A tentative labor deal forestalled potentially damaging trade disruptions at three-dozen U.S. East Coast and Gulf of Mexico ports, with both sides in the talks crediting President-elect Donald Trump for clearing the way for them to hammer out a deal on automation.The success of the International Longshoremens Association in winning Trumps support for its anti-automation battle could be instructive for unions facing contract renewals during his term, including the United Auto Workers, UPS Teamsters and the U.S. West Coasts International Longshore & Warehouse Union.The deal, announced on Wednesday night, must be ratified by some 45,000 members of ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group.This is a six-year dtente in the tech-versus-labor tug-of-war at U.S. ports, said Judah Levine, head of research at Freightos, a freight-booking and payments platform.It landed days before an extended Jan. 15 deadline, averting a second strike that could have put a huge dent in the economy at the start of Trumps second term on Jan. 20.Father-and-son ILA leaders Harold and Dennis Daggett late on Wednesday called Trump a hero to the union and gave him full credit for the resolution of talks.They pointed to a Truth Social post in mid-December, where Trump appeared to side with the unions struggle against foreign employers after meeting with those ILA leaders.Ive studied automation and know just about everything there is to know about it. The amount of money saved is nowhere near the distress, hurt and harm it causes for American Workers, in this case, our Longshoremen, Trump wrote.The employer group, which includes Maersks APM Terminals and the U.S. arms of major container carriers such as Chinas COSCO Shipping, said the agreement came thanks in large part to President Trumps leadership.The ILA and USMX extended their bargaining deadline after a deadlock over automation sparked a three-day strike in October at major ports including New York and New Jersey, Houston and Savannah, Georgia.President Joe Biden played a vital role in helping workers win a 62% raise over six years, which ended the October strike.Biden praised both the union and employers for reaching a tentative deal on Wednesday. Trump has not commented on Truth Social and his transition team did not immediately comment.One pro-labor attorney cautioned against interpreting Trumps post on automation as union support, saying that it was in keeping with his pugilistic approach to international policies.It supports his narrative of going after foreigners, said Cathy Creighton, an attorney and director of Cornell Universitys School of Industrial and Labor Relations in Buffalo.Seeing the future?In a prescient move, Teamsters President Sean OBrienwho negotiated the last contract for members at United Parcel Servicenotched a union first by speaking at the Republican National Convention, where he praised Trumps toughness. The Teamsters also broke with tradition and did not endorse a U.S. presidential candidate last year. The UPS contract expires in 2028, Trumps final year in office.Pro-union attorneys said Trumps track record is not one of union support.During his first term as president, Trumps appointees to the National Labor Relations Board issued a series of rulings seen as favoring businesses and making it more difficult for unions to organize workers. The board enforces workers rights to organize and join unions and investigates allegations that employers have engaged in unlawful labor practices.In December, Trump threatened to fire federal workers who do not return to the office for work. He also tasked Elon Musk, the worlds richest person who has called the NLRB unconstitutional, with slashing the federal budget.I dont think hes going to support the labor movement, attorney Creighton said of Trump. He has sought to undermine the labor movement.Lisa Baertlein and Daniel Wiessner, Reuters

As TikTok pleads with the U.S. Supreme Court to let it continue operating in the United States, one video company is taking advantage of the uncertainty around TikToks sister app.CapCut, a video editing tool made by TikTok parent company ByteDance, has gained about 300 million users since launching outside of China in 2020, according to the data analytics firm SensorTower. It offers editing templates so that people can easily post videos on social media platforms, such as TikTok. Bloomberg reported that the companys mobile-first growth has even threatened Adobe and Canva, which have become the incumbents when it comes to making creative digital tools. And CapCut is freefor the most part, though it does offer a premium tier for $9.99 a month that comes with more professional features such as camera tracking and vocal isolation. Yet the company could be affected by a TikTok ban.Now, a smaller company called Captions, which uses artificial intelligence technology to easily cut raw video footage, is adjusting its business model in order to position itself for a future without CapCut. Captions currently has about 51 million users, according to SensorTower.On Jan. 9, Captions, which has offered a tiered plan starting at $9.99/month, announced that it is now offering a free version of its software in a move that makes video editing more accessible to budget-conscious usersperhaps those who dont need as much AI-powered cutting-edge tech. And they know theres an opportunity with CapCuts future on the ropes.Weve long considered offering a free plan to make video creation more accessible, says Gaurav Misra,Captionss cofounder and CEO. But now that millions of creators might lose their go-to editing application, the timing felt right for Captions to launch our free tierensuring that creators everywhere still have access to powerful editing tools regardless of their budget.Today, as TikToks fate rests in the hands of nine justices, the race to scoop up the platforms users isnt limited to big tech behemoths like Meta and YouTube. It extends deeper, into the very tools used to create social-ready videos. Captions, for one, isnt waiting to make a move.

