Reinforcement learning (RL) trains agents to make sequential decisions by maximizing cumulative rewards. It has diverse applications, including robotics, gaming, and automation, where agents interact with environments to learn optimal behaviors. Traditional RL methods fall into two categories: model-free and model-based approaches. Model-free techniques prioritize simplicity but require extensive training data, while model-based methods introduce structured learning but are computationally demanding. A growing area of research aims to bridge these approaches and develop more versatile RL frameworks that function efficiently across different domains.A persistent challenge in RL is the absence of a universal algorithm capable of performing consistently across multiple environments without exhaustive parameter tuning. Most RL algorithms are designed for specific applications, necessitating adjustments to work effectively in new settings. Model-based RL methods generally demonstrate superior generalization but at the cost of greater complexity and slower execution speeds. On the other hand, model-free methods are easier to implement but often lack efficiency when applied to unfamiliar tasks. Developing an RL framework that integrates the strengths of both approaches without compromising computational feasibility remains a key research objective.Several RL methodologies have emerged, each with trade-offs between performance and efficiency. Model-based solutions such as DreamerV3 and TD-MPC2 have achieved substantial results across different tasks but rely heavily on complex planning mechanisms and large-scale simulations. Model-free alternatives, including TD3 and PPO, offer reduced computational demands but require domain-specific tuning. This disparity underscores the need for an RL algorithm that combines adaptability and efficiency, enabling seamless application across various tasks and environments.A research team from Meta FAIR introduced MR.Q, a model-free RL algorithm incorporating model-based representations to improve learning efficiency and generalization. Unlike traditional model-free approaches, MR.Q leverages a representation learning phase inspired by model-based objectives, enabling the algorithm to function effectively across different RL benchmarks with minimal tuning. This approach allows MR.Q to benefit from the structured learning signals of model-based methods while avoiding the computational overhead associated with full-scale planning and simulated rollouts.The MR.Q framework maps state-action pairs into embeddings that maintain an approximately linear relationship with the value function. These embeddings are then processed through a non-linear function to retain consistency across different environments. The system integrates an encoder that extracts relevant features from state and action inputs, enhancing learning stability. Further, MR.Q employs a prioritized sampling technique and a reward scaling mechanism to improve training efficiency. The algorithm achieves robust performance across multiple RL benchmarks while maintaining computational efficiency by focusing on an optimized learning strategy.Experiments conducted across four RL benchmarksGym locomotion tasks, DeepMind Control Suite, and Ataridemonstrate that MR.Q achieves strong results with a single set of hyperparameters. The algorithm outperforms conventional model-free baselines like PPO and DQN while maintaining comparable performance to DreamerV3 and TD-MPC2. MR.Q achieves competitive results while utilizing significantly fewer computational resources, making it a practical choice for real-world applications. In the Atari benchmark, MR.Q performs particularly well in discrete-action spaces, surpassing existing methods. MR.Q demonstrates strong performance in continuous control environments, surpassing model-free baselines such as PPO and DQN while maintaining competitive results compared to DreamerV3 and TD-MPC2. The algorithm achieves significant efficiency improvements across benchmarks without requiring extensive reconfiguration for different tasks. The evaluation further highlights MR.Qs ability to generalize effectively without requiring extensive reconfiguration for new tasks.The study underscores the benefits of incorporating model-based representations into model-free RL algorithms. MR.Q marks a step toward developing a truly versatile RL framework by enhancing efficiency and adaptability. Future advancements could refine its approach to address challenges such as hard exploration problems and non-Markovian environments. The findings contribute to the broader goal of making RL techniques more accessible and effective for many applications, positioning MR.Q as a promising tool for researchers and practitioners seeking robust RL solutions.Check out the Paper. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our70k+ ML SubReddit.(Promoted) Nikhil+ postsNikhil is an intern consultant at Marktechpost. He is pursuing an integrated dual degree in Materials at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. Nikhil is an AI/ML enthusiast who is always researching applications in fields like biomaterials and biomedical science. With a strong background in Material Science, he is exploring new advancements and creating opportunities to contribute. 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Self-Supervised Learning: The Next Frontier in Machine Learning 0 like January 29, 2025Share this postAuthor(s): Aleti Adarsh Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.Have you ever felt like the world of machine learning is moving so fast that you can barely keep up? Trust me, Ive been there too. One day, its all about supervised learning and the next, people are throwing around terms like self-supervised learning as if its the holy grail of AI. I remember the first time I stumbled across this concept. My initial thought? Oh great, another buzzword. But the more I dug into it, the more I realized this wasnt just hype it was a game-changer.So, what exactly is self-supervised learning? And why are tech giants like Google and Facebook betting big on it? Lets dive in and explore this fascinating topic together.Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let me ask you something: Have you ever wondered how babies learn? They dont come into the world with labeled datasets, right? No one points to an apple and says, This is an apple 10,000 times. They just observe, explore, and figure things out. Thats essentially what self-supervised learning (SSL) is trying to replicate in machines.Unlike supervised learning, where models are trained on labeled data, SSL lets the Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

