It's a tiny PC with lots of power and tons of potential - and it's not a Raspberry Pi.

I reviewed a slew of handy gadgets this year, but these few became essential parts of my kit.

Looking for a brilliant pair of studio-quality, open-back cans? The Beyerdynamic DT 1990 Pro are the most comfortable over-ear headphones I've worn.

Healthy Diet GoalsgettyAs 2025 begins, many of us are focusing on healthier diets and fitness resolutions. However, even the most diligent efforts could be undermined by an invisible force: climate change. Beyond extreme weather and rising seas, climate change has a profoundand often overlookedimpact on the nutrient content of the food we eat. The soil where our food grows is changing, and that change is having serious consequences on our health.2025 Diet Sabotage Crisis: Soil Degradation and Nutrient LossSoil is the foundation of all terrestrial life, providing nutrients that sustain crops, livestock, and ecosystems. Yet, research shows that soil quality is deteriorating due to climate-related factors like rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, and desertification. Soil health plays a vital role in human well-being, serving as the foundation for nutrient-rich crops that sustain global populations. According to Food and Agriculture Organization, when soils are degraded, the resulting crops often lack essential nutrients, increasing the risk of malnutrition and related health issues, especially among vulnerable groups. In other words, an apple a day, may not be sufficient to keep the doctor away. Additionally, the contamination of soils with pesticides, heavy metals, and other pollutants can lead to significant health hazards. FAO also reports that one-third of global soils are already degraded.Climate change affects soil quality gettyThis degradation matters because nutrient-rich soil is essential for producing healthy food. A 2017 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives revealed that increased atmospheric CO2 levels lower the concentration of essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and protein in crops. Wheat, rice, and soybeansstaples for billionshave seen reductions in nutrient density of up to 10% compared to crops grown decades ago.A 2018 research by National Library of Medicine, indicated alarming results, as elevated atmospheric CO2 negatively impacts the nutritional quality of vegetables by reducing several essential nutrients. A meta-analysis of 57 studies found that elevated atmospheric CO2 leads to a 9.5% decrease in protein, an 18.0% reduction in nitrate, a 9.2% decline in magnesium, a 16.0% drop in iron levels, and a 9.4% decrease in zinc. These losses are concerning, as these nutrients are vital for human health, particularly in vulnerable populations who may already be at risk for deficiencies. The onset of Climate change underscores the urgent need to address these reductions and is critical to ensure that vegetables continue to provide the necessary nutrients for a healthy diet in the face of rising CO2 levels.MORE FOR YOU2025 Diet Plans Are Inevitably Affected by Declining Soil HealthThe decline in soil and food quality has direct implications for human health. According to research by the International Food Policy Research Institute, zinc plays a vital role in human health, yet zinc deficiency remains one of the most prevalent forms of micronutrient malnutrition worldwide. The research further stated that approximately that 17% of the global population lacks adequate zinc intake, with this figure climbing to 19% in Asia and 24% in Africa. This deficiency is linked to stunted growth, weakened immunity, and cognitive challenges in children, and growing evidence suggests it also contributes to the burden of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases later in life.Iron deficiency, another byproduct of nutrient-poor crops, is the leading cause of anemia worldwide, affecting 1.62 billion people according to a National Institute of Health report. Anemia as defined by the American Society of Hematology, occurs when there is not enough red blood cells or when the red blood cells do function properly, and this contributes to fatigue, decreased productivity, and complications during pregnancy, with ripple effects on economic output and healthcare systems.Soil health affects healthcare sectorgettyThe intersection of climate change and public health will continue to present a formidable challenge, as rising CO2 levels exacerbate nutrient deficiencies in staple crops, posing dire consequences for global nutrition. Iron deficiency, is already the world's most common micronutrient shortfall, and is set to worsen as increased atmospheric CO2 (projected at 550 ppm by 2050) reduces iron concentrations in C3 grains, legumes, and maize by 410% according to a 2019 Stanford University report. The report further indicated that vulnerable populations, particularly children aged 15 and women of childbearing age in regions like South Asia, East Africa, and North Africa, are disproportionately affected. These areas, often economically disadvantaged, rely heavily on plant-based diets for iron intake and face anemia prevalence which exceeding 20%. The report further indicated that 1.4 billion people at risk of a >3.8% dietary iron loss, this emerging health crisis underscores the urgency of mitigating anthropogenic CO2 emissions, which are as a result of human activities. Consequently, bolstering health systems, promoting dietary diversification, and fostering agricultural innovations are critical to safeguarding global health and productivity against the impacts of the climate crisis of nutrient-poor crops.The combined effects of soil degradation, nutrient-poor crops, and climate change are intensifying the global burden of micronutrient deficiencies, with devastating implications for public health and economic productivity. Addressing this crisis requires urgent action to mitigate CO2 emissions, enhance agricultural practices, and invest in health systems and education to build resilience against the far-reaching consequences of declining food quality.2025 Economic Impacts: The Cost of Poor NutritionThe ripple effects of nutrient loss extend to economies. Poor nutrition increases healthcare costs and reduces worker productivity. A 2019 report by the Global Nutrition Report estimated that malnutrition costs the global economy $3.5 trillion annually. If climate change continues to erode food quality, these costs will escalate and be addition burdens to the ailing healthcare systems in many countries.Entrepreneurs and innovators, however, see opportunities in the crisis. Startups focused on regenerative agriculture, vertical farming, and climate-resilient crop technologies are gaining traction. Companies like Indigo Ag and Plenty are developing solutions that promise to restore soil health while ensuring sustainable food production.This crisis also provides the opportunity for university research and development. A preliminary Washington University study reveals that soil-building techniquessuch as reduced plowing, diverse crop planting, and the use of cover cropscan significantly enhance the nutrient profile of produce. The research involved comparing farms across the U.S. that employed these methods for at least five years with neighboring conventional farms and the researchers found a notable increase in essential minerals, vitamins, and phytochemicals that support human health. These findings highlight the potential of regenerative agriculture not just to restore soil health but also to deliver more nutrient-rich food, making it a compelling choice for both personal well-being and environmental sustainability.Ginger (Zingiber officinale) ginger roots for sale in local market in Linstead, Jamaica ... [+] DgettyLinking Personal Health Goals to Planetary Sustainability in 2025When setting our 2025 health goals, it is essential to recognize that the path to well-being goes beyond what is on our platesit is rooted in the soil beneath our feet. Climate change, with its silent but profound effects on soil quality and crop nutrients, is a challenge that demands urgent attention. The hidden crisis of nutrient loss underscores the interconnectedness of our environment and health, reminding us that every action we take to combat climate changefrom supporting sustainable farming practices to reducing carbon emissions, investing in regenerative agriculture, leaving unsustainable habits in 2024, advocating for climate-resilient policies, and fostering global awarenessdirectly safeguard our ability to thrive. Should we completely depend on vitamin and mineral supplements from the pharmaceutical industry to aid our ailing food quality? Let 2025 be the year we embrace a holistic vision of health that unites collective healthcare with planetary sustainability. Additional research and development as well serious actions to mitigate against the growing health effects of climate change.

