The number of Americans applying for unemployment checks dropped last week to the lowest level since March, suggesting that most U.S. workers continue to enjoyunusually high job security.Jobless claims dropped by 9,000 to 211,000 last week, the Labor Department reported Thursday. The four-week average of claims, which strips out week-to-week ups and downs, fell by 3,500 to 223,250.The overall number receiving unemployment benefits fell by 52,000 to 1.84 million, the lowest since September.Thomas Simons and Sam Saliba, economists at Jefferies, called the drops encouraging in a commentary but cautioned that seasonal adjustments around the holidays canthrow off the numbers.The U.S. job market has cooled considerably from the red-hot hiring days of 2021-2023 when the economy was bouncing back from COVID-19 lockdowns.Through November, employers added an average of 180,000 jobs a month in 2024, down from 251,000 in 2023, 377,000 in 2022, and a record 604,000 in 2021. Still, even the diminished job creation is solid and a sign of resilience in the face of high interest rates.When the Labor Department releases hiring numbers for December on Jan. 10, theyre expected to show that employers added 160,000 jobs last month.The weekly jobless claims numbers are a proxy for layoffs, and those have remained below pre-pandemic levels. The unemployment rate is at a modest 4.2%, though that is up from a half-century low of 3.4% reached in 2023.To fight inflation that hit four-decade highs two and a half years ago, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark interest rates 11 times in 2022 and 2023. Inflation came down from 9.1% in mid-2022 to 2.7% in November, allowing the Fed to start cutting rates. But progress on inflation has stalled in recent months, and year-over-year consumer price increases are stuck above the Feds 2% target.At its December meeting, the Fed went ahead and cut its benchmark interest rate for the third time in 2024. But the central banks policymakers signaled that theyre likely to be more cautious about future rate cuts: They projected just two in 2025, down from the four they had envisioned in September.

Stackable product design is rapidly evolving to meet the contemporary demands of practicality, spatial efficiency, and eco-friendliness. As urban living spaces shrink and environmental concerns grow, designers are focusing on modular components that allow for easy assembly and the use of lightweight, durable materials. These innovations not only cater to the aesthetic preferences of modern consumers but also address the functional needs of those living in compact environments.The latest trends in stackable product design emphasize convenience and the maximization of space in urban settings. By integrating multifunctionality and sustainability, these designs aim to create enhanced living environments that are both stylish and practical. As more consumers prioritize eco-friendly products, designers are increasingly incorporating sustainable materials and production methods into their creations.1. Innovative MaterialsThe StOol, crafted from sturdy polypropylene plastic, exemplifies the use of innovative materials in stackable furniture design. Polypropylene is renowned for its durability, lightweight properties, and resistance to chemicals and environmental conditions. These qualities make the StOol an ideal choice for short-term seating in small spaces. Its fan-shaped seat and stem-like backrest not only provide comfort but also allow for easy stacking and compact storage, making it versatile for both indoor and outdoor use.In addition to its functionality, the StOol offers a range of uses, serving as a seat, backrest, armrest, side table, or object support. This versatility is further enhanced by its weather-resistant properties, ensuring longevity and durability in various environments. By utilizing innovative materials like polypropylene, designers can create products that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing, catering to the diverse needs of modern consumers.2. Space-Efficient StorageThe Stack chair is a prime example of space-efficient design, featuring a simple yet effective structure comprising a base and a shell that snap together seamlessly. This unique rim design not only allows for space-efficient storage but also simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes. The fastener-free design enhances customization options, offering various colors and materials, such as polypropylene or wood upholstered with fabric or leather, to suit different aesthetic preferences.Moreover, the Stack chairs sustainable design emphasizes durability and recyclability, particularly through the use of a polypropylene shell. Its efficient