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WWW.DENOFGEEK.COMStar Trek Just Called Back to One of the Worst Original Series Episodes of All TimeThis Star Trek: Lower Decks article contains spoilers.So, tell me about your gramps, Mariner demands of the new ensign at the end of the latest episode of Star Trek: Lower Decks. Did he smite?On its face, thats a weird question, even for a motor-mouth like Beckett Mariner. Across five seasons, Mariner has established herself as a mouthy and energetic, but shockingly competent, Starfleet officer. Furthermore, Mariner, like her voice actor Tawny Newsome, is a walking encyclopedia of Star Trek lore, which is why she knows about Ensign Olly (Saba Homayoon) and her grandfather Zeus. Or rather, as Captain Freeman reminds Mariner in official Starfleet terminology, Ollys grandfather is the psychokinetic being that presented itself as Zeus.Ollys appearance raises a question for Mariner, who asks, Didnt Kirk kick their asses? I thought they all went off and became one with the wind or whatever. Thats a question most Trekkies share, because Mariners quoting the last time Greek gods showed up on Star Trek. Specifically, they appeared in the second episode of the second season of the Original Series, Who Mourns for Adonais?Written by Gilbert Ralston and Gene L. Coon and directed by Marc Daniels, Who Mourns for Adonais sends the Enterprise to Pollux IV, where they encounter a being called Apollo. Kirk and co. learn that Pollux IV is the home planet of super beings who came to ancient Earth and were worshiped as gods by the Greeks, ruling from Mount Olympus. But as humanity began to put away its superstitions, the beings grew weak and returned to their home planet.While most of the gods allowed themselves to dissipate into some ethereal energy, Apollo (portrayed by Michael Forest) retained his humanoid form and sought new worshippers among the Enterprise crew. And he almost found one in the form of Lt. Carolyn Palamas (Leslie Parrish), the expert in ancient Greek mythology that the Enterprise apparently keeps around. Of course, Kirk outwits Apollo and saves Palamas, sending the rest of the god aliens into the ether.Even for those who love silly Trek, Who Mourns for Adonais? tends to rank toward the bottom of Original Series episodes. Forest has a lot of fun playing the haughty Apollo and theres something delightful about the effect used to make the god tower over Kirk and Chekov. But the episode is neither as goofy nor as serious as it needs to be. The cast plays the conflict a little too straight, which makes it difficult to look past the fundamentally sexist resolution, in which Kirk orders Palamas to get over her silly crush to lie to Apollo about her attraction, thus frustrating his desire for worship.Lower Decks doesnt bother with dealing overtly with the problems in Who Mourns for Adonais? Heck, it doesnt even bother to explain where Olly came from. In that way, Lower Decks differs from the non-canonical works that revisited the episode. Novelist Peter David brought back the gods in a few of his books, including 2001s Being Human, in which Palamas gives birth to a daughter she conceived with Zeus. A descendent of that daughter becomes a regular character in Davids New Frontier novels, Mark McHenry.Yet, as much as these works build on Who Mourns for Adonais, Lower Decks seems to offer the most compelling version of Greek mythology mixed with Star Trek, a woman whose electric powers get in the way of her ability to serve in Starfleet. Fortunately, Mariner knows a thing or two about making a mess and dealing with powerful parents, and the two find a way to use her gifts to solve a diplomatic crisis.Does the solution answer all of Mariners questions about the gods? No, obviously not. But it does help redeem one of TOSs lesser episodes, enriching the world of Star Trek.Star Trek: Lower Decks releases new episodes each Thursday on Paramount Plus.0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 40 Visualizações
