• The Schifanoia Museum Renovation by QB Atelier: A Renaissance Landmark
    archeyes.com
    The Schifanoia Museum Renovation | Pietro SavorelliThe Schifanoia Museum, located in the heart of Palazzo Schifanoia in Ferrara, Italy, represents a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the museum holds cultural and historical significance, showcasing a harmonious blend of historic preservation and contemporary design following its renewal after the 2012 earthquake. This transformation ensures accessibility and provides immersive experiences for a diverse audience.Schifanoia Museum in Ferrara Technical InformationArchitects1-10: QB AtelierLocation: Palazzo Schifanoia, Ferrara, ItalyTopics:MuseumsArea: 1,400m2 | 15,000 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2017 2021Photographs: Pietro SavorelliOur approach to the Schifanoia Museum was to create a dialogue between the Renaissance and contemporary needs, ensuring that the space remains accessible and relevant while respecting its historical essence. Filippo Govoni and Federico Orsini, QB AtelierSchifanoia Museum in Ferrara PhotographsEntrance | Pietro SavorelliMuseum Interior | Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro Savorelli Pietro SavorelliA Contemporary Vision for a Historic LandmarkUnder the guidance of Filippo Govoni and Federico Orsini, QB Atelier redefined the Schifanoia Museums exhibition experience through an approach steeped in artisanal sensitivity and adaptive reuse. Their design respects the buildings Renaissance heritage while introducing contemporary elements that enhance functionality. Using geometrically precise display systems and dark bronze tones pays homage to the palaces original aesthetic.Key spaces such as the Salone dei Mesi and the Borsian Wing have been unified, creating a cohesive narrative that spans 21 rooms and 1,400 square meters of exhibition space. Approximately 250 works are now on display, complemented by multimedia installations that provide virtual reconstructions of the palaces historical phases, enriching the visitor experience.Designing for Inclusivity and AccessibilityA cornerstone of the redesign is its commitment to inclusivity. Architectural barriers have been removed, and pathways adjusted to ensure accessibility for all visitors. Beyond physical access, the design embraces cognitive and sensory engagement through inclusive digital tools and multimedia features.Collaboration with advocacy groups such as Ferraras Disability Area Committee and national organizations for the visually and hearing impaired has been integral to the projects success. These efforts underscore the museums dedication to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for diverse audiences.The Schifanoia Museum Renovation Visitor ExperienceThe modular exhibition systems QB Atelier designed are adaptable and elegant, offering flexible solutions tailored to the museums diverse collection. Custom lighting highlights both the artwork and the architectural features, creating a harmonious interplay between the two.Spaces like the Salone dei Mesi showcase how contemporary design can enhance historical narratives. Lightweight and minimally invasive installations emphasize the decorated ceilings of the Quattrocento Wing while preserving the integrity of the original structure. Natural and artificial lighting further enhance the contemplative atmosphere, inviting visitors to engage deeply with the space.Despite a modest budget, QB Ateliers innovative approach has maximized impact. By employing lightweight materials and adaptable systems, the redesign complements the palaces historic fabric without overshadowing it.A Blueprint for Future Museum DesignThe Schifanoia Museum sets a new benchmark for integrating modern design within historic contexts. By expanding the exhibition space and enhancing accessibility, QB Atelier has demonstrated how contemporary interventions can respect and elevate heritage. Their broader portfolio, including urban revitalization projects and public housing developments, highlights their ability to respond to diverse challenges with sensitivity and innovation.The methodology employed at the Schifanoia Museum offers valuable insights for architects tackling similar projects. QB Ateliers balance of preservation and modernity positions them as leaders in adaptive reuse and inclusive design.Schifanoia Museum in Ferrara PlansFloor PlansSchifanoia Museum in Ferrara Image GalleryAbout QB AtelierQB Atelier is an architectural studio founded in 2010 by Filippo Govoni and Federico Orsini in Ferrara, Italy. Known for their artisanal craftsmanship and innovative approach, the firm specializes in adaptive reuse and contemporary design within historically significant contexts. Their projects, including museum renovations, public housing, and urban revitalization, reflect a deep sensitivity to cultural heritage and modern functionality. Notes & Additional CreditsDesign Team: QB Atelier (Filippo Govoni and Federico Orsini); Giovanni Sassu, Head of Ancient Art Museums Unit; Maria Teresa Gulinelli, Curator of Archaeological and Numismatic CollectionsLighting Design: Salone dei Mesi: Studio Pasetti Lighting, Treviso, with iGuzzini illuminazione; Borsian Wing and Display Cases: Illuminare Srl, Parma; Albertian Wing: Reggiani Spa Illuminazione, SovicoStructural Design: Ing. Matteo MarottoProject Manager: Ing. Paolo RebecchiDesign Phases: June 2017 June 2021Execution: January 2020 October 2021Client: Municipality of Ferrara, Department of Culture, Museums, Historic Monuments, and Ferrarese CivilizationDisability Advocate Groups: Ferrara Disability Area Committee, Italian Union of the Blind and Visually Impaired (Ferrara Section), National Association for the Deaf (Ferrara Section), Il Nodo APS AssociationMultimedia Services: Museum Interaction eXperience Srl and Tryeco 2.0 Srl, FerraraBudget: 400,000
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  • Thurston-Gladding House // 1886
    buildingsofnewengland.com
    One of the finest Victorian-era houses in the College Hill/East Side area of Providence is this stately residence at 30 Stimson Avenue, known as the Thurston-Gladding House. The house was built for newlyweds, John Russell Gladding and Ellen (Thurston), on land given to the couple by Ellens father, attorney and judge, Benjamin Thurston. John Gladding was originally from Connecticut and the couple split their time between their Providence home and a country retreat in Thompson, Connecticut. Architects Thomas J. Gould and Frank W. Angell (Gould & Angell) furnished the plans for the home, which features a ground floor faced with textured brick and walls adorned by continuous wood shingle siding above. A rounded tower, projecting bays and dormers, and a elongated front porch break up the massing into a pleasing composition.
