• Windows warns Phone Link wont show sensitive Android 15 notifications
    www.theverge.com
    Microsofts Phone Link app is warning that Android smartphones using the latest version of Android 15 wont display certain sensitive notifications, according to a post from Mishaal Rahman spotted by Windows Central. The warning is the result of an Android 15 privacy feature that automatically categorizes notifications like those containing 2FA codes as sensitive and prevents third-party apps from seeing them. That extra bit of privacy could come in handy if youve unwittingly given a malicious app permission to access your notifications. But it could be inconvenient if you frequently rely on seeing 2FA codes appear on your computer via Phone Link.Mishaal Rahman posted a screenshot of the warning. Screenshot: Windows Phone Link warningAccording to Rahman, Windows should still show sensitive notifications for Android devices where Phone Link came preinstalled and has requested a Companion Device Role. That includes Samsung phones running One UI 6.1.1, but not other Android phones like Google Pixel or Nothing Phones, writes Windows Central.Rahman wrote in October that users could get around the notification-hiding feature by turning off Enhanced Notifications in Android 15s notifications settings. However, doing so also turns off things like reply suggestions and could make it easier again for malicious apps to gather details from all of your notifications.
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  • Game Creator MEGA Bundle
    gamefromscratch.com
    As part of their holiday re-run Humble Bundle are re-running the best-selling game development bundles of 2024, today its the Game Creator Mega Bundle. This bundle contains a large collection of 2D game development assets that would be suitable for use in RPG Maker, Godot, Unity, GameMaker and many other game engines. This bundle is only available for the next two days.Unlike the earlier version of the Game Creator Mega Bundle contains only a single $20 tier of assets:VisuStella Armory: Firearms Vol. 1VisuStella Atelier: Potions and Tonics Vol. 1Animations Select DarkAnimations Select LightGalefireRPG Characters NPC Pack 2 The CrewIsometric Dungeon Designer ExpansionSci-Fi Backgrounds PackRetro Fantasy Music Pack Vol. 2SC: Monster Pack 12.5D Character Pieces Vol. 22.5D Character Pieces Vol. 3Medieval: DungeonsMedieval High SeasMedieval TownsfolkNorthfolk: IconsSci-Fi Game AssetsRPG Battlers 2nd 50 MonstersRPG Battlers 9th 50 MonstersRPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 1RPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 2RPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 5RPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 6RPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 7RPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 8RPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 9VisuStella Armory: Jewelry Vol. 1VisuStella Atelier: Herbs and Spices Vol. 1Animations Select EarthAnimations Select IceAnimations Select WaterAnimations Select WindCursed Kingdoms Boss PackFantasy Beasts Monster PackIsometric Dungeon DesignerIsometric Dungeon Designer Outdoor EditionCursed Kingdoms Music PackRetro Fantasy Music Pack Vol. 1Retro Fantasy Music Pack Vol. 3SC: Monster Pack 2SC: Monster Pack 4SC: Pixel Portraits 1SC: Visage 20232.5D Character Pieces Vol. 1Medieval ExpansionMedieval Heroes IMedieval UnderdeepMythos: ReawakeningNorthfolk: TilesRPG Battlers 1st 50 MonstersRPG Battlers 3rd 50 MonstersRPG Battlers 5th 50 MonstersRPG Battlers 7th 50 MonstersRPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 3RPG Battlers Little Monsters and Robots 4RPG Battlers Lost LevelsRPG Tools Content PackageVisuStella Worlds: Urban City Vol. 1VisuStella Worlds: Urban City Vol. 2Modern Day Massive Music PackIsometric Dungeon Designer MEGA MAP PACKVisuStella Atelier: Herbs and Spices Vol. 2VisuStella Atelier: Potions and Tonics Vol. 2VisuStella Atelier: Rocks, Ores, and MineralsVisuStella Worlds: Cursed SchoolAnimations Collection 2: QuantumAnimations Collection 3: ThaumaturgyAnimations Collection 4: NocturneAnimations Collection: Cursed KingdomsAnimations Select ThunderEVFX BlastEVFX SanctuaryEVFX ShootEVFX SlashCursed Kingdoms Badass Bosses MinipackCursed Kingdoms Monster PackCursed Kingdoms Twisted Forest Monster Pack001 Game Creator (Learn More)GalefireRPG Fantasy Characters NPC/Hero packIsometric Dungeon Designer Caves EditionIsometric Dungeon Designer Cyberpunk EditionSci-Fi Foes Monster PackCursed Kingdoms Twisted Forest Music PackGrand Adventure Music PackKingdoms And Conquest Music PackModern Day Music Mega-Pack Vol. 2Modern Day Music Mega-Pack Vol. 3Modern Day SFXStorytellers Music PackSC: Monster Pack 3SC: Pixel Monster 1SC: Crystal Portraiture2.5D Character Pieces World War II2.5D Medieval Buildings Vol. 12.5D Medieval Buildings Vol. 22.5D Monsters: Daemonum Infernum2.5D Nature Pack Vol. 12.5D Scorching Sands2.5D Snow and Ice2.5D World War II TilesMedieval Plague Bringers + Diseased Town BundleMedieval Town and Country + Interiors BundleMedieval Warfare Knights Templar BundleMedieval: BossesNorthfolk: Character Creator KitRPG Battlers 4th 50 MonstersRPG Battlers 6th 50 MonstersRPG Battlers 8th 50 MonstersRPG Battlers Pixel-Style 1RPG Battlers Pixel-Style 2RPG Battlers Pixel-Style 3Once again, the Game Creator Mega Bundle is only available for the next two days. Using links on this page help support GFS (and thanks so much if you do!). If you have trouble with the link, simply copy it into a new tab and it should work fine. You can learn more about the Game Creator Mega Bundle in the video below.
