Image: KonamiThe latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived, and it's bringing new games galore to the eShop in your region. As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy!Switch eShop - New Releases2222 Abyss of the Universe (D-O, 20th Feb, $9.99) - It's a casual gamejust press a button and you're off! Collect rings of fuel and travel far and wide!Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube796kWatch on YouTube Anime Dance-Off Space Party (EpiXR Games, 20th Feb, $9.99) - In this captivating adventure, you'll have the chance to dance alongside your favorite characters through 35 mesmerizing levels, each offering two distinct difficulties to challenge and delight players of all skill levels.Arcade Archives KITTEN KABOODLE (HAMSTER, 13th Feb, $7.99) - "KITTEN KABOODLE" is an action game released by KONAMI in 1988. The main character is a cute cat! The objective is to defeat enemies, collect keys, and advance to the next stage. Sometimes you can find the entrance to the secret stages. You may find various ways to play, such as shopping at secret stores or getting rich at the casino!Bee Flowers (Afil Games, 19th Feb, $4.99) - Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Bee Flowers, a delightful puzzle game where you guide busy bees through hexagonal grids to pollinate vibrant fields of flowers. With its relaxing mechanics and progressively challenging puzzles, the game offers the perfect blend of strategy and serenity.Bing in Wonderland Power Up Edition (indienova, 20th Feb, $14.99) - Bing in Wonderland is a fast-paced 2D action-platformer roguelike featuring quirky and humorous dialogue, a bizarre and imaginative world, a variety of unique enemies and environments, and a deep arsenal of weapons and equipment.Build Lands (Silesia Games, 20th Feb, $3.99) - Theres nothing quite like a bit of creative, relaxing fun in the form of block-building ^^ Reconstruct three sets of islands in the Build Lands mode, or build and share your own ones in the Land Editor! With a wide choice of blocks, the sky (and island size) is the limit to what you can make! Will it be pretty mountain cabins, castle premises, forests or something else entirely?Cabernet (Akupara Games, 20th Feb, $19.99) - Cabernet is a 2D narrative RPG set in a 19th century Eastern European inspired world, with a modern twist. Guide Liza, a young vampire struggling with her morality and the supernatural world she has been pulled into. Will you retain your humanity or descend further into the horror you have become?COSMIC FANTASY3 (Edia, 13th Feb, $26.50) - The third game in the series, the midpoint of the five titles, is a commemorative title that can be said to be the origin of cosmic fantasy.COSMIC FANTASY4 Prelude to Legend (Edia, 13th Feb, $26.50) - The prologue to the series' final chapter. New to this game is an adventure part, which adds depth to the puzzle solving. In battle, you can enjoy strategy with a new system of action parameters that allow you to attack more powerfully by accumulating a gauge.COSMIC FANTASY4 Vans Return (Edia, 13th Feb, $26.50) - In this work, the Little Fox team of Van, Rim, and Pick play the leading roles in the story. At the end, the Algernon team also assembles, bringing the final chapter to a close!Crime Opera Fandisk: The Caterpillar Candids (eastasiasoft, 26th Feb, $2.99) - In this new anthology release of Crime Opera, explore a variety of short stories that take place before, during and after the events of the original visual novel, all presented in beautifully crafted hand-drawn style to convey the drama, emotion and gritty truth surrounding characters lives in the criminal underworld.Crime Opera II: The Floodgate Effect (eastasiasoft, 26th Feb, $14.99) - Experience a new chapter in the mafia tale surrounding the Gallos family! This story begins 9 years after the original. Xander Gallo is now bitter, alone and out of control. Hes causing problems for not only other families within the syndicate but also for younger Gallo members as well.DAMN (7 Raven Studios, 21st Feb, $6.99) - DAMN! is an