Spoilers for The New Next Generation.When Starfleet said it had dispatched the Enterprise to help the Cerritos close the rift, I was worried. Lower Decks has spent the last four years stepping out the shadow of its more famous predecessor. Its grand finale didnt need a focus-pulling cameo from any of the Next Generation cast (or even a subtle one from Steven Culp). Mercifully, none came, and we got one last chance to spend half an hour with the Cerritos crew on their last ride. For now, at least.The length of the Previously On sequence was clue enough this was going to be an overstuffed episode. In fact, it felt as if creator Mike McMahan set himself the task of resolving every plotline in one episode. You can imagine some of these would have been addressed in some future episode had the show not been canceled. But even with a slightly longer runtime, the episode moves far too fast for you to really savor it.As usual, the Cerritos is the only vessel close enough to deal with the fallout from last weeks episode. On the way to close the rift, the crew meet Maah and Malor, who are fleeing a fleet of Klingon warships led by Relga, Dorg and Barghs sister. The fleet chases the Cerritos to the rift which is pumping out waves of dimension-hopping uncertainty. That sets up a wonderful scene where the Cerritos is remade in different ship classes as it pushes toward the center of the rift.All of this unfolds while Rutherford fights both with his implant and his general distaste for the Cerritos. Tendi and TLyn are battling for supremacy as the senior science officer on the ship, and Boimlers still using his alternate selfs diary to advance his career. A normal half hour show can accommodate an A and B story; here were down to G or H, at least. Given a lot of the fun of this show is just in spending time with these characters, its a shame their farewells are rattled through as boxes ticked off on a list.There are plenty of wonderful moments, like when Mariner and Boimler go to Freeman and are instantly believed. In-universe, the characters have earned enough trust to be taken at their word and its touching. Its also a sign of how far weve come compared to, say, the days of Shut up Wesley. Or when Rutherford realizes whats wrong and is able to solve the issue by remembering the California Class is Starfleets Swiss Army Knife. Or when Boimler smashes his Padd to protect Mariner, as their friendship is more important than his career.The episode ends with the rift being stabilized, creating a permanent interdimensional wormhole to the multiverse. Starfleet tows Starbase 80 there, with William Boimler tasked with exploring the various dimensions therein. But such a high-profile assignment needs an experienced head, and so Captain Freeman is assigned to take command of Starbase 80. It means Mariner has to say goodbye to her mom, and Freeman goodbye to her dedicated crew of misfits.Ransom takes command of the Cerritos, with Mariner and Boimler acting as joint first officers, at least for now. Rutherford has his implant removed, and its suddenly obvious to everyone how into Tendi he has been all this time. TLyn and Tendi are now happily science besties, sharing the role as the Cerritos heads off to explore new parts of the galaxy. And Ransoms choice of phrase for his warp command is perfectly in keeping with his love of exercise, and no I wont be sharing it here.You can never quite escape Star Trek once its on your CV, and Ive said before this isnt the last time well see the Cerritos crew. Animation doesnt need your actors to stay the same age and we could easily see a revival in a few years or so. McMahan was clear the fifth season was also being used to set up potential spin-off ideas, so theres plenty of scope for more. Which is why Im not going to write an obituary for Lower Decks, it doesnt need one.Still, its mad to think how things have changed since Lower Decks debuted as the goofy wildcard alongside its more august siblings. Discovery and Picard were meant to be reputable shows with Lower Decks little more than the class clown for diehard fans. Both of those turned out to be far less than the sum of their parts, while Lower Decks held the spirit of Star Trek far more effectively than its so-called betters. It was the only one of that trio to emerge with anything close to a coherent legacy, and with genuine affection from fans.Lower Decks knows this, and ends its episode with a celebration of the Cerritos and Star Trek more generally. The show exists as a celebration of the day-to-day work that would never be lionized in those brasher, shoutier, punch-fightier Treks. The USS Cerritos is an island of misfit toys who have gathered together to make themselves and each other that little bit better. Hell, that could be a comment on Star Trek, or its fans more generally, but its great being one of those misfit toys.Cerritos Strong!This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/star-trek-lower-decks-ends-on-a-new-beginning-140003832.html?src=rss