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  • CloudFerro and ESA -lab Launch the First Global Embeddings Dataset for Earth Observations
    www.marktechpost.com
    CloudFerro and European Space Agency (ESA) -lab have introduced the first global embeddings dataset for Earth observations, a significant development in geospatial data analysis. This dataset, part of the Major TOM project, aims to provide standardized, open, and accessible AI-ready datasets for Earth observation. This collaboration addresses the challenge of managing and analyzing the massive archives of Copernicus satellite data while promoting scalable AI applications.The Role of Embedding Datasets in Earth ObservationThe ever-increasing volume of Earth observation data presents challenges in processing and analyzing large-scale geospatial imagery efficiently. Embedding datasets tackle this issue by transforming high-dimensional image data into compact vector representations. These embeddings encapsulate key semantic features, facilitating faster searches, comparisons, and analyses.The Major TOM project focuses on the geospatial domain, ensuring that its embedding datasets are compatible and reproducible for various Earth observation tasks. By leveraging advanced deep learning models, these embeddings streamline the processing and analysis of satellite imagery on a global scale.Features of the Global Embeddings DatasetThe embedding datasets, derived from Major TOM Core datasets, include over 60 TB of AI-ready Copernicus data. Key features include:Comprehensive Coverage: With over 169 million data points and more than 3.5 million unique images, the dataset provides thorough representation of Earths surface.Diverse Models: Generated using four distinct modelsSSL4EO-S2, SSL4EO-S1, SigLIP, and DINOv2the embeddings offer varied feature representations tailored to different use cases.Efficient Data Format: Stored in GeoParquet format, the embeddings integrate seamlessly with geospatial data workflows, enabling efficient querying and compatibility with processing pipelines.Embedding MethodologyThe creation of the embeddings involves several steps:Image Fragmentation: Satellite images are divided into smaller patches suitable for model input sizes, preserving geospatial details.Preprocessing: Fragments are normalized and scaled according to the requirements of the embedding models.Embedding Generation: Preprocessed fragments are processed through pretrained deep learning models to create embeddings.Data Integration: The embeddings and metadata are compiled into GeoParquet archives, ensuring streamlined access and usability.This structured approach ensures high-quality embeddings while reducing computational demands for downstream tasks.Applications and Use CasesThe embedding datasets have diverse applications, including:Land Use Monitoring: Researchers can track land use changes efficiently by linking embedding spaces to labeled datasets.Environmental Analysis: The dataset supports analyses of phenomena like deforestation and urban expansion with reduced computational costs.Data Search and Retrieval: The embeddings enable fast similarity searches, simplifying access to relevant geospatial data.Time-Series Analysis: Consistent embedding footprints facilitate long-term monitoring of changes across different regions.Computational EfficiencyThe embedding datasets are designed for scalability and efficiency. The computations were performed on CloudFerros CREODIAS cloud platform, utilizing high-performance hardware such as NVIDIA L40S GPUs. This setup enabled the processing of trillions of pixels from Copernicus data while maintaining reproducibility.Standardization and Open AccessA hallmark of the Major TOM embedding datasets is their standardized format, which ensures compatibility across models and datasets. Open access to these datasets fosters transparency and collaboration, encouraging innovation within the global geospatial community.Advancing AI in Earth ObservationThe global embeddings dataset represents a significant step forward in integrating AI with Earth observation. Enabling efficient processing and analysis equips researchers, policymakers, and organizations to better understand and manage the Earths dynamic systems. This initiative lays the groundwork for new applications and insights in geospatial analysis.ConclusionThe partnership between CloudFerro and ESA -lab exemplifies progress in the geospatial data industry. By addressing the challenges of Earth observation and unlocking new possibilities for AI applications, the global embeddings dataset enhances our capacity to analyze and manage satellite data. As the Major TOM project evolves, it is poised to drive further advancements in science and technology.Check out the Paper and Dataset. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. Aswin Ak+ postsAswin AK is a consulting intern at MarkTechPost. He is pursuing his Dual Degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is passionate about data science and machine learning, bringing a strong academic background and hands-on experience in solving real-life cross-domain challenges. [Download] Evaluation of Large Language Model Vulnerabilities Report (Promoted)
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  • Who Watches the Watchman? Managing Cats, Eggplants, and AI Risks
    towardsai.net
