Spatial-temporal data handling involves the analysis of information gathered over time and space, often through sensors. Such data is crucial in pattern discovery and prediction. However, missing values pose a problem and make it challenging to analyze. Such gaps may often create inconsistencies with the dataset, causing harder analysis. The relationships between features, like environmental or physical factors, can be complex and influenced by a geographic context. Accurately capturing these relationships is critical but remains challenging due to varying feature correlations and limitations in existing methods, which struggle to address these complexities effectively.Current methods for addressing missing values in spatial-temporal data rely on fixed spatial graphs and graph neural networks (GNNs) to capture spatial dependencies. These approaches assume that the spatial relationships between features are uniform across different locations. These approaches do not consider that features recorded by sensors often bear different relationships relative to their respective places and contexts. Therefore, these approaches do not properly manage and represent the different complex spatial relations of various characteristics, resulting in incorrect estimations about information-missing problems and the integration of detailed temporal and spatial interconnections.To address spatial-temporal imputation challenges, researchers from Nankai University and Harbin Institute of Technology, Shenzhen, China, proposed the multi-scale Graph Structure Learning framework (GSLI). This framework adapts to spatial correlations by combining two approaches: node-scale learning and feature-scale learning. Node-scale learning focuses on global spatial dependencies for individual features, while feature-scale learning uncovers spatial relations among features within a node. Unlike conventional methods relying on static structures, this framework targets feature heterogeneity and integrates spatial-temporal correlations.The framework used static graphs to represent spatial data and temporal signals for time-based information, with missing data indicated by masks. Node-scale learning refines embeddings using meta-nodes to highlight influential nodes, forming meta-graphs for feature-specific spatial dependencies. Feature-scale learning produces meta-graphs that capture spatial relations between features over nodes. This design tries to capture both cross-feature and cross-temporal dependencies but at the cost of computational complexity.Researchers evaluated the performance of GSLI using an Intel Xeon Silver 4314 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU on six real-world spatial-temporal datasets with missing values. Adjacency matrices were constructed when not provided, and missing values lacking ground truth were excluded. Imputation accuracy was assessed using RMSE and MAE metrics under various missing rates, including MCAR, MAR, and MNAR. GSLI outperformed state-of-the-art methods across all datasets by effectively capturing spatial dependencies through graph structures. Its ability to model cross-temporal and cross-feature dependencies enabled superior adaptability to diverse scenarios, with results averaged over five trials demonstrating consistent accuracy even with increasing missing rates or mechanisms.In conclusion, the proposed framework advances spatial-temporal imputation by addressing feature heterogeneity and leveraging multi-scale graph structure learning to improve accuracy. This work has thus shown, across six real-world datasets, that it performs better than more heuristic static spatial graph-based techniques and is robust to variations. This framework can act as a baseline for future research, inspiring advancements that reduce computational complexity, handle larger datasets, and enable real-time imputation for dynamic systems.Check out the Paper. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. FREE UPCOMING AI WEBINAR (JAN 15, 2025): Boost LLM Accuracy with Synthetic Data and Evaluation IntelligenceJoin this webinar to gain actionable insights into boosting LLM model performance and accuracy while safeguarding data privacy.The post Graph Structure Learning Framework (GSLI): Advancing Spatial-Temporal Data Imputation through Multi-Scale Graph Learning appeared first on MarkTechPost.

Large Language Models (LLMs) and Vision Language Models (VLMs) have revolutionized the automation of mobile device control through natural language commands, offering solutions for complex user tasks. The conventional approach, Step-wise GUI agents, operates by querying the LLM at each GUI state for dynamic decision-making and reflection, continuously processing the users task, and observing the GUI state until completion. However, this method faces significant challenges as it relies heavily on powerful cloud-based models like GPT-4 and Claude. This raises critical concerns about privacy and security risks when sharing personal GUI pages, substantial user-side traffic consumption, and high server-side centralized serving costs, making large-scale deployment of GUI agents problematic.Earlier attempts to automate mobile tasks relied heavily on template-based methods like Siri, Google Assistant, and Cortana, which used predefined templates to process user inputs. More advanced GUI-based automation emerged to handle complex tasks without depending on third-party APIs or extensive programming. While some researchers focused on enhancing Small Language Models (SLMs) through GUI-specific training and exploration-based knowledge acquisition, these approaches faced significant limitations. Script-based GUI agents particularly struggled with the dynamic nature of mobile apps, where UI states and elements frequently change, making knowledge extraction and script execution challenging.Researchers from the Institute for AI Industry Research (AIR), Tsinghua University have proposed AutoDroid-V2 to investigate how to build a powerful GUI agent upon the coding capabilities of SLMs. Unlike traditional step-wise GUI agents that make decisions one action at a time, AutoDroid-V2 uses a script-based approach that generates and executes multi-step scripts based on user instructions. Moreover, it addresses two critical limitations of conventional approaches:Efficiency: Agents can generate a single script for a series of GUI actions to complete a task based on the user task, significantly reducing query frequency and consumption.Capability: Script-based GUI agents depend on the coding ability of SLMs, which have been proven effective by numerous existing studies on lightweight coding assistants.AutoDroid-V2s architecture consists of two distinct stages: offline and online processing. In the offline stage, the system begins by constructing an app document through a comprehensive analysis of the app exploration history. This document serves as a foundation for script generation, incorporating AI-guided GUI state compression, element XPath auto-generation, and GUI dependency analysis to ensure both conciseness and precision. During the online stage, when a user submits a task request, the customized local LLM generates a multi-step script, which is then executed by a domain-specific interpreter designed to handle runtime execution reliably and efficiently.AutoDroid-V2s performance is evaluated across two benchmarks, testing 226 tasks on 23 mobile apps against leading baselines including AutoDroid, SeeClick, CogAgent, and Mind2Web. It shows significant improvements, achieving a 10.5%-51.7% higher task completion rate while reducing computational demands with 43.5x and 5.8x reductions in input and output token consumption respectively, and 5.7-13.4 lower LLM inference latency compared to baselines. Testing across different LLMs (Llama3.2-3B, Qwen2.5-7B, and Llama3.1-8B) AutoDroid-V2, shows consistent performance with success rates ranging from 44.6% to 54.4%, maintaining a stable reversed redundancy ratio between 90.5% and 93.0%.In conclusion, researchers introduced AutoDroid-V2 which represents a significant advancement in mobile task automation through its innovative document-guided, script-based approach utilizing on-device SLMs. The experimental results demonstrate that this script-based methodology substantially improves the efficiency and performance of GUI agents, achieving accuracy levels comparable to cloud-based solutions while maintaining device-level privacy and security. Despite these achievements, the system faces limitations when dealing with apps lacking structured text representations of their GUIs, such as Unity-based and Web-based applications. However, this challenge could be addressed by integrating VLMs) to recover structured GUI representations based on visual features.Check out the Paper. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. Sajjad Ansari+ postsSajjad Ansari is a final year undergraduate from IIT Kharagpur. As a Tech enthusiast, he delves into the practical applications of AI with a focus on understanding the impact of AI technologies and their real-world implications. He aims to articulate complex AI concepts in a clear and accessible manner. [Download] Evaluation of Large Language Model Vulnerabilities Report (Promoted)

