The 15 projects shortlisted by our judging panel include homes from all over the world, from Brazil to France to VietnamThe private house occupies a unique position in both the history of architecture and human imagination. Beyond its core function of shelter, it is an object of fantasy, a source of delight, a talisman and a testing ground.This years judging panel includes: Stella Daouti, co-founder of Architecture Research Athens (AREA), who were commended in the AR House awards 2021for a weekend house on Salamis Island Boonserm Premthada, founder of Bangkok Project Studio, whose own home and office was shortlisted for the AR House awards 2023 Mike Tonkin, co-founder of Tonkin Liu and based in LondonThe judges were interested in houses that broke the mould, with emphasis placed on rigorous plans that could offer surprise. Architectural quality was appreciated for distinguishing itself from ordinary surroundings, with extensions and renovations rewarded for retaining the legibility of existing structures. Most importantly, the judges asked Would I like to wake up in this house?The winner and commended projects will be announced online later this month and published in the December 2024/January 2025 issue of The Architectural Review.AR House 2024 shortlistRF Residence byAndrade Morettin Arquitetos Associados in Jaguarina, BrazilCredit:Andrade MorettinMapleton House byAtelier Chen Hung in Mapleton, AustraliaCredit:David ChatfieldToue Cabane byAtelier du Ralliement in Le Cellier, FranceCredit:Francois Massin CastanShiplap House byChenchow Little in Sydney, AustraliaCredit:Peter BennettsHouse VMVK II bydmvA in Mechelen, BelgiumCredit:Sergio PirroneReciprocal House byGianni Botsford Architects in London, United KingdomCredit:Schnepp RenouThe Old Byre byGianni Botsford Architects in Cowes, United KingdomCredit:Schnepp RenouOcarina House byLCLA Office in El Carmen de Viboral, ColombiaCredit:Luis CallejasPost-hurricane housing by Manuel Cervantes Estudio in Acapulco, MexicoCredit:Cesar BejarCLT House bynARCHITECTS in Clinton, United StatesCredit:Michael MoranHouse renovation and extension byRAUM in Quiberon, FranceCredit:Charles BouchaibCasa Cosmos byS-AR in Puerto Escondido, MexicoCredit:Camila CossioRosedale House byScale Architecture in Rosedale, AustraliaCredit:Tim ClarkLoli House byT+M Design Office in Hanoi, VietnamCredit:Hoang LeNiwa House byTakero Shimazaki Architects in London United KingdomCredit:Felix KochIt is very rare for two projects by the same practice to feature on the shortlist. It happened once before, in 2014, with two houses by Marie-Jos Van Hee Architecten. This year, the shortlist includes two projects by Gianni Botsford Architects. All entries are submitted and discussed anonymously, and the judging panel only finds out who the project authors are after the shortlist has been agreed. This year is also the first time in the history of the awards, which launched in 2010, that the shortlist does not include a Japanese house.

One of the finest Second Empire style residences in Newton, Massachusetts, can be found on Herrick Road in Newton Centre. This is the John H. Sanborn house, built before 1870 for John H. Sanborn, a Boston broker and commission merchant who also served as a Representative to the Massachusetts General Court. The imposing residence is a two-story house based on a rectangular plan, and capped with a bellcast Mansard roof of gray, fish-scale patterned slates. The focal point of the design is the four-story, towered entrance pavilion which dominates the facade.