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NEWS.XBOX.COMLatest Update to Iron Meat Gives You More to DevourFollowing the success of Iron Meats launch back in September, the team at Retroware has been hard at work charting the path forward with planning major content updates to their modern retro gem!With the first major update arriving on Xbox, you can experience a fine platter of new content to sink your teeth into!Mirror, MirrorOne of the highly requested new features in the game is Mirror Modean option that lets you run through every level, but this time to the left! While flipping the x-axis may seem like a trivial update, facing every enemy, every boss, and every level becomes a whole new experience. Players can unlock this mode after beating the game for the first time on any difficulty!Red Rapid FireA second new feature is the automatic Supercharge upgradeor the third tier of possible weapon upgrades. With the Supercharge upgrade active on a player, all of that players projectiles will now have a red coloration, instead of maintaining their blue or green colors, regardless of their current upgrade tier.So, if a player has one or two guns that are fully upgraded (as in, they fire green projectiles instead of blue), they can try to pick up a third copy of that gun(s) and be rewarded with an automatic Supercharge (Rapid Fire) upgrade, coupled together with a new red color for their projectiles!My 1UPs, Thank YouWith this first major update, were happy to announce that all extra lives players earn while playing through a level will be kept as you start a new level. In other words, you now get to keep extra lives if you finish a level with more lives than you started with.Visual Enhancements to Level BackgroundsWeve gone back to the backgrounds of certain levels and added in some more details that we believe will really drive home some of the unspoken narrative points relevant to Iron Meats story. Some of these new details include: adding a brief section where the helicopter flies in shooting down at Meat monsters on Forest, adding in spikes to the midboss on Base, adding in surviving pilots to the ending credits animation, and explosive impacts from the Meat meteors on Train.Other UpdatesIn addition to minor bug fixes on the backend, weve also:Buffed the default damage dealt by the E, U, and M guns.Added more Meat to different sections of the Moon Base.Retooled certain patterns of the MI-24 helicopter boss fight to be more clear.And slightly changed sections of all levels to be more fair to the player (for example: Meat worms are now killable on Base the second they appear, the Meat Mouth Doors on Train are now killable, and other minor fixes).We wanted to give players a taste of what weve got in store for Iron Meats future, and we cant wait to share even more new content with updates later down the line! Iron Meat is available now!Iron MeatRetroware24$19.99Get it nowIron Meat is a fast-paced, run-and-gun shooter that immerses players in a world overrun by The Meatan all-consuming interdimensional biomass. With a mix of classic arcade and console mechanics, players will battle against mutated victims and machines, dodge bullet barrages, and crush bosses in nine levels of gore-ific brutality. As Vadim, fight back against The Meat and stop the terrors spawned from scientist Yuri Markov's experiments on the Moon.MULTI-PHASE BOSS FIGHTSIron Meat pays homage to classic run-and-gun titles from the past, with intense boss fights fixed into multiple phases. With three difficulty settings to choose from, players can put their skills to the test, where a higher difficulty is rewarded with an even more challenging boss battle.MULTIPLAYER COUCH CO-OPWho says you have to take on The Meat invasion alone? With 2-player couch co-op, you can grab a buddy to leave a trail of bloody, Meat-infected corpses together! It's double the firepower, double the carnage, and double the MEAT!OVER 30 UNLOCKABLE SKINSYou don't have to be a soldier to fight against The Meat. Hell, you don't even have to be a HUMAN to do so! With over 30 unlockable skins to choose from, players can customize their character the way they want. Each skin comes with interchangeable parts, allowing for greater customization with mixing and matching. Want a shark head on a robot body with dinosaur feet? DONE. Maybe a half human, half doggo? YOU BET! Or how about a cowboy with a tail and demon wings? HmmYEP!0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 39 Visualizações
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NEWS.XBOX.COMA City Builder With Co-op and Heroes? Welcome to the Chaotic World of OverthrownHello Xbox fans! Were delighted to announce that our new game, Overthrown, will launch into Xbox Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S and PC on December 10, and will be available with Game Pass. For those of you who might be seeing our game for the very first time, Overthrown is a city builder with more than just one twist our game is all about chaos, and just to throw something a bit unusual into the mix, we allow you to play like an anime character with superhero abilities, and with up to 5 friends. That said, youll still have to build a city, defend it from mutants and bandits, and manage it. Today, Im sharing some insights to