• Guillemot Family And Tencent May Move Select Ubisoft Assets To New Venture
    www.nintendolife.com
    Image: UbisoftA new report from Bloomberg reveals that the Guillemot family and Tencent may currently be in talks to move select Ubisoft assets over to a brand-new venture (thanks, VGC).Following a lengthy period in which Ubisoft has struggled in the midst of a rapidly declining share price, the move is supposedly said to serve two purposes: to boost the company's value and to provide Tencent with more control over Ubisoft's IP, thus increasing its gaming presence outside of China.Deliberations are said to be ongoing with no final decision made at the time of writing, though Ubisoft's share price has seen a minor bump of around 4.3% following the publication of Bloomberg's article. It's also not known what might happen to the IP that Ubisoft decides not to migrate over.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube792kWatch on YouTube Ubisoft recently announced a second delay for its next major entry in the Assassin's Creed franchise: Assassin's Creed Shadows, now scheduled for 20th March 2025. Given Ubisoft's apparent desire to hold the game back until it's in tip-top shape, many are citing the title as a "make or break" moment for the company.One of Ubisoft's best games in recent years, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, sadly did not reach sales expectations when it launched in January 2024. This led to the development team being disbanded, with most staff members moved to other projects within the company.Just recently, the US Department of Defense officially added Tencent to the federal register of companies deemed to have links to the Chinese military. Tencent responded to the move and stated that it was a "misunderstanding". An Assassin's Creed "port" could lead the chargeFollowing yet another wave of staff layoffsWhat do you make of this latest development regarding Ubisoft? Could it be the right move? Let us know your thoughts with a comment down below.[source bloomberg.com, via videogameschronicle.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:00 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesRumour: Ubisoft Has "More Than Half A Dozen Games" Planned For Switch 2An Assassin's Creed "port" could lead the chargeTencent Labelled A "Chinese Military Company" By US GovernmentTencent claims there's been a "misunderstanding"Ex-Annapurna Interactive Staff Reportedly Pick Up Private Division Portfolio Under New StudioFollowing last year's walk-out
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  • As TikTok faces a US shutdown, here are some alternative apps to check out
    techcrunch.com
    TikTok has warned of a looming shutdown in just six days, as the Supreme Court is currently weighing the law that would ban the app. So we thought its time to take a look at other platforms that may be able to fill the TikTok-shaped hole in our lives.The law gives TikTok parent company ByteDance until January 19 to divest its U.S. operations or face a ban in the country. TikTok is hoping for a pause to the law, but If that doesnt happen, the app will effectively be banned in the country.Theres no 1:1 TikTok replacement, but there are some viable options to consider that offer a similar experience. Many companies have spent the last few years building out TikTok clones within their own products, and several newer companies have looked to challenge the apps dominance.Heres a look at the different apps that are worth checking out:Instagram ReelsImage Credits: MetaImage Credits:MetaInstagrams Reels product is arguably the most popular TikTok clone, and for good reason. Many of the videos are the same, as creators often share the same content that they post on TikTok to Instagram Reels. Plus, a lot of the trending sounds and topics on TikTok eventually make their way over to Instagram Reels. Because a lot of the content is the same, Instagram Reels might be the best option for a TikTok alternative.However, given that TikToks algorithm is largely unmatched, Instagram Reels might not be able to surface videos youre interested in on the same level that TikTok can. But, Instagram has spent the past few years enhancing the Reels recommendation algorithm, so we can probably expect it to get even better over time.If a TikTok ban becomes a reality, Instagram Reels might become the most popular home for short-form video content because it already largely dominates the social media landscape and has most of the same people and types of content as TikTok.YouTube ShortsImage Credits: YouTubeImage Credits:YouTubeYouTube is another platform that has been building out and prioritizing its TikTok-like product. YouTube Shorts might be the best TikTok alternative for you if youre someone who already spends a lot of time on YouTube, or likes to find new music on TikTok, given that YouTube Shorts has access to YouTubes vast library of songs and music videos.YouTube Shorts has an advantage that other services on this list dont, which is an integration with a popular long-form video