Speech processing systems often struggle to deliver clear audio in noisy environments. This challenge impacts applications such as hearing aids, automatic speech recognition (ASR), and speaker verification. Conventional single-channel speech enhancement (SE) systems use neural network architectures like LSTMs, CNNs, and GANs, but they are not without limitations. For instance, attention-based models such as Conformers, while powerful, require extensive computational resources and large datasets, which can be impractical for certain applications. These constraints highlight the need for scalable and efficient alternatives.Introducing xLSTM-SENetTo address these challenges, researchers from Aalborg University and Oticon A/S developed xLSTM-SENet, the first xLSTM-based single-channel SE system. This system builds on the Extended Long Short-Term Memory (xLSTM) architecture, which refines traditional LSTM models by introducing exponential gating and matrix memory. These enhancements resolve some of the limitations of standard LSTMs, such as restricted storage capacity and limited parallelizability. By integrating xLSTM into the MP-SENet framework, the new system can effectively process both magnitude and phase spectra, offering a streamlined approach to speech enhancement.Technical Overview and AdvantagesxLSTM-SENet is designed with a time-frequency (TF) domain encoder-decoder structure. At its core are TF-xLSTM blocks, which use mLSTM layers to capture both temporal and frequency dependencies. Unlike traditional LSTMs, mLSTMs employ exponential gating for more precise storage control and a matrix-based memory design for increased capacity. The bidirectional architecture further enhances the models ability to utilize contextual information from both past and future frames. Additionally, the system includes specialized decoders for magnitude and phase spectra, which contribute to improved speech quality and intelligibility. These innovations make xLSTM-SENet efficient and suitable for devices with constrained computational resources.Performance and FindingsEvaluations using the VoiceBank+DEMAND dataset highlight the effectiveness of xLSTM-SENet. The system achieves results comparable to or better than state-of-the-art models such as SEMamba and MP-SENet. For example, it recorded a Perceptual Evaluation of Speech Quality (PESQ) score of 3.48 and a Short-Time Objective Intelligibility (STOI) of 0.96. Additionally, composite metrics like CSIG, CBAK, and COVL showed notable improvements. Ablation studies underscored the importance of features like exponential gating and bidirectionality in enhancing performance. While the system requires longer training times than some attention-based models, its overall performance demonstrates its value.ConclusionxLSTM-SENet offers a thoughtful response to the challenges in single-channel speech enhancement. By leveraging the capabilities of the xLSTM architecture, the system balances scalability and efficiency with robust performance. This work not only advances the state of speech enhancement technology but also opens doors for its application in real-world scenarios, such as hearing aids and speech recognition systems. As these techniques continue to evolve, they promise to make high-quality speech processing more accessible and practical for diverse needs.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 our65k+ ML SubReddit.(Promoted) Nikhil+ postsNikhil is an intern consultant at Marktechpost. He is pursuing an integrated dual degree in Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Nikhil is an AI/ML enthusiast who is always researching applications in fields like biomaterials and biomedical science. With a strong background in Material Science, he is exploring new advancements and creating opportunities to contribute. Meet 'Height':The only autonomous project management tool (Sponsored)

