LatestMachine LearningModeling Digital Coin Trends 0 like December 26, 2024Share this postAuthor(s): Shenggang Li Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.Leveraging Attention Neural Networks to Analyze Competition, Regulation, and Market TrendsPhoto by Traxer on UnsplashAre you curious about digital coins where they come from and where theyre headed? Are they set to grow forever, or could the hype around Bitcoin fizzle out? And what about investing in digital coins is it a golden opportunity or a high-stakes gamble? I tackle these questions using AI to uncover insights.Originally designed for transformers in AI, attention-based neural networks are powerful tools for understanding the evolution of digital currencies in competitive markets. These models can simulate the interplay of key factors, such as user adoption, transaction costs, government regulations, and market disruptions. They also uncover hidden drivers influencing a coins dominance and stability over time, offering a unique perspective on this fast-changing space.This research combines attention mechanisms from neural networks with economic principles to analyze competition among digital coins, assess the impact of regulations, and predict market trends. It also incorporates stochastic processes to reflect real-world uncertainties in the digital coin ecosystem.By digging into these dynamics, this research opens up new possibilities for future studies to:Use AI to explore how things Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

Even with Christmas over, there are still many great deals available that you can score before they're gone. Here are the best deals for Thursday, December 26. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 for $44.99Xenoblade Chronicles 2 - Nintendo SwitchXenoblade Chronicles 2 follows the story of Rex and the Aegis, who aim to reach the fabled land of Elysium. This massive RPG takes place across the world of Alrest, a land covered in clouds, where there are only a few landmasses remaining. With incredible music, exciting gameplay, and a memorable story, this is a fantastic deal for only $44.99. Simply put, Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is one of the best games available on Nintendo Switch. I've put over 600 hours into the massive adventure, with all sorts of quests and exploration to be discovered. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive Edition for $44.99Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Definitive EditionIf you recently completed the Dragon Quest III HD-2D Remake, this is the perfect game for you. Dragon Quest XI S: Echoes of an Elusive Age - Defintive Edition is the newest mainline title in the series, and there is so much it offers. For many, this is one of the best Dragon Quest games out there, and you can't go wrong picking this up for only $44.99.Final Fantasy VII Rebirth for $39.99PlayStation 5Final Fantasy 7 RebirthAmazon Exclusive EditionFinal Fantasy VII Rebirth was one of 2024's biggest games, continuing the story from 2020's Final Fantasy VII Remake. Cloud, Tifa, Aerith, Barret, and Red XIII begin their journey outside Midgar, meeting characters like Yuffie, Vincent, and Cid along the way. This experience offers well over 100 hours of content, with 36 sidequests and a main story over 40 hours long. Plus, there are dozens of minigames to discover.Save on WD_BLACK Xbox Series X|S Expansion CardsWD_BLACK 2TB C50 Expansion CardWD_Black 1TB C50 Expansion CardBoth Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S cannot use standard NVMe SSDs. Instead, you can expand the storage of the internal SSD by plugging in an expansion card. Today, you can save on both a 1TB and 2TB model from WD_BLACK, which is perfect for downloading many more games to your system. If you find yourself quickly running out of storage, don't pass up this sale. Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for $34.99Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics - Nintendo SwitchYou can score Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics for only $34.99 this weekend at Amazon. This collection packs in seven different titles, including the beloved Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes. At last, you can play these classic titles on modern platforms. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD for $39.99The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HDThe Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword HD is the long-awaited remaster of the classic Wii game. Set at the beginning of the Zelda timeline, Skyward Sword takes Link to the skies as he traverses across the world to save his childhood friend Zelda. You'll uncover the Master Sword was created as part of this journey, among other things. For $39.99, this is an excellent title to add to your Switch collection.Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven for $39.99Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the SevenRomancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven is arguably the best entry point into the SaGa series at this time. Acting as a full 3D remake of the 1993 release, this game features English and Japanese voiceovers, rearranged music, retooled gameplay, and more. If you're still unsure about Romancing SaGa 2: Revenge of the Seven, you can check out the free demo across all platforms! WD_BLACK NVMe SSDs On SaleWD_BLACK 1TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSDWD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSDWD_BLACK 4TB SN850X NVMe Internal Gaming SSDFinally, you can save on WD_BLACK SN850X NVMe SSDs. These are perfect for any gaming PC, and you can even use one of these in a PlayStation 5, as long as you have a heatsink attached. The SN850X has speeds up to 7,3000 MB/s acoss all models, which is essential for quick and speedy load times. If you're purchasing for PS5, there are heatsink models available, though the sale on the standard models makes these SSDs much cheaper.