Tender Willingness (2024), vintage crystal, glass, quartz, obsidian, tourmaline, and mixed media, 16 x 20 x 20 inches. All images courtesy of Lauren Fensterstock and Claire Oliver Gallery, shared with permissionCelestial Forms Erupt and Tumble in Lauren Fensterstocks Jewel-Encrusted SculpturesNovember 18, 2024ArtKate MothesLike crystallized meteors or mysterious terrestrial phenomena, Lauren Fensterstocks jewel-encrusted sculptures (previously) reflect the artists interest in sacred symbols of the universe. In her solo exhibition, Some Lands Are Made of Light at Claire Oliver Gallery, Fensterstock presents a new body of intimate sculptures and Swarovski crystal-coated drawings that reflect moments of introspection and inner peace.I Arrange the Stars (2024), vintage crystal, glass, quartz, obsidian, tourmaline, and mixed media, 14 x 22 x 19 inchesI see my work as jewelry but not to adorn the body rather (to) augment the soul, Fensterstock says in a statement. I invite viewers to pause and reflect on their place within a collective experience and embrace their perceived imperfectionsacknowledging that our differences, flaws, and struggles are what make us uniquely human.The artist plays with light and contrast, composing spherical surfaces and dark cavities that glint in the light. She uses natural crystals, like quartz, and repurposed found objects like chandelier parts, Swarovski gems, antique beads, and glass. The resulting works take the form of exploding celestial objects and enigmatic botanicals.Some Lands Are Made of Light continues through January 18. Find more on the artists website and Instagram.Detail of I Arrange the StarsShe is Refuge (2024), vintage crystal, glass, quartz, obsidian, tourmaline, and mixed media, 14 x 21 x 21 inchesDetail of Tender WillingnessThe Intimate Vast (2024), vintage crystal, glass, quartz, obsidian, tourmaline, and mixed media, 15 x 33 x 33 inchesDetail of The Intimate VastInstallation view of Some Lands Are Made of LightNext article

close 'CyberGuy': Customize your home screen by adding widgets on your iPhone Tech expert Kurt Knutsson shows you how to add, customize and manage widgets for quick access to apps and info from your iPhone home screen. Have you ever wished for a way to access your favorite apps and information without the hassle of digging through your iPhone's home screen? Well, youre in luck. Widgets are here to transform your iPhone experience. Think of them as mini apps that bring key information right to your fingertips, allowing you to stay updated at a glance. Whether its checking the weather, tracking your fitness goals or keeping an eye on your calendar, widgets make it all possible without needing to open each app individually. Lets get started on making your home screen not just functional but uniquely yours.IM GIVING AWAY A $500 GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYSEnter bysigning up for my free newsletter. Image of widgets on iPhone (Apple) (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What are widgets?Widgets are mini applications that display at-a-glance information from your favorite apps directly on your home screen. They provide quick access to key features and updates without the need to open the full app, saving you time and streamlining your iPhone experience. Widgets on iPhone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to update your iPhone to the latest softwareNot sure if you're running the latest iOS? No worries. Here are some quick steps to update your iPhone:OpenSettingsTapGeneralSelectSoftware UpdateIf available, tapUpdate Now and begin downloading and installing iOS 18.1 Steps to update your iPhones software (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Adding widgets to your home screenFollow these simple steps to add widgets to your home screen and make your iPhone even handier:Touch and hold an empty area on your home screen until the apps start to jiggle.Look for the Edit icon in the top-left corner of your screen and tap it.ClickAdd WidgetScroll through theavailable widgets or use thesearch bar to find a specific one.Tap on yourchosen widget, then swipe left or right to view different options.Once you've selected the size, tapAdd Widget to place it on your home screen. Steps to add widgets to your iPhones home screen (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Arranging and resizing widgetsAfter adding a widget, you can easily adjust its position and size. Here's how:Touch and hold the widget until it floats, then drag it to your desired location. You can place it anywhere on the current page or even drag it to the edge of the screen to move it to a different page. Then, tap an empty area on the home screen.Next,long-presson a widget to see available size options. Tap on the size you'd like the widget to be.Now, tap on the empty area on the home screen, and if available, you cangrab the corner of the widgetwhere you see a small handle to make it larger.To finalize the changes, tapDone. Steps to arrange and resize widgets on iPhones home screen (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Customizing widget appearanceiOS 18 introduced new ways to customize the look of your widgets:Change icon size: Press the empty area on your home screen. TapEdit at the top of the screen, then chooseCustomize to access options for making icons larger.Adjust appearance: SelectLight orDark mode for your icons and widgets or chooseAutomatic to switch based on the time of day.Add color tint: Use theTinted option to add a color overlay to your icons and widgets, adjusting the hue and saturation to your liking. Press theempty area on your home screen to save your changes. Steps to customize widget appearance (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Removing widgetsIf you want to remove a widget from your home screen:Touch and hold an empty area on the home screen until the apps jiggle.Look for the "-" icon on the widget you want to remove.TapRemove to confirm your decision. Steps to remove widgets on iPhones home screen (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Kurts key takeawaysCustomizing your iPhone's home screen with widgets is a great way to personalize your device and improve your productivity. With the ability to add, resize and arrange widgets, you can create a home screen that perfectly suits your needs and preferences. Remember to experiment with different layouts and widget combinations to find what works best for you.What new widgets do you plan to add to your iPhone home screen to enhance your daily productivity and access to information? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 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.