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) spending bill has just been release and it grants DJI a year's grace before it's potentially banned in the US, The Verge reported. It was expected that DJI and rival Autel could be banned by the end of 2024 because of the Countering CCP Drones Act provision. However, the bill gives DJI an extra year to prove to an "appropriate national security agency" that its products don't pose a national security risk in the US.Failing that, the bill authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to place DJI's drones on its covered list for 2026, meaning retailers would no longer be able to import them. It also means that the products (including drones and cameras like the Osmo Pocket 3) would be prohibited from connecting to US networks, and their internal radios would no longer be authorized by the FCC. That would technically prohibit the use of DJI products already owned by consumers, though the US wouldn't likely stop consumers from doing so.In a reply on its Viewpoints blog, DJI said it's "good news" that the ban wasn't included in this year's budget. However, it pointed out that "drones manufactured in China are singled out for scrutiny and the legislation does not designate a specific agency to undertake the required study." The latter point could cause the company harm "simply because no agency chose to take on the work of studying our product," it wrote.The main reason DJI is still alive is through the support of drone enthusiasts and content creators, along with law enforcement and search and rescue organizations. "In the event that a bill like this would go fully through and would potentially ban the use of Chinese drones for public safety, it'd be catastrophic for the public safety drone industry," said Law Enforcement Drone Association spokesperson Brendan Karr in a letter to Congress.However, US representatives believe they're a risk. "DJI drones pose the national security threat of TikTok, but with wings. This Chinese-controlled company cannot be allowed to continue to operate in the US," said Republican Representative Elise Stefanik. "These Chinese-manufactured drones allow for the CCP, the Chinese Communist Party, to access data in a backdoor manner and ultimately surveil Americans," added Democratic Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/cameras/dji-evades-us-ban-but-has-one-year-to-prove-its-products-arent-a-national-security-threat-133042749.html?src=rss

A company called Elevation Lab has released an accessory for the Apple AirTag that extends its battery life by up to 10 years and makes it waterproof. The TimeCapsule is essentially a case that contains your AirTag and two AA batteries. You don't need to open your AirTag and tinker with it you only have to remove its backplate and coin battery before attaching it to the case. As you can see, it will make your tracking device a lot bigger and considerably heftier, so it's mostly ideal for use with large objects, such as vehicles and big suitcases. As Elevation Lab says in its announcement, the TimeCapsule could make it easier to manage multiple AirTags. You won't have to change their batteries every year anymore just to make sure they'll work as intended if you lose your stuff. That said, the batteries you use will dictate how long it would take before you have to unscrew the case and replace them. The Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries Elevation Lab reommends are 1.5V each and have a capacity of over 3,000mAh, which is why they can power an AirTag for up to a decade. Other AA batteries will work with the case, but they may not be as effective, depending on their specs. The amount you spend for the whole setup will depend on the batteries you choose, but the case itself will set you back $20. This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/mobile/elevation-labs-timecapsule-is-a-waterproof-10-year-battery-case-for-your-airtag-130100521.html?src=rss

New research from CrowdStrike shows security leaders have mixed feelings about AI tools.

A kill switch feature finally lands on Norton's macOS app, and the provider is also expected to add it to its iPhone VPN soon. Here's all you need to know.

Asus ROG Strix G835 looks very powerful with an RTX 5090 on board alongside an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX CPU.

Shipping deadlines? Checkout lines? Traffic? Christmas morning panic? Amateur hourall of them.Whether youre forgetful, inconsiderate, or just plain unorganized, eleventh-hour gifts dont always demand springing for exorbitant shipping fees or, worse, diving between Targets sliding doors mere milliseconds before the store closes.These last-minute gift ideas prove that you can be thoughtful, creative, and budget-conscious, all while appreciating the convenience the 21st century.EntertainmentA subscription or gift card to a popular streaming service is a present that truly keeps on giving. It requires very little effort on your part, and expects very little effort on your recipients part.If, for some reason, youre feeling especially ambitious, you could curate a list of show or movie recommendations based on your giftees unique tastes, or even suggest a virtual watch party to enjoy some streaming time together.Here are a few options to consider:Netflix Digital Gift CardsDisney+ Digital Gift CardsSpotify Digital Gift CardsGamingIf the person youre gifting is a gamer, nothingand I mean nothingsays lovin like some in-game currency or, better yet, credit that can be used toward full games.Just make sure you know their gaming preferences, including the platform or platforms they use to game.Here are some popular platforms to check out:Steam Gift CardsPlayStation Store Gift CardsNintendo eShop Gift CardsXbox Gift CardsOnline LearningEven though schools out for a bit, for the person who loves to learn and explore new ideas, gifting them access to an online course or workshop could be perfect.Platforms offer a wide range of subjects, from photography to coding, cooking to creative writing. They can explore a new passion or develop their existing skills over the break.Your choices include:Udemy Gift Courses (Note: Youll need to select a specific course to gift)Skillshare Gift MembershipMasterClass Gift MembershipSubscription BoxesSometimes, a gift that keeps on giving month after month is the perfect solution. Remember how happy Clark Griswold was when he got that Jelly of the Month subscription? Wait, maybe Im mis-remembering that.Anyhow, From coffee and snacks to books and beauty products, theres a subscription box for almost every hobby. Best of all, its a tangible gift that you can initially give virtually.Theres something for everyone:FabFitFun Gift CardsBirchbox Gift CardsCratejoy (Use this to find a specific box)AudiobooksThere are officially too many podcasts to sift through, so lets all resurrect the tried and true audiobook.Whether a single audiobook or a gift membership to an audiobook service, this is a great gift for someone to enjoy stories while commuting, exercising, or relaxing.Audible might be the biggest name, but its not the only one:Audible Gift OptionsAudiobooks.com Gift OptionsLibro.fm Gift Options