    LatestMachine LearningWho Watches the Watchman? Managing Cats, Eggplants, and AI Risks 0 like December 14, 2024Share this postAuthor(s): David Sweenor Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.Claude failed to help brainstorm names for this feline. Photo courtesy of Nick J.A couple of months back, my good friend Nick tried using generative AI to brainstorm names for his familys new kittens. Rather than generating a list of names, Nicks brainstorming buddy flagged the query as inappropriate due to a misunderstood context and denied Nicks request. It was a simple ask that raised a red flag and highlighted the fact that AI can unexpectedly fail. At the time, I wasnt too concerned, but it does open up a set of questions about reliability and oversight.Warning: Bad puns for the image captions are coming.Claude refuses to come up with names for Nicks cats. This is a cat-tastrophe.If at first you dont succeed, you try again.Access to server denied. This is purr-plexing.Annoyance sets in:Is this a meow-stake in the LLMs guardrails?At least its fur-ever sorry.As I finished reading Yuval Noah Hararis Nexus: A Brief History of Information Networks from the Stone Age to AI and am in the middle of Mustafa Suleymans The Coming Wave: Technology, Power, and the Twenty-First Centurys Greatest Dilemma, their dystopian tone is a bit Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post
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  • Daily Deals: Cowboy Bebop, Roblox Gift Cards, Final Fantasy XVI, and More
    www.ign.com
    The weekend is officially here, and we've rounded up the best deals you can find! Discover the best deals for Saturday, December 14, below:Cowboy Bebop - The Complete Series for $17.99Cowboy Bebop: The Complete Series [Blu-ray]Cowboy Bebop is one of the best anime series ever. Following the adventures of Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein, this series is one any anime fan needs to see at least once. We have the series ranked as the #2 best anime of all time, writing "Cowboy Bebop has had an indelible impact that reaches far beyond anime; everyone from Orson Scott Card to Rian Johnson to Robin Williams have praised the series and cited its influence on their work."Save on Roblox Gift CardsRoblox Physical Gift CardRoblox is one of the most popular games in the world right now, and you can never have enough Robux. Right now, Amazon has a Lightning Deal on a $50 physical Roblox Gift Card for just $40. That's 20% in savings! If you're still searching for a gift this holiday season for the gamer in your life, this Roblox deal is one you shouldn't pass up.Final Fantasy XVI for $24.99PS5Final Fantasy XVIIf you're excited for Clive to join Tekken 8, now is the time to pick up his game! Final Fantasy XVI follows Clive Rosfield on his journey to avenge his brother. For the first time in the Final Fantasy series, you can become a summon, known as Eikons in this world. With spectacular boss battles and an engaging story, Final Fantasy XVI is an excellent time, especially for $24.99.Astro Bot for $49.97Astro Bot PS5Selected as Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2024, Astro Bot is on sale this weekend, and there has never been a better time to pick up one of the PlayStation 5's best games. Building off Astro's Playroom, Astro Bot features many new abilities and bosses to fight, with over 300 bots to rescue across the galaxy. You'll find planets modeled after beloved PlayStation games like Ape Escape and Uncharted, and even surprise third-party bots like Leon S. Kennedy from Resident Evil 2. Super Mario RPG for $29.99Super Mario RPG - Nintendo SwitchThis weekend, you can save $30 off Super Mario RPG, the Nintendo Switch remake of the SNES title. The beloved game returns with a fresh coat of paint and the combat we all love, with even Yoko Shimomura returning to compose a remade soundtrack! Super Mario RPG is incredibly beginner-friendly, so you don't need to have any RPG experience to dive right in and enjoy this classic.Save on ROG Ally at Best Buy$449.99 for My Best Buy Plus MembersAsus ROG Ally AMD Ryzen Z1 Extreme 512GB Gaming HandheldThis weekend at Best Buy, you can save on the ROG Ally Z1 Extreme model, where it's priced at $499.99. This handheld device is perfect for exploring your Steam library on the go, with PC Game Pass support also easily accessible. If you're planning to travel anytime soon, the ROG Ally will be your best friend.Stellar Blade for $49.99PS5Stellar BladeYou can grab Stellar Blade for just $50 this weekend. This action game from Shift Up has been one of the most popular games of the year. Just a few weeks ago, new Nier: Automata DLC was released, which included new outfits inspired by A2, 2B, and Emil. In our 7/10 review, we stated "Stellar Blade stands out as a gorgeous and well-crafted action game with very impressive strengths and very clear weaknesses."
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  • The Game Awards 2024: Celebrating a Year of Gaming Excellence and its Exciting Future
    news.xbox.com
    Age of Mythology: Retold Standard EditionXbox Game Studios239$29.99$23.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Sim/StrategyANIMAL WELLBigmode40$24.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Independent GameBest Debut Indie GameBalatroPlaystack Ltd238Get it nowNominated for:Game of the YearBest Game DirectionBest Independent GameBest Debut Indie Game WINNER!Baldur's Gate 3Larian Studios903$69.99$55.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Community Support WINNER!Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Cross-Gen BundleActivision Publishing Inc.538$69.99$52.49Get it nowXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Audio DesignInnovation in AccessibilityBest Action GameBest MultiplayerCloser the DistanceSkybound Games4$19.99Get it nowNominated for:Games for ImpactDestiny 2Bungie2013Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedNominated for:Best OngoingDiablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Standard EditionBlizzard Entertainment76$39.99$29.99Get it nowNominated for:Innovation in AccessibilityBest OngoingDragon Age: The VeilguardElectronic Arts577$69.99$41.99Get it nowFree TrialNominated for:Innovation in AccessibilityDRAGON BALL Sparking! ZEROBandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.502$69.99Get it nowNominated for:Best FightingDragon's Dogma 2CAPCOM CO., LTD.504$69.99$41.99Get it nowNominated for:Best RPGEA SPORTS FC 25 Standard Edition Xbox One & Xbox Series X|SElectronic Arts895$69.99$27.