Converting a .pdf to a .docx and back again may seem like a quick and easy thing you can do online for freebut that doesn't mean it's safe. A new notice from the FBI Denver Field Office warns that some online document converters are also loading malware onto unsuspecting users' computers, giving bad actors access to your device and your data. The tools may also scrape files submitted for conversion for sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers, birthdates, email addresses, passwords or tokens to bypass multi-factor authentication, banking information, and cryptocurrency seed phrases and wallet addresses. How to spot malicious file convertersThis scheme may be easy to miss, as the malicious file converters will do what they advertise, such as converting a .docx to a .pdf or joining multiple files into one. However, the file you download may contain hidden ransomware, adware, or riskware that exposes your computer to attackers. You may also be prompted to download a conversion tool (that is actually malware) to your device or install a malicious browser extension. According to a Malwarebytes Labs report on the scam, the following domains have been found to contain malware: Imageconvertors[.]com (Phishing)convertitoremp3[.]it (Riskware)convertisseurs-pdf[.]com (Riskware)convertscloud[.]com (Phishing)convertix-api[.]xyz (Trojan)convertallfiles[.]com (Adware)freejpgtopdfconverter[.]com (Riskware)primeconvertapp[.]com (Riskware)9convert[.]com (Riskware)Convertpro[.]org (Riskware)While these are known scams, that doesn't mean there aren't other free, malware-containing file converters out there waiting to infect your device. The best thing you can do is avoid these tools entirely and utilize trusted software instead. But if you suspect you've been exposed, start by taking basic steps to secure your identity, including changing passwords using a clean, trusted device, and running an anti-malware program to catch any threats. How to convert files safelyWhen you need to quickly convert from one document type to another, you may be tempted to google "free file converter" and click on whatever comes upbut don't. Instead, start with the software or applications you have that can open the file, and check if you can export or save it in a different format (look under File > Export or File > Save As). Microsoft Office and many PDF editors have this functionality, or you can use Adobe's free tools to convert to and from a PDF, as well as a handful of other document converters available for free. Remember that when you convert files, you may lose some formatting in the process.

You can save on some of our top picks for the best security cameras as part of a sale on Blink gear thanks to the Amazon Spring Sale. For instance, the Blink Mini 2 is available for $20, which is half off the list price. It matches a record low. A two-pack of the Blink Mini 2 is down to $38 as well. That's not quite a record low, but you'll still save $22 due to the 46 percent percent discount. We reckon the Blink Mini 2 is the best budget security camera around. You can adjust the webcam-style camera to a variety of angles. It's weather-resistant, so you can place it outside if you have a special power adapter. The camera picks up decent (but not great) images, particularly those captured in the infrared nighttime view. It also has a built-in LED spotlight. Since Blink is an Amazon company, of course the Mini 2 ties into the Alexa ecosystem. You'll just need to have a Blink account before you can actually use it. As you might expect, you'll be able to view images captured by the Mini 2 via the Alexa app on an Echo Show, Fire Tablet or Fire TV but, curiously, not iOS or Android. To see the captures on your phone or tablet, you'll instead need to use the Blink app. You'll get some extra features such as cloud storage and people and pet detection if you sign up for the Blink Subscription ($3 per month for one camera, $10 per month for any number). Elsewhere in the sale, a five-pack of the Blink Outdoor 4 cameras is half off at $200. This is our recommendation for the best security camera for Alexa users. Having five of them should be enough for many folks to keep an eye on everything that's going on around their property.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/deals/the-blink-mini-2-security-camera-drops-to-only-20-for-the-amazon-spring-sale-171417440.html?src=rss