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  • Are your smart home cameras spying on you? Study reveals shocking data grabs
    www.foxnews.com
    close AI Cameras are giving DC's air defense a major upgrade More than 20 years later, the system is getting a makeover. Smart home cameras have become a necessity. You already know they help keep an eye on whats happening indoors and outdoors, even when youre not home.But while these cameras are undeniably useful, they also pose a privacy risk. A new study highlights outdoor security camera apps as some of the biggest collectors of user data.This includes sensitive personal information like email addresses, phone numbers, payment details, precise location and more. Smart outdoor camera (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How smart home cameras can be spying on youAccording to astudy conducted by Surfshark, outdoor security camera apps are some of the top offenders when it comes to collecting user data. These apps gather 12 data points on average, including sensitive details like email addresses, phone numbers, payment information and precise location. Thats 50% more than what other smart home devices typically collect. Whats even worse is that these apps often connect up to seven of these data points directly to your identity.Indoor security camera apps are slightly less data-hungry but still raise privacy concerns. They collect an average of nine data points, with six typically tied to users' identities. Commonly collected data includes email addresses, phone numbers, user IDs, device IDs, purchase histories and audio data. While this information can help improve the user experience, it also increases the risk of privacy violations.One of the biggest concerns with both outdoor and indoor security camera apps is the kind of data they collect. Many of these apps gather personal info like your name, email, phone number and physical address. Some apps, such as Arlo, Deep Sentinel, and D-Link, even grab data about your contacts, which can be accessed outside of the app. This data isnt actually necessary for the apps to do their job. Smart camera (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Which apps collect the most data?Among the apps that collect the most data, Deep Sentinel and Lorex stand out for outdoor security cameras, each collecting 18 out of a possible 32 data points. Nest Labs, which leads the pack for indoor cameras, collects 17 data points, with Ring and Arlo each gathering 15.The absence of regulations and standards for smart home devices creates significant privacy risks. Without clear guidelines, users are vulnerable to data breaches, cyberattacks and even physical harm. Some apps track users for targeted ads or share data with third parties and data brokers. While outdoor security cameras typically avoid tracking, indoor cameras like Nooie and Canary Connect engage in user tracking, further complicating privacy concerns.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Smart indoor camera (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)9 ways to stay safe from the risks associated with smart home cameras1. Limit data sharing:Look for smart home camera apps that allow you to control what data is shared. Many apps offer settings that let you disable certain data collection features, like location tracking or audio recording. Customizing these settings can significantly reduce your risk of exposing personal information.2. Regularly review and update privacy settings:Smart home cameras often receive software updates that may change privacy settings. Its important to regularly review the apps privacy settings to make sure they align with your preferences. Disable features that arent essential, such as sharing data with third-party apps or advertisers.3. Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA): Make sure your cameras app and associated accounts are protected by strong, unique passwords. Consider using apassword manager to generate and store complex passwords.4. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible: This adds an extra layer of security in case your account information is compromised.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE5. Be mindful of camera placement: If your camera is collecting sensitive data like audio or images of people in your home, be mindful of where you place it. Avoid positioning cameras in private areas like bedrooms or bathrooms. This reduces the amount of potentially sensitive data the camera can capture.6. Consider using local storage instead of cloud services: Some cameras offer local storage options, where footage is stored directly on a device like a hard drive or SD card, rather than in the cloud. This keeps your data more secure since its not accessible via the internet and is less likely to be exposed during a data breach.7. Use a VPN: Encrypt your internet connection with a VPN to safeguard data transmitted from your smart home devices. This is an easy yet powerful way to add an extra layer of protection to your network. Using aVPN (Virtual Private Network) service can enhance your privacy by encrypting your internet traffic, making it harder for hackers and third parties to intercept your data, especially on public Wi-Fi. A VPN masks your IP address, helping to obscure your location and online activity. While VPNs dont directly prevent phishing emails, they reduce the exposure of your browsing habits to trackers that may use this data maliciously. With a VPN, you can securely access your email accounts from anywhere, even in areas with restrictive internet policies.8. Regularly review privacy policies: Stay informed about how your devices and apps collect, store and share your data. Ensure that you are aware of any changes to privacy terms that may affect your information.9. Considerhome security systems with enhanced physical security features, but be aware that, like all smart devices, they collect a variety of user data, including personal information, device data and location tracking. To minimize privacy risks, here are some tips for adjusting the settings within most security system apps:Disable location tracking: The security company may use location data for features like geofencing, which triggers actions based on your