• WWW.TECHRADAR.COM
    Japans largest telco NTT Docomo disrupted by DDoS attack
    NTT Docomo was targeted by a cyberattack, leaving users unable to access services.
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  • WWW.CNBC.COM
    Microsoft expects to spend $80 billion on AI-enabled data centers in fiscal 2025
    Over half of Microsoft's $80 billion in spending will take place in the U.S., Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith wrote in a Friday blog post.
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  • WWW.FASTCOMPANY.COM
    Dating Wrapped: TikTok users are crunching the numbers on their dating life
    If Spotify Wrapped left you underwhelmed this year, TikToks Dating Wrapped trend is here to spice things up.Instead of playlists, users are serving up PowerPoint-style presentations packed with stats about their 2024 dating lives. Singles everywhere are crunching the numbers on their year of dating highs and (mostly) lows, tracking drinks, dinners, ghosting, and awkward small talk. The result? TikTok videos that lay it all bare: money spent, first kisses, tear counts, and more. The trend has gone viral, with #DatingWrapped2024 racking up more than 14.7 million posts.This is the first time Ive ever participated in this trend, and I hope its the last, says TikTok creator Maddy Macrae, who broke down the circumstances and particulars around the 20 dates she went on last year. Another creator, Tara Michelle, analyzed the outcomes of her 120 dates in 2024. Spoiler: She only liked one. @maddy_macrae_ My dating wrapped #dating #datingwrapped #2024theplot original sound Maddy While Spotify and Strava have long offered personalized year-end data, dating behavior isnt as easy to track. Dating Wrapped, created by Montreal-based software engineer Niko Draca in 2021, can help users turn their dating app data into digestible charts and stats, yet many also have taken a DIY approach, compiling their year-in-review presentations manually, pulling data from Apples Notes app, Google Calendar, and voice memos.And whereas 2024 was clearly full of ups and downs for many peoples dating lives, with just under half of all users reporting feeling somewhat-to-very-negative about online dating, the Dating Wrapped trend can be a clear lesson to try and not make the same dating mistakes this year. A lot of events occurred, shared TikToker Scott Kress, in his brutally honest dating summary. But unfortunately, none of them were relationships because I had zero of those. @scottkress_ THE LAST ONE HAUNTS ME original sound scottkress His situationships, on the other hand, were a rollercoaster. One was a 55 Gemini who left him for a woman, another left him crying for months, and the third? I dont even know why I talked to him. He wasnt funny, he was a little ugly, and, honestly, I think I was just desperate.
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  • WWW.FASTCOMPANY.COM
    Youre now able to get a tax credit if you buy a Tesla Cybertruckbut it might not last
    If youre looking to buy an electric vehicle, a handful of models now qualify for the federal EV tax credit for the first timeincluding the Tesla Cybertruck. Stricter rules for the $7,500 credit went into effect January 1, which also knocked some models off the eligibility list.There are now 18 models of EVs and plug-in hybrids that qualify for the tax credit, down from 22 models last year, according to the Department of Energy. To be eligible for the EV tax credit, part of President Bidens Inflation Reduction Act, models must meet certain domestic sourcing requirements for their critical minerals and battery components. In 2025, the percentage of materials that need to meet those requirements increased.The Cybertruck was on the EV tax credit eligibility list in 2023, but was bumped off in 2024 (along with a host of other models) when new battery sourcing rules took effect. Now, its Dual motor and Single Motor 2025 models are eligible. (Cybertrucks were also in the news at the start of the new year because one was involved in an explosion outside of Trump Hotel in Las Vegas. )Also new to the list this year are the Genesis Electrified GV70; Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 9; and Kia EV6 and EV9. EVs