content platform. Millions of people around the world already go to YouTube every day to watch content, so if TikTok were to get banned, YouTube has the potential to become the go-to place for short-form content as well, especially if popular TikTok creators choose it as the new home of their content.Unfortunately, the content on YouTube Shorts often isnt as engaging as it can be on platforms like TikTok or Instagram Reels, as it sometimes features content that has been reposted from longer YouTube videos. Still, you could search for content that you want to see and find videos based on hashtags or keywords.Snapchat SpotlightImage Credits: SnapchatImage Credits:SnapchatSnapchats Spotlight feed is another viable TikTok alternative if youre looking for short and entertaining content. Unlike TikTok and Instagram Reels, Spotlight generally only surfaces funny and lighthearted videos. You likely wont find political or news content on the feed, which could be a selling point for some users.Spotlight features a trending section where you can watch popular videos based on different topics and songs that are having a moment. Similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels, you can search for content based on keywords and hashtags.However, one of the biggest cons when it comes to Snapchat Spotlight is that it has struggled to go beyond its younger users. Given that adults are more likely to use a platform like TikTok or Instagram Reels, you might not find the content on Spotlight as engaging because it mostly caters to younger audiences.Triller Image Credits:TrillerTriller, which started off as a TikTok competitor, could be a good alternative for people who are mainly interested in the music and dance aspects of TikTok. Its worth noting that Triller has a much smaller user base than TikTok, so content is somewhat limited.Triller is already looking to take advantage of the potential TikTok ban in the U.S. The company recently launched a website, SaveMyTikToks.com, to allow TikTok users to save their TikTok videos by transferring them to Trillers platform, encouraging creators to migrate their content to its app.Plus, Triller recently hired ex-TikTok exec Sean Kim as its CEO to focus on an overhaul of the app. Kim previously served as TikToks head of product from 2019 to 2022, working on things like its For You feed, creator monetization, the developer platform, third-party integrations, and more. Trillers addition of one of TikToks top talents could help the platform build out its service to be a better-positioned TikTok alternative.RedNoteImage Credits:RedNoteTikTok users in the U.S. are already flocking to Chinese short-form video app Xiaohongshu (known as RedNote in English). Launched in 2013, the app is Chinas answer to Instagram.The app features a layout thats similar to Pinterests and boasts a number of social shopping features. It provides users with a mix of video and livestreaming features. RedNote includes a lot of the sort of content you see on TikTok, like beauty tutorials and product reviews.Its not clear whether RedNote will sustain the interest its getting right now. Its also not clear whether the U.S. government will want to crack down on the app due to its Chinese ownership if its able to get a significant American user base.Lemon8Image Credits:ByteDanceIn the months leading up to the TikTok ban deadline, the company has been promoting its sister app, Lemon8. TikTok also recently started allowing users to access Lemon8 with their TikTok account.The app is similar to Instagram and Pinterest, as it lets people share slideshows, photo collections, and browse content through Following and For You feeds. Lemon8 offers access to creative tools, filters, effects, stickers, text templates, and more.However, its worth noting that Lemon8 could get tangled up in the TikTok ban, especially since lawmakers main concern with TikTok is its Chinese ownership. As a result, Lemon8s presence in the U.S. remains unclear.LikeeImage Credits:LikeeLikee is a short-form video app that, alongside the ability to share videos, features editing tools and livestreams. The app boasts over 100 million users from all around the world.Likee is big on AR filters, similar to Snapchats, and lets creators use them in their videos and livestreams. Likee also features an extensive music library, so it could be good for people who use TikTok to find new music.In addition, the app has monetization features that allow creators to earn money for their content through SuperLikes from their followers. However, as with the other smaller apps on this list, engagement on Likee is somewhat limited since it doesnt have the same amount of reach as TikTok. Of course, that could change over time.FanbaseImage Credits: FanbaseImage Credits:FanbaseFanbase is a subscription-based social network that is essentially a combination of TikTok, Instagram, Patreon, Clubhouse, and Snapchat. The app features short-form videos, images, long-form videos, Stories, livestreams, and audio rooms. While the app is free to use, you can pay a subscription to get