You are not alone in your struggle to find quality sleep at night. It's believed that between50 and 70 million Americans struggle to sleep well. That might not seem like a big deal, but not getting enough restorative sleep over time can make you more susceptible to a plethora of health issues such aselevated blood pressure or Type-2 diabetes. It also can make managing your emotions more difficult.You might have tried the topsleep hacks, from drinking theSleepy Girl Mocktailtousing sleep tech andbreathing techniques. You might not have heard of the "cognitive shuffle" method until now. Let's dig into what it is, if it works and what people are saying about it.For more sleep hacks, see which foods you should eat before bed, how to stop getting up to go pee when you should be sleeping and why you might want to try the Scandinavian sleep method.What is cognitive shuffling?It used to be that counting sheep was all the rage. Thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, you can access newer sleep techniques. One that's been growing in popularity is cognitive shuffling for sleep.Read more: Fall Asleep Fast With This Tried-and-True 5-Minute HackCognitive shuffling is a cognitive behavioral therapy developed by Luc P. Beaudoin, who holds a PhD in cognitive science. The goal is to disrupt your thought patterns by focusing on words, phrases or images to help your mind relax. Focusing on random things distracts your mind from items that could cause anxiety or stress, which can disrupt your ability to fall asleep.How to try cognitive shuffling for yourself Tommy/DigitalVision Vectors/Getty ImagesAfter getting into bed, turn off the lights, relax and focus on a word that's at least five letters long and doesn't carry any emotional value to you. To demonstrate, you could think of a bobber. Next, you'll find words that begin with each letter of the word. Starting with "B," you could do bottle, basin or bobcat.When thinking of these words, you want to spell each one out slowly while visualizing it. This is an ideal way to reset your mind, channeling all of its focus away from the things that make you anxious while giving you peaceful reflection.Another way to try this is to channel random thoughts. Instead of focusing on a word or phrase, allow your mind to drift, creating imagery with random words like cows, sandwiches, lights and more. Lastly, you can think of a word while focusing on your heartbeat. On your eighth heartbeat, for example, think of another word beginning with the same letter. So, if the word you chose was bread, concentrate on another word that starts with "B," such as Bronco. The key here is to keep things random.Read more: Use This Meditation Method to Fall Asleep in 10 Minutes or LessWhat others are saying about the cognitive shufflePeople who experience sleep problems and tried cognitive shuffles found successful outcomes. One Reddit userremarked it was the only thing that worked for them; the practice was enough to distract their brain, allowing them to sleep.Dr. Scott Walker, a Denver-based dermatologist, posted on TikTok revealing the cognitive shuffle was alight-switch moment for him. He equates the practice to rearranging the thoughts in your head, similar to shuffling a deck of cards. The doctor notes in addition to distracting your mind, it creates micro dreams, which occur when you transition into sleep. This practice gives your brain the green light to go to sleep.Bottom line: Stop counting sheep Nadezhda Buravleva/Getty ImagesStruggling to fall asleep might be more common than you think. One of the best ways to relax your mind for sleep is to try the cognitive shuffle. It allows your mind to focus on random objects and letters, triggering a process similar to micro dreams, which helps your mind transition to sleep. It's been working great for doctors and others alike, so try it and see if it helps you fall asleep quicker.

Our Experts Written by David Carnoy Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement Executive Editor David Carnoy has been a leading member of CNET's Reviews team since 2000. He covers the gamut of gadgets and is a notable reviewer of mobile accessories and portable audio products, including headphones and speakers. He's also an e-reader and e-publishing expert as well as the author of the novels Knife Music, The Big Exit and Lucidity. All the titles are available as Kindle, iBooks, Kobo e-books and audiobooks. Expertise Headphones, Bluetooth speakers, mobile accessories, Apple, Sony, Bose, e-readers, Amazon, glasses, ski gear, iPhone cases, gaming accessories, sports tech, portable audio, interviews, audiophile gear, PC speakers Credentials Maggie Award for Best Regularly Featured Web Column/Consumer See full bio Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise.Table of Contents Our Picks Best Samsung wireless earbuds Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 Pro View details $110 at Walmart View details Top budget noise-canceling wireless earbuds Earfun Air Pro 3 View details $50 at Amazon View details Best noise-canceling headphones from Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 View details $298 at Amazon View details Best budget Galaxy earbuds Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 View details $130 at Walmart View details Best AirPods Pro alternative for less JBL Live Pro 2 View details $90 at JBL.com View details Best Sennheiser noise-canceling headphones Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless View details $250 at Amazon View details Top value Sony midrange noise-canceling headphones Sony CH-720N View details $95 at Walmart View details Ultra comfortable Bose headphones Bose QuietComfort 45 View details $349 at Bose View details New Sennheiser flagship earbuds Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 3 View details $150 at Amazon View details Best noise canceling with top-notch sound Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2 View details $219 at Amazon View details Best open earbuds for Samsung users Samsung Galaxy Buds Live View details $165 at Amazon View details HEADPHONE DEALS OF THE WEEK Beats Studio Pro Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones (Navy): $200 (save $150) Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Over-Ear Headphones: $198 (save $150) Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones (Black): $298 (save $102) Sennheiser Momentum 4 Wireless Headphones (Black/Copper): $275 (save $105) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. Why You Can Trust CNET 16171819202122232425+ Years of Experience 14151617181920212223 Hands-on Product Reviewers 6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000 Sq. Feet of Lab Space How we test CNETs expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Table of Contents If you're the proud owner of a Samsung phone, then you may not have realized how many earbud options there are. Our CNET experts have tested the top models, looking for excellent sound quality, high-quality audio on phone calls, easy volume control and so much more.CNET has thoroughly evaluated numerous wireless earbuds and headphones to determine the top choices for pairing with your Samsung phone. Below are our favorite options. A lot of these also make for great belated holiday gifts if you know a loved one is looking for audio accessories.What are the best earbuds and headphones for Samsung smartphones right now?What are the best earbuds for Samsung devices? If you're looking for earbuds geared to your Galaxy smartphone or tablet, the answer is easy: TheGalaxy Buds 2 Pros are arguably the best earbuds you can get for your Galaxy device. They not only sound very good but offer good noise canceling and work well for making calls. They're also equipped with some special extra features for users of Galaxy devices, including spatial audio and hands-free Bixby.As for full-size headphones that work well with Samsung mobile devices, we like the Sony WH-1000XM5, a previous CNET Editors' Choice winner. There's a slew of other headphones geared toward Samsung users, several of which I've included on this list.Best wireless earbuds and headphones for Samsung Phones of 2024 Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros Very good sound and a more comfortable fit Good noise-canceling and voice-calling capabilities Assortment of extra features for Galaxy device owners Cons Somewhat pricey Some key features only work with Samsung devices No true multipoint Bluetooth pairing Battery Life Up to 5 hoursNoise Canceling Yes (ANC)Multipoint NoHeadphone Type