manufacturing, packaging, and transportation processes further highlight its eco-friendly approach. By focusing on space efficiency and sustainability, the Stack chair caters to both small and large spaces, providing a versatile seating solution for diverse environments.3. Ergonomic DesignFinnish brand Innos Naku Stack Chair, designed by Harri Korhonen, prioritizes both comfort and functionality through its ergonomic design. Crafted from solid wood, the chair features a sleek A-shaped frame that facilitates easy stacking without compromising on style. Available in birch, ash, or oak, with options for fabric or leather upholstery, the Naku Stack Chair is designed to provide ergonomic support for extended sitting, making it suitable for both public and private spaces.The chairs durable, UV-protected varnish ensures longevity and resistance to wear and tear, making it an ideal choice for creating stylish and comfortable seating arrangements. Its ergonomic design not only enhances user comfort but also promotes better posture, contributing to overall well-being. By combining aesthetic appeal with practical functionality, the Naku Stack Chair exemplifies the potential of ergonomic design in modern furniture.4. Multifunctional FurnitureThe SitnSwitch chair is designed to maximize space and versatility, making it ideal for homes, offices, and classrooms. This armless wooden chair features a wide seat and padded backrest, and its sleek, stackable design saves space when not in use. The chairs backrest folds down to create a flat surface, transforming it into a desk. Sitting backward positions the central rail between your legs, offering a convenient workspace.Additionally, arranging four SitnSwitch chairs in a cross formation creates a collaborative bench table, enhancing its multifunctional design. The chair accommodates various sitting positions, making it a practical and stylish solution for multiple environments. By integrating multifunctionality into its design, the SitnSwitch chair offers a versatile seating option that adapts to the changing needs of modern living spaces.5. Modular DesignTotem offers a versatile and space-efficient solution for outdoor gatherings with its innovative modular design. The product features five stackable segments: four stools with thick, cushioned seats on black metal frames and a top segment that transforms into a table with a wooden slat surface. This modular design allows for easy setup and cleanup, saving both time and space while providing comfortable seating for outdoor events.When not in use, Totem serves as an attractive outdoor decoration, blending seamlessly into garden or patio settings. Its design not only prioritizes functionality but also adds aesthetic value to outdoor spaces. By combining comfort, functionality, and style, Totem is perfect for any occasion, offering a practical solution for those who enjoy entertaining outdoors.6. Eco-Friendly MaterialsThe Triplex stool addresses the issue of furniture overconsumption, making it ideal for a nomadic lifestyle. Its three-part, screw-together design uses identical pieces, minimizing its manufacturing footprint and allowing for compact shipping and easy home assembly. Made from flax fiber and bio-resin, this product offers high tensile strength and structural integrity, weighing only 1.8 kilograms for easy mobility and storage.Moreover, the Triplex stool naturally biodegrades at the end of its lifecycle, leaving no pollution. This eco-friendly approach not only reduces environmental impact but also aligns with the growing consumer demand for sustainable products. By utilizing materials that are both durable and biodegradable, the Triplex stool exemplifies the potential for eco-friendly innovation in furniture design.Srishti Gargs Dip-In Tiffin offers a sustainable twist on single-use food packaging, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian tiffins. Crafted from eco-friendly Areca leaf, its stackable design is ideal for dry and semi-dry foods, making it perfect for quick meals at airports. Free from glue or seals, it emphasizes safety and easy disposal after use. By reimagining traditional designs with eco-friendly materials, the Dip-In Tiffin provides a practical solution for reducing waste in food packaging.7. Adaptive Seating ConceptThe Social Chair by Yvonne Hung offers a unique solution for both solitary relaxation and entertaining guests with its adaptive seating concept. At first glance, it appears as a quirky armchair, but each armrest functions as part of a separate chair. Disassembling it reveals three individual seats, perfect for accommodating guests. This innovative design makes the Social Chair practical even when stacked, ideal for small homes in