electrifying twin-stick shooter that propels you into a whirlwind of action and intensity. Dive into an immersive experience with lightning-fast gameplay that will keep your adrenaline pumping and your reflexes sharp. Campaign Mode: Embark on an epic journey through 25 meticulously crafted missions, each presenting unique challenges and objectives.Desvelado (Purple Play, 20th Feb, $9.99) - Desvelado is the first Bed-Time-Vania game in history! Help our hero Vampy fight insomnia one last time by turning off every light in the castle before going to sleep in his cozy coffin.Die by Anything (Dojo System, 21st Feb, $9.99) - Survive a normal day in the life of an ordinary student! Welcome to this peculiar world where death lurks around every corner! Make the decisions that will make you have a peaceful day or die in a cruel, absurd or surprising way!EGGCONSOLE Burai: Jokan PC-8801mkIISR (D4 Enterprise, 20th Feb, $6.49) - Burai : Jkan is an RPG released by Riverhill Soft in 1989 in Japan. It features eight brave heroes, including pirates, fortune-tellers, and the leader of the dragon clan, and follows their heroic adventures. With as many as eight protagonist-level characters, it can be hard to become emotionally invested.Flames of Damnation (Grizzly Games, 15th Feb, $7.99) - Dive into a relentless adrenaline-pumping action game with Flames of Damnation, where classic 90s shooter elements collide with modern mechanics! Inspired by legendary titles of the genre, this game offers a challenge you wont forget.Galagi Shooter Ultimate Blast (Pix Arts, 22nd Feb, $7.99) - Blast through waves of relentless alien invaders across intense, action-packed levels, each culminating in epic boss battles that will test your reflexes and strategy. Upgrade your ship, master advanced maneuvers, and unleash devastating firepower to reclaim the galaxy!I See Red (RedDeer.Games, 26th Feb, $10.99) - I See Red is a twin-stick shooter that will put you in the shoes of Matthew Taurus, who is looking to get revenge on his tormentors. In fact, he is so focused on his quest that he stops paying attention to anything else except his targets, constantly glowing RED.Jump YOU+ (G-MODE, 13th Feb, $2.99) - The rumored 'Jump YOU' has powered up! Now with multiplayer and score rankings, it's even more fun! This is an enhanced version of the mini-game 'Jump YOU,' featured in 'KUUKIYOMI 4: Consider It.Jumper Jon (Ogre Pixel, 25th Feb, $9.99) - Jumper Jon is a 30-second metroidvania-style platforming adventure! Jon is a tiny devil who lives in Limbo. One day, something fell from above and caused a big impact. Jon decided to explore and found it was a girl named Jane. Together, they will discover the source of the imbalance between good and evil on Earth and fight against it.Jupiter Hell (Hyperstrange, 20th Feb, $24.99) - Do you miss the good old days when games weren't holding your hand? Then you're in the perfect place. In Jupiter Hell - Action follows your every move. When you act, your enemies act. But when you die. You die for good.Kanon (PROTOTYPE, 14th Feb, $29.99) - Kanon is the debut work from the visual novel studio Key, known for titles such as AIR, CLANNAD, Little Busters! and many more. It received great acclaim and was even adapted into an anime series. Enjoy this tale of small miracles that occur in a northern town, now available on the Nintendo Switch!Lone Fungus (Clickteam, 21st Feb, $19.99) - Lone Fungus is a true Metroidvania set in a world built by mushrooms where you play as the last mushroom alive. Explore an ancient world, acquire new abilities and discover secrets! Explore ten distinct areas, each with its own unique set of challenges.Lulus Temple (Ratalaika Games, 21st Feb, $4.99) - Play as a curious archaeologist who foolishly traps himself inside a temple after stumbling his way in. Use your powerful gun to blast the undead and your torch to light your path ahead.Marrons Day (RAWRLAB GAMES, 20th feb, $9.99) - Play as a curious archaeologist who foolishly traps himself inside a temple after stumbling his way in. Use your powerful gun to blast the