After a mountain of leaks, Google has finally announced the Pixel 9a. There's a good chance you clicked on this article to find out how the 9a compares to its predecessor. The good news is you came to the right place. Even better, it's a favorable comparison.Pixel 9a vs Pixel 8aFor starters, the Pixel 9a features a new design. Instead of borrowing the design language of Google's more expensive devices, the new phone has its own identity. Gone is the divisive camera bar that has defined recent Pixel phones. Instead, the main camera module is nearly flush with the rear of the phone. Additionally, the new handset offers slightly better ingress protection. It's IP68-certified against water and dust, up from IP67 on the 8a. The Pixel 9a will also be available two lovely new colors: Iris and Peony. Sadly, Google won't offer an Aloe colorway this time around, at least not at release.Outside of those changes, the 9a sports a larger 6.3 display. Like with the 8a, Google has gone with a FHD panel, meaning the 9a's screen is slightly less dense due to it being a bit larger overall. However, it's the better display. The 9a's pOLED panel is capable of reaching a peak brightness of 2,700 nits, up from 2,000 nits on the 8a. It's also HDR10+ certified, with a 120Hz refresh rate. That additional brightness will make it easier to see the 9a's screen in bright sunlight.Internally, the 9a features Google's latest Tensor G4 SoC, paired once again with 8GB of RAM. Google has also outfitted the 9a with a larger 5,100mAh battery, up from 4,492mAh on the 8a. Just as importantly, the 9a is capable of charging at a faster 23W. That's still slow compared to a device like the Nothing 3a Pro, which is compatible with 50W power adapters, but an improvement over the 8a's glacial 18W. Oh, and if you were hoping for Qi2 support, I'm sorry to say the 9a is limited to charging at 7.5W wirelessly.As for cameras, Google hasn't changed its winning formula. The 9a features a 48MP main camera with f/1.7 lens and optical image stabilization (OIS). On paper, that might seem like a downgrade from the 8a's 64MP main sensor, but they both feature a 0.8m pixel pitch, meaning they're capable of capturing the same amount of light, and it appears Google sourced a newer sensor for the 9a. Otherwise, the Pixel 9a appears to feature the same ultrawide and selfie cameras as its predecessor. As always, when you buy a Pixel phone, you're buying it for Google's computational photography features, and you get all the usual standouts like Night Sight, Best Take and more.Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e and Nothing 3a ProThe iPhone 16e continues to confound since its announcement in February. At $599, it's a full $100 more expensive than the Pixel 9a, and comparing the two based on hardware alone, Google's new midrange phone is the better deal. You get a significantly bigger battery, a 120Hz display and an entire extra camera. Of course, whether you should buy the 9a over the 16e will entirely depend on your preference for Android over iOS. If you like prefer Apple's software, the Pixel 9a won't do it for you.The more interesting comparison is between the 9a and Nothing's new Phone 3a Pro. For $40 less, you get an even bigger screen, a more original design and, most notably, a periscope camera that offers 3x optical zoom. A great telephoto is really hard to find at this price range, so the 3a Pro might be worth considering for that reason alone. The tradeoff is Google's software support is unmatched, and 3a Pro comes with a limited warranty in the US.Pixel 9aPixel 8aiPhone 16eNothing 3a ProPrice$499/$559$499/$559$599 / $699 / $899$459Dimensions154.7 x 73.3 x 8.9 mm (6.09 x 2.89 x 0.35 inches)152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9 mm (6 x 2.9 x 0.4 inches)146.7 x 71.5 x 7.8 mm (5.78 x 2.82 x 0.31 inches)163.52 x 77.5 x 8.9 mm (6.44 x 3.05 x 0.33 inches)Weight186g (6.56 ounces)188g (6.7 ounces)167g (5.88 ounces)211g (7.44 ounces)Screen size6.3 inches6.1 inches6.1 inches6.77 inchesScreen resolution1080 x 2,424 pixels (421ppi)1,080 x 2,400 pixels (430ppi)1,170 x 2,532 pixels (460 ppi)1,080 x 2,392 pixels (387ppi)Screen typepOLEDpOLEDOLEDAMOLEDSoCTensor G4Tensor G3Apple A18Snapdragon 7s Gen 3RAM8GB8GB8GB12GBBattery5,100mAh4,492mAh4,005mAh5,000mAhStorage128 / 256 GB128 / 256 GB128 / 256 / 512 GB256 GBRear camerasWide: 48MP, f/1.7Ultrawide: 13MP, f/2.2Wide: 64MP, f/1.89Ultrawide: 13MP, f/2.2Wide: 48MP, f/1.6Wide: 50MP, f1/1.9Ultrawide: 8MP, f/2.2Periscope telephoto: 50MP, f/2.6Front camera13MP, f/2.213MP, f/2.212MP, f/1.950MP, f/2.2Water / dust ratingIP68IP67IP68IP64Wi-FiWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6EWi-Fi 6Wi-Fi 6Bluetoothv6.0v5.3v5.3v5.4OSAndroid 15Android 15iOS 18Android 15 / Nothing OS 3.1ColorsObsidian / Porcelain / Iris / PeonyObsidian / Porcelain / Aloe / BayBlack / WhiteBlack / GrayThis article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/smartphones/heres-how-the-pixel-9a-compares-to-the-competition-141043690.html?src=rss

Official statement from ExpressVPN announces further job losses after previous 12% cull two years ago.

