• How much does a Super Bowl commercial cost in 2025?
    www.fastcompany.com
    Fast Company senior editor Jeff Beer breaks down the price of what a Super Bowl campaign actually costs. Is it still worth it?
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  • NYC shuts down live poultry markets over bird flu outbreak
    www.fastcompany.com
    All live poultry markets in New York City and some of its suburbs were ordered Friday to close for a week after the detection of seven cases ofavian flu, which has also hit farms nationwide, led to the slaughter of millions of birds and driven up egg prices.Gov. Kathy Hochul said there is no immediate threat to public health and that the temporary closure of bird markets in the city and its Westchester County and Long Island suburbs comes out of an abundance of caution. No cases ofavian fluhave been detected among humans in New York, officials said.The order came after birds infected with the virus were found during routine inspections of live bird markets in the New York City boroughs of the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens.The U.S.Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhas said the virus poses low risk to the general public. The agency said there have been 67 confirmed cases of bird flu in humans in the U.S., with illnesses mild and mostly detected among farmworkers who were exposed to sick poultry or dairy cows.Thefirst bird flu death in the U.S. was reported last month in Louisiana, with health officials saying the person was older than 65, had underlying medical problems and had been in contact with sick and dead birds in a backyard flock.In New York, live bird markets where the virus was detected have to dispose of all poultry in a sanitary manner, according to the states order. Other bird markets that do not have cases will have to sell off remaining poultry within three days, clean and disinfect and then remain closed for at least five days and be inspected by state officials before reopening.Ahead of the mandatory disposal order for markets with no cases, employees at La Granja, a halal-certified poultry market in Manhattans Harlem neighborhood, raced to sell the remainder of its inventory: around 200 live chickens of different varieties, along with turkeys, quail, ducks, roosters, pigeons and rabbits.Any remaining animals would be slaughtered and given away to employees and longtime customers, according to Jose Fernandez, the owner.Were going to lose money, for now, he said. But the law is the law. They know what theyre doing.The H5N1 strain of bird flu has been spreading among wild birds, poultry, cows and other animals. Officials have urged people who come into contact with sick or dead birds to wear respiratory and eye protection and gloves when handling poultry.More than 156 million birds nationwide have been affected by the outbreak, many at large farming operations that have had to slaughter their entire flocks.Despite growing attention on the avian flu, New York Citys poultry markets appeared to be doing brisk business Friday.Outside the Wallabout Poultry market in Brooklyn, a line of customers took numbers and picked their chickens, which employees snatched from crowded cages, weighing them upside down, before bringing them to a backroom to be slaughtered.Im not worried about any bird flu, said Stan Tara, a 42-year-old Brooklyn resident, as he purchased a large chicken for $22.50. Its the same as you buy from the supermarket. A little more expensive, but at least its fresh.Some animal rights groups, meanwhile, questioned the purpose of a state order that allowed the markets to continue selling fowl, rather than shutting them down immediately.The public is going into markets where no one knows if there are outbreaks of avian flu, then taking home dead birds that may or may not be infected, said Edita Birnkrant, executive director of NYCLASS, which has long raised alarms about conditions within the citys roughly 70 live animal markets. Its ludicrous.U.S. egg prices are likely to remain high past Easter and well into 2025, largely because of avian flu, according to CoBank, a Denver-based provider of loans and other financial services to the agriculture sector.The highly contagious virus has affected nearly 100 million egg-laying hens in the U.S. since 2022.But CoBank said other factors are also causing supply constraints and driving up prices, such as skyrocketing consumer demand for eggs in recent years. Fast-growing breakfast and brunch chains like First Watch are also eating up supplies.Jake Offenhartz, Associated PressAssociated Press writers Anthony Izaguirre and Dee-Ann Durbin contributed to this report.