maximize your co-op experience.Now, just to set the scene, a bit of background. Thanks to an ancient soul-stealing crown that possesses magical abilities, you have the power to lift anything thats in front of you. Big trees not a problem. Monster nests even easier. Lifting a whole sawmill building so instead of feeding individual trees you can just run through the forest and absorb trees along the way? Why not? Your strength knows no bounds! You also possess supersonic speed, a throw thats made for the history books, and a spin attack so fast that itll make you take off into the sky like a helicopter. Now imagine having all this power with up to five of your friends. Can you already see the shenanigans you can have?To give you a bit of a head start, here are a few tips to get the most from your co-op sessions.One Crown to Rule Them AllWhen you play co-op with friends, the Crown appears on the map for anyone to grab, so youll want to get to it first. Everyone will have the Crown powers, but the person wearing the Crown gets the most reserve crown charge and will be able to perform cool moves faster. Youre all working together, but its always best to be the best at working together, right? During your play session, there might be a moment when the all-powerful Crown might be stolen or lost, which could be the perfect moment for a bit of friendly competition. The Crown can be picked up by an enemy such as a Tuskar or an Outlaw, and you and your friends will have to claim it back. The one who recovers the Crown now gets the extra boost. There is no PvP in Overthrown, so dont even think about trying to kill your friend for the Crown.Teamwork Makes the Dream WorkSecondly, the more workstations you build in your city, the more citizens will start to spawn in your settlement. When youre playing with your friends, you can have different people working in different zones and districts so that you can start to get more citizens a bit faster right from the get-go. And dont forget that not everyone loves all jobs equally. Maybe you love building, but your friend loves combat that is not a problem! Its easy to divide the chores amongst each other.ExperimentAnd the final tip that I have is to go out and experiment. When we first started working on Overthrown it was inspired and built primarily around player curiosity. When playing our game, we want players to ask themselves and their friends Can I do this? and What happens if I do that? To which the answer is Yes, yes you can and, Please try it out! Were crafting the game with as much interactivity in mind as possible so that you can experience moments of surprise, playfulness and just silly goofy fun! Thats what makes playing with friends fun!We hope that you like the sound of Overthrown and are keen to check it out either with your friends or by yourself. In Game Preview, we are building Overthrown with community feedback and would love for you to join us on this ride. Youll be able to start your adventure on December 10 when Overthrown launches into Xbox Game Preview and Game Pass for Xbox consoles and PC.0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 41 Visualizações
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WWW.ELLEDECOR.COMFrom the Archive: This Aspen House Is a Refreshingly Continental Take on a Mountain ChaletThis article originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.The homeowners of a once pedestrian, now chic yet understated house in Aspen are unconditional fans of Paris-based decorator Caroline Sarkozy. We love everything about her style, the wife raves. Its classic but modern, comfortable, and warm without being fussy. And we like that our house doesnt feel like a clinic. Were not keen on everything being bare and spare. Sarkozy herself attributes her eclectic aesthetic to her nomadic childhood. Although she was born in Paris and is half sister to the former French president, her upbringing took a global route when her mother, Christine de Ganay, married American diplomat Frank G. Wisner, who has served as the U.S. ambassador to Zambia, Egypt, the Philippines, and India.Eric PiaseckiA Harvey Probber table and 1950s Wegner chairs in the kitchen.The clients have a similarly international profile. The husband was born in Iran and raised in England; his wife is Swedish. They were drawn to Aspen not simply by the allure of winter sports but for the sunny, culturally rich summer months, a highlight of which is the season-long Aspen Music Festival. Ive never been to a place that offers so many things, she says. Theres music every day, everywhere. Theres hiking, fishing, and biking. Plus, if you want Prada and