WhatsApp launched a new feature on Friday, where users can include brief music clips in their Status updates, reminiscent of the Myspace era.Status resembles Instagram Stories and allows users to share photos, videos, and text that disappear after 24 hours. When creating a new Status, users can tap on a music note icon to choose from millions of available songs. They can post music clips of up to 15 seconds for photos and up to 60 seconds for videos.The launch of music clips follows parent company Meta introducing similar capabilities to Instagram, where users can add songs to profiles, Notes, and posts. WhatsApps feature is similar, but with a key difference: music shared on Status is end-to-end encrypted, meaning only friends can see the songs. WhatsApp itself cannot view the songs that users share.WhatsApp has started to roll out the new feature globally and will continue to expand availability over the coming weeks.

When British doctor Ahmed Kerwan began working as a physician, the paperwork burden shocked him. On some days, he would spend only three hours actually caring for patients, with the rest of his workday spent on things like dealing with insurance claims.There are already dozens, perhaps hundreds, of startups using AI to reduce the notoriously complex admin burden in healthcare. From note-taking specialists like Abridge to AI assistants startup Ambience, these startups are racing to streamline efficiencies. Kerwan, now an entrepreneur, is the founder and CEO of one of such company called Taxo. His startup offers an app that doctors and others use for tasks like getting prior authorizations from insurers, patient intake, and medical billing.What sets Taxo apart, Kerwan says, is its AI reasoning engine, which transparently explains the process behind its decisions to users, helping it build trust with doctors. Reasoning models went mainstream in the AI world late last year by fleshing out their logic openly to users. At Taxo, the tech helps reduce hallucinations while increasing prior authorization approval rates to 98%, compared to an industry average of about 80%, according to Kerwan.Taxo built its reasoning engine by adding a healthcare-specific layer on top of existing models like OpenAIs and Anthropics. It says the system is trained on hard-to-access healthcare data that makes it difficult for others to scrape overnight. We didnt want to be steamrolled every time OpenAI launches a new model, Kerwan told TechCrunch.The reasoning trend in AI remains early and only really gained traction with the rise of Chinese startup DeepSeek. Investor interest in Taxo, however, suggests theres a chance for the technique to gain broader adoption beyond foundational AI companies. The startup recently closed a $5 million seed round led by Y Combinator, General Catalyst, and Character Capital. Founded last year and based in San Francisco, Taxo tells TechCrunch it passed $1 million ARR six months after its launch. It now serves about 15 customers, ranging from clinics to government providers.When ChatGPT was released, doctors were understandably cautious about using it because they couldnt trace why and how it was making specific recommendations, Kerwan told TechCrunch. Hes hoping Taxo changes that. You can see exactly where we got the information and why its being given, he said.

Breakdown & ShowreelsGet Millie Black: VFX Breakdown by Vine FXBy Vincent Frei - 28/03/2025 From graphics to dynamic environmental enhancements, Vine FX contributed over 250 shots to Get Millie Black. Their team seamlessly integrated bullet hits, blood smears, and chilling crime scene effectswhere actors were digitally made motionlessto amplify the intensity of this HBO thriller!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Vine FX: Dedicated page about Get Millie Black on Vine FX website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Brought to you by:Architect: KTGYLocation: Morgan HillCompletion Date: 2025Mass timber construction has arrived in Morgan Hill, California, a small city located south of San Jose. A new structure known as the Edes Building has risen near the center of town, housing a contemporary art gallery and a wine bar that draws from the regions plentiful vineyards. Eager to showcase the buildings use of wood, design architect KTGY exposed glulam columns and beams on the interior, pairing this with Douglas fir exterior siding treated according to Shou Sugi Ban, a Japanese wood burning technique that creates a black charred appearance. The Edes Building occupies a previously vacant corner lot along Monterey Road, one of the citys main commercial thoroughfares. To acclimate the structure to the local context, the massing of the building is deferential to surrounding structures as well as the hillsides that loom in the background of Morgan Hill. On one end of Monterey Road, the buildings height