This article contains plot details from Mythic Quest season 4 episode 2.Through its first three seasons, Mythic Quest has addressed many topics central to the video game industry in which it is set.Bolstered by the involvement of video game publisher Ubisoft as a producing partner, the Apple TV+ comedy has delved into everything from crunch culture (compulsory overtime in game development) to Nazis invading online spaces to the perils of monetization. When it came time to pen the series fourth season, which just premiered its first two episodes to Apple TV+ on January 29, there was clearly one recent trend that warranted commenting on above all else. It was so clear, in fact, that the shows producers Rob McElhenney (who also stars as lead developer Ian Grimm), David Hornsby (who plays executive producer David Brittlesbee), and Megan Ganz all invoke the same word when discussing the topic with Den of Geek. See if you can spot it in the quotes below.Obviously, AI feels like a topic thats ubiquitous right now, whatever industry youre in, Hornsby says. Obviously, [AI] is a huge point of interest across the world. Its also a huge point of interest in the cultural zeitgeist and the gaming industry. Pretending as if it werent would feel inorganic and non-authentic, McElhenney adds.We knew we had to comment on it, Ganz says, breaking the obviously streak. She does go on to deploy the word when discussing how Mythic Quest works with the gaming trends that Ubisoft brings to their attention. A lot of these things you just pull directly into the show with our own little spin on it, obviously. Some others are like no were ignoring that. But AI really felt like one that we had to deal with.AI, or artificial intelligence, is obviously a pretty big deal right now. For better or worse, the big brains in Silicon Valley have identified artificial intelligence as the final frontier in computing technology and the rest of the global economy has followed along in their wake. A truly eye-watering amount of money has been dumped into disparate global projects involving AI, including nearly $18 billion in seed funding to American AI golden child OpenAI alone. Virtually every industry that relies on internet access has had to contend with the disruptive potential of AI in one way or another. Here in the digital media crowd, weve begun to see certain sources experiment with delegating low effort content to algorithms. In Hollywood, strike negotiators worked hard to address how AI would affect actors and writers future earning potential. The gaming industry, which has long utilized various forms of artificial intelligence and machine learning before they became buzzwords, has paid particularly close attention. Its nigh impossible to go a day without fresh headlines involving AI. In fact, the day of the Mythic Quest junket in which these quotes were harvested just happened to coincide with news that China had launched its own effective, and far less expensive, version of a generative AI model, which led to a downturn in the U.S. stock market. While the sheer ubiquity of AI in the tech world made it so that Mythic Quest had almost no choice but to cover it, it also raised the potentiality that viewers would be too exhausted with the whole affair to want to hear more about it, even in a satirical context. The creative team was well aware of that risk. It could very easily be one of those things that people are just sick of hearing about across all of their social media platforms, movies, and television, McElhenney says. We thought how can we do this in a fun and interesting way that would both nod to artificial intelligence and yet not make an entire season about it?'Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!I think the biggest struggle with [AI] was how do we make it funny?' Ganz adds. Because its ultimately going to take a lot of peoples jobs, and its gonna change the industry as we know it.Mythic Quest season 4 finds the answer to that pretty early on. The seasons second episode 1000% finds Ian Grimm and his creative partner Poppy Li (Charlotte Nicdao) utilizing AI not to solve any real problem but simply to annoy the hell out of each other. When the Mythic Quest team realizes they dont have the manpower to moderate their open world game Playpen (which users have turned into a no holds barred orgy), Ian proposes that they give AI a shot. Poppy believes that their AI models are ill-equipped to deal with user-generated content but builds an AI model of her brain anyway to get Ian off her back. Soon Ian has his own AI model as well and the pair come to understand that hell isnt other people its other people who are actually AI renderings of your own personality. People see [AI] as this cure-all for any problem they have. I think putting that onto personal problems between Poppy and Ian was really funny to us because they are incurable, Ganz says. We were like good luck, AI! You go be in charge of that relationship because nobody wants that job.'The first two episodes of Mythic Quest season 4 are available to stream on Apple TV+ now. New episodes premiere Wednesdays, culminating with the finale on March 26.