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Sports/Racing WINNER!ELDEN RING Shadow of the ErdtreeBandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.451$39.99Get it nowNominated for:Game of the YearBest Game DirectionBest Art DirectionBest RPGF1 24Electronic Arts204$69.99$20.99Get it nowFree TrialNominated for:Best Sports/RacingFINAL FANTASY XIV Online Complete EditionSQUARE ENIX142$59.99$41.99Get it nowNominated for:Best OngoingBest Community SupportFrostpunk 211 bit studios1Get it nowPC Game PassNominated for:Best Sim/Strategy WINNER!FortniteEpic Games Inc.2143Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedNominated for:Best OngoingBest Community SupportINDIKA11 bit studios74$24.99Get it nowNominated for:Games for ImpactKunitsu-Gami: Path of the GoddessCAPCOM CO., LTD.255$49.99$39.99Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Sim/StrategyLeague of LegendsRiot GamesGet it nowPC Game PassNominated for:Best Esports GameLife is Strange: Double ExposureSquare Enix215$49.99$34.99Get it nowFree TrialNominated for:Best Performance (Hannah Telle)Games for ImpactLike a Dragon: Infinite WealthSEGA227$69.99Get it nowNominated for:Best NarrativeBest RPGManor Lords (Game Preview)Hooded Horse10Get it nowPC Game PassNominated for:Best Debut Indie GameBest Sim/StrategyMetaphor: ReFantazioSEGA236$69.99Get it nowNominated for:Game of the YearBest Game DirectionBest Narrative WINNER!Best Art Direction WINNER!Best Score and MusicBest RPG WINNER!MultiVersusWarner Bros. Games1382Get it nowNominated for:Best FightingNBA 2K25 Standard Edition2K774$69.99$27.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Sports/RacingNevaDevolver Digital31$19.99$15.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Art DirectionGames for Impact WINNER!Best Independent GameNo Man's SkyHello Games1008$59.99$23.99Get it nowXbox One X EnhancedPC Game PassXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Community SupportThe Plucky SquireDevolver Digital54$29.99$22.49Get it nowNominated for:Best Debut Indie GameBest Family GamePrince of Persia The Lost CrownUbisoft220$39.99$31.99Get it nowNominated for:Innovation in Accessibility WINNER!Best Action-AdventureSenuas Saga: Hellblade IIXbox Games Studios658$49.99$32.49Get it nowPC Game PassXbox Game PassNominated for:Best NarrativeBest Audio Design WINNER!Best Performance (Melina Juergens) WINNER!Games for ImpactStar Wars OutlawsUBISOFT1293$69.99$45.49Get it nowNominated for:Best Performance (Humberly Gonzlez)Innovation in AccessibilityBest Action-AdventureTales of Kenzera: ZAUElectronic Arts110$19.99$9.99Get it nowFree TrialNominated for:Games for ImpactTEKKEN 8Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.265$69.99$34.99Get it nowNominated for:Best MultiplayerBest Fighting WINNER!TopSpin 2K25 Cross-Gen Digital Edition2K140$69.99$23.09Get it nowNominated for:Best Sports/RacingUnicorn OverlordSEGA216$59.99Get it nowNominated for:Best Sim/StrategyVALORANTRiot Games787Get it nowXbox Game PassNominated for:Best Esports GameWarhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2Focus Entertainment670$69.99$52.49Get it nowNominated for:Best Action GameBest MultiplayerWWE 2K24 Cross-Gen Digital Edition2K975$69.99$23.09Get it nowNominated for:Best Sports/Racing
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  • 30 Outdoor Christmas Decor Ideas for the Most Festive Curb Appeal
    www.countryliving.com
    The Christmas season really is the best time of the year. Theres nothing better than spending time in the kitchen baking Christmas cookies, gathering with friends and family around the twinkly Christmas tree, or just curling up on the sofa with a cup of hot chocolate watching Christmas movie after Christmas movie. But first comes the most fun of all...decorating! Just like flowers in the spring and pumpkins in the fall, your outdoor holiday decor is a fun way to celebrate the season. A front door all decked out with lush evergreen garlands and cheery red bows warmly welcomes your guests and says a festive hello to all who drive by. If youre looking for outdoor decorating ideas beyond the standard evergreen wreath, below youll find inspiration for easy ways to beautifully adorn your homes exterior with creative garlands, wreaths, planters, and more. Get even more ideas for outdoor holiday decorating:1Dress Your WindowsBecky Luigart-StaynerHomeowner Landon McAfee drapes his cottages front door (painted a holiday-ready green!) with garland of a mix of Leyland Cypress and white pine. As a finishing touch, all of the window ledges get a holiday spruce-up with a layer of greenery clippings.TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 45+ Gorgeous Christmas Garland Decorating Ideas for Dressing Your Home Up2Adorn Your StatuesBecky Luigart-StaynerAs an alternative to a traditional planter, consider placing wreaths around statues that flank the front door. Here, dog statues look extra festive at a Mississippi hunting lodge designed by Richard Keith Langham.