proximity to your home. If you're concerned about privacy, you can disable location tracking in the app to prevent the system from collecting this data.Limit video storage: Many security companys cameras can store video footage in the cloud, but you can adjust the app settings to limit how long footage is stored or to delete it automatically after a certain period.Adjust device permissions: Review and adjust permissions for devices like cameras and smart locks to limit data collection. For example, disable audio recording if it's not necessary for your security needs.Control third-party data sharing: Your security company may share data with third parties, so it's essential to check and disable any settings that allow your data to be shared beyond your security systems ecosystem.By actively managing these settings and using a VPN, you can significantly reduce your exposure to potential privacy risks associated with your smart home system. Check outmy picks for best security systems.HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNETKurts key takeawayThe rapid rise of IoT tech has changed the way we live and interact. But without proper rules in place, companies might put profits over user safety. This can lead to devices with security holes and weaknesses. A lot of smart home cameras are collecting more data than they really need and aren't clear about what theyre doing with it. It could be sold to third-party companies or used to target you with ads.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you feel comfortable with the amount of data your smart home devices collect? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to coverFollow Kurt on his social channelsAnswers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
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  • This Asus laptop is my go-to MacBook alternative - and it's on sale at Best Buy
    www.zdnet.com
    Cesar Cadenas/ZDNETWhat's the deal?The 2K display model is no longer available for sale, but that's okay because the 3K OLED version is available at Best Buy. The laptop housing a Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card currently costs a discounted $1,200, while the 4070 build is $2,000.ZDNET's key takeaways While technically a gaming laptop, the new Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 may actually do more for the professional user than the average gamer.Its long battery life, feature-packed keyboard, and OLED display allow users to tackle the workday with ease and comfort.However, the laptop comes stuffed with bloatware that takes up a lot of storage space, and its operating temperature can run high.Let me ask you a question: when does a gaming laptop stop being a gaming laptop? I think the answer is when the hardware is the least impressive thing about the device. That's the case with the seemingly MacBook-inspired Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. After a couple of weeks of testing, I honestly forgot it came with an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU. Every other aspect of the laptop was more enthralling. Its performance was the furthest thing from my mind.Also: I tested Dell's $3,000 gaming laptop and it spoiled me with unconventional featuresI specifically mentioned the MacBook because the Zephyrus G14 really looks like one. Not only is it a shiny silver, but the display is reminiscent of what you'd find on a MacBook Pro. It's a 2K resolution (2,880 x 1,800 pixels) OLED screen surrounded by thick black bezels.The dark borders serve as a contrast, making colors on the screen seem more vibrant. Additionally, the keyboard is also reminiscent of one you'd find on an Apple laptop. If you're a frequent reader, you know how much I appreciate comfortable keyboards. Well, I'm happy to say that the Zephyrus G14 definitely has one. details View at Amazon Each key has a slight indentation that guides your fingers toward the center, and most also have a nice, springy feel. Putting the two together results in a typing experience that is quite easy on the hands. The M keys at the top don't have the same haptic feedback; they're mushier by comparison because Asus didn't expect them to get as much action. But on these four is where you'll find the laptop's audio controls, the stand out being the M4, which launches the Armoury Crate app that configures the RGB lights.Also:I found the ultimate laptop accessory for power users - and it's gloriously designedThe Function keys need to be called out as well, as Asus made several interesting choices here. The F5 key, for example, causes the internal fans to go into turbo mode. As a side note, the placement of the fans themselves results in a design tradeoff.They're located at the bottom of the laptop instead of the rear or sides to ensure the laptop is thin. With this model measuring less than an inch thick, I would say Asus was successful. However, this design choice traps heat without a whole lot of ventilation, leading to a computer that can quickly get hot. If you buy this laptop, I would recommend you get a laptop cooling pad to keep temperatures low.The F10 key is also interesting since it offers a quick way to completely disable the touchpad, which is useful for people who prefer using a standard mouse and keyboard combo. Cesar Cadenas/ZDNETWith the OLED display and all the lights throughout the body, one would assume the battery doesn't last very long. Surprisingly, that is not the case. The Zephyrus G14 has one of the best batteries I have ever seen on a laptop. In my experience, the only other device that outperforms it is the Acer Chromebook Spin 714.I performed my usual test of playing a nonstop YouTube livestream at 720p and 50% brightness. The Zephyrus G14 lasted 10 hours straight. Most laptops, from what I've seen, tap out at six hours. I was genuinely surprised at this longevity. Gaming laptops are known to be power-hungry, so I wasn't expecting much, but I was happily proven wrong.Also:The best budget gaming laptops you can buyThe Zephyrus G14 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS processor alongside the GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card I mentioned earlier. I found the CPU to be more impressive when I ran both through benchmarking tests. On Cinebench