Nothing can ruins your day more thoroughly than a crappy wifi signal that slows your entire life to a crawl filled with error messages, broken images, and tedious loading animations that quickly test your sense of reality.When thats the situation in your own home, its even worsebecause its inescapable. If your wifi signal isnt making it past the room your router sits in, there are several possible explanationsbut you might want to start by considering the stuff your house is made of. Wifi is a radio signal, and when a radio signal passes through a solid material, it weakensand certain materials have a bigger impact than others. MetalMetal is a good electrical conductor, which means it absorbs radio waves, degrading your wifi signal pretty significantly. Look for these culprits: Chicken wire. You might not think there are any metal barriers in your home, but do you know whats inside your walls? Plaster, cement, or stucco walls often use chicken wire or other metal mesh as a reinforcement, essentially turning your walls into wifi-eating machines. Moving your router to a more open location might improve your signal.Appliances and furniture. Appliances like refrigerators or televisions and metal furniture like filing cabinets are big lumps of metal sitting in your house, and if they come between your router and everything else, the signal will have to fight its way through them.Doors. If you have heavy metal doors in the house, those slabs may be gobbling up your wifi signals for breakfast.GlassGlass itself isnt a problem for wifi signals, but many of the glass stuff in your house also contains metal. Mirrors, for example, typically use a thin layer of silver or aluminum to make them reflective, and modern low-emission windows use a thin metallic coating to enhance their insulating properties, which is great for your energy bills but terrible for your wifi signal.Water featuresWater eats low-frequency radio signals for lunch, because it reacts with themthats how a microwave can boil a cup of water so efficiently. You probably didnt put your router at the bottom of a swimming pool, but if you have a large aquarium or other water feature in the home, it will degrade your signal. Water and heating pipes in the walls can also pose a challenge, so having your router on the opposite side of a bathroom, kitchen, or utility room will complicate your coverage.Concrete and brickConcrete is dense and challenging for radio signals to pass through, so if your home or apartment has concrete walls and/or floors your wifi signal might go AWOL between the router and, say, your living room television. The problem will be even worse if the concrete is reinforced with metal. Brick is less dense than concrete but its still going to block a lot of that signal. Ceramic tileCeramic tile by itself is only a moderate barrier to wifi signalsbut when combined with other materials like drywall or plaster, that ceramic tile becomes a real problem for your internet speeds. If you have a tiled bathroom between your router and the stuff that it feeds, for example, you might experience a significant loss of signal as a resultpossibly worsened by water pipes and other metallic materials in the walls as well.What to do if you have these materials blocking your wifi signalIf your wifi signal sucks and you suspect some of these materials might be to blame, you might not be able (or willing) to tear your home apart to boost your wifi signalbut being aware of these materials can help you choose the best possible location for your router to remove as many barriers as possible.If location is a challenge, look into setting up a mesh networking solution, which can blanket your home with a full-strength wifi signal despite any barriers that exist in the walls or other aspects of the structure. You could also look into running wired internet throughout your home, which is still a perfectly viable solution when it comes to getting internet to your various devices.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed a suit against John Deere, accusing it of unfair practices that force farmers to pay higher-than-average repair costs. The federal organization, along with attorneys general for Illinois and Minnesota, are alleging that the company engages in practices that keep farmers from being able to make repairs on equipment they own.In other words, this is another salvo in the ongoing right-to-repair battle. The complaint states that John Deere engages in dubious practices, like incorporating software into farm equipment, to dissuade people from trying to fix stuff on their own. Additionally, the suit points to decades of unlawful behavior that pushes farmers to the companys authorized network of dealers for repairs.FTC, states sue Deere & Company to protect farmers from unfair corporate tactics, high repair costs: https://t.co/sdho0iXf1u /1 FTC (@FTC) January 15, 2025 Illegal repair restrictions can be devastating for farmers, who rely on affordable and timely repairs to harvest their crops and earn their income, FTC Chair Lina Khan said in a press release. The FTCs action today seeks to ensure that farmers across America are free to repair their own equipment or use repair shops of their choice.The suit goes on to allege that Deere makes the only fully functional software repair tool capable of performing all repairs on its equipment, which was only made available to official dealers. These dealers allegedly charge higher prices than independent shops, giving the company unlawful monopoly power. Farmers have long maintained that they can conduct basic repairs on equipment, but the computers lock the systems from working again until an officially licensed technician does their thing. This thing, allegedly, is simply flipping a software switch.The company says it supports customers right to repair equipment. It even signed a memorandum of understanding with the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) in 2023 that was supposed to make its software, tools and documentation available to farmers and independent repair shops. It doesnt look like that actually happened, as the suit alleges it continues to unlawfully withhold a fully functional repair tool from equipment owners.The lawsuit seeks to stop Deeres anticompetitive conduct by mandating access to its software repair tool, in addition to other repair resources available to authorized dealers. Nathan Proctor, PIRGs Right to Repair Campaign Director, said in a statement to Gizmodo that We shouldnt tolerate companies blocking repair. When you buy something, you should be able to do whatever you want with it.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/big-tech/ftc-sues-john-deere-over-unfair-corporate-tactics-and-high-repair-costs-192052941.html?src=rss