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Set up a Seating NookAdam Albright for Country LivingAt Alyson Morgans Wisconsin farmhouse a wreath made with foraged branches and tendrils of dried vines and botanicals takes center stage above a wooden bench loaded up with pillows. An unadorned pine tree in a crock ups the seasonal charm.TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 20+ Easy Ideas for Beautiful Outdoor Christmas Planters4Add Color With a Charlie Brown TreeNat Rea for Country LivingWhile your garlands and wreaths may be perfect and lush, theres nothing more charming than a less-than-perfect fir tree weighted down with ornaments. A galvanized bucket provides a humble, no-fuss container.TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below5Wrap Porch Columns With GarlandsRikki Snyder for Country LivingOn this upstate New York farmhouse, all the porch columns are wrapped with Fraser fir garlandsa perfect pairing with evergreen wreaths and festive red bows.TOUR THIS HOUSE6Hang an ArrangementBERNADETTE HOLSTEINTheres no rule that your front door wreath has to be round. Choose your favorite outdoor-friendly vessel, like this wicker cone, and fill with an arrangement of evergreen and berry-filled branches. Finish with a festive bow. Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Put a Tree on Your PorchDavid TsayI love the idea of having an outdoor tree, and this is a perfect way to do it, says textile designer Heather Taylor of the 10-footer on the screened-in porch of her familys California cabin, whereyes, even during the winterthey bundle up and gather to enjoy time together. TOUR THIS HOUSE8DIY a Tobacco Basket WreathBRIAN WOODCOCKA rustic tobacco basket makes for the easiest DIY wreath! Just add floral wire to fasten greenery, plus a few pine cone accents, some bright berries, and maybe a gingham ribbon to finish it all off.RELATED: 50+ DIY Christmas Wreaths to Give Your Guests the Prettiest WelcomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Hang Wreaths With RibbonDylan Chandler for Country LivingKaley Cuttings Connecticut farmhouse makes a merry first impression thanks to wreaths hung at each window with layered ticking-stripe ribbons.10Mix Your GreensDavid Meredith, styling by Meta ColemanFor a garland with lots of interesting texture, choose one made with a mix of types of greens, such as pine, cedar, boxwood, or even, like here, olive leaves. Complement the simple, natural look with wood and terra-cotta planters holding a variety of evergreen shrubs. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Decorate for the Entire Winter SeasonBrian Woodcock for Country LivingAs if fur-embellished ice skates werent wintery or glamorous enough! In this innovative DIY, theyre filled with sprigs of evergreens and finished off with a fluffy pom-pom for a unique wreath that will have all your holiday guests buzzing. A few silver jingle bells or miniature ornaments make things even more festive.12Go All OutCHARLIE COLMERIf you fall in the more is more holiday decorating philosophy, then go for it! This Christmas-loving homeowner went wild with a small tree, wreath, evergreen arrangements in planters, colorful packages, a vintage ski poster, and whimsical flag bunting up above. RELATED: The Best Small Christmas Tree Ideas With Big Holiday SpiritAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Stagger Red & Green LanternsBrian Woodcock for Country LivingNow, heres a home that incorporates the colors of Christmas in a seamless, beautiful way that doesnt interrupt their existing decor scheme. These Tennessee homeowners incorporated the merry hues using a swath of cedar branches tied together with red ribbon, a small tree, and other color-coordinated decorations.TOUR THIS HOUSE14Lean a Vintage Sled Dylan Chandler for Country LivingA vintage wooden sled or two propped by the door brings a seasonal spirit that can stay all winter long. For extra embellishment add a large bow. RELATED: 25+ Vintage Christmas Decorations That Will Never Go Out of StyleAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Swoop Your GarlandKim Cornelison for Country LivingRather than wrapping your porch posts, let the garlands hang down for a more casual farmhouse-style look. It also lets a lot more of that pretty green to showand pop against a wintery white setting.TOUR THIS HOUSE16Stack up Some Hay BalesBuff Strickland for Country LivingThis country Christmas display outside the Junk Gypsies Wander Inn, comes together with just a few items, namely hay bales. They used brightly colored lights and galvanized stars as decorations, but you can adorn yours however you like. RELATED: See more of how the Junk Gypsies Decorate Their Inn for ChristmasAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below17Create a Fragrant Door SwagBrian Woodcock for Country LivingIs there a more beautifulor more fragrant!arrangement than a grouping of dried oranges, pine cones, and fresh greenery? We dont think so! Add a burlap ribbon, and you have yourself an eye-catching front door decoration.RELATED: How to Dry Citrus for All Your Holiday Decorations18Bring Out Vintage FavoritesDavid Tsay for Country LivingAt her Michigan farmhouse, Abby Hoppen brings out her vintage thermoses and coolers to add crusty nostaligia to the front porch. A red metal lawn chair and galvanized feeders add more pops of vintage patina. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below19Hang Garland Around the HouseBurcu AvsarNo porch? No problem! Just drape garland around the exterior of your house or barn for a unique holiday look. Cover the garland with outdoor-friendly ball ornaments of various colors and sizes for extra festive flair20Embellish With BerriesMichael PartenioThis is no ordinary wreathbut it doesnt take a ton of elbow grease to create it either. A simple spray of wheat stalks, a pretty ribbon bow, and a few artificial berries make for a gorgeous final look...and dont forget the tiny silver bells.