ASUSs CES 2025 showcase delved into the future of computing, presenting an expansive lineup of laptops, gaming devices, and desktops. This years offerings spanned from ultraportable laptops to high-powered gaming rigs and innovative desktop solutions, demonstrating a commitment to cutting-edge technology paired with user-friendly advancements.Designer: ASUSVivobook Series: A Laptop for Every NeedThe Vivobook lineup has been strategically designed to cater to diverse user needs, offering a blend of cutting-edge performance, thoughtful design, and cost-effective solutions. This years updates emphasize user-specific enhancements, making the lineup more versatile and accessible than ever before. Leading this series is the Vivobook S, which comes in 14-inch, 15-inch, and 16-inch models, all featuring a premium all-metal chassis. These models are powered by the latest processors from Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm, ensuring they meet the needs of users seeking dependable performance wrapped in sleek aesthetics. Some configurations also support up to 32GB of RAM, providing flexibility for demanding tasks.ASUS Vivobook 14 & 16Adding a layer of versatility to the series is the Vivobook Flip, a convertible laptop designed for modern workflows and creative professionals. The Vivobook Flip excels in scenarios where flexibility is essential, such as switching between work presentations, content creation, and leisure. Its 360-degree hinge allows it to transform seamlessly between laptop, tablet, tent, and stand modes, making it ideal for dynamic environments like classrooms, collaborative offices, or on-the-go use.Available in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, it features Intel Lunar Lake processors with a robust 45W TDP and a choice between Full HD or 3K OLED displays. These vibrant screens offer excellent clarity for media editing and immersive viewing, while integrated Wi-Fi 6 ensures uninterrupted connectivity.With its emphasis on adaptability and power, the Vivobook Flip is well-suited for multitaskers who need a reliable and versatile device. Its combination of powerful performance and vibrant visuals makes it a practical choice for modern workflows.For those prioritizing affordability, the Vivobook Classic delivers modern features without breaking the bank. Built with a plastic chassis, these models are slightly thicker and heavier than their counterparts but include essential features like USB 4, Wi-Fi 7, and Windows Hello-compatible cameras. This lineup is perfect for budget-conscious users who value functionality and efficiency in a laptop.ASUS Vivobook Pro 15Focusing on a blend of cost-efficiency and practicality, a metal lid and bottom cover strike a balance between premium design and cost efficiency. It features a muted silver color palette, a large trackpad with multi-touch gestures, and a magnetic webcam shutter for enhanced privacy. Offered in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, this model caters to users seeking a professional appearance with practical capabilities. It supports Intel 13th Gen processors, AMD Kraken processors, and Qualcomm options, making it versatile across user needs.Finally, the 18-inch Vivobook addresses the demand for larger displays at an accessible price point. Powered by AMD processors, this model offers expansive screen real estate, making it ideal for users who prioritize a big display for multitasking or entertainment. While the display quality may not match premium models, it provides an excellent solution for those needing an oversized laptop without a hefty price tag.Zenbook Series: Ultraportable Excellence and InnovationThe Zenbook A14 unveiled as the worlds lightest Copilot+ PC, stole the spotlight with its innovative features. It sports a Ceraluminum chassis available in Zabriskie Beige and Iceland Gray, combining lightweight design with exceptional durability. Powered by Snapdragon X Series processors, the A14 boasts up to 45W TDP performance and an impressive 45 TOPS of NPU power for AI-enhanced tasks. Its 70Wh battery offers up to 32 hours of use, making it perfect for professionals on the go.ASUS Zenbook A14Another highlight, the Zenbook DUO, redefines multitasking with its dual-screen setup. The dual 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED displays deliver up to 3K resolution and 120Hz refresh rate, ensuring vivid and accurate visuals. Powered by Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and Intel Arc graphics, it supports demanding creative and productivity tasks. Features like ScreenXpert software, a 75Wh battery, and eco-friendly design further enhance its appeal for creators.ASUS Zenbook S16The Zenbook S16 combines elegance and power in its 16-inch ASUS Lumina OLED display, offering a 3K resolution, 120Hz refresh rate, and 100% DCI-P3 color gamut. With AMD Ryzen AI 7 processors and up to 24GB RAM, it ensures seamless multitasking in a sleek 1.5kg chassis.Finally, the refreshed Zenbook 14 balances portability and performance with its 14-inch ASUS Lumina OLED display. Available with Intel Core Ultra 9 or AMD Ryzen AI 7 processors, it features smart gestures for touchpad navigation and enhanced productivity tools.Gaming Laptops: Performance Meets InnovationASUSs gaming lineup at CES 2025 introduces an impressive array of devices tailored for gaming enthusiasts. At the forefront are the Strix Scar 16 and 18, designed to push the limits of performance and customization. These flagship models feature Intel Core Ultra 9 processors and up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 Laptop GPUs. The ROG Nebula HDR displays boast 2.5K resolution, 240Hz refresh rates, and a peak brightness of 1200 nits. Advanced cooling is achieved through a vapor chamber, Tri-Fan Technology, and Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal, ensuring sustained high performance.The Zephyrus G14 and G16 models blend portability with power. Featuring AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX processors and Intel Core Ultra 9 processors, respectively, they cater to gamers and creators seeking versatile performance. The G14s 3K OLED display and the G16s 2.5K OLED display deliver stunning visuals with fast refresh rates and exceptional color accuracy.ROG Zephyrus G14/G16The Flow Z13 is a detachable gaming laptop that combines the portability of a tablet with workstation-level performance. It is powered by the AMD Ryzen Strix Halo processor with integrated Radeon graphics, supports up to 180Hz QHD+ displays, and has a unified memory architecture for seamless multitasking.ROG Flow Z13Innovative Peripherals: ASUS Fragrance Mouse and Marshmallow KeyboardASUS expanded its peripherals lineup with the Fragrance Mouse, a compact and stylish mouse that incorporates a unique fragrance compartment for essential oils. Available in Iridescent White and Rose Clay, it offers ergonomic design, low-noise operation, and up to 12 months of battery life.ASUS Marshmallow KeyboardThe Marshmallow Keyboard complements modern setups with its minimalist design, quiet typing experience, and versatile connectivity. It supports up to three devices and offers an impressive 24 months of battery life, making it an excellent choice for professionals and casual users alike.ASUS Fragrance MouseA Future-Focused VisionASUSs CES 2025 lineup encapsulates a transformative approach to technology, emphasizing innovation and user-centric design across diverse product categories. The ultraportable Zenbook A14 impresses with its exceptional battery life and sleek construction, catering to professionals who demand mobility without compromise. Meanwhile, the gaming laptop range, including the Strix Scar and Zephyrus models, pushes performance boundaries with cutting-edge hardware and enhanced customization options like the AniMe Vision display.ROG XG Mobile expands ASUSs gaming ecosystem by introducing a high-performance external GPU solution. GPU and customizable desktop towers further broaden ASUSs ecosystem, showcasing the companys ability to cater to both gamers and creators with tailored solutions. These devices reflect a commitment to blending high performance with accessibility, ensuring users have the tools they need for work, play, and creative endeavors.ASUS ROG XG MobileBy addressing the needs of diverse user groups, ASUS is shaping the future of computing with thoughtful design and advanced technology. Each product reflects a balance of performance, accessibility, and innovation, setting a strong tone for the year ahead.The post ASUS CES 2025: Groundbreaking Advancements in Gaming, AI, and Laptops first appeared on Yanko Design.

As extreme wildfires become the new norm, scientists are trying to crack how to save lives.

While Supreme Court justices pressed both sides in Fridays oral arguments, experts say its hard to see how TikTok gets enough votes to survive.

