• The iPhone Left Me Behind With AI, But Samsungs Galaxy S25 Still Hasnt Sold Me on It Yet
    gizmodo.com
    The entire landscape of phone owners is being bifurcated into those with access to on-device generative AI and those without. MyiPhone 14 Pro and Iare on the wrong end of that dividing line. My device is cut off from the latest features by two years, a mere 2 GB of RAM, and the devices smaller neural processor. Now that the Samsung Galaxy S25 lineup is on the horizon, and the $1,300 S25 Ultra looks so much like an iPhone, Im reminded how much owners of older devices will miss out, not just on newfangled AI, but everything else. In my job, I get to use more of the latest phones than most people, but those devices are all siloed to my work. My life and schedule depend on my iPhone 14 Pro. Two years ago, I switched from Android to the iPhone, Apples flagship phone. Since then, the mobile landscape has changed drastically. The difference is seen not so much in landmark hardware features but in software compatibility. The iPhone 15 Pro was the first device supposed to receive promised support for AI features, and now the iPhone 16 lineup should all be getting access to Apple Intelligence.According to Bloombergs prolific Apple rumormongerMark Gurman, most of Apples AI features should arrive by April. Image Playground is just one Apple Intelligence feature exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 16. Florence Ion / Gizmodo Apple fans will have to wait months for promised AI features, but Samsung beat Apple to on-device AI assistants with its Galaxy S25 series. The AI encompasses a confusing mix of both on- and off-device AI features. Like Apple, the Korean tech giant also promised users data would be kept secure on its SOC behind its own Knox security, while all data sent to the cloud would be end-to-end encrypted. Its clear Samsung wants the iPhone crowd to consider the switch. The Galaxy S25 lineup looks like iPhones with flat, titanium sides and sloped corners. Ill admit that the phone had me in its throes when holding the new device with its light frame and intriguing on-device AI features. It was entirely familiar, not just because I used the $1,300 Galaxy S24 Ultra for work. There was a pang of betrayal plus a mix of envy and wrath. I felt like Gollum clutching the One Ring for the first time as I glared at passing tech reporters with wild, spiteful eyes. But then, I had to remind myself that AI has yet to deliver its promise. I only experienced a short demo with the Gemini-based agentic cross-app AI. I will have to trust the AI to take my information from an email and accurately transcribe it into a calendar event. Even if it works nine times out of 10, how can I truly trust it if the AI turns around and screws up my schedule? If I spend most of my time checking the AIs work, thats time I could have just spent doing the task myself.So, what am I truly missing? I find the Android versus IOS debate largely nebulous, though, on the whole, Android already has features iOS is still catching up to. None of those missing capabilities make or break my enjoyment of my phone, in any case. To hone in on the feelings of both me and plenty of past-gen iPhone buyers, the thought that we spent $1,000 on a new phone only to be left behind stings. Photo: Adriano Contreras / Gizmodo Its worse because Apple is normally better than most at supplying software support for older devices. According to Apple, all Macs sporting an M-series processor will get AI. That means a four-year-old MacBook will connect to get Apple Intelligence features. Its different for phones, despite most of Apples excuses centering around the latest A16 and A17 Bionic CPUs and their AI processing capabilities. The iPhone 15 Pro had 8 GB of RAM. The iPhone 14 Pro had 6 GB. Because of that limited memory, every generation of iPhone will leave me and many other iPhone buyers further behind unless we upgrade.Every phone maker would prefer we buy a new phone every year, but I dont believe in changing my tech like a pair of pants. And the weird thing is we still dont know if theyre features we want. Generative AI is so unreliable that Apple has already pulled its beta for notifications summaries. So why should we care? While older devices may get new UI improvements and a few crumb features, Apples new focus is on providing AI that can work across apps. Samsungs recent Galaxy Unpacked is an example of what to expect. Apples next software release will be wholly centered on AI. We will need to wait at least a month for a full release of Apple Intelligence, enhanced Siri beta, and more. Do we expect Apples next WWDC to be anything but an AI extravaganza? Samsung has been better about providing some AI capabilities to older devices, but the Galaxy S23 lineup and even the S24 will be limited compared to the S25. Theres a reason Samsung gave the S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra 12 GB of RAM. Its clear that agentic AI is memory intensive, and we still have yet to see it in full glory with either Samsungs or Apples devices.Even if you dont care about or want AI, you still lose. The techno-feudalism of todays Android versus iOS debate isnt helped by owners being further divided between the AI haves and the AI have-nots.
