Discover how AI can instantly decode technology and automates the creation of interactive documentation.

When Russell Maichel started growing almonds, walnuts and pistachios in the 1980s, he didnt own a cellphone. Now, a fully autonomous tractor drives through his expansive orchard, spraying pesticides and fertilizer to protect the trees that have for decades filled him with an immense sense of pride.The sustainability of doing things perfectly the first time makes a lot of sense, the first-generation farmer told The Associated Press at CES 2025, where John Deere unveiled a fleet of fully autonomous heavy equipment, including the tractor Maichel has been testing on his northern California farm.Sustainability is a key theme this year at the annual tech trade show in Las Vegas. From Volvo CEO Martin Lundstedt announcing their commitment to net-zero emissions by 2040 to Wisconsin-based OshKosh Corporation showing off its electric fire engines and garbage trucks, companies big and small are showcasing their green innovations and initiatives.We absolutely need more climate-smart technologies, said Jacqueline Heard, CEO and co-founder of Enko Chem, which researches climate tech solutions in agriculturean industry Heard says is under a lot of pressure right now.That much is clear on the CES show floor, where farming is on full display and company leaders are highlighting the impacts of climate change and labor shortages on farmers.Not far from John Deeres booth where autonomous tractors and dump trucks are towering over conference attendees, Kubota, another equipment manufacturing company, is showcasing its AI technology that detects diseases in crops and sprays where pests have been identified.Todd Stucke, president of Kubota Tractor Corporation, said AI is the future of farming, especially with summers getting longer and storms getting stronger.Stucke himself grew up on a potato farm in Ohio. Each night after dinner, his father would scour the field for bugs and then send Stucke out to spray the crops with insecticides.We sprayed the whole field, but we mightve only needed to spray a part of the field or a plant, he said. Take that analogy into vineyards, orchards, and so forth, you dont have to spray everything.This is known as precision agriculture, Heard said. It allows farmers to really optimize their land.The idea, Heard said, is that farmers can expand the lifespan and improve the quality of their crops while using fewer chemicals, like pesticides and fertilizer.Its good for the environment. Its good for farmers, she said.Heard said she wouldnt be surprised if AI can one day help farmers map out their land, showing them the different soil types and what kinds of crops would grow best there.It could be that with climate change, they should move to a crop thats much more adapted to this new world, she said.Back at the John Deere booth, Maichel, a tree nut farmer, said hes hopeful that advancements in AI will help him better manage the unpredictability of farming. Each year on his orchard is different from the last.Theres no sliding scale, per se, that we have to deal with as far as climate change goes, he said. We really bend to the climate that were dealt with. Its not something I can predict. Its really something we have to adapt to every growing season.If someone had told him just 10 years ago that a tractor would one day be driving itself through his orchard, he said he wouldnt have believed it. But now, he says, he sees how this evolving technology can help him adapt to the changing industry and climate.We all need to eat, right? Maichel said. A farmers job is one that we all need.Associated Press video journalist Patrick Aftoora-Orsagos contributed to this report.Rio Yamat, Associated Press

