PM Images/Getty ImagesUpdate: As of October 1, 2024, Microsoft has made it more difficult to bypass these compatibility checks, but there are workarounds for most modern PCs. Some older devices, especially those built using AMD processors, might be out of luck, however. I've updated the instructions in this post to account for the changes.On October 14, 2025, Microsoft will stop delivering security updates to your Windows 10 PC unless you're willing to pay an exorbitant price to join the Extended Security Updates program.Also: Microsoft will start charging for Windows 10 updates next year. Here's how muchIf you try to upgrade to Windows 11 on a PCthat's more than a few years old, you'll be told -- in no uncertain terms -- that your old PC doesn't qualify because its CPU isn't on the official list of compatible processors. Microsoft has made it abundantly clear that it will not revise those requirements. You will also hit roadblocks if your PC doesn't have a Trusted Platform Module (TPM) version 2.0.That might be the official policy, but -- as with everything Windows-related -- it pays to read the fine print.Those pesky restrictions prevent you from automatically upgrading to Windows 11 using Windows Update or the Windows 11 Installation Assistant. Yet there are fully supported workarounds for most PCs that are capable of running Windows 10, as I document inZDNET's Windows 11 FAQ.Also: You can still upgrade old PCs to Windows 11, even if Microsoft says no: Readers prove itOf course, everything in this article requires that you be signed in as an administrator on the PC you want to upgrade.Which option should you choose?Please don't skip over this section.To take advantage of the workaround described in option 1 below, your computer must meet all the other requirements for Windows 11.It must be configured to start up using UEFI, not a legacy BIOS configuration.Secure Boot must be supported, although it does not need to be enabled. (But seriously, folks, you should enable it.)A TPM must be enabled; version 1.2 is OK, but a system without any TPM or with the TPM disabled will fail.To check these details on a PC you're considering upgrading, run the System Information utility, Msinfo32.exe, and look at the System Summary page. Pay special attention to the BIOS Mode value. If it says "Legacy," you'll need to reconfigure your system to UEFI mode (and convert your system disk from MBR to GPT partitioning) before you can install Windows 11 as a normal upgrade.To see whether your PC has a TPM enabled, run the Trusted Platform Module Management tool, Tpm.msc. If your computer includes a TPM and it's turned on, this app will display information about it. If there's no TPM, or if the TPM is disabled in firmware settings, you'll see a message that says "Compatible TPM cannot be found."Also: Your Windows 10 PC can't be upgraded? You have 5 options before support ends in 2025If you're unable (or unwilling) to change from Legacy BIOS to UEFI, or if you have an older PC that doesn't have a TPM option at all, you'll need to use an undocumented hack that allows you to bypass the compatibility checks and complete the upgrade. See option 2 at the end of this post for details on how to use the free Rufus utility to perform this upgrade.Note that a new set of restrictions, introduced as part of the Windows 11, version 24H2 update, require a CPU that supports specific instructions -- SSE4.2 and PopCnt. Most PCs with Intel CPUs that are from 2009 or later will meet this standard. AMD CPUs from 2013 or later should also meet these requirements. For details, see"Microsoft blocked your Windows 11 upgrade? This trusty tool can (probably) fix that."If you plan to perform a clean installation of Windows 11, you can boot from installation media and run Windows Setup. That option skips the CPU compatibility check completely (but still requires a TPM and Secure Boot support). After the installation completes, you'll need to reinstall all your apps, restore your data files, and tweak settings to personalize your system preferences.Want to avoid all that hassle? Choose the option that's appropriate for your hardware.Option 1: Use this simple registry editBypass CPU checks and accept any TPM version with this registry edit. This process requires four steps. 