Pixel 9 series at Verizon: From $0 Save up to $1,000 with trade-in and new line See at Verizon Pixel 9 series at AT&T: From $0 Free with trade-in See at AT&T Pixel 9 series at T-Mobile: From $0 Save up to $1,000 with trade-in or new line See at T-Mobile Pixel 9 series at Google: From $799 Save up to $620 with trade-ins See at Google Pixel 9 series at Xfinity: From $0 Save $830 with trade-in and new line See at Xfinity Pixel 9 series at Spectrum: From $500 Save up to $500 See at Spectrum Pixel 9 series at Mint Mobile: From $579 Save up to $400 See at Mint Mobile Pixel 8 series at Google: From $259 Save up to $440 with trade-in See at Google Store Pixel 8 series at AT&T: From $410 Save up to $430 with trade-in See at AT&T Pixel 8 series at Best Buy: From $359 Save up to $340 See at Best Buy Pixel 8A at Google: $0 Save $499 See at Google Store Pixel 8A at Best Buy: $399 Save $100 See at Best Buy Pixel 8A at AT&T: From $6/month Save $304 with installment plan See at AT&T Pixel 8A at T-Mobile: From $0 Save $500 with new line or trade-in See at T-Mobile Pixel 7 series at Best Buy: From $799 with trade-in credit Save up to $100 See at Best Buy There are plenty of different Google Pixel models to choose from, ranging from the higher-end Pixel 9 Pro Fold to the Pixel 8A. Google has long found its spot on our best phones list for its excellent specs and performance, but this often comes at a price. Thankfully, these post-holiday deals will make it much easier on your wallet, meaning you can get a great phone at a more affordable price. Hey, did you know?CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.To help you get one in your hands for less, we've rounded up all of the best Pixel deals available right now. With more than five years of experience covering tech bargains, Adam Oram is one of CNET's dedicated deals experts, and he's scoured the web for the best discounts, trade-in savings and other Pixel offers. He and other members of our deals team will continue to update this page as bargains come and go, so be sure to check back often for the latest batch of discounts. What is the best Pixel deal right now?The Pixel 8A is not the latest Google phone on the market, but it does offer tremendous value. CNET's Lisa Eadicicco named it the "clear choice over the Pixel 8" because it offers nearly all the same features with a much more affordable $500 price tag. Right now, you can pick it up for $100 off at Best Buy when signing up with a carrier, which is already a solid deal. What truly makes this the best Pixel offer is Best Buy's trade-in program, as it's one of the few places where you can get savings in exchange for your old phone without being locked into a multi-year contract. Best Pixel dealsThere are quite a few different Pixel phones to choose from right now. To help you find the best model for your needs and your budget, we've broken down the best deals across the generations below. Best Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 XL and 9 Pro Fold deals Google/CNETThe latest lineup from Google, the new Pixel 9 seriesphones come with a fresh design and are jam-packed with AI features. Generative AI pops up in many places, like the weather app and the all-new image-generation app. The new design uses flat edges and has a more defined camera bar. At an impressive 6.8 inches, the XL model is the largest phone created by Google yet. The Pixel 9 retails for $799, the 9 Pro is going for $999, the 9 Pro XL model is selling for $1,099 and the 9 Pro Fold starts at $1,799. Verizon is offering some generous savings on the Pixel 9 lineup right now, but you'll have to jump through a few hoops to take advantage of these discounts. Those adding a new Unlimited Welcome, Plus or Ultimate line can trade in their old phone for up to $1,000 off, which scores you the Pixel 9 Pro for free, drops the Pixel 9 Pro XL down to less than $6 per month and the 9 Pro Fold to $22 per month. Those adding a new Unlimited Plus or Unlimited Ultimate line can get the basic Pixel 9 for free without a trade-in.In addition, when you purchase a Pixel 9 smartphone, you can qualify to get a free Pixel Watch 2 or a Samsung Galaxy Tab S9FE. See at Verizon AT&T doesn't carry the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but it is offering some savings on other models right now. If you're after the basic Pixel 9, you can snag it for just $11 per month when you purchase it on an installment plan. That saves you $454 with no trade-in or new line required. If you do have an old phone valued at $35 or higher, you can trade it in to get the Pixel 9 Pro or 9 Pro XL for free, as long as you have or switch to an eligible unlimited plan.Other offers include a free Google Pixel Watch 3 with the purchase, as long as you activate it on a new data plan. See at AT&T T-Mobile has some generous offers for those adding a new line or looking to trade in their old phone right now. If you're on a Go5G Next or Plus plan, you'll get $1,000 off when either trading in an old phone or adding a new line of service. If you're on a Go5G, Magenta or One plan, you can still save $600 with a new line or $500 with an eligible trade-in. See at T-Mobile Google isn't offering any straightforward discounts at the moment, but you can get up to $620 back with an eligible trade-in on the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL or 9 Pro Fold. Join Google Fi Wireless and you'll score a free Pixel 9, receiving $799 back over 24 months as bill credits on any plan. See at Google Those adding a new line at Xfinity can save $830 on the whole Pixel 9 lineup when trading in their old phone and adding a new line of service, which scores you the basic Pixel 9 for free. If you're looking to make the switch from another carrier, Xfinity will give you up to $500 to pay off your current contract. See at Xfinity Spectrum is offering some pretty incredible savings on several Pixel 9 phones right now. The carrier has knocked $300 off the Pixel 9, $500 off the Pixel 9 Pro XL and $350 off the Pixel 9 Pro Fold right now. You'll have to sign up with the carrier, but otherwise there are no special conditions or requirements for these discounts. The Pixel 9 Pro isn't currently discounted, but Spectrum does have its own trade-in program and will give you an extra $100 in credit on top of your device's value. See at Spectrum Mint Mobile is offering some big savings on the Pixel 9, which is currently $400 off, dropping the price down to just $579. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is $350 off, bringing that down to $1,629. Both offers include a year of free unlimited service. See at Mint Mobile Pixel 8 and 8 Pro deals Google/CNETReleased in late 2023, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro were the latest phones in Google's flagship lineup until the release of the Pixel 9 this summer. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro are equipped with a next-gen Tensor G3 processor, new AI features and improved screens. Right now, these models -- and deals on them -- are a little scarce, so what's available are mostly trade-in credit offers. There are no current discounts on Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro phones, but they are in stock, and there is potential for savings via trade-in credit. Discounts will vary depending on your device's year, condition and configuration, but the absolute most you're likely to save (unless you're looking to downgrade) is around $440, which is what you get for a maxed-out iPhone 14 Pro Max. Realistically, you'll probably save between $100 and $200, which is still a decent discount for an unlocked model. See at Google Store AT&T doesn't have any discounts or special offers, but it does still have the basic Pixel 8 in stock, and you can score some savings with an eligible trade-in. Unless you're looking to downgrade, the most you'll save is around $430, which is what you get for a maxed-out iPhone 14 Pro Max. Most older phones will net you around $200, and the discount is applied as bill credits over 36 months. Note that AT&T lists the phone for $40 more than Google's price. See at AT&T Pixel 8A deals Google/CNETThe Pixel 8A is the latest model in Google's affordable "A" lineup, and it's a tremendous value at just $500. That price gets even better if you take advantage of one of these offers. Those looking to join Google Fi Wireless will also get $499 back in bill credits over 36 months, effectively netting you the phone for free. See at Google Store 2024 You'll save $100 if you opt for same-day activation and sign up for AT&T or Verizon service. And you can save even more with Best Buy's trade-in program. See at Best Buy

A Tesla Cybertruck exploded just outside of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday morning, law enforcement authorities have just confirmed. One person is dead inside the Cybertruck, and seven minor injuries have been reported, according to Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill. The FBI is also on the scene; authorities have evacuated the hotel and are looking for secondary devices just in case, but McMahill says there does not appear to be any further threat to our community.At around 8:40AM PT, a 2024 Cybertruck rolled up to the hotel lobby, according to authorities. We saw that smoke started showing from the vehicle and then a large explosion from the truck occurs, McMahill told reporters. Fire crews were on scene within four minutes, and the fire was put out within an hour. A video shared on X shows the truck engulfed in flames just outside the hotels lobby, with the person who captured it saying the Cybertruck blew up. Several additional eyewitnesses reported hearing at least one explosion, and weve embedded more of their videos further down this story.Its still not clear what caused the fire. Right now we just dont have a lot of answers, said FBI special agent Jeremy Schwartz, the acting agent in charge.The news of the fire comes amid numerous reports about Tesla CEO Elon Musk getting closer to President-elect Donald Trump. Musk spent New Years Eve at Mar-a-Lago and reportedly sat in during Trumps dinner with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Musk has also been staying at a cottage on Trumps Florida property since around Election Day, according to a report from The New York Times.It also comes amidst a terror attack in New Orleans, where a driver rammed a pickup truck into a crowd of people in the French Quarter, killing 10; authorities in Las Vegas cited the incident as one reason theyre carefully checking for possible secondary devices.Still, while authorities say they want Las Vegas residents to stay away from the area, Sheriff McMahill suggested the Vegas incident is probably over: We believe everything is safe now.We havent yet found a video of the vehicle catching fire, but several others on X say they witnessed an explosion and captured videos of the rising smoke. Stephen Felando claimed the windows shook violently on the 53rd floor of the building; Max Radford claimed there were multiple explosions. Ayackle, who captured the lobby video, says the vehicle lowered itself shortly after pulling up to the lobby, then went boom. It started off like colourful fireworks, they wrote on X.I and my husband were literally standing where the luggage is in the footage. I just saw it pulled up, and it lowered itself like a bus, and boom it goes. It first looked like fireworks or something but then I immediately feared our life thinking it could be a bomb and ran, they added.Donald Trump and Elon Musk have yet to make public statements on the incident, but Eric Trump has weighed in: Earlier today, a reported electric vehicle fire occurred in the porte cochre of Trump Las Vegas. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff remain our top priority. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Las Vegas Fire Department and local law enforcement for their swift response and professionalism.Update, January 1st: Added new details directly from law enforcement. Correction, January 1st: Jeff Bezos is Amazons founder, but no longer its CEO as we originally wrote.

Image: SimogoOver the holiday season, we're republishing some of the best articles from Nintendo Life writers and contributors as part of our Best of 2024 series. This article was originally published in November. Enjoy!You walk into a poorly lit, seemingly empty hotel. In desperate need of someone to speak to, you hesitantly wander just a single room farther from the entrance, down a serene walkway. You are funnelled into a similarly poorly lit library. Youre second-guessing why you are in this hotel, and why it even has a library, yet your eye is strangely caught by a particular book among the busy shelves.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube790kWatch on YouTube You let this curiosity afford you a few steps deeper. You reach up a tip-toes distance to that possibly glowing book, then hesitantly pull on its spine. You find that its heavy. It flops down and you catch it with your other arm. The book, now sprawled open, reveals the following:Image: SimogoYou are playing Lorelei and the Laser Eyes, the latest game from Swedish developer Simogo.Arriving five long years after their hit Sayonara Wild Hearts, youd be forgiven if you had no idea it came from the same team; its a muted and tense escape room experience much closer to film noir than pop album, yet its brimming with the same obsession with the human mind that Simogo is known for over their almost 25-year history.In an effort to learn more about the many mysteries inside the game and what inspired them, Nintendo Life spoke to Simon Flesser, one half of Simogos founding members and a development lead on this Game Of The Year candidate.Alan Lopez for Nintendo Life: What was your role on Lorelei and the Laser Eyes?Simon Flesser: Im Simon Flesser. I made a lot of different things on the project. I was responsible for the overall vision, but also practical things like designing and building the world and its puzzles, writing stories, making textures, effects, placing cameras and such.I don't think it's inaccurate (but feel free to correct me if I'm wrong!) to call Sayonara Wild Hearts Simogo's biggest commercial success to date. And yet, Lorelei is almost Sayonara's complete opposite: genre, aesthetic, colours almost everything. It's much closer in tone to your previous games, like Device 6.Did the team have to push through any external friction or internal nerves to follow up a successful action-arcade-musical with a black-and-white puzzle mystery game?While I dont have the exact numbers here, [Sayonara Wild Hearts] was certainly the biggest project up to then. But considering how small the team and how short the development time was for things like Device 6, I think one has to consider commercial success relatively. But theres always some kind of pressure involved in starting a new project. For us, I think the pressure has more to do if we can find something unexpected, different, and surprising enough to make.Images: SimogoI read your development profile on Lorelei, which led me to watch Last Year At Marienbad (1961), a movie you cited as one of the major influences for the game. It struck me how many key things Lorelei infuses from Marienbad, like the hotel setting, the unreliable narration, uncertain characters, visual perspective tricks, and more.I'm curioushow much was Loreleis unrelenting preoccupation with perspective specifically inspired from Marienbad's writing and cinematography?The perspective part was mostly a continuation of thought from Sayonara Wild Hearts, actually. [Both games] have, at their core, the idea of trying to 'solve' the 3D camera. In some ways, handing over the control of the camera to players is giving up on the idea of solving the camera. So instead of viewing the 3D camera as an issue, we thought about how we instead could make the camera a natural part of the design, and integrate it to create either emotional resonance or gameplay elements. It was from that core idea [that] the idea of perspective as a broader meaning was born.