The practices will carry out a feasibility study into how to upgrade and enhance the heritage and art institution which was founded in 1987 in the Scottish Highlands.They beat five other finalist teams, led by Dualchas Architects, Moxon Architects, Rural Design and Konishi Gaffney Architects.Key aims of the project include boosting sustainability, accessibility, and community involvement at the 600m waterfront cultural centre which uses arts and heritage to promote political, social, cultural, environmental, and communal change.AdvertisementThe feasibility study is supported by Museums Galleries Scotland and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.Timespan director and curator Giulla Gregnaninsaid: Assemble and Office Corr Higgins have been chosen as the perfect partners for Timespan. Their focus on empowering communities, their commitment to enhancing local context while advancing Timespans global ambitions, and their visionary interdisciplinary approach resonate deeply with our ethos.We are thrilled to embark on this collaboration, confident that their expertise will help shape a bold and transformative future for Timespan and our communities.Assemble and Office Core Higgins said: Timespan is an inspirational and vital cultural resource for the north of Scotland. The project is a fantastic opportunity to create a locally embedded, globally connected venue in the Scottish Highlands, combining fascinating local history with an ambitious and vibrant art programme.It promises to be a wonderful project with a great team and amazing site we cant wait to get started.AdvertisementWinning team: Assemble and Office Corr HigginsTimespan was founded in 1987 and hosts local history and contemporary art displays as well as featuring a geology and herb garden, a shop and a caf. It is based inside a former herring curing yard overlooking the River Helmsdale.The feasibility study, due to complete in July, will guide future strategic investment in the building and its displays. The winning team will receive approximately 30,000 to compile a comprehensive report featuring designs and costs up to RIBA Stage 1.Timespan hopes to deliver a more coherent built presence and better facilities for visitors and staff, with a focus on local materials and character while also reducing the organisations environmental impact.RIAS chief executive Tamsie Thomson said: At the start of this process we said that Timespan is an organisation that punches above its weight, and were delighted to be part of a project that harnesses architecture to allow Timespan to fully realise its potential.RIAS Consultancy exists to bring organisations of all shapes and sizes together with great architectural talent, and were thrilled to have played a part to support Timespan and its exciting plans for the future.

CD Projekt Red won't be telling us when The Witcher 4 is coming for quite a while, so be thankful that the Netflix animated movie has an actual trailer now. Read more

Nikita Bier, creator of popular apps like the anonymous polling app tbh (acquired by Facebook) and the anonymous compliments app Gas (acquired by Discord), has created a new app called Explode, which focuses on disappearing messages on iMessage.Explode works as a mini app for Apples Messages app. It helps you send disappearing messages to other folks. Users can see the text or images once, and then it explodes. The app blocks users from taking screenshots as well. In a post on X, Bier said that only the sender needs to have the Explode app.While the app is free to download, users can sign up to Explode+ for $39.99 per year or $7.99 per month to unlock all features. Paid users receive screenshot alerts, can block screenshots altogether, can replay photos that they previously sent, and can lock photo viewing after sending them.Biers posts on X about Explode slant heavily towards taking a dig at Snapchat. In a post, he said after he had talks with Snap about acquiring Gas, the social media company kicked Gas off of the SnapKit developer platform.Two years ago, I met with Snapchats CEO to discuss acquiring my previous company. I openly shared how fast we were growing. Just a week later over the Thanksgiving holiday Snapchat kicked our app off the SnapKit platform, abruptly halting our growth, he said.In a screenshot of an email seen by TechCrunch, Snap sent an email to developers saying that Gas was using URL attachments to make friend recommendations without the explicit intention of the sender Snap thought this violated its policy and attempted to replicate Snaps functionality. Bier said that Gas operated on contacts and didnt rely on Snaps social graph.However, Snap was a major growth driver for the app. In a post in October 2022, Bier said that 23% of Snapchats U.S. user base had viewed a Gas story. He said that sharing a Gas poll with Snapchat was placed as a primary button in the app, and Snaps action broke the app for seven days. Gas apps interface Image Credits: Nikita BierSnap didnt immediately comment on the story. Discord eventually acquired Gas in January 2023 and shut it down in November 2023.At the moment, the app is only available in the U.S. and other countries like Canada, the UK, Australia, the US, France, Germany, and Italy.