This week on Dezeen, we looked back at the Dezeen team's favourite buildings of the year and continued our review of 2024.The Dezeen editorial team each picked their one favourite building of 2024, with the selection ranging from a Swiss hospital to a brick workshop in Vietnam.Our 2024 review included the year's top 10 product designsContinuing our review of the best architecture and design of the year, we rounded up the top 10 product designs of 2024.We also looked back at the top US architecture projects, house extensions, books and exhibitions.IKEA is re-releasing 10 vintage productsIn design news, IKEA announced that it is set to re-release some of its most celebrated vintage designs from the 1960s, 70s and 80s.In total, the retailer is reissuing 10 products, including a steel-framed shelf designed by Niels Gammelgaard in 1978 andGillis Lundgren's 1973 Tajt fold-out lounge chair.We interviewed The Brutalist's directorThis week also saw the opening of The Brutalist film, which focuses on the story of a fictional, Bauhaus-trained architect, in US cinemas.In an exclusive interview the film's director, and co-writer, Brady Corbet told Dezeen that "there is no more controversial style of architecture" than brutalism.Elon Musk claimed a transatlantic tunnel could be built for $20 billionElon Musk was back in the news this week, as the tech mogul claimed that The Boring Company could create a tunnel from London to New York for $20 billion.He made the claim in response to reports in the news that a transatlantic tunnel is estimated to cost around $20 trillion.Over 30 skyscrapers in Miami are sinkingIn the US, a report revealed that 35 skyscrapers in the barrier islands ofMiami had been affected by sinking or "subsidence" since 2016.According to the report by the University of Miami, the sinking was "related to construction activities".Dior's Gold House was the most-read project on Dezeen this weekPopular projects featured on Dezeen this week included Dior's Gold House concept store inBangkok, a cuboidal primaryschoolin ruralAustria and a holiday cabin with a hat-shaped roof.This week's lookbook featured bedrooms illuminated by creative lighting solutions.This week on DezeenThis week on Dezeenis our regular roundup of the week's top news stories.Subscribe to our newslettersto be sure you don't miss anything.The post This week we revealed Dezeen's favourite buildings of 2024 appeared first on Dezeen.