Parallels Desktop 20.2 brings x86 emulation to Apple Silicon Macs, allowing developers and enterprises to run Intel-based virtual machines on M1 and M2 chips.

Business moguls should be prepared to spend tens of billions of dollars for TikTok's U.S. operations should parent company ByteDance decide to sell.

Donald Trumps inauguration on Monday could herald a more volatile period for markets, with the Republican seen moving quickly on a wide swath of issues including trade and immigration that are expected to swing asset prices.Trumps tariff plans could further fan inflation fears that pressures bond and stock prices, while efforts to tighten immigration controls could also reverberate through those markets. Moves to ease regulation are poised to lift assets, including crypto and bank stocks.The markets will be very sensitive to this speech, said Jeff Muhlenkamp, a portfolio manager at investment management firm Muhlenkamp & Co. Everyone right now is trying to parse every word and nuance that comes from Trump or his biggest allies.Some prices already incorporate Trumps expected policy aims, among them tax cuts, reduced regulations and tariffs on foreign imports. The address could also lay the groundwork for White House actions in the coming days and weeks.Financial markets are primed to move on any indication that the new administration might pursue a different course than it has telegraphed up until now, said Doug Peta, chief U.S. strategist at BCA Research.In general, stocks have had a tepid reaction to presidential inauguration, although this time could be different given Trumps potential to be unpredictable and ability to shake markets with his commentary, investors said.With inaugurations since World War II, the S&P 500 has posted an average decline of 0.27%, with the index rising or falling on about half the occasions on the day of the speeches themselves or on the first day of trading following instances markets were closed, according to LSEG data.Following Trumps last inaugural address, in January 2017, the S&P 500 ended up 0.3% on the day. The U.S. stock and bond markets are closed on Monday, which is also the Martin Luther King holiday, so much of the trading reaction may not be evident until Tuesday.During the entirety of Trumps first term, the S&P 500 rose nearly 68%, but markets saw bouts of volatility, stemming in part from a trade war Trump fought with China.Steam behind Trump trade?Of course, investors for months have been shifting portfolios based on the impending change in the White House, with many so-called Trump trades gaining steam even ahead of the November election when he was leading in polls and betting markets.For example, shares of Tesla, which is led by Trump backer Elon Musk, have soared 60% since the Nov 5 election. Other gainers include bitcoin, which has jumped over 30% since Trumps win amid optimism for a friendlier regulatory environment, and private prison stocks Geo Group and CoreCivic, which have climbed about 100% and 60%, respectively, as investors anticipate an immigration crackdown could increase need for detention centers.The markets are trying to start to price in policy before the policy has come into vision in any clear way, said Tony Roth, chief investment officer at Wilmington Trust.Some Trump trades, however, have faded. Those include shares of regional banks and small-cap companies, which are both expected to benefit from a de-regulation push under Trump, and have given up at least some of their post-election gains.The broader stock market has also lost steam. Optimism over Trumps expected pro-growth agenda including reduced taxes and regulations broadly benefited equities following the election.But the S&P 500 has pulled back and is now up about 1% since Nov 5. Persistent inflation is leading markets to predict the Federal Reserve will end its interest rate cutting cycle sooner than previously hoped, undercutting the stock markets momentum.Wary of tariff talkInvestors are wary of specific topics causing ruptures.David Bianco, Americas chief investment officer at DWS Group, will be listening for any hints about tariff introductions in the inauguration speech, adding that Trump has got the ability to take action on tariffs and he probably does very quickly and that such comments could sour the mood for investors.In particular, Bianco said, the bond market should be on guard for Trumps comments. Benchmark Treasury yields, which rise when bond prices fall, on Friday hit their highest levels since November 2023 after a blowout U.S. jobs report fueled more inflation anxiety.Investors are mindful Trump may voice some unusual ideas, along the lines of his recently expressed desire to annex Greenland, or tout goals that suggest major spending, which could exacerbate concerns about the expanding fiscal deficit.Jay Woods, chief global strategist at Freedom Capital Markets, said he is watching which business leaders might be attending the inauguration events.That could speak a little more to the individual companies that are looking to get an inside track with the White House, Woods said.Alex Morris, president and chief investment officer of F/m Investments, said he will be listening for Trumps tone, including every sentence that focuses on his anger rather than policy or platitudes.The longer that anger continues, Morris said, the more likely it is that bonds get cheaper, equities get cheaper.Lewis Krauskopf and Suzanne McGee, ReutersAdditional reporting by Laura Matthews.

