Another delay could be hitting S24 ownersFuture Publishing via Getty ImagesRepublished on January 24 with a new report suggesting an all-at-once upgrade for Galaxy S24 owners and the latest upgrade from Google confirmed as being available for One UI 7 users. Owners of Samsung flagships should be rightly excited about the imminent(ish) arrival of Android 15 on their phones, bringing a raft of security and privacy enhancements. But theres some last minute disappointment that looks like being confirmed this week. And for those who have dropped $1500 on an S24 Ultra in the last few months, this will not play well.Samsung has just confirmed that One UI 7 for the Galaxy S series will be released in the first quarter, and will be applied sequentially to existing Galaxy devices. All except the new S25 of course, which will launch with One UI 7 AKA Android 15 right out of the box. Perhaps this ensures a period of OS exclusivity to encourage more users to churn.Picking up on the latest leaks, Android Headlines suggests owners of Samsungs previous-gen flagship phones might receive it between late February and early March, while SammyFans suggests that a second January OS update for S24s signals that Samsung is still polishing the major firmware, which isnt ready yet for deployment on a public scale. Leaker Tarun Vats, posting on X, has foretold this kind of wait for some time, that current pre-S25 devices are likely to be updated at the end of February or some time in March. Galaxy S24 owners have hoped to see an update much sooner after this weeks S25 launch. That it seems is not to be. It could mean an update some four months after Googles Pixel.Putting tantalizing software updates to one side, this matters because Android 15 is a security and privacy upgrade more than anything else, and does a good job of narrowing the gap to iPhone when it comes to safeguarding users, their devices and their data. And while Google has done a sterling job with this latest OS, Samsung has gone even further, blocking the sideloading of risky apps for all but the most stubborn users and gong some way toward an iPhone-like phone lockdown.Googles advances include live threat detection to flag malware early if it detects risky on-device app behavior, the expansion of Play Protect to stop users from being tricked into installing unofficial versions of their apps, and network defense to block insecure connections. Samsung will also allow 2G to be blocked across its devices for the first time.It is unclear whats included with this second January Galaxy S24 update. Samsung released its own fixes and the Android-wide ones from Google early in the month. Even so, it is as always imperative for users to update as soon as they can. Thats the other difference between S25 and S24 (and older) devices. The new phone is likely to bring seamless updates to a Samsung flagship for the first time. It seems other devices will miss out.Samsungs deployment of Android 15 is the nearest we've had yet to an iPhone-matching Android device, albeit theres still a gap in some key areas. If security and privacy is important, then the device itself and Samsungs expanded Knox architecture which better mirrors Apples walled device garden makes for a compelling upgrade.We may know more on the release date for these security and privacy upgrades as regards S24s and older devices. Samsung as ever hasnt confirmed any of this newly leaked information. But there is maybe some better news courtesy of a forum moderator, at least as regards the efficiency of the release when it comes.As picked up by SammyFans, Samsung [has] confirmed through [a] community moderator that the One UI 7 will be released for all Galaxy S24 users at once. The company is set to launch the official version with the Galaxy S25 series today and theres a massive hype for the One UI 7 While the release date remains unknown, Samsung moderators confirmation is a positive news for Galaxy fans. General users of the Galaxy S24 series wont have to wait once the incremental build drops for the Beta participants.There may need to be some clarification on this though. The question asked in the forum was how will we get the original update if we have the beta? To which the answer that came from the moderator was [the] official version will be rolled out to public users once the update is available (Both the Beta participants & public users).The official information is still a release before the end of the first quarter, which aligns with the leaked end of February into March. Which means watching from afar as new Galaxy S25s tout new capabilities and features. And to make matters worse, as Toms Guide reports, the Galaxy S25 will likely still get some software features beyond the standard loadout of One UI 7 though. Rumors claim the Bixby digital assistant could get improved generative AI capabilities, that the phone will be able to string AI tasks together for greater convenience (such as finding a restaurant and then sending details to your calendar and your friends), and have access to the Google Gemini Advanced subscription service for free.And if that;s not bad enough, the wait for Android 15 via One UI 7 just got even more irritating, as even more news comes out as to the functionality and features youre missing especially on the security and privacy front. Any S24 users who have their phone stolen in the next few weeks will have particularly acute cause to rue these delays.Google has just confirmed that Identity Check is rolling out to Pixel and Samsung One UI 7 devices. As part of enabling Identity Check, you can designate one or more trusted locations. When youre outside of these trusted places, biometric authentication will be required to access critical account and device settings, like changing your device PIN or biometrics, disabling theft protection, or accessing Passkeys.Identity CheckGoogleThis is the latest lockdown to prevent data loss in the event of a device being stolen most likely snatched and where the thief may have seen a device PIN being entered. Identity Check, Google says, gives you more peace of mind that your most sensitive device assets are protected against unauthorized access, even if a thief or bad actor manages to learn your device PIN. Identity Check is