reaches upward to match the cornice line of a historic building located across the street from the site, while sloping downward on the other to avoid imposing on the adjacent single story commercial properties to the southeast. Mirroring the grade of Morgan Hills picturesque hillsides, the Edes Buildings longitudinal elevation, which runs along 2nd Street, slopes upward in height from each end, reaching a gentle peak at its midpoint.Additionally, small cutouts were subtracted from the mass to create entrances to the wine bar and gallery, as well as a small balcony on the second floor.At night, the contrast between the buildings charred exterior and its illuminated timber interior intensifies. (Mike Schwartz)KTGY served as the projects design architect and interior designer, while also supplying branding for the developments two tenants: Cura Contemporary and Vra Wine Bar. The interior of both spaces are defined by the presence of exposed timber. The mission of the galleryrepresenting local and regional artistssuggested to us that the gallery should be as specific as the artnot a white box gallery, Mark Oberholzer, principal at KTGY, told AN. We decided that a straightforward approach would be to expose the construction and movement thought the building, and that exposed mass timber would create a warmly inviting gallery that would encourage rather than intimidate visitors.The interior palette of the building is defined by exposed timber. (Mike Schwartz)In contrast to the buildings blonde timber interiors, charred Douglas fir siding was applied to the buildings facade. KTGY utilized the ancient Japanese method of timber preservation, Shou Sugi Ban, where controlled burns across the surface of the wood planks improves resistance to damage from water, rot, and insects. This method was selected not only for its durable results, but also to create a more modest exterior expression for the building, which already differs significantly from Morgan Hills existing architecture. To heighten the juxtaposition between interior and exterior, KTGY applied clear-finished Douglas fir panels to the soffits and subtractive spaces at the buildings openings. At night, these spaces are illuminated, causing them to pop against dark backdrop of the facade. Another dramatic opening occurs along 2nd Street, where an oblique window follows the ascent of the gallerys main staircase. The cutout also highlights a series of origami pendant lamps that hang above the staircase, projecting their glow to the street.With the buildings 2nd Street elevation facing the western sun, KTGY implemented a series of vertical fins across the facade. While these elements were originally intended to be wood, an aluminum product with a wood-like texture was ultimately chosen to avoid warping, which might have occurred as the wood settled.Contrast, color, and lighting design are all at play in the design of the Edes Building. (Mike Schwartz)Though this is Morgan Hills first mass timber building, KTGY reported that they did not encounter major issues introducing the material to local trades. Mass timber was new to the contractor; however, weve found that most good contractors are both intrigued and interested in getting experience in what may be an increasing share of construction, said Oberholzer. The components, manufactured off-site with very good tolerance, are so refined that the process is primarily installation, rather than rough construction.In a press release, the firm mentions that the construction of the building, particularly the installation of its 40-foot-long CLT beams, was a spectacle in-and-of-itself to local residents. In the coming years, this sight will hopefully become more common.Project SpecificationsArchitect: KTGYLandscape Architect: RANAStructural Engineer: John A. Martin & AssociatesElectrical Engineer: GiacaloneCivil Engineer: KPFFLighting Design: ChromaticMechanical & Plumbing: K2D Consulting EngineersSignage and Wayfinding: KTGYGeneral Contractor: Kent ConstructionGlazing Contractor: Glass Concepts by ClineFacade Installation: FramecomCurtain Wall / Storefront Glazing: ArcadiaAluminum Sun Shade Battens: KnotwoodShou Sugi Ban Siding: Pioneer MillworksVertical Grain Douglas fir: Pioneer MillworksGlass: VitroSkylights: Royalite

As thecity of Central Falls, Rhode Island, continued to see population growth spurred by the industrial development, immigrant groups began to seek to establish their own community centers and houses of worship. The local Polish population was a major immigrant group that organized and became one of thePolish Catholic Churches in New England. Founded in 1905, the St. Joseph Parish waited years until it had the funding to erect this church, which was designed in 1915 by Providence architectJohn F. OMalley. The brick and stone church is Neo-Gothic in style with ornate masonry and detailing.