1. Change one key in the Windows registry You need to make one small change to the Windows registry, as documented in thisMicrosoft support document. This change tells the Windows 11 Setup program to skip the check for compatible CPUs and to allow installation on a PC with an older TPM (version 1.2). The usual warnings apply when working with the registry; I recommend you make a complete backup before proceeding.Open Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) and navigate to the following key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup\MoSetupIf the MoSetup key, doesn't exist, you need to create it. Right-click the node for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\Setup in the left-hand navigation pane, then choose New > Key. Name it MoSetup and press Enter.Also: Wiping your Windows laptop? Here's the simplest way to erase all personal dataSelect the MoSetup key and then right-click in any empty space in the pane on the right. Choose the option to create a new DWORD value. (Don't choose the QWORD option!)Replace the default name for that key by typing the text AllowUpgradesWithUnsupportedTPMOrCPU and then press Enter. Then double-click the new value and change the "Value data" box to 1. The result should look like this: Use this registry tweak to override the Windows 11 CPU compatibility check. You must have a TPM (any version) and Secure Boot must be enabled. Screenshot by Ed Bott/ZDNETClick OK to save your change, and then restart your PC. 2. Download the Windows 11 ISO On the PC you want to upgrade, go to the Windows 11 Download page (aka.ms/DownloadWindows11) and choose the option at the bottom of the page, "Download Windows 11 Disk Image (ISO) for x64 devices." Save the ISO file in your Downloads folder.Note that this is a big file. Depending on the speed of your internet connection, the download could take a while. 3. Mount the ISO file in File Explorer After the download completes, open File Explorer and double-click the ISO file you downloaded in the previous step. Doing so mounts the file as a virtual DVD drive in its own folder, with its own drive letter. 4. Run Windows Setup In File Explorer, find the Setup.exe file and double-click it to begin the upgrade. You'll see a stern warning about compatibility issues, but you can safely click Accept to move past it. (For details on what that warning message really means, see "Is Microsoft really going to cut off security updates for your 'unsupported' Windows 11 PC?") After you click OK on that dialog box, your upgrade should proceed without any serious issues.Also:The best Windows laptop you can buyYou'll have three options: You can keep your apps, settings, and files (Full Upgrade); keep your data files but start fresh with apps and settings (Keep Data Only); or start completely fresh (Clean Install). Option 2: Use the free Rufus utilityOn older PCs without a TPM and on PCs that don't support Secure Boot, you'll need to use an undocumented hack to bypass the compatibility checker. You can do this manually by replacing the Appraiserres.dll file (in the Sources subfolder on the Windows 11 installer drive) with a zero-byte version and then making a series of registry edits. But it's simpler to use the free, open-source Rufus utility to make a USB drive that includes this file.Important note:In early October 2024, Microsoft made some changes to its compatibility checking tools. Those changes prevent Rufus version 4.5 or earlier from working properly. Make sure you have version 4.6 or later, which incorporates the necessary changes. For details of how the new version works, see "Microsoft blocked your Windows 11 upgrade? This just-released tool can get the job done."In addition, be aware that using Rufus will not allow you to bypass the new CPU restrictions that require SSE4.2 and PopCnt instruction support.Also: Why Windows 11 requires a TPM - and how to get around thatTo get started, you'll need to download the Windows 11 ISO and supply a USB flash drive of at least 16 GB in size. You will reformat this drive as part of the process, so back up any data on that drive first.Download Rufus from the developer's site and run the app. (The version of Rufus availablefrom the Microsoft Storewill not work for this task.) Choose the USB drive and then choose the "Disk or ISO image" option.Click the Select button, choose the Windows 11 ISO you downloaded earlier, and then click Start.In the Windows User Experience dialog, select the first checkbox to remove hardware requirements, as shown in the screenshot below.Click OK to begin creating the drive. Be sure to choose the top checkbox here to bypass the compatibility check for the Windows 11 upgrade. Screenshot by Ed Bott/ZDNETAfter Rufus successfully creates your installer, open that USB drive in File Explorer, and double-click Setup.As is the case with the other option, you'll see a warning about compatibility issues. It's a scare tactic. (For details on what that warning message really means, see"Is Microsoft really going to cut off security updates for your 'unsupported' Windows 11 PC?") After you click Accept on that dialog box, your upgrade should proceed without any serious issues.Also:Microsoft blocked your Windows 11 upgrade? This trusty tool can (probably) fix thatMy ZDNET colleague Lance Whitney has more details on the other options available with Rufus in "How to install Windows 11 the way you want (and bypass Microsoft's restrictions)." If you've tried this upgrade, I want to hear about your experience. If it worked, please share the details. If you run into snags, send me an email so we can figure out what's going wrong. Be sure to include details -- the make and model of your PC and screenshots of any error messages. I've set up a special inbox just for this feedback: Win11Upgrade [at] realworldwindows.com.This article was originally published on April 9, 2022, but has been updated multiple times since then. It was last updated on November 18, 2024.Windows