Global architecture and engineering company HDR has created an interactive museum and workshop for children with a dynamic aluminium facade in Omaha, Nebraska.The 83,000-square foot (7,710-square metre) Kiewit Luminarium was completed in downtown Omaha in April 2023.HDR designed an interactive museum and workshop for childrenCommissioned by Heritage Omaha, the museum was designed to offer "hands-on experiences in engineering and science for people of all ages" through exhibits and workshops.HDR, which is headquartered in Omaha, modeled the space after the Midwestern vernacular "machine-shed," creating a simple, performative container with the versatility to accommodate a diverse range of programming and exhibits.Each facade of the aluminium exterior is differentThe simple rectangular form that emerged from the grain of the street grid was split lengthwise to create two linear bars that were then offset slightly. The western portion was elevated to create an all-glass ground floor that draws in visitors.Each facade of the aluminium exterior is different, responding to the optimal shading needs of each orientation. To the west where the box was elevated, the facade serves as "an illuminated canvas" with a protected pedestrian space under the cantilever.The eastern portion anchors the museum to the groundThe eastern bar anchors the museum to the ground along the riverfront boardwalk, where passersby can catch a glimpse of the interiors through glazing divided by vertical shading fins and museum guests can see out the Missouri River and pedestrian bridge.Through the shaded glass of the southern facade, visitors can see the geometric climbing structure in the newly built childrens playground.A stellated icosahedron structure hangs in the lobbyThe entrance located on the southwestern corner is flanked by the gift shop and flexible classroom space, through which visitors can see the main exhibition space around the corner or proceed to the cafe that shares the entry plaza."Once inside, eyes are immediately drawn to the colourful, large-scale stellated icosahedron structure hanging overhead, one of several immersive exhibits integrated with the architecture," said HDR.Read: Colectivo C733 installs museum inside 18th-century Mexican port buildingThe connection of the bars creates a large atrium-like gallery where two floors of exhibition space connect visually."Activity is everywhere kids engaging with exhibits and playing in the geometry playground, families enjoying a meal in the cafe, and creators using the maker space visible by way of the open-concept design, which not only creates exciting energy but also ensures the space can adapt and change to multiple exhibit configurations and possible future uses," said the studio.The warm interiors invite the idea that science can be "friendly"The warm interiors were designed to project the idea that science can be "friendly, familiar and approachable" with interactive elements like custom-milled plywood walls that act as a modular pegboard and technicolour lights that bounce off the shading system and exposed chrome ducting.Other projects recently completed in Omaha include a "weightless" pavilion addition to Nebraska's largest museum by Snhetta and the revitalisation of three parks totaling 72 acres along the riverfront by OJB, HDR and Gensler.The photography is by Dan Schwalm.Project credits:Architect: HDR - Mike Hamilton, Tim Williams, Tyson Fiscus, John Dineer, Xin ZhaoEngineers: HDRExhibit design: ExploratoriumEnvelope design: AWSGeneral contractor: Kiewit Building GroupClient: Heritage OmahaThe post HDR references Midwestern machine-sheds for Kiewit Luminarium in Omaha appeared first on Dezeen.