close 'CyberGuy': Protecting yourself from Microsoft tech support scams Tech expert Kurt Knutsson says scammers exploit fears, falsely claim computer issues to access your personal data. Before there was Zoom, Skype was the dominant internet-based phone and video service for the masses. After 22 years of service (14 years under Microsoft), customers were shocked to learn that Microsoft has decided to discontinue Skype in May 2025.Thats why "Pats" email prompted us to explore alternatives to Skype."Hello, apparently Microsoft is getting rid of Skype. We use Skype every weekend to communicate with our family in Ireland. Do you have recommendations for an alternative? Thanks." Pat, Commerce Township, MichiganThough a bit unnerving for long-time Skype users, Microsoft is actually discontinuing Skype because of steep competition for the same type of service from the likes of Zoom and WhatsApp. While the change may be unwelcome, there are many options to choose from once Skype bows out.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOWThe company states on its website that"Your Skype data will be available until January 2026 for you to export or delete. If you log in toMicrosoft Teams Free by then, your Skype call and chat history will be available to you. If you take no action, your Skype data will be deleted in January 2026."Below are the top alternatives to Skype, which will help you stay connected with people you care about personally and professionally, as well as how to export your contacts and other vital information off Skype. A woman using Skype on a laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Top 6 Skype alternativesWhile change can be challenging, it doesn't have to be difficult with the following Skype alternatives listed below.With Microsoft discontinuing Skype to invest its attention and resources in Microsoft Teams, it is an easy transition from Skype.Microsoft Teams will allow you to sign in with your existing Skype credentials, making the transition easier. There is a free version of Microsoft Teams that Microsoft is encouraging its Skype users to utilize. Like Skype, it includes video calls and messaging. The benefit of signing up for Microsoft Teams is that your Skype contacts and message history will be automatically migrated to Microsoft Teams.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? A man using Skype on his laptop (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)WhatsApp is a popular messaging app that has been around since 2009. It offers free voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption, giving your communication an added layer of protection. It also allows you to message with other users. Additionally, because it is used worldwide, WhatsApp is a great international communication tool.If you already use Google services such as Gmail and Google Calendar, Google Meet can be a seamless alternative to Skype. Google Meet is a free video-conferencing service that integrates Gmail and Google Calendar. With free plans available, you can include up to 100 participants on a video call.Zoom has become a regular fixture in the modern professional world. With a user-friendly interface and rich features, Zoom has been the top choice for video calls. Zoom offers free plans that allow for 40-minute video calls per call for up to 100 participants.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREFor those with concerns about privacy, Signal is a great alternative to Skype. It boasts end-to-end encryption on messages and video calls, which keeps your communications secure. Signal is an open-source service that allows users to send instant messages as well as voice and video calls.While well-known among gamers, Discord has become a versatile communication tool. With free voice channels, screen sharing and low-latency audio (better audio quality), it has begun to stand out as a good group call option.How to export contacts and messages from SkypeThough Microsoft will give you until January 2026 to export or delete your Skype contacts, chat and file history, it is best to log in and start the process now, as it can take a while for the company to fulfill your request.To export contacts, follow these steps:On your web browser, go to https://secure.skype.com/ andlog into your Skype account using your username and passwordOn the main page, under Account detail, go toSetting and preferencesClickExport contactsA dialog box will appear, then select where you want to save the file and clickSave Steps to export Skype contacts (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)To export conversations and files, follow these steps:On your web browser, go to https://secure.skype.com/ andlog into your Skype account using your username and passwordOn the main page, under Account detail, go to Setting and preferencesClick Export files and chat historyUnder "Request a copy of your files and chat history,"check the boxes you want to download and click Submit requestOnce the request has been processed, it willshow up at the very top of the same pageTo save, clickDownload Steps to export Skype conversations and files (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to export your Skype data and import it into other video platformsBefore Skype officially shuts downMay 27, 2025, it's a smart move to save your data and