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube790kInteresting. The game definitely explores perspective in all sorts of unique ways, but I didn't even consider that navigating 3D space has been a relatively new endeavour for Simogo since Sayonara.I want to ask you about the puzzlesIm going to be honest with you, Lorelei wasn't easy for me. And that's a huge part of what made it one of the most fulfilling games I've ever beaten. What was the process for coming up with these types of visual puzzles?[Puzzle making] is very iterative, and different, depending on the puzzle. As we wanted a large part of the puzzles to be able to be randomised, we had to think about them in very specific ways, which naturally led a lot of them to be based around numbers. We often talked about concepts such as symmetry, consistency, and series.I thought a lot about how a puzzle should be structured like a good joke, with a good buildup that culminates in a surprising punchline.The type of puzzles in Lorelei and the Laser Eyes are, to me, largely about communication. Its about communicating and obfuscating the right amount of information that allows the solver to start having ideas about what the concept of the puzzle is. So typically, Id test an idea for a puzzle on the team with a sketch, simply asking them to solve them, and then tweak it until it felt like the idea came across. I thought a lot about how a puzzle should be structured like a good joke, with a good buildup that culminates in a surprising punchline.Without ruining too much, there are some important recurring years in the game. I couldn't help but wonder if you wrote the story around which particular years you could make the most puzzles out of? Because the mileage the game gets out of some of the number combinations just blew me away. [laughter]We chose those years for their symbolic value, and for practical puzzle reasons. If I explain the exact practical reason, some puzzles will be given away. But to give an example, no year used in any puzzle has repeating numbers, which was practical for the way we wanted to design puzzles and their randomisation.Image: StudiocanalI do want to discuss Lorelei's narrative themes. Gameplay-wise, it's obviously a box of puzzles, but the puzzles quickly get extended into the characters. Without getting into the story too much, I loved how the game toys with the idea that an observer necessarily changes the context of something. I'd love to hear more about what got you and the team thinking about these themes.These ideas were formed from our thoughts about entertainment and culture today being so eager to please the audience, rather than trying to create something that feels true...But if I speak about my thoughts around these themes too much, Ill project my own meanings onto the players, which I don't want. I'd like the game to be a vessel for ideas and to raise questions so players can form their own thoughts and views.To that point, how much do you like to pay attention to the online discourse around the story? Is it ever hard to stay out of it? A casual search around Reddit and Steam forums, and I see a bunch of back and forth regarding people's interpretations of the story.We look every now and then. There are plenty of interesting interpretations and analyses. Its fun to read!I did find that a puzzle game of this magnitude is surprisingly communal. One of my favourite things to have happened with Lorelei that I didn't expect was excitement for comparing paper notes with other people who've played it. And it was always paper! I can't show pictures of my notebook because of spoilers, but I love how people instinctively resort to pencil and paperWere big fans of pen and paper ourselves, especially for working. My best ideas come when I am writing and sketching notes, usually on a train.For anyone who hasn't played it, a common visual trick the game does is overlay the gameplay on top of strange photographs. It's subtle, but it was very effective at making me feel uneasy. I read that your team actually took those photographs yourselves...?Thats right. We travelled to Kronovalls Slott in the southeast of Sweden. We were given the keys by the manager and could roam around all day and take photos.Images: SimogoThe castle also has a chapel in one of its wings, but just as we were leaving it, we met the owner in the hallway outside who asked us to not use any photos of the chapel. Perhaps this unintentionally and subconsciously inspired the 'secret chapel' in the game.[Laughter] Also, the music! Simogo's history with game design around music is fascinating to me, going back to Device 6's unexpected use of song, the fragmented music in The Sailor's Dream, to, of course, Sayonara being designed around an original pop album. Lorelei is more muted in this regard, but not without exception.I've always wanted to ask you your opinion on song usage in video games. What compels you to design around, even sometimes sneak fully produced, original pop songs into a game? And do you have any favourite song placements in other video games?Sound and music is the medium that most easily paints images in my head. We usually make playlists before a project has started, with inspiration from specific songs, albums, era, composer, or even specific instruments. We often produce songs before there is even something playable. For example, both Radio Waves and Laser Eyes were made before we had something playable. Music is often the inception of our ideas, dictating the core of the game.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube790kAs for examples in other games, I really like Gusty Garden Galaxy from Super Mario Galaxy. It really amplifies the sense of freedom, adventure and majesty of that level. White Noiz from Silent Hill 2 and its opening is another favourite. It has such strange harmonies, with a really unique mood that is neither scary, nor sad, but still completely sells the entire feeling of the game.Im also always a fan of a good credits song that lets you reflect on your experience. Some of my favourites are from Super Mario Bros. 3 (theres a really great rendition of that song on the album Mario & Zelda Big Band Live), as well as the ending music of Yoshis Island.Personally, I hear a little of that Silent Hill 'mood uncertainty' in Lorelei. And dont get me started on Koji Kondowhat Kondo and Yokota did with Gusty Garden Galaxy in particular is so impressive to me. With Nintendo needing a stunner for the Wii and the prompt 'Mario IN SPACE!', it would have been so simple to write the most epic space-opera score of all time. Instead, its got this 'giddy-up' adventure vibe, almost like an American Western. The restraint and the vision with that score is inspiring. And I still dont know how the Mario 3 credits score even plays on the NES, its so complex! Oh, and as far as good 'summation' scores go, I often tell people I want the Staff Roll of Mario 64 played at my funeral...