rolling out now to Pixel devices with Android 15 and will be available on One UI 7 eligible Galaxy devices in the coming weeks. It will roll out to supported Android devices from other manufacturers later this year.Phone theft has reached epidemic levels in many cities, including London where I am now. The police are likely to do nothing more than offer an online crime number, meaning its down to individuals to replace and restore their device and deal with any data loss issues. The phones may be resold, but will more likely be shipped overseas for parts or other uses.We're collaborating with the GSMA and industry experts, Google says, to combat mobile device theft by sharing information, tools and prevention techniques. Stay tuned for an upcoming GSMA white paper, developed in partnership with the mobile industry, with more information on protecting yourself and your organization from device theft. With the addition of Identity Check and the ongoing enhancements to our existing features, Android offers a robust and comprehensive set of tools to protect your devices and your data from theft. Were dedicated to providing you with peace of mind, knowing your personal information is safe and secure.Samsung is targeting iPhone users with 25 reasons to switch to a Samsung mobile device, including its security upgrades. If youre an iPhone user who may be due for an upgrade, heres a list of 25 reasons to make the switch to Samsung this time around. Those 25 reasons include new AI offerings, but also privacy protection and the Knox ecosystem. The gap may be narrowing, but I dont think were yet at a place where security and privacy offerings really push that switch.Mobile devices have become such an important part of our work and social lives, Samsung says, that theres understandably some reluctance to change brands due to the perception that transitioning all those apps, subscriptions, contacts, files and photos might cause havoc. Switching your phone brand of choice isnt as difficult as you might think or as time-consuming as it used to be.Meanwhile, Android 16s first beta is now rolling out to Pixel devices, even as Samsung owners await Android 15 and that beta has only been available in select markets a small number of weeks. The first beta of the next major version of Googles mobile OS is launching today with Android 16 Beta 1 rolling out to Pixel devices. This release is now available, 9to5Google confirms. Android 16 Beta 1 is the initial beta-quality release and the first this cycle to be available as an over-the-air update for those enrolled in the Android Beta Program.Samsung users will hope there is no repeat of the Android 15 / One UI 7 delays.

Here are some predictions around post-quantum cybersecurity and cryptographic agility for 2025 worthy of our attention.

What just happened? China's Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), nicknamed the artificial sun, has shattered its own world record for plasma confinement. On Monday, EAST maintained a steady-state high-confinement plasma for an astounding 1,066 seconds, more than doubling its previous record of 403 seconds set in 2023. The breakthrough by the Institute of Plasma Physics (ASIPP) at the Hefei Institute of Physical Science represents a significant step forward in the quest for fusion power generation. The ability to sustain plasma for over 1,000 seconds is considered a crucial milestone in fusion research, bringing scientists closer to the goal of replicating the sun's nuclear fusion processes for clean, limitless energy production.For more than seven decades, scientists around the world have been on a quest to harness the power of fusion energy, facing numerous challenges along the way. Key among them has been the need to manage extreme heat, with researchers striving to achieve and maintain temperatures exceeding 100 million degrees Celsius. Scientists have also grappled with operational stability, working to confine plasma for extended periods. The fusion process itself demands exquisite control, requiring the development of sophisticated systems to regulate the intricate dance of atomic nuclei. Perhaps most crucial of all is the pursuit of energy efficiency, as researchers strive to create a fusion reaction that produces more power than it consumes.While EAST's milestone doesn't address all of these challenges, the record-breaking run demonstrates significant progress in confining plasma for extended periods. "A fusion device must achieve stable operation at high efficiency for thousands of seconds to enable the self-sustaining circulation of plasma, which is essential for the continuous power generation of future fusion plants," explained Song Yuntao, ASIPP director and vice president of HFIPS, adding that the recent record marks a critical step toward realizing a functional fusion reactor.EAST, which began operations in 2006, is the first tokamak to contain a deuterium plasma using superconducting niobium-titanium toroidal and poloidal magnets. The tokamak maintains plasma in the "H-mode" or high-confinement regime, a state employed by modern tokamaks that results in a sudden improvement of plasma confinement by a factor of two. This achievement is particularly significant for the development of future fusion reactors, including the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) currently under construction in France.Since joining the ITER program in 2006 as its seventh member, China has been responsible for approximately 9 percent of the project's construction and operation, with ASIPP serving as the primary institution for the Chinese mission.Gong Xianzu, head of the EAST Physics and Experimental Operations division, said EAST has made several upgrades that helped lead to this success, including new plasma diagnostic tools. The heating system, which originally consumed energy equivalent to nearly 70,000 household microwave ovens, has now doubled its power output while preserving operational stability and continuity. // Related StoriesNow, a new generation of experimental fusion research facilities is under construction in Hefei in the Anhui Province, home to the EAST reactor. They will continue their work of accelerating the development and practical application of fusion energy technology.