The high school where Brian De Palma brought Stephen Kings Carrie to life, Will Rogers ranch house, and a motel owned by William Randolph Hearst are among some of the famous structures that have been damaged or destroyed by the California wildfires.Los Angeles is a town full of landmarks, thanks to its costarring role in over a century of filmed entertainment. Some famed spotslike the Hollywood Bowl, the TCL Chinese Theatre, and the Dolby Theatre, where the Oscars are heldinitially seemed imperiled by the Hollywood Hills fire, yet remained at least largely unharmed Thursday. But the fires have taken a toll on some familiar sites.Palisades Charter High SchoolThere was significant damage to Palisades Charter High School, though the main campus building stands. Founded in 1961 and built for a reported $6 million, the high school currently serves some 3,000 students throughout the Los Angeles area, though they were not in session this week.FAMOUS CREDITS: De Palmas 1976 adaptation of Carrie, starring Sissy Spacek as the outcast teen, is perhaps Pali Highs most recognizable credit. Its also played high schools in the 2003 remake of Freaky Friday, with Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, the Kirsten Dunst movie Crazy/Beautiful, the Anne Hathaway film Havoc, the television series Teen Wolf and American Vandal, and the music video for Olivia Rodrigos good 4 u. Notable alumni include filmmaker J.J. Abrams, actors Jennifer Jason Leigh and Forest Whitaker, musician will.i.am, Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, and Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.Will Rogers ranch houseWill Rogers Western Ranch House, a property dating back to the 1920s, was completely destroyed in the Palisades Fire. Built on 186 acres in the Pacific Palisades area, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it had 31 rooms, corrals, a stable, riding ring, roping arena, polo field, golf course, and hiking trails. It was where the famed actor (once one of the highest paid) and radio personality would ride horses and practice roping before his death in 1935. His widow, Betty Rogers, gave the property to the state in 1944 and it became a historic state park.FAMOUS CREDITS: The state park was featured in the 1975 Barbra Streisand sequel Funny Lady.Topanga Ranch MotelThe Palisades Fire also destroyed the Topanga Ranch Motel, a 30-room, bungalow-style motel built by William Randolph Hearst in 1929. The property had been uninhabited and deteriorating for nearly 20 years, but there were plans for a restoration and reopening in the works.FAMOUS CREDITS: The 1970s television series Mannix as well as an episode of Remington Steele, the 1986 Judd Nelson and Ally Sheedy movie Blue City, and the 1991 Bridget Fonda movie Leather Jackets.Reel Inn MalibuThis seafood shack on the Pacific Coast Highway and across the street from Topanga Beach State Park opened in 1986 and burned to the ground in the fire. In an Instagram post, the owners wrote that they werent sure what would remain of the beloved spot. Hopefully the state parks will let us rebuild when the dust settles, Teddy and Andy Leonard wrote.FAMOUS CREDITS: Its been featured on shows like Man v. Food and The Chew and counted the likes of Cindy Crawford, Paris Hilton, and Jerry Seinfeld as fans of its fried seafood fare. It also made a cameo in 24.The Bunny MuseumA quirky Los Angelesarea oddity, The Bunny Museum, located in Altadena and dedicated to all things bunnies, was also destroyed. The museum had all sorts of bunny-themed items, from Trix boxes and bottles of Nesquik to Bugs Bunny paraphernalia and magazine covers of performer Bad Bunny. There was also a Chamber of Hop Horrors detailing the historical abuse of bunnies that had an age requirement: 13 and up.FAMOUS CREDITS: Its made the Guinness Book of World Records, and been featured in Ripleys Believe It Or Not!, the Smithsonian Magazine, and an episode of VisitingWith Huell Howser.Lindsey Bahr, AP Film Writer

NFL legends and brothers Peyton and Eli Manning may have two Super Bowl rings of their own, but theyve never faced each other in competition on Super Bowl Sunday. Until now.FanDuel, the fantasy sports and betting platform, is bringing back its Kick of Destiny concept this year, this time with the hosts of The Manningcast. In 2023, FanDuel created a monthlong campaign that culminated in a live Super Bowl ad starring former Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski trying to kick a field goal to give fans who made a Super Bowl bet on FanDuels Sportsbook a chance to share $10 million. Gronk missed. Last year, Gronk was back, and this time fans could pick if he would make the kick or miss it. This time, itll be Peyton and Eli vying for fraternal field goal