Blizzard Entertainment | January 29, 2025ShareShareTweet125 CommentsGreetings heroes!In 2025, Overwatch 2 is going to be packed with groundbreaking changes to the PvP experience that will be unlike anything youve seen before, but its going to take more than a blog or a developer update to let you know what we have coming this year. So, on Wednesday, February 12, tune into our YouTube and Twitch channels for a new livestream event, Overwatch 2 Spotlight!Not only we are looking at incredible changes how the game is played, but youll get a glance at new heroes, new maps, and even more content coming this February and beyond. So, be sure to grab your favorite peanut butter flavored snack and tune in on Wednesday, February 12 at 10:00 AM PT!Were also inviting dozens of your favorite Overwatch 2 Content Creators to Blizzard Entertainment in Irvine for a unique chance to get hands-on and livestream the new gameplay you'll see in Overwatch 2 Spotlight. Youll also be able to pick up the Lucio Cyber DJ Legendary Skin as an exclusive drop when you watch one hour of these creators streams. Be sure to link your Twitch or YouTube account to your Battle.net account and then follow and tune-in on their Twitch or YouTube channels. Stay tuned for when we announce who well be joining us for Overwatch 2 Spotlight.We cant wait to have you join us for Overwatch 2 Spotlight on February 12 at 10 AM PT. Lets make a great game!125 Comments

Kitchen pantries are a practical addition to any kitchen design, but that doesnt mean they cant also make a style statement. One of the easiest and fastest ways to upgrade your pantryand make it anything but boringis by selecting or DIY-ing a visually interesting pantry door. From chicken wire insets to reclaimed wood to a simple coat of paint (pick your color from our list of 100 favorites), weve got pantry door ideas that work for every style, skill level, and budget. Not only will these ideas keep that clutter hidden (for the most part), but theyll also ensure your kitchen has never looked better! Get More Ideas for Designing and Organizing Your Kitchen: 1Add Rustic Charm with a Reclaimed DoorDavid Tsay for Country LivingWhile all-white kitchens might be a fan favorite, its time to add a little country charm to them. A reclaimed wood door or planked panel easily adds a rustic layer to crisp, clean spaces. Just be sure its sealed properly if coming in direct contact with food.And...dont forget about the inside of your doors. Here, rail shelving mounted inside the paneled jib door adds extra storage for bottles and boards.RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Buying and Using Reclaimed Wood 2Keep it Classic Par BengtssonIts hard to beat a no-frills Shaker-style paneled door, such as the one leading into in this Texas lake house pantry. Here, simple iron hardware complements the serene and sophisticated color palette. TOUR THIS HOUSEAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below3Opt for a Swinging DoorEric PiaseckiIn hardworking kitchens made for entertaining, go for a swinging door to add elevated, breezy charm. In this airy farmhouse kitchen designed by Historical Concepts, a swinging door with a large glass transom window separates the walk-in pantry and the main kitchen, keeping prep clutter from watchful eyes. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: These Are The Best White Paint Colors, According to Designers4Go DutchHelen Norman for Country LivingDutch doors are typically reserved for external doorways, but who says they cant be used inside? In this farmhouse kitchen (its a new build!), a stained wood dutch door adds a unique spin to the standard walk-in pantry. TOUR THIS HOUSERELATED: 20 More Dutch Door Ideas for an Entryway With Double the Charm Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Add Old-House Character With a Screened DoorJohn Ellis for Country LivingEqual parts playful and practical, a screened door is a delightfully unexpected choice for the pantry. In this California kitchen, the homeowner chose a vintage-inspired silhouette from a big-box hardware store and painted it a showstopping shade of green. Get the Look:For similar, Door Paint Color: Kelly Green by Benjamin Moore TOUR THIS HOUSE6Frost and Etch Glass DoorsJim Westphalen for Country LivingWant your kitchen to feel more like a cafe? Then upgrade your pantry