OBSBOT, known for its advancements in smart videography, has unveiled two thoughtfully designed products to enhance user experiences across diverse applications. The OBSBOT Tiny SE, an AI-powered PTZ Full HD webcam, and the OBSBOT Meet SE, an AI-powered Full HD webcam, cater to gamers, remote workers, content creators, and professionals. Heres an in-depth look at these two new webcams, designed with thoughtful engineering and user-focused features.Designer: OBSBOTOBSBOT Tiny SEThe OBSBOT Tiny SE features a sleek and functional design with a two-axis gimbal, providing smooth pan and tilt capabilities. It is designed to keep users perfectly framed during live streams, presentations, or virtual meetings. This makes it particularly useful for professionals who often need to move during their presentations or gamers who want their movements captured without any distortion.Its advanced sensor technology includes a 1/2.8-inch Stacked CMOS sensor with a 2.9m pixel size and an f/1.8 aperture, delivering vivid colors and sharp details even in low-light environments. The inclusion of dual native ISOs and Staggered HDR ensures consistent image quality, no matter the lighting conditions. The Tiny SE provides ultra-smooth video recording at 1080P with 100 frames per second, making it an excellent choice for dynamic use cases such as fitness instructors recording workout sessions or YouTubers creating tutorial videos.This webcam is powered by a Deep Learning Neural Network, which supports AI-powered tracking features. It can track body parts, hands, or zones, adapting to the specific needs of the user. Additionally, gesture controls allow for hands-free operation, a feature highly appreciated by chefs, crafters, or anyone who needs to keep their hands occupied while presenting. The preset functionality simplifies adjusting camera angles and settings, saving time for busy users.With its minimalistic yet professional appearance, the Tiny SE fits seamlessly into modern workspaces. Its sturdy build ensures durability, and its compact form makes it easy to mount on a laptop or monitor. Users will find it particularly beneficial for creating professional-quality content or participating in high-stakes virtual meetings where clear visuals and precise tracking make a difference.OBSBOT Meet SEThe OBSBOT Meet SE is a compact and lightweight webcam designed for those who need portability without sacrificing performance. Weighing only 33.2 grams, its incredibly easy to carry and install, making it perfect for students, freelancers, and remote workers who often switch workstations. Its clean lines and modern aesthetic are further accentuated by the availability of three attractive color options: Aurora Green, Space Grey, and Cloud White.The Meet SE excels in video performance, offering 1080P video resolution at 100 frames per second, which ensures smooth motion and vibrant visuals. This makes it ideal for activities such as virtual classes, casual live streams, or family video calls. Its 1/2.8-inch Stacked CMOS sensor and Staggered HDR work together to maintain image clarity and vivid colors, even when lighting conditions are less than ideal.AI Auto Framing is a key feature of the Meet SE, adapting seamlessly to different scenarios. Whether its a one-on-one video call, a group meeting, or a content recording session, the Meet SE ensures the subject remains centered and in focus. Gesture controls further simplify its operation, making it accessible even to those unfamiliar with advanced technology. The OBSBOT Center software enhances its functionality, offering features such as Bokeh, Auto Focus, and Beauty Mode. These features make the Meet SE a versatile choice for users who need a balance of functionality and ease of use.With its lightweight design and straightforward usability, the Meet SE is particularly suited for educational settings, casual live streaming, and day-to-day communication needs. Its compatibility with popular platforms like Zoom, OBS, and Twitch ensures that it integrates effortlessly into existing workflows, making it a reliable tool for various user profiles.Both the OBSBOT Tiny SE and Meet SE webcams emphasize OBSBOTs commitment to making AI-powered imaging technology accessible. The Tiny SE offers dynamic tracking and advanced gimbal functionality, ideal for professionals and creators. Meanwhile, the Meet SEs portability and user-friendly features cater to everyday needs, ensuring high-quality performance in a compact package.The post OBSBOTs New Additions: Tiny SE and Meet SE Webcams first appeared on Yanko Design.

As the push toward Windows 11 continues, Microsoft confirms that Windows 10 users will lose support for apps including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

With a TikTok ban looming in the United States and the apps future unknown, now might be a good time to save your work while you can.

MacworldMore often than not, a single monitor is not enough to get your work done, especially when you need to keep multiple apps up on the screen. Apples Studio Display is gorgeous, but its also absolutely expensive. A great alternative is the 27-inch 4K Dell UltraSharp which is only $435 right now, a 25 percent discount from its $580 MSRP and more than $1,100 less than Apples option.Rather than paying $1,599 for the Studio Display, you can get one of these gorgeous Dell monitors. If you have the budget, you can get multiples, especially since the newer MacBook models allow you to add quite a few monitors.Granted youre not getting a camera, spatial audio, Thunderbolt, or 5K, but for the price, you wont miss them. With 4K UHD resolution and high brightness, youll enjoy crystal-clear images, vibrant colors, and deep contrast. Whether youre working, playing, or streaming content, youll have a fun time.Keep in mind that this monitor is better suited for everyday activities than any serious gaming because theres a 60Hz refresh rate and 5ms GTG response time. But the Studio Display is only 60Hz as well, so youre not missing anything there. However, you are gaining some flexibility, as Dells monitor comes with a stand that allows you to adjust its height, tilt, or swivel it. Apple only lets you tilt unless you pay even more.So go ahead and get yourself one (or two) of these $435 Dell UltraSharp 27-monitor monitors while theyre still 25 percent off at Amazon.Buy now at Amazon