Nanoleafs new monitor lights can be synced with your monitors content. Plus a patent points to a haptics-loaded Magic Mouse.

The Federal Reserve held interest rates steady on Wednesday, as expected, but U.S. central bank policymakers indicated they still anticipate reducing borrowing costs by half a percentage point by the end of this year in the context of slowing economic growth and, eventually, a downturn in inflation.Taking stock of the Trump administrations rollout of tariffs, Fed officials actually marked up their outlook for inflation this year, with their preferred measure of price increases expected to end the year at 2.7% versus the 2.5% pace anticipated in December. The Fed targets inflation at 2%.But they also marked down the outlook for economic growth for this year from 2.1% to 1.7%, with slightly higher unemployment by the end of this year.Policymakers said risks had increased, with a near unanimous sentiment in saying the outlook for the year was muddled.Uncertainty around the outlook has increased, the Fed said in a new policy statement that accounts for the first weeks of the new Trump administration and the initial rollout of what White House officials say will ultimately be global tariffs on imported goods. The Fed left its policy rate in the 4.25%-4.50% range.U.S. stocks extended their gains slightly after the release of the Feds policy statement and projections, with the Dow Jones industrial average up 0.5% and the tech-heavy Nasdaq Composite up 0.7%.U.S. interest rate futures priced in a cut of just over half a percentage point this year, with traders seeing a 62.1% chance of the Fed resuming rate cuts at its meeting in June, according to LSEG estimates, compared with a 57% chance before the announcement.The dollar pared some of its earlier gains, with an index of major currencies up 0.5%. U.S. Treasury yields also eased slightly, with the benchmark 10-year note yield up 1.7 basis points on the day to 4.298%.The Fed is as lost in the wilderness as the rest of us trying to decipher the continual shifts in economic policy from 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, said Inflation Insights Omair Sharif, referring to the street address of the White House. Beyond the cut to median growth this year and the boost to median inflation, the most telling aspect of the (projections) is the shift higher in uncertainty.Lower growth, higher unemploymentThe Fed also said it will slow the ongoing drawdown of its balance sheet, known as quantitative tightening.Fed Governor Chris Waller dissented from the policy statement because of the change in balance sheet policy.The rate projections matched the expectations set by financial markets ahead of the meeting, and kept intact the Feds general outlook that gradually slowing inflation will allow further monetary policy easing.But it may be a rockier road getting there. While not mentioning President Donald Trump or tariffs in the statement, the Fed projections for higher inflation this year coincide with the unveiling of his tariff plans.It appeared, though, that the central bank for now is looking through the price shift involved in those import taxes, treating them as a one-off change rather than a persistent source of price pressures.Underlying inflation beyond 2025 was unchanged from the Feds projections in December, expected to return to 2% by the end of 2027.The projection for rate cuts beyond this year was also unchanged, hitting 3.1% by the end of 2027, near the level seen as having a neutral effect that neither encourages or discourages spending and investment.The Fed cut its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point last year, but has kept rates on hold this year as it waits for further evidence that inflation will continue to fall, and, more recently, for more clarity about the impact of Trumps policies.Compared to Trumps promise of a coming economic golden age because of his push to impose tariffs, deport large numbers of immigrants and loosen regulations, the Feds outlook forecasts growth at 1.7% this year and just 1.8% in both 2026 and 2027, with the unemployment rate at 4.4% this year and 4.3% in 2026 and 2027. The unemployment projections are above the lows of recent years and the latest reading of 4.1% in February.Howard Schneider and Ann Saphir, Reuters