R23, the Ryzen 9 earned a score of 16,107, putting it among the upper echelon of processors and well above the average Intel Core i9-9880H. The GPU didn't fare as well by comparison. The discrepancy between the two tells me the laptop is great at handling a variety of workloads, from internet browsing to video editing, but may struggle with gaming.The Zephyrus G14 has one other major downside besides its heating issue. The laptop comes with a lot of bloatware. The SSD is packed with several forgettable apps. Granted, some are useful. Armoury Crate controls the RGB lights, and GeForce Experience manages your game library. The onboard assistant? Not so much. At least, I didn't find myself looking for it. ZDNET's buying adviceAsus' ROG Zephyrus G14 is a fantastic laptop for most people. Geeks like myself will appreciate the customizable RGB lighting and the hardware, which is good enough for most gaming sessions. Professionals will appreciate the stylish design and the long battery life.If I had to pick one group that would like this laptop the most, it would be the professionals crew. The RTX 4060 GPU is at the low end of the series so its performance will disappoint gamers looking for raw power. Plus, the bloatware cuts too much into the SSD, limiting the amount of big files you can have at a time.Also: I replaced my desktop with this MSI laptop for a week, and it surpassed my expectationsThe Zephyrus G14 starts at $1,600. My review unit, in particular, costs $1,900, which is certainly not cheap. Additionally, there isn't much you can do to lower the price tag, as the customization options only add to the laptop. The bottom line: the Zephyrus G14 is worth the price, but if you want something cheaper, check out ZDNET'sbest budget gaming laptopsfor recommendations.Featured reviews
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  • The #1 Movie On Amazon Prime Video In 2024 Is Surprising
    www.forbes.com
    The Idea of YouAmazonAs we approach the end of 2024, the year-end lists are beginning. But according to official data from Amazon Prime Video, we know what the most-watched movie on the service was. The most-watched Amazon Original, in any case.It may surprise you to learn that it was not some big Amazon-produced blockbuster, but rather Anne Hathaways The Idea of You, the romance drama ending up being the #1 film of the entire year. The film was based on a book by Robinne Lee, and you can find the official synopsis below: Based on the acclaimed, contemporary love story of the same name, The Idea of You centers on Solne (Anne Hathaway), a 40-year-old single mom who begins an unexpected romance with 24-year-old Hayes Campbell (Nicholas Galitzine), the lead singer of August Moon, the hottest boy band on the planet. When Solne must step in to chaperone her teenage daughter's trip to the Coachella Music Festival after her ex bails at the last minute, she has a chance encounter with Hayes and there is an instant, undeniable spark. As they begin a whirlwind romance, it isn't long before Hayes' superstar status poses unavoidable challenges to their relationship, and Solne soon discovers that life in the glare of his spotlight might be more than she bargained for.The film was well-received by critics with an 81% on Rotten Tomatoes, though a lower 66% audience score. But the type of people who loved the film may not be the same people who are dedicated enough to internet scoring to do a Rotten Tomatoes review, would be my guess. I also think that people underestimate how bankable Anne Hathaway is to the general public.The Idea of YouAmazonThe Idea of Yous biggest competition in 2024 was Road House, the Amazon original starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Conor McGregor, a remake of the original. Road House was reportedly the biggest Amazon Original movie debut ever with 50 million viewers. The Idea of You may not have beaten that initially, but it seems over the long term it got more viewership. Road House, by most accounts, was not as good of a movie.The Idea of You being such a success raises the question of whether or not this should have had a theatrical release, as it went straight from South by Southwest to Amazon Prime a month and a half later. This is a year when a romantic drama like Blake Livelys It Ends with Us ended up grossing $350 million worldwide. I would argue that Lively and Hathaways star power is at the very least, matched, and again, The Idea of You seems like the better movie. But I guess well never know what could have been. Watch it at home and see why its so popular yourself.Read More: Squid Game Season 2 Just Broke A Huge Netflix RecordFollow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram.Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
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  • Google Chrome 2FA Bypass Attack ConfirmedWhat You Need To Know
    www.forbes.com
    This Google Chrome browser extension attack compromised authentication cookies.Photothek via Getty ImagesHackers dont take holidays, as has been proven by a series of compromises of Google Chrome browser extensions dating back to mid-December and continuing through the seasonal break would attest to. Heres everything you need to know about the ongoing Google Chrome two-factor authentication bypass attacks.The Latest Google Chrome Browser Extension Attacks ExplainedAs reported Dec. 27 by Reuters, hackers have compromised several different companies' Chrome browser extensions in a series of intrusions. That threat actors are using Chrome extensions as an attack methodology is nothing new, but the extent of this latest campaign would appear to show how determined hackers are to steal session cookies and bypass your two-factor authentication protections.Although being just one part of what would appear to be a coordinated and wide-reaching campaign to target Chrome extensions, the attack against security company Cyberhaven is worth looking at as it both explains the potential dangers of such attacks and provides an insight into how quickly responding to them is key.Our team has confirmed a malicious cyberattack that occurred on Christmas Eve, affecting Cyberhaven's Chrome extension, Howard Ting, CEO of the data attack detection and incident response company, said in a security