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  • You Can Fire Off Hot Takes With Confidence Thanks to Cancel Culture Insurance
    gizmodo.com
    Out for insurance companies in 2025: providing coverage for people whose homes are in the path of natural disaster. In: offering coverage for celebrities and executives who get dragged for bad tweets. Insurance agency Samphire Risk is creating cancel culture insurance for those who fear the woke mob may one day come for them, according to a report from the Financial Times. So lets say you get canceled. You tweet something like, why dont you go tell the homo and transgender parents to start teaching their kids better morals? or perhaps say a Black woman is like if the muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby. Just what can Samphire Risk, a Lloyds of London-backed firm, do for you? Well, under the companys cancel culture insurance policy, which it calls Preempt, youthe canceledget crisis management communications services designed to help you minimize the damage done by online outrage. Youll get 60 days of comms work after your inciting offense that will work to negate negative coverage both on social media and in traditional media. Youll also get access to a 24/7 hotline, in case you fire off a tweet at 3 am while youre buzzing off an Ambien and need someone to step in before the markets open. Additionally, the policy provides a team of researchers and analysts who can identify any potential reputational issues that you may need to get out in front of. Its kinda weird timing for launching this product. After all, were back in the Trump era and this time social media companies are fully on board, with Elon Musk turning Twitter into a right-wing propaganda arm and Meta bending all its content moderation policies across Facebook and Instagram to invite the worst people you know to share their thoughts on marginalized people without consequence. Its the Wild West out there again, people drop the R-slur and it barely registers. But that probably wont stop the most risk-averse (and rich) from snagging some extra protection, just in caseeven though cancel culture basically does not exist, especially for rich people. Youd be hard-pressed to find someone of means and power who has faced such backlash that theyve lost everything. Lost an opportunity,a show,some money, surewe usually just call those consequences for your actions. But most people take a beat away from the limelight and return, often to more fanfare than when they left. Mel Gibson, famously canceled for being extremely antisemitic and racist, has a new movie out. It was the highest-grossing at the box office over the weekend, and the dude is doing press tours calling Trump daddy.Meanwhile, a meteorologist in Milwaukee got fired for acknowledging on her Instagram that Elon Musk performed two very Nazi-like salutes. Gonna go ahead and guess shes not the demographic that the cancel culture insurance company is looking to protect.