Choosing a tablet is tough, we know. On Apples side, theres quite a wide variety of options to choose from, and its not always clear whats so different between them. Unless youre versed in all the jargon, the difference between a Liquid Retina display and a Ultra Retina Tandem OLED with Pro Motion might not be obvious. There are also major differences under the hood with Apple currently offering devices featuring an older A14 Bionic chip at the low end and an exceedingly fast M4 chip at the high end. And all of that is just Apple. The Android tablet market only widens the field that much more. Where Apple tends to trim off the older, outmoded tablets in its stable, the Android tablet market will still readily show you devices you shouldnt have bought when they were new, let alone years later. And just like Apples devices, theres a considerable range of hardware options that go from severely underpowered to totally overkill at which point a Windows tablet could make more sense. What makes Android tablet shopping even more complicated is the software support. Apple keeps its tablets running on the latest operating systems for a long time, but how long any given Android tablet will stay up to date is a much harder question to answer. After looking at the market, considering the iPad and Android tablets weve tested, and weighing what actually makes sense when purchasing a tablet, weve narrowed down a handful of options that strike the right balance. Additional contributions by Mark KnappFeatured in this articleOur Top PickApple iPad (10th Generation)OnePlus Pad 2Apple iPad Pro (M4, 2024)Apple iPad Air (2024)See it at AmazonApple iPad (9th Generation)A combination of power, versatility, and portability has helped cement tablets place in the portables market. So, no matter your need, whether you just want a device to entertain you at the end of a busy workday or require something more robust for video editing on-the-go, theres a tablet out there for you. To help you with your search, weve gathered the best tablets on the market. Check them out below. Contributions by Danielle Abraham and Michelle Rae Uy1. iPad (10th Generation)Best TabletOur Top PickApple iPad (10th Generation)A repositioned 12-megapixel front-facing camera, upgraded design, a faster A14 Bionic processor, and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display make this iPad a standout.Product SpecificationsCPUApple A14 Bionic chip 6-core CPU + 4-core GPURAM4GBStorage64GBDisplay10.9-inch 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina displayCameras12MP (rear), 12MP (front)PROSSpeedy A14 Bionic processorStunning Liquid Retina displayCONSOnly supports 1st gen Apple Pencil and needs an adapter to chargeIts hard to argue against the tried and true original Apple iPad, and its colorful 10th gen iteration brings a new design with a faster chip to make it as powerful as ever. You finally lose the home button with Apple opting to put Touch ID on the power button, giving you more Liquid Retinathough still not fully laminatedscreen space to play around with. And theres a good deal of oomph behind that display to handle multitasking and some light gaming with ease thanks to the A14 Bionic chip, though we question why Apple decided against using the newer A15 chip. Now, the 10th gen Apple iPad continues to remain affordable like previous generations of the tablet, coming in well under $500, but that does mean it has some tradeoffs. This device only works with Apples Magic Keyboard, not the more affordable Smart Keyboard. You also dont get support for the feature-full 2nd gen Apple Pencil, only the first gen, and youll need to grab a $9 adapter just to charge it. Or you could just, you know, grab one of the dozens of Apple Pencil alternatives out there instead.See our guide to the best iPad models for more options.2. OnePlus Pad 2Best Android TabletOnePlus Pad 2Packing higher-end hardware than you'd expect for the price, the OnePlus Pad 2 is an exceptional option for those on the hunt for a worthy Android tablet.Product SpecificationsScreen size12.1-inch, IPS, 2120 x 3000ProcessorQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Storage128GBCameras13-megapixel rear, 8-megapixel front-facingPROSLarge, smooth displaySolid performanceCONSShorter-term OS support than AppleIm not convinced theres any Android tablet worth spending $1,000 on sorry, Samsung, but at that price you can get a competent 2-in-1 Windows machine that will have clearer longevity (like the Asus ProArt PZ13). And many of the cheaper options out raise a lot of concerns. But the OnePlus Pad 2 is neither a shoddy budget Android tablet nor an unreasonably expensive one, and it brings a ton to the tablet. It pulls on its flagship-killer roots to prove a tablet that wont leave you wanting for much more. First, it comes packing a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which was the flagship chipset from Qualcomm for mobile devices until very recently and has yet to be supplanted in tablets. This gives the OnePlus Pad 2 excellent performance. 12GB of memory also helps it better keep up with the multitasking youre liable to get up to on a tablet, which has a bigger screen better up to the task. Speaking of screens, the OnePlus Pad 2 packs in a sizable 12.1 inch display with a 2120x3000 resolution. It may only be an IPS panel, but it offers a 900-nit peak brightness and 144Hz refresh rate. That makes for easier visibility and smoother motion across the board. That 144Hz refresh rate can also help in the inking experience, as the OnePlus Pad 2 works with a stylus (that also charges while magnetically attached to the tablet take a note, Apple).The OnePlus Pad 2 even gets decent treatment where software is concerned. OnePlus launched it on Android 14 and promised 3 years of OS updates and 4 years of security updates. In a market of tablets launching on outdated operating systems with next to no promise of updates, its refreshing to see an option thats not destined to be outdated right out of the gate.While the OnePlus Pad 2 launched at $550 and still proved a good value at the price, it has more often been running for $450 from OnePlus lately, and can include a free accessory, like the keyboard case. iPad Pro 2024 Photos3. iPad Pro (M4, 2024)Best Tablet for Creative WorkApple iPad Pro (M4, 2024)This stunning tablet has a OLED