McDonalds is ditching some of its spinoff restaurants meant to capture a larger share of the drink market.What IsMcDonalds Spinoff Restaurant?The first couple months of the new year always seem to be prime time for chains to close locations. Some are looking to regroup after not hitting expectations the previous year while others make changes to refine their business strategy.GET A FULL LIST OF CHAINS CLOSING LOCATIONS IN 2025 BELOWMcDonalds falls into the latter bucket when it comes to closing some of its CosMcs locations.CosMcs restaurantGetty Imagesloading...In late 2023, McDonalds started a trial run for its CosMcs concept. The first location opened in Bolingbrook, Illinois featuring a menu filled with specialty teas, frappes and coffees along with quick bites for those on the go.The brand slowly expanded as McDonalds worked to perfect the concept. Texas was up next where six CosMcs opened in 2024.Now, it appears some of those locations are set to disappear.What Is Happening To CosMcs?CNBC reports McDonalds will close three of its CosMcs locations in Texas. All three locations had opened in larger buildings that were former McDonalds restaurants.The smaller stores work better for the test, CNBC was told by McDonalds representatives.Getty ImagesGetty Imagesloading...At the same time, the CosMcs brand is expanding. This time around, drink-seekers should expect locations that are not full-sized restaurants.READ MORE: 15 Fast-Growing Chain Restaurants Poised To Be Everywhere In 2025Next up to get a CosMcs is Allen, Texas, just north of Dallas.CosMcs isn't the only restaurant concept currently being tested by McDonalds. The fast food giant is also doing a trial run for restaurant more focused on drive-thru and to-go orders.The restaurants will beoutfitted with special drive-thru lanes that deliver food via conveyor belts.The concept is currently being tested in Fort Worth, Texas.Once-Beloved Fast Food Items That No Longer ExistThese defunct fast food items have gone down in history. Wouldnt you love to eat them again?Get our free mobile appChains That Are Closing or Have Closed Locations in 2025The list of chains that have closed locations or have plans to shutter stores later in 2025 continues to grow at a rapid pace.Gallery Credit: Rob CarrollFiled Under: Fast Food, McDonald'sCategories: Longform, Movie News

That's what you get for not hailing to the chimp.Its not unfair to say that the gaming landscape was somewhat different when Donkey Kong Country Returns first fell into our laps in 2010; 2D platformers were a rare breed, and ol DK himself hadnt arguably had a mainline entry in his series since 2004s Jungle Beat. Back then, the title said it all: not only was Donkey Kong back, but Donkey Kong Country had indeed returned. Thats not quite the world were living in 15 years later.Having said that, just like the original, Donkey Kong Country Returns HD explains everything you need to know about it in the title: its Donkey Kong Country Returns in HD, and unfortunately, its not much more than that. This is that same great game from the Wii era tarted up a bit here and there.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

French industrial composite firm Nanoe has officially launched the Zetasinter 4L furnace, with orders opening this month and deliveries expected in the first quarter of 2025.Initially presented at Formnext 2024, this furnace expands Nanoes sinter-based 3D printing portfolio. Designed in partnership with Cerinnov Group, the Zetasinter 4L features a sintering volume of 4 liters, quadrupling the capacity of its predecessor, the Zetasinter tubular furnace.Its larger size supports small production batches and the sintering of bigger components. According to the composite firm, it comes equipped with digital controls and a simplified loading mechanism.Arnaud Hory, CEO of the Cerinnov Group, said, We are truly honored to support Nanoes innovative work and are excited to see how these advanced furnaces will contribute to sintering of metal 3D printed parts. This collaboration exemplifies the power of partnership and shared dedication to pushing the boundaries of technology.The Zetasinter 4L furnace. Image via Nanoe.Nanoes industrial expertiseNanoes long-standing collaboration with Cerinnov Group has resulted in several developments, including porcelain filaments, glazes, and a porcelain furnace.The Zetasinter 4L further builds on this partnership and is part of Nanoes Zetafactory 4.0 initiative, supported by BPI France and France 2030. This initiative aims to create an open ecosystem for sinter-based 3D printing.Guillaume de Calan, Nanoes CEO, explained that many customers now rely on metal filament 3D printing for applications such as tooling and spare parts. A more user-friendly furnace with greater capacity is intended to meet their growing needs, particularly for medium-sized batches and larger parts.Metal parts fresh out of the Zetasinter 4L furnace. Image via Nanoe.In 2018, Nanoe introduced the Zetamix brand, offering ceramic and metal filaments compatible with most filament deposition 3D printers.The same year, the company launched the Zetaprint desktop 3D printer, which was tailored for use in metal and ceramic applications. Priced at 10,000, the 3D printer was unveiled at Formnext 2018, and showcased alongside Stainless Steel 316L Zetamix filaments, expanding material options for users.Three years later, the company introduced H13 Zetamix filament, a high-temperature-resistant steel material valued for its ductility, thermal and electrical conductivity, and corrosion resistance.Compatible with all Fused Filament fabrication (FFF) 3D printers, this filament is designed to produce complex steel components and tools. When processed in a tubular furnace, it achieves a density exceeding 90%.With this new Zetasinter 4L furnace added to its portfolio, Nanoe aims to strengthen its position in sinter-based 3D printing while addressing the evolving needs of the industry.Technical specifications and pricingAs per Nanoe, the Zetasinter 4L furnace is priced at 25,000. For more information about Zetasinter 4L and the Zetamix line, visit the website.Tube Diameter140mm IDCapacity4LMaximum temperatures1350CPower6 kW 220VTube length150 cm total, 30 cm with controlled temperature (+/-10C)Who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?All the news fromFormnext 2024.To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows the Zetasinter 4L furnace. Image via Nanoe.