blindturtle - stock.adobe.comNewsFinal report on Nats calls for improvements to contingency processSuppliers need to be involved much sooner and a review of technical documentation is needed to speed up recoveryByCliff Saran,Managing EditorPublished: 18 Nov 2024 12:30 The major incident caused by the failure of the UKs National Air Traffic Services (Nats) in August 2023 may be a very rare occurrence, but a final report into the system failure has recommended 34 changes.The report, prepared for the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) by the Independent Review Panel, looked at what could be done better to limit the effects of the failure that occurred because an incorrectly formatted flight plan was submitted to the system.In the event of a failure of a primary system, the backup system is designed to seamlessly take over processing. The authors of the Nats major incident investigation final report noted that in this instance, the primary system had not failed, but had acted as programmed. It placed itself into maintenance mode to make sure irreconcilable and therefore potentially unsafe information was not sent to an air traffic controller.However, the backup system applied the same logic to the flight plan with the same result. It subsequently raised its own critical exception, writing a log file into the system log, and placed itself into maintenance mode.The failure of Nats occurred because both the primary and backup Flight Plan Reception Suite Automated Replacement (FPRSA-R) subsystems were in maintenance mode to protect the safety of the air traffic control operations. This meant flight plans could no longer be automatically processed, and manual intervention was now required.The report recommended that Nats should review the current command structure, its supporting technology and processes. This should analyse whether the current model is likely to lead to the best outcomes in the majority of incidents, or whether it can be optimised further with the addition of alternative options.The reports authors recommended that this review should include, as a minimum, options for alternative models and examples of other effective command structures, including the use of a single incident manager model. They also noted that such options should include guidance about when the use of each option is most appropriate, and suggested a review of training requirements to maximise operational oversight capabilities during incidents, and system and process requirements to support selected structures, including decision-making, escalation and creation of a common operating picture.Read more stories on NatsDuplicate waypoints: Processing of waypoints that determine when a flight enters and leaves UK airspace caused the air traffic system to report a critical error.BT flies into Nats network: Nats implements transformational technology programme to keep skies safe and support customers worldwide.When Nats went offline, a subset of unprocessed data remained in the system but was outside the established pause queue. This required further escalation to identify the root cause of the issue.The report recommended that air traffic control documentation should be reviewed to ensure that the system complexity and behaviour can be better understood by engineers and users who are not dedicated to the system. There should also be a high-level joint Technical Services and Operations review of key critical systems. The report recommended that this review should confirm that the operational documentation for each system reviewed has sufficient description and clarity to allow the system to be operated safely and resiliently in unexpected circumstances.While escalation procedures were followed, the authors of the report pointed out that earlier contact with the supplier would most likely have expedited the resolution of the event.They recommended that Nats should update the escalation process to provide guidance on the time or other key criteria that should trigger when, and under what circumstances, supplier support is requested. Nats should create a single controlled document detailing the supplier contracts and associated contacts, who provide 24-hour support, the report stated. These details should be accessible by anyone in Nats likely to be required to support an incident response. As a minimum, these should include Levels 1 through 3 of engineering support.Among the minor recommendations is that given the complexity of the system architecture, which is regularly changed and upgraded, it is impossible to maintain up-to-date overall system mapping of Nats. The reports authors recommended conducting an assessment of the feasibility of using new technology, or a model-based engineering process, to rapidly produce the required system schematic information to the teams during the early stages of an incident.They also said that the technical services director should review the current operational documentation in support of implementing new technology, or a model-based engineering process that supports rapid mapping. This must ensure that there is sufficient and accurate detail for the various levels of engineering support to see the high-level, key interfacing systems and methods by which they connect, they wrote.The key aim of this review should be to assist in the identification of problems that might be upstream or downstream of the specific system where a fault first occurs.In The Current Issue:Interview: Niall Robinson, head of product innovation, Met OfficeIAM: Enterprises face a long, hard road to improveDownload Current IssueClearly smart, SAS acquires Hazy: A wider vision for synthetic data CW Developer NetworkI guess the trainings down in Africa, CNCF & Andela skill-up 20,000+ IT pros CW Developer NetworkView All Blogs