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - NOVEMBER 15: Jake Paul prepares in the locker room at LIVE On Netflix: Jake Paul ... [+] vs. Mike Tyson at AT&T Stadium on November 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images for Netflix 2024)Getty Images for Netflix 2024Jake Paul easily out-boxed 58-year-old Mike Tyson in the main event of a historic live sports extravaganza on Netflix on Friday. Now, another boxing legend says hed be interested in entertaining an offer to fight Paul.Former light heavyweight, super middleweight, and pound-for-pound champion Andre Ward has said hed talk about a fight with Paul. However, Paul has to say my name, Ward said, to start things.Ward said this while he went live on Instagram as he was walking back to his hotel from AT&T Stadium after the Tyson-Paul fight. Ward was a part of Netflixs massive crossover panel.In the video, he gives his take on the fight but discusses what it would take for him to come out of retirement for a scrap with Paul.Ward retired at the age of 33 back in 2017.While the 40-year-old is considered an all-time great, Id contend he is one of the most underrated fighters of the past 30 years. The Oakland, California native walked away from the sport with a record of 32-0 with 16 KOs. As a professional, Ward scored victories over world champions like Sergey Kovalev (twice), Sakio Bika, Carl Froch, Chad Dawson, Arthur Abraham, and Mikkel Kessler.MORE FOR YOUWard won the Super Six World Boxing Classic for 168-pounders, which saw him solidify his place among the elite fighters of his generation. As an amateur, Ward won an Olympic gold medal at the 2004 Athens Games. He is the last American male to win an Olympic gold medal in the sport.Ward is now the chief content officer for All The Smoke Sports, a fast-rising YouTube-based platform that spun off from Showtime Sports. On the ATSS YouTube channel, Ward hosts an interview show that has already had major guests like Terence Crawford, Eddie Hearn, Devin Haney, and others. While not nearly as famous as Tyson, Ward is well known, and his current platform could provide enough push to get Paul to entertain the fight.The one issue folks who are hoping to see the clash is the risk factor. Paul has been highly selective with opponents in his boxing career. Hes only fought three active boxers in his professional career and is 2-1 against those opponents. Paul scored KO wins over Andre August and Ryan Bourland but lost a split decision to Tommy Fury in February 2023. While Ward hasnt fought since 2017, he still might be the favorite over Paul.Ward has seemingly stayed in excellent shape despite his absence from the ring. He was also one of the slickest and most technically sound boxers in the world. Unless his skills have vastly eroded, he would be far and away the best fighter Paul will have faced. Would Paul risk taking a loss against a 40-year-old retired fightereven one as good and respected as Ward? I have my doubts. It seems more likely Paul fruitlessly chases a fight with Canelo Alvarez.Despite the easy and massive payday Canelo could take home, it doesnt seem possible he will take Pauls bait. Well wait to see if Paul picks up what Ward is putting down.

Dyshidrosis, also known as acute vesiculobullous hand eczema, is an irritation of the hands or feet, ... [+] characterized by blisters on the skin. (Photo by: BSIP/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesIndustrialization might have spurred economic development and technological advancements in some parts of the world but it has also left billions of people breathing in polluted air. While air pollution is most commonly associated with respiratory issues, a new study has found that it might also wreak havoc on your skin. The study findings revealed that people who live in places with high levels of air pollution are more likely to have eczema. They particularly identified fine particulate matter as a risk factor. Particulate matter pollution refers to a combination of soil or dust particles, acids, organic chemicals, and metals floating around in the lower atmosphere of any region.The prevalence of eczema has increased with industrialization. Industrial practices generate ambient air pollution, including fine