with DIY frosted and etched pantry doors! Adding another layer of visual texture such as this works in any kitchen and gives the space a more intentional feel. RELATED: Keep The Cafe Vibes Going with a Perfectly Styled Coffee BarAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below7Install a Sliding Half-Door Aaron Colussi for Country LivingIf you dont have room for a full or walk-in pantry, convert the top half of your built-in cabinetry into a hardworking storage space for dry goods by installing half doors. For both space saving and easier access, install the doors on a sliding rail, rather than hinges.RELATED: These Expert-Approved Finds Will Keep Your Kitchen Organized for Good8Try Chalkboard PaintVictoria Pearson for Country LivingAre you one of those people who keeps a running grocery list stashed somewhere in the kitchen? If so, then this idea is for you! Instead of a notepad that can easily be misplaced, try something a bit more permanent. Here, chalkboard paint transforms the front of a cabinet face and provides ample writing space. Pair it with a cheery cabinet color to balance out the black. RELATED: Heres Everything Youve Ever Wanted to Know About Refacing Your Kitchen CabinetsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below9Choose Chicken WiregettyLooking to upgrade an existing or salvaged pantry door? Try chicken wire! This budget-friendly material adds farmhouse character with ease. The best part? You dont even have to open the doors to search your stocked shelves! Just be sure to pick a study gauge and opt for wire with smaller holes. Get the Look:Chicken Wire: 40 ft. Roll of Chicken Wire from AmazonRELATED: This Viral TikTok Shelf Organizes Your Under-Sink Space!10Add Farmhouse Flair with a Barn DoorAnnie Schlecter for Country LivingLooking for something to take your farmhouse kitchen to the next level? Try sliding barn doors on your pantry! Whether your doors are reclaimed or out-of-the-box, theyre easy-to-install and add instant country charm. TOUR THIS KITCHENRELATED: These Sliding Barn Door Ideas Will Transform Your HomeAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below11Repurpose a Door-Front CupboardLisa RomereinDont have the space for a built-in pantry? Try an antique cupboard or armoire with double doors! It will still keep your clutter behind closed doors but offers an infinitely chicer alternative. Plus, wood accents are making a long-awaited comeback to the kitchen. 12Try Pull-Out Pantry Doorsmike gartenIf space is at a premium in your kitchen, ditch the typical hinged door and opt instead for a simple panel attached to the front of a set of pull-out shelves. Long shelves that can be viewed from either side maximize visibility and ensure that no space goes unused. RELATED: These Are Our Best Small Kitchen Decorating Ideas EverAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below13Use Unexpected MaterialsGridley + Graves PhotographersIf you love modern farmhouse style, chances are you probably also love shiplap. This type of horizontally stacked wood paneling adds tons of farmhouse charm while still feeling polished, especially if painted in a bright white. RELATED: So, What Is Modern Farmhouse, Exactly? 14Pick an Antique Door With CharacterSara Ligorria-TrampThis narrow swinging door adds timeless charm and visual interest to this barn homes breezy kitchen. The existing PRIVATE sign also adds a cheeky touch. Search architectural salvage stores (in person or online) for a wide variety of one-of-a-kind doors reclaimed from homes, offices, warehouses, churches, and more. RELATED: These Are The 100 Best Places to Buy Antiques Online, According to Our EditorsAdvertisement - Continue Reading Below15Go Door FreeBrian Woodcock for Country LivingHear us out: Sometimes, you just dont need the doors! If you love keeping your pantry picture-perfect, then ditch the doors altogether. Mix up your storage containers and move your prettiest products to the front! TOUR THIS HOUSEAnna LoganSenior Homes & Style EditorAnna Logan is the Senior Homes & Style Editor at Country Living, where she covers design and decorating trends, home features, and gift guides. She also produces home features and styles content for the print magazine. When she isnt working, can often be found digging around antique shops for the perfect find. Follow her adventures on Instagram!