urban settings.By providing flexible seating options, the Social Chair caters to a variety of social scenarios, from intimate gatherings to larger events. Its adaptive design not only enhances functionality but also adds a playful element to home decor. As urban living spaces continue to shrink, the Social Chair exemplifies the creative potential of adaptive design in maximizing utility and style.8. Dual FunctionsThe Turning Chair by Insu Kim features a versatile dual-function design, serving as both a comfortable lounger and a high-seated bar stool. Its unique feature allows it to be flipped 90 to switch between these two functions. In one orientation, it functions as a low-lying lounger with a reclining backrest, perfect for the living room. Flipped backward, it becomes a bar stool suited for kitchen counters due to its angular rear legs.Moreover, the chairs stackable design enhances its space-saving capabilities, making it a versatile seating option for various spaces. By integrating dual functions into its design, the Turning Chair provides a flexible solution for adapting to different seating needs and environments. This innovative approach to furniture design highlights the potential for multifunctionality in modern living spaces.9. A Green ThumbChris Ferences Elevated Planter combines ingenious design with practical functionality, crafted from anodized aluminum. These planters feature toothed bases that securely stack one above the other, allowing for vertical gardening and maximizing space without the need for multiple planters. The grooved bases facilitate versatile arrangements, including edge stacking to optimize plant growth. Each planter includes a drainage hole with a rubber plug, ensuring suitability for both indoor and outdoor use.The modular nature of the Elevated Planter allows users to create a personalized ecosystem within their homes, enhancing indoor environments with greenery. By offering a space-efficient solution for plant enthusiasts, this design caters to the growing trend of indoor gardening in urban settings. The Elevated Planter exemplifies the potential for combining functionality with aesthetic appeal in modular design.Aditi Kedias Prairie Planter redefines traditional planters as landscape features inspired by prairie grasslands. These modular planters stack like mounds of red soil, creating a savannah-like setting when paired with succulents or cacti. Its geometric design offers flexible arrangement options and efficient irrigation management with a built-in water tray. The Prairie Planter seamlessly combines aesthetic elegance with practical functionality, perfect for standalone use or stacked configurations.ToThem is a modular vase system designed for small spaces like city apartments, ideal for organizing and nurturing a variety of plants. Each vase features a unique shape that blends harmoniously with others, optimizing space while adding a playful touch to your decor. It includes a manual irrigation system ensuring even watering across all levels and integrates a drainage system for water reuse. Suitable for aromatic plants, succulents like Aloe Vera, and Hedera Helix, and flowers like Spathiphyllum, ToThem blends functionality with aesthetic appeal, enhancing indoor environments with warm, earthy tones.10.Compact DesignThe PILE Stackable Speaker by bFRANK Design Studio embodies Danish design principles of simplicity, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Designed by Francesco Brunetti, it maximizes space efficiency with its stackable concept, allowing users to build a modular speaker system for richer sound without compromising on desk space. Each unit features a modern, curvy square design that adds elegance to any setting, available in multiple colors to suit personal taste.Practical and stylish, PILE features a convex top design for secure stacking and serves as a convenient storage spot for small items. Crafted from matte plastic with fabric covering and subtle LED indicators for operational status, it combines functionality with aesthetic appeal. The PILE Stackable Speaker exemplifies the potential for compact design in modern electronics, offering a space-saving solution that enhances user experience.These innovations in stackable product design highlight a growing emphasis on practicality, versatility, and sustainable design. Designers are creating products that fulfill functional needs while also offering appealing aesthetics. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the future of stackable design promises to bring even more innovative solutions to the forefront of modern living.The post Stackable Product Design: Trends in Practicality, Efficiency, and Sustainability first appeared on Yanko Design.