Another deals event is right around the corner, and it's a big one. That's right: Black Friday is next week. If you're considering buying a new pair of AirPods for yourself or the Apple fan in your life, this could be a convenient time to make a purchase -- but don't do it without looking through the deals on these earbuds and headphones first.Also: The best Black Friday deals available nowWhether you're the type of person to know exactly what you'll be buying for every loved one this holiday, or whether you're going to shop around and let inspiration (and deals) come to you organically, you can get ahead of the holiday shopping hubbub by perusing early deals right now. We've reviewed every pair of AirPods on this list, and our deal-hunting experts will help you cut through the noise to find the best option for you to buy or gift.Shop at AmazonOur favorite early Black Friday AirPods dealsAirPods Pro 2: $190 (save $60 at Amazon): These are our favorite AirPods out of the entire lineup. Plus, they just got a new feature that turns them into hearing aids.AirPods 4: $120 (save $10 at Amazon): This isn't the best deal on the new AirPods Apple released earlier this fall, but it's still $10 cheaper than the original price. Wait until Black Friday for a possibly more substantial deal.AirPods 3: $94 (save $75 at Walmart): These earbuds come with six hours of battery life in the buds themselves and 30 hours within the case.AirPods Max: $459 (save $90 at Amazon): Apple released a new AirPods model, so select colors from the older generation are cheaper right now, like the sky blue AirPods Max that's $90 off the original price.AirPods (Second Generation): $89 (save $40 at Walmart): These AirPods are the most basic available. If you prefer a no-frills listening experience, this Walmart deal isn't bad. Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $190Original price: $250The AirPods Pro 2 are our favorite Apple AirPods for a reason -- three reasons, actually. They fit most ear sizes, are great for all-day wear, and boast the best noise-canceling out of the Apple earbuds lineup. You're getting six hours of battery life out of these buds, enough to power you through a workout or two or nearly the whole day at the office. Plus, Apple updated the AirPods Pro 2 recently to include a hearing aid feature that turns these buds into helpful hearing devices -- a game-changing development that will give those who are hard of hearing an affordable sound amplifier. Pretty cool, right? View now at Amazon Jada Jones/ZDNET Current price: $169Original price: $179This discount is small, at only $10 off -- however, it's rare to get a discount on a brand-new Apple product at all. These are the newest Apple AirPods that come with an H2 chip (the same chip in the AirPods Pro 2), active noise cancellation, and spatial audio. Given how new the earbuds are, it's unsurprising that the discount is not substantial. Perhaps as we get closer to Black Friday there will be a more impressive price cut. View now at Amazon Jason Hiner/ZDNET Current price: $459Original price: $549Apple released an upgraded AirPods Max in September with a USB-C port replacing the brand's signature Lighting port. The new lineup includes more colors, that new port, and not much else. What that means for you, though, is that you can buy the older version of the AirPods Max with many of the same features as the new headphones but at a cheaper price. For example, the sky blue AirPods Max is $90 off. Not bad at all. View now at Amazon Best AirPods alternatives to shop ahead of Black FridayBeats Studio Buds: $100 (save $50 at Amazon): Want that Apple ecosystem compatibility without AirPods prices? These Beats Studio Buds offer seamless Apple connectivity for a fraction of the price.Beats Studio Buds+: $130 (save $40 at Amazon): The Beats Studio Buds+ are a step up from the Studio Buds with active noise cancellation and 12 more hours of listening time. The silver color is heavily discounted right now.Sony WF-1000XM5: $228 (save $72 at Amazon): These are some of the most impressive earbuds you can buy with vivid sound, good noise cancellation, and all of those Sony special touches.Soundcore A40 noise-canceling earbuds: $59 (save $20 at Amazon): Customers on Amazon call these earbuds "spectacular" with great sound for an affordable price.Beats Solo 4: $130 (save $70 at Amazon): With up to 50 hours of battery life and comfortable ear pads, you could listen to music with these on for literal days.FAQsWhen is Black Friday?Black Friday takes place on Nov. 29 this year.When is Cyber Monday?Cyber Monday takes place on Dec. 2 this year, and you can find deals across the web on everything from household appliances to high-tech devices.Are AirPods deals really better on Black Friday?I've seen the price of AirPods drop by some $10 or $20 less than their usual discount price during events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day. Brands like Apple usually have a discount price they use during non-holiday events. For example, I've seen the price of the AirPods Pro 2 be around that $200 price range, even though its full price is $250. On a deals event day, the price dips to around $180 or less.How did we choose these Black Friday deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we think are actually worth your while. I know the price of every AirPods model and what they regularly discount for. So when I'm evaluating deals, I'm considering all of this before including a product in a roundup or writing a spotlight on the deal.