prepare for a transition to another platform. Heres how to do it:Step 1: Export your Skype dataYou can request a full download of your Skype chat history, call logs and other personal data.Go to theSkype Export page:https://go.skype.com/exportSign in with your Skype (Microsoft) account.Choose what you'd like to download:Conversations: Chat logs, SMS and call recordsFiles: Photos, videos and documents shared via SkypeConversations: Chat logs, SMS and call recordsFiles: Photos, videos and documents shared via SkypeClickSubmit Request and wait for an email or download link to appear (may take hours or a few days depending on the volume).Download the .ZIP file when ready and extract the contents to your device.The exported messages are typically in a .tar or .json format, which can be opened with apps like Notepad, Excel or dedicated viewers.Step 2: Import your info to a new platformWhile Skype doesnt offer a direct import tool for other platforms, here are a few ways to carry your info over:Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Slack or WhatsApp:Contacts: You can manually add contacts from your Skype export by copying their email addresses or phone numbers.Chat History: Most platforms wont allow direct import, but you can:Save your Skype conversations as PDF or text files for reference.Upload important conversations to cloud services likeGoogle Drive,Dropbox orOneDrive to keep them searchable and accessible.Save your Skype conversations as PDF or text files for reference.Upload important conversations to cloud services likeGoogle Drive,Dropbox orOneDrive to keep them searchable and accessible.Using Skype Data on Microsoft Teams:Since Teams is Microsoft's recommended replacement for Skype, it's the most seamless switch.If your account is tied to Microsoft 365, your contacts may already sync to Teams.Chat history doesnt automatically migrate, but you can reference exported chats when setting up new Teams channels or chats.Kurt's key takeawaysWhile Skypes end on May 5, 2025, is sobering, the time to transition to an alternative platform is imperative so you can get set up and adjusted to continue communicating with others professionally and personally. Though the friendly and familiar sky-blue interface will be missed, there are several options that fill those big empty shoes that Skype will leave. Whether you prefer the ease of being able to migrate contacts and messages from Skype directly to Microsoft Teams or prefer the security of Signal, there is a bounty of options to keep you connected to loved ones across the globe.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPAre you a Skype user? Are you planning on switching to one of the top Skype alternatives? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

When is Amazon's Spring Sale 2025?Amazon's Spring Sale runs through Monday, March 31.Are laptops really cheaper during Amazon sales?Absolutely. Retailers and manufacturers have plenty of reasons to discount their laptops: new models coming out, overstock in a particular configuration, etc. Now, many of these discounted events align with Amazon's sales, allowing retailers to clear inventory as part of the sale events.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- laptops we actually have tested and would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon's Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale dealsLooking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.

When is Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025?The e-commerce giant's latest sales event will run from Tuesday, March 25, to Monday, March 31. However, several deals will go live before and after that time frame.Are deals really better during Amazon sales?While there are no guarantees that the prices you see are the lowest ever, Amazon -- and the various retailers and sellers it works with -- tends to keep promotions as competitive as possible. That's why you can expect discounts that match all-time-lows -- or at least somewhere near them.How did we choose these Spring Sale deals?While it's always helpful when products are discounted significantly (we usually cover ones that are at least 20% off), ZDNET experts also prioritize promotions on products we've personally tested and can vouch for. Since the products you purchase are considerable investments, we ensure that our recommendations are grounded by thorough research, testing, and value.We also source reviews from actual customers, whether through Best Buy and Amazon testimonials (with hands-on images) or online forums like Reddit.Looking for the next best product? Get expert reviews and editor favorites withZDNET Recommends.What are the best Amazon Spring Sale 2025 deals?ZDNET's experts are searching through Amazon Spring Sale deals to find the best discounts by category. These are the best deals so far:You can also find the best Amazon Spring Sale deals by price:And the best deals from other retailers this week:Best anti-Amazon Spring Sale deals