MacworldWhen Apple unveiled the four new iPhone models last fall, it quickly became apparent that there were fewer differences between the standard and Pro models than had been the case in previous years. Some Pro fans, indeed, were so impressed by the basic iPhone 16 and 16 Plus that they decided to save money and pick the cheaper option.There are benefits to going Pro, of course, and one of these concerns the display. The 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max have slightly larger screens than their non-Pro equivalents with slightly narrower bezels around the edge, but more importantly, they are better specced: As has been the case since the iPhone 13, they are equipped with ProMotion and can dynamically increase their refresh rate up to 120Hz, whereas the standard screens are capped at 60Hz. (The Pro handsets also come with always-on displays, which is a related benefit: ProMotion enables the phone to conserve battery life by dramatically lowering the refresh rate when performing operations that dont require a high refresh rate.)If the latest report is accurate, however, the Pro phones may soon lose this perknot in the sense of having it taken away, but in it being given to the cheaper handsets as well. A new rumor claims all four iPhone 17 models will get screens with higher refresh rates, which almost certainly refers to a ProMotion upgrade.The leak (via MacRumors) comes originally from Digital Chat Station on the Chinese social media site Weibo, and while Weibo can sometimes be a dubious source of intel this particular user has a track record; as MacRumors notes, they made accurate predictions about a few features and design elements of the iPhone 12 and iPhone 15 ahead of those launches.Whats more, the claim both makes sense and fits what weve heard so far about the late-2025 iPhones. As early as February 2024 we were hearing tips that the entire iPhone 17 range would be fitted with LTPO displays; thats the screen tech, in contrast to LTPS on the non-Pro iPhones, which enables ProMotion, and likely means we can also expect always-on displays across the board next fall.But this does leave Apple in a tricky position. How will it differentiate the iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max from their more affordable siblings? Early signs hint at a new part-aluminum, part-glass design (the top half will be aluminum and the bottom glass, apparently) and a redesigned camera bump, but customers will need to see more than that if theyre to spring for those models premium price tags.For all the latest news and rumors, check our regularly updated iPhone 17 superguide. But if you cant wait that long for a new handset, pick up a bargain on the current range with our roundup of the best iPhone deals.

MacworldIf one of your New Year resolutions is to finally keep a tidy desk, then this Belkin MagSafe charger is just what you need. Even better, this charger is down to $90 at Amazon, a $30 savings and the best price weve ever seen. (This price is for the black model but the white model is also on sale for $20 off)This Belkin charging tree occupies very little space on your desk and eliminates having a gazillion wires strewn all over your workspace. The base is where you can neatly place your AirPods to charge, while the frame will magnetically hold your phone and watch. Finally, the weighted anti-slip base will ensure the stand stays in place even with the heaviest of iPhones.This 3-in-1 station can simultaneously charge all three of your devices, with up to 15W power for your phone and 5W for your earbuds and Apple Watch. Whats cool is that you can even use this if you have a case on your phone (as you should). It comes with a 40W power adapter and a 5ft cable that is long enough for you to plug under your desk or nightstand.So, dont miss the chance to get this amazing Belkin charging station for $90 at Amazon right now and get your cables uncluttered for 2025.Save $30 on this all-inclusive charging solutionBuy now at Amazon

Combined with its existing solutions, Apples strategic approach to artificial intelligence (AI) deployment could make a radical difference to public health. Here is how it could achieve that.Apple has already told us that achieving better health through better choices is fundamental to its approach. Our goal is to empower people to take charge of their own health journey, said Dr. Sumbul Desai, Apples vice president of health, in 2023.While knowledge is power, anyone whos ever sent themselves into a tidal wave of panic when searching for information on their own symptoms online should know that applying it effectively isnt always easy. Everyone is different, with varying polarities around health. What works for some might work more effectively if optimized and personalized for others, reflecting unique characteristics such as age, weight, or gender. Help is coming. Weve known for a while that Apple hopes to be part of that solution, which is why it isdeveloping AI to optimize the choices people take.What difference does it make?Multiple studies show how making better choices can help keep you healthy. It