MacworldApple is opening a new store at the Worldcenter in downtown Miami, Florida later this month, but even if you dont live in Florida, you can take part in the celebration.To mark the new stores grand opening, Apple has made a new wallpaper to Bring your deviceinto full bloom. The colorful artwork features an array of foliage in various colors with an Apple logo in dark teal at the bottom. The images are meant to mimic the stores theme, which is anoasis in the heart of the city, where nature thrives and creativity flourishes.Apple has also released an Apple Music playlist that will presumably play throughout the store on opening weekend. The track list includes songs from Shakira, Gloria Estefan, and Becky G, and is also curated in the spirit of the store:Created from the ground up to reflect Apples values, Miami Worldcenter is Apples most sustainable storecentered on universal design principles, while creating an inviting space where everyone is welcome. In that spirit, weve put together a playlist featuring some of Miamis favorite Latin music stars to help us celebrate the stores opening.The wallpapers are available for the iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and can be installed by adding them to your Photos app and going to the Wallpapers tab in Settings (or System Settings on a Mac).

Synchrony Pay Later can soon be used to complete purchases in installments via Apple Pay.Synchrony Pay Later can be used with Apple Pay.Synchrony joins existing companies such as Affirm and Klarna, both of which offer buy-now, pay-later services via Apple Pay. They act as a replacement to Apple Pay Later, an installment service Apple abandoned in 2024.The support page for Apple Pay lists Synchrony under the pay with installments section, first discovered by MacRumors. The service should appear under the "Other Cards & Pay Later Options" at checkout when using Apple Pay. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Apple's latest Shot on iPhone film marks the Chinese New Year, with "I Made a Mixtape for You" showing an idyllic form of love from the 1990s.Shot on iPhone: "I Made a Mixtape for You" - Image Credit: AppleThroughout the year, Apple releases videos as part of its ongoing "Shot on iPhone" campaign, showcasing the capabilities of the iPhone's camera system. The films frequently are used to mark the Chinese New Year, and Apple released its 2025 effort on Friday.Titled "I Made a Mixtape for You," the film follows Wei, who travels back home to celebrate Chinese New Year, and is nagged by his family to find love. Wei uncovers a 90s mixtape created by his parents, bringing him to a 90s dream world. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Architects looking to help in the disaster relief and civil response for the ongoing fire situation in Los Angeles County have been asked to contact local chapters/state disaster coordinators who actively are seeking to mobilize their expertise and structural knowledge to aid the public, state, and city agencies.Those certified through the pre-existingAIA Safety Assessment Program (SAP) are encouraged to check in with the status of anticipated building assessment deployments across California. (Please note: you must be licensed in the state you are volunteering in order to do so.)The AIA Los Angeles chapter will be hosting a virtual workshop on January 15th related to its formation of a Wildfire Disaster Response Ad Hoc Task Force. A Designers Guide to Navigating FEMA Programswill follow virtually the next day via AIAU.Related on Archinect: DEVELOPING: Los Angeles fires threaten iconic architecture and homesContributions to the nonprofit California Architectural Foundation, LA...

January 2025 is finally here and promises a range of noteworthy titles for players to sink their teeth into. High-profile ports of console exclusives, long-awaited follow-ups to established franchises (both indie and big-budget) theyre all here. It wouldnt be a new year without some new early access titles, however, and the biggest in that department is undoubtedly Assetto Corsa EVO.As the newest title in Kunos Simulazionis series, its a racing simulator focused on realism. Launching on January 16th for PC, it arrives almost five years after its Assetto Corsa Competizione. A lot has changed in the interim, and this may very well be the series most ambitious outing yet. Here are 15 things you should know about Assetto Corsa EVO before launch.Early Access ReleaseLike its predecessors, Assetto Corsa EVO will first enter early access, offering a portion of the finished product before the final release. The latter is planned for Fall 2025, which is always subject to change, and thus far, Kunos Simulazioni hasnt confirmed if there will be a monthly update cycle like Competizione. However, its said that player feedback will be crucial in refining the gameplay, optimizing performance, and adding the final touches that will make EVO the ultimate racing simulation.New DirectX 12-Based EnginePerhaps the most notable change with EVO is under the hood, specifically the DirectX 12-powered Kunos Engine. Promising realistic skies, volumetric clouds and fog, dynamic global illumination and reflections, there are notable leaps, especially with how it handles weather effects on track conditions.Practice