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.Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?Write your own unique description. Sentiment would be that you can still shop in person but you can find deals online through most major retailers like: Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, etc.)What are the best Black Friday 2024 deals?ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category:You can also find the best Black Friday deals by price:Black Friday deals under $25Black Friday deals under $100And the best Black Friday deals by retailer:Black Friday Amazon dealsBlack Friday Best Buy dealsBlack Friday Walmart dealsBlack Friday Apple dealsBlack Friday Samsung dealsTop holiday deals

It seems like just yesterday that the Galaxy Z Flip 5 was unveiled, but it's been more than a year already. This phone, released by Samsung in July 2023, continues to turn heads with its 3.4-inch external display and a refined build that screams style. The Galaxy Z Flip 6is out now, but the Flip 5 remains a cutting-edge device, and you canbuy it for $999 brand new.That is still a pricey device, so you will want to protect your investment. We've researched and tested the best Galaxy Z Flip 5 cases, looking for durable options that can protect your device without taking from its gorgeous style. Here's what we found.What's the best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 case right now?With consideration of price, durability, and style, we named Samsung's own Z Flip 5 clear gadget caseas the best Galaxy Z Flip 5 case overall. Read on for the rest of our picks.Best Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 cases Show less View now at Samsung Pros Clear case shows the natural color of phone Multi-functional grip for hands-free video- and photo-capturing Portable Cons Clear case could show dust and dirt Samsung Z Flip 5 Clear Gadget Case Best clear Z Flip 5 case Samsung Z Flip 5 Clear Gadget Case features: Comes in clear | Made with bio-based content and eco-conscious materialSamsung made its own clear case, which provides a simple yet effective design to accompany its newest phone. The case is transparent with a key ring-like attachment that resembles the popular PopSockets of the mid-2010s. This button functions as a grip or holder for the phone as you travel with it, but it can also be flipped back to support the phone's weight as it stands, like a kickstand. The kickstand will surely come in handy for hands-free video- and photo-capturing. Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Samsung Pros Smooth feel with eco-leather Hinge protection through flap Neutral colors that go with everything Cons Pricey Samsung Z Flip 5 Flap Eco-Leather Case Best leather Z Flip 5 case with a luxury feel Samsung Z Flip 5 Flap Eco-Leather Case features: Comes in cream, black, and etoupe | Made with eco-leather and plasticThis leather case from Samsung offers a subtle yet sleek design and comes in three gorgeously neutral colors: cream, black, and etoupe. Despite its luxury aesthetic, the case doesn't sacrifice style or security, with interior soft lining for an additional layer of protection and a flap that prevents damage to the Z Flip 5's hinge. At $90, this eco-leather case emanates subtle luxury,all while protecting your Z Flip 5. Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Casetify Pros Lightweight Withstands drops of up to five feet Variety in customization Cons Expensive Clear/black case could show dust and dirt Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Casetify Impact Case Best decorative Z Flip 5 phone case for drop protection Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Casetify Impact Case features: Comes in clear/black and haze purple | Made from 65% recycled materialCasetify's Flip 5 case protects your phone from drops of up to five feet with 1X Military Standard Protection, its proprietary EcoShock technology, and a raised bezel to curb screen scratches or breaks. The cases come in a clear and black hybrid and haze purple, and you can customize your own case by adding personal prints, designs, names, and monograms. Casetify cases are also made from 65% recycled material, if you're in the market for an eco-conscious case brand. Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Pros Budget-friendly Comes in six different colors Anti-scratch and shockproof Cons Matte casing could hide the color of the phone itself Sleek feel could make it too slippery Caredoctor Shockproof Protective Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Case Best Z Flip 5 budget-friendly phone case Caredoctor Shockproof Protective Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Case features: Comes in black, blue, pink, green, purple, and white | Made with polycarbonateCaredoctor's shockproof protective case is made with polycarbonate and comes in six different colors, including a pastel blue, a forest green, and a baby pink. At 1.5mm, the case is anti-fingerprint, anti-stain, and anti-scratch. The Casedoctor case also offers a 0.3mm raised screen edge and a 0.5mm raised camera edge to provide an extra layer of protection around the parts of your phone that matter most. If you're looking for a basic, thin case that will protect your Z Flip 5 at a low cost, this one will work great. Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Zagg Pros Up to 10 feet of drop protection Lightweight feel Protected hinge design Cons Expensive Only comes in black Zagg Bridgetown Z Flip 5 Case Best drop protection Z Flip 5 case Zagg Bridgetown Z Flip 5 Case features: Comes in black | Made with grapheneThis case doesn't defy gravity, per se, but it does protect your phone from the major consequences of it. Out of all the Z Flip 5 cases on this list, Zagg's Bridgetown case supplies the highest drop protection of up to 10 feet. That's because Zagg strengthens its case with graphene, "one of the strongest, man-made materials on earth," the product description says. The Bridgetown also specifically protects the foldable hinge through a hinge cover. This is a lightweight and durable phone case that comes in black and is a little expensive, but, given the level of drop protection, it's worth it. Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Pros 360-degree fall protection Handy finger ring for easy carrying Military-grade protective cover Cons Key ring and material could hinder seamless pocketability Leather casing doesn't offer TPU-level durability Baili Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Leather Case Best Z Flip 5 multi-functional case Baili Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 Leather Case features: Comes in black, grey, pink, purple, and green | Made with polycarbonateBaili's Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 leather cases come in 10 different colors that range from neutrals to pastels. The Z Flip 5 is already a pocketable, portable phone, but with an attached finger ring on this leather case you can free up even more hand real estate by carrying your phone on your finger.The case has an HD mirror finish for yellowing- and deformation-protection, a military grade protective cover, and a camera screen protector to keep your new phone's lens scratch-free. Baili also came out with other , one that is more bare-bones and basic and another that offers a funkier wave design. At $31, this case is a middle-of-the-road option for a protective, handy, and stylish phone carrier. Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Pros Affordable Secure grip through silicone case Cons Bare bones design Less color variety Caseology Nano Pop Silicone Z Flip 5 Case Best affordable and neutral Z Flip 5 case Caseology Nano Pop Silicone Z Flip 5 Case features: Comes in black sesame and blueberry navy | Made with polycarbonate, thermoplastic polyurethaneCaseology's silicone Z Flip 5 case provides protection and coverage with case materials designed to prevent scratches. What the case lacks in design and color variety -- the two Z Flip 5 cases come in a neutral black and a blue with yellow outlining -- it makes up for in a smooth and secure feel. Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon Pros Convenient for cards and cash Fun colors and style Budget-friendly, two-in-one option Cons Might not offer the best phone protection out of all the options Haotp P Z Flip 5 Case Best wallet Z Flip 5 case Haotp Z Flip 5 Case features: Comes in black, green, khaki, navy blue, red, rose gold | Made with faux leatherIf you're looking for a phone case that keeps all your important cards and cash together in one place, this Z Flip 5 wallet case from Haotip does the trick and the flip. The case is made with shockproof and anti-scratch faux leather, includes raised bezels around the screen and camera, and comes in six eye-catching colors. Show Expert Take Show less What are the best Z Flip 5 cases? These are the best Galaxy Z Flip 5 cases and their respective prices.CasePriceSamsung Clear Gadget Case$50Samsung Eco-Leather Flap Case$90Casetify Impact Case$65Caredoctor Shockproof Protective Case$10Zagg Bridgetown Z Flip 5 case$60Baili Leather Case$11Caseology Nano Pop Silicone Case$30HAOTP Wallet Case$12 Which is the right Z Flip 5 case for you? Choose this case...If...Samsung Clear Gadget CaseYou want a protective case with a finger ring that functions as a grip and a kickstand for hands-free video- and photo-capturing.Samsung Eco-Leather Flap CaseYou want a subtly luxurious, protective leather case made from eco-conscious materials.Casetify Impact CaseYou want a stylish and protective case that offers a luxury feel for a higher price point.Zagg Bridgetown CaseYou want a black phone case with mega drop protection.Caredoctor Shockproof Protective CaseYou're looking for a budget-friendly protective case.Baili Leather CaseYou want a stylish and portable case with a handy finger ring.Caseology Nano Pop Silicone CaseYou're looking for a protective black case for an affordable price.HAOTP Wallet CaseYou're looking for a two-in-one phone case to store your money and cards and protect your phone for an affordable price. Factors to consider when choosing a Galaxy Z Flip 5 case If you're looking to buy a Galaxy Z Flip 5 phone case, you should