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  • FD Residence / Padovani Arquitetos
    www.archdaily.com
    FD Residence / Padovani ArquitetosSave this picture! Evelyn MllerHousesSo Paulo, BrazilArchitects: Padovani ArquitetosAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:700 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Evelyn Mller Lead Architect: Lucas Padovani More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Located in the interior of So Paulo, this vacation home was designed to host friends and family amidst a setting that fosters close contact with nature and breath-taking panoramic views. Set below street level, the house stands out for its volumetry, which subtly reveals a half level and the upper block. The L-shaped layout and the intelligent use of steel structure allow for large spans, creating a sense of openness and fluidity both internally and externally. The facade, a sophisticated blend of wood slats and dark tones combined with concrete slats, harmonizes with the surrounding landscaping, giving the composition a sense of lightness. Wide and slender eaves rest on the house's volume, surrounding the entire upper floor and becoming a key feature in both design and functionality.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Internally, the residence opens to a spacious social area with a high ceiling, facilitating a dynamic and fluid connection between the various spaces. The light tones highlight the vastness of the interiors, creating a balanced contrast with the exterior, and offering a visual and sensory experience that is both striking and subtle. This expansive space not only integrates the social and gourmet areas but also provides a more intimate and cozy outdoor living space, with a lower ceiling that invites relaxation. The transition between the interior and exterior is seamlessly achieved with large glass openings that expand the sense of openness. The outdoor area extends to a panoramic view of the lake at the far end of the lot while also opening up to the pool and social spaces positioned parallel to the house. The architectural experience offered by the residence extends beyond the built spaces, reaching into the surrounding landscape.Save this picture!Save this picture!With the darker, more subdued tones of the facade, the house subtly blends into its environment, always aligned with the landscaping and maintaining a vast dialogue with light and the way it connects and interacts with its surroundings, offering a unique space.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officePadovani ArquitetosOfficePublished on January 27, 2025Cite: "FD Residence / Padovani Arquitetos" [Residncia FD / Padovani Arquitetos] 27 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025553/fd-residence-padovani-arquitetos&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream
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  • How To Carve In Blender 2025
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    Get Over 300 Blender Add-ons & more https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4-Q7MyUxdZEvTkrEyhzQIBCWrwtZoSmG Interior Design Playlist https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL4-Q7MyUxdZFl_1YpXrDGoScl1kKua9RH Visit the Channel @architecturetopics Support My Shop And Get Free Assets https://buymeacoffee.com/architecturetopics Follow Me on Social Media!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/architecturetopics101/ Download Blender 3D https://www.blender.org/ _________________________________________________________________ Sub .........Visit the Channel for more dope jiggly wiggly stuff @architecturetopics ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#3d #blender #blender3d
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  • AI Film Making
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    By https://bai-ley.com
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  • 3D Scanning Again! #b3d #meshroom
    www.youtube.com
    Familiarising myself with the scanning workflow again.Shops:blendermarket.com/creators/blenderguppygumroad.com/blenderguppyPatreon:patreon.com/blenderguppy#3dmodeling #textures #3dscanning #photogrammetry #b3d
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  • Unreal Engine Ocean, Swim and Water System - Unreal Engine 5 Showcase