display and runs on Apple's powerful M4 processor, making it perfect for creatives.Product SpecificationsCPUApple M4 RAM8GB/16GBStorage256GB 2TBDisplay12.9-inch Tandem OLEDCameras12MP wide camera (rear), Landscape 12MP ultra-wide camera (front)PROSPowerful M4 chip ready for video editing and 3D renderingTandem OLED display is the best you're going to get in a tablet right nowCONSThe most expensive tablet most people will ever buyWhen I first opened the iPad Pro, I wasn't sure what to make of it. Apple was branding it as a permanent workstation replacement, but it still wasn't running Finder or the desktop applications I would want in that kind of device. However, after a month of using the iPad Pro, it's become one of my go-to daily devices. The Tandem OLED display alone is enough to get most people hooked, even if the price tag makes you wince a bit. The iPad Pro with an M4 is quite simply the most powerful tablet on the market right now. The M4 that powers the thing is packed with an 8-core CPU clocked at 3.49GHz, which is accompanied by a 10-core GPU that will make easy work of any game you throw at it. Just keep in mind, however, that the amount of RAM you get depends on the storage configuration you go with. As long as you get a 1TB model, you're getting a respectable 16GB of RAM, but the 512GB and 256GB models will have to make do with half the memory. If you're not planning to use the iPad Pro for heavy creative workloads, this is going to be a non-issue. After all, iPadOS isn't exactly known for being super memory-intensive. If you're doing a lot of work in Photoshop or Premiere, you're going to feel it, though. Artists will also want to pair this tablet with the Apple Pencil Pro, or one of the myriad Apple Pencil alternatives out there. With a stylus in hand, the iPad Pro becomes an incredible creative powerhouse, even with the limits that come with working with what's essentially a souped-up version of iOS. 4. iPad Air (2024)Best Thin and Light TabletApple iPad Air (2024)Upgraded to an M2 chip and slightly larger display, the 2024 iPad Air is a great portable option and an exceptionally thin oneSee it at AmazonProduct SpecificationsCPUApple M2RAM8GBStorage128GB/256GB/512GB/1TBDisplay11-inch 2360 x 1640 Liquid Retina displayCameras12MP (rear), 12MP (front)PROSImpressively thinExcellent performanceCONSCan get hot under loadApple put together a wonderful little package with the 2024 iPad Air. It upgraded from its predecessors with a thinner design, a selfie camera upgrade, and a newer chip under the hood. You can snag the iPad Air with either an 11-inch or 13-inch display, and beyond a corresponding adjustment to resolution, most of the specs of the two tablets otherwise remain the same. Either option gets you an Apple M2 chip backed by 8GB of memory. In our testing, we found this provided ample performance for everyday uses, like streaming movies and browsing, and it even held up for extended gaming sessions in Zenless Zones Zeroes. The thin design of the tablet can result in some heat build-up though, so be mindful of that if youre looking to do serious gaming. The new design of the iPad Air trims its depth down to just 6.1mm, which is even thinner than an iPhone 16. Between that and the tablet weighing just a hair over one pound, its exceptionally portable, which you should want from your tablet. Its also boasting a quality build with an aluminum frame and back not that Id expect any less from Apple. The display on the iPad Air isnt as bright as some of its competition, hitting 500 nits, but it offers a wide color gamut that looks great for TV and movies. It also works well with the Apple Pencil Pro, providing smooth inking for drawing and note taking. And, for those looking to incorporate the tablet into a broader device ecosystem, youll get the benefit of a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port on the bottom of the tablet, supporting faster data transfers and DisplayPort output. 5. iPad (9th Generation)Best Budget iPadOS TabletApple iPad (9th Generation)Spend less with this budget tablet that still delivers a solid performance and a crisp 10.2-inch Retina display.Product SpecificationsCPU A13 BionicRAM4GBStorage64GBDisplay10.2-inch 2160 x 1620 LED-backlit Multi-Touch Retina displayCameras8MP (rear), 12MP (front)PROSUltra affordable price tagUpgraded front-facing cameraCONSProcessor isnt as fast as other iPad modelsThe original iPad is back and better than ever, with much snappier performance, an upgraded front-facing camera for all your FaceTime needs, and a display that now touts Apples True Tone technology. In the shadow of Apple's newer and mightier chips, the A13 Bionic on this 2021 iPad might seem a tad late to the party.However, its plenty powerful for the rest of the tablet users who mostly rely on their devices for casual, everyday tasks like doing video calls with friends and family, streaming shows and movies, gaming, and sending the occasional email. Luckily, its also cheaper than the rest of Apples tablet offerings, which means its the best value for most people. How to Choose the Best TabletThe first step when deciding on a tablet is setting a budget. Looking to just stream shows and scroll socials? A cheap slate should suffice. However, you'll need to up your spending if youre after a productivity tool that performs similarly to a laptop. You can even slap a keyboard onto some tablets, essentially turning them into the best detachable laptops, albeit with the limits of their hardware and operating system.Next, design should be taken into consideration. You want an option thats lightweight but still durable for on-the-go use. A sizable, crisp, and responsive display ensures the best user experience, while OLED panels are a more premium option with deep blacks and richer colors over their LCD counterparts.Of course, the internal components are just as important, as you dont want a sluggish device that leads to you reaching for one of the best smartphones or laptops instead. To prevent that from happening, a solid processor and at least 4GB of RAM is a must. For gaming or creative work, upgrading those specs can make a world of difference. Beyond that, youll want to ensure your software is up to date. Android OS is in its 15th generation while iPadOS 18 is Apples latest.Other features like long battery life, great-sounding