has already been shown that the iPhone and Apple Watch can help identify early onset of dementia,Parkinsons, respiratory diseases, and sleep apnea. More recently, the Apple-introduced Vitals app seems to be providing people withearly warningsthat theyre about to get sick; the company has also created tools to empower Apples customers with better insights into their own mental health. Apples vision for health straddles all its devices, including AirPods Pro, which now act as bona fide hearing aids and hearing test systems.What problems might these technologies alleviate?The World Health Organization predicts diabetes will impact 1.3 billion people by 2050, up from 830 million in 2022. Cardiovascular disease kills17.9 million peopleeach year. The third biggest killer, chronic respiratory disease, affects around seven in every 100 people on earth. The estimated cost of chronic disease isexpected to reach $47 trillion globally by 2030. What all three conditions have in common is that they can in part be mitigated by early intervention lifestyle changes and better self-care decisions.Better health, one step at a timeSure, its not a panacea people near you will still suffer from health problems. But positive lifestyle changes can mitigate, prevent, and manage these conditions, at least some of the time. But, ultimately, its not just the lives saved when using Emergency SOS via Satellite from a remote location that matter, its also the many that may never encounter problems as a direct result of taking 10,000 steps a day and closing all the Activity rings on their Apple Watch.The Health app is a major component of all of this. Think of it as a digital hub. Not only does it gather information from all your devices, but it also sucks in data from some third-party services and has the capacity to share and ingest information with health professionals. All those insights are private and personal to you, and Apple wants to keep it that way.All of its systems aim to gather as little data as possible about you. When it comes to health, the intention is to ensure your data doesnt enter the surveillance economy, (though Apples privacy commitment could yet be torn apart by clumsy regulation).But is it safe?In taking this approach, Apple is grappling with the biggest challenge to wider deployment of AI. In response to the ever-corroding experience of intrusive surveillance advertising and the challenge of privacy protection in a digital age, people are reluctant to share health data. By crafting systems that dont require direct access to your data, Apple has an opportunity to unlock the potential benefits of personal health AI without also creating another attack surface against digital privacy.The risk is that if the company is forced to open up its systems, it might also be forced to open up your personal health data to third-party firms with which you dont have the same depth of trust. With that in mind, its understandable the company might not introduce these systems if regulators insist on exposing personal information to outside companies less committed to privacy.To avoid this, Apple must convince governments that the benefits of digital privacy far outweigh the costs of removing it. It needs to be able to build a health OS that can support third-party developers while also protecting user data. The prize? The opportunity to build a powerful personalized preventative AI-augmented health care anyone canhook themselves intofor the price of an Apple One subscription. The risk? An incredibly intrusive exfiltration of personal information.You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn,Mastodon, andMeWe.

Apple's high-performance Mac models, including the Mac Studio and Mac Pro, are expected to get a big upgrade in 2025. Here's how powerful we expect that they'll be.Mac Pro, Mac Studio, M4Mac Pro, Mac Studio, M4The Mac upgrade to M4 chips in late 2024 meant updates to half of the Mac range, with only three models yet to be updated. That short list consists of the MacBook Air, the Mac Studio, and the Mac Pro.With the MacBook Air already on M3, it's the two high-performance models that are surprisingly behind the curve. Both the Mac Studio and Mac Pro are on the M2 generation of chips, and are certainly due to get an upgrade. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has slapped Apple with a violation regarding missing safety warnings on AirTags here's how Apple's fixing the problem.Apple's AirTagOn Thursday, the Office of Compliance and Field Operations of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a Notice of Violation to Apple after it noticed some AirTags were missing appropriate button cell battery warnings.According to a press release by the CPSC, Apple had previously met the performance requirements for securing the AirTag's lithium coin cell battery. However, those imported after March 19, 2024 not feature required on-product and on-box warnings. This date is significant as it is the date that Reese's Law, a law that mandates safety standards for button and coin-cell batteries. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple has agreed to pay $95 million to settle a proposed class action lawsuit, accusing the company of violating user privacy due to recording conversations after accidentally activating Siri.Siri was the target of a privacy-based lawsuitThe preliminary settlement, filed in an Oakland, California federal court on Tuesday, sees Apple proposing a payment of $95 million to the class to end the 2019 lawsuit.The class consists of customers who used Siri-enabled Apple products from September 17, 2014 to December 31, 2024. With tens of millions of potential class members, each may receive up to $20 per Siri-enabled device. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Though she faced many challengesincluding the loss of her left eyethe gray wolf named 907F persevered and lived to be more than 11 years old. National Park Service / Jeremy SunderRajOne of Yellowstone National Parks most famous gray wolves, an 11-year-old matriarch who was blind in one eye, has died after a fight with a rival pack.Nicknamed the queen of the wolves, 907F lived much longer than most grey wolves (Canis lupus) at Yellowstone, which have an average lifespan of four to five years. She was the alpha female of the Junction Butte pack, which prowls the parks northern range.On December 22, 907F and several of her pups were eating a bison carcass on the north side of the Yellowstone River, reports Cowboy State Dailys Mark Heinz. For unknown reasons, members of the rival Rescue Creek pack crossed the river and launched an attack.After the fight, Taylor Rabe, a wildlife technician with the Yellowstone Wolf, Cougar and Elk Project, kept tabs on the signals coming from 907Fs radio collar. For the first two days, the collar indicated 907F was still alive.But, three days after the conflict, on Christmas Day, 907F succumbed to her injuries. Her collar later signaled mortality, which occurs when the wolf wearing it hasnt moved in 12 hours. Rabe recovered and froze 907Fs body, which will undergo a full necropsy.Its sad. But we always like to see a wolf die naturally, rather than at the hands of a human, Rabe tells Cowboy State Daily. It gives us peace to know that she went in a natural manner. Wolf 907F wore a radio collar that ultimately sent biologists the "mortality" signal. Taylor RabeOver the years, 907F had become a bit of a celebritymuch like 399, a female grizzly bear that lived in nearby Grand Teton National Park. But while 907F died of natural causes, 399 was struck and killed by a vehicle on October 22 at the age of 28. Grizzly 399 left behind a cub, and some conservationists have argued that her death was preventable.Many wildlife enthusiasts noted the sharp contrast between how the two charismatic creatures died.[907F] lived a wild life, says Deby Dixon, a professional wildlife photographer, to KTVQs Isabel Spartz. She wasnt killed by a hunter. She wasnt killed by a car. She never got into any trouble. She got to live and die as a wild wolf, and 399 didnt get that chance.Jorn Vangoidtsenhoven, another wildlife photographer, echoed that sentiment.Although [907Fs death] would have been violent, its more comforting to know she died a natural death rather than suffering 399s fate, he tells Cowboy State Daily.To make it to age 11or 11.8, to be exact907F had to overcome her fair share of challenges. As Sheena Goodyear wrote for CBC Radioin June, 907F was a shrewd survivor, a wise elder, a prolific motherand an absolute boss.Born in the spring of 2013, 907F contracted mangean itchy, contagious skin condition caused by mitesearly in life, which led to the loss of half the fur on her tail, per the Billings Gazettes Brett French. She lost her left eye around the age of 4, though biologists dont know what happenedpossibly an infection or injury.Later in life, the wolf walked with a limp, but that didnt stop her from mating and raising pups. Last May, she gave birth to her tenth litter.Just six total Yellowstone wolves, including 907F, have lived to be 11 since the predators were reintroduced to the 2.2-million-acre park in 1995. The oldest known wolf at Yellowstone, a female named 478F, lived to be 12.5 years old.Though she was ultimately killed by a rival pack, 907Fs advanced age likely contributed to the overall success of her Junction Butte pack in battle over the years.Packs that have elderly wolves are much more successful in those pack-versus-pack conflicts because of the accumulated knowledge and the experience that they bring to that really stressful situation, Kira Cassidy, a researcher with the Yellowstone Wolf Project, told Live Sciences Patrick Pester in June.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Animals, Death, Mammals, National Parks, wildlife, Wolves, Yellowstone National Park