consider the following:Price:A good phone case shouldn't break the bank. While you will have to spend some money for a phone case that fully protects your Z Flip 5, you shouldn't drop your whole paycheck on one.Durability:A well-made case should keep your phone protected from the elements and any minor drops.Design:Consider customization variety, color, style, portability, and functionality. How we chose these Z Flip 5 phone cases We researched the available Z Flip 5 phone cases, and compiled a list of the best phone cases based on price, durability, and design, as well as brand reputation and our experiencetesting other cases from those companies. When is Samsung releasing the Galaxy Z Flip 6? Samsung released the Galaxy Z Flip 6 on July 24, 2024, alongside the much bigger Galaxy Z Fold 6. The new Z Flip 6 features thinner bezels and flatter edges than the Z Flip 5, and feels a lot lighter. It also has a bigger battery, a faster chip, and a vapor chamber for cooling. Do you need a phone case? After spending $999 on a Z Flip 5, you might not want to pay the extra money for a phone case. While a protective phone case might be a hefty expense up front, a well-made phone case will secure your Z Flip 5 from scratches or cracks and keep it in tip-top shape for the long run. Think of it this way: a protective phone case prevents the high expense of getting your Z Flip 5's broken screen repaired, a service that can often cost over $100. Are the Z Flip 4 and Z Flip 5 cases the same? No, the Flip 5 has a larger display size and a different shape, so the case sizes will be different. If you're upgrading from your Z Flip 4 to a Z Flip 5, you will need a different case. Are there Z Flip 5 alternative cases to consider? The above Z Flip 5 cases are the best on the market in terms of price, style, and durability, but if you're looking for more options, here are some noteworthy alternatives to consider. ZDNET Recommends

AhsokaDisneyAs we know, Disney is struggling quite a bit more on its Star Wars side than its Marvel side these days. That has lately meant a mess of a situation about if theyre ever going to make a Star Wars movie again with delayed timelines and cancelled projects. But the TV side isnt going so great either, with miniseries ending, shows cancelled and almost no series returning for season 2. One is Andor, which was always planned, the other is Ahsoka. And information about Ahsoka season 2 paints a picture of a wild gap between seasons.According to a new report from DanielRPK, confirming past reports saying something similar, Ahsoka season 2 may begin filming in April 2025, almost six months from now. What does that mean?Ahsoka season 1 premiered on August 22, 2023, meaning the season 2 is not even going to start filming until 19 months after that show released, an absurd gap.Ahsoka season 1 began filming in May of 2022, meaning it took 15 months to make it to release.As such, if Ahsoka season 2 begins filming in April 2025, 15 months after that would be July 2028, and that is one month less than three years since season 1 premiered.AhsokaDisneyGranted yes, streaming is now in a space with generally long gaps between seasons. Only a few shows manage to do the formerly typical one year in between seasons, and most now do 18 months, or two years. That still feels very long. Three years? Thats exhausting. Granted, this is not the only show with that long of a timetable. Somehow Netflix is going to take three years to get out Wednesday season 2, but in this era of confused Disney Star Wars content and scheduling, it seems like even more of a problem that this is happening.This has not happened to this extent with Disneys other Star Wars shows, as the ones with more than one season are under three years. The first two seasons of The Mandalorian actually released under a year apart, but then delays (namely Pedro Pascal filming The Last of Us), led the gap between the second and third season to be just under two and a half years. The gap between the two seasons of Andor will be two and a half years exactly. Not great, but clearly Ahsoka is the worst example here.MORE FOR YOUDisney needs to get a handle on both its budgets (The Acolytes $180 million was nuts) and its release scheduling. These shows are disjointed and the ones that are returning are distant memories by the time they come back. Something needs to change.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Destiny 2BungieIt feels like the old days, complaining about a specific system inside Destiny 2, a staple of my ten years of coverage. This time around, its what Bungie has done with the process to get new exotic armor when its introduced each season, and how it is bad for all types of players.Destiny 2 has changed this system from playing Expert and Master Lost Sectors, which would reward the exotic as your first drop, if you had the other exotics in that category, after a bit of grind. Too much of a grind, at times. Many people did not love this.But the new system is inarguably worse, as you are now asked to grind Master Rahools new rank to max level one time by decrypting engrams. Prime engrams and normal exotic engrams give you paltry progress. The more directly you focus them, which at the top level requires you to burn high-end materials, the faster it progresses. Then and only then can you focus another exotic engram into the newly released exotic.This