speakers, crisp cameras, and stylus support can help improve your experience on a tablet. You may even want to consider getting a 5G tablet that can connect to your cellular network when youre not on Wi-Fi.Tablets FAQ Are iPads better than Android tablets?No. Both types of tablets have plenty of solid models to choose from; its more a matter of personal preference. If you already have the best iPhone and MacBook, it makes sense to grab an iPad for seamless integration into your Apple Ecosystem, including the ability to double as a second screen for a MacBook. iPads are known for their smooth, enjoyable user experience along with their wealth of apps and games, but the pricing is more restrictive.Tablets running on Android OS come from various manufacturers using a wide variety of components and different versions of the Android operating system, meaning performance and the experience is all over the place. But theres a wider selection of slates, from ultra-cheap to high-end. Its just important to do your research, as there are some dudsiPads performance is a bit more consistent. The selection of apps optimized for an Android tablet is also more limited. Still, almost all Android apps should function, just not as well as on your phone.Should you buy a tablet with cellular network support?Most will find that a tablet with cellular network support is unnecessary unless youre constantly on the go with no way to connect via Wi-Fi. Adding that extra line to your cellular plan can be expensive, and your smartphone can usually work as a Wi-Fi hotspot for your tablet when youre in a pinch. However, should you decide youd like cellular network support, many of our picks come in 5G versions, just know you have to make that decision up front.Jackie Thomas is the Hardware and Buying Guides Editor at IGN and the PC components queen. You can follow her @Jackiecobra

If you like to travel as much as we do here at 9to5Mac, Nomad is the perfect service for you. Nomad makes traveling a breeze by removing the headache of keeping your iPhone connected while on the go.Nomad is also running a rare promotion for 9to5Mac readers. Use promo code CHRISTMAS24 at checkout to score a 20% discount on TWO orders. Valid until 12/29 23:59pm PST.What is an eSIM? An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital version of a traditional SIM card, eliminating the need for a physical card. It offers instant installation and activation, allowing users to quickly switch carriers or plans without waiting for a physical SIM. Being network- and operator-agnostic, eSIMs provide flexibility in connecting to any compatible carrier worldwide. eSIMs are also designed to work with various smart devices, including smartphones, tablets, and wearables, enhancing connectivity and simplifying the user experience.eSIMs are supported by the vast majority of smartphones on the market. This includes all iPhone models and many Android devices across different price categories. Traditionally, travelers faced two frustrating options for mobile data while on vacation.Option 1: Buy a local SIM cardaffordable but inconvenient due to queues and the hassle of swapping SIMs. Option 2: Use data roaming from providers like AT&Tconvenient but expensive at $10/day, with inconsistent quality.Nomad takes the stress and cost out of traveling internationally. It eliminates the hassle of purchasing local SIM cards or relying on unstable Wi-Fi networks. Nomad offers the convenience of digital activation, provides the affordability of local data plans, and ensures a seamless and reliable experience while you travel.What sets Nomad apart is its extensive network of connectivity partners around the globe. This approach means data plans are often 20% to 40% cheaper than other companies. Additionally, Nomad focuses on redundancy, ensuring multiple local networks are available in every covered country. This gives you the flexibility to switch networks if coverage isnt ideal in a specific area.Getting started with NomadNomad is a global eSIM marketplace available in over 190 countries. It offers a seamless experience through its iOS app, Android app, and online web store.All you need to do to get started is create a Nomad account with your name and email address. Then, you can quickly access affordable and reliable connectivity worldwide. Installing and activating a Nomad eSIM is quick and easy and takes you less than five minutes. You can browse and select a plan, install the eSIM with one click, and activate it without hassle. Most eSIMs connect automatically when you arrive at your destination, so theres no need to activate them manually. Just install the eSIM before you leave, as installation requires Wi-Fi or data. If your eSIM does require manual activation, youll find an activation button in the Manage section of the app. Since installing and activating are separate steps, you can purchase and install your eSIM ahead of time and activate it when you arrive.Nomad also has a detailed breakdown of step-by-step instructions on its website should you encounter any problems during the process.Everything is managed through Nomads easy-to-use app, which is quick to set up and highly rated, with 4.8/5 on the App Store, 4.7/5 on Google Play, and 4.5/5 on Trustpilot. Nomad also offers industry-leading customer service that is available 24/7. Exclusive savings for 9to5Mac readersNomad is also running a rare promotion for 9to5Mac readers. Use promo code CHRISTMAS24 at checkout to score a 20% discount on TWO orders. Valid until 12/29 23:59pm PST.Nomad is built to make traveling a breeze and revolutionize the travel experience. Get started today by visiting the Nomad website.