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    FAB Marketplace - Ocean, Swim and Water Systemhttps://www.fab.com/sellers/CGDealers Support this channel and get access to all my files and the Swim and Water System: https://www.patreon.com/CGDealers Youtube Membership: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyXWTdwLotz55o1oOkU0-4g/join FREE VIDEO - How To Create The Landscape Auto Material:https://youtu.be/rw8qDmFGsRo Full Free Video on how to add RVT Auto Landscape Material:https://youtu.be/NzqFHdBhl8k MY SOCIAL MEDIA:Artstation: https://www.artstation.com/coldwave Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/CGDealers Telegram: https://t.me/YTcgdealersLeartes Entire Store 210+ Assets on 30% Discount: https://gumroad.com/a/39658451 30% Discount Coupon Code: CG30 GET MY UNREAL 5 - BLUEPRINTS MASTERCLASS COURSE:Udemy: https://bit.ly/3WqNQSL GET ONE MONTH FREE SKILLSHARE SUBSCRIPTION:https://skl.sh/3CwwFH2 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------In this video I will show you the progress on the Water System. We are working on Ocean shader right now.#unrealengine5 #blueprints #ue5tutorial #openworld #openworldgames #gamedevtutorial #gamedevelopment #unrealengine #unrealenginetutorial #unrealengine #gamedesign #rvt #runtimevirtualtexture #realtimerendering #ai #aianimation #animation #pcg #unrealpcg #unrealenginetutorial #blender #gamedevelopment #unrealenginetutorial -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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  • Microplastics look like a car crash in mice brains
    www.popsci.com
    Tiny pieces of plastic were found lodged in blood vessels in the brains of mice. Credit: Nature / Sinclair Stammers / SPLShareMicroplastics are everywhere, both across nature and inside our bodies. And while evidence shows these synthetic particulates arent great for you, the medical community still isnt entirely sure how the plastic specifically affects health, as well as its influence on preexisting conditions like an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. For the first time, however, experts succeeded in visually tracking the movement of microplastics through brain blood vessels in miceand the pile-ups resembled a microscopic car crash.The findings, published in the journal Science Advances by a team at Beijings Peking University, expand on existing research already showcasing microplastics potential neurotoxicity.Nanoscale plastics can breach the blood-brain barrier, [but] how [microplastics] cause brain functional irregularities remains unclear, wrote the studys authors.Researchers relied on a fluorescence imaging technique known as two-photon microscopy to get a clearer look on ingested microplastic movements in real-time. In order to do so, however, they first needed to create a small, transparent window into the skulls of lab mice. They then trained the tool on the direct cranial opening after providing their test subjects with water mixed with tiny spheres of fluorescent polystyrene. Previous studies have recorded an estimated 12 nanograms of microplastics per milliliter of blood in humans, so researchers approximated a proportional amount of polystyrene to deliver to the mice. Still one of the most common plastics, polystyrene is found in many toys, packaging, and home appliances. From there, they waited and watched.According to the study announcement, glowing cells began appearing in brain blood vessels around three hours later. Closer examination suggested they were a combination of neutrophils and phagocytes, two immune system cells responsible for eating harmful foreign objects. Some likely got stuck in the many curves of the smaller blood vessels around the brains cortex. But more plastic-laced cells also stacked like a car crash, explained Peking University biomedical researcher and study co-author, Haipeng Huang.These pile-ups eventually resembled blood clots, similarly minimizing blood flow to the brain anywhere from days to weeks. While some of these microplastic-cell concentrations cleared over time, others were still discernible at the end of the four-week experiment. Get the Popular Science newsletter Breakthroughs, discoveries, and DIY tips sent every weekday. By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.Researchers cautioned in their study, however, that it is still premature to directly apply this mechanism to human research systems. They noted that humans and mice possess different immune, coagulation, cerebrovascular, and cardiovascular systems. The human bodys blood circulation volume is around 1,200 times larger, with wider vascular diameters that likely reduces the potential for microplastic obstructions.At the same time, our narrowest capillary microvessels measure 8-10 nanometersnot far off from the 8-9 nanometer diameters in mice venous vessel terminal branches. Knowing this, some microplastic obstructions are likely to have detrimental consequences for cardiovascular health and may result in more severe adverse effects, especially in patients with underlying conditions similar to myocardial infarction, the researchers caution.Nature noted that previous studies support the latest observations, particularly one that discovered tiny, weathered plastic shards in brain tissue, including blood vessel walls and immune cells, in human bodies donated to research. Experts hope their imagining approach will continue to be used to study how microplastics travel through the body, and what that means for long-term health.