Gucci and Nobu, you have that too.Eric PiaseckiIn the entry, an 1880 Belgian table, a 1940s Kaare Klint sofa, and a 1937 Josef Frank cabinet found at Christies; the staircase is made of antique oak, and the floor is paved with Belgian bluestone.The couple have a decade-long relationship with Sarkozy, who initially revamped several rooms in the husbands London apartment and decorated a home for his mother. For the Aspen project, Sarkozy collaborated with French architect Laurent Bourgois, who oversaw the renovation of the structure while Sarkozy handled the furnishings and finishes.Eric PiaseckiThe kitchen features Belgian bluestone counters, custom-made painted-pine cabinetry, and a pendant fixture by LB Studio. The stove is by Viking, the ovens are by Miele, and the sink fittings are by Blanco.Built in the 1980s, the house itself was no architectural gem. It was run-of-the-mill, Sarkozy explains. It lacked charm and personality. The walls were covered in stucco and painted bright yellow. There were lots of cheap-looking terra-cotta tiles, a circular staircase with a wrought-iron banister, and arches everywhere. It was like a bad interpretation of a Spanish hacienda, says the wife.Eric PiaseckiHans Wegner chairs from the 1950s in the dining room; the table base and chandelier are by Christian Astuguevieille, the walls are lined in a grid of birch veneer framed with split branches, and the rug is by FJ Hakimian.The location, however, was breathtaking. The eight-acre property is situated in the foothills of the Rockies, near the Snowmass ski resort, with views of the sweeping plain. The landscape is so vast, its astonishing, Bourgois says. The view is like something out of a Western film. The house is surrounded by nature yet just a 15-minute drive to the bustling town. It feels so remote because you cant see other houses, adds Sarkozy. Its more like a ranch.The view is like something out of a Western film.Only minor changes were made to the exteriorBourgois simply tweaked the facade by moving some windows and repositioning chimneys. He did, however, extend one side of the house to create a spacious new kitchen and expand the master suite above it. The terrace off that suite is where the wife spends her early mornings in the warmer months. I like to have my cappuccino up there and watch the world wake up, she says.Eric PiaseckiIn the primary bedroom, the linens are by Linge au Coeur, the wicker chair is by Ron Arad, and the artwork is by Robert Longo. The curtains are of Rogers & Goffigon linen, and the carpet is by Godfrey Hirst.The interior, on the other hand, was completely gutted. The proportions of the rooms were off-kilter, Sarkozy explains. They were not very big, but had cathedral-like ceilings. In their place, lower, but larger, spaces were created. The sloping ceilings on the second floor, for instance, are six feet beneath the actual roofline.Style-wise, the owners initially wanted interiors that had the feel of a log cabinbut thats not what we inherited, says Sarkozy. That would have been at odds with the exterior. Instead, she and Bourgois sought to conjure the look of a European chaletless hokey, more luxe. They imported wood from Canada for the door and window frames, wall paneling, bookshelves, ceilings, and beams. They also installed a stone fireplace in the library. The most rustic-chic touch is the wall treatment in the dining room, which consists of a geometric pattern created with birch marquetry. Its a material that has a life and peels, Sarkozy says. To avoid disintegration, she applied a layer of varnish.Eric PiaseckiThe guest rooms walls are sheathed in a de Le Cuona linen, the artworks to the left are by Cordy Ryman, and the bench is palm wood.In contrast, the furnishings steer clear of mountain clichs. In deference to the origin of the lady of the house, there are smatterings of Scandinavian design. One of the first items found for the home was a Josef Frank floral-print cabinet. It reminds me of my childhood in Sweden, the wife says.The use of muted reds, greens, and blues was inspired by old American barns It was one of those iconic pieces of furniture when I was growing up. Others have a more local provenance. The use of muted reds, greens, and blues was inspired by old American barns, and the artworks include a Clifford Ross photograph of nearby Mount Sopris.The chandelier in the entry hall, meanwhile, is one of the rare exceptions to the antilog-cabin rule. Its made of deer antlersas classically Western as it gets. Bourgois says, There had to be at least one thingan homage to the spectacular surroundings.Tour this Fresh and Fabulous Aspen HouseThis story originally appeared in the December 2013 issue of ELLE DECOR. SUBSCRIBE0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 41 Visualizações