Local practice Studio Ellsinger has topped a small holiday cabin on Sweden's west coast with a hat-shaped aluminium roof to "trigger curiosity" and offer protection from its wild surroundings.Called Hee House after its location near the beach at Heestrand, the cabin was designed as a second home for a young family willing to experiment with a design that would make the most of its small plot.Studio Ellsinger has created a small cabin in SwedenWhile the cabin measures just seven metres by seven metres, it is designed to "grow upwards" from its tiny footprint with a steep-pitched roof and gables clad in untreated aluminium sheeting to protect it from wind and rain.The cabin's clients wanted a house that would follow similar design principles to the founders of Studio Ellsinger's own house, Villa Ellsinger, an aluminium-clad structure that teeters above rocks on skinny stilts in southwest Sweden.Hee House is topped with a hat-shaped aluminium roof"Our house aimed to leave the ground and its surroundings as untouched as possible, as well as triggering curiosity," said studio co-founder Mikael Ellsinger."The clients had bought a very rural and wild plot on the west coast of Sweden, and they wanted a similar approach," he continued. "This resulted in a home with a tiny footprint where the spaces were allowed to grow upwards, making it possible to fit a lot of surprises in a very small building."The seven-metre roof creates a spacious living area with a loftInside, the cabin's seven-metre-high roof creates a large living space, which is divided by a loft on one side. This level includes a children's sleeping area, a sofa bed and a workspace that can be screened off with a large curtain.On the ground floor, the living and kitchen area is open to the ceiling with large windows looking out over the pines. An oversized bookshelf, which acts as a room divider and support for the loft above, frames a custom-built wood-burning stove.Read: Littow Architectes creates collection of off-grid cabins on Helsinki archipelagoThe roof is composed of two parts, with one narrow and high section and one wide and low, giving it a hat-like appearance and creating a cantilevered canopy that provides protection from sun and rain.To avoid detracting from the cabin's ceiling with beams or bracing, Studio Ellsinger put the roof loads into a horizontal glue-laminated timber (glulam) frame that sits on top of the exterior walls.Hee House's kitchen features red tiles that contrast the untreated pine"One of the challenges was to solve the steep roof construction without any beams that normally stop the outer walls from falling out," added Ellsinger."This was solved with a giant glulam frame that lies on top of the outer walls and that is visible from the outside."The front door and loft windows have circular openingsHee House's interiors are clad in untreated pine, bringing simplicity and warmth to the cabin, while contrasting red tiles cover the floors of the kitchen. All the furniture including its sofas and tables and chairs were custom-made for the cabin.The cabin's loft windows and its front door are punched with circular "prisms", a maritime reference added by the architect as a nod to the cabin's seaside location."On the old sailing ships, they used glass prisms in the deck to spread light before electricity. The prisms in the door are the same sort that spreads light into the otherwise dark entrance hall," said Ellsinger.A bookcase frames a wood-burning stoveBased in Gothenburg, Studio Ellsinger was founded in 2010 by husband and wife duo Mikael and Fanny Ellsinger. Their first project was Villa Ellsinger, the couple's own home, which was completed in 2017.Other cabins that have recently been featured on Dezeen include a group of off-grid structures in the Helsinki archipelago and a concrete dwelling with a steep gabled roof in Mexico.The photography is by Christopher Hunt.The post Hat-shaped metal roof shelters Hee House by Studio Ellsinger appeared first on Dezeen.

Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the Dubai Walk masterplan to add 6,500 kilometres of pedestrian walkways to the city, including an elevated air-conditioned looped path.Aiming to transform Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city by 2040, the masterplan will include a network of continuous paths designed to prioritise accessibility, safety and comfortable walking experiences.Visualisations shared on X of the Dubai Walk masterplan show a ringed path named The Future Loop, which will feature 30,000 square metres of air-conditioned space and 30,000 square metres of shaded outdoor space for year-round walking. .. 3300 .. 110 - " " pic.twitter.com/XjPI2ZuFHy HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 7, 2024A masterplan to add 6,500 kilometres of walkways to Dubai has been approvedSpanning two kilometres, the elevated walkway will connect the Museum of the Future, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and nearby metro stations.The masterplan aims to build 3,300 kilometres of new paths and renovate 2,300 kilometres of existing walkways by 2040. An additional 900 kilometres of walkways will be constructed in the following years.Cultural spaces in the city will be linked by public transport and cycling routes and 110 bridges and underpasses will also be built, aiming to improve connectivity and the quality of the built environment.Read: Dubai to convert 64-kilometre-long highway into "human-centric" Green SpineThe Dubai Walk masterplan aligns with the Dubai's Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and its 20-minute city goal for 2040, which plans to give 80 per cent of residents access to essential amenities in a 20-minute commute."Dubai is a city of the future, committed to creating a healthy and happy urban environment," said Al Maktoum."The Dubai Walk masterplan promotes active lifestyles and provides exercise opportunities for all, making walking a central part of our culture and daily lives," he continued."This vision will position Dubai as one of the world's healthiest and most sustainable cities."Elsewhere in Dubai, architecture studio Urb unveiled plans to convert a 64-kilometre-long arterial road into a green highway and Pritzker Architecture Prize-winning studioRCR Arquitectes revealed its design for the Muraba Veil skyscraper.The top photo is byPhoto by David Rodrigo via UnsplashThe post Dubai to be transformed into pedestrian-friendly city with two-kilometre elevated walkway appeared first on Dezeen.