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  • The best subwoofers for 2025
    www.popsci.com
    ShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more Klipsch, SVS, KEF, PolkThe best subwoofers are the unsung heroes of your sound system, delivering deep, impactful bass that you dont just hearyou feel. Whether youre glued to an explosive action scene, grooving to your favorite music, or diving into a virtual battlefield, a quality subwoofer adds depth and weight to your sound stage for a more complete and thrilling audio experience. The right subwoofer doesnt just add visceral bassit improves the performance of your entire system, taking some of the heavy lifting off your loudspeakers for cleaner, more balanced sound, from the deepest lows to the highest highs. If youre here for all you can hear, weve curated the best subwoofers for 2025, balancing performance, features, and value to help you find the perfect match for your system.Best overall: KEF KC62Best value: Polk Signature Elite ES12Best splurge: SVS PB17-Ultra R | EvolutionBest design: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SWBest evolution of a classic:MartinLogan Dynamo 12How we chose the best subwoofersWe looked at dozens of subwoofers across a range of price points, zeroing in on factors like deep, clean bass response, solid build quality, and practical features like room correction and flexible connectivity. We leaned on trusted audio brands with proven track records, prioritizing models that deliver powerful, precise sound whether youre listening to music or watching movies. By blending our own experiences with expert reviews and insights from fellow audiophiles, we landed on subwoofers that stand out for their performance and versatility.The best subwoofers: Reviews & RecommendationsFrom value-packed performers to high-end heavyweights, these subwoofers bring room-shaking bass and refined sound to your entertainment setupperfect for building an epic home theater, enhancing a two-channel hi-fi system, or giving your favorite playlists the low-end punch they deserve.Best overall: KEF KC62Tony Ware Why it made the cut: This tiny sub packs astonishingly deep bassdown to 11 Hz!into a sleek, compact form factor that defies expectations.SpecsDriver: Dual 6.5 Uni-Core force-canceling driversFrequency response: 11 Hz200 HzEnclosure type: SealedAmplification: 1,000W RMS (2x500W RMS)Dimensions: 9.7 H x 10.1 W x 9.8 DPrice: $1,499ProsCompact size with room-filling performanceDual force-canceling drivers eliminate vibrationsUni-Core technology minimizes distortionConsDSP makes integration with KEF powered speakers seamless and almost plug-and-play, but it requires more adjustments with other speakersThe KEF KC62 is a marvel of engineering that proves that big bass can come in small packages. Based on KEFs patented Uni-Core technology (also found in the LS60 Wireless, the surprisingly slimline, persuasively powered towers we love), this ultra-compact 1000W subwoofer packs back-to-back force-canceling 6.5-inch drivers into an enclosure the size of a basketball. This unique design, in which the two drivers share a single magnet system withconcentrically arranged voice coils,conserves space and minimizes cabinet vibrations while producing clean, effortless lows down to an astonishing 11 Hz. A sealed enclosure keeps the bass tight and articulate, prioritizing musicality over sheer physicality, which is ideal for both music and mood-driven movies.Smart features include KEFs origami-inspired P-Flex driver surround (for improved low-frequency performance) and Intelligent Bass Extension (iBX), which dynamically adjusts output to achieve maximum depth without distortion. Add room EQ, accessible through the KEF app, and the KC62 adapts seamlessly to your listening space for optimal results (weve tucked the KC62 in a cubby, flipped a toggle, and it still sounds amazing with the KEF LS50 Wireless II powered speakers). Versatile connectivity options include line- and speaker-level inputs and a line-level out with highpass filtering. Alternately, cut the cord with the optional KEF KW1 wireless adapter kit. (Tricking out a wireless surround system? Our guide will help you get started.)The sleek, modern design blends into any setup without sacrificing impact. While its compact size makes it ideal for apartments and smaller listening rooms, its performance can rival much larger subs. For audiophiles and movie lovers looking to supercharge their audio setup without overwhelming their space, the KC62s combination of precision, power, and stunning design makes it the best all-around choice.Best value: Polk Signature Elite ES12Polk Why it made the cut: Affordable, powerful, and punchy, this solid sub delivers impressive performance that outshines its price tag.SpecsDriver: 12 long-throw wooferFrequency response: 22 Hz250 HzEnclosure type: Ported (dual front-facing