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  • Toshiba REGZA AI Engine: Advancing Home Entertainment Through AI
    www.yankodesign.com
    Toshiba has been a consistent presence in television manufacturing, continuously refining its technology to enhance the home viewing experience. The REGZA AI Engine, particularly the latest REGZA Engine ZRi, represents a significant evolution in television technology. By incorporating artificial intelligence and machine learning, this advanced processor improves picture and audio quality in real-time, adapting to various content types, user preferences, and environmental conditions. Unlike traditional television processors that operate based on static settings, the REGZA AI Engine dynamically adjusts visuals and sound through ongoing scene analysis, providing an optimized experience for viewers.Designer: ToshinaAI-Powered Picture OptimizationThe REGZA Engine ZRi is designed to deliver exceptional picture quality by intelligently analyzing every frame and making precise adjustments to resolution, contrast, color accuracy, and brightness. This AI-driven approach ensures that all types of content, from streaming services to live television, are displayed with clarity and vibrancy.One of the key features of this technology is 4K AI Upscaling, which enhances lower-resolution content to appear sharper and more detailed on high-resolution screens. Unlike traditional upscaling methods, which simply stretch and sharpen images, Toshibas AI-powered approach reconstructs fine details by using deep learning to predict and fill in missing visual information. This results in a more authentic and natural-looking image, even when watching older or lower-quality video sources.The Dolby Vision IQ and HDR 10+ Adaptive support further enhance the viewing experience by dynamically adjusting brightness and contrast based on ambient lighting conditions. With these technologies, dark scenes remain detailed and visible without overexposure, and bright sequences maintain clarity without appearing washed out. Whether watching a cinematic blockbuster or a high-action sports event, the REGZA AI Engine ensures the best possible visual quality in any lighting environment.Additionally, AI Picture Optimizer detects the type of content being displayedsuch as movies, live sports, or animationand automatically adjusts color saturation, contrast levels, and sharpness to optimize for that specific category. This feature ensures that vibrant hues in animated films remain true to their intended palette while maintaining a more natural color balance for live-action footage.Intelligent Sound Engineering with AIBeyond just enhancing visuals, the REGZA AI Engine brings significant advancements to audio processing, delivering an immersive and cinematic sound experience. Traditional televisions often rely on static audio settings that do not adjust based on the type of content or the acoustic environment. In contrast, Toshibas AI-powered audio processing dynamically optimizes sound based on real-time analysis.The REGZA Power Audio Extreme system enhances depth and clarity by using psychoacoustic bass enhancement technology. This technology adjusts low-frequency sounds to create a richer and more powerful auditory experience. This is particularly noticeable in action movies and live concerts, where deep bass tones contribute to the overall impact of the scene.Additionally, AI Sound Calibration intelligently balances high, mid, and low frequencies depending on the content being played. For dialogue-heavy content, the AI emphasizes speech clarity, ensuring that voices remain crisp and intelligible without being overshadowed by background music or sound effects. For action sequences and live sports, the AI enhances spatial audio, making the audience feel immersed in the scene.Another key feature is Room Acoustic Optimization, which uses a built-in radar sensing system to analyze the rooms dimensions and adjust the sound output accordingly. This means that regardless of where a viewer is sitting, the television optimizes the audio projection to ensure a balanced and immersive experience.Redefining Visual and Audio Perception Through Smart TechnologyThe Toshiba TV X9900 delivers lifelike visuals through millions of self-luminous pixels that detect nearby colors. It offers 4K quality with Full HD content revealing details that were previously unnoticed. From nature documentaries to sports broadcasts, the televisions color and shadow reproduction transports viewers to remarkable visual landscapes. REGZA Power Audio Extreme provides immersive sound, while its psychoacoustic bass enhancement technology intelligently adjusts frequencies, creating a powerful auditory experience that transforms entertainment.Toshiba continues to push innovation in smart home entertainment, ensuring its AI-driven technologies evolve alongside consumer expectations. With REGZA Intelligence, viewers can experience adaptive enhancements that improve every aspect of their television use. The companys ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality visuals, intelligent sound calibration, and AI-powered enhancements set a new benchmark for immersive entertainment.The post Toshiba REGZA AI Engine: Advancing Home Entertainment Through AI first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • An Abandoned Water Tower From The 1960s Was Converted Into A Brutalist & Luxurious Holiday Home
    www.yankodesign.com