is bad for both new and veteran players. New players, because this system is essentially not remotely explained in the game whatsoever as a path toward the newest armor, buried behind a vendor and three different pages of decrypting, and even then, it does not fully explain what to do. Plus, as a new player, you are not going to know all the most efficient sources to collect exotic engrams, and you are not going to have the Ascendant Shards to burn on focusing them for progress.Destiny 2BungieMORE FOR YOUThis is also not good or enjoyable for veteran players. At this point you probably not only have all the other exotics, meaning you are burning all your engrams on random stuff rather than saving them to focus for the actual new armor, but you also probably have good rolls or masterworked versions of the armor you use frequently. So further focusing on most things feels unnecessary and again, just a tax on Ascendant Shards.This is bad, I dont know how else to say it. I say sure, put them back in Lost Sectors as a start, but that also wasnt great. There should also be a chance for these exotics to either randomly decrypt from turn-ins, or they should be able to have a drop chance on activity completion like we see with exotic catalysts these days. I am open to other ideas but this Rahool rank system is probably one of the worst options I can think of.There are enough grinds in Destiny 2 where no one, new players or old, needs to be farming and focusing dozens of exotic engrams to get three new pieces of armor that most will want to use from the start. There are many, many better ways to do this, and even if Lost Sectors (and that one random Neomuna event) were not it, Bungie needs to keep iterating here.Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.

Key TakeawaysMeta has been asked to pay a fine of 798 million ($840 million) for using abusive practices to benefit from Facebook Marketplace.It started with an investigation in 2021 that led to these concerns being raised for the first time in 2022.The company has addressed the decision and said it would appeal against it. But in the meantime, it has decided to comply with it and develop an action plan to address issues.Meta has been hit by another fine of 798 million ($840 million) by the EU for allegedly breaching its antitrust regulations and using abusive practices to benefit its Facebook Marketplace.In its official statement, the EU Commission (EUs executive arm) explained that Meta has been penalized for tying its online classified ads service Facebook Marketplace to its personal social network Facebook and by imposing unfair trading conditions on other online classified ads service providers.The Commission also said that such practices could make it difficult for other marketplaces to find their footing in the industry. While they have to work on finding new customers from scratch, Facebook Marketplace gets to access millions of potential users at once.This unfair advantage might end up reducing competition in the industry which in turn will reduce the choices available for users.The final verdict comes almost two years after the EU has made this accusation against Meta. started in 2021 with an investigation into Metas (back then still known as Facebook) anti-competitive practices.EU raised concerns about Metas practice of bundling up the social media network Facebook and Facebook marketplace.Meta has acknowledged the decision and said that it will appeal against it. But in the meantime, itll try to comply with the verdict and come up with an action plan that effectively addresses the issue.It also denied the claims that tying up Facebook Marketplace with the personal social media site is anticompetitive because customers arent forced to use the Marketplace. They can choose to ignore it if they want.It also countered the claim that its practices might hamper competition in the industry by saying that the EU Commission doesnt have any evidence to back this up.The last few months (and maybe years) have been difficult for Meta. It has constantly landed in trouble with the EU over one thing or the other.Heres a list of other investigates that the company is facing from the EU Commission:running a massive data processing business, which is against the GDPR.not taking enough steps to protect minors on Instagram and Facebook.pay or consent model which forced users to either pay or let their data be collected.Operating in the EU has never been easy. Its one of the few countries that puts user safety above everything else. And recently, after the Digital Services Act (DSA) was imposed in February 2024, more and more tech companies are being penalized for their illegal practices.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Krishi is an eager Tech Journalist and content writer for both B2B and B2C, with a focus on making the process of purchasing software easier for businesses and enhancing their online presence and SEO.Krishi has a special skill set in writing about technology news, creating educational content on customer relationship management (CRM) software, and recommending project management tools that can help small businesses increase their revenue.Alongside his writing and blogging work, Krishi's other hobbies include studying the financial markets and cricket. View all articles by Krishi Chowdhary 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.