ports)Amplification: 300WDimensions: 19 H x 14.3 W x 19 DPrice: $849ProsPorted design produces clean, effortless bassSophisticated phase control allows precision system blendingFront-firing port allows versatile placementConsNo room correction featuresPolks Signature Elite ES12 proves you dont need to break the bank to get great bass. Coming in under a grand, this 12-inch subwoofer, ideal for medium-sized rooms, features Polks Power Port technology, in which its two front-facing ports are engineered to minimize air turbulence by guiding airflow into the listening space using flares and a diffusor. This promotes a more streamlined flow, which means less port noise.DSP nerds will be impressed by the ES12s high-resolution 32-bit floating point processing with group delay-minimizing filters and precision limiters, which produces clearer bass with crisper transients.While the ES12 doesnt offer advanced room correction features found in pricier models, its Time-Smart Phase Control lets you adjust phase from -135 degrees to 180 degrees in 45-degree increments, making system blending effortless for smooth, even sound. And with a narrow, acoustically optimized cabinet and front-firing orientation, the ES12 sounds great even next to walls and on shelves.Got a tiny space and tiny budget to match? Check out Polks Signature Elite ES8 8-inch subwoofer, which will run you a very wallet-friendly $299.Best design: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SWTony Ware Why it made the cut: The RP-1600SW combines bold Klipsch aesthetics with powerful, dynamic bass, with a design that demands attention.SpecsDriver: 16 Cerametallic wooferFrequency response: 14.5 Hz175 HzEnclosure type: Ported (slot port)Amplification: 800W RMSDimensions: 23.4 H x 23.5 W x 27.4 DPrice: $1,399ProsDeep, dynamic bassQQQStylish design with premium materialsConsLarge footprint may not suit smaller roomsIf you want a subwoofer that delivers both jaw-dropping sound and eye-catching style, this flagship model in Klipschs revamped Reference Premiere series, the Klipsch RP-1600SW, hits the mark.Built for large rooms and bold systemsand weighing in at a beefy 110 poundsthe RP-1600SW pairs equally well with movie soundtracks and bass-heavy music, filling your space with low-end power that you can feel. Anchored by a massive 16-inch Cerametallic woofer, designed for exceptional rigidity and feather-light weight for minimal cone breakup and distortion, this stylish sub delivers bass thats as dynamic as it is deep, reaching down to a floor-shaking 14 Hz. Its high-efficiency amplifier features an analog preamp design, which preserves the original signal for cleaner, truer sonic reproduction.The front-firing RP-1600SWs proprietary internal geometry and an Aerofoil front slot port minimize air turbulence for cleaner, tighter output while offering flexibility in placement. Controls are simple: a gain knob, low-pass filter), phase switch, and an on/auto/off toggle.Visually, the RP-1600SW stands out with its sleek black finish and copper driverKlipschs hallmark style. (Install its matte black grille for more subdued visual vibes.) While its large footprint may require some strategic placement (and what subwoofer doesnt if you want it to sound its best, as you can read in our things to consider), the RP-1600SW rewards the effort. With room-shaking performance and stunning style, this is an ideal choice for audiophiles and home theater enthusiasts who demand power and precision in a premium package.For added flexibility, the RP-1600SW supports both RCA and wireless inputs (with the optional WA-2 Wireless Kit), so you can connect it to multiple systems in the same room.Best splurge: SVS PB17-Ultra R | EvolutionSVS Why it made the cut: With thunderous power, sophisticated DSP, and versatile tuning options, this 165-pound bass beast sets the gold standard for high-end performance.SpecsDriver: 17 front-firing high-excursion driverFrequency response: 14-220 Hz (with all ports open)Enclosure type: Ported (three front-facing ports)Amplification: 2,800W RMSDimensions: 25 H x 21.7 W x 30.9 DPrice: $2,999ProsGround-shaking bass with exceptional clarityExtensive tuning options for optimal performanceStunning build quality with premium materialsConsLarge and heavyIf youre looking for a subwoofer that can move mountains, your search ends here. The SVS PB17-Ultra R | Evolution, a reimagined version of the venerable PB16-Ultra,features a massive 17-inch high-excursion driver equipped with dual 8-inch voice coils, each powered by its own mono-block amplifier. This unique design ensures maximum power and precise control, allowing the sub to deliver seismic low-end impact that transforms movies, music, and games into unforgettable experiences.Capable of reaching depths down to 13 Hz, this subwoofer dives into the realm of subsonic bass that you feel as much as you hear. Its powerful 1,600-watt RMS amplifier (with 4,800 watts peak) effortlessly