undead and your torch to light your path ahead.Mimi the Cat: Meow Together (Afil Games, 20th Feb, $4.99) - Mimi the Cat: Meow Together is the cutest puzzle adventure you'll ever play! Get ready for a purr-fect mix of strategy, laughs, and irresistible feline charm. Whether you're flying solo or teaming up with a friend in local co-op, your goal is simple (but oh-so-challenging): help Mimi and her fluffy friends solve puzzles and find their cozy beds.Ninja Five-O (KONAMI, 25th Feb, $24.99) - One of the most sought-after titles for the Game Boy Advance, Ninja Five-O (also known as Ninja Cop) is an action platformer game that tasks hero Joe Ostugi with eliminating a terrorist group corrupted by a set of mystical masks. This re-release features the true-to-release controls and playability that the Carbon Engine is known for, along with rewind features to put players in control of the game.Ninja Issen () : The Scroll of Dimension (CFK, 20th Feb, $14.99) - Welcome to Lust Angels! Lust Angels is a cyberpunk setting covered with neon signs and holograms. Our fugitive must navigate this metropolis filled with violence, danger, and chaos. Will Kiba ever be able to survive. . . ? !Paint by Cubes (Last Qubit, 14th Feb, $4.99) - Paint by Cubes is a colorful puzzle solving game. Take control of a painting cube and move in 4 possible directions, where each direction is locked to a particular color. Enter a field from a direction with a matching color to paint it and initiate special mechanics connected to it.Piczle Cross: Rune Factory (RAINYFROG, 20th Feb, $11.99) - Based on the world and characters of Rune Factory 3 Special, 4 Special and 5, work your way through hundreds of puzzles. Complete puzzles to unlock the real-world counterparts and use them to customise your farm, plant vegetables, recruit monsters, and choose your farm location to create your own unique Rune Factory 3D scene!Please Be Happy (Sometimes You, 21st Feb, $15.99) - Please Be Happy is a comfy, slice-of-life visual novel set in a fictional version of Wellington, New Zealand. Featuring over 220,000 words, character designs and CG's by Kobuta, with additional art by adirosa, 2 different routes with 2 happy endings each, full English voice acting, a brand new original soundtrack by Sarah Mancuso.Pro Wrestler Story (Kairosoft, 20th Feb, $12.00) Take control of your very own pro wrestling team, building up your members to seize the title of undisputed industry best! Diet, training, even the occasional R&Revery facet counts when you're going for gold!Rabbit Raid (Sometimes You, 26th Feb, $9.99) - Collect berries, find secrets with bonuses, throw objects at enemies or jump on them to win. Find secret stars and change costumes. Defeat the bosses and get to the last one to save the little rabbits from captivity. Explore green fields, caves, rivers, snowy mountains, icy lakes, deserts and ruins.Shadowforge Chronicles (Grizzly Games, 22nd Feb, $7.99) - Shadowforge Chronicles is a dark fantasy first-person shooter where magic and weaponry become your only allies in the fight against ancient forces of evil. Experience dynamic gameplay, an engaging storyline, and unique mechanics that make every playthrough unforgettable.Spot the Odd Pictogram! (MASK, 20th Feb, $2.99) - Can you find the odd one out? In this exciting spot-the-difference challenge, one pictogram character is moving differently from the rest. Your mission is simple: find it before time runs out!Star of Providence (Bigmode, 20th Feb, $14.99) - Descend into the facility and seek out power eternal in this tough-as-hell, shoot 'em up masterpiece! Engage in pulse-pounding battles with over 120 enemies in an ever-shifting gauntlet loaded with oncoming bullets and game-changing powerups! Only the most hardcore will survive!Stickman Odyssey (Gametry, 14th Feb, $2.99) - Embark on an epic journey with the nimble and fearless stickman in Stickman Odyssey! This fast-paced action platformer takes you through stunning, otherworldly landscapes filled with perilous traps, towering platforms, and menacing foes. Leap, dodge, and fight your way through challenging levels, mastering precise movements and timing to survive.Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog (Astrolabe Games, 20th Feb, $19.99) - Take on the role of the Gun-Dog's security officer as you attempt to save the ship from an unknown assailant whilst navigating the paranoia, conspiracies and vendettas that break out amongst the crew. As camaraderie falls apart can you overcome the challenges that await? - Read Time Extension's Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog reviewSunshower (Studio Kumiho, 19th Feb, $4.99) - Sunshower is a colorful, casual arcade action game that follows a robot's survival in a rain storm! Use the plant installed on your head to reach for the sky as you achieve high scores and stop the rain from washing away the world.TactiCats (Pineapple Works, 20th Feb, $5.99) - Dodge, roll, block incoming cats! Use power-ups to turn the scores. If you've always wanted to catch your friends with a giant laser pointer or shoot'em with a cheese cannon you can do it all! Just watch out for those flying yarn balls.Taiji (Low Tide Productions, 25th Feb, $24.99) - Taiji is an adventure puzzle-solving game set in a mysterious world full of puzzles. Unlike many adventure games, the puzzles in Taiji all use a consistent interface: a grid of tiles which can be toggled on or off.The Backrooms 1998 (Feardemic, 20th Feb, $9.99) - The Backrooms 1998 is a first-person found footage psychological horror survival game where it tells the story of a young teen after accidentally falling into the depths of The Backrooms in 1998. Roam freely, mark, explore and try to unravel the story - however you are not alone. Don't scream.The Jackbox Party Trilogy (Jackbox Games, 17th Feb, $59.99) - Great news! The greatest collections of party games have been bundled into one gigantic deal! For one great price, The Jackbox Party Trilogy gets you each of The Jackbox Party Packs, which are sure to turn your next party or family gathering into a real giggle-fest.The Jackbox Party Trilogy 2.0 (Jackbox Games, 17th Feb, $67.99) - Why settle for one Party Pack when you can get three? The Jackbox Party Trilogy 2. 0 includes all the games from The Jackbox Party Packs 4, 5 and 6! You dont need a bunch of controllers to join the fun.The Jackbox Party Trilogy 3.0 (Jackbox Games, 17th Feb, $76.49) - What is The Jackbox Party Trilogy 3. 0? The Jackbox Party Trilogy 3. 0 is a collection of the 15 hit games from The Jackbox Party Packs 7, 8 and 9. Draw your heart out with Drawful Animate, crack your friends up with a game of Quiplash 3, or bluff your way to victory with Fibbage 4.West Escape (QubicGames, 14th Feb, $5.99) - West Escape throws you into a chaotic frontier where the law is on your tail and alien invaders are wreaking havoc. As a fugitive desperate to reunite with your lost love, you'll need to collect scrap, upgrade your gear, and face off against relentless extraterrestrial threats.X-Out: Resurfaced (ININ Games, 20th Feb, $19.99) - You thought theyd come from space? Wrong! Its up to you alone to stop an alien invasion from the depths of the ocean in this legendary, home computer era shoot em up, dredged up and faithfully rebuilt for modern platforms X-Out: Resurfaced!Note: As always, not all of the games mentioned in the Download above are featured in the poll. We've also combined some of the games together into one entry, such as the Cosmic Fantasy games.What will you be downloading this week? (15 votes)2222 Abyss of the Universe 0%Arcade Archives KITTEN KABOODLE7%Bing in Wonderland Power Up Edition 0%Build Lands 0%Cabernet 0%Cosmic Fantasy 3 / 4 0%Crime Opera Fandisk /II 0%Damn 0%Desvelado 0%Die by Anything 0%EGGCONSOLE Burai: Jokan PC-8801mkIISR 0%Flames of Damnation 0%Galagi Shooter Ultimate Blast 0%I See Red 0%Jumper Jon 0%Jupiter Hell 0%Kanon 0%Lone Fungus 0%Lulu's Temple 0%Marron's Day 0%Mimi the Cat: Meow Together 0%Ninja Five-O20%Ninja Issen () : The Scroll of Dimension7%Piczle Cross: Rune Factory13%Please Be Happy 0%Pro Wrestler Story 0%Rabbit Raid 0%Shadowforge Chronicles 0%Star of