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WWW.HOUSEBEAUTIFUL.COMOne of 2024's Biggest Trends Is All Over This Elegant Indiana HouseEvery home in a storybook setting deserves equally enchanting interiors. So when a young family moved into a house nestled on an idyllic wooded lot spanning more than four acres in Williams Creek, Indiana, they knew it needed a renovation. It felt like a time warp, says interior designer Amy Knerr, who was brought on to give the Georgian-style residence a welcoming yet sophisticated upgrade.Previously remodeled in 1987, the property suffered from a nonsensical layout, oversize scale, and cosmetic craziness marked by layers of heavy upholstery, explains Knerr, who founded Of Place Studio. The worst offender: a terra-cotta kitchen with brownish granite and one long, wide island. Id never seen anything so big, honestly, Knerr says. Related StoryTo maximize flow without losing prep space, Knerr installed a double island in the kitchen. On the same floor, the couples request for a main level primary bedroom called for transforming a screened-in porch and building a small addition. Nearby, a portion of the massive home office was carved out to create a sizable primary bath. Architectural details throughout nod to the original era of the venerable 1936 home. In the living room, hand-hewn wood beams and a variety of seating ensure that what once felt like a chilly, high-ceilinged banquet hall is now a cozy hub for family game nights and gatherings with friends.From there, Knerr selected natural materials to drive the muted color palette in the 7,500-square-foot, five-bedroom, house. Custom walnut kitchen cabinets and white oak vanities have a quiet warmth; Calacatta marble counters add an element of drama. Natural stone is a living art piece in your home, so its really special when you find and use beautiful ones, she says. The kids rooms are drenched in soothing huesa mellow purple, a soft bluethat balance excitement and enduring appeal.A mix of new, vintage, and heirloom pieces fill the house. Exceptional lighting, like the Roman and Williams pendant in the breakfast nook, ties it all together. You can sort of get away with other more budget-friendly items if you invest in lighting, Knerr says. It makes all the difference. And its the perfect way to give each room its happy ending. Living RoomNicole FranzenAnchored by an Indiana limestone mantel, the multipurpose space exudes comfort. Credenza and dining chairs: Lawson- Fenning. Curtains: Dedar. Game table: Nickey Kehoe. Rug: Armadillo. Lamp: Victoria Morris. Wall art: McKenzie Dove.DenNicole FranzenThe office doubles as a serene hangout where the vinyl record collection is kept. Sofa: custom, Community MFG. Chairs and side table: Four Hands. Lamp: Visual Comfort & Co. Coffee table and rug: vintage. KitchenNicole FranzenThe double islands maximize prep space. Cabinetry, hardware, and pendants (white): Devol. Stools: Black Creek Mercantile & Trading Co. Faucet: Brizo. Lamp: Dumais Made. Backsplash, counters: Calacatta marble.Breakfast NookNicole FranzenThe custom banquette, upholstered in Perennials fabric, is an intimate spot in a big kitchen, says designer Amy Knerr. Pendant: Roman and Williams. Paint: White Dove, Benjamin Moore. Table and chairs: vintage.Dining RoomNicole FranzenWe wanted this space to feel like a big, inviting hug, says Knerr. An heirloom hutch from the clients mother was refinished for the space. Chandelier: The Urban Electric Co. Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries. Paint: Iron Ore, Sherwin-Williams. Chairs: Crate & Barrel, in Pierre Frey fabric. Curtains: Brook Perdigon Textiles. Rug: Armadillo.Primary BedroomNicole FranzenThe boucl bedcover and shams from Principals Daughter encourage endless relaxation. Nightstands: Crate & Barrel. Sconces: Lumfardo. Rug: Armadillo. Side table: Hti Home. Lamp: Zara Home. Bunk RoomNicole FranzenWe needed a space for [the kids] friends to come by and have the ultimate sleepover, Knerr says. Paint: Summer Shower, Benjamin Moore. Sconces: Schoolhouse. Bedding: Garnet Hill. Rug: Serena & Lily. Daughters BedroomNicole FranzenA built-in bed and integrated storage, painted in Benjamin Moore Muskoka Dusk, creates space for play in a tiny room. Bedding: Parachute. Sconce: Visual Comfort & Co. Hardware: Devol. Rug: Crate & Barrel. Primary BathroomNicole FranzenNicole FranzenHoned limestone flooring from Zia Tile is practical but not clinical. Bathtub: Kohler. Fixtures: Brizo. Sconces: The Urban Electric Co. Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 43 Visualizações