handles even the most demanding audio dynamics, producing thunderous bass that remains distortion-free, even at high volumes. Built for large rooms and demanding listeners, it strikes the perfect balance between raw power and refined control.What makes the PB17-Ultra R | Evolution stand out is its versatility. With its triple-ported enclosure and a trio of port tuning plugs, you can customize performance for your space and listening preferences. A smartphone app controls parametric EQ and DSP settings, letting you dial in crossover, phase alignment, and room presets, using your phones built-in mic to calibrate the sub to your rooms acoustics.While its substantial size and weight can pose challenges for placement, the PB17-Ultra R | Evolution is a statement piece for any audio setup. Available in premium Piano Gloss and Black Oak Veneer finishes, it looks as stunning as it sounds.PB17-Ultra R | Evolution too much boom? Consider its sealed sibling, the SB17-Ultra R | Evolution, which fits in slightly tighter spaces and prioritizes accurate rendering over pure output.Best evolution of a classic: MartinLogan Dynamo 12Tony Ware Why it made the cut: The next-gen Dynamo 12 builds on MartinLogans legacy with refined low-end performance and deep optimization features.SpecsDriver: 12 high-excursion aluminum cone wooferFrequency response: 22 Hz200 HzEnclosure type: SealedAmplification: 800W RMSDimensions: 16.3 H x 15.1 W x 17.4 DPrice: $1,499ProsBalanced, clean bassVersatile forward- or down-firing designAdvanced DSP and room optimization settingsConsDoesnt delve quite as deep as the other models featured hereThe MartinLogan Dynamo 12 updates a beloved subwoofer with a modern twist, combining precise bass performance with advanced digital processing and deep optimization features. Its stiff, lightweight 12-inch anodized aluminum driver, powered by MartinLogans proprietary dual-architecture Magnitude amplifier, delivers bass thats robust and clean, making it equally at home in music systems and home theaters.At the core of its performance is the Vojtko DSP engine, a 64-bit, 500MHz digital signal processing engine that fine-tunes the subwoofers output in real-time. Pair it with optional Anthem Room Correction software for even more precision, adapting response to your rooms unique acoustics. (This requires an ARC calibration microphone and a PC or Mac computer, sold separately).The Dynamo 12s flexible design allows it to function as a front- or down-firing sub, making it easier to fit into your space. Built-in wireless connectivity cuts down on cable clutter, while MartinLogans app lets you adjust settings like volume, DSP mode, and phase right from your couch. Integrated feet improve bass performance while reducing floor and wall vibrations.With its understated design, compact size, and thoughtful engineering, the Dynamo 12 strikes a balance between honoring MartinLogans legacy and meeting the demands of modern audio setups.What to consider when choosing the best subwooferFinding the perfect subwoofer starts with understanding your space, preferences, and technical needsand a little bit about how speakers work. Here are key factors to keep in mind when making your decision:Driver sizeIts all about physics: The lower the sound, the bigger the sound wave, and the larger the driver needed to physically reproduce that sound. Larger drivers produce deeper bass and are better suited for bigger rooms, but they require bigger enclosures. Smaller drivers work well in compact spaces and can still deliver impactful bass, especially when in advanced multi-driver arrangements and paired with advanced technologies like digital signal processing (DSP).Room sizeThe size of your room directly influences your subwoofer choice. Larger spaces with high ceilings or open layouts benefit from subs with bigger drivers (12 inches or more) and higher wattage to move enough air for deep, room-filling bass. Smaller rooms, on the other hand, are well served with compact (8- to 10-inch) subwoofers that deliver tight, balanced sound without overpowering the space or muddying the audio. (Or, of course, you can set up a system that includes two subwoofersan arrangement that doesnt always mean more bass so much as more even distribution.)Power handlingPower handling measures how much wattage a subwoofer can manage, whether its powered (with a built-in amp) or passive (driven by an external amplifier). Higher wattage means more headroom, letting bass stay clean, tight, and distortion-free, even at louder volumes. For both types, focus on continuous (RMS) wattage rather than peak power to get a true sense of performance. Just be sure the power matches your room size and listening habitstoo little wont fill the space, and too much can overwhelm it.Type of enclosureSubwoofers come in sealed or ported (bass reflex) enclosures, each with unique advantages. Sealed enclosures tend to deliver tighter, more