Palm recognition smart locks let you open your door with a wave of your hand.PhilipsAhead of CES 2025, Philips has announced that its upcoming 5000 Series Video Palm Recognition Smart Lock will feature integrated video monitoring, enabling users to see who is at the door without requiring a separate smart camera. The innovation has garnered the company a nod as an honouree in the Innovation Awards at the upcoming CES.The company already has a palm-recognition smart lock in the market, but combining this with a door camera makes a lot of sense, as it should mean quicker response time and easier management via a single app.Palm vein recognition is the current cutting-edge for smart door access, with sensors analyzing your hand in a similar way to fingerprint readers but with no need for physical contact. This means you can pretend to be a Jedi by opening your door just by holding up your hand, which is as good a reason to want one as I can imagine. Having no physical contact is also a boon in this post-pandemic world.As well as a palm vein recognition you can also open via PIN code, the smartphone app, your voice using Google Home or Amazon Alexa smart assistants and also something else called a key. To complete an already full package, the lock will also double up as a doorbell.While Philips is the brand, it is releasing the product under licensing from Idlespace Technology, which itself is the exclusive importer and distributor of Shenzhen Conex Intelligent Technology Co Ltd.MORE FOR YOUThe current model is priced at $360 but Philips has not announced pricing details for the new lock, which it says will only be available in the second half of 2025. One feature absent from the current version is Apple HomeKit so well have to wait and see if that will be added.On thing that also isn't revealed are if the door will require a wired power connection of if it will use batteries. Either way, with so much tech on board it seems like an ideal candidate for the Wi-Charge wireless power technology, as featured in this smart lock from Alfred, which would do away with the need for either wires or batteries. After all, if you're going to push the tech envelope you might as well go all the way. Maybe next year.