access to exclusive content.What makes Fanbase a possible alternative to TikTok is the apps Flickz feed. Like TikTok, Flickz includes a feed for discovery and another feed dedicated to content from creators you follow. You can find all sorts of content on Fanbase, including videos on sports, cooking, music, humor, and more.The app was founded with the mission of valuing and platforming Black creators, whose content is often appropriated or undervalued on traditional social media platforms. Fanbase is an ad-free platform that promises to never shadowban or suppress content.ZigazooImage Credits: ZigazooImage Credits:ZigazooZigazoo is a relatively new short-form video platform aimed at young users and could be a good TikTok alternative for kids and teens. The app features lighthearted and playful videos and is considered a safer alternative to TikTok, as it doesnt have a comments feature and has strict moderation policies.The app lets users browse through or create short videos based on challenges or educational prompts. Zigazoo also features fun dancing videos, which is one of TikToks most popular content categories. Like TikTok and Instagram Reels, the app includes different effects, sounds, and filters for video.While the app isnt a TikTok replacement for adults, its a great alternative for younger users, especially those with parents who are concerned about TikToks potential harm to kids and teens.FavoritedImage Credits:FavoritedFavorited is an a16z-backed social app that gamifies livestreaming. The app lets livestream creators interact with their audiences and earn money through virtual gifts from viewers. The app also features a 70/30 revenue split for creators, whereas TikTok has a 50/50 split for live creators.Favorited also lets creators link their digital stores. However, unlike TikTok, Favorited doesnt feature a discovery feed to help people find new content.The app has 750,000 users so far this year and is seeing thousands of new signups per day. Unfortunately, the app doesnt have much of a presence outside of the U.S., but of course, that could change.ClapperImage Credits:ClapperClapper is a short-form adults-only app that champions authentic expression and unfiltered interactions. The app has a 17+ audience policy and is known for having limited moderation, which may not be for everyone.Clapper lets you post videos that are up to three minutes long. The app features an audio-only feature that allows users to create a room with up to 2,000 listeners with 20 speakers. Plus, creators can create communities where they can interact with their followers one-on-one.The app is ad-free and is more focused on unfiltered content, rather than polished content that is designed to go viral. It includes some video editing features, but they are quite limited when compared to whats available on TikTok. And, of course, the apps user base is quite small, so there is somewhat limited social interaction.FableImage Credits:FableFable is a good app for TikTok users who are part of the social networks reading-focused BookTok community. The app features book clubs where people can discuss the books theyre reading, kind of like they would on TikTok.Unfortunately, Fable lacks the video aspect, so its nowhere near a complete TikTok alternative. Instead, it could provide a way for BookTok creators and members of the community to continue their discussions on another platform.FlipImage Credits:FlipFlip is a shopping-focused short-form video app that could be a great platform for people who are fans of TikToks ecommerce offerings like TikTok Shop. The app lets users create and monetize their own product reviews, and viewers can purchase the products they see in videos directly within the app.The app lets every shopper become a creator on the social network, as they can share their honest reviews and then earn cash based on the engagement and sales their content generates.LoopsImage Credits:Loops (opens in a new window)Loops is an upcoming short-form video app that is part of the fediverse, which is a network of decentralized social media platforms. Its designed to be a privacy-focused alternative to TikTok.The app is available in beta via Apples TestFlight platform. Loops is pretty similar to TikTok, as it will allow users to share, comment on, and post short videos. Plus, Loops claims it will not sell or provide user data to third-party advertisers or use uploaded content to train AI models.Since the app will be a part of the federated web, remote users from other platforms like Mastodon and Pixelfed will also be able to follow users Loops accounts. These remote followers will also be able to like, comment on, or share videos if their platform supports it.NeptuneImage Credits:NeptuneNepture is an upcoming female-founded social network that promises to put content creators first. The app has started to get buzz on social networks like TikTok and X by users who are wondering if it could become the next TikTok. Their hopes arent random, as Neptunes marketing strategy frames the app as a TikTok alternative, but better.The