A hot potato: Optical laser-based mice should operate on a very small amount of current, and they should certainly not catch fire without any prior warning signs. However, as a Reddit user recently explained, a low-power peripheral can quickly turn into a safety hazard when fire unexpectedly becomes involved. A Reddit user shared his "hot" misadventure on the PC Master Race subreddit recently. User Lommelinn reported that his Gigabyte mouse caught fire a small incident that could have escalated into a major disaster because it almost burned down his apartment."I smelled smoke early this morning, so I rushed into my room and found my computer mouse engulfed in large flames," Lommelinn explained. His room quickly filled with black smoke, though he was able to extinguish the fire. Lommelinn noted that he inhaled a significant amount of smoke during the incident, and his room was left in poor condition, with black soot and particles coating the surfaces.The burned peripheral has been identified as the M6880X, an old Gigabyte wired mouse that went on sale in July 2014. The laser mouse features a "high accuracy" laser tracking engine, on-the-fly DPI switching between tree different values (800, 1200, 1600), and should pose no personal safety threats whatsoever. Lommelinn said he avoided the worst, but a mouse catching fire and burning a hole in the desk is still a shocking and unsettling experience.Needless to say, fellow redditors are going wild with speculation. Multiple factors could have caused the incident, including a short circuit or a faulty component that finally gave up. Some speculate that a damaged solder joint, degraded wiring, or an aging component may have caused excessive current flow, ultimately leading to the fiery disaster.The flaming M6880X mouse eventually caught Gigabyte's attention. The company acknowledged the incident shared by Lommelinn, stating that customer safety remains their top priority. Gigabyte is looking into the case, and has already contacted the unlucky Redditor to provide further support. One Redditor humorously pointed out the mystery of how a small 5V, 0.5A USB-powered mouse can suddenly go up in flames and take half a desk with it. // Related StoriesLommelinn also shared additional details about his now-burned setup, confirming that the mouse does not require batteries and that there is no glass surface in his room that could have focused light onto the device. With no apparent external causes for the fire, we'll have to wait for the conclusion of Gigabyte's investigation to understand what went wrong.

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" After youve unwrapped and set up your new Galaxy S25, you may notice an app previously always installed on Samsung phones has disappeared. Samsung has stopped pre-installing its own Samsung Messages app, and handed cellular messaging duties solely over to Google. On the Galaxy S25, Google Messages is the only pre-installed, and therefore default, messaging app.Samsung confirmed the action in an email to Android Authority, stating:Recommended VideosWith the close collaboration between Google and Samsung, we have opted to migrate all services to Google Messages and are sunsetting Samsung Messages. Its no longer available in the Play Store; however, those who chose to utilize Samsung Messages are still able to do so. We believe that the added functionality of RCS messaging on Google Messages creates an enhanced user experience for both Android-to-Android messaging and across platforms.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsTheres no mention of the Samsung Messages app when you search for it in the Google Play Store, as expected, however the app is still available to download through Samsungs own Galaxy Store on the Galaxy S25. The Galaxy Store version was updated on January 15, and the description provides several reasons why you shouldnt download and use it instead of Google Messages.The description reads:Please enable Javascript to view this contentThis is a download-only Samsung Messages app, which has some limitations. It does not support Samsung Themes, it does not support features released after One UI 6.1.1, and it does not support RCS feature when using satellite mode.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsThe switch to Google Messages isnt a complete surprise. In July 2024 Samsung alerted Galaxy phone owners via its Samsung Members app that Samsung Messages wouldnt be pre-installed on the Galaxy Z Fold 6 and Galaxy Z Flip 6, and Google Messages would take its place. The shift was only relevant in some regions, but with the Galaxy S25 it appears to be standard across all. Verizon encouraged Samsung phone owners to switch to Google Messages after the carrier announced Samsung Messages wouldnt support RCS messaging from early 2025.Whether Google Messages will replace Samsung Messages on other Galaxy phones when an update to One UI 7 arrives remains to be seen. If you would rather get ahead of any alteration, Google Messages is available to download through the Google Play Store now.Editors Recommendations

The search giant has offered to start punishing British businesses that boost their star ratings with fake reviews and the people that post them, ending the U.K. competition watchdogs investigation into online reviews.