alert posting, We want to share the full details of the incident and steps were taking to protect our customers and mitigate any damage.MORE FOR YOUThe Cyberhaven Chrome Extension AttackThe attack against Cyberhaven customers started Dec. 24 when a phishing threat successfully managed to compromise an employee. Importantly, this included a credentials compromise that enabled the attacker to gain access to the Google Chrome Web Store. The attacker used these credentials to publish a malicious version of our Chrome extension, Ting confirmed. The malicious extension wasnt discovered until late on Dec. 25 after which it was removed within 60 minutes.A preliminary investigation into the attack revealed that the initial access vector was by way of a phishing email sent to the registered support email for Cyberhavens Chrome extension, targeting the developers. Cyberhaven has made this email available so as to warn others of what such an initial attack looks like.The phishing email that started the Cyberg=haven extension attackCyberhavenWhen the victim clicked on the link, they found themselves within the Google authorization flow for adding a malicious OAUTH Google application called Privacy Policy Extension, Cyberhaven said. This was hosted on Google.com and part of the standard process for granting access to third-party Google applications that, in this case, inadvertently authorized a malicious application. The employee had Google Advanced Protection enabled and had MFA covering his account, Cyberhaven said. No multi-factor authentication prompt was received and the employees Google credentials were not compromised in the attack. A malicious extension (24.10.4) based on a clean prior version of the official Cyberhaven Chrome extension was then uploaded to the Chrome Store.Chrome Extension 2FA Bypass AttackImpact, Scope And ResponseAccording to Ting, the impact and scope of the Cyberhaven Chrome extension attacks as follows:The only version of the Chrome extension impacted was 24.10.4, with the malicious code only being active between Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Only customers using Chrome-based browsers that auto-updated during the period of the attack would have been affected.For those browsers that were running the compromised extension, however, Cyberhaven has confirmed that it could have exfiltrated cookies and authenticated sessions for certain targeted websites. The initial investigation suggests that the targeted logins were social media advertising and AI platforms.Our investigation has confirmed that no other Cyberhaven systems, including our CI/CD processes and code signing keys, were compromised, Ting said.Affected customers were notified by Cyberhaven, along with those not known to be impacted in the cause of complete transparency. The malicious Chrome extension was removed from the Chrome Web Store, and a secure version, 24.10.5, was automatically deployed. For customers running version 24.10.4 of our Chrome extension during the affected period, Ting said, we strongly recommend verifying your extension has updated to version 24.10.5 or newer. I have approached Google for a statement.
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  • Samsung loses Qualcomm contract to TSMC for making next-gen Snapdragon chips
    www.techspot.com
    Editor's take: Samsung faces the challenge of balancing improvements in its foundry business with the demands of its smartphone division. The company's ability to navigate these complexities will be crucial for maintaining its leadership in both the semiconductor and smartphone markets. Samsung Foundry has once again failed to secure a contract from Qualcomm for the production of its latest flagship mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2. This setback marks another chapter in Samsung's ongoing struggle to compete with industry leader TSMC, which has been awarded the entire manufacturing contract for the upcoming chip.The decision comes at a critical juncture for Samsung Foundry, which has been grappling with low yield rates in recent months. However, there are signs of improvement on the horizon. The company recently stabilized its 3nm production process, achieving acceptable yield rates, and is simultaneously pushing forward with the development of even more advanced 2nm chips. Samsung also has ambitious plans to produce 1.4nm chips by 2027.Despite these advancements, Qualcomm's choice to partner exclusively with TSMC for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2 reflects the current state of the industry. TSMC's proven track record and reliability likely outweighed any potential cost savings that Samsung might have offered. This decision is particularly impactful given the widespread adoption of Snapdragon SoCs in flagship smartphones.The loss of this contract doesn't spell the end for Samsung Foundry's aspirations. The company is expected to make another bid for the production of the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 3 when it enters development. To improve its chances, Samsung will need to successfully fulfill orders from other clients and further improve yield rates.This development coincides with reports of a significant price increase for the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 2, which could lead to higher costs for premium smartphones, including Samsung's Galaxy series. This situation presents a dilemma for Samsung's mobile division as it may need to consider alternative strategies to maintain competitive pricing. // Related StoriesOne potential solution could involve reviving Samsung's in-house Exynos chip line for future Galaxy devices, such as the S26 series. This move could help offset the impact of rising Snapdragon prices.Alternatively, Samsung might explore partnerships with other chip manufacturers like MediaTek or make compromises in other components such as displays and cameras to offset increased processor costs.Despite these challenges, industry experts anticipate that Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S25 series will remain among the top smartphone choices in 2025. The company's strength in other areas of mobile technology should support its operations as it continues to refine its foundry capabilities and chip production processes.
