August Smart Locks. This user-friendly DIY security setup provides various add-ons, including indoor and outdoor video cameras, a doorbell camera, smart lock, and diverse sensors for smoke and other hazards. It offers competitive 24/7 professional monitoring fees akin to other DIY systems, while also providing a self-monitoring option across all their kits. However, apart from smart speakers, its compatibility extends only to August locks, limiting connectivity with other non-SimpliSafe devices. Nonetheless, for individuals seeking a dependable, easy-to-use system that integrates well with voice-control systems and boasts a solid array of add-ons, SimpliSafe remains an excellent choice.
Conclusion
In the realm of home security systems, choices abound, catering to varied needs and preferences. Each option, from Ring Alarm’s versatility to Abode’s extensive compatibility, and SimpliSafe’s user-friendliness, offers distinct advantages. Whether it’s seamless integration with smart devices or affordability in monitoring, these systems strive to provide peace of mind. While Ring Alarm suits those seeking Alexa compatibility, Abode appeals to tech enthusiasts desiring broad device support. SimpliSafe excels in simplicity and competitive monitoring. Ultimately, the best choice hinges on individual requirements, balancing features, and budget for a secure, interconnected, and tailored home protection solution.
Spotify secured an unconventional deal with Google, allowing the music streaming service to evade fees typically imposed on Android apps. Testimony during the Epic v. Google trial revealed that Spotify paid zero percent commission when users purchased subscriptions through its system, as opposed to a mere 4 percent when users opted for Google as the payment processor. This rate was significantly lower than Google’s usual 15 percent fee.
Google was reluctant to disclose Spotify’s specific figures during the antitrust dispute with Epic, fearing potential repercussions in negotiations with other developers seeking more favorable rates. While Google’s User Choice Billing program purportedly reduces its Play Store commission to around 11 percent for developers using their own payment systems, the actual savings for developers are often minimal since they absorb payment processing costs. In court, Google emphasized the advantages of flexibility rather than emphasizing cost reduction.
However, Google’s head of global partnerships, Don Harrison, highlighted Spotify’s extraordinary popularity as the reason for a distinctive and tailored agreement. He testified that a smoothly functioning Spotify across Android services was crucial for encouraging Android phone purchases. As part of this arrangement, both companies committed $50 million each to a “success fund.”
Although Google acknowledged Harrison’s testimony, they did not disclose the identities of other developers receiving more favorable rates. During the trial, it was revealed that Netflix was offered a discounted rate of 10 percent by Google, which Netflix declined. Consequently, Netflix no longer offers in-app purchases on Android and does not pay Google for app distribution.
Previously critical of in-app purchase fees, Spotify had stopped using Apple’s App Store billing system in mid-2023 to avoid a potential 30 percent commission. Spotify was also an early member of the Coalition for App Fairness, aligned with Epic in the antitrust lawsuit against Apple and Google. However, while Epic continued its legal battle, Spotify seemingly found a simpler and significantly more cost-effective resolution with Google.
Several major corporations, including Apple, Disney, IBM, NBCUniversal, and Sony, have recently halted their advertising campaigns on X, formerly known as Twitter. This move was prompted by Elon Musk’s endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory on the platform, coinciding with reports from Media Matters for America showing major brands’ ads appearing alongside pro-Nazi and pro-Hitler content. The combination of these issues led to the exodus of big companies from advertising on the platform.
In response, several right-wing media entities and influencers have rallied to support Elon Musk, pledging to advertise on X to offset the revenue loss caused by the departing businesses. CEO Seth Dillon of the conservative satire site Babylon Bee announced a $250,000 ad spend on X to back “free speech,” echoing Musk’s interest in acquiring the platform after Babylon Bee faced suspension on the then-Twitter.
YouTuber Tim Pool swiftly followed suit, committing to the same amount of ad spending over the coming months. Subsequently, other right-wing figures and companies, like Benny Johnson, The Quartering, Donut Operator, Gavin McInnes, and Elijah Schaffer, pledged varying sums ranging from $2,500 to $50,000.
The controversial influencer Andrew Tate, known for past legal issues, offered the largest pledge, promising Elon Musk $1 million monthly without even running ads for his own projects, though questions lingered regarding the feasibility of his commitment. Tate’s assets reportedly total around $10 million, raising doubts about his ability to sustain the pledged amount over a year.
Despite these pledges totaling approximately $1,627,500, the figure falls significantly short of the advertising revenue lost from departing big brands. For instance, Apple alone spends over $100 million annually on X ads, reflecting the substantial financial gap caused by their withdrawal.
Musk expressed gratitude for the support from these right-wing figures, yet it’s evident that their combined efforts cannot sufficiently compensate for the substantial revenue loss resulting from major corporations redirecting their advertising budgets away from the platform due to recent controversies involving its owner.
OpenAI’s intricate corporate structure was initially crafted to shield its board from typical market pressures and ensure their advanced AI work prioritized benefiting humanity. However, this setup triggered a weekend crisis that threatened to fracture the company at the forefront of the global generative AI race.
The unexpected removal of CEO Sam Altman by four board members on Friday stunned the tech community. The lack of clear information surrounding the event led to speculations about OpenAI’s operational style, potentially causing significant harm to a company whose value skyrocketed to over $80 billion this year.
As external investors probed into the situation, shock turned into dismay and then anger. The abrupt ousting of an executive who symbolized the tech world’s AI progress left many perplexed, leading to widespread support rallying behind Altman.
This surge of solidarity pushed OpenAI’s investors, spearheaded by Microsoft, to push for Altman’s reinstatement. However, the company’s complex governance structure was designed to resist such external influence. By the weekend’s end, despite expectations for a reversal, it appeared that OpenAI’s board stood firm.
In a late Sunday move, the company named Emmett Shear, co-founder of Twitch, as interim chief, leaving Altman sidelined. Ultimately, Altman and his loyalists pivoted to Microsoft to establish a new AI division.
The rupture within OpenAI stemmed from contrasting personalities and goals among the core leadership. Altman’s ambitious nature clashed with the cautious approach of Ilya Sutskever, who emphasized the potential hazards of AI technology. This divergence amplified amid OpenAI’s rapid expansion, sparking tensions over the pace of developments.
The crisis reached a climax when Sutskever informed Altman of a board meeting, leading to Altman’s sudden dismissal. The board accused Altman of withholding information, but the details remained opaque, leaving many unanswered questions and fueling discontent.
Amidst rising tensions, staff departures, and investor pressure, Altman’s emotional appeals further polarized sentiments within OpenAI. Efforts to reverse his removal gained traction, prompting a showdown between the board’s decision and mounting demands for Altman’s return.
Despite intense negotiations over the weekend, the board refused to relent, opting to appoint Shear and solidify their stance. Microsoft, however, revealed a surprising development, announcing Altman and Brockman’s shift to lead a new advanced AI research team within the company.
The weekend’s tumultuous events left many stunned, with one venture firm partner expressing disbelief: “I’ve never seen anything like this.”