particulate matter of diameter less than 2.5m (PM2.5), the researchers wrote in the study. The odds of eczema increased with greater PM2.5 concentration in our large, diverse, adult American cohort. Ambient air pollution is an environmental hazard that influences inflammatory skin disease.The researchers analyzed the data of 286,862 adults from the All of UsBoth PM2.5-exposed skin cells and skin of patients with eczema exhibit oxidative damage. Our finding of an approximately two-fold increased risk of eczema per 10 g/m3 rise in PM2.5 is clinically relevant as well as actionable, as the United States Environmental Protection Agencys Air Quality Index (AQI), they explained.Individuals with eczema may be at elevated risk for disease exacerbation or acute flares when AQI reaches the moderate category (12.135.4 g/m3 ) compared to the good category (0-12 g/m3), with risk increasing at even higher AQI, the authors added. When AQI reaches levels of moderate or worse, patients may be advised to stay indoors, filter indoor air, or cover exposed skin outdoors.MORE FOR YOUThe study was published in PLoS One on November 13, 2024.According to the World Health Organization, ambient air pollution exposure was associated with 4.2 million deaths in 2019. Prior studies have reported that high concentrations of PM2.5 and particulate matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less (PM10) in the air could also lead to the development and exacerbation of atopic dermatitis, skin aging, and skin allergies.In a 2021 study published in the Annals of Dermatology, researchers based in South Korea highlighted that increased particulate matter concentrations might contribute to facial redness and uneven skin tone even in healthy human skin."As the largest outermost surface of the human body, the skin is constantly exposed to the environment. Overall, particulate matter is related to inflammatory skin diseases via skin barrier dysfunction, oxidative stress, and inflammation," wrote a group of Chinese researchers in a 2023 study."The effects of antioxidants, vitamin D, and microbiota regulation strategies on inflammatory diseases caused by PM are beneficial," they added.

Key takeawaysA smart whale sold 850,000 Dogwifhat (WIF) tokens, sparking market speculation and a 15% price drop.The whale swapped WIF for SOL, booking $7.5 million in profits.Despite the large sale, the whale still holds 50,000 WIF, worth $175K.Whale Dumps 850,000 Dogwifhat TokensA large Dogwifhat (WIF) token holder created a buzz in the crypto market by selling a significant portion of its holdings.According to on-chain data from Lookonchain, the whale dumped 850,000 WIF tokens, causing an intraday price crash of 15%. This large-scale sell-off caught traders attention and sparked conversations about whether WIF has reached its peak in the current market cycle.The whale didnt just dump the tokens and walk away. Instead, they swapped the 850,000 WIF for 15,987 Solana (SOL) tokens, worth approximately $3.4 million at the time.The trade allowed the whale to book an impressive $7.5 million profit, a clear sign of a strategically planned exit. Despite selling a huge chunk of their holdings, the whale still retains 50,000 WIF, valued at about $175,000.Investors Speculate Over Future of WIF After Whales ExitThis massive profit-taking move has caused some concern among investors, making many wonder if this marks the top of WIFs price rally.Some traders fear that this whale move could be a signal that the meme coins recent bull run is coming to an end.However, others are still optimistic, noting that the whale still holds a portion of WIF, which may suggest that they havent fully given up on the tokens potential.Adding to the speculation, the whale has also recently made profits on other tokens. They bought 1.74 million PNUT tokens using 3,800 SOL, resulting in an unrealized profit of $2.07 million.This success with the PNUT token, alongside holdings in GIGACHAD and Chaos and Disorder, shows that the Whale is actively managing their crypto portfolio.Despite the uncertainty surrounding WIF, the crypto market optimism following Donald Trumps victory may support WIF and other meme tokens.WIFs Price Action and Market ReactionsFollowing the whales sell-off, Dogwifhats price plummeted 16% in just 24 hours. The tokens trading volume also dipped by 55.50%, down to $1.79 billion for the day, according to CoinMarketCap.This sharp decline reflects the sudden loss of market confidence partly triggered by the whales massive sale.Additionally, Coinglass data showed a significant drop in Dogwifhat futures open interest (OI), which fell by 11% to $639.02 million. The derivatives trading volume also plunged 49%, signaling a broader loss of interest from investors in both spot and futures markets.While these numbers may seem alarming, its important to note that the token has remained bullish in the past week. CoinMarketCap data recorded an increase of more than 54% within this period.The recent whale action serves as a reminder of how quickly things can change in the volatile world of meme coins. Nevertheless, with the crypto market still largely bullish, the potential for future gains cannot be entirely ruled out.