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  • The Lemontron is an "upside-down" portable 3D printer you can make yourself
    www.techspot.com
    In brief: 3D printers aren't always designed with portability in mind, but there's a use case for makers and tinkerers who are often on the move. The open-source Lemontron aims to fill that void by providing a printer that can be transported in an empty filament box. Getting your hands on this portable 3D printer will cost around $413 for the necessary components and custom PCB. It also requires some effort to assemble. There is a caveat here: you will need an existing 3D printer to create some of the Lemontron's printed parts. The device is designed for those who already have a primary printer and want an ultra-portable second one for printing on the road.There's a major trade-off for the Lemontron's size, too building it isn't exactly a weekend project for beginners. Thankfully, a DIY guide by Lemontron on YouTube walks you through sourcing the electronic components, printing the custom parts, soldering, and final assembly.All that effort is highly rewarding, as demonstrated by the Lemontron's ability to quickly print a high-quality model of the fruit it is named after.It's a quirky device, especially as the Lemontron prints upside down in an inverted orientation. Though that may sound strange, the creator explains it does not change the fundamental 3D printing process or require special settings or calibration. The molten plastic solidifies so quickly that gravity has minimal effect, whether printing upwards or downwards.The creator notes you could try flipping any standard printer over mid-print and it would likely keep on working just fine though we don't recommend it. In this case, the inverted design simply allows the heavier components to be situated on the bottom for better portability. // Related StoriesWith those principles in mind, using the Lemontron ends up being a very familiar workflow. You still level the build plate, set temperatures, slice models, and configure print settings just like any other printer. The only real difference is being able to effortlessly toss the whole thing in a box when you need portable 3D printing capabilities.All said, the Lemontron likely won't replace traditional 3D printers anytime soon. But it does open up new creative opportunities when traveling or changing workspaces frequently.You can find the source files alongside a written guide on the official website.
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  • 5 most underrated TV shows of 2024, ranked
    www.digitaltrends.com
    Apple TV+Table of ContentsTable of Contents5. Bad Monkey (2024)4. Cross (2024)3. Sugar (2024)2. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon The Book of Carol (2023-present)1. Presumed Innocent (2024)There were many high-profile shows in 2024, like Shgun, Silo, Star Wars: Skeleton Crew, and Landman. But there were also under-the-radar shows that didnt quite get the recognition they deserved. These shows were all fantastic, featuring A-list actors and engaging stories, but they were lost among many others that got more attention.Available from various streaming services, the five most underrated TV shows of 2024 received decent, some even ecstatic, reviews. If youre looking for something to watch to close out the year or in 2025 while you wait for your favorite shows to return with new seasons or debut later in the year, these are all worth adding to the list.Recommended Videos Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime Video, the best shows on Max, and the best shows on Disney+.Related5. Bad Monkey (2024)Apple TV+Vince Vaughn is an acquired taste, but he does a fantastic job in Bad Monkey simply because it seems he was tailor-made to play the character, based on one from Carl Hiaasens novel. Vaughn plays Andrew Yancy in this black comedy crime drama, a police detective who, after an incident, is relegated to conducting restaurant inspections. When a severed arm is found by a tourist on the beach in South Florida where he lives, however, Yancy sees an opportunity.If he can solve this case, maybe it will wipe the slate clean, and he can get back to doing what he does best. But the situation gets murky involving a presumed dead man, his widow Eve (Meredith Hagner in a scene-stealing role), a Dragon Queen from the Bahamas (Jodie Turner-Smith), and a young fisherman named Neville (Ronald Peet) looking to protect his home.It takes a while for all the interweaving stories to connect and for everything to come into focus. But Vaughns brash, fast-talking, yet deeply charming demeanor carries you through every scene. Its a character he plays time and time again, but it just works in Bad Monkey. The story is both dark and humorous, with a delightful cast that keeps you guessing. Yancy will be back, as Apple TV+ renewed the show for a second season.Stream Bad Monkey on Apple TV+.4. Cross (2024)Keri Anderson / Amazon Prime VideoJames Pattersons character Alex Cross has been depicted before in movies by Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry. But Aldis Hodge brings a new kind of swagger to the homicide detective and forensic psychologist who has a gift for tapping into the minds of serial killers. From the opening scene, when he interrogates a suspected killer, you realize that Cross is not someone you want to, well, cross.Cross Owns The Interrogation Room | Cross Season 1 | Prime VideoThe story continues in Crossas he investigates the death of a young Black activist. Cross becomes convinced that it wasnt a suicide or overdose but rather the work of a sadistic killer, and he is determined to prove it, despite his boss wanting to sweep it under the rug and close the case. Meanwhile, he and his family are being tormented by a mysterious individual while they grieve the murder of his wife a year prior.Cross touches on topics of race, police corruption, wealth, and influence with a story thats hard to stop watching from one episode to the next. Its an easy binge through the