from Volkswagen, Audi, Ford, Nissan, Jeep, Lincoln, and Rivian dropped off of the 2025 tax credit list. (For Ford, the Escape Plug-in Hybrid is no longer eligible, but the F-150 Lightning still is.) EVs from Acura, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Honda, and other Tesla models (the 3, X, and Y) remain on the eligibility list from 2024.While EVs have been lauded as a climate solution, some say e-bikes are crucial to decarbonizing our transportation as wellespecially because big SUVs and trucks, even if electric, come with environmental and safety downsides. Yet e-bikes arent currently available for federal tax credits. Theres legislation considering such a credit; the Electric Bicycle Incentive Kickstart for the Environment Act, also called the E-BIKE Act, has been introduced in Congress, but has yet to advance. The act would provide a tax credit for 30% of the cost of e-bikes that total less than $8,000. Some states, however, have implemented their own e-bike subsidies.While that tax credit hangs in the balance, the existing EV tax credit does as well. Incoming-President Donald Trump wants to get rid of the EV tax credit, though its still not clear if that will happen. If he does kill the credit, consumers who buy an EV in early 2025 could be out of luckbut since many take advantage of the tax credit as soon as they buy an EV, those people could still benefit immediately.To see the full list of eligible EVs, and to compare to prior years, visit fueleconomy.gov and select the January 1, 2025-December 31, 2025 delivery date. (You can also compare prior eligibility lists by choosing different dates, and also see eligible used EVs here.)
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  • WWW.FASTCOMPANY.COM
    FAA chief calls for cultural shift at Boeing, a year after its 737 Max incident
    A year after a panel blew out of a Boeing 737 Max during flight, the nations top aviation regulator says the company needs a fundamental cultural shift to put safety and quality above profits.Mike Whitaker, chief of the Federal Aviation Administration, said in an online post Friday that his agency also has more work to do in its oversight of Boeing.Whitaker, who plans to step down in two weeks to let President-elect Donald Trump pick his own FAA administrator, looked back on his decision last January to ground all 737 Max jets with similar panels called door plugs. Later, the FAA put more inspectors in Boeing factories, limited production of new 737s, and required Boeing to come up with a plan to fix manufacturing problems.Boeing is working to make progress executing its comprehensive plan in the areas of safety, quality improvement and effective employee engagement and training, Whitaker said. But this is not a one-year project. Whats needed is a fundamental cultural shift at Boeing thats oriented around safety and quality above profits. That will require sustained effort and commitment from Boeing, and unwavering scrutiny on our part.Boeing on Friday issued an update on steps it has taken to improve safety and quality, including addressing concerns raised by employees and reinforcing their confidentiality protection.Boeing, which couldnt build new 737s during a seven-week strike by machinists last fall, said it has strengthened training for mechanics and quality inspectors. The company said it updated a system to display the names of employees who perform metal-stamping work.The company also said it has significantly reduced defects in 737 fuselages built by Spirit AeroSystems, but it declined to provide numbers. Spirit is a key supplier that Boeing is in the process of buying for $4.7 billion.The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the door-plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Max jet. Despite a gaping hole in the side, pilots landed the plane safely in Portland, Oregon, and no serious injuries were reported.A month after the accident, investigators said in a preliminary report that bolts used to help secure the panel were not replaced after work in a Boeing factory.Whitaker said the FAA will review any recommendations that the safety board makes to improve FAAs oversight work. Last summer, he admitted that FAAs scrutiny of Boeing wasnt good enough.