Jon LovetteYou've purchased what you thought was your dream home, but after a few years, you've realized you need a little more space. What can you do? Before you call your real estate agent, consider building an addition to your existing home. While a renovation may be costly, it will save you the hassle of movingand it can help you keep a low mortgage interest rate.Whether you just need an extra bedroom, some more living space, or a full in-law suite, there's likely an addition that can work with your home's layout and your budget. Plus, a home addition can be a worthwhile investment and boost your home's value if you do decide to sell down the road. Here are nine types of home additions to consider, as well as pricing estimates for each.Everything homeowners need to know:1Room Addition (Bump-Out)Jon LovetteCost Estimate: $10,000 to $50,000+Best for: Just about anyoneA room addition, often called a bump-out, involves building a new room attached to your existing layout or expanding an existing room. For instance, you might add a den or guest bedroom to your ground floor or you might expand your kitchen by just a few feet to add a breakfast nook. This type of addition is perfect for homeowners who need just a little extra space in their homeand have room on their lot to add it. Pricing depends on the size of the addition and whether or not you're adding plumbing to itplumbing always raises the price.2SunroomALI HARPERCost Estimate: $5,000 to $80,000+Best for: Plant lovers and sun worshippersA sunroom is a versatile, light-filled space that brings the outdoors in without exposure to the elements. These rooms typically feature large windows and can be used year-round if properly insulated. Of course, a four-season sunroom will cost more than a three-season sunroom, thanks to that additional insulation. One of the most cost-effective ways to add a sunroom to your home is to build it atop an existing deck, provided the deck is structurally sound enough to support it.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below3Garage ConversionBrie WilliamsCost Estimate: $6,000 to $30,000+Best for: Budget-conscious homeownersIf you have a garage that you rarely use for parking, consider converting it into a space that suits your needs. Garages are popularly turned into home gyms, game rooms, or workshops, but if you properly insulate the spaceand get the correct permits for ityou could even convert it into an in-law suite. The best thing about a garage conversion is that it doesn't change the layout of your home, so costs can be kept fairly low. Plus, the renovation doesn't need to completely disrupt your day-to-day life, since it'll be contained to the garage.4Over-Garage AdditionStacy Zarin GoldbergCost Estimate: $10,000 to $40,000+Best for: Homeowners with small lotsDepending on the layout of your home, adding a room over your garage is one way to increase space without adding to your home's overall footprint. This room can be used as a guest suite, home office, or potentially even a rental unit, if your local code allows. Just keep in mind that you'll want to add good insulation all aroundgarages aren't typically well insulated, which means that over-garage rooms can be difficult to heat or cool.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below5Finished BasementChris EdwardsCost Estimate: $4,000 to $75,000+Best for: Homeowners looking to increase property valueIf you already have a basement, but it's not finished, remodeling the space to become livable is one way to significantly boost your home's valueand you can often do it on a budget, too. Turn an underutilized space into a functional area, such as a playroom, home theater, or home office, by adding flooring, drywall, and a drop ceiling. To add a bedroom in the basement, you'll need to make sure there's an exterior door or an egress window in the space.Related Story: How Much Does It Cost to Finish a Basement?6Attic ConversionLaure JolietCost Estimate: $7,500 to $35,000+Best for: Growing families on a budgetDon't have the budget for a full second-story addition? Don't worry. You might have another option. Depending on the style of attic your home already has, you might be able to convert that unused space into something much more practicalsay, an extra bedroom, a home office, or the walk-in closet of your dreams. What's realistically possible all comes down to what your attic space is like, so call up a contractor for an inspection to find out your options.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below7Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)onurdongel//Getty ImagesCost Estimate: $60,000 to $300,000+Best for: Those with lots of guests, whether long-term or short-termAn accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a self-contained living space that's distinct from the primary house on your lot. It can be built as a separate structure, such as a guest house, or as an addition to your existing home, like an in-law suite. But the real key here is that they're self-contained, which means they have a kitchen and bathroom, in addition to a living/sleeping space. Many homeowners use ADUs for rentals or long-term guests, like elderly parents.Related Story: 14 Prefab Tiny Homes That Are So Easy to Install8Conventional AdditionEmily FollowillCost Estimate: $50,000 to $500,000+Best for: Those committed to staying put in their homeA conventional addition typically involves significantly increasing your home's footprint by adding multiple rooms or even entire wings. This type of addition can include new bedrooms, bathrooms, and living spaces, and they can be seamlessly connected to the main house or kept separate as an in-law suite. To build a conventional additional, you'll need lots of room on your lotand a hefty budget. A major cost of this type of addition is the foundation, so the more square feet you add, the more you'll be spending on your foundation.Advertisement - Continue Reading Below9Second-Story AdditionDan Reynolds Photography//Getty ImagesCost Estimate: $100,000 to $300,000+Best for: Growing familiesFor homes with limited lot space, a second-story addition can double your living areabut it'll cost you. This major renovation requires structural reinforcement, and that's often very expensive. That said, all the extra space might be worth it for a growing family that needs an additional bedroom or two with room for an extra bath left over. To save some money, you can also consider just adding a single room on the second floor rather than multiple, depending on your home's layout.