Sessions and Quick Race ModesAs the first part of the single-player component, EVO features two familiar modes Practice Sessions and Quick Race. Kunos didnt go into extensive details about whats new for either mode, but their names probably shouldnt betray any expectations. The former is for practising different vehicles. The latter is for instant races. You cant get any more straightforward than that.Driving AcademyIts the Driving Academy where things get interesting. Debuting in EVO, it offers step-by-step sections of each track in the current release, where you drive different cars and experience unique challenges. Succeed, and you earn the licenses required for your dream car with Credits used to purchase them. If its anything like the License Mode from the Gran Turismo series, Driving Academy should serve as a challenging yet fun opportunity for sim enthusiasts.Cars and BrandsWhen early access launches, Assetto Corsa EVO will feature 20 cars, with the full game planned to feature over 100. Thus far, weve seen the BMW M2 CS Racing, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63, and the Ford Escort Cosworth RS, with newcomer brands like Maserati and Cadillac, though the full line-up for early access has yet to be revealed.Realistically Depicting Vehicles and TracksAs for how realistic everything will look, from the vehicles to the tracks, Kunos Simulazioni says it employed an advanced system to simulate mechanical, electronic, and aerodynamic performance. Furthermore, laser scan technology has been used to capture the circuits and their fidelity, further increasing immersion.Suspension ImprovementsOf course, that fidelity would mean nothing if the feeling of racing isnt right. Kunos has been improving the suspension to simulate systems like torsion beams and swingarms. Suspension damping and bump stops are also more natural, while the tyre model has been more realistically fine-tuned. The team has worked for four years to improve the feeling behind the steering wheel and thus far, it seems to have borne fruit.Car CustomizationCustomization is also important, and while the full suite of options for early access has yet to be detailed, game director Davide Brivio told Multiplayer.it last November that all the configurations and engines that you would find in any dealership will be available for each vehicle. If your favorite car is sold both in petrol and diesel, for example, or in a version that has 17-inch wheels or a sunroof fitted, then it will also be the case in our game. There will be a wide range of aesthetic modifications per the site, which can impact your performance.Dynamic Weather and Track ConditionsWeather is always an important factor in racing sims, and in EVO, its dynamic, with precipitation and other factors affecting races in real time. Not only will different levels of rainfall affect your performance, but you also have to worry about rubber build-up as a race progresses and adjust accordingly.Available CircuitsThe developer confirmed that Brands Hatch, Imola Circuit, Laguna Seca Raceway, Mount Panorama Circuit, and Suzuka International Racing Course will be available when early access launches. The full game will feature 15 tracks, but EVOs environmental selection is branching out in new directions this Summer.Open World Map in Eifel, GermanyIn a series first, EVO will feature an open-world map. Set in Germanys Eifel region, it will feature local businesses, workshops with aftermarket parts to upgrade vehicles, and even car rental services. Though debuting in the Summer, the map will roll out through numerous updates in early access. These will further expand the map while adding new content, and were keen to see how it matches up to the likes of Forza Horizon in terms of structure and events.24-Hour Race CyclePlayers can also look forward to full 24-hour race cycles, thus pushing the limits of their racing endurance. Naturally, this means the return of Nrburgring Nordschleife, and were keen to see how dynamic weather and track conditions will affect the experience.VR and Triple Screen SupportLike the first game and Competizione, VR support returns with OpenXR, Oculus VR and SteamVR supported out of the box. In true racing simulation fashion, theres also support for triple-screen set-ups, ensuring even greater immersion, especially if you have a racing wheel set-up.PC RequirementsRegarding hardware requirements, Assetto Corsa EVO doesnt appear to demand much on PC, though its a significant step up from Competizione. Its minimum requirements include an Intel Core-i7 8700k or AMD Ryzen 1500X, 16 GB RAM, and a GeForce GTX 1070 or AMD Radeon RX 580. The recommended requirements include a Core-i5 10500 or AMD Radeon 2600X, 16 GB RAM and an RTX 2070 or Radeon RX 5600. These seemingly apply to VR set-ups, though requirements could change through the early access period. You also need a solid-state drive with 100 GB of installation space, which is already a lot without the open-world map.Free Post-Launch UpdatesWhile the full game plans to offer more than 100 cars and 15 tracks from around the world, that wont be the end of support. The development team plans to add more post-launch in free updates. Were a long way off from more details, but its nice to hear that support will continue beyond Fall 2025.