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Rida is a dedicated crypto journalist with a passion for the latest developments in the cryptocurrency world. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to thorough research, she delivers timely and insightful news articles that keep her readers informed about the rapidly evolving digital economy. View all articles by Rida Fatima Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

Key takeawaysSG-FORGE is launching EURCV, a MiCA-compliant euro stablecoin, on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) next year.Despite having regulatory backing, EURCV has faced challenges in adoption, with a total issuance of just 38 million compared to Circles 92 million EUR Coin.Many financial institutions are exploring stablecoins, and SG-FORGEs move reflects a broader shift toward blockchain-powered global payments.Socit Gnrales SG-FORGE to Launch EURCV Euro Stablecoin on XRP LedgerSG-FORGE, the digital asset arm of prominent French bank Socit Gnrale, is preparing to launch a euro-pegged stablecoin called EUR CoinVertible (EURCV). EURCV will comply with the EUs MiCA regulations.The company announced its plan to launch this stablecoin on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) next year. This move is part of a larger strategy to make EURCV available on multiple blockchains.Currently, EURCV operates on Ethereum and Solana, and by adding the XRP Ledger to its list, SG-FORGE aims to expand its reach across different platforms.SG-FORGE first launched EUR CoinVertible (EURCV) on Ethereum in 2023. It aimed to compete with popular dollar-pegged stablecoins like Tethers USDT and Circles USDC.In September, the firm expanded to Solana and is now introducing the MiCA-compliant stablecoin to the XRP Ledger (XRPL).Despite having regulatory backing, EURCV has faced challenges in gaining broad adoption. Its total issuance stands at just 38 million, much smaller than the 92 million in EUR Coin issued by Circle.However, SG-FORGE has continued to expand, focusing on the XRP Ledger as part of its multi-chain strategy. It decided to integrate EURCV on the XRP Ledger (XRPL) to help boost its adoption.The XRP Ledger is known for its scalability, speed, and low transaction costs. SG-FORGE believes these features will help expand EURCVs use, especially for cross-border payments and tokenization.The XRP Ledger offers fast settlement times and affordable transactions, which SG-FORGE considers necessary for institutional use cases like payments. The network is already home to over 1,750 unique applications and exchanges.Ripples XRP Ledger Boosts Institutional Use with EURCV IntegrationSince its launch in 2012, the XRPL has processed over 2.8 billion secure transactions and supports more than 5 million active wallets. Following its deployment on XRPL, EURCV will use Ripples custody services for its issuance, ensuring security and reliability.Markus Infanger, Senior VP at Ripple, said integrating trusted, banking-grade stablecoin like EURCV on the XRPL is key for supporting institutional use cases, especially payments.Moreover, payments are still a major focus for Ripple, and adding stablecoins helps enhance this area.SG-FORGEs decision is part of a larger trend where traditional financial institutions are exploring stablecoins to make global payments easier and faster. Therefore, as regulations around stablecoins continue to evolve, more institutions are interested in issuing their stablecoins.For example, Ripple is developing its own stablecoin, RLUSD, backed by the U.S. dollar. This stablecoin is reportedly ready for use and awaits approval from the New York Department of Financial Services.Also, Spanish bank BBVA plans to issue a stablecoin on Ethereum next year via a partnership with Visas tokenization platform.In October, the Central Bank of the UAE approved AED Stablecoin LLC to launch AE Coin. This will be the UAEs first dirham-backed stablecoin. AE Coin aims to offer blockchain-powered payments with transparent reserves.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Rida is a dedicated crypto journalist with a passion for the latest developments in the cryptocurrency world. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to thorough research, she delivers timely and insightful news articles that keep her readers informed about the rapidly evolving digital economy. View all articles by Rida Fatima Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.