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The first Apple Intelligence features in iOS 18.1 included a variety of tools to aid your writing. But iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 expanded those tools in two key ways, including one powerful upgrade that can do all your writing for youabsolutely free.Compose text with ChatGPT via Apple IntelligenceIn iOS 18.2, users get to benefit from Apples new partnership with OpenAI in two ways:ChatGPT is now baked into Siritheres also a brand new Compose featureCompose is a powerful addition to the existing Apple Intelligence writing tools, which provide systemwide assistance in virtually any app youre using.Certain Apple apps like Notes and Mail have dedicated toolbar buttons to access the writing tools. But even if youre using a different app, you can find them in the copy/paste menu. Just tap anywhere in a text field to access that menu.Youll find Compose at the bottom of the writing tools panel. It enables ChatGPT to draft original text for you based on your instructions.Previously, Apples writing tools could only rewrite, proofread, or format existing text. But now thanks to the ChatGPT integration, it can ghostwrite original text almost entirely from scratch.Just tap the Compose button, tell ChatGPT what you need, and it will get to work crafting original text to match your request.After ChatGPT provides its first draft, you can give instructions to refine the draft, or ask for a full rewrite. ChatGPT even provides suggestions for changes that can be made.You can, optionally, upgrade to ChatGPT Plus to get access to more advanced models, but its entirely unnecessary.Whether youre drafting an email, text message, or even an essay, Apple Intelligences new Compose tool is available wherever you need it.Describe the rewrite changes you needTheres one other writing tools upgrade in iOS 18.2: the ability to Describe your change for a custom AI rewrite.In iOS 18.1, Apple Intelligence can perform a standard rewrite on your existing text, where it seeks to retain your existing writing style. It can also rewrite in one of three default styles:FriendlyProfessionalConciseBut if none of these options are getting the results you want, iOS 18.2 adds a helpful new option.Available at the top of the writing tools panel, theres a Describe your change box where you can type specific instructions for the rewrite you want. Apple Intelligence then gets to work crafting revisions that hopefully do the trick.iOS 18.2 writing upgrades: wrap-upApples original set of writing tools in iOS 18.1 was nice, but these 18.2 upgrades expand AIs usefulness significantly. For a lot of people, a blank screen with a flashing cursor is extremely intimidating, making the Compose tool a true asset. And Ive had mixed experiences with rewrites before now, so the ability to describe specific changes is a solid upgrade.Have you used any of the new writing tools in iOS 18.2? How have they worked for you? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

This is Rumor Replay, a weekly column at 9to5Mac offering a quick rundown of the most recent Apple product rumors, with analysis and commentary. Today: Apples smart doorbell project, new AirPods Pro developments, iOS 19 device compatibility, and more. Here are this weeks Apple rumors.Apples smart home doorbellApple has several new Home devices coming out in 2025, but this week Mark Gurman reported that theres yet another Home product in the works for future release: a smart doorbell.Reportedly, Apples doorbell product would integrate seamlessly with smart locksand maybe even come bundled with one itselfso that when the doorbells camera authenticates you with Face ID, the door can automatically unlock.My takeawaysIve long wanted Apple to take the smart home more seriously. Any and every new Home product the company creates, Im game for. Wed heard previously that an Apple security camera was in the works for 2026, and a smart doorbell makes sense as another device that uses much of the same camera tech.Even if youre not interested in buying premium Apple smart home devices, Apples expansion in this area should lead HomeKit, Matter, and the Apple Home app to all get better. That will be a good thing for every smart home user.AirPods Pro 3 and beyondMark Gurman shared several details this week about Apples work on AirPods Pro 3 and beyond. We learned that the following new features are in development:heart rate monitoring, similar to what the Apple Watch offerstemperature sensing, another health-focused additionand built-in cameras, likely geared toward AI functionalityGurman expects that heart rate monitoring will be ready for AirPods Pro 3, but the other features are likely later additions.My takeawaysThis years iOS 18.1 update for AirPods Pro 2 was a major step toward making AirPods even more indispensable in users lives. Features like Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection are a strong incentive to wear AirPods more often. Apples upcoming features seem set to continue that theme.If AirPods start more and more health data, theres greater reason to keep them in your ears. And with built-in cameras that can proactively analyze your surroundings, AirPods could prove especially vital.iOS and iPadOS 19 supported modelsThe oft-reliable leaker iPhoneSoft shared a list of supported models for the upcoming iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 releases. The list notes that every iPhone model that runs iOS 18 will also be able to support iOS 19. On the iPad front, the news is nearly as good. The only iPad excluded from iPadOS 19 will be the 7th-generation base iPad with an A10 chip.My takeawaysIts impressive that Apple will be able to offer another years support for the same set of iPhones. I do wonder, though, if iOS 19 will continue this years trend of limiting more features than ever to only modern devices.For example, I expect Apple will have a slew of new Apple Intelligence features coming in iOS 19, all of which will require an iPhone 15 Pro or newer. As more and more of iOS becomes AI-based, it may be easier to technically maintain support for older devices while actually withholding lots of features from them.Apples base model iPad is overdue for an update. According to an anonymous source with a solid leak record, the 11th generation iPad should be released in early 2025. The new device is expected to run iPadOS 18.3.Theres not much else we know about this new iPad, but a faster chip and Apple Intelligence support are the main expected additions.My takeawaysiPadOS 18.3 should arrive around early February, so its possible the new iPad could debut then. I also wouldnt be surprised if we see a March release alongside the iPhone SE 4 and more.One way or another, the base iPad is the only model not updated in 2024, so the sooner an upgrade arrives, the better.Which of these Apple rumors are you most interested in? Let us know in the comments.Best HomeKit smart home accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