supremacy.Its the beautiful challenge of how to keep the franchise rolling in a way that adds interest, says FanDuels executive vice-president of marketing Andrew Sneyd. How do you innovate it in a way that keeps whats great and keeps adding to the story, so it doesnt feel like a crummy sequel? This felt like a natural evolution, to make it a head-to-head competition, and build it with a natural rivalry.Created with Wieden+Kennedy, the campaign kicks off this weekend with a teaser ad that reveals perhaps being a quarterback wasnt Elis dream at all.Expanded UniverseLast year, I wrote that the Kick of Destiny concept might just be one of the best big-game ideas ever because it accomplishes so many goals for the brand all in one . . . kick. Its directly tied to the product, getting fans excited to get on the platform. It involves a live event, offering the entertainment and unpredictability of sports. And its incredibly adaptable to almost endless variations. Its an advertisers franchise dream. Sneyd agrees.The story you wrote last year certainly inspired us for the franchise opportunity for what the Super Bowl campaign could be, he says.FanDuel and Wieden+Kennedy have altered both the concept and execution just enough to make this feel brand new. Beyond the Manning brothers as new participants, and head-to-head as a new competitive dynamic, the brand is also expanding the scope of the kick event itself.Instead of during the game, the live kicking competition will take place during the 3 p.m. ET hour of the Fox Super Bowl Pregame Show, where each Manning will attempt a 25-yard field goal. FanDuel users can make a free pick on which Manning they think will win through the FanDuel Sportsbook app, with eligible customers who pick correctly winning an equal share of $10 million in Bonus Bets.Then, during the game, FanDuel has two more ad spots. The first will run just before the game kicks off to recap the kicking competition and highlight whether Team Peyton or Team Eli won the $10 million in Bonus Bets. Then, during the second quarter, another spot will further celebrate the winning Manning.Sneyd says that being integrated into the pregame show allows the brand more creative flexibility to build excitement than they were able to with a 30-second ad. Being integrated into the broadcast show earlier in the day is a great reason for fans to show up early to watch the broadcast, and also allows us to be able to take the footage from the moment and cut it into big fun spots that will be airing within the game itself, he says.[Photo: Fanduel]Recruiting the ManningsSneyd says that having a recognizable Super Bowl concept really helped in recruiting the Mannings. It makes it really easy when we go to the guys to say, Hey, this year we wanted it to be Kick of Destiny 3: May the Best Manning Win. And thats all it takes for them to say, Oh yeah, game on. This will be fun.[Photo: Fanduel]The overall Kick of Destiny 3 campaign will follow the Mannings as they prepare for the competition with the first spot airing this Saturday during the NFL Wild Card round, and a second spot later in the NFL playoffs. But the brand is working with both W+K and the Mannings Omaha Productions on the official spots and social content to support the campaign between now and game day on February 9th.For what its worth, Sneyd said the sibling rivalry is alive and well. Both Mannings have been making calls to current and former kickers for tips and tricks. I think theres something naturally that comes out of retired athletes, where they have always got this competitive streak in them, he says. So its not surprising that theyre both trying to find little edges to understand how to practice best before the event.Renewing my oldest rivalry. See you on Super Bowl Sunday, bro. pic.twitter.com/k6CuOMtFb6 Eli Manning (@EliManning) January 9, 2025 While Gatorade has the postgame coach splash on lockdown, FanDuel is hoping this will further establish The Kick of Destiny as another ongoing Super Bowl tradition.This is our effort to follow great iconic brands in sports, he says. To build genuine franchise participation thats part of Super Bowl Sunday and adds to it for fans as opposed to just trying to throw a message in front of 125 million eyeballs.