SpaceX is making final preparations for the sixth test flight of its mighty Starship rocket featuring the most Super Heavy, the most powerful booster ever to fly.The Elon Musk-led spaceflight company is targeting Tuesday, November 19, for the sixth test of the 120-meter-tall rocket.Recommended VideosThe Starship, comprising the main Super Heavy rocket and the upper-stage Starship spacecraft, will eventually be used to transport crew and cargo to the moon, Mars, and possibly beyond.RelatedIt took its first test flight in April 2023, though the vehicle exploded just minutes after liftoff. Subsequent flights have seen the Starship fly higher and for longer, and the most recent test, which took place last month, saw the first-ever catch of the returning Super Heavy booster by giant mechanical arms attached to the launch tower.The megarocket will launch from SpaceXs Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, creating a colossal 17 million pounds of thrust as it roars skyward. Within minutes, the upper-stage Starship spacecraft will separate from the Super Heavy booster, and continue on to orbit. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy will return to Boca Chica, whereupon SpaceX will attempt the second catch of the booster back at the launch site. Bringing the Super Heavy home in this way will help SpaceX increase the frequency of flights using multiple Super Heavy boosters, and also reduce the cost of space missions.SpaceXs live stream will also track the progress of the Starship, which will perform landing burns before coming down in the Indian Ocean about an hour after launch.SpaceX is targeting the sixth flight test of the Starship for 5 p.m. ET on Tuesday, November 19.A live webcast of the flight test will begin about 30 minutes before liftoff, and you can watch it on SpaceXs account on X.Theres a chance the schedule could change, so be sure to check back here, or SpaceXs X account, for any updates.Editors Recommendations

Sam Hill / Digital TrendsLove crossword puzzles but dont have all day to sit and solve a full-sized puzzle in your daily newspaper? Thats what The Mini is for!A bite-sized version of the New York Times well-known crossword puzzle, The Mini is a quick and easy way to test your crossword skills daily in a lot less time (the average puzzle takes most players just over a minute to solve). While The Mini is smaller and simpler than a normal crossword, it isnt always easy. Tripping up on one clue can be the difference between a personal best completion time and an embarrassing solve attempt.Recommended VideosJust like ourWordle hints and Connections hints, were here to help with The Mini today if youre stuck and need a little help.RelatedBelow are the answers for the NYT Mini crossword today.New York TimesAcross___ Martin, frequent collaborator with 1-Down STEVEParts of irrigation systems HOSESBeginning ONSETBackup cameras place on a car REARMake an attempt TRYDownMartin ___, frequent collaborator with 1-Across SHORTStuff in printer cartridge TONERCommon kind of test for a literature class ESSAYMake a sudden t urn VEERJokey suffix with best ESTEditors Recommendations

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end income tax on tips.The proposal is part of Trump's broader tax cut plan, including for overtime and Social Security.House Speaker Mike Johnson said Congress would need to figure out the math to make the plan work.US President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to end income tax on tips. Now, his administration will have to figure out how to make the numbers work."We're going to try to make that happen in the Congress," said House Speaker Mike Johnson on CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday."You have got to do the math. You have got to make sure that these new savings from American people can be paid for and make sure the economy is a pro-growth economy," Johnson said.During his presidential campaign, Trump pledged a range of tax cuts. They include an extension of tax cuts from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 also known as the "Trump tax cut" as well as eliminating taxes on overtime pay, Social Security checks, and tips. During remarks in Arizona in September, Trump said that ditching taxes on overtime would give "people more of an incentive to work."The tax cuts are just some of Trump's economic policies that economists say could significantly ramp up the federal debt balance and widen the deficit, which stood at nearly $36 trillion on Thursday. Other than tax cuts, Trump has pledged to implement across-the-board 60% tariffs on all Chinese goods and other tariffs on overseas goods.If Trump makes good on all his economic policy pledges, they could add as much as $10 trillion to the US debt over the next decade, according to an estimate from top economist Nouriel Roubini.In Trump's 2016 campaign, he said he would eliminate the national debt. It rose about $7.8 trillion during his first term.

Pruna AI has secured $6.5 million from EQT Ventures to compress AI models.The startup's optimization tool aims to make AI models smaller, cheaper, and greener.BI got an exclusive look at the 12-slide pitch deck it used to secure the new funding.Paris and Munich-based software startup Pruna AI has secured $6.5 million from EQT Ventures.The startup has developed an optimization tool for compressing AI models so that they require less compute and energy."It's similar to a zip that compresses files, so they are cheaper, faster, and greener, and everyone can access and use those AI models," Bertrand Charpentier, president and chief scientist officer at Pruna AI, told Business Insider.Users can run their model through Pruna's optimization engine, which the startup says renders the AI model smaller, cheaper, and greener on any hardware platform. It spans everything from natural language processing to images and audio systems.The startup's customers are midsize to large companies with their own AI models that can rake in huge compute bills. Charpentier said that using Pruna's platform has been a win-win for both parties, as companies can significantly reduce the costs of running these AI models. Pruna charges its customers based on the usage of the compressed model, which is typically much cheaper to run than the non-compressed version.Being based in both Paris and Munich is also a boon for the startup, said Carl Svantesson, partner at Swedish investment firm EQT Ventures, which led Pruna's funding round. "The combination of the two ecosystems, with Paris and Munich, enables the possibility of hiring the best talent and software," he said.Access to compute and specialized chips, called GPUs, has been a long-standing issue in the AI ecosystem. As a result, Charpentier found that there was appetite from investors looking to make AI cheaper and more sustainable.Additional funding came from Daphni, Motier, and Kima, as well as high-profile angel investors, including Roxanne Varza, Herv Nivon, and Olivier Pomel.With the fresh funding, Pruna plans to double down on growing its team.Check out the 12-slide pitch deck used to secure the capital.