Mum's the word Rocket Report: Did Chinas reusable rocket work?; DOT may review SpaceX fines Rocket Lab announced it will soon launch a batch of eight German-owned wildfire detection satellites. Stephen Clark Jan 24, 2025 7:00 am | 8 The Chinese Longxing-2 rocket is erected at Haiyang Dongfang Spaceport in Shandong province on January 13, 2025. This single stage booster lifted off January 19 on a high-altitude demonstration flight to test reusable rocket technology, but the outcome of the test remains unclear. Credit: Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images The Chinese Longxing-2 rocket is erected at Haiyang Dongfang Spaceport in Shandong province on January 13, 2025. This single stage booster lifted off January 19 on a high-altitude demonstration flight to test reusable rocket technology, but the outcome of the test remains unclear. Credit: Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreWelcome to Edition 7.28 of the Rocket Report! After last week's jam-packed action in the launch business, things are a bit quieter this week. Much of the space world's attention has turned to Washington as the Trump administration takes the helm of the federal government. Some of the administration's policy changes will likely impact the launch industry, with commercial spaceflight poised to become a beneficiary of actions over the next four years. As for the specifics, Ars has reported that NASA is expected to review the future of the Space Launch System rocket. Investments in the military space program could bring in more business for launch companies. And regulatory changes may reduce government oversight of commercial spaceflight.As always, we welcome reader submissions. If you don't want to miss an issue, please subscribe using the box below (the form will not appear on AMP-enabled versions of the site). Each report will include information on small-, medium-, and heavy-lift rockets as well as a quick look ahead at the next three launches on the calendar.What happened to China's reusable rocket testbed? A Chinese state-owned company performed a rocket flight on January 18 (US time) aimed at testing reusable launch vehicle technology without announcing the outcome, Space News reports. The Longxing-2 test article lifted off from a makeshift launch area near Haiyang, Shandong province. The methane-fueled rocket was expected to fly to an altitude of 75 kilometers (about 246,000 feet) before performing a reentry burn and a landing burn to guide itself to a controlled splashdown in the Yellow Sea, replicating the maneuvers required to recover a reusable booster like the first stage of SpaceX's Falcon 9. This was China's most ambitious reusable rocket demonstration flight to date.State-sanctioned silence ... Amateur footage near the launch area showed the rocket rise slowly from the tower and perform an ascent phase with no apparent anomalies. But the video ended before the rocket descended to Earth, and there have been no official updates on the results of the test flight from the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST), the state-owned enterprise responsible for the demonstration. SAST published results and video footage of a previous reusable rocket demonstration to an altitude of 12 kilometers last year. The lack of official updates this time raises questions about the success of the test, which could indicate challenges during reentry or landing phases. (submitted by EllPeaTea)A timely launch for Rocket Lab.A dedicated flight of Rocket Lab's Electron launcher will soon deploy eight small spacecraft for a German company building a constellation of wildfire monitoring satellites. Rocket Lab announced the deal Wednesday, saying the mission will launch from the company's spaceport in New Zealand. The eight satellites are owned by the German startup OroraTech. Rocket Lab said the launch will take place within "just a few weeks," representing a relatively quick turnaround from contract signing to liftoff. This schedule will allow OroraTech to "meet the season-sensitive requirements of its wildfire detection mission," Rocket Lab said.Infrared eyes ... OroraTech's satellites will host thermal infrared cameras to provide 24/7 monitoring of wildfires globally, supporting better and faster wildfire response to protect forests, people, and infrastructure, according to Rocket Lab. These eight satellites follow the launch of OroraTech's first three prototype wildfire detection spacecraft since 2022. The company plans to expand its constellation with up to 100 satellites by 2028. While this launch isn't directly tied to the ongoing wildfire crisis in Southern California, OroraTech's mission highlights the role of space-based detection for future firefighters.