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  • Elevate your holiday entertainment with XGIMIs projectors
    9to5mac.com
    This holiday season, XGIMI is offering an array of cutting-edge projectors that promise to transform your festive gatherings into unforgettable experiences. With limited-time discounts and special bundle deals, theres never been a better time to upgrade your home entertainment system or find the perfect gift for the tech enthusiast in your life.XGIMIs projectors are designed to bring families and friends together, creating a cinematic atmosphere for holiday movie marathons, sports events, and celebrations. The high-quality visuals and immersive sound will make every viewing experience magical, whether youre watching classic Christmas films or streaming the latest blockbusters.XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collectionThe MoGo 3 Pro is XGIMIs newest portable projector. With the size of a large cup, its ideal for taking with you wherever you go, whether indoors or outdoors. The 1080p resolution with 450 lumens of brightness is enough to provide a fun movie night with your family at Christmas. Even if you dont have a dedicated space for a large projector.MoGo 3 Pro has two 5W speakers from Harman/Kardon, and the best part is that the projector also works as a Bluetooth speaker. This means you can play songs with it from your phone without having to turn on the projector lens.The MoGo 3 Pros design features a built-in stand with 130 adjustment, and just like other XGIMI projectors, it also has easy setup with autofocus and auto keystone to intelligently adjust the image.For this holiday season, XGIMI has created something special: the MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collection. You can buy a kit with a MoGo 3 Pro projector combined with a Creative Optical Filter, the PowerBase Stand to use the projector unplugged, and an exclusive Christmas case. Its the perfect gift for tech enthusiasts or someone who loves home entertainment.You can buy the XGIMI MoGo 3 Pro Christmas collection for just $549.More XGIMI deals for this holiday seasonXGIMI has also prepared many other special offers for this holiday season.The new Elfin Flipis a beautiful 1080p projector with a built-in 150 angle stand, perfect for smaller rooms. It also supports image auto-adjustment and has two built-in 3W speakers. From $399, you can buy it for just $299 during the Christmas sale.For the ultimate home cinema experience,XGIMI AURA 2is the one to go for. Not only does it support Dolby Vision, it is also IMAX Enhanced certified. With 2300 ISO lumens of brightness and Ultra Short Throw technology for projecting large 4K images at a short distance, AURA 2 has state-of-the-art specifications. It costs $2,699 and comes with a gift dongle.Another excellent option for this holiday season is the XGIMI Horizon Ultra. It can project 4K images with a very high level of brightness, making it ideal for setting up your own home cinema. The images are sharp, bright and have vivid colors. Perfect for watching Christmas movies and shows in high resolution with your family.XGIMI Horizon Ultra review: 4K projector for those serious about image qualityWith theXGIMI Horizon Ultra, you dont have to worry about connecting external speakers to it, because the projector has two 12W speakers from Harman Kardon with DTS Sound technology for a surround experience. While this experience usually costs $1,799, XGIMI is selling Horizon Ultra for $1,444 during the holiday season.You can check out some other Christmas deals from XGIMI below:Horizon S Max ($1,899): An improved version of the XGIMI Horizon Ultra 4K with higher brightness and a built-in flexible stand, now with a gift dongle included.Horizon S Pro ($1,299): A more affordable version of XGIMIs premium 4K projector with 1800 ISO lumens of brightness. Also comes with a stand and a gift dongle.XGIMI Halo+ ($749): A compact 1080p projector with 700 lumens of brightness and a built-in battery that lasts more than 2.5 hours.Dont miss out on these limited-time offers. Visit XGIMIs official website or check out their Amazon store to explore the full range of holiday deals and bring home the gift of cinematic magic this Christmas.Follow @xgimitech on social media for the latest updates and exclusive offers throughout the holiday season.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 channel
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  • Indie App Spotlight: TechniCalc is a comprehensive calculator with a clean interface
    9to5mac.com
    Welcome toIndie App Spotlight. This is a weekly 9to5Mac series where we showcase the latest apps in the indie app world. If youre a developer and would like your app featured, getin contact.TechniCalc is a fully featured calculator app, with all of the advanced features youd need but without a clunky or outdated UI. It focuses on being clean, easy to use, while being good for mathematicians. Its available for iPhone, iPad, Mac.Interface highlightsMany advanced calculator apps feel like theyre out of the 90s still, but not TechniCalc. Its beautiful interface scales nicely across iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It also has both light and dark mode. The developer focused on making two key interactions better than the competition, making it nice to use.When youre typing an equation, TechniCalc keeps everything visible, whereas some apps like to hide the previous number you typed after pressing plus or whatever else. This allows you to easily read your equation.On top of that, the keyboard is fully featured in both portrait and landscape, reducing the need to rotate your device. It does this by grouping things in submenus behind buttons, allowing the interface to look clean while still retaining over 100 calculator buttons. For example, if you press and hold on degrees, you have a submenu that shows you arcminutes and arcseconds. You can also press and hold on sin for arcsin, and so on.Math capabilitiesOn top of being able to do basic calculations, TechniCalc has mostly everything youd want out of a fully featured calculator, including the following:BracketsSquare and cubic rootsExponents and logarithms TrigonometryTrigonometry (sin, cos, tan)Degrees, radians, and gradiansConstants (pi, e, and over 100 other physical constants)It also has a formula book, calculation history, a built in unit and currency convertor, and a statistics mode.For advanced math, it also supports the following:Almost unlimited number sizes over 1,000,000 factorialSquare roots and logarithms with any baseFactorial, nPr, nCr, and gammaHyperbolic trigonometry (sinh, cosh, tanh)Vectors and matricesImaginary and complex numbersSeries sums and productsNumerical integration and differentiationBinary, octal, and hexadecimalProgrammer modeWhatever you need from your calculator, TechniCalc likely has you covered.TechniCalc is available as a one time purchase on the App Store, with no ads or subscriptions for just $7.99. Once purchased, thats it theres no additional upsells or anything else to worry about.Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 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 channel