    This truly exciting and ambitious project is an initiative to repurpose an abandoned brutalist water tower. Over four years, a dedicated family collaborated to transform the 1960s relic into an sophisticated vacation getaway. The interior is artfully crafted to fit the towers circular architecture while offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. It stands at a maximum height of 75 feet (23 meters) and was originally designed by Edmund Percey in 1964. It was built to store 50,000 gallons (almost 230,000 liters) of fresh water for the nearby villages of Tonwell and Sacombe Park in Hertfordshire, England.Designer: Matthew GreyThe transformation was handled by industrial designer Matthew Grey, with the support of his wife Ali and their children. The project was selected for Airbnbs OMG! Fund. The family put together 10,500 lb of windows, 7.38 US tons of plasterboard, and 1.1 miles of metal framing to convert the reinforced concrete structure into a home, not to mention a whole bunch of blood, sweat, and tears.First we cut concrete, said Grey. Then we scaffolded to the first story and built the floors above, off the floors below. We purchased a 21-m [68-ft] scissor lift. We fixed the roof and renovated the superstructure. We installed [structural] steels, cut more holes and demolished. We ran the services. We built a 20-m [65-ft] staircase, by hand, step by step; then we built another. We lifted everything, first on ladders, then on ropes, then on a hoist, and finally on the scissor lift; loading everything we could, as soon as we could, and then we closed up.The interior of the water tower is thoughtfully arranged to make the most of its distinctive structure. The lower floors function as practical living spaces, including a home office, storage area, laundry room, reception area, and bedrooms, all designed to utilize the available space efficiently. As you move up the tower, you reach the star attraction of the conversion an expansive open-plan living area that combines the kitchen, dining, and living spaces on the fourth floor, where the old water tank once resided. This level features generous floor-to-ceiling glazing, which elegantly frames the panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.The decor throughout the tower is tasteful and sophisticated, skillfully blending original period Danish and British furniture with modern conveniences such as a projector TV and a high-quality stereo system. The tower includes energy-efficient features like triple glazing to enhance insulation, a Daikin air filter, a heat pump, underfloor heating, and a robust weapons-grade fire system that prioritizes safety. These modern amenities combined with the aesthetic charm of classic furnishings, create a unique living experience that offers some history with contemporary luxury.One glaring issue we can notice in the building is that the spiral stairs arent suitable for someone with disabilities. However, the designer is exploring a custom elevator system to address this issue in the future.The post An Abandoned Water Tower From The 1960s Was Converted Into A Brutalist & Luxurious Holiday Home first appeared on Yanko Design.
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  • The Best Samsung Galaxy S25 Cases and Accessories (2025), Tested and Reviewed
    www.wired.com
    You just spent a lot of money on a new Samsung phone. Keep it safe with these cases and screen protectors.
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  • 2025: The Year of the AI App
    www.wired.com
    The real competition in AI isnt about foundation models. Its about apps built on top of those models.
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  • Right-Wing Crusade Against USAID Has Been Fueled by Falsehoods
    www.nytimes.com
    As the Trump administration works to dismantle the aid agency, right-wing influencers have flooded the internet with falsehoods about its work.
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  • A.I. Military Start-Up Anduril Close to Deal That Would Value Company at $28 Billion
    www.nytimes.com
    The Southern California start-up, which builds flying drones and missiles, is set to raise up to $2.5 billion.
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  • iPhone SE 4 -- All the rumors about Apple's next budget-friendly device
    appleinsider.com
    The fourth-generation iPhone SE is set to bring about a multitude of visual and functional changes taken from earlier iPhone models. Here's what to expect from Apple, as soon as next week.Apple's iPhone SE 4 could debut in February 2025.For the past two iterations, Apple's iPhone SE has maintained a dated look, with thick bezels and a Touch ID Home button that make it virtually indistinguishable from an iPhone 8. All of that is set to change quite soon, as the budget-friendly iPhone SE is going to receive its first major redesign in years.Alongside its new design, the iPhone SE 4 will gain a variety of new hardware features, many of which are carry-overs from more recent iPhone models. With every iPhone release, however, it becomes difficult for the average person to know what to expect with the fourth-generation iPhone SE. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums
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  • The iconic "Cullen House" from the Twilight series is now a LEGO set
    archinect.com
    The Hoke House in Portland, Oregon, famous for serving as the Cullen House in the Twilight movie series, is now a LEGO set. Designed by Portland-based architecture firm Skylab Architecture and built in 2007, the Hoke House injects an iconic example of contemporary architecture into the LEGO Architectural Series.Image: JeremyBittermannThe new set was inspired by LEGO enthusiast Nick Micheels, who submitted the Twilight-themed proposal to Lego Ideas, a global contest that allows people to create their own sets that are voted on by fans.Image: LEGOIncluded in the set are seven figures representing various characters from the film, including Edward Cullen and Bella Swan, as well as interior spaces, such as an infirmary, kitchen, living space, and library. The homes distinct treehouse-like form, along with its collection of floor to ceiling openings and decks are reflected in the set.Image: LEGOImage: LEGOIts an honor to see our work resonate with so many people, said Skylab found...
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