(submitted by EllPeaTea) The Ars Technica Rocket Report The easiest way to keep up with Eric Berger's and Stephen Clark's reporting on all things space is to sign up for our newsletter. We'll collect their stories and deliver them straight to your inbox.Sign Me Up!US green-lights space-related exports to Norway. The United States and Norway have signed an agreement to allow the export of American space hardware to Norway for launches there, Space News reports. The Technology Safeguards Agreement, or TSA, ensures the protection of US space technology exported to Norway. It allows for American satellites and potentially launch vehicles to operate from Andya Spaceport, located on an island above the Arctic Circle in Norway.A valuable alliance ... There are no US companies with publicly known plans to launch from Andya, but the US military has touted the value of allies in funding, launching, and operating space-based platforms for communications, navigation, and reconnaissance. This agreement, announced on January 16 in the final days of the Biden administration, follows similar space tech transfer agreements with New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. The German rocket startup Isar Aerospace is scheduled to launch its first Spectrum rocket from the Norwegian spaceport as soon as this year. (submitted by EllPeaTea)Lunar lander test-fires uprated rocket engine. The Leros 4 rocket engine, developed by Nammo UK in Buckinghamshire, has successfully ignited in space, powering the Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost lunar lander, European Spaceflight reports. This is a higher-thrust version of Nammo's flight-proven Leros engine design that has provided propulsion for NASA probes to the planets and for numerous telecommunications satellites. Like other engines in the Leros line, the Leros 4 consumes a bipropellant mix of hydrazine and nitrogen tetroxide, which combust when coming into contact with one another.Thrusting toward the Moon ... Firefly announced the successful main engine burn Sunday begin raising the Blue Ghost spacecraft's orbit around the Earth. Subsequent burns will further raise the craft's altitude before eventually attaining enough speed to reach the Moon for a landing in early March. This is the first time a Leros 4 engine has fired in space. The variant flying on Blue Ghost is known as the "Leros 4-Extra Thrust" version, and it provides approximately 294 pounds of thrust (1,310 newtons), roughly double the power of Nammo's next-largest engine. It's designed specifically for interplanetary missions and is particularly well-suited for lunar landers because it can sustain thrust for lengthy burns or pulse at high frequency to control a spacecraft's descent rate toward the Moon's surface.Trump's DOT nominee says he'll review FAA's SpaceX fines.President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the US Transportation Department said he'd review penalties aviation regulators have proposed against SpaceX if confirmed for the role, Bloomberg reports. Transportation Secretary nominee Sean Duffy told senators during a hearing on January 15 that he'd also look into "what's been happening at the FAA with regard to launches." Last year, the FAA proposed more than $633,000 in fineson SpaceX due to alleged violations of the company's launch license associated with two flights of the company's Falcon 9 rocket from Florida. It is rare for the FAA's commercial spaceflight division to fine launch companies.It's about more than the money ... In addition to the proposed fines related to SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rocket, Elon Musk's space company has also criticized regulators for taking too much time to review applications for launch licenses for the Starship mega-rocket. Some of the regulatory reviews were triggered by environmental concerns rather than public safety, which the FAA is responsible for ensuring during commercial rocket launches and reentries. Musk's close relationship with Trump has led to speculation that the FAA will now have a lighter touch with SpaceX. So far, there's no clear evidence of this happening, but it warrants observation. The FAA ordered a grounding of SpaceX's Starship rocket after a failure on a test flight on January 16, and there's been no announcement of a change in the agency's posture regarding this test flight.Falcon 9 flexes its muscles. SpaceX launched its latest batch of Starlink satellites from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on Tuesday, and this time, the company set a new record by deploying 27 second-generation Starlinks on the same rocket, Spaceflight Now reports. The mission was delayed from Sunday after an aircraft strayed into a keep-out zone near the launch site. This launch included a new type of Starlink spacecraft bus, or chassis, called the Starlink V2 Mini Optimized version. These satellites are considerably lighter than the previous V2 Mini design but also debut upgrades, such as a new backhaul antenna with a SpaceX-designed and built dual-band chip, improved avionics, propulsion, and power systems.29 at a time ...This means SpaceX can launch up to 29 Starlink V2 Mini Optimized satellites on a single Falcon 9 rocket. Before now, SpaceX never launched more than 24 V2 Mini satellites on a single flight. SpaceX has launched the V2 Mini satellite design since 2023. Initially, this design was supposed to