Facepalm: In another illustration of the dangers of our connected-car age, a data leak by a Volkswagen subsidiary revealed information, including location data, of 800,000 EV owners. The exposed data was available online, with VW, Audi, Seat, and Skoda owners affected. The private data from Cariad, which makes VW software, was accessible online for several months, according to German publication Spiegel Netzwelt. It included contact information along with movement data for owners of Volkswagen vehicles and the company's other car brands in Germany, Europe, and other parts of the world.In some cases, the data included emails, phone numbers, and addresses of drivers. There were also details about where the EVs had been started and switched off.For 460,000 of the 800,000 vehicles that made up the leak, the location data was accurate to within ten centimeters (3.9 inches) for Volkswagen and Seat vehicles, and within 10km (6.2 miles) for Audi and Skoda EVs. Spiegel writes that German politicians, entrepreneurs, and the entire EV fleet driven by Hamburg police were included on the list of owners, and it's even suspected that intelligence service employees were also part of the leak.As we've seen many times before with these sorts of incidents, the data was accessible due to it being left on an unprotected and misconfigured Amazon cloud storage service.The leaked information is reported to have come from the software used in Volkswagen EVs. The data was highlighted by the hacker association Chaos Computer Club (CCC), which was tipped off by an anonymous hacker. The club contacted Germany's Federal Ministry of the Interior and the state police, which gave Volkswagen and Cariad 30 days to address the situation before going public.Volkswagen says the error has now been rectified and the information is no longer accessible. It adds that passwords and payment information were not part of the leak, and that only select vehicles registered for online services were initially at risk. // Related StoriesThe automaker also said that the data was accessed in a very complex, multi-stage process, and that the CCC hackers could only access pseudonymized vehicle data after bypassing several security mechanisms, which required a high level of expertise and a considerable investment of time.This isn't the first leak of this kind for a car maker. In 2023, Toyota apologized after discovering that a misconfigured server had been exposing some customer data on the web for nearly a decade.These incidents highlight the issues that come with connected cars and the sharing of customer info. A study by Mozilla in 2023 found that all 25 car brands investigated collect too much personal data and use it for a reason other than to operate your vehicle and manage their relationship with the customer. Mozilla's conclusion was that modern cars are a "privacy nightmare."

Something to look forward to: Apple is ringing in the new year with a surprise announcement for people who still haven't signed up for Apple TV+. According to an official press release from the company, the streaming service will be available for free for three days during the first weekend of 2025. The offer, which is valid from Friday, January 3 to Sunday, January 5, is applicable worldwide to all users with an Apple ID. To access Cupertino's full catalog of movies and TV shows, all you need to do is log in to the Apple TV+ app or website with your Apple ID on any compatible device and in any region where the service is available.The promo is intended to increase Apple's subscriber numbers amid increasing competition with Netflix, Hulu, and other prominent video-on-demand services. The standalone Apple TV+ service costs $9.99 per month (or $99.99 per year) in the US, but it's also available as part of the Apple One bundle that starts at $19.95 per month for individuals.Apple TV+ offers a seven-day free trial throughout the year, but it requires users to sign up. If you don't like what you see, you need to manually cancel within the seven-day period to ensure that you're not charged automatically after the trial period expires. However, the free weekend offer comes with no strings attached, as users won't even have to sign up with their credit card info.Apple has been dropping cryptic teasers on social media for the past few days about the impending announcement with the tagline "See for yourself." Many observers believed them to be promos for upcoming seasons of popular shows, but it turns out that they were an invitation for potential subscribers to enjoy the free all-access pass this weekend. // Related StoriesSome of the most popular Apple TV+ shows include blockbusters like Ted Lasso, Slow Horses, The Morning Show, Shrinking, and Severance. Other fan favorites include Wolfs starring George Clooney and Brad Pitt, Fly Me to the Moon, starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum; The Family Plan, starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Monaghan; and The Instigators, starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck.