The climate tech sector is at a crossroads. We have the tools we need to fight climate change, but the real challenge is scaling and deploying them. This is where climate-curious outsiders play a crucial role.At Epic Cleantec, a company I cofounded to tackle water scarcity through innovative reuse technology, none of us came from an environmental background. That outside perspective turned out to be a huge advantage. When I began this journey, I didnt know much about water. I wasnt a trained environmental or civil engineer, which meant I never even learned about how things were traditionally done. This lack of traditional expertise freed us from being tied down by how things were supposed to work, allowing us to find fresh solutions to persistent problems.My path to climate tech was anything but linear. I had flirted with a wide range of disparate career paths spanning veterinarian, chef, club promoter, historian, political lobbyist, and lawyer. I even briefly entertained becoming a rabbi, until my own rabbi convinced me not to take that path. Unsurprisingly, I often faced skepticism at conferences and industry events, where our companys unconventional approach was met with doubt.But heres the key takeaway: Solving the climate crisis isnt just about creating new technology. Its about turning these innovations into practical, widespread solutions. Thats where operational know-how comes insomething outsiders often bring to the table. People whove run businesses, managed complex regulations, and scaled global operations have the experience to make climate solutions a reality.Why climate tech needs outsidersThe climate tech industry has largely been driven by environmental scientists and policymakers. But solving the climate crisis calls for more than just scientific advancesit requires major business transformation. To truly deploy climate solutions on a global scale, we need the same expertise that turned industries like fintech, e-commerce, and cloud computing into giants.Investors get it. BlackRock CEO Larry Fink predicts the next wave of unicorns will come from climate tech. But to build these companies, we need more than passion. We need professionals who understand scalingproduct managers who can push out software, operations experts who can optimize supply chains, and strategists who know how to drive rapid market adoption.The idea that climate tech needs deep environmental knowledge is a misconception. Whats truly needed are professionals who know how to turn great ideas into sustainable, scalable businesses, all while navigating complex regulations. The future of climate impact depends on commercial success.The solutions are ready, they just need deploymentA lot of the technology needed to curb emissions and build climate resilience is already here. From energy storage to electrification, water reuse to regenerative agriculture, many solutions are ready to go. So, the challenge isnt really about innovation; its about implementation.Just look at how SaaS and fintech industries scaled quickly by leveraging automation, networks, and efficient capital use. If we applied those same strategies to climate tech, we could meet our climate goals much faster. Imagine applying the lessons learned during the rapid growth of ride-sharing or cloud services to solar energy, battery tech, or industrial decarbonization.Climate tech isnt just about better tech; its about changing systems. It requires navigating complex regulations, aligning with ever-changing corporate sustainability goals, and getting entrenched industries on board. Outsiders who have scaled companies in heavily regulated fields like healthcare, finance, and transportation are particularly equipped to drive this change.A crucial moment for climate techClimate tech isnt a niche anymoreits becoming one of the most exciting frontiers of innovation. As more professionals from traditional tech and business sectors seek out purpose-driven careers, climate tech offers a unique blend of meaning and market opportunity. The influx of outsiders isnt just helpful, its essential.For climate tech to thrive, we need to embrace professionals with diverse and wide-reaching expertise. Industry leaders must actively recruit people with transferable skills, and investors must see the value in teams that blend technical knowledge with business acumen. Solving the climate crisis isnt just about inventing new technologiesits about getting them into the world at scale, fast.The opportunity is huge, but the urgency is even greater. To meet global climate goals, we must think outside the box and bring in the people who are ready to challenge the norms. For those climate-curious, theres never been a better time to dive in because climate tech isnt just the future of innovation, its the future of business.The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.