Ever since Microsoft first introduced its Arm-based Copilot Plus laptops in June, Ive been wondering when we might see Copilot Plus features appear on desktop PCs. Six months on, its clear were about to see mini PCs that deliver the AI performance required for features like Recall, Click To Do, and AI-powered image generation and editing in Windows 11. These mini PCs might even help Microsoft compete with Apples latest Mac Mini.Asus became the first PC manufacturer to announce a mini PC thats Copilot Plus capable in September. It then revealed the full specs of its upcoming NUC 14 Pro AI last month, ahead of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) that kicks off next week. Asus mini PC even has a Copilot button on the front and is almost identical to the size of Apples latest Mac Mini.The timing of Asus spec drop came on the same day that Taiwanese company Geekom revealed three new mini PCs that it will showcase at CES. Geekom is releasing a mini PC with AMDs Strix Point CPUs inside and one with Qualcomms Snapdragon X Elite processor, meaning both will be Copilot Plus compatible. The third model is powered by Intels unannounced Arrow Lake-H laptop processors, which are unlikely to have an NPU sufficient enough to be Copilot Plus compatible.Im going to be paying close attention to CES next week to see if there are any other Windows OEMs that are ready to launch Copilot Plus mini PCs. CES is usually a launch point for Microsofts latest laptop or tablet initiatives, and last year the company convinced OEMs to put a Copilot key on their laptop keyboards. Asus wouldnt be adding a Copilot button on the front of its own mini PC without Microsofts involvement, so I wonder how many other PC makers Microsoft has been working with to add dedicated Copilot buttons.Geekoms mention of Qualcomm chips inside its mini PC means well start to see Qualcomms latest chips venture beyond laptops for the first time. Qualcomm was supposed to ship its mini PC Snapdragon Dev Kit in June alongside Copilot Plus laptops, but it ended up canceling it months later after issues with manufacturing the device. Qualcomm has also teased that its Snapdragon X Elite chips could appear in mini PCs or even all-in-one PCs, so perhaps well see some Copilot Plus all-in-one PCs next week, too.Im still waiting to see when we might get Copilot Plus features on traditional powerful desktop PCs. Intels latest Core Ultra desktop CPU arrived in October with an NPU inside, but it wasnt capable enough to hit the 40 TOPS requirement that Microsoft mandates for Copilot Plus features. Were going to have to wait until next-gen desktop CPUs from Intel and AMD arrive to see if more capable NPUs are a priority for chipmakers. Until then, mini PCs and all-in-one PCs that use laptop processors are going to be the only way to get Copilot Plus features in a desktop PC form factor.While Copilot Plus features remain limited to Windows PCs, that doesnt mean that we wont see the main Copilot assistant appear on more devices. Ive heard from multiple sources familiar with Microsofts plans that the company is keen to get Copilot on devices beyond just PCs, phones, and tablets.We might well see Copilot appear on some unexpected hardware at CES next week, just as Microsoft has also been hinting about its ambitions for dedicated AI hardware in recent months. Windows chief Pavan Davuluri admitted in an October Notepad interview that the power of modern AI models will free up the ability to innovate in hardware and come out with purpose-built hardware.Davuluri stopped short of detailing what dedicated AI hardware would look like for Microsoft, but weeks later Yusuf Mehdi, executive vice president and consumer chief marketing officer at Microsoft, dropped some additional hints in an underreported interview with YouTuber Austin Evans.These devices that see the world, that you wear on your body, on your person, I think that those combined with AI will be very valuable, said Mehdi in late October. It can do image recognition, it can talk to you about whats going on. I think thats a fascinating place that well go.Later in the interview Mehdi also describes wearable health-related devices as exciting and a big opportunity for the future. Microsoft then confirmed last month that Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman has hired multiple former colleagues to help run a new AI health unit. Its hard to imagine Microsoft venturing into fitness wearables again after the Microsoft Band was scrapped in 2016, but I could definitely see the company wanting to partner with device manufacturers and offer up AI-powered health services for these types of devices.Either way, 2025 wont see Microsoft slow down with its ambition to get Copilot on all the screens we look at every day.The pad:2024 was a big year for Windows on Arm. While Microsoft has been pushing the year of the AI PC throughout 2024, I think it was a bigger moment for Windows on Arm. Copilot Plus PCs ushered in some really solid improvements in performance, compatibility, and battery life for Windows on Arm this year. I still cant quite believe Im using an Arm-powered Windows laptop every day.A weird Windows 11 bug wont let some people install any security updates. Another month and another weird Windows bug. Microsoft is now warning Windows 11 users that if youve manually installed the OS recently, theres an odd bug where you might not get future security updates. It largely impacts USB installers that were created using the October