CoffeeLoader attack uses GPU to execute password-stealing code.gettyNever underestimate hackers ingenuity. I learned this very early on in my hacking career, and its as accurate now as it was in the late 1980s. Whats more, this mantra unfortunately applies to hackers of the criminal variety as well as those who do so much good work. Remember, hacking is not a crime until it is. A case in point is when it comes to the deployment of infostealer malware. You know, the software that is being used by so many cybercriminals to compromise credentials, leading to account theft as well as vast quantities of stolen passwords being traded on the dark web. The latest example can be found by hackers using the CoffeeLoader family that executes code using the system GPU in order to evade detection.How CoffeeLoader Hackers Steal Your Password Via Your GPUGraphics cards and the software surrounding them are not a new target for cybercriminals. Whether its security vulnerabilities in GPU display drivers, or virtual GPU software, you can bet your bottom dollar that hackers are looking out for ways to exploit this powerful part of your system. Infostealer malware attacks that use the GPU are not something I have come across before, at least not to my failing old-man memory. However, CoffeeLoader hackers seem to be employing just this methodology to launch attacks.In a March 26 posting, Brett Stone-Gross, the senior director of threat intelligence at Zscaler, detailed precisely how the CoffeeLoader malware family is being deployed with the help of your graphics card.The whole purpose of the CoffeeLoader malware is to evade detection and bypass security protections in order to download and execute second-stage payloads, the infostealers in question. CoffeeLoader achieves this by employing a sophisticated packer utilizing the GPU as well as call stack spoofing and sleep obfuscation. The loader leverages a packer, which we named Armoury, Stone-Gross said, that executes code on a systems GPU to hinder analysis in virtual environments.The use of packers is a typical behavior of malware families, but the unpacking of the samples contained is rarely mentioned in security reports because, well, its pretty boring and largely of little importance in the broader scheme of things. This is not the case with CoffeeLoader thanks to the clearly distinguishable packer used that can leverage the GPU in such a way as to execute initial malware code to complicate the threat analysis process. Zscaler ThreatLabz has named this packer Armoury because it impersonates the legitimate Armoury Crate utility created by ASUS.Zscaler has said that CoffeeLoader has been observed being deployed with SmokeLoader, sold as a crimewave kit that includes password-stealing as part of the package. Smoke was subject to law enforcement disruption in 2024, having been active for many years, but apparently, that hasnt killed it off.

Daredevil: Born AgainDisneyIve previously said that I have never seen a show attempting to spoil itself ahead of time as much as Daredevil: Born Again, whether that be through its own trailers or cast interviews, at least one of which telegraphed a big death outright at the start of the series.Now, of course, there are more spoilers for Daredevil: Born Again season 2, now that its filming in New York, this time through set shots that Disney does not seem to be trying to prevent. Its somewhat unavoidable when shooting in a big city, I suppose.These are plastered all over my timeline given that I enjoy the current season of Born Again, so the algorithm wants to just show me all these season 2 images I could have done without. Plus, there are other supposed leaks we know about.So, if you want the spoilers, read on, as I might as well talk about them since I couldnt avoid them in the first place.The main thing shown here is Matts new suit, which is not only pitch black, unlike his others and pulling from one of his comic suit variants, but perhaps most importantly, he finally has the interlocked DD logo, which he will have gone four seasons without, even if maybe he gets it in the Born Again season 1 finale. The suit does look very cool, and these set shots are so clear they may as well be production stills.There are other spoilers we know about already, some cast-driven, some insider-driven. I love Deborah Ann Woll but wow, she sure loves talking about things she shouldnt be talking about. First, she said that she would be in season 2, both revealing she wouldnt be killed off in season 1, but also would be a big part of that story. Second, she said her and Foggy would be back. This has lent some weight to the idea that Foggy may have faked his death like in a comic run, or he may just show up in some flashbacks, which does seem more likely at this point.Daredevils own showrunner, Dario Scardapane, said that despite being a main season 1 villain, Muse will return for season 2. Given that we just had our first real Muse feature this week, and there are only a couple episodes left this season, it stands to reason that yes, his story may not be wrapped up that quickly. Still, why say that now?Daredevil Born AgainDisneyThis isnt confirmed but it seems exceedingly likely that after season 1, Jon Bernthals Punisher wont be back. He has a feature mini-movie planned on Disney Plus later, but Bernthal is exceptionally busy with a number of projects, most pressingly Christopher Nolans The Odyssey, which of course would no doubt take precedent over anything else.Thats what we think we know for now, and sure, I will look forward to seeing that suit in action, even if we have a pretty clear shot of it now.Follow me , and .Pick up my sci-fi novels the and