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WWW.HOUSEBEAUTIFUL.COMThis Sprawling Family Home Is Classic Prep Meets Traveling BohemianIn life, you either have charm or you dont. But in a house, you can always add it. That was the task at hand for Ariel Okin with this young familys home. Even though it wasnt old by architectural standards, it had been a little unloved, she says of the center hall colonial, built in the early aughts in Oyster Bay, New York. The mandate was to channel the homeowners free-spirited sensibilities while maintaining the houses traditional bones. Its classic prep meets traveling bohemian, Okin says.Related StoriesThe house didnt need a complete overhaul, but we definitely did a cosmetic gut, she says. The designer brought in warm yet slightly unexpected hues: coral, plum, and marigold, often in varying tones, to create tension. She wasnt afraid of pattern, which was amazing and so fun, says Okin of her client. It also helped to layer in some unpredictable touches: A sitting room got a ceiling more lustrous than a mollusk shell, and an existing built-in bar was painted a lush purple. The glossy aubergine bar definitely tied into my clients love of jewel tones, says Okin. The finishes throughout are hard-wearing for a growing family with a rescue dog. (For example: The polypropylene rug in the breakfast nook looks like sisal but can be cleaned like vinyl.)Its classic prep meets traveling bohemian.Okin balanced the bolder choices with design elements worthy of The Official Preppy Handbook, layering in stripes, woven natural fibers, scallops, and plates as wall artdecidedly orthodox touches beloved by generations. In the family room, the stripes on the rug really anchor that space because it is so vast, Okin says. The final result is exactly what the homeowner originally conjured. Its a traditional home, but it also has a curated assortment of things from all over the globe, Okin says. Its warm and collected and lived in. A real charmer.Family Room Donna DotanThe homeowners wanted it to be formal but not fussythey wanted to be able to entertain but have it feel kid friendly and accessible, Okin says. Draperies: Schumacher linen. Sofa: Ferrell Mittman. Wall plates: Tory Burch. Baskets: Pottery Barn (planter), Mainly Baskets (wood).Donna DotanIt was existing, but we updated it with fresh lacquer in a yummy plum hue, Okin says. Paint: Brinjal, Farrow & Ball. Lamp: Penny Morrison. Table: Wildwood. Chair: Hollywood at Home.Sitting RoomDonna DotanI wanted it to feel really cozy and enveloping in here, Okin says. Paint: Skylight (ceiling), Beverly (trim), Farrow & Ball. Wallcovering: Gregorius Pineo. Ottoman: Williams Sonoma. Rug: custom. Living RoomDonna DotanThe game table reminded Okin of her client: It was a little bit whimsical but still tailored. Table: Fabulous Things Ltd. Wallcovering: Rose Tarlow. Chairs: The Antique and Artisan Gallery. KitchenDonna DotanFittingly, the kitchen island is painted in Farrow & Ball Breakfast Room Green. Pendant: Hudson Valley Lighting. Countertops: ABC Stone. Counter stools: Serena & Lily.Donna DotanAn all-purpose spot in a high-traffic area. Desk: Crate & Barrel. Chair: Nickey Kehoe. Lamp: Oka x Cabana.Breakfast NookDonna DotanThe existing paneling was kept, since it lends nice texture to the space. Chandelier: Visual Comfort & Co. Drapery: Rose Tarlow. Table: Wayfair Professional. Chairs: O&G Studio.Dining RoomDonna Dotan The intention was a space that felt elegant yet organic, Okin says. Table: Leporello. Chairs: 1stDibs. Wallcovering: Cowtan & Tout. Pendant: The Urban Electric Co. Rug: Sisal Rugs Direct.Childs RoomDonna DotanWe wanted this space to feel polished, fresh, and fun, Okin says. Pendant: Arteriors. Wallcovering: Cowtan & Tout. Paint: Belvedere Blue (trim), Farrow & Ball. Glider: Serena & Lily. Guest Bedroom Donna DotanThe boho vibes were kept in small doses here, ensuring the mood remains serene. Chairs and bed: Serena & Lily. Wallcoverings: Schuyler Samperton (ceiling) and Madeaux (walls). OfficeDonna DotanThe study is the clients escape room, says Okin, and she wanted it to feel 100 percent her. Sofa: Serena & Lily, in Natasha Baradaran fabric. Poufs: Amazon. Sconces: Visual Comfort & Co.BackyardDonna DotanFollow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 43 Visualizações