and November release patches, so businesses will be impacted the most. The workaround requires a full rebuild right now, though, and Microsoft says its working on a permanent fix.Lenovo has a special gaming handheld event next week with Valve and Microsoft. Leaks have suggested Lenovo is about to announce its first SteamOS handheld gaming PC. Now Lenovo has revealed a future of gaming handhelds event at CES next week that will include Valve as well as Microsofts VP of next generation, Jason Ronald. It looks like Microsoft and Valve might be about to go head to head over the future of handheld gaming something I wrote about in a previous Notepad issue. Ronalds attendance is particularly interesting given he was previously the vice president of Xbox gaming devices and ecosystem. I understand Ronald has been involved in Microsofts next-gen Xbox plans for quite some time now, but its curious that Microsoft picked this particular event to confirm Ronalds new title. Im sure Ill have a lot more to say about this mysterious Lenovo event in next weeks Notepad.Microsoft is testing live translation on Intel and AMD Copilot Plus PCs. Microsoft has started previewing its live translation feature for Windows Insiders in the Dev Channel. Live translation was initially limited to Qualcomm-powered Copilot Plus PCs, but Microsoft is starting to bring more of these Windows AI features to AMD- and Intel-powered Copilot Plus PCs.Microsoft and OpenAIs partnership hinges on the AGI question. A new report from The Information claims that Microsoft and OpenAIs wrangling over the terms of their partnership could involve the definition of artificial general intelligence (AGI) as a moment when $100 billion is returned in profits. AGI has always been the point at which Microsofts deal with OpenAI would end, so a high-profit milestone will certainly complicate OpenAIs efforts to declare AGI and end its contract with Microsoft given its still struggling with profits. Separately, Microsoft thinks core pieces are still missing from AGI, so the debate over when its likely to be declared will continue for quite some time.Microsoft kills off Skype credits and phone numbers in favor of subscriptions. Skype has been struggling to keep up with the popularity of WhatsApp, Messenger, Zoom, and many other VoIP services in recent years. Now, Microsoft has quietly ended the sale of new Skype credits and the phone number features for Skype in favor of subscriptions instead. Skype Credit was a way to use a pay-as-you-go plan for making calls with Skype, but youll now need a subscription to use this functionality.Microsoft warns Phone Link wont show sensitive Android 15 notifications. A new Android 15 privacy feature that categorizes notifications like 2FA codes as sensitive is causing some issues for Microsofts Phone Link feature in Windows. You can turn off the enhanced notifications in Android 15 to work around the issue, but Windows should still show sensitive notifications on Android devices where Phone Link was preinstalled on the device.The Xbox Sebile controller is still on the way. During the FTC v. Microsoft case in 2023 a huge amount of unannounced Xbox hardware was leaked, including a new Xbox controller codenamed Sebile. While the controller was supposed to originally debut in 2024, Microsoft appears to now be holding it back for its next-gen console instead. Windows Central reports that a new patent details Sebiles new haptic motors that are spread throughout the controller. Sebile will also support direct Wi-Fi connectivity to Xbox Cloud Gaming, much like Googles Stadia controller.GitHub now has a free tier for Copilot in VS Code. Microsoft-owned GitHub was the first to start using the Copilot branding for a paid AI coding assistant in 2021. GitHub is now offering a free version of GitHub Copilot in VS Code. It includes 2,000 code completions and 50 chat messages per month, and is available for the 150 million developers using GitHub. It also includes the choice between using Anthropics Claude 3.5 Sonnet or OpenAIs GPT-4o model to ask coding questions, explain code, or let the AI models find bugs in your code.Microsoft is working on adding non-OpenAI models to its Microsoft 365 Copilot. Microsoft is reportedly working on adding third-party AI models to its Microsoft 365 Copilot soon. Reuters reports that Microsoft is looking at other models to reduce costs of the AI assistant in Office apps and lessen its dependence on OpenAI. I wouldnt be surprised if this involved Microsofts own AI models, but the company could also follow GitHubs move to support models from Anthropic and Google.Thanks for subscribing and reading to the very end. Ill be reflecting on Microsofts 50-year history in Notepad later this year, so if theres a particular period of time youre interested in hearing more about,please get in touch: notepad@theverge.com.If youve heard about any of Microsofts other secret projects, you can also reach me via email at notepad@theverge.com or speak to me confidentially on the Signal messaging app, where Im tomwarren.01. Im also tomwarren on Telegram, if youd prefer to chat there.