In this age of EDC, objects claiming to be mil-spec are prized. But that label is easy to slap onto an object; what does it take to actually design a military-grade product? SGW Designworks, an Idaho-based industrial design and engineering consultancy with defense and military clients, knows first-hand. They've written the following helpful guide:---Understanding and Designing to Military Specifications: The Essential GuideIn today's world, there's an increasing requirement for products that can withstand extreme conditions. This need spans across various sectors, from consumer electronics to industrial equipment, emphasizing the importance of designing to military specifications, often referred to as mil-spec, MIL-STD, or military standard. But what does it mean to design a product to meet these rigorous standards, and why is it becoming increasingly relevant outside the military sector? The Essence of MIL-SPEC and MIL-STDOriginally established by the United States Military, military specifications, or MIL-SPEC, and military standards, MIL-STD, were designed to set a definitive level of performance, durability, and maintainability for military equipment. These standards ensure that military-grade products can reliably perform under a wide array of harsh environmental conditions.MIL-SPEC has become a synonymous term with ruggedness and reliability, qualities that are now sought after in consumer, commercial, and industrial products. Although initially exclusive to military equipment, the term "military-grade" has found its way into the marketing strategies of various products, from smartphones and laptops to vehicles and portable storage units.The most commonly referenced standard in relation to MIL-SPEC products is MIL-STD-810. This standard outlines the environmental engineering considerations and laboratory tests that equipment should undergo based on its operational environment. It covers a broad spectrum of environmental effects, including but not limited to, temperature variations, humidity, vibration, shock, and exposure to liquids or particulate matter.When and Why to Design to MIL-SPECThe surge in demand for rugged design in everyday products raises the question: should all product designers aim to meet military standards? The answer is nuanced. For products intended for military use or those developed under military contracts, adhering to MIL-SPEC is non-negotiable. However, for consumer goods, the application of MIL-STDs can vary based on the product's intended use and the level of ruggedness desired.Designing to MIL-SPEC, even for non-military products, offers several benefits. It sets a clear and quantifiable benchmark for product durability, which can significantly enhance product credibility and appeal in the eyes of consumers. Moreover, it allows manufacturers to tap into the growing market segment that values durability and reliability, potentially leading to increased brand loyalty.However, it's crucial to note that the term "military-grade" is often used more as a marketing claim than a strict certification. Without standardized oversight outside the Department of Defense, the burden of proof for MIL-SPEC compliance falls on manufacturers and vendors. This makes it vital for consumers to scrutinize the ruggedness claims of products labeled as MIL-SPEC. How to Design According to MIL-SPECDesigning a product to meet MIL-SPEC standards involves a meticulous process of defining product requirements and selecting applicable standards based on the intended use case. This process, known as "tailoring," ensures that the product undergoes relevant tests to validate its compliance with MIL-STD-810 or other relevant standards.The design must consider various environmental factors, material and component selection, and rigorous testing protocols. For instance, components used in MIL-SPEC products often conform to specific sizes, finishes, and performance criteria to ensure they can withstand the conditions outlined in the MIL-STDs. This could mean selecting more expensive or specialized components to meet the desired specifications.Testing is a critical step in the MIL-SPEC design process. It involves subjecting the product or prototype to the conditions specified in the selected MIL-STDs to verify compliance. While some companies may conduct these tests in-house, independent third-party testing facilities are frequently used for their expertise and unbiased reporting. MIL-SPEC in Practice: Real-world ExamplesSeveral products have been successfully designed to meet MIL-SPEC standards, demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of such an approach. For instance, rugged container systems designed for military use have been adapted for consumer use, offering unparalleled durability and weather resistance. Similarly, electronic devices like rugged laptops and smartphones have been developed to meet specific MIL-STD-810G criteria, making them ideal for outdoor and industrial applications.d The Future of MIL-SPEC: Industrial IoT and BeyondThe integration of Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technology into heavy-duty industries presents new opportunities for MIL-SPEC design. As equipment becomes increasingly reliant on electronic sensors and data connectivity, the need for rugged, reliable components that can survive harsh environments becomes paramount. While not all IIoT devices may require full MIL-SPEC compliance, applying military standard environmental test methods can guide the design process to ensure optimal performance and durability.The growing IIoT market, projected to reach significant financial milestones in the coming years, underscores the expanding relevance of MIL-SPEC design principles in industrial and consumer products alike.ConclusionThe application of military specifications and standards in product design transcends traditional military equipment, offering valuable guidelines for creating durable, reliable products across various sectors. By understanding and leveraging MIL-SPEC and MIL-STD, manufacturers can meet the rising consumer demand for rugged products, differentiate their offerings, and build lasting brand loyalty. As technology continues to evolve and integrate into all aspects of life, the principles of MIL-SPEC design will remain a cornerstone for innovation and quality in product development.---You can read more SGW Designworks wisdom here.