beta version of the app is expected to be released either this month or in February. The public release for the app is expected in the spring.The company says that on Neptune, a creators content will get seen not because of an algorithm but because of its quality and impact. The app is also going to feature customizable content feeds and ghost metrics, which would allow users to try out new ideas without worrying about the pressure to perform.TomeImage Credits:TomeTome is an upcoming iOS platform that could be a great option for people who are part of TikToks BookTok community. The app will launch on January 28, and is being advertised as a place to share everything from memes, to fan art, to book recommendations.Tome will feature a Tumblr-like feed that will show content from people you follow, as the app doesnt use an algorithm to influence the content you see.The app is expected to be a place for people to find other readers and creators with similar interests to chat about favorite books. Tome says it wont use user data for ads and that users fan art and content wont be used to train AI.ReelShortImage Credits:ReelShortReelShort is a short movie platform that offers access to exclusive vertical TV miniseries.The app is good for fans of TikTok because it offers short, engaging videos. It features new TV miniseries added daily, with hundreds of new episodes each month.Of course, ReelShort isnt a direct TikTok competitor because it features scripted shows, unlike videos from regular people who are just sharing their lives and experiences on social media.FavesImage Credits:FavesFaves is an app that lets people organize videos in one place to view them at a later time without clogging up a devices storage space. When a video is saved on Faves, its automatically stored on the cloud.While Faves isnt a social network, people are using it to save all of their favorite TikTok videos so they dont lose access to them. For instance, you could download all of your favorite TikTok recipes to ensure theyre safe if TikTok gets banned.BlueskyImage Credits:BlueskyWhile decentralized social network Bluesky isnt a TikTok competitor, its worth checking out because it gives users more control over their data and experience. The app is a great alternative for people who want to use something other than Metas Instagram and Threads.Similar to X, Bluesky lets you share text, videos, and photo posts. Blueksy also lets you create and join custom feeds based on your interests.
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  • Nominations Announced for 2025 BAFTA Awards
    www.awn.com
    Flow, Inside Out 2, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and The Wild Robot get the nod for Animated Film with Better Man, Dune: Part Two, Gladiator II, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and Wicked selected for Special Visual Effects.
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  • www.fxguide.com
    The EE British Academy Film Awards (BAFTAs) are prestigious annual awards presented by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts to honor outstanding achievements in the film industry. Recognized as one of the most significant film awards globally, the BAFTAs celebrate excellence across a range of categories, including acting, directing, writing, cinematography, and production design. The awards were first established in 1947, and the ceremony takes place in London, attracting leading figures from the international film community. Often considered a precursor to the Oscars, the BAFTAs provide a strong indication of what the VFX and animation community believe have made substantial contributions to the art form.Special Visual Effects NomineesBetter ManLuke Millar, David Clayton, Keith Herft, Peter StubbsOur fxpodcast with Director Michael Gracey:Director Michael Gracey & making Better ManDune: Part TwoPaul Lambert, Stephen James, Gerd Nefzer, Rhys SalcombeOur fxpodcast with Visual Effects Supervisor Paul Lambert:Dune: Part Two fxpodcast Visual Effects Supervisor Paul LambertGladiator IIMark Bakowski, Neil Corbould, Nikki Penny, Pietro PontiOur fxguide story with Overall Production VFX Supervisor: Mark BakowskiGladiator II: Mark Bakowski Overall VFX Sup. and RidleygramsKingdom of the Planet of the Apes Erik Winquist, Rodney Burke, Paul Story, Stephen UnterfranzOur fxpodcast with Director Wes Ball and VFX Supervisor Erik Winquist:fxpodcast #369: Kingdom Of the Planet of Apes with Director Wes Ball and VFX Supervisor Erik WinquistWickedPablo Helman, Paul Corbould, Jonathan Fawkner, Anthony SmithOur fxpodcast with renowned visual effects supervisor Pablo Helman:Pablo Helman breaks down WickedAnimated FilmFlowGints Siibalodis, Matss KaaInside Out 2 Kelsey Mann, Mark NielsenWallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most FowlNick Park, Merlin Crossingham, Richard BeekThe Wild RobotChris Sanders, Jeff HermannThe awards ceremony will take place on 16 February 2025 at the Royal Festival Hall in London. In addition to the awards, BAFTA is an independent arts charit, supporting the arts.