[Laughter]Im way off track! Since were on the topic of music, Id love to hear you reflect a little on Sayonara Wild Hearts. It (somehow) just celebrated its five-year anniversary. Looking back, how do you feel today about everything you achieved with that game? Is there anything there you want to return to in the future, or would even do differently?There are always workflow, technical solutions, and pipeline things that you understand after (or even during) a project that you should have done differently, but I think the released game does what it sets out to do quite well. Theres no specific thing we want to return to or explore more, but we always bring in thoughts and experiences to the next project to make it more enjoyable to work on, and as such Lorelei and the Laser Eyes was a more joyful project for us, even though it has a much more sombre tone.Im dying to knowdo you know if Queen Latifah ever played the game? [Editors note: Queen Latifah voices the narrator.]I don't know if Queen Latifah played the game herself, but I was told she watched gameplay before the recording session.Id like to think she did, and fixed her broken heart. [laughter] Alright, heres my last question to you, Simon: Can you solve this puzzle?Image: SimogoNo, it's too tough, I'll never be able to solve it!Thank you to Simon for talking to us across the world from his home in Sweden, and outside his native language! This interview has been lightly edited for clarity.Lorelei and the Laser Eyes is out now on Switch (it's also coming to PS4/5 on 3rd December), and it's very good. The Eyes have itRelated GamesSee AlsoShare:07 Alan is a feature writer who has contributed to Kotaku, Nintendo Life and other prominent gaming sites. He has a background in psychology research, the science of creativity, and over 30 years of Nintendo gaming behind him. 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In BriefPosted:11:08 AM PST January 1, 2025Image Credits:AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images / Getty ImagesPolice investigating Cybertruck fire outside Trump hotel in VegasA Tesla Cybertruck that caught fire Wednesday morning just outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas is being investigated by local law enforcement. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department said in a post on social media site X that the fire was out and being investigated. The fire was reported around 8:40 a.m. PT, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.An eyewitness who captured the fire from inside the hotel lobby and posted it on X, said the vehicle pulled up outside and then blew up. The video and others like it quickly spread on X.The incident comes as Tesla CEO and X owner Elon Musk maintains a close connection to President-elect Donald Trump. A review of Musks flight data showed at least 31 flights to or from Trumps Mar-a-Lago property in Florida. This week, the NYT reported that Musk has been staying at a cottage on the Mar-a-Lago property.Topics

'Thank Goodness You're Here!' was the funniest indie game of the year, but was it the best?Coal SupperAs we wave goodbye to 2024, we celebrate its batch of incredible indie games. Its the biggest list yet, tooin five years of putting together this end-of-year countdown, the competition is stronger than ever, and plenty of great titles had to hit the cutting room floor.Here are the 17 best indie games of 2024. As always, this is just one opinionsome of your favorites might not have made the list, but please help spread the good word by sharing your own dearest small-studio games in the comments and wherever else you can. After two or three years of struggles, independent creators need all the support they can get as they face what will probably be another challenging 12 months for the gaming industry.If you like this list, check out my best indie games of 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020theres every chance youve missed out on one or many solid gold hits over the last five years.17) Toy Trains VRPlatforms: Meta Quest, SteamVR, PSVRDeveloper: Something RandomThe first game I reviewed in 2024 is also one of its most memorable. Toy Trains VR is a charming and cozy sandbox game from Something Random, the creators of SUPERHOT VR, offering a dramatic shift from its previous work. With it, the studio delivers a relaxing VR experience that lets players build and explore whimsical worlds: a nostalgic trip reminding you of simpler times in gaming and life itself.MORE FOR YOURead my full review of Toy Trains VR.16) Aaero2Platforms: PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: Mad FellowsRhythm-action hit Aaero2 is one of the most overlooked indie games of 2024: a delightful combination of Audiosurf, Wipeout, and Rez, where players trace light ribbons to music while taking down enemies. Its far from polishedon Xbox, it still feels like a bare-bones port of a PC buildbut it still works beautifully, combining a banging soundtrack with great combat and stunning environments.15) Botany ManorPlatforms: PC, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S (PS4 and PS5 TBC 2025)Developer: Balloon StudiosFew games in 2024 were as cozy or thoughtful as Botany Manor: the most relaxing puzzle exploration game you can imagine, in which you explore a 19th-century English manor filled with plants you discover and cultivate.At first, it may seem a little dulland occasionally opaquebut its old-school puzzle mechanics eventually click. If you find yourself stuck, the game masterfully points you in the right direction, delivering constant satisfaction without ever making you feel stupid.14) Hypercharge: UnboxedPlatforms: PC, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: Digital CybercherriesSure, it came out on PC and Switch in 2020, but this years Xbox port of Hypercharge: Unboxed was well worth the wait. Its the toy-based PvE shooter youve always dreamed of, blending old-school charm with engaging mechanics, creative level design, and impressively weighty combat.Theres plenty of replayability between its single and multiplayer modes, and there are no microtransactionsthe perfect couch co-op game for friends and family alike.Check out my review of Hypercharge Unboxed from May.13) Pacific DrivePlatforms: PC, PS5Developer: Ironwood StudiosPacific Drive is an odd proposition: a survival-driving indie game set in the Pacific Northwest, combining elements of STALKER, Jalopy, and Control. As a silent driver, you maintain and upgrade your magical car as you deal with strange phenomena and hazardous environments, unraveling the story behind the disaster as you go.Pacific Drive doesnt hold your hand, nor should itthis is seat-of-the-pants stuff and one of the most unique games in recent memory. Throw yourself into its weird world and let it spit you out.12) Arzette: The Jewel of FaramorePlatforms:PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: Seedy Eye SoftwareArzette: The Jewel of Faramore cleverly reimagines infamous Philips CD-i games, turning their awkward charm into a fun, retro-inspired 2D platformer. Developed by the brilliantly named Seedy Eye Software, Arzette blends tight, rewarding gameplay with a hilarious, absurd narrative supported by eccentric characters including a teleporting scarecrow, a pirate cat, and a fairy who may or may not indulge in class-A drugs.Despite its short playtime, Arzette excels in its replay value, with a wealth of collectibles, mini-quests, and nicely curated progression. Its a brilliant balance of sentimental celebration and modern polish, offering a fresh take on a largely forgotten, and perhaps unfairly maligned, console.Heres my full review of Arzette from February.11) Lorelei and the Laser EyesPlatforms: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5Developer: SimogoSwedish indie developer Simogos follow-up to Sayonara Wild Hearts didnt disappoint. This highly stylized noir murder mystery sees you solve dozens of puzzles in a mansion, which get more devilish as you go. Its easily one of the most gorgeous games of 2024, stuffed to the brim with creative ideas and unsettling themes, even if its simple mechanics often serve to annoy youbut that sometimes feels like the point.10) Caravan SandWitchPlatforms: PC, Switch, PS5,Developer: Plane ToastCaravan SandWitch is among the most charming open-world adventures of recent years: a title that focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving in a low-stakes environment, offering a refreshing and thoughtful escape.As protagonist Sauge, you search for your missing sister on your home planetone thats gorgeous, but effectively destroyed by anti-environmental greed. With no death mechanics, the game focuses on piecing together the story while helping communities you discover as you drive across the stunning landscape in your Party Wagon-style van. Its a beautiful and thoughtful experience, underpinned by sadness and regret.9) Fear the SpotlightPlatforms: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: CozyGamePalsAs the first of four horror games on this listand one of three inspired by retro titlesFear the Spotlight is a spectacular debut for