Ever since Game of Thrones ended in 2019 and what a horrible little ending it was theres been a seemingly never-ending quest to find the next Game of Thrones. What that means is two-fold: a series that captures Game of Throness extensive, fantasy world-building and the drama of political succession and a show dropping on HBOs premier Sunday night spot that everyone wants to talk about the morning after. Dune: Prophecy feels more like that than any other show right now. Loosely based on the 2012 novel Sisterhood of Dune, Prophecy has GoT trappings: political maneuvering among the universes rich families, backstabbing and surprise deaths, conniving villains, and sweaty sex scenes. The struggle to hold power in the Duniverse is just as difficult and deadly as it is in Westeros. And conveniently, it is airing Sunday nights on HBO. But whats won me over in Prophecy is that while its officially all those aforementioned things, its mainly gossipy, ambitious space divas diva-ing ambitiously in space. Granted, Prophecy is yet another chapter of Hollywoods infatuation with IP, but its also yielded a lavish little soap opera where Emily Watson is a super-powered leader of an all-female finishing school for young intergalactic mages. Prophecy is about just how dangerous women in STEM that is, sorcery, transmutation, eugenics, and mothering can be. Prophecy takes place at the very beginning 10,148 years before Paul Atreides is born. Played by Timothe Chalamet in Denis Villeneuves two Dune movies, Paul Atreides is the anchor for all casual fans. Both Dune films chronicle his journey fleeing home after an assault wipes out almost all of his family and those loyal to the Atreides clan, and then becoming a refugee on Arrakis (a.k.a. the desert planet known as Dune), where he assimilates into the Fremen, an indigenous people oppressed by the same Imperium that slaughtered his loved ones. Paul is, according to premonition by a sisterhood of precognitive, super-powered women known as the Bene Gesserit, a messiah who will rule the universe. Zooming into 10,000 years B.P. (before Paul), Prophecy takes aim, as the title suggests, at the formation of that very important Bene Gesserit revelation and the Bene Gesserit themselves. How did these space divas become so powerful? Who are they? What do they believe in? Whats their purpose? Are they always kinda mean? Their reason for existing, like so many other suspicious organizations, is slightly based in eugenics. Oh no. Mother Raquella (Cathy Tyson), their founder, has been keeping a vast archive of DNA of the most powerful families in the universe. Her belief is that humans are fallible, feeble creatures that will always careen toward their own destruction. By matching up families based on this archive, Raquella believes she and her sisters can breed leaders they can control and influence the endpoint being Paul Atreides. To ensure even more influence over people and their futures, Raquella has created a school for future space witches on the desolate planet called Wallach IX, where sorceresses-in-training learn powers like being able to clock when someone is lying or blood magic soothsaying. Raquella calls proteges Truthsayers, and these skills make them very valuable. Soon every ruling family in the universe wants a Truthsayer by their side. Look me in the eye and tell me you dont want to gossip with this diva! HBOWhat those aristocrats dont know is that though their Truthsayer seems to integrate into their houses and customs, their actual loyalty is to the Bene Gesserit sisterhood.Theres a certain political commentary here, too, about whos allowed to rule the great houses of Dune, what roles women are confined to, and how the Bene Gesserit turn womens social limitations and underestimations to their advantage. Prophecy begins with Raquellas death, finding a faction of her acolytes who think the eugenics stuff is kinda icky, while her most devout follower, the ruthless Valya Harkonnen (played by Jessica Barden in youth, but mainly by Emily), thinks it actually rules. But even though we know Valya and her sisters succeeded in bending the future to bring us Paul, a lot can happen in 10,000 years. Prophecys biggest achievement is how it manages to cut through the density of the Dune universe. Its not an easy task to take all the complexities of Frank Herberts extensive world and make it accessible. But Prophecy does so, primarily, by framing this immense