eight episodes that only gets better with each one. Eloise Mumford as Shannon, Ryan Eggold as Ed Ramsey, and Juanita Jennings as Regina are stand-out characters as well. But its when Cross is face to face with a killer that he truly shines. While the series needed more of those scenes, the story is as intense as shows like The Night Agent and as interesting as some of the best network police procedurals. Amazon bet big on Cross, renewing the show for a second season even before the first one premiered.Stream Cross on Amazon Prime Video.3. Sugar (2024)Apple TV+One of those shows that easily passed you by, Sugar is a captivating mystery/drama/tech-noir starring The Penguins Colin Farrell as John Sugar, a private detective who tells you from the opening black-and-white scene that he doesnt like to hurt people but sometimes has to in order to get the job done.Theres something deeply strange about him: Hes a loner with a good heart. He claims to be able to drink as much as he wants but never gets intoxicated. He has strange nightmares and weird symptoms that he refuses to address. When he is recruited by a wealthy movie producer to locate his missing granddaughter, the case hits close to home.Sugar "Thanks for Remembering My Name" Clip | Apple TV+Sugar is the type of show that leaves you puzzled as to where its going until the one jaw-dropping moment that youll never see coming. Its one of those hidden gems you wont be disappointed watching as Farrell carries you through each scene and twist with total commitment to the character. With a second season of Sugar forthcoming, its worth checking out the first.Stream Sugar on Apple TV+. 2. The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon The Book of Carol (2023-present)Emmanuel Guimier / AMCSure, a lot of people abandoned The Walking Dead and its universe halfway through the original run. But for those who stuck it out, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon continues the story of the fan-favorite character who (spoiler alert) survived to the end. In the second season, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon The Book of Carol, his longtime best friend is worried about him and sets out to find him. She eventually discovers he somehow ended up in France and uses her masterful skills of manipulation to convince a young man named Ash (Manish Dayal), who happens to have a working plane he knows how to fly, to help her.The season tells the concurrent stories of Daryl (Norman Reedus) dealing with enemies in France while trying to protect a young boy named Laurent (Louis Puech Scigliuzzi) and Carol (Melissa McBride) and her journey until the two converge. Its all about paying fan service, of course, but The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon The Book of Carol deserves more credit than it received for the way it brought closure to older storylines. Plus, you get plenty more ferocious walkers and villainous human enemies, too.Welcome to Greenland: Ep 202 Clip | Daryl Dixon: The Book of CarolThe series may have been overshadowed by the tremendous reception to another franchise spinoff, The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. But Reedus can hold his own, and with McBride in tow for the confirmed and already filming third season, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon The Book of Carol is keeping the momentum going.1. Presumed Innocent (2024)Apple TV+The story from the Scott Turow novel was first told in the 1990 movie that starred Harrison Ford and Brian Dennehy. In this episodic version of Presumed Innocent, Jake Gyllenhaal takes on the character of Rusty Sabich, a prosecutor who finds himself on the other side of the law when he becomes a suspect in the murder of his colleague. As secrets are revealed involving an affair between Randy and the murder victim, attorney Tommy Molto (Peter Sarsgaard) becomes obsessed with taking Rusty down. Is Randy innocent? Or was his obsession with his lover the fatal push that drove him to kill?Approaching the story in episodic format means its a much slower burn than the movie, but the actors pull it off with every steamy, dark scene. Despite the case being presumably wrapped up in the end, Presumed Innocent was renewed for a second season.Stream Presumed Innocent on Apple TV+.Editors Recommendations
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  • 2024 still didnt fix PC gaming
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    html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Table of ContentsTable of ContentsUnreal Engine 5 still stuttersVRAM is more important than everFixes for 20252023 was one of the most disastrous years for PC gaming I can remember. In terms of highlights, we had games like Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, The Outer Worlds: Spacers Choice Edition,andStarfield, each hyped up as major launches. Regardless of what you thought about these games, they had terrible performance issues on PC at release, and as much as I hoped wed see a course correction this year, that hasnt been the case.The major issues facing PC gaming today are largely the same as the issues it faced at this same point last year. Whats frustrating is that the issues in PC gaming today are solvable. Heres what we saw this year, and how I hope the situation can improve in the next 12 months.You can see from the frame time here the inconsistent performance in the open world, as well as routine stutters. Jacob Roach / Digital TrendsUnreal Engine 5. Need I say more? Its not a good idea to attribute performance issues solely to one game engine. Its a combination of developers, tech, and workflow that ultimately leads to performance issues in PC releases, so you cant pin blame solely on the engine a developer chooses to use. If level design makes massive levels and artists build highly-detailed meshes, and tech isnt brought into those conversations, well, you can see what can go wrong with large AAA games during development.Get your weekly teardown of the tech behind PC gaming But Unreal Engine 5 certainly