Apples flagship iPhone 16 line launched last fall with a heavy focus on Apple Intelligence. But another new iPhone is coming soon, offering some of the same modern tech but at a much lower cost. Heres when to expect the iPhone SE 4.Next iPhone SE expected to launch in MarchAccording to numerous reports, Apple has set the iPhone SE 4 release date for early this year.More specifically, March 2025 is a safe bet for the launch month.Its rare for Apple to ship big new products in January or February (though last year Vision Pro broke that pattern). The company almost always, however, has launches planned for March and/or April.March is the likeliest date, however, based on reporting from the supply chain regarding the iPhone SE 4 production timeline.For comparison, Apples prior iPhone SE launches occurred on the following dates:iPhone SE 3: March 18, 2022iPhone SE 2: April 24, 2020iPhone SE: March 24, 2017As you can see, Apple has released new iPhone SE models in both March and April, but the only April occurrence was during COVID. It wouldnt at all be surprising if that April launch got pushed back by the pandemic.Features of the new iPhone SE 4When Apples new iPhone SE arrives, it is expected to be a huge upgrade from the current SE model.Here are the feature highlights:Edge-to-edge OLED display with no Home Button, Face ID, and a notchA18 chip, the same one found in the iPhone 168GB of RAMApple Intelligence support48MP camera on par with the iPhone 16USB-C portand the first Apple-designed 5G modemAll of these capabilities will come at a substantially discounted price compared to the iPhone 16.The current iPhone SE starts at $429. Apple may not keep the new SE that low, but expect it to at least get a storage bump over the current offering and start no higher than $499perhaps lower.It may be missing certain nice-to-have features from the more expensive iPhone 16, but the iPhone SE 4 looks set to be the best model for most buyers.Are you interested in buying the new budget iPhone? Whats your expected iPhone SE 4 release date? Let us know in the comments.Best iPhone accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Last year I reviewed the ViewFinity S9, Samsungs 5K monitor that competes directly with Apples Studio Display. In my own words, the ViewFinity S9s big selling point is price. But what about the Studio Display? Is it still a good monitor two years after its launch? Is it worth the price? Thats what Ive been trying to find out for the last few months.Well, as Ive just said, Studio Display is not a new product. Apple introduced it in March 2022 along with the first Mac Studio as an alternative for those who missed something to replace the discontinued 27-inch iMac. After trying Samsungs 5K monitor, I decided it was finally time to give Apples Studio Display a try, even though its not a new product.By now, youre probably familiar with at least some of the tech specs of Apples Studio Display. While I recap them, Ill also explore whether its still worth buying one in 2025.The perfect external Retina Display for your MacIf youre like me, theres no going back after using a Mac with a Retina display. Im not just talking about brightness and colors, but also pixel density. Everything looks super sharp and is a pleasure to look at. I explained a bit about pixel scaling in my ViewFinity S9 review:For context, I currently use a 27-inch 4K monitor from LG. The 4K resolution is noticeably better than 1080p for me, but at 27 inches, I can definitely see that the display isnt as sharp as my Macs display at least not at optimal settings. Thats because Apples Retina displays use HiDPI (High Dots Per Inch) to double the scale of the interface, making everything super sharp.With a 5K display, macOS can render the 25601440 interface at 2x, taking advantage of the full 51202880 resolution at 218 pixels per inch. With my 27-inch 4K display, I either get a scale with larger elements (which makes me lose space for windows) or I lose sharpness at a lower HiDPI.Thats why the Apple Studio Display has 5K resolution.Studio Displays 5K panel can reach up to 600 nits of brightness, which is enough for most environments. My old 4K monitor was limited to 350 nits, so the difference here is quite noticeable. However, there are some aspects in which Studio Display could be better.Unlike the more expensive Pro Display XDR, which has local dimming to adjust the brightness in specific areas of the screen, Studio Display has an LED-backlit LCD panel. Although the contrast is better than on most LCD monitors, Studio Display doesnt show real blacks. In fact, it doesnt support HDR either something that almost every iPhone and iPad does nowadays.For some people, the fact that the Studio Display is limited to 60Hz is also a drawback. Personally, I dont mind that much and my MacBook Pro connected to it has a 120Hz display. Of course, I agree that a future version of Studio Display should support a 120Hz refresh rate.What makes Apples Studio