By Thomas Maxwell Published December 26, 2024 | Comments (11) | OpenAI and Microsoft define AGI as AI software that can generate $100 billion in profit. Stefano Guidi/Getty OpenAI and Microsoft have a secret definition for AGI, an acronym for artificial general intelligence, or any system that can outperform humans at most tasks. According to leaked documents obtained by The Information, the two companies came to agree in 2023 that AGI will be achieved once OpenAI has developed an AI system that can generate at least $100 billion in profits. There has long been a debate in the AI community about what AGI really means, or whether computers will ever be good enough to outperform humans at most tasks and wipe out major swaths of the economy.The term artificial intelligence itself is something of a misnomer because much of it is really just a prediction machine, taking in keywords and searching large amounts of data without really understanding the underlying concepts. But OpenAI has received more than $13 billion in funding from Microsoft over the years, and that money has come with a strange contractual agreement that OpenAI would stop allowing Microsoft to use any new technology it develops after AGI is achieved. OpenAI was founded as a nonprofit under the guise that its technology was supposed to benefit humanity. The idea behind cutting off Microsoft once AGI is attained is that AGI would cause harm to humanity in the hands of a for-profit company. In exchange for investing billions in a nonprofit, Microsofts current agreement with OpenAI guarantees it a slice of profits until it reaches a predetermined cap somewhere in the tens of billions; the cap is meant to ensure most profit goes back to building products that benefit humanity, supposedly.As has been well documented at this point, OpenAI is no longer interested in this non-profit model, because the structure makes it difficult to raise more money and compete against other AI players. Since October, The Information says Microsoft and OpenAI have been negotiating changes to their arrangement, which also includes the tech giant serving as OpenAIs exclusive cloud hosting provider. Microsoft and OpenAI have been on diverging paths for some time now. It was recently reported that the latter has begun incorporating AI models developed in-house into its 365 Copilot product in order to improve cost and efficiency. It doesnt make sense for Microsoft to continue relying on OpenAI, an independent company, for technology that it believes will be the backbone of its productivity software going forward. Microsoft needs proprietary tech.OpenAI, for its part, is far away from achieving $100 billion in profit on technology whose true value remains speculative, which means it would likely have to keep giving its technology to Microsoft for a long timenot great when it looks like they are headed towards being competitors. And handing over large amounts of its revenue makes it less attractive to new investors, which it will need as it continues to burn cash. Getting rid of the cloud hosting agreement could also allow OpenAI to negotiate better hosting costs with an alternative provider.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Matt Novak Published December 26, 2024 By Thomas Maxwell Published December 23, 2024 By AJ Dellinger Published December 23, 2024 By Thomas Maxwell Published December 23, 2024 By Matt Novak Published December 23, 2024 By Thomas Maxwell Published December 20, 2024

Your guide to the Game Boy's greatest gamesSo now, in honour of the Game Boys 35th anniversary and as a testament to my faith in your list-generating prowess, I am going to arm myself with 100 only and add as many games as I can to my collection in one week.One week, 100, 50 games - a Tal Tal taskIt's time to beg, borrow, or steal buy Image: George Banks / Nintendo LifeSome qualifiers here the NL Game Boy list is a living list, so I froze it before beginning this challenge. The last thing I need is for Amazing Tater to miraculously slide on and bankrupt me.Also, borrowing a game is fine if experiencing it as a transient part of my collection for now is the best option, then thats what Ill go with. Speaking of which, though I singled out Catrap and Kid Dracula for their brilliance, I had to sell them on after playing as they were so expensive to obtain and sadly that means they dont count toward the total for now (dratula). Its how many games are in my possession or ordered once the week is done. Lets go!The listThis is the list (in alphabetical order) as it appeared when I started anything bolded is a game that is already part of my collection.Avenging SpiritDr. MarioJames Bond 007Motocross ManiacsSuper Mario LandBalloon KidDucktalesKid DraculaNemesisSuper R.C. Pro-AmBatman: The Video GameDucktales 2Kid Icarus: Of Myths and MonstersOperation CTetris 2Bionic CommandoFinal Fantasy AdventureKirbys Dream Land 2ParodiusTetris AttackCastlevania II: Belmonts RevengeFinal Fantasy Legend IIKirbys Dream LandPinball: Revenge of the GatorTetrisCatrapFinal Fantasy Legend IIIKirbys Pinball LandPokemon Red & BlueThe Final Fantasy LegendDonkey KongGame & Watch GalleryMarios PicrossPokemon YellowThe Legend of Zelda: Links AwakeningDonkey Kong LandGame Boy CameraMega Man IVQixTiny Toons: Babs Big BreakDonkey Kong Land 2Gargoyles QuestMega Man VQuarthWario Land IIDonkey Kong Land IIIHarvest Moon GBMole ManiaSuper Mario Land 2: 6 Golden CoinsWario Land: Super Mario Land 310 out of 50. One fifth. Not a bad starting point. And for those interested, the latest addition was Kirbys Dream Land, one I was astonished I didnt own.Press startImage: George Banks / Nintendo LifeSo, where to begin? The first point of call is sounding the alarm with friends and family. I message the following:Hello! Does anybody have or know anyone who has a collection of original Gameboy games? And know if they may be willing to part with some of them? Loan or sell.I post a similar message to a few Discord groups and social media too.While I wait for replies I open up eBay. I used to love scouring it for games in my teens. It's much harder to find bargains on there these days but still occasionally throws up a gem.I opt to search for Mega Man IV and V first the Blue Bomber is fairly ubiquitous, I sense these will be an easy find and relatively cheap. I cannot possibly