Its not enough for a gaming laptop to look cool. You need a reliable PC with the best internal components, excellent battery life, and plenty of ways to connect with other devices, like an external monitor. And while there are numerous gaming laptop brands to choose from, weve always thought Dells lineup checks all the boxes. Fortunately, we also came across an awesome sale while looking through Dell laptop deals earlier today:Right now, when you order the Dell G15 Gaming Laptop through the manufacturer, youll only end up paying $800. At full price, this model sells for $1,050. This laptop made it onto our list of the best gaming laptops of 2024, so its definitely worth your consideration.This configuration of the Dell G15 comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS CPU that delivers max clock speeds of 5.1GHz, the Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Based on the internals alone, you can expect the G15 to deliver fast performance for even the most demanding single-player and online titles. And if 512GB of storage isnt enough, we have a whole roundup of great SSD deals for you to check out!RelatedThe 15.6-inch FHD screen is the bright and colorful display youll be working with, which supports up to 1920 x 1080 resolution, a native 165Hz refresh rate, Nvidia G-Sync support, and 3ms response times. It may not be the fastest or fanciest screen on the market, but youll be able to enjoy nearly lag-free gameplay, plus a wide color gamut and solid contrast levels. Theres no shortage of ports on this machine either, so youll be able to connect USB flash drives and other laptop accessories.The Dell G15 Gaming Laptop is always ready for action. The only thing you have to worry about is getting in on this sale before it vanishes. Take $250 off this phenomenal laptop when you order today, and feel free to take a look through our lists of the best gaming laptop deals and best Dell laptop deals for even more markdowns!Editors Recommendations

Until now, players have been able to enjoy Assassins Creed: Origins on PC with few problems, but the most recent Windows 11 update has thrown a wrench into things. Now players are review bombing Assassins Creed: Origins with complaints of crashes, blue screens, freezing, and a lot more. Theres one thing to keep in mind, though: the Windows update is to blame, not the game itself. Origins isnt the only game affected by the update, either.A user named The Hidden One appropriate for a subject like Assassins Creed shared the news on X. Recent reviews have a mixed rating, and the bar graph shows a distinct spike in negative reviews since the update. Of course, its understandable why fans reacted that way; Ubisoft doesnt have the best track record with PC ports. Then again, thats not just a Ubisoft problem.Recommended VideosAssassin's Creed Origins is getting bombed with negative reviews because of Microsofts 24H2 Windows 11 update which has bricked the game for a lot of people. Black screens, crashes, and freezes, and still no fixes yet. pic.twitter.com/kldzId77HY The Hidden One (@TheHiddenOneAC) December 30, 2024Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming The update primarily seems to mess with games that use AutoHDR and, for whatever reason, Ubisoft titles specifically. Aside from Origins, two otherAssassins Creedgames have exhibited crashes: Assassins Creed: Valhalla and Assassins Creed: Odyssey. The issue isnt exactly new; the problem has persisted for around a week now, and Microsoft hasnt supplied players with updates on when they can expect a fix.RelatedSome members of the community have reported solving the issue by disabling AutoHDR. Simply turning off the setting is enough to stabilize a lot of the games, but Ubisoft players seem to be disproportionately impacted. Other Reddit users have also said the update affects Path of Exile 2Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, too.These are temporary fixes that work for the moment, but until Microsoft releases a patch or hotfix that will resolve the issues this update introduced, certain games may have spotty performance.Editors Recommendations

Lets agree to broaden our wine horizons this year. Explore new regions, or places weve waited too long to revisit. Try new bottles instead of buying the same wine over and over againunless you really, really love it.