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  • LPC approves gate for Greenwich Village rowhouse popularized on Sex and the City
    www.archpaper.com
    In New York City, life unfolds on the stoops of rowhouses. There, residents and their guests filter in and out of the front door. In a pinch, the steps sub in for seats, on sunny Sunday afternoons they play host to sidewalk sales.Arguably one of New Yorks most famous stoops is at 66 Perry Street. The Greenwich Village residence made its big screen debut on Sex and the City, as the exterior of protagonist Carrie Bradshaws residence. Fast forward nearly 30 years, daily visitors make pilgrimages to the Italianate edifice lined with black iron railings to pose for photographs, recreating popular scenes from the television show that debuted in 1998, and was recently rebooted.66 Perry Street, and its steps, where Carrie liked to take smoke breaks and daydream about Big and Aidan, have been the subject of much controversy as of late, and preservation proceedings. The longtime owner of 66 Perry Street has been more than patient in dealing with the regular onslaught of onlookers who gather on her stoop day to night. This week, the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission (LPC) reviewed and approved a proposal to add a gate to the front of the stoop. This is meant to protect the residence and privacy of its residents amid its tourist-attraction appeal.A chain link with signs wasnt enough to stop some from climbing up onto the stoop steps. (Courtesy Landmarks Preservation Commission)In the hearing, the owner, who purchased the 1866 rowhouse in 1979, considered herself stubborn, saying for decades she had hoped her stoops popularity would drop in interest. She tried a simple chain link with a sign to prevent people from climbing onto the steps, peering into the windows, and ringing the doorbellit didnt work.In a statement, submitted to the LPC with the application for the gate, the owner recalled saying yes to the young film scout who showed up on her doorstep inquiring if it could be used in an upcoming television show: At the time, no one knew the show would turn into anything long lastingmuch less, the iconic fantasy vehicle and touchstone for NYCs magic that it has become. My home is now a global tourist destination, she wrote. Local architect Isidoro Cruz designed a gate for the stoop. Handco Welding will also work on the project. The owner statement shared that the design intent is to create a gate that blends with the existing stair railings, areaway fence and late Italianate facade we restored in the early 1980s.The proposed gate features an arched top and its panels mimic those of the existing fences. (Courtesy Landmarks Preservation Commission)In a presentation during the LPC hearing, Cruz explained the detailing proposed for the steel and cast iron gate. The arch swooping over the top was modeled after the arched pediment and windows, he said, while the gate panels are envisioned as near identical matches to those decorating the low-lying, existing fences lining either side of the stoop.In the hearing with LPC, several commissioners noted a dislike for the arch, saying it may draw too much attention to the gate, adding that leaving it flat may work just fine.It was unanimous among the commissioners that a design solution is more than necessary at 66 Perry Street. The addition of a gate was swiftly approved, albeit with a design that may be slightly tweaked, however, I couldnt help but wonder what would Carrie Bradshaw think of it all?
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  • A New Searchable Public Domain Archive Collects 10,000+ Images Free for Use
    www.thisiscolossal.com
    This month, the team at The Public Domain Review launched a new project aimed at artists, illustrators, designers, and creatives of all stripes. Containing 10,000+ items, the Public Domain Image Archive is a vast trove of illustrations, prints, scans, and more, all downloadable and free for use.The database offers a functional search that allows users to sort by artist, time period, style, and theme. For those seeking maximum visual stimulus, theres also an Infinite View option that collates images of all types into a navigatable grid.Included in the collections are 19th-century drawings that turn maps into farcical figures, vivid fish renderings by Louis Renard, and satirical black-and-white cartoons from the censorship-laden Prohibition era.Curators plan to add more entries to the database each week, so be sure to check back for updates. And, if youd like more deep dives into copyright-free works, check out the public domain archive on Colossal.Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article A New Searchable Public Domain Archive Collects 10,000+ Images Free for Use appeared first on Colossal.