be a stopgap until SpaceX began launching much larger Starlink V3 satellites on the Starship rocket. However, SpaceX has now launched more than 3,000 V2 Mini satellites, and the debut of the optimized version suggests SpaceX plans to keep the V2 Mini around for a while longer.Coming together in Kourou.ArianeGroup has shared that the core stage and two solid-fueled boosters for the second flight of the Ariane 6 rocket have been assembled on the ELA-4 launch pad at the Guiana Space Center in South America, European Spaceflight reports. At the same time, the flights payload, the French military CSO-3 spy satellite, arrived at Flix Ebou airport in French Guiana aboard an Antonov transport plane. With the launch campaign in full swing in French Guiana, it's likely that the liftoff of the second Ariane 6 flight is just a few weeks away. The most recent publicly available schedule showed the launch is slated for February 25, but this information is now a couple of months old.What it was made for This launch follows the largely successful inaugural flight of Europe's Ariane 6 rocket last July, in which the launcher deployed multiple CubeSats into an on-target orbit, but faltered before completing a deorbit burn to maneuver the upper stage toward reentry. Nevertheless, European officials are confident the issue that caused the upper-stage problem last year will not affect the upcoming launch of the French military's newest surveillance satellite. This is the kind of mission the often-criticized Ariane 6 rocket was made forlaunching a sensitive and costly European government payload to orbit with a European rocket from European territory. (submitted by EllPeaTea)Next three launchesJan. 24: Falcon 9 | Starlink 11-6 | Vandenberg Space Force Base, California | 14:07 UTCJan. 25: Long March 8A | Demo Flight | Wenchang Space Launch Site, China | 10:00 UTCJan. 27: Falcon 9 | Starlink 12-7 | Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida | 19:21 UTCStephen ClarkSpace ReporterStephen ClarkSpace Reporter Stephen Clark is a space reporter at Ars Technica, covering private space companies and the worlds space agencies. Stephen writes about the nexus of technology, science, policy, and business on and off the planet. 8 Comments

TechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.TechTarget and InformaTechTarget and Informa Techs Digital Business Combine.Together, we power an unparalleled network of 220+ online properties covering 10,000+ granular topics, serving an audience of 50+ million professionals with original, objective content from trusted sources. We help you gain critical insights and make more informed decisions across your business priorities.A New Administration and a New Direction for NetworksA New Administration and a New Direction for NetworksWith the installation of new leadership at the FCC, heres what network owners and operators are likely to see unfold. And it may not be what you expect.Pam Baker, Contributing WriterJanuary 24, 20252 Min ReadBrendan Carr appears before a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing in 2023.MediaPunch Inc via Alamy StockGiven the nations collective unease leading up to the presidential election and the subsequent election of one of historys most polarizing U.S. presidents, it is no surprise that uncertainty surrounds business decisions as networks seek to find their footing on shifting social, political, and economic terrain. Adding to the air of confusion are building controversies over some of the incoming administrations cabinet picks and a premature, failed government funding showdown.In this contentious atmosphere, incoming FCC chairman Brendan Carr is also facing some controversy overhis free speech initiativesandhis role in Project 2025. However, Carr has served as an FCC Commissioner since 2017, having been nominated by both President Trump and President Biden, and confirmed unanimously by the Senate three times. Bipartisan support would seem to suggest that he is not as much of a polarizing figure - nor prone to disruptive or abrupt actions - as some of the other cabinet nominees."Brendan Carr stepping in as FCC Chairman should be seen as a positive development for network operators. While much of the media hype has been centered on his free speech initiatives, his track record suggests a strong focus on cutting through red tape to speed up broadband and 5G rollouts, especially in rural and underserved areas, said Mukesh Gupta, CPO of networking company Infoblox.Will Carr Prevail at the FCC?While many see Carrs actions to be predictable and, therefore, easier to plan for, some are concerned that Carr may be overridden by an administration that appears to be set to strip agencies of much of their power and autonomy.Two of President-elect Donald Trump's picks to head the new "Department of Government Efficiency," Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, havepublicly announced plansto cut government spending through "mass reductions," with Ramaswamy going so far as to say that some governmental agencies may be deleted outright.While