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THENEXTWEB.COMUK startup launches worlds first AI deepfake-detecting browserUK startup Surf Security has launched a beta version of what it claims is the worlds first browser with a built-in feature designed to spot AI-generated deepfakes.The tool, available through Surfs browser or as an extension, can detect with up to 98% accuracy whether the person youre interacting with online is a real human or an AI imitation, the company said.The London-based cybersecurity upstart uses military-grade neural network technology to detect deepfakes. The system uses State Space Models, which detect AI-generated clones across languages and accents by analysing audio frames for inconsistencies.To maximise its effectiveness, we focused on accuracy and speed, said Ziv Yankowitz, Surf Securitys CTO. The tools neural network is trained using deepfakes created by the top AI voice cloning platforms, he said.Register NowThe system has an integrated background noise reduction feature to clear up audio before processing. It can spot a deepfake audio in less than 2 seconds, said Yankowitz.The new feature is available for audio files, including online videos or communication software such as WhatsApp, Slack, Zoom, or Google Meet. You just need to press a button and the system verifies if the audio recorded, or live is genuine or AI-generated. Surf said it will also add AI image detection to the browsers toolkit in the future.Deepfakes are a growing problemDeepfakes, which use AI to create convincing fake audio or video, are a rising threat.Just this week, researchers at the BBC unearthed deepfake audio clips of David Attenborough that sound indistinguishable from the famous presenters own voice. Various websites and YouTube channels are using the deepfake to get him to say things about Russia, about the US election that he never said.This is just the tip of an ugly iceberg. Deepfakes have been used to enable large-scale fraud, incite political unrest through fake news, and destroy reputations by creating false or harmful content.Surf said it launched the new deepfake detector to help protect enterprises, media organisations, police, and militaries around the world from the growing risk of AI cloning. However, battling deepfakes is a continuous battle between humans using machines for good, against other humans using machines for nefarious means.AI voice cloning software becomes more capable by the day, admitted Yankowitz. So like all of cybersecurity, we are committing to winning an ever-evolving arms race.Surf expects to release the full version of its deepfake detector early next year. Story by Sin Geschwindt Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecos (show all) Sin is a climate and energy reporter at TNW. From nuclear fusion to escooters, he covers the length and breadth of Europe's clean tech ecosystem. He's happiest sourcing a scoop, investigating the impact of emerging technologies, and even putting them to the test. Sin has five years journalism experience and holds a dual degree in media and environmental science from the University of Cape Town, South Africa. Get the TNW newsletterGet the most important tech news in your inbox each week.Also tagged with0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 27 Visualizações
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9TO5MAC.COMElevate your MacBook with iVANKYs new FusionDock lineup [Video]Regarding docking solutions for your MacBook, iVANKYs FusionDock lineup is like your tech sidekick, helping you level up your workspace. Whether youre a power user juggling multiple displays or just need a reliable dock to expand your MacBooks capabilities, FusionDock has your back. Known for top-notch compatibility, sleek design, and serious performance, these docks are made to keep your workflow smooth and your desk clutter-free. Lets dive into the lineup and see what each dock can do for your MacBook!Get an additional 10% off by using the code FOR9to5Mac for a limited time. Be sure to check out our hands-on video below on iVANKYs FusionDock Pro 1+ to see what they are all about!FusionDock Pro 1+The FusionDock Pro 1+ takes MacBook docking to the next level, offering seamless integration for M1, M2, and M3 MacBooks. Its designed for professionals who need a boost in productivity and connectivity without compromising on performance.Key HighlightsTriple 4K Display Support: Connect up to three external 4K@60Hz displays for an immersive and expansive workspace.14 Ports: Includes HDMI, USB-C, USB-A, SD card readers, and a 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet port.Fast Data Transfer: Up to 10Gbps for fast file sharing.100W Charging: Provides robust power delivery to keep your MacBook and devices charged all day.The FusionDock Pro 1+ is iVANKYs go-to choice for users who need a powerful and efficient multi-display docking solution