Display differentAt the same time, Studio Display has some unique features that make me love it, starting with its build quality. Samsungs ViewFinity S9 has an excellent 5K panel, and its very similar to the one from Apple. However, Studio Displays build quality is undeniably better.Using a Studio Display is like using a Mac. The monitor is entirely made of metal instead of plastic, which makes its design much more elegant and robust. Its great not to have a monitor that wobbles every time I hit my desk. Samsung tried to fix this by adding a metal base to its plastic monitor, but it wasnt enough. I can adjust the angle of the Studio Display with just one finger and it remains steady without wobbling.The shiny glass cover also makes a huge difference to me. Im not a fan of matte screens as I prioritize color accuracy. Although Studio Display has a more expensive version with a matte screen (known as nano-texture), the base model comes with a glossy screen. Honestly, I think this makes it look even more premium.But theres another aspect in which Studio Display is unbeatable, and thats sound quality. Ive never used a monitor with built-in speakers as good as those from Apple. Studio Display has six speakers capable of reproducing Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. The sound is probably more immersive than what comes from my TV by default. Theres simply no competition here.The three USB-C ports on the back are a great addition, so you can use the monitor as a Dock. Since it connects to your Mac via a single Thunderbolt cable that can also power MacBooks, it also makes your desk look cleaner.As a bonus, the Studio Display also comes with microphones and a built-in camera. The microphones are decent and the webcam isnt the best (it was heavily criticized when Apple launched the Studio Display). A better webcam in a future version would be a welcome change.Do I regret buying one? Is it worth buying?After all, is it still worth buying a Studio Display? Well, it really depends on your needs and what you expect from an external monitor.At $1,599 in its base version without the height-adjustable stand ($1,379 at Amazon), Studio Display is certainly an expensive product. At the same time, theres almost no competition for it. You can find OLED monitors with deeper blacks or monitors with higher refresh rates than the Studio Display, but none of them have the same build quality and excellent speakers as the Studio Display.If you just want a 5K monitor for a true HiDPI experience with macOS, there are good options like Samsungs ViewFinity S9 and the recently announced Asus ProArt 5K Display. But if you really care about having a monitor that truly complements your Mac in every other respect (and if you can afford it), Studio Display is the right choice.I dont regret buying a Studio Display in 2025, even with the chance of Apple introducing a new model in the next few months or year. It was expensive and it could be a better product in some ways, but it was the only one that really fulfilled all my needs for an external monitor.Read also:Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Musician and mother of three of billionaire Elon Musk's children Claire "Grimes" Boucher seems to have spent a little too much time with her head buried in the sand.In a ringingly disingenuous statement on X-formerly-Twitter, Boucher attempted to "address a certain toxicity in the Grimes fandom," arguing that "I very much denounce Nazi-ism and white supremacy" in light of "persistent trolls on Reddit" that have been "pushing this white supremacy/ Nazi thing."The timing of the statement is particularly eyebrow-raising since it was posted a week after the father of her children performed not one but two Hitler salutes at president Donald Trump's inauguration, followed up by a barrage of Holocaust jokes."I am sorry I didn't take this more seriously sooner, I did not realize the extent of the issue," she wrote, referring to the alleged trolls. "But it has come to my attention from some of y'all that this has been creating a lot of trouble."When another user (whose account has since been taken down) pointed out that she seems to be "friends with a lot of alt-right white supremacist nazi adjacent folks" a clear reference to the father of her children and his ardent supporters Boucher played dumb."Who?" she responded, ignoring her proximity to Musk.A screenshot of the bewildering exchange was met with disbelief on X-formerly-Twitter."Love her music but she's dumb as a bag of rocks," one user tweeted."She really... requires an unusual level of intellectual assistance," another wrote.It's anyone's guess what mix of performative cluelessness, fame-chasing trollishness, and Stockholm syndrome motivated Boucher's latest posts.But one thing's for sure: she's repeatedly apologized for her ex-boyfriend's extremely troubling behavior. She has gone as far as to defend Musk's gaming skills, despite him being caught red-handed while