OBSBOT has just unveiled something truly groundbreaking in the camera world. The new OBSBOT Tail 2 emerges as the worlds first three-axis PTZR (Pan, Tilt, Zoom, Rotate) 4K camera, designed to transform how creators capture their vision.Designer: OBSBOTWhat makes this innovation significant? Everything about it challenges conventional camera design. The Tail 2 combines sophisticated AI tracking capabilities, professional-grade imaging, and unprecedented movement flexibility in a remarkably compact form factor. This combination opens up entirely new creative possibilities for solo creators, filmmakers, educators, and live event producers who need professional results without extensive equipment.The technology behind this camera represents a genuine leap forward for the industry. Lets dive into what makes it special.Reimagining Camera Movement with Three-Axis PTZR Design & Professional-Grade Imaging CapabilitiesThe Tail 2 introduces an exclusive gimbal-based design with a groundbreaking 90 rotation capability that enables fluid cinematic motion and true vertical 4K shooting without quality loss.This rotation axisthe R in PTZRaddresses the needs of content creators working across multiple platforms. When shooting vertical content for social media, the Tail 2 maintains full 4K/60fps quality in vertical orientation with no cropping and no compromises.The cameras auto-leveling system ensures perfectly horizontal footage regardless of mounting position or movement. The R-axis stabilization delivers ultra-smooth motion with minimal angular jitter (0.003), providing cinema-grade movement quality in a compact package.Image quality receives equal attention in this innovative device. The Tail 2 features a 1/1.5 CMOS sensor with an impressive 50 megapixels (81926144 effective pixel resolution) paired with a 12-element optical lens system. This powerful combination captures 4K video at 60fps or 1080p at 120fps for smooth slow-motion footage.The 2m pixel size works alongside AI-optimized processing and all-pixel phase detection autofocus (PDAF) to ensure superior clarity even in dimly lit environments. This makes the Tail 2 valuable for indoor events, stage performances, and studio setups where lighting conditions present challenges.The cameras zoom capabilities transform how creators can capture their subjects without physically moving the equipment. With 5x optical zoom and extended digital zoom options, a vlogger can start with a wide establishing shot of a room and then smoothly transition to a detailed product close-up without a single step. This flexibility proves invaluable for solo creators who previously needed camera operators or multiple setups to achieve similar results.Content creators will appreciate the practical benefits of this zoom range. Educational presenters can seamlessly shift from showing full whiteboard content to highlighting specific details. Livestreamers can maintain perfect framing regardless of their movement within the space. Documentary filmmakers might capture subtle emotional reactions without intruding on their subjects personal space.The AI Auto capability takes this convenience further by intelligently adjusting framing for both close-ups and wide shots. This smart system learns what makes a compelling composition and applies those principles automatically. A podcast host recording an interview can focus entirely on the conversation while the camera handles all framing decisions, creating dynamic visual interest throughout the session.Low-light performance receives significant attention with the f/1.8-f/3.0 aperture range. Event videographers working in dimly lit venues no longer need to compromise between mobility and image quality. HDR capabilities and dual native ISO mean wedding videographers can capture both the details of a white dress and the ambient mood lighting without losing either to over or underexposure. The camera adapts to challenging lighting scenarios that would typically require extensive supplemental lighting or post-production work.AI That Thinks Like a Camera Operator & Built for Professional IntegrationAt the heart of the Tail 2 sits AI Tracking 2.0, powered by an enhanced Deep Neural Learning Network Algorithm that mimics the intelligence and decision-making of a professional camera operator. The built-in AI processor delivers the computing power of trillions of operations per second, enabling sophisticated real-time tracking and framing decisions.The system offers several innovative tracking modes. A new Only Me mode ensures the camera focuses exclusively on a single subjectideal for keynote speakers or solo performers. For more dynamic scenarios, the Group Tracking Mode can follow multiple subjects