repeat the expletive combination that fell out of my mouth upon seeing prices for these, but almost across the board they would blow my entire budget. There is one copy of Mega Man IV that is 70 and Japanese imports are in the mid-30s. Imports are certainly an option but Id prefer to understand whats happening if possible (not that Megamans story ever deviates too wildly). I 'watch' the 70 Mega Man IV because Im an idiot and backburner this.Lets aim lower. Its the law for every household in the UK to own at least one copy of Tetris, so these other two Tetris games may hold some hope. Tetris 2: 7.99 with free shipping. Theres quite a few of these, so I watch a couple for now. Tetris Attack: 4.99! Oh, but 3.50 shipping. Smug in the knowledge therell be a similarly priced one with free shipping, I generously offer 3 and move on.I am astounded that there are two games that begin with a Q on this list and as I had never heard of them I brace for a massive hit. Both QIX and Quarth range wildly from 7 to 40ish but shipping eats up the budget once more. Watch some cheap ones, move on again.Stumbling blocksImage: Damien McFerran / Nintendo LifeNow, I have a confession. I dont like Castlevania games. I have tried, I really have. And I love Metroidvanias! Just not actual Vanias, it seems. Again though prominent series, probably sold well, cheap on the secondhand market, Id wager. WRONG. Another budget blower. Backburner.Worried that Im making no progress I decide to go back and make some bids. I search 'Tetris Attack' its gone! Shouldnt have been stingy, time to find another 4.99 one. No. Theyre all double the amount. Another volley of profanities. I cannot believe I didnt pounce on it. This is not going well.Whats rapidly becoming clear to me is that my instincts about this are way off. Established franchises that I assume wouldve sold tons of copies and therefore be freely in circulation seem to be really pricey, whereas the more obscure titles are less of a hit. This scattershot approach is doing me no favours and its all a bit pricier than I was hoping, Ill barely be able to double what Ive got if I just buy blind. Its time to pull out the big guns. Its time to make a spreadsheet.I jot the 40 missing entries down and search them one by one, adding an average price for each, making a promise to myself that I will only buy a game when its below that.I cannot possibly repeat the expletive combination that fell out of my mouth upon seeing pricesBids are placed and my phones buzzing like a Beedrill as replies start to materialise. Theres a lovely outpouring of enthusiasm from people wanting to show off their collection - but most of the folks are miles away or, quite understandably, anxious to part with these little treasures. Thats fair, I know I would be. But there is some hope. My brother-in-law Nics been looking for an excuse to raid his attic collection and he knows of a good secondhand shop in the area. He also mentions the car boot sales that are on tomorrow that have served him well. Were going to early bird it if theres any Game Boy games there, well swoop in before anybody else has a chance.Next is a reply on Twitter from Sean with an INCREDIBLE-looking collection, I can even see a few from the list from the picture hes sent. We get chatting and although weve never met, it turns out he is, by an insane coincidence, from my neck of the woods. I ask if I can send a list for him to look at and he kindly agrees. Its late now and Im zero games up, but the groundwork has been laid.Dawn of the second dayImage: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life6am and raining. Through bleary eyes I clumsily pour tea into a thermos and question my life choices. Its better not to rush this, I tell myself. Youll get more if youre patient.With a wallet of cash and an Excel doc in my pocket, Nic and I enter the boot sale. I dont know how many of you have visited a car boot sale in England but I find they are, generally, one of the oddest experiences you can have. Cars pitched higgledy-piggledy amongst boxes and tables, all overflowing with a random assortment of items as people rifle through them at lightning speed. Want to pick up a vintage Power Rangers doll and an ornate, three-tier, pyramid tiffin box? Great theyre inexplicably next to each other on that table, by the pair of used Crocs.This apotheosis of hodgepodge is all underscored by a man in a van with a mic informing us continuously about the beautiful cuts of meat he has on offer. The only Nintendo item we find is a Mario Kart Carerra Go track and the only gaming equipment we find is a Binatone TV Master MK 6. No, me neither. It turns out to be a fun little jaunt, but after two hours of perambulation we declare it a bust.Image: George Banks / Nintendo LifeBig breakWe move onto the high street. CEX and secondhand shops throw up the usual suspects, Mario Land, Pokmon, Tetris, Zelda all at a decent price, too. Its heartening that these classics are still floating around out there for folks to discover, but theyre no use to me right now.Then we reach Wants a majestic, treasure trove of old console games. Theres a copy of Illusion of Time for the SNES in the window for goodness' sake - how have I not been here before? I chat to Jon behind the desk and he passes me the Game Boy box. Jackpot! Motocross Maniacs, Tiny Toons: Babs' Big Break, Donkey Kong Land, Donkey Kong 94, James Bond 007, Contra Operation C My heart thumps. Mega Man! But its the original, not IV or V. Damn.I decide to pull all the games from the box one by one just in case I missed a title when I feel something weird a significantly weightier cartridge for a Star Trek game. Jon opens it up to discover its a fake! I guess the lack of Nintendo GAMEBOY on the front shouldve tipped us off. The chip on the board is a behemoth and it fires up just fine. Im giddy as Ive never come across this before - the curio collector in me is screaming to buy it for the novelty, but with a daunting enough task ahead of me, doing so would be illogical, captain.Images: George Banks / Nintendo LifeOperation C is a little above budget at 20 although it does average at 30+ on eBay. The Tetris Attack sting is still fresh but I leave it and opt for the other five I feel quantity is key at this juncture. The games total 49, much less than the combination of their eBay average, but