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  • Biggest Patch Tuesday in years sees Microsoft address 159 vulnerabilities
    www.computerweekly.com
    Microsoft kicked off 2025 with a bang on the second Tuesday of January, dropping a massive Patch Tuesday update containing fixes for 159 vulnerabilities rising to 161 incorporating two additional vulnerabilities through CERT CC and GitHub.According to Dustin Childs of the Zero Day Initiative, this may be the largest number of CVEs addressed in a month since 2017 indeed, it is more than treble the number (49) fixed this time last year and follows another unusually heavy December update.[This] could be an ominous sign for patch levels in 2025, wrote Childs in his regular round-up blog. It will be interesting to see how this year shapes up.Tyler Reguly, Fortra associate director of security research and development, agreed: This is definitely one of those months where admins need to step back, take a deep breath and determine their plan of attack.While a large number of these vulnerabilities will be resolved by the Windows cumulative update, there is a plethora of other software impacted including a number of Office products Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Visio, and SharePoint as well as other Microsoft products like .NET, .NET Framework and Visual Studio.Months like these are a great [reminder] that admins need to trust their vendors and their tooling, said Reguly. Fixing 161 vulnerabilities cannot be a fully manual process, especially since we know that more than just Microsoftpatches are dropping today. Adobe, as an example, as dropped updates for Photoshop, Substance3D Stager, Illustrator for iPad, Animate and Adobe Substance3D Designer.Patching vulnerabilities should not be a solo endeavour in the enterprise and, if it is, it may be time to talk to your leadership about staffing and tooling changes.Among the bumper crop of vulnerabilities are no less than eight zero-days, three that are known to have been exploited in the wild, and 11 critical flaws.This months zero-days are as follows:CVE-2025-21333, an elevation of privilege (EoP) vuln in Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel VSP;CVE-2025-21334, a second EoP vulnerability in the same service;CVE-2025-21335, a third EoP vulnerability in the same service.These flaws in Windows Hyper-V NT Kernel VSP are known to have been exploited in the wild, but these exploits have not yet been made public, while for the remaining five, the opposite is true. These are:CVE-2025-21186, a remote code execution (RCE) flaw in Microsoft Access;CVE-2025-21275, an EoP flaw in Windows App Package Installer;CVE-2025-21308, a spoofing flaw in Windows Themes;CVE-2025-21366, a second RCE flaw in Microsoft Access;CVE-2025-21395, a third RCE flaw in Microsoft Access.Saaed Abbasi, vulnerability manager at the Qualys Threat Research Unit, said timely patching of the Hyper-V issues was critical since they are under active attack.They allow an authenticated user to elevate privileges to SYSTEM and let them take complete control of the affected environment, said Abbasi.Usually, moving from guest to host/hypervisor indicates a CVSS [Common Vulnerability Scoring System] scope change, but Microsofts current disclosure has not explicitly confirmed this, suggesting further details are needed; this could jeopardise the entire host infrastructure, not just the individual VM [virtual machine].A threat actor able to achieve SYSTEM-level privileges is a grave concern to defenders, because it opens the door to other actions such as disabling on-board security tooling, or credential dumping to pivot across domains within the target environment. Such techniques are frequently used by both financially motivated cyber criminal gangs and nation-state backed espionage operators.Meanwhile, Adam Barnett, lead software engineer at Rapid7, ran the rule over the three similar RCE issues in Microsoft Access.Barnett detailed how successful exploitation should it occur would require a user to be fooled into