simultaneously, perfect for panel discussions, worship services, and on-stage presentations.The AI goes beyond just tracking humans. It can identify over 30 animal species and 200+ objects, making it versatile for nature documentarians, product reviewers, and educators demonstrating physical objects.Speed and movement customization add another layer of creative control. Five adjustable tracking speeds and independent pan/tilt customization allow creators to fine-tune movement based on the specific requirements of each scene. The AI Auto capability intelligently adjusts framing for both close-ups and wide shots, offering a versatile 3-24x zoom range ideal for professional applications.The Tail 2 integrates seamlessly into professional production environments through comprehensive connectivity options and protocol support.The camera works with industry-standard protocols, including NDI, RTMP, RTSP, 3G-SDI, Pelco-D, Pelco-P, and FreeDmaking it immediately compatible with AR/VR production, live streaming setups, and multi-camera environments. Physical connections include full-size HDMI 2.0, USB 3.0, Ethernet, RS-232, and Wi-Fi 6 support.Wireless capabilities include Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) with impressive transmission ranges140 meters on 2.4GHz and 80 meters on 5.8GHz bands. Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity rounds out the wireless options, operating in the 2.400-2.4835 GHz frequency range with transmitter power under 14 dBm.This connectivity extends to OBSBOTs own ecosystem, with compatibility across their software suite, including Obsbot Start for quick setup, Obsbot Live for multi-cam streaming, OBSBOT Center for centralized control, and OBSBOT Talent for an all-in-one live streaming hub.Practical Design for Real-World Use & Creative Control Without ComplexityTheory means little without practical application, and Tail 2 thoughtfully chooses design choices to address the real-world needs of content creators.The physical dimensions are remarkably compact at 97.5103.5155mm when powered on and 97.5103.5172mm when powered off. Weighing just 1.066kg, the camera maintains a balance between stability and portability. The 5000mAh lithium-ion polymer battery (38Wh, 7.6V) provides up to 5 hours of continuous shootingsufficient for most production scenarios without requiring constant power management.Small but significant features like the dual-color tally light for recording status indication and the standard mounting interface demonstrate OBSBOTs understanding of production workflows. These details make the difference between a technically impressive device and one that integrates smoothly into creative processes.Advanced technology often brings complexity, but the Tail 2 focuses on making its capabilities accessible through intuitive controls.The Composition Line feature allows users to reposition their target within the frame to achieve an ideal composition based on their creative vision. Distance-extended gesture control enables hands-free operation, enabling users to activate AI tracking, adjust zoom, and start recording through simple hand gestures.For interview and presentation scenarios, AI-powered face framing automatically adjusts composition based on facial orientation, ensuring natural and engaging framing without constant manual adjustment.Availability & Final ThoughtsThe OBSBOT Tail 2 launches officially on March 20, 2025, and will be available globally through the OBSBOT Official Store, Amazon, and authorized resellers. Those attending NAB Show 2025 can experience it firsthand at Booth SL11911 in Hall SL.The OBSBOT Tail 2 represents a significant evolution in camera technology, particularly for independent creators who need professional-quality results without extensive crew or equipment. By combining advanced AI capabilities with unprecedented movement flexibility and professional-grade imaging, OBSBOT has created a tool that simultaneously addresses multiple production challenges.Whats most notable about this innovation lies in how it brings together multiple camera capabilities. It offers movement capabilities through its gimbal-based design, tracking intelligence through advanced AI systems, image quality through its professional 50-megapixel sensor and 12-element lens configuration, and integration capabilities through its comprehensive connectivity optionsall in a single, relatively compact device weighing just over a kilogram.For creators working across multiple platforms and formats, this versatility could fundamentally transform their workflow and creative possibilities.The post OBSBOT Revolutionizes Content Creation with Worlds First Three-Axis PTZR 4K Camera first appeared on Yanko Design.