doesnt have a good track record.RelatedThere were some early stumbles in games like Immortals of AveumandLords of the Fallen,but as the year has continued and weve seen an uptick in UE5 games, theres been a clearer trend of issues. Im talking about games like Silent Hill 2, Stalker 2,and Black Myth: Wukong,and thats before talking about Intels struggles with UE5 in games like Tekken 8.The engine now includes automatic PSO caching and on-demand shader compilation, both of which shouldreduce stuttering. It just doesnt seem to be working. I cant think of a more inconsistent game Ive played this year thanSilent Hill 2,which should be smooth given its relatively slow, methodical movement. Regardless, so much as flipping the camera around causes a huge hitch, which isnt uncommon in games packing Unreal Engine 5.BiowareItd be less easy to pin blame on UE5 if we didnt see so many games using different tech to much greater effect.Indiana Jones and the Great Circle despite some problems that Ill get to next is a rock-solid experience with its use of idTech 7.Dragon Age: The Veilguardis a perfect showcase for how powerful the FrostBite engine really is. AndLike a Dragon: Infinite Wealthshows that the RGG Dragon Engine still has legs.There are exceptions, of course most notably Dragons Dogma 2and its use of the RE Engine. But nearly every UE5 game Ive played this year has suffered from some form of stuttering. Hopefully that wont continue into next year because there area lotof games slated to use Unreal Engine 5, includingAvowed, The Witcher 4, Borderlands 4,andMetal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater.Digital TrendsOutside of stuttering, the other big conversation in PC gaming has been VRAM. The issues started late in 2022 and really came to the forefront in 2023, with games like Resident Evil 4, The Callisto Protocol, The Last of Us Part I, andRedfallstruggling to reach playable frame rates on 8GB graphics cards, particularly at higher resolutions and graphics settings.Games likeIndiana Jones and the Great Circleshow that the VRAM issue is getting worse, not better. This is a game that can even bring the RTX 3080 and its 10GB of VRAM to its knees at 1080p. You can get better performance by turning down your graphics settings, but its a problem that a new 8GB graphics cards cant max-out a AAA release at 1080p simply due to VRAM limitations.I dont think were going back here. There have been plenty debates about how big the VRAM issue really is, and how much you can do with the whole memory system in order to improve performance without just slapping another memory module on a GPU. But as AAA games continue to become larger and more detailed, and as they experiment with more advanced lighting through ray tracing on full-on path tracing, VRAM capacity only become more important.Computer BaseIn fairness to AMD and Nvidia, we didnt see a new generation of graphics cards this year. Its fair to call 8GB GPUs like the RTX 4060 Ti and RX 7600 short-sighted something AMD and Nvidia themselves seem to recognize due to the fact that these GPUs have variants with higher memory capacity but its also fair for AMD and Nvidia to meet the needs of gamers with products at the time they released. And at the time, 8GB did the job, even if signs showed games trending in a different direction.Now, its undeniable. There are still plenty of games that are just fine with 8GB of VRAM, so I dont want to impose some lofty standard above that mark. If you just want to playMarvel RivalsorBaldurs Gate 3orFortnite,you dont have much to worry about. But if AMD and Nvidia really want to sell the idea of a premium 1080p gaming experience in the upcoming generation, it better be a GPU packing more than 8GB of VRAM.Epic GamesIm under no illusions that a new date on the calendar will suddenly fix the issues with PC gaming, but there are a couple of simple ways that PC gaming could drastically improve in the upcoming year. And hopefully we see those solutions come to fruition.VRAM is an easy issue to address we need more VRAM on graphics cards. That doesnt mean all 8GB graphics cards need to bite the dust, but Id love to see any graphics card coming in over $300 have at least 12GB onboard. We can talk all day about the pricing of memory modules and manufacturing costs, but frankly, thats not the concern of me or you. AMD and Nvidia are some of the largest and wealthiest companies in the world. Let them figure out the math.We just got the Intel Arc B580, which is a $250 graphics card packing 12GB of VRAM. And sure enough, that extra capacity provides some legitimate performance benefits in games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circleat 1080p, and in even more games likeForza Motorsportat 1440p. The $230 RX 480 released more than eight years ago with 8GB of VRAM. Its fair to demand more out of graphics cards at $300 today.For stuttering, things are more nebulous. There are a couple of positive signs, however. Although automated PSO caching and on-demand shader compilation have been available in Unreal Engine 5 for a while, theres a very good chance that the games we saw this year werent using the latest and greatest experimental features of the engine during development. Now that these features have been baked into a few core Unreal Engine 5 updates, Im hopeful theyll improve the stuttering situation on PC.There are also the improvements of Unreal Engine 5 being more mature in general. As more developers learn how to leverage the engine properly, hopefully that leads to more stable experiences. Thats what we saw with games likeLies of Pand Unreal Engine 4, at least.Theres a lot to get excited about in the upcoming year, both on the game release front with titles likeDoom: The Dark Agesand on the hardware front with new generations from AMD, Nvidia, and Intel. I dont think PC gamings issues will go away in the next year, but I hope that some of the major trends weve seen over the past few years will finally be put to rest.Editors Recommendations
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