its nearly impossible for any federal agency to be "deleted" without a massive congressional battle, which the Trump administration is unlikely to win, Trump might succeed in outright ignoring or challenging the 1974 Impoundment Control Act. If that happens, he could starve agencies of Congressional-approved federal funding, which could cripple them to the point of failure. And that may happen given Trumps focus on surrounding himself with loyalists.Considering these big picture factors, for some, the question becomes not so much whether Carrs leadership is beneficial to network owners and operators but whether he is likely to become merely a figurehead or a yes man.Read the Full Article on Network ComputingRead more about:Network ComputingAbout the AuthorPam BakerContributing WriterA prolific writer and analyst, Pam Baker's published work appears in many leading publications. She's also the author of several books, the most recent of which are "Decision Intelligence for Dummies" and "ChatGPT For Dummies." Baker is also a popular speaker at technology conferences and a member of the National Press Club, Society of Professional Journalists, and the Internet Press Guild.See more from Pam BakerNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

On Fridays in January and February classes end early and kids head outside.My first- and fifth-graders look forward to school skiing year-round.The program teaches kids important lessons about physical and mental wellness.My first-grader zipped by me on skis, her "French fries" easily overtaking my skis' cautious "pizza" positioning. Her sister, a fifth grader, was already down the mountain and on the chairlift again, giggling with friends as she went back for another run.It wasn't vacation or a weekend, but a Friday afternoon at school for the girls during one of their favorite times of the year. For five weeks during January and February their elementary school cancels classes after 11 a.m. on Fridays and brings kids outside no matter how frigid the air in our rural region of New Hampshire.When I first heard about the school's Winter Activities program soon after I moved to the district and my oldest started kindergarten, I thought it was a cute, novel idea. Six years later, I'm convinced it's downright brilliant, delivering lessons about health, community building, and nature that go well beyond anything my daughters learn in their classrooms.Skiing helped us fit itGrowing up outside Boston, I occasionally skied, but the activity was expensive and out-of-reach for a low income family with four kids. When I moved north, skiing felt like a way of life, and I worried that my kids might be left out. We could afford to ski now, but my husband an Australian is even less ski savvy than I am.Luckily, the school stepped in, teaching my girls about a sport that's essentially part of the local culture here in the mountains. The school subsidizes the program, and the PTO provides scholarships to any families that need them. It's an opportunity I wish I had as a kid. That first year, as I watched my older daughter gain confidence on the snow, I knew she'd have no trouble fitting in in our new town.Getting outside helps with mental health during winterAccording to the school, the idea behind winter activities is to keep kids active during the long, dreary New Hampshire winter. For families in this area, it's a critical lifelong skill, when the sun sets at 4 p.m. and temperatures regularly peak in the single digits.As someone who works from home and could easily not leave the house some days, I know that making an effort to get outside bolsters my own mental health. I volunteer with the program and can confirm that I'm smiling almost constantly on the slopes, even with the stress of managing kids doing a risky sport. Hopefully, learning to be active year round will keep our kids healthy, and maybe even fight seasonal depression.Downhill skiing is by far the most popular winter activity, but students can also choose cross-country skiing, ice fishing, or ice skating. There are even indoor options like theater or swimming. Each Friday morning, kids on the bus and in the drop-off line are buzzing with excitement, and I'm sure the teachers breathe a sigh of relief knowing they'll be able to expend all that energy.I point out all the helpers that make this possibleBringing more than 100 kids skiing is no small feat. The school buses kids to a local resort, but parents need to drive the 30 or so minutes to pick them up. Behind the scenes are chaperones taking time off work to fit kids into rentals and PTO volunteers making sure everyone has their pass.Once we're outside my kids might high-five their music teacher or their assistant principal who are also on the slopes and who the kids somehow recognize beneath their ski gear. I make sure my girls don't miss the fact that lots of adults in the community are coming together, pouring time and effort into this tradition. I take a moment to thank them too, because these days I look forward to Friday skiing just as much as my kids do.