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  • Saatva HD Mattress Review 2024: A Heavy-Duty Luxurious Bed
    www.cnet.com
    8.75 /10 SCORE Our Verdict Our Verdict Best for: Back sleeper Combo sleeper Side sleeper Stomach sleeper Score Breakdown Performance 9 /10 Policies 8.5 /10 Durability 9.5 /10 Features 9 /10 Pros and Cons Pros Durable and supportive Responsive, accommodating feel Zoned support design Organic materials Cons Expensive Only one firmness option Not compatible with adjustable bases Table of Contents A mattress seems like a simple purchase at first, but it's a lot more complicated if you want to get the right mattress for your body type. Whether you like your mattress as soft as feathers or on the harder side, you need one that provides comfort and support.If you're a heavier person, you'll be pleased to know the market is loaded with mattresses that offer extra support and robust features (supporting up to 500 pounds per person). Some examples include the Titan Plus and Titan Plus Luxe, the WinkBed Plus and the Big Fig mattress. The Saatva HD is another example, and it might be the nicest one in terms of quality and comfort.First impressions of the Saatva HD mattressI was expecting to be impressed by the Saatva HD mattress prior to its arrival at our office and testing facility because of the pedigree of the Saatva brand. The Saatva Classic is one of CNET's favorite mattresses, the Loom & Leaf mattress and the Saatva Solaire mattress are also great for different reasons and the Saatva HD did not disappoint.All of Saatva's beds have a premium look, but in my opinion the HD mattress looks the best thanks to its organic cotton cover, golden embroidery and tall height profile. When we first started testing the mattress I found it similar to the Saatva Classic in terms of feel with subtle differences, which makes sense considering the HD is essentially designed to be a thicker, more supportive and durable version of the Classic.It also wasn't quite as firm as I expected -- often, beds that are designed for heavier people tend to skew firm, and while I would describe the HD as firmer than the average mattress, I was expecting something like the Titan Plus mattress which is among the firmest beds we've tested.Video: Saatva HD mattress ReviewWatch me review the Saatva HD mattress in this video. Saatva HD construction and feelThe Saatva HD mattress is very thick at 15.5 inches tall, which is among the thickest mattresses we've tested. Consequently, you might want to get deep pocket sheets to accommodate the mattress, and because of how thick the bed is and the materials it uses the Saatva HD is not compatible with adjustable bases which is something to keep in mind.The bottommost layer is a 2-inch layer of dense, responsive support foam. You won't really be feeling this layer at all, its job is to provide the coil layer above a stable foundation. The coil layer is about 6 inches thick and is the primary support layer of the Saatva HD. It's constructed with extra thick gauge coils to improve the durability of the mattress.Above the coil layer is a 2-inch layer of high-density responsive foam, which functions as a transition layer to help make sure you only feel the bounce and support from the coil layer, not the coils themselves. Above this layer is a 1.5-inch layer of memory foam for comfort and pressure relief, and above the memory foam is a 1.5-inch layer of zoned latex foam, and then the mattress is finished off with a 3-inch quilted European pillow top.This bed has a lot going on under the cover and has a pretty strong resemblance to the Saatva Classic, with the key difference being the latex foam layer. On the Classic instead of a layer of latex foam it has another layer of coils.The construction gives the Saatva HD an accommodating, responsive pillow-top feel that I think pretty much everyone will find comfortable. Despite its layer of memory foam, it doesn't have the sink-in, body-conforming quality that memory foam is known for. If you're a memory foam lover, this feel might not appeal to you, but I have a hard time thinking people will find the Saatva HD uncomfortable. Jon Gomez/CNETSaatva HD firmness and sleeper typesUnlike the Saatva Classic which comes in three different firmness options, the Saatva HD is only available in one and in our testing we found it to be roughly a medium-firm on our scale, which makes it most ideal for back, stomach, and combination sleepers. People who spend a significant portion of the night on their side will likely want a mattress with a softer profile to provide more pressure relief. The brand agrees with our medium-firm assessment and lists it at the same level on its website.This firmness profile comes with a caveat though. Firmness is subjective and depends on a person's body weight, with heavier people generally finding beds softer than lighter people. If you're a heavier person, you may feel it to be closer to a medium than a medium-firm. This could make it more appropriate for side sleepers.I think it would be a nice addition to Saatva HD for there to be a firmer option for heavier sleepers who want very little give in their mattress. For now, though, there's only one firmness profile for this mattress. Jon Gomez/CNETSaatva HD mattress performanceEdge supportThe edge support of a mattress refers to how well the perimeter of the bed holds up under pressure. If the edge compresses too much, you can feel like you are going to roll off the mattress, which usually leads to poor sleep.I thought the edge support on the Saatva HD was great. I didn't observe any roll-off sensation, and looking back at the construction of this mattress, there is dense foam reinforcement of the outer perimeter specifically to improve the edge support.Motion isolationIf you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because your partner tosses and turns a lot, having a mattress that does a good job of isolating cross-mattress motion is important.The Saatva HD is about average in this category. The support layer has some design elements to improve the motion isolation; however it can't really compete with a foam mattress in this category.However, if you are a really light sleeper who wakes up easily if your partner tosses and turns, it could happen more on this bed than others, but I don't see it being a dealbreaker for most.Temperature regulationThe Saatva HD mattress should sleep temperature neutral thanks to its breathable layers like the coils, latex foam and organic cotton used in the pillow-top. It doesn't have any active cooling features like on the Brooklyn Bedding Aurora or Tempur-Pedic Pro Breeze that are cool to the touch.There are no red flags for sleeping hot on the Saatva HD, although in a recent 30-night home test of the Saatva Classic a member of our team did warm up a bit.Saatva HD pricing undefined SizeMeasurements (inches)Price Twin 38x74 inches$1,995Twin XL 38x80 inches$2,195Full 54x75 inches$2,995Queen 60x80 inches$3,295King 76x80 inches$3,945Cal king 72x84 inches$3,945 There is no getting around the fact that the Saatva HD is an expensive mattress. It is significantly more expensive than the base model Saatva Classic, which is $2,095 for a queen size before discounts. The Saatva HD is also