Jon does me a solid and knocks off a fiver. Im five games up and if Ive got spare to splurge at the end, Contra may be calling if I havent missed out again.Harvest boonImage: George Banks / Nintendo LifeSome days and a little back and forth later the loan offers start to crystalise Sean, Nic, and a few others pitch in to tackle a sizeable chunk of the list: Dr. Mario, Game & Watch Gallery, Nemesis, Super R.C. Pro-Am, Kid Icarus, Operation C (Probotector over here), Balloon Kid, Kirby's Pinball Land, Batman, Tetris Attack (thank heavens), Donkey Kong Land 2 & 3, Gargoyles Quest & Harvest Moon! Im also offered Castlevania II, Mole Mania, and Picross these last three are Japanese carts but Castlevania has English text, Picross has English menus, and I guess I can google translate Mole Mania? Ive always wanted to play it so nothings going to stop me.Nic messages again I have another Mega Man game here. Heart stops Mega Man III. More swears, though theyre not out loud this time, so thats something. Im cursed with that series. Still, thats a staggering 32 games total up from 10 a few days ago and Im left with a budget of 56.Theres only a couple of days left and Ive called every retro game shop locally and beyond and exhausted the charity shops and contacts for loans. Its time to scour eBay. I calculate that if I can average 8 or less per game itll get me to 40 total. I know theres some real pricey ones left so Im going to leave those until last and with the others Ill scroll all the way down on each search, offer audaciously low when I can (maybe even message folks directly), then just bid on anything below average. I get a lot of rejection, a lot of pushback, flat refusals, and lose out on a few that werent bad, but sticking to my guns does yield some great results.Tetris 2 for 5 via a direct message and a lovely chat, Qix for 7, Wario Land 2 for 9! I do blow 15 on Final Fantasy Legend but I put that offer in as a cheeky lowball and never expected it to be accepted its about half what its up for everywhere. Thats 20 left and 36 games in total. Can I scrape together another four at a fiver each?Image: George Banks / Nintendo LifeI absolutely cannot, but theres a teeny, tiny chance I can squeeze out three. Im sat on a 6 offer for Revenge of the Gator, 6 bid for DuckTales, and an 8 offer for Quarth. Gator comes in at 7 and Im pipped on both Ducktales and Quarth as they go for over the average amount. 13 left. Im going to have to settle for one if theres a good Buy It Now option. Ducktales for a tenner to round it out? Sold. Not the rousing ending to this quest I was hoping for but I am happy with what Ive picked up.Picrossing the finish lineImage: George Banks / Nintendo LifeSo what did we learn? Well, I was able to grow my collection to a total of 38 games from this list (Ducktales and my loan of Game & Watch Gallery are in the post) nearly quadrupling what I had in one week, all tested and working and ready to be adored. Ill complete them all, return the loanees, and move on the ones that dont sing to me. This will hopefully fund the remaining 11 which, really, are luxury purchases, all averaging over 50 unless youre happy with a repro cart (and I must admit there is a 20 Parodius one from Italy calling to me) or one imported from Japan which tend to skew 40-60% cheaper.But more than that I learned that after three and a half decades of life, theres still a community whose passion for this little brick burns brightly. Want a keyring of an obscure Game Boy title like Catrap? Its a thing! Want to spend 100+ pounds on a special edition remaster of Avenging Spirit with a glow-in-the-dark cartridge? Go nuts! There are people making new games and physical releases for it as you read this I got to speak to some of them recently and theyre mad and brilliant. People are keen to show off and sometimes even share their collections. Seeing listings for manuals and tattered boxes made me so nostalgic for the days when you could pop into a high street game shop and thered be stacks of these little cartridges to grab - all boxed and complete.And though thats less of a thing these days, growing your collection with a reasonable budget is possible you just need to be organised, check every day, and dont hesitate when you see a good deal. Ill keep this list up and also watch to see how you shape it in the future with keen interest.35 and still going strong. Long live Game Boy.Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life This coping mechanism was super effective!See AlsoShare:014 George is a stage and screen actor and voiceover artist with a deep love of gaming and all things Nintendo. His writing has appeared on Nintendo Life and Time Extension. 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Scientists at the Suzumori Endo Robotics lab in Tokyo have developed the Superman Suit: a suit powered by hydraulic artificial muscles that allows it to perform superhuman tasks. In this video, the suit demonstrates the ability to complete 15 rotations around a bar, making anyone into a great gymnast. 2024 TechCrunch. All rights reserved. For personal use only.

In BriefPosted:1:31 PM PST December 26, 2024Image Credits:SEBASTIEN BOZON/AFP / Getty ImagesChatGPT Search can be tricked into misleading users, new research revealsChatGPT Search, an AI-powered search engine that went live this month, can be fooled into generating completely misleading summaries, U.K. newspaper The Guardian has found.ChatGPTs search feature is meant to make browsing faster by doing things like summarizing a web pages product reviews. But The Guardian found it could get ChatGPT to ignore negative reviews and generate entirely positive summaries by inserting hidden text into websites it created. ChatGPT Search could also be made to spit out malicious code using this method.Such hidden text attacks are a well-known risk for large language models, but this appears to be the first time its demonstrated on a live AI-powered search product. Google, the leader in search, has more experience dealing with similar problems, The Guardian noted.OpenAI didnt comment about this specific incident when TechCrunch reached out, but said it uses a variety of methods to block malicious websites and is continually improving.TechCrunch has an AI-focused newsletter! Sign up here to get it in your inbox every Wednesday.Topics