Alaska, American, Delta, and United all announced records in their latest earnings.American Airlines highlighted the performance of its loyalty program.Delta and United are benefiting from premium cabins and flights to Europe.It looks like airlines aren't just recovering from the pandemic, they're bouncing back with vigor.American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and Alaska Airlines have all recently announced bumper results.Legacy airlines have benefited from higher ticket prices for domestic flights after budget operators came under pressure and cut unprofitable routes over the summer.Delta and United have also homed in on profitable flights to Europe operating more such routes than ever before.Here's how the four legacy airlines performed financially last year, and their outlooks for 2025.Alaska Airlines The fuselage plug area of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. Associated Press Alaska Airlines had a testing start to 2024 after a door plug came off one of its Boeing 737 Max 9 planes.Despite the subsequent grounding of its 60 such aircraft, the carrier posted record annual revenue of $11.7 billion."We reported a full-year adjusted pre-tax margin of 7.1%, and had it not been for the four-week 9 Max grounding, Alaska Air Group would have posted the best margin in the industry," CEO Ben Minicucci said on an earnings call.That achievement came despite its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines opening up new routes to Asia using wide-body planes.Its adjusted earnings per share for the fourth quarter was $0.97, smashing forecasts of $0.50."Just a year ago, following Flight 1282, a third of our Alaska fleet was grounded, operations were severely disrupted and uncertainty loomed," Minicucci added. "Yet our teams rose to the challenge with an unwavering commitment to safety and restored Alaska Air Group to the safe, reliable operation we're known and trusted for."He also said employees will share a record bonus payout of $325 million equivalent to six weeks' pay for many.However, for the first quarter of this year, it expects to make a loss per share of between $0.50 and $0.70, still better than the consensus expectation of $0.75.American Airlines American's share price dropped as it expects to start the year with a loss. J. David Ake/Getty Images American Airlines said fourth-quarter and annual revenues of $13.7 billion and $54.2 billion were both records.On Thursday's earnings call, CEO Robert Isom praised how the carrier achieved its debt-reduction goal a year ahead of schedule, down by $15 billion from its peak in mid-2021.Isom also said its loyalty program broke records in 2024. Loyalty revenues were up 14% in the fourth quarter year-over-year, while AAdvantage members were responsible for three-quarters of premium-cabin revenue. The airline also expects to earn a further $1.5 billion in pre-tax income due to its co-branded credit cards.However, its outlook for the first quarter was less bullish than its competitors.American said it expects an adjusted loss per share between $0.20 and $0.40, based on demand trends and the fuel price forecast.Shares fell more than 8% on Thursday.Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines planes at John F. Kennedy International Airport. Andrew Kelly/ Reuters Delta also had record fourth-quarter and full-year revenues, at $15.6 billion and $61.6 billion respectively.This came despite the disruption from July's CrowdStrike outage that cost it $380 million.However, Delta was buoyed by retaining its title as the most on-time airline in 2024.It also prides itself on its premium offerings, named No. 1 for business travelers for the 14th consecutive year by Business Travel News. Premium cabin revenue was up 8% compared to 2023 while main-cabin revenue stayed flat.It's bullish on the outlook for 2025 too.CEO Ed Bastian highlighted a continuing strong demand for travel and "consumers increasingly seeking the premium products and experiences that Delta provides."He added that it's positioned "to deliver the best financial year in Delta's 100-year history" with expected earnings per share above $7.35.United Airlines United Airlines stock more than doubled last year. Gary Hershorn/Getty Images United has perhaps the biggest post-pandemic rebound story, with its stock up 136% last year.It posted a record profit for the fourth quarter, with adjusted net income of $1.1 billion up 64% from the same period a year earlier.Across the same timeframe, premium cabin revenue was up by 10%, while revenue from basic economy rose by a fifth.United operated the most flights and carried the most passengers in its history in 2024, as well as being first in on-time performance at its seven US hubs."United had a unique strategy coming out of COVID and our people have delivered for customers leading to a structurally and permanently changed industry," said CEO Scott Kirby.It forecast adjusted earnings per share for the first quarter of $0.75 to $1.25.