blatantly cheating. Boucher also hurried to Musk's defense after he implied that black firefighters were to blame for the devastating fires in Los Angeles.Musk's abhorrent behavior during Trump's inauguration, which has since been denounced by much of the rest of the world, doesn't appear to have fully registered in Boucher's mind."Am sad at the division in the world rn," she wrote in her statement. "And I'm rly sorry anyone who has had to see super toxic negative things in the Grimes fandom on my behalf."It's not the first time Boucher has weighed in on Musk after his public flirtations with fascism, even if she seems hazy on the takeaway."It's absurd that someone can be this canceled for something their ex did before they even heard it happened," she wrote in a January 21 tweet, a day after Musk performed two Hitler salutes."I am not him. I will not make a statement every time he does something. I can only send love back into a world that is hurting.""I'm happy to denounce Nazi-ism and the far alt-right," she added in a follow-up.Where Boucher and Musk stand as of right now remains unclear. The pair have been involved in an ugly custody battle over their children.In November, Boucher denied having moved into Musk's "compound" designed for his children and mothers but once again defended Musk."The rockets must fly, and I will support that cause to my dying breath," she tweeted at the time, referring to Musk's space venture SpaceX. "But we are not together anymore, as this story implies."More on Grimes: Grimes Defends Elon Musk While Fleeing Fire He's Blaming on WokeShare This Article

Image by Tom Brenner for The Washington Post / Scott Olson via Getty / FuturismWhen announcing his 2024 candidacy, now-president Donald Trump called for the United States to execute drug dealers but that was before he appointed one to run the country's highest health agency."We're going to be asking everyone who sells drugs, gets caught selling drugs, to receive the death penalty for their heinous acts,"Trump said in November 2022 during a speech at his Mar-a-Lago mansion in Palm Beach, Florida. "Because it's the only way."Before even beginning his second presidency which also saw him pardoning the world's most influential drug dealer, Silk Road founder Ross Ulbricht, on his second day back in the Oval Office Trump contradicted his own barbaric stance by promising to nominate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. to lead the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).As the onetime presidential hopeful now sits for his Senate confirmation hearings, it feels pertinent to bring back up that the anti-vax kook slated to lead HHS not only allegedly ground up animals for showback during his drug days, but also was reputedly a dealer himself.Last August, author and Spy magazine cofounder Kurt Andersen recounted meeting "Bobby Kennedy," as he was called then, at Harvard in 1972 in an essay for The Atlantic. He'd heard about the political scion through a friend when he was looking to score some cocaine, and went to Kennedy's dorm room to do so and in the process, met his brother Joe, the future congressman."I paid him, I believe, $40 in cash. It was a lot of money, the equivalent of $300 today," Andersen wrote. "But cocainebought from aKennedyaccompanied by aKennedy brother the moment of glamour seemed worth it."The author said it was the first and last time he ever bought coke from anyone. (After the sale, Kennedy called him to demand the return of the straw they'd used to snort the powdered substance, which according to Kennedy had "crystalsinside it, man,growing.")"In retrospect, it has seemed to me a tiny illustration of the child as the father of the man he became: fantastical pseudoscientific crusader, middle-aged preppy dick who takes selfies with barbecued dogs and plays pranks with roadkill bear cubs he didnt have time to eat," Andersen mused.Kennedy has never admitted to selling drugs, though he was arrested and convicted in South Dakota roughly a decade later for heroin possession.The allegedly brain-wormed politico ultimately kicked the habit in 1984, right before one of his other brothers, David, died of an overdose. In the 40 years since, he's been frank about his fight with addiction and used it as a jumping-off point for some of his more outlandish claims, including that prescription ADHD meds and anti-depressants are "damaging" young people.Much like his probably-boss, Kennedy also has a ruthless-sounding scheme for handling people addicted to prescription drugs: sending them to so-called "wellness farms" that sound very much like labor camps.A few weeks ago, we would have said that the prospect of executing drug dealers and sending addicts to concentration camps sounded impossible but given how things have gone since Trump was re-inaugurated, we're not so sure anymore.More on the future HHS secretary: RFK Jr., Who Hates Adderall, Says Heroin Was Great for Treating His ADHDShare This Article