society and all the relationships within, as gossip. That makes Valya and her sisters the universes gossip girls. If you wanted to draw a comparison between this HBO fantasy show about politics, power, and a throne and HBOs previously, hugely popular fantasy show about politics, power, and a throne, Prophecy is like if Game of Thrones was told through the eyes of Varys, Littlefinger, or Olenna Tyrell players with no explicit power but who know how the game is played. Prophecy is about how the whispers can influence the world, and about who powerful people listen to. And that the politics of Dune and politics in general can be much more riveting when you realize so much of it is about whos trash-talking who. Heavy spoilers for the first episode of Dune: Prophecy follow.Whether its half princes who have no right to the throne or the messiness of House Corrino the rulers of the Imperium with their shaky grasp on the production of spice (the most valuable resource in the Duniverse), each episode boils down to Valya and her girlies talking about everyone else, and how they intend to manipulate them. At one point in the premiere, Valya and her sister Tula (Olivia Williams) have a private bitch session. Like evil sorority sisters, they coldly go up and down their list of acolytes, pointing out their strengths and faults, usefulness and uselessness. Brows furrow, lips purse, and side-eyes are flicked deliciously. Valya and Tula need to figure out which sister to match with Ynez Corrino (Sarah-Sofie Boussnina), the princess they want to sway to the Bene Gesserit. In the process, theyre more than happy to list off all the hopefuls who wont make the cut. Watson imbues Valya with the warmth of gazpacho and the charm of a cursed porcelain doll. Unwavering from Raquellas mission, Valya has the pieces in play to keep the entire system running. Thanks to her loyal truthsayer Kasha (Jihae), she has a hold on House Corrino, and has just signed a deal to bring Ynez to her school. Shes also used her connections to broker a marriage between Ynez and a boy a literal 9-year-old from House Richese, a powerful family that promises Corrino the artillery they need to keep spice production intact. The Bene Gesserit are no doubt banking on that future heir to be favorably malleable. But Valyas plan seems to be going up in smoke with the arrival of Desmond Hart (Travis Fimmel), a Corrino loyalist and survivor of whats supposedly a Fremen attack on Arrakis. As Hart tells Emperor Javicco Corrino (Mark Strong), the reports coming from the region arent the entire truth. Since there arent many survivors like Hart, Corrino has to rely on secondhand stories that pin the casualties on Fremen. Hart tells the Emperor that no one including Corrinos loyal Truthsayer Kasha, Valya, and their sisters can be trusted. As Corrino decides whether to weigh Harts word versus the loyalty Kasha and the Bene Gesserit have pledged to him, someone the episode doesnt show us who gives Corrino surveillance footage of Hart on Arrakis that shows him surviving the attack but also, and more intriguingly, being swallowed by a sand worm. The episode ends with Hart assassinating 9-year-old Pruwet Richese (Charlie Hodson-Prior) by roasting him with mind powers. He seemingly burns Kasha to death as well. In Dune: Prophecy, theres a finishing school for gifted and talented future space witches! HBOHarts arrival and pyrokineses seems to be what Raquella refers to (earlier in the episode) as the Tiran-Arafel, a holy judgment that will demolish the sisterhood. But at this point its unclear whether Hart represents the big bad Bene Gesserit destroyer that Raquella had visions about, or may be connected to Bene Gesserits other enemies. As my colleague Patrick Reis explained when Dune: Part Two was released, the Bene Gesserit have counterparts known as Bene Tleilax, a patriarchal set of genetic splicers and cloners who are also itching to control the universe. Its not that far-fetched to believe that they might exist in this universe too. No doubt, for Valya and her sisterhood to thrive, Hart needs to be squashed. Hes clearly a threat. The closer he gets to Javicco, the worse it looks for our space witches. We just need a bit more time, some gossip, and maybe a few more episodes to figure out if hes the big bad Raquella dreamed about, or just another piece of the puzzle that leads us to it.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More: Culture