downloading and opening a malicious file, leading to code execution via a heap-based buffer overflow.Curiously, in each case, one portion of the advisory FAQ describes the update protection as blocking potentially malicious extensions from being sent in an email, but the remainder of the advisory doesnt clarify how this would prevent malicious activity, said Barnett.Typically,patches provide protection by blocking malicious files upon receipt of a malicious email attachment, rather than preventing a malicious attachment from being sent in the first place, since an attacker is free to send whatever they like from any system they control.At any rate, the FAQ does mention that users who would otherwise have interacted with a malicious attachment will instead receive a notification that there was an attachment but it cannot be accessed, which is perhaps the best play on words weve seen from MSRC in a while, he said.On the spoofing flaw in Windows Themes, Barnett said many admins and users may not think about this feature which enables users to personalise their desktops with background images, screensavers and so on very often if at all, but it was still essential to pay close attention to all aspects of the Windows estate.Successful exploitation leads to improper disclosure of an NTLM hash, which allows an attacker to impersonate the user from whom it was acquired, he said.The advisory FAQ dances around the exploitation methodology without explaining; what we learn is that once an attacker had somehow delivered a malicious file to the target system, a user would need to manipulate the malicious file, but not necessarily click or open it.Without further detail, we can only speculate, but its plausible that simply opening a folder containing the file in Windows Explorer including the Downloads folder or inserting a USB drive, would be enough to trigger the vulnerability and see your NTLM hash leak silently for collection by the threat actor.Read more about Patch TuesdayDecember 2024: Microsoft has fixed over 70 CVEs in its final Patch Tuesday update of the year, and defenders should prioritise a zero-day in the Common Log File System Driver, and another impactful flaw in the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol.November 2024: High-profile vulns in NTLM, Windows Task Scheduler, Active Directory Certificate Services and Microsoft Exchange Servershould be prioritised from Novembers Patch Tuesday update.October 2024: Stand-out vulnerabilities in Microsofts latest Patch Tuesday drop include problems in Microsoft Management Consoleand the Windows MSHTML Platform.September 2024: Four critical remote code execution bugs in Windows and three critical elevated privileges vulnerabilitieswill keep admins busy.August 2024: Microsoft patches six actively exploited zero-days among over 100 issuesduring its regular monthly update.July 2024: Microsoft has fixed almost 140 vulnerabilities in its latest monthly update, with a Hyper-V zero-daysingled out for urgent attention.June 2024: An RCE vulnerability in a Microsoft messaging feature and a third-party flaw in a DNS authentication protocol are the most pressing issues to address inMicrosofts latest Patch Tuesday update.May 2024: A critical SharePoint vulnerability warrants attention this month, but it is another flaw that seems to be linked to the infamous Qakbot malwarethat is drawing attention.April 2024: Support for the Windows Server 2008 OS ended in 2020, but four years on and there's a live exploit of a security flawthat impacts all Windows users.March 2024: Two critical vulnerabilities in Windows Hyper-V stand out onan otherwise unremarkable Patch Tuesday.February 2024: Two security feature bypasses impacting Microsoft SmartScreen are on the February Patch Tuesday docket,among more than 70 issues.
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  • The best Amazon deals right now: January 2025
    www.zdnet.com
    Holiday sales are over, but you can still shop super savings during the first month of 2025. Here are our favorite deals so far.