Blumhouse Games, and all the more impressive given it was created by the two-person studio CozyGamePals. You assume the role of Vivian Singh, navigating a haunting school tied to a tragic past, while avoiding the games sole, menacing foe, The Spotlight.Its PS1/PS2 aesthetic, atmospheric storytelling, and clever puzzles offer a fresh take on classic survival horror tropes, and it balances procedural stealth, symbolic narrative elements, and creative puzzles to deliver a compelling three-hour experience, plus an inventive alternate story mode. It has the occasional technical frustrations, but for $20, you cant go wrong.Read my full take on Fear the Spotlight from October.8) Parking Garage Rally CircuitPlatforms: PCDeveloper: Walaber EntertainmentMake no mistake, Parking Garage Rally Circuit is the finest arcade racing game of 2024, and probably the decade so far. This charming, nostalgia-filled racer inspired by Sega Saturn classicsthe sole vision of Tim Walaber FitzRandolphcombines quirky parking-garage tracks with masterfully responsive drifting and boosting mechanics.Its one of the most satisfying driving experiences in recent memory, and for $10, its a must-play for retro enthusiasts and racing fans alike.Check out my review of Parking Garage Rally Circuit.7) UFO 50Platforms: PCDeveloper: Mossmouth LLCWhy play one indie game when you can get 50 at once? UFO 50 gives you a bumper pack of 50 retro-styled games created by a fictional developer between 1982 and 1989, spanning popular genres of the era like shoot em ups, platformers, and RPGs. Its eerily similar to the spectacular Atari 50, and nearly as believable as a historical recordyou come away from UFO 50 wanting UFO Soft to have existed IRL.UFO 50 isnt like Mario Partyevery outing is a full game, and some even offer versus and co-op experiences. Like any collection, some are better than others, but youll enjoy most of them. A good 10 to 15 of them are stone-cold belterspersonal favorites include Bushido Ball and Elfazars Hat, which could have had standalone releases. Maybe thats the planMossmouth has laid the foundations to build a fictionalized retro gaming empire.6) Animal WellPlatforms: PC, Switch, PS5, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: Billy Basso, Shared MemoryAs one of the most delightful surprises of 2024, Animal Well offers the perfect mix of atmosphere, tension, discovery, and puzzles. Its also one of the years more difficult games to explain: you can clear Animal Well in a few hours, but theres so much more to its compact and carefully designed world than meets the eye, because it just keeps getting deeper.This Metroidvania experience lacks combat and guidance, encouraging you to explore its ideas with tools and conundrums. Stick with itregardless of your skill level, it feels great to play and its absolutely gorgeous. Whatever you put into it, itll reward you double.5) ConscriptPlatforms: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: Jordan Mochi, Catchweight StudioTop-down PS1-style survival horror Conscript, set in the trenches of WW1, delivers a thrilling, challenging, harrowing, and emotionally gripping experience. Its not just a standout indie; its the finest WW1-themed game since Valiant Hearts, and probably the best one ever made.Conscript was developed solo by Jordan Mochi, and his dedication is as inspiring as the game itself. Despite going into his magnum opus with no coding experience, he spent six years crafting this masterpiece. Conscript proves that passion and persistence can deliver something extraordinary, making it a must-play for fans of survival horror and historical storytelling alike.Heres my full take on Conscript from August.4) Crow CountryPlatforms: PC, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: SFB GamesCrow Country is a masterclass in retro survival horrora game that feels old yet refreshingly modern. Inspired by 90s PS1 titans like Resident Evil and Silent Hill, this five-hour gem from SFB Games blends drab, foreboding environments with a quirky, colorful cast to create a world thats as haunting as it is captivating. With a gripping story and top-tier dialogue, it keeps you on edge without descending into parody; every interaction feels meaningful and every twist hits hard.An atmospheric art style is complemented by perfectly tuned puzzles, delightful theme park staging, and grotesque enemies, offering something both challenging and rewarding. Its rough edgesfinicky combat, cumbersome controls, and weirdly hidden itemsadd charm. This is survival horror at its best: a love letter to a genre that still stands tall in its OG 3D format.Read my Crow Country review from May.3) Still Wakes the DeepPlatforms: PC, PS5, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: The Chinese RoomSet on the decaying Beira D oil platform in the 1970s, Still Wakes the Deep taps into countless common fears like heights, darkness, loneliness, and drowning, but the inevitability of death is its real terror.Its true strength lies in its exceptional voice acting and the vulnerability of protagonist Caz McCleary, a fundamentally flawed man who seeks personal redemptionjust not like this. As you explore the oil rig, the horrors are less about fighting enemies and more about survival, as your colleagues mutate into horrific forms. The tension is constant, especially as Cazknown to be pretty tasty in a fistfightremains unarmed and powerless against the monstrosities on board.While occasional platforming issues and intrusive prompts can sometimes break the immersion, Still Wakes the Deep excels in its narrative and emotional storytelling. It may not be the scariest game of the year, but its character-driven performances make it an unforgettable experience.Check out my June review of Still Wakes the Deep.2) Thank Goodness Youre Here!Platforms: PC, Mac, Switch, PS4, PS5Developer: Coal SupperThank Goodness Youre Here! is the funniest game of the last decade: a surreal, slapstick, stupid, and surprisingly spicy sketch show set in a bizarre caricature of Yorkshire. This two-hour fever dream oozes charm and originality, and its laugh-out-loud writing is complemented by an incredible voice cast featuring, but certainly not reliant on, the iconic Matt Berry.Whether youre fixing beer lines, feeding chips to a cow, or enduring a David Lynch-esque existential body horror crisis inside a piece of ham, every moment of Thank Goodness Youre Here is filled with humor and surprises. Developer Coal Supper has crafted a unique, must-play experience that celebrates irreverent British humor in its finest form.Get my thoughts on Thank Goodness Youre Here! in my review from July.1) BalatroPlatforms: Android, iOS, PC, Mac, Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/SDeveloper: LocalThunkBalatro isnt just the best indie game of 2024its the best game of the year outright. Its even more than that: Balatro is a gaping chasm you will initially dip your toe into, and before you know it, youve spent 150 hours playing and youre still falling deeper and deeper into its bottomless pit.This poker-infused roguelite needs to be played to be understood. Once it clicks, itll be the only thing you think about. Its risk-and-reward mechanics are insane, and the mental gymnastics you endure will regularly drive you madin a good way. All the while, its soundtrack keeps you hookedeven though, after a few hours, you realize Balatro has just one surprisingly depressing song on a loop.Let me make just one recommendation: dont get Balatro on your mobile phone. Ive somehow held offonly because Ive made so much progress on the Xbox version, which Ive now installed and uninstalled four timesbut it will take over your life. During two days of using the London Underground in December 2024, I saw at least a dozen people playing it.Theyre all lost now. Theyre probably facing foreclosure and divorce, but I bet they still feel happythey have Balatro in their hands. They gaze up at the enormous joker. Many weeks it had taken them to learn what kind of smile was hidden beneath the face paint. O cruel, needless misunderstanding! O stubborn, self-willed exile from the loving game! Two Red Bull-scented tears trickle down the sides of their noses. But it is all right, everything is all right, the struggle was finished. They had won the victory over themselves. They love Balatro.