This g.stand, by Seoul-based industrial design firm grape lab, is made from a single sheet of recycled paper. It weighs just 45g (1.5oz), but is sturdy enough to hold "even the heaviest laptops," the firm writes. "The carefully designed origami structure has the perfect angles for viewing and typing. It also prevents your devices from overheating with creases that keep the air flowing so you can keep on work flowing." It collapses down to 3cm (1.2") to slide into its carry case. The case, by the way, is notched and can serve as a phone stand. These run about $22.

I rarely use measuring tools in my line of work but in some of my creative pursuits like journaling and scrapbooking, it can be useful sometimes. For those that use this kind of tools regularly for work, it can be useful to have something that is all-in-one as it doesnt slow down the creative or productive process. There are some tools out there that have different kinds of measuring features although they may be a bit bulky and not portable.Designer: Gaurav WaliThe Hanko Ruler is a concept for a measure anything, with anything tool. Both the form and function of this device is inspired by the Japanese hanko seal that people use to leave their signature or their mark on a document. Think of this ruler as similar to those correction tapes and glue roller that you slide across the page to use. This all-in-one measuring tool comes in a portable size that fits in the palm of your hand. You slide it across any surface and it prints scaled marks so you create a ruler wherever you want. It is a compact and minimalist tool that can be used in workshops, studios, offices, and homes by creators, makers, and designers.Its a pretty interesting tool that you can carry around and can fit into a pencil case or your pocket. Since it prints on the surface, its probably refillable when the ink runs out since the renders show that the tool can be easily assembled and reassembled. I would love to add this to my stationery kit if it can become an actual product someday. The post Hanko Ruler concept lets you print scaled marks on any surface first appeared on Yanko Design.

Data WIRED collected during the 2024 Democratic National Convention strongly suggests the use of a cell-site simulator, a controversial spy device that intercepts sensitive data from every phone in its range.

MacworldBack in 2022, Apple added a speaker to the AirPods Pro case to help find it when lost in a couch cushion or under a desk. But for years people have been hearing their cases make sounds all on their own. We finally know whysurprise, its not the case at all.As spotted by MacRumors, Apple has added an explanation for the occasional and unprompted noises made by AirPods. Tucked way down in the Use hearing health features with AirPodsPro2 section of the AirPods User Guide, Apple explains that its not actually the case making a noise but rather the AirPods inside the case:To help ensure that your AirPods microphones and speakers are operating at their best (for example, to help provide high-quality hearing test results), your AirPods may periodically play a quiet chime when theyre in their charging case.Users have wondered what the mysterious sound is, which sounds like a faraway chime as you can hear in the video on this Reddit thread. Its not clear what happens if the AirPods discover theyre not operating at their best, but they would presumably send an alert to your iPhone to let you know.Apple added hearing protection features to the AirPods Pro, which includes the high-quality hearing test described in Apples support note. Its not clear whether Apple plans to bring it to other models with noise-cancellation, including the AirPods 4 and AirPods Max.