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  • Protective Gear Poses Hidden Risks To Firefighters Battling LA Wildfires
    www.forbes.com
    CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES - JANUARY 8: A house in on fire as residents try to escape the site in ... [+] Pacific Palisades, California, Los Angeles, United States on January 8, 2025. A fast-moving wildfire has forced 30,000 people to evacuate, with officials warning that worsening winds could further escalate the blaze. (Photo by Tayfun Coskun/Anadolu via Getty Images)Anadolu via Getty ImagesAs Los Angeles battles another wave of catastrophic wildfires, firefighters are on the front lines, risking their lives to protect communities. Yet, a recent study by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has revealed that their protective gearessential for survival in hazardous conditionsmay expose them to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), adding a hidden layer of danger to their already perilous work.NIST Study: Head To Toe PFAS RiskThe NIST study, published in December 2024, confirmed that PFAS were present in a variety of firefighter protective equipment, including gloves, hoods, and wildland gear. PFAS are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and human body. These substances have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, liver damage, and hormonal disruptions.Firefighters may encounter PFAS both in their working environment and in their gear, the NIST study noted. Reducing unnecessary PFAS exposure is an important step toward improving firefighter health and safety.This revelation comes as firefighters in Los Angeles battle blazes that have already claimed at least 24 lives and scorched thousands of acres. Weather forecasts predict more fierce winds in the coming days, increasing the risk of fire spread and worsening conditions for crews working long hours in smoke and heat.The study raises concerns that PFAS used in protective gear to provide water and heat resistance may leach out during use, potentially entering firefighters' bodies through skin contact or inhalation. This risk is exacerbated by the extreme conditions of wildfires, where high heat and sweat may facilitate chemical transfer.MORE FOR YOUInmate firefighters with Delta Conservation Camp construct a hand line during the Point Fire in ... [+] Healdsburg, Calif., Sunday, June 16, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via Getty Images)San Francisco Chronicle via Getty ImagesThe dangers of PFAS exposure are layered onto the known health risks firefighters face. According to the National Firefighter Registry, firefighters have elevated rates of several cancers, including bladder and thyroid cancer, due to occupational hazards. Now, PFAS contamination in gear adds another dimension to the fight for firefighter health and safety.Better Funding And Healthcare Are Critical To ChangeAddressing this issue will require systemic changes. Fire departments and policymakers can take proactive measures, such as funding research to develop PFAS-free materials, monitoring PFAS levels in gear, and adopting stricter regulations to limit the use of harmful chemicals in manufacturing. Manufacturers, for their part, should explore alternative materials that maintain the protective qualities firefighters need without the associated risks.Health monitoring for firefighters is also critical. Regular screenings can help detect illnesses linked to PFAS exposure early, allowing for timely treatment. Additionally, fire departments must provide mental health resources, as the combined stress of physical and chemical risks can take a significant psychological toll.In the face of increasingly destructive wildfires driven by climate change, firefighters continue to serve as community protectors under unimaginable conditions. Removing harmful chemicals from their gear is essential to ensuring their safety and well-being, allowing them to focus on their critical mission without unnecessary risks to their health.
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  • An Nvidia supercomputer has been improving DLSS non-stop for the past six years
    www.techspot.com
    The big picture: It's been more than six years since Nvidia introduced the world to its image enhancement and upscaling tech deep learning super sampling, or DLSS for short. The latest implementation, DLSS 4, was announced earlier this month at CES and promises to be exponentially better than what we first saw with GeForce 20 Series, but have you ever stopped to ponder exactly how we got to this point? As it turns out, a massive supercomputer has been involved in the process since the very beginning. While discussing the tech at at the consumer electronics show, Nvidia's VP of applied deep learning research, Bryan Catanzaro, said improving DLSS has been a continuous, six-year learning process. According to Catanzaro, a supercomputer at Nvidia loaded with thousands of the latest and greatest GPUs runs 24/7, 365 days a year and its sole focus in on improving DLSS.The training process largely involves analyzing failures, Catanzaro said. When a DLSS model fails, it looks like ghosting, flickering, or blurriness in a game. When such failures are detected, Nvidia tries to figure out what caused the model to make the wrong choice.Analyzing errors helps Nvidia figure out how to improve their training data. The model is then retrained on the newer data, and gets tested across hundreds of games. Rinse, repeat. "So, that's the process," Catanzaro concluded.Nvidia introduced DLSS 4 at CES alongside its new RTX 50 Blackwell GPUs. The graphics specialist said its $549 RTX 5070 delivers 4090-like performance when using DLSS 4, a claim many are looking forward to putting to the test.According to benchmarks shared by Nvidia, the RTX 5090 is roughly 30 percent faster than the 4090 without DLSS. Furthermore, the 5080 is said to be 15 percent faster than the 4080, and the 5070 is up to 20 percent faster than the 4070. Again, these are Nvidia's own benchmark numbers, so we will have to wait until closer to launch for non-biased, real world figures.
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