Looking for the most recentregular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.The blue group in today'sConnections: Sports Editionmight be one of the toughest categories I've ever faced. Do even the biggest NBA fans remember this level of trivia? Read on for hints and answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle.For now, the game is in beta, which means the Times is testing it out to see if it's popular before adding it to the site's Games app. You can play it daily for now for free and then we'll have to see if it sticks around.Read more: NYT Has a Connections Game for Sports Fans. I Tried ItHints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsHere are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.Yellow group hint: 0-0, or 2-2Green group hint: A form of playBlue group hint: Hot NBA prospects 20 years agoPurple group hint: Hemsworth or RockAnswers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsYellow group: TiedGreen group: Synonyms for gameBlue group: Top four picks in the LeBron draft (2003)Purple group: Chris ____Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English WordsWhat are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Jan. 15, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETThe yellow words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is tied. The four answers are drawn, equal, even and level.The green words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is synonyms for game. The four answers are contest, fixture, match and tie.The blue words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is top four picks in the LeBron draft (2003). The four answers are Anthony, Bosh, James and Milicic.The purple words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is Chris ____. The four answers are Evert, Godwin, Paul and Pronger.

Marvel Rivals director promises a "Marvel-inspired approach" to game balance as new heroes arrive"No role queue will lead to a richer gaming experience."Image credit: NetEase / Marvel News by Ed Nightingale Deputy News Editor Published on Jan. 15, 2025 NetEase has confirmed Marvel Rivals will receive a new hero every month and a half, but won't be adding enforced roles.Speaking to Metro, game director Guangyun Chen was asked about the cadence of heroes joining the game."Every season we'll be rolling out fresh seasonal stories, new maps, and new heroes," said Chen. "We'll actually be breaking down each season into two halves. The length of one season is three months. And for each half of the season, we will introduce a new hero. We just eventually want to continue to enhance the experience, and, you know, keep everyone excited in our community."Season 1: Eternal Night Falls Official Trailer | Marvel RivalsWatch on YouTubeChen also discussed why the team has not included enforced role lock - setting a limit on what class types can be in a team, for a balanced spread of healers, tanks, attackers - which is something the community wishes to change.It appears the team won't be altering this, but will instead provide new possibilities with the team-up mechanic."At its core, it's really about the game balance," said Chen. "So, what we want to offer is more line-up or more team comp possibilities through our hero design and our team-up mechanic. So, we'll be taking a little bit more of a Marvel-inspired approach."It's all about giving the players the freedom to experiment and find their unique strategies, as we've seen in many games and streams. Post-launch, people have been exploring an indefinite amount of team compositions, and we're excited about what's coming, we believe no role queue will lead to a richer gaming experience for everyone."Game balance will also continue to be scrutinised. Season One has brought a number of balance changes to nerf some of the most popular characters, as NetEase has released a Hero Hot List to show the most frequently chosen heroes."After the launch, we've been keeping a close eye on the game's environment and balance," said Chen. "Moving forward, we will be looking at hero pick rates and win rates in different scenarios. Once we have some more detailed analysis and through thoughtful consideration, we'll definitely make necessary balances and adjustments."It's all about creating a good experience for our players. It hasn't been that long since our launch, so we're going to continue to monitor everything and make sure everything feels right."The hero shooter's first season also briefly put an end to mods on PC, to prevent custom skins, FPS boosts and potential cheats. However, modders quickly found a way to use them once again.

People who unwittingly follow the instructions in certain malicious text messages end up bypassing Apple's phishing protection.