for any MacBook. It combines robust features with affordability, making it the perfect companion for professionals looking to enhance their productivity.FusionDock Max 1For those who need top-tier performance, the FusionDock Max 1 is the powerhouse youve been waiting for. As the big brother of the Pro 1+, it offers even more connectivity and speed, making it perfect for professionals who demand the best.Key HighlightsQuad Display Support: Handles up to four external 6K displays for unmatched multitasking.Dual Thunderbolt 4 Chips: First and only dock with this technology, delivering ultra-fast data transfers and seamless performance.20 Ports: Including 2 Thunderbolt 4 ports, 3 HDMI ports, 4 USB-A ports (up to 10Gbps), 2 USB-C ports (up to 10Gbps), 1 USB-C PD (96W Power Delivery), 1 SD card reader, 1 microSD card reader, 1 Gigabit Ethernet port, 1 3.5mm audio jack.96W Charging: Keeps your MacBook and all connected devices charged with ease.With its dual Thunderbolt 4 chips and capability to support four displays, the FusionDock Max 1 is ideal for professionals seeking maximum performance in their workspace.FusionDock 1The FusionDock 1 is iVANKYs entry-level docking station, offering an impressive set of features at a reasonable price. Ideal for users looking to enhance their MacBooks capabilities without breaking the bank, it strikes a perfect balance between performance and affordability.Key HighlightsDual 4K@60Hz Display Support: Enjoy crisp visuals with dual HDMI 2.0 ports for a seamless multi-screen experience.12 Ports: 2 USB-C, 4 USB-A, 2 HDMI 2.0, SD card reader, microSD card reader, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5mm audio jack.96W Charging: Full-speed charging for your MacBook and an 18W fast-charging port for your iPhone.An economical option for those seeking a highly compatible dock that integrates seamlessly with their MacBook, the FusionDock 1 provides the perfect blend of functionality and value.Pricing and AvailabilityNow its time to save big on these awesome docks. The FusionDock Pro 1+ normally costs $299, but it is on sale for $199.99, offering exceptional multi-display support for professionals. The FusionDock Max 1 is priced at $439 but is also on sale for $373.99, providing the ultimate docking solution with its dual Thunderbolt 4 chips. For those on a budget, the FusionDock 1 normally comes in at $169 but is now on sale for $119.97, delivering reliable performance at an affordable price. All docks are available on iVANKYs official website and on Amazon. Lastly, our readers will get an additional 10% off by using the code FOR9to5Mac at checkout, even with the discounted prices! With options for every user, iVANKYs docks enhance productivity while keeping your workspace sleek and efficient.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 48 Visualizações
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9TO5MAC.COMWhatsApp now rolling out voice message transcripts to all usersMore than a year ago, WhatsApp began testing a new feature for transcribing audio messages into text. The feature was only available to beta users, but starting today, everyone can benefit from voice message transcripts on WhatsApp.WhatsApp can now transcribe voice messagesWith this feature, the app identifies what is said in voice messages and turns it into text, so that users can read the content of the messages without having to play the audio which is useful in situations where you cant listen to audio messages. According to Meta, all transcriptions are processed on-device after the audio message is downloaded.Sending a voice message makes connecting with friends and family even more personal. Theres something special about hearing your loved ones voice even when youre far away. Though sometimes, youre on the move, in a loud place, or you receive a long voice message that you just cant stop and listen, the company said in a blog post.Its worth noting that only a small number of languages are currently supported. Audio transcripts on WhatsApp are only available in English, Portuguese, Spanish and Russian. Meta says the feature is being rolled out globally and should be available to everyone over the coming weeks.When it comes to Apple, the company added a similar feature to iMessage last year with iOS 17. However, Apples messaging platform is capable of transcribing audio in dozens of languages.WhatsApp for iPhone and Mac isavailable for free on the App Store. Make sure you have the latest version of the app installed in order to get access to the new features.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel0 Comentários 0 Compartilhamentos 46 Visualizações