controlled bass, the kind preferred by music lovers who value precision. Ported (or vented) designs, on the other hand, generally move more air to produce louder, deeper bass, bringing deep impact to movie soundtracks or bass-heavy tracks. (Some ported models, like the SVS PB17-Ultra R | Evolution, profiled above, come with port plugs that let you customize sonic performance.) Both styles can deliver incredible results, depending on the subs design and your setupat the end of the day, its all about your preferences and how you want bass to shape your sound experience.Room EQ and tuning featuresRoom EQ features help subwoofers adapt to your space, smoothing out peaks and dips caused by tricky room acoustics. Built-in calibration toolsfound in higher-end modelstake some of the guesswork out of placement and deliver clean, balanced bass wherever you set up.Your listening preferencesAre you chasing chest-thumping bass for hip-hop and EDM, ultra-precise low end to elevate acoustic music, or explosive impact on movie night? Subwoofers vary in how they deliver basssome emphasize clarity and tightness, while others focus on deep, room-shaking impact. The best subwoofers, like those profiled here, strike a balance, delivering clean, dynamic bass for music, movies, and more.How to place your subwoofer for the best soundProper subwoofer placement is key to achieving smooth, even bass throughout your room. And finding the ideal spot for your subwoofer isnt always straightforward. You might have heard that you can place a subwoofer anywhere in the room, and thats partially true, but the reality is that your subwoofer will perform better in some spots than others. Bass travels in long waves and interacts with your rooms walls, floors, and layout, creating peaks (boomy spots) and nulls (dead zones) in your room. Finding the sweet spot in your unique space usually involves a bit of trial and error. Thats where the infamous subwoofer crawl comes in.Start by placing your subwoofer in your primary listening spotideally on a chair at ear leveland play a bass-heavy track or movie scene. Then get on the floor (yes, you read that right) and crawl around with your head at subwoofer height, listening for spots where the bass sounds tight, balanced, and consistent. Mark these locations and try moving the sub to each one, testing for the cleanest, most powerful bass. Its a hands-on way to find the placement that delivers smooth, even low-end throughout the room. (Wondering where to put a sub with a soundbar? Weve got you.)FAQsQ: Do subwoofers improve bass? Yes, subwoofers significantly enhance bass by handling low frequencies that regular loudspeakers cant reproduce. They bring bass impact to music, movies, and movies while taking pressure off your main music speakers, allowing those to focus on delivering clearer mids and highs for more balanced overall sound. Q: Do I need an amp if I install a subwoofer? Whether you need an amp depends on the type of subwoofer. Passive subwoofers require an external amplifier to power them, while powered (or active) subwoofers have built-in amplifiers, so you can plug them directly into your system. Most modern subwoofers, like all of the models profiled here, are powered and dont require additional components other than a quality shielded RCA cable, like the AudioQuest Irish Red. Q: Does a bigger driver mean more bass? In general, yes, a bigger driver means more bass. Larger drivers can produce deeper bass because they move more air. However, driver size alone doesnt guarantee better performancefactors like power handling, enclosure design, and room placement all play a role, and a well-designed small sub can still deliver impressive low-end. Final thoughts on the best subwoofersBest overall: KEF KC62Best value: Polk Signature Elite ES12Best splurge: SVS PB17-Ultra R | EvolutionBest design: Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-1600SWBest evolution of a classic:MartinLogan Dynamo 12A great subwoofer doesnt just bring the bassit transforms the way you hear everything. It adds depth, energy, and detail to your favorite songs and scenes, making every note hit harder and every beat land deeper. Whether youre rumbling the room with an SVS monster or optimizing a small space with KEFs compact powerhouse, the best subwoofers strike the perfect balance of power, precision, and performance. Choose the right one and youll experience that clean, powerful bass you crave, taking even the most mindful and demure bookshelf speakers to the next level.
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  • Will bird flu spark a human pandemic? Scientists say the risk is rising
    www.nature.com
    Nature, Published online: 27 January 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00245-6H5N1 is adapting to new mammal hosts, raising the possibility of the virus spreading between humans.
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