Home Weekly News Update: Top 5 News Headlines from the Week News Weekly News Update: Top 5 News Headlines from the Week7 min read Published: January 1, 2025 Key TakeawaysThe US is contemplating a ban on China-made TP-Link routers over security concerns.Joe Biden proposed new rules that might reduce the impact of data leaks on the healthcare industry.Big tech giants such as Amazon, Meta, and Google are focusing on nuclear power.25+ Chrome extensions were hacked, leaving the data of over 2.5 million users exposed.MAGA rivals of Musk accuse him of taking away their X verification badges over the H-1B visa conflict.Want to catch up on the latest news from the week? Weve got you covered! Here are the top 5 biggest news updates from the week.US Might Ban China-Made TP-Link Routers over Security ConcernsUS authorities are planning to ban TP-Link routers over security concerns. TP-Link is a Chinese company, best known for its WiFi networking devices. Its routers dominate the market in the US, in both commercial and domestic spaces.However, the authorities now feel that these routers may pose a threat to the countrys national security. The decision follows the incident where TP-link routers were reportedly used in a network of hacked small office/home office (SOHO) routers that were used in a malware attack. The matter is currently under investigation by the Departments of Justice, Commerce, and Defense.Another reason why TP-Link is under investigation is its rapid growth. In 2019, its market share was 20% but apparently, in 2024, its share grew to 65%. The company has disputed these numbers but suspicion from authorities continues to linger.If TP-Link is truly a threat, banning its products is the best way out of this mess, especially given how bitter the relationship between the US and China is right now. But it wont be so easy.Banning a major router company would mean the US market will have fewer options which in turn will increase prices and hamper competition. In simple terms, people might be forced to pay more for less sophisticated routers.Biden Administration Announces New Rules to Protect the Healthcare Industry from Data Leaks2024 was a dark year for the healthcare industry, marred by numerous cyber incidents that brought day-to-day operations to a standstill. Many hospitals were forced to operate manually, adding to the suffering of the patients.For instance, a ransomware attack on Change Healthcare exposed the private data of more than 100 million individuals in February 2024. In 2023 too, more than 167 million people had their medical information exposed.Hence on Friday, a government official announced that Joe Bidens administration has proposed changes to some existing cybersecurity rules to protect healthcare data from leaks.Most of the changes were suggested for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) a law that guarantees data privacy and safeguarding to patients.The new update will keep all the existing provisions adding a few more requirements such as strengthening cybersecurity provisions to prevent attacks and encrypting patient data so that even if theres an attack, the confidential details of a patient are still safe.The proposal will now go through a 60-day comment period before the next step is finalized. If in the end it is approved, itll take at least 5 years to implement the new requirements completely. The first year of execution is expected to cost $9 billion while the subsequent years will cost around $6 billion.Amazon, Google, Meta, and Many Other Tech Giants Have Turned Their Attention to Nuclear PowerMany major tech companies such as Meta, Amazon, and Google are investing in nuclear power projects as the energy demand surges amidst technological advancement, as per a CNBC report.For example, this October Google said that it will buy energy from Kairos Power, a company that creates small modular reactors.Similarly, Microsoft also made a deal with Constellation Energy to relaunch a reactor at Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania, the same place that was infamous for the most number of nuclear meltdowns in the late 70s.In the last couple of years, both AI and cloud computing have gone through tremendous advancement. Such powerful technology requires equally powerful data centers to run which in turn require a lot of energy.A single data center might have the same energy requirements as an entire city like Chicago. In fact, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, global energy usage will increase by 75% by 2050.But where will all this energy come from? Nuclear power is the answer.This is an interesting turn because, for years, nuclear power has been labeled as dangerous and hard to control. The focus has mainly been on renewable energy. But now, nuclear energy is making a comeback.The report also said that there had been a lot of energy surrounding nuclear power which led to the dramatization of its impact. But in reality, its a reliable, carbon-free source of energy that always runs on time. Not to mention, its also economical.25+ Chrome Extensions Hacked: Over 2.5 Million Users ExposedMore than 25 Chrome extensions have been hacked, leaving data from over 2.5 million users exposed.Hackers often use browser extensions to target users. But usually, they create fake extensions to get the job done. But this time the perpetrators have infected legit Chrome extensions with malicious codes. The end goal remains the same stealing user data. In some cases, the hackers also use session cookies to bypass 2FA sessions.The incident was first discovered by Cyberhaven, a California-based data protection company. At first, only 16 extensions were found to be affected. By December 30, the number rose to 25 and in the coming weeks the number is expected to rise further.The attacks started with the perpetrators sending phishing emails to developers of browser extension companies.The hackers impersonated Google Chrome Web Store Developer Support and tricked the developers into believing that their extension was at risk of removal for violating the Developer Program Policies.The attackers behind this campaign are yet to be identified. Researchers are also trying to understand exactly how the malicious code works which is proving to be a little challenging at the moment because of how well it has been obfuscated.Elon Musks MAGA Rivals Accused Him of Taking Away Their X Verification BadgesA few prominent critics of Elon Musk have accused him of taking away their X verification badges after they publicly challenged his views on the latest H-1B visas.The H-1B visas allow US-based companies to hire top talent from foreign countries and bring them to America. However, many supporters of MAGA (Make America Great Again) feel that this is unfair to US citizens who are missing out on opportunities in their own country. We all know Trumps stance on immigration, so naturally, when he comes back to the White House, he might take aim at the H-1B visas.However, Musk feels that you cannot compete in an industry if you cannot hire the best talent from around the world, regardless of their native country. This difference in opinion led to a huge online clash between opponents of the visa and Musk himself which ended in the latter taking away X verification badges from prominent activists including Laura Loomer.Loomer has more than 1.4 million subscribers on X but since her badge has been taken away, she will no longer get paying subscribers. Is a free speech fraud. she posted on X in retaliation.Loomer isnt the only one. Preston Parra, the chairman of Conservative PAC said that at least 53 accounts associated with them have also lost their badges. Musk is yet to address these allegations.Add Techreport to Your Google News Feed Get the latest updates, trends, and insights delivered straight to your fingertips. Subscribe now! Subscribe now Krishi is an eager Tech Journalist and content writer for both B2B and B2C, with a focus on making the process of purchasing software easier for businesses and enhancing their online presence and SEO.Krishi has a special skill set in writing about technology news, creating educational content on customer relationship management (CRM) software, and recommending project management tools that can help small businesses increase their revenue.Alongside his writing and blogging work, Krishi's other hobbies include studying the financial markets and cricket. View all articles by Krishi Chowdhary Our editorial processThe Tech Reporteditorial policyis centered on providing helpful, accurate content that offers real value to our readers. We only work with experienced writers who have specific knowledge in the topics they cover, including latest developments in technology, online privacy, cryptocurrencies, software, and more. Our editorial policy ensures that each topic is researched and curated by our in-house editors. We maintain rigorous journalistic standards, and every article is 100% written byreal authors.More from News View all News EU Orders Apple to Stop Geo-Blocking Its Apps Vlad MelnicDecember 26, 2024 View all