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  • WWW.YANKODESIGN.COM
    Unreleased Microsoft ergonomic keyboard becomes a reality after all
    After some hardware failures like the infamous Zune and the under-appreciated Windows Phone, Microsoft seems to have struck Gold with the Surface 2-in-1 tablets. It gave the tech company the boldness to go all in on that brand to the point of discontinuing its other hardware products, particularly its line of computer accessories. That definitely disappointed a few fans, especially those waiting for Microsofts next ergonomic keyboard to break cover.Fortunately, one big fan decided to take up the cause and bought the manufacturing rights from Microsoft and pick up where it left off. Not only did it decide to revive some of the peripherals Microsoft discontinued, it also just released a new ergonomic keyboard that was previously rumored but never launched, adding a rather interesting entry into this category of desktop computing accessories.Designer: Incase, MicrosoftAs critical as keyboards might be in using computers, few people give them a second thought until their hands start hurting. Thats why the so-called ergonomic keyboards are quite the hot item among writers, programmers, and other avid computer users, and their designs are as varied as their prices. Almost every major manufacturer has one, including Microsoft before it axed everything but its Surface products.The Incase Compact Ergonomic Keyboard brings to life a design that was supposed to have been shuttered along with Microsofts accessories business. Truth be told, this contoured split keyboard design is nothing new and is actually a bit similar to the discontinued Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard. One big difference is the absence of the stylistic notch in the middle, giving the newer version a cleaner and more elegant appearance.The Incase keyboard is also more compact, leaving more room on your desk for other peripherals or items. That said, the cushioned wrist rests are permanently attached to the keyboard, so youll have to make sure to have plenty of room for that. This Compact Ergonomic Keyboard is also completely wireless and can pair with up to three devices via Bluetooth.The most interesting detail about this keyboard is that it runs solely on two AAA batteries that are advertised to last about 36 months. There are no ports on the keyboard at all, so theres no way for you to charge the batteries inside either. Its an odd design choice but could appeal to those who find such internal batteries cumbersome and short-lived. The Incase Compact Ergonomic Keyboard goes for only $120, which is significantly cheaper than high-end ergo keyboards but definitely within the range of rival designs from Logitech.The post Unreleased Microsoft ergonomic keyboard becomes a reality after all first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • WWW.WIRED.COM
    A Book App Used AI to 'Roast' Its Users. It Went Anti-Woke Instead
    One year-end summary from Fable, a social app where people share what books the read, told the user Dont forget to surface for the occasional white author, OK?
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  • WWW.WIRED.COM
    USB-C Is Now the Law of the Land in Europe
    Apple has already pulled devices to comply with the European Commissions new Common Charger Directive.
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    This massive power bank is $60 off and ready for your 2025 adventures
    MacworldIf youre always ready to go on adventures off the beaten path, then this Anker Solix C200 power bank station should be on your shopping list, especially now that its only $110, a $60 discount from its usual MSRP.What makes the Anker Solix C200 so awesome? Well, first of all, it has an absolutely massive capacity of 60,000mAhthats about what you need to recharge your phone at least ten times over. The high capacity makes it ideal for powering devices for longer periods of time, such as camping trips.There are multiple ports available to handle charging your devices, including a 140W USB-C port that is ideal to use to charge high-power devices, including laptops, quickly. The power bank features three USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. As far as recharging the Anker power bank goes, you have three options. You can pick between the 140W PD USB-C port, use 100W solar panels, or use the car socket. All of these will get you back to 100 percent in a couple of hours.So, go and save $60 on the Anker Solix C200 and be prepared for all sorts of adventures without worrying about your phone batteryor anything else that might need a charge.Recharge phones and laptops on the goBuy now at Amazon
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  • WWW.MACWORLD.COM
    The Mac can finally begin again in 2025
    MacworldOver four years ago, Apple announced that it was going to stop using Intel processors in its Macs and start using its own silicon. At the time, it sounded like a daunting task, but feasible thanks to the years of success using its own chips in the iPhone and iPad.The fourth generation of M-series chips in the Mac was released in November. While on the surface, that doesnt sound like a big deal, it actually has a deeper significance. The transition from Intel chips to Apple silicon is finally completethere arent any major hangups anymore that could make customers second-guess an investment. For the first time since the Apple silicon transition began, the Mac lineup now feels like it is whole as we head into 2025.Production rhythmApple released its very first Apple silicon Macs, the M1 MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini in November 2020 during the height of the pandemic. The pandemic affected production, which in turn affected Apples chip release cycle.Once the pandemic ended, Apple and its chipmaker, TSMC, worked to get back on track and yeah later were finally starting to see a regular cycle with the M chips. Implementation of new production techniques affects that cycle, but its not as disruptive. We now have a better sense of when a new generation of chips will arrive, which makes for shoppers who can make informed buying decisions.The M4 comes at the right timeWhen the M1 was released, it offered incredible performance boosts over the Intel chips it replaced. But Mac users tend to hold on to their Macs for as long as possibletheres a strong desire to get the most out of the sizable investment. If someone had bought a new Intel Mac a year or two before the M1s release, convincing them to upgrade so soon wasnt easy, especially when Intel apps ran perfectly fine thanks to Rosetta 2 (see below). Even the new design and performance gains of the M2 or M3 may not have been convincing enough.But with the release of the M4, the time and performance gap between it and the last set of Intel CPUs used in Macs is so vast now that it cant be ignored any longer. Below are benchmarks for the M4, M1, and the Intel 3.8GHz Core i7, which was one of the last Intel chips (and one of the fastest in a Mac) in the 2020 27-inch iMac.The M4 doesnt offer twice the performance of the Core i7, but its close. Thats a noticeable difference, whatever youre doing on your Mac. Even if you think your Intel Mac is fast enough, its hard not to feel like youre missing out.Its not just about performance. Apple chips are much more efficient than Intel chips, saving battery life on MacBooks and generating less (if any) fan noise on desktop Macs. It all combines to remove any doubt about Apple silicons ability to replace Intel chips.Thanks for the memoryWith the M4, Apple decided to set the base unified memory configuration at 16GB. It was a change that was a long time coming8GB is doable, but 16GB makes a noticeable difference.The RAM increase is an important factor in the Apple silicon transition because its no longer a hurdle to adoption for someone whos still using an Intel Mac. It makes the Mac run more efficiently and helps with supporting current and future Apple Intelligence features. And by not raising prices, Apple essentially cut prices by $200 across its entry-level models.Designs are back in styleWhen Apple introduced the M1 in November 2020, it didnt change the designs of the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or Mac mini. But when Apple introduced the M1 iMac a few months later, a completely new iMac design was also revealed, creating anticipation for more new designs throughout the Mac line. When those new designs eventually arrived, they not only breathed new life into each model, but they were also exciting and showed real innovation for the first time in years.The Mac mini was the last consumer Mac to get a major redesign, and along with the M4, the Apple silicon transition cycle is complete.FoundryThe new Mac designs arent directly related to the Intel-to-Apple silicon transition, but they show the possibilities that Apples chips open up. By controlling the whole stack, Apple can design chips and cases that push boundaries, and the current lineup is the best Apple has made in years.Theres an app for thatA major concern during the Intel-to-Apple silicon transition was software compatibility. Apple addressed this issue, for the most part, with Rosetta 2, Apples software that allowed apps written for Intel to run on Apple silicon. Rosetta2 worked well for a vast majority of apps.Now that were over four years since the start of the transition, developers have had plenty of time to update their apps so that they can run natively on Apple silicon and no longer need Rosetta. You can find apps that wont run on Apple silicon, but often the developers of those apps have abandoned the Mac. And youre likely going to find a replacement thats better anyway.The M5 comethFinally, the upcoming M5 chip actually plays a role in the M4 and the idea that the transition is complete. With its release expected in late 2025, it reaffirms a regular release cycle for Apple and the Mac. It should provide a 15 to 25 percent performance boost over the M4the typical improvement from generation to generation that weve seen since the M1. It also could be the first M-series chip where the Mac feels settled, where everything about each model is in place and seems right for todays customers.Now that the transition is complete, Apple can focus on bigger upgrades in the future, such as OLED displays and cellular connectivity in the MacBook. Apple didnt just change chips, the completion of the transition is why those upgrades can happen in the first place.
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