regularly discounted, which will lower the price a bit, but it is still a bed you need a sizable budget to consider.Make sure to check out our mattress deals page for the latest pricing and discounts on the Saatva HD or any other bed you might be interested in.Saatva HD mattress policiesFree shipping (white glove delivery)Unlike most online mattresses, which are rolled up and packaged tightly in plastic and then shipped to you in a large box, Saatva ships all of its beds fully expanded. You also get in-home setup and removal of your old mattress (if you choose). This is often called "white glove delivery."This can be especially nice if you don't want to unpack your own mattress -- that isn't too difficult, but if you struggle to lift things, it can be a hassle. The bigger hassle is getting rid of your old bed, as it can cost a bit of money to dispose of a mattress. With any mattress from Saatva, you won't have to deal with it.365-night trialAll Saatva mattresses come with an extra-long trial period of 365 nights in comparison to the usual standard of 100 nights. So you have quite a while to really test it out and see if you like it.Keep in mind that it can take a month or longer for your body to adjust to a new mattress, no matter how well-suited it is to your sleeping preferences. The trial period begins the day the mattress is delivered, not when you actually start sleeping on it.Return policyAt any point after the first 30 nights post-delivery you decide the Saatva HD mattress isn't for you for any reason, you can return it and get a refund. You just contact the company, and it will coordinate with a third party to pick up the mattress for you and then the bed is usually donated.There is a $99 fee to return any mattress from Saatva. It used to be one of the only brands that has a return fee but more and more online brands now have a similar fee.WarrantyAll Saatva mattresses are backed by a Lifetime warranty, which is above and beyond the usual online mattress standard of 10 years.Like pretty much any warranty that lasts longer than 10 years, this warranty is tiered and offers more protection in the first 10 years in comparison to the years after but the Saatva HD mattress will likely remain durable over the long haul. Jon Gomez/CNETFinal verdictThe Saatva HD is a high-quality mattress with premium materials and a design that will ensure long-term durability for heavier bodies. You don't necessarily need to be a heavier person to be interested in the Saatva HD, though, but if you are not the type of person this bed is designed for, I don't see why you'd buy this instead of the Saatva Classic. The Classic is more affordable, has more firmness options and is also durable and supportive. The HD does have a latex foam layer, which I could see some people gravitating towards, but with the extra cost and inability to work with an adjustable base, the Saatva HD is more of a niche choice.For heavier people looking for a luxurious mattress that's specifically designed to be super supportive and durable, the Saatva HD is one of the best beds on the market. The only potential downsides is firmness and price but it should work for the majority of people and it's also very comfortable.You might like the Saatva HD mattress ifYou're a heavier person looking for a durable and supportive bedYou want a neutral, accommodating mattress feelYou're sharing this mattress and need excellent supportYou're seeking a firmer mattressYou might not like the Saatva HD mattress ifYou're shopping on a tight budgetYou use or want to use an adjustable baseYou want something plushOther mattresses from SaatvaSaatva Classic: This is one of our all-time favorite mattresses, and we put it on many of our best lists for its comfort, versatility and price. It comes in three different firmness levels that work for most sleepers. It uses two layers of coils, it's plenty supportive and it has an accommodating and traditional pillow-top feel. There are just a lot of things to like about the Saatva Classic, and it is more affordable than the Saatva HD.Loom & Leaf: This is the premium memory foam mattress option from Saatva. It doesn't feature any coils and instead uses dense foam for support and two different layers of memory as the primary comfort layers. The luxurious quilted cover is filled with a more responsive type of foam, so it has more of a responsive memory foam feel overall. It also comes in two different firmness levels that lean toward the firm end of the spectrum.Saatva Rx:The Saatva Rx is a relatively new bed from Saatva, which is designed to provide targeted support for sleepers with chronic pain. It has two layers of coils, foam-tipped pocketed coils and micro coils to achieve that level of support. It also has a nice, comfy pillow-top feel. It only comes in one firmness level and it's a bit softer than a medium to make it a nice option for side sleepers looking for joint pressure relief.How does the Saatva Soliare mattress compare to similar mattresses?Saatva HD vs. WinkBed Plus The WinkBed Plus is essentially WinkBed's answer to the Saatva HD, meaning it's a variant of its flagship mattress designed for heavier people. The WinkBed Plus is technically a different firmness option from the regular WinkBed mattress, but we consider it a different bed altogether because it's more expensive and has a different construction. Like the Saatva HD, the WinkBed Plus has a layer of latex foam for added bounce and durability and has the same type of responsive pillow-top feel and a similar medium-firm profile -- all while also being more affordable.Saatva HD vs. Titan Plus The Titan Plus mattress is another popular bed that's designed for heavier individuals. Like the Saatva HD, it uses extra-thick gauge coils for additional support and durability. It has fewer comfort layers than the Saatva HD, and instead of having a pillow-top feel, it has more of a responsive, firm foam feel that I don't think is universally comfortable. There's also a Titan Plus Luxe model that adds some memory foam, which changes up the feel.The biggest point in favor of the Titan Plus in comparison to the Saatva HD is that it's much more affordable. It's $1,249 for a queen size and has an optional cooling cover.Saatva HD vs. Big Fig Big Fig is another mattress specifically designed for heavier people -- "Big Fig" is short for "Bigger Figure." It also has extra-thick gauge coils and has a feel more similar to the Titan Plus I just covered than the pillow-top feel of the Saatva HD. It has a cover that is somewhat cool to the touch, and Big Fig says it can support up to 1,100 pounds throughout the lifespan of the mattress. Big Fig is also more affordable than the Saatva HD, $1,899 for a queen and it has a firmer profile.Saatva HD mattress FAQs Does this mattress ship in a box? No, the Saatva HD and all other beds from Saatva ship full-size via white glove delivery. Show more Is the Saatva HD mattress safe? Yes, this mattress has certifications to show it's non-toxic and it uses recycled materials and natural latex. Show more Will this work with an adjustable base? No, the Saatva HD's design doesn't allow it to work with an adjustable base. Show more
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