MacworldAt a glanceExpert's RatingProsGood backup elements, functional scheduling, and fast copy speeds between volumesAntiviral Protection module caught a respectable amount of viral samples right off the batEasy to create a viable boot volume to work withConsClunky Acronis cloud dashboard interfaceErrors creating clone archives to the cloudUsers are unable to target specific drives to perform antivirus scans onOur Verdict Theres admirable antivirus protection, good copy speeds, and a boot module creation tool that works as well as you could want, but clunky interface elements, some errors while creating archives to the cloud, and a web-based dashboard with fewer controls than expected make things frustrating.Price When ReviewedThis value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefinedBest Pricing TodayWhile theres no shortage of good backup utilities for the Mac, sometimes the promise of a product is greater than whats actually delivered. Case in point, Acronis True Image for Mac, which functions as both a customizable backup utility as well as an antiviral/anti-malware piece of software. True Image, which requires macOS 11 (El Capitan) or later to install and run, is available as a 30-day free trial without having to enter your credit or debit card, and retails for $49.99/42.99 per year for one computer with local backup and anti-ransomware under the Essentials package, $72.99/62.99 for one year for one computer with 250GB of Acronis cloud storage under the Advanced package (there are also options for 50GB and 500GB), theres also a Premium package with up to 1TB to 5TB of Acronis cloud storage, the subscriptions renewing automatically unless you specify otherwise.Take a look at our other recommendations for backing up your Mac and other cloud based Mac backup options.Where features are concerned, True Image comes prepared. The software installed easily and was configured for full disk access without hassle, is centered around its Backup, Protection, Disk Cloning, and Archive modulesthe Protection module offering a good degree of antiviral protection and catching no less than 23 potential threats from a sample archive off the bat. (For more antivirus for Mac options, take a look at our round up of the best Mac Antivirus software).Malware being discovered and quarantined in Acronis True Image.FoundryAs expected, the Backup module allows you to designate source and destination volumes as well as choose which files are backed up and to where. Its easy to create exclusion lists as to which files can by bypassed when it comes to backing up, and the scheduling feature worked like a charm. The Backup module also leads to True Images Acronis Survival Kit, which allows for a bootable backup drive to be created that your Mac can boot and install a new operating system from. In addition to this, the Backup modules saves the archive in Acronis proprietary .itbx file format, so youll need a copy of True Image to restore your data. Selecting a backup destination volume in True Image.FoundryThe Backup module also makes use of Acronis cloud feature, and you can readily back up designated files, folders, and volumes to your cloud space. The Disk Cloning module works well, and makes quick copies of volumes as needed, perhaps offering the best value for the suite. Finally, the Archive module allows you to offload local data to Acronis cloud structure, which is handy for freeing up local space, but the cloud structure and web-based dashboard come with their own caveats, such as a lack of a clearly-defined delete button to clear files from your cloud space should you be looking to clear up that space as well.Setting up an Acronis cloud-based backup in True Image.FoundryStill, theres room for improvement. While True Image offers a good suite and things seem cohesive on the surface, there were bugs that couldnt be avoided and user interface elements that were either inconvenient or needed a complete overall. The lack of a percentage complete readout alongside the progress bar became annoying, the estimated time remaining for a long test copy remained stuck at 20 minutes for hours, which raises ones eyebrows. Following a Disk Clone function, the volumes seemed hidden on the Mac, something which required a reboot to mount and display everything again. Where Acronis cloud architecture is concerned, the product seems stuck on the name Cyber Protect Home Office when logged into the dashboard and True Image on the client end, which shows that a complete migration to the new product new has yet to take place on one end. While its easy to add encryption to an archive, elements like targeting a specific volume to scan in the Protection modules antivirus mode seem nowhere to be found. If theres a service to sell, Acronis will gently nudge you towards it, as the software provides easy links to subscribe to its identity protection service as well as additional cloud storage capacity, and I feel as if the focus is on offering whats available as opposed to making True Image elegant and functional.Should you buy Acronis True Image?Acronis True Image has always been something of a silent contender on the Mac end, and never spent vast amounts on marketing to show up in your Facebook or YouTube ad feed, instead chasing after the larger corporate and enterprise markets via its dozens of products and services. You cant blame them for this, but it still takes away from what the True Image for Mac application could be. Whats present here has its good moments, such as admirable antivirus protection, good copy speeds, and a boot module creation tool that works as well as you could want it (no mean feat these days considering how Apple has made this more difficult for developers on Apple Silicon-based Macs), but clunky interface elements, some errors while creating archives to the cloud, and a web-based dashboard with fewer controls than expected make things frustrating. Yes, this might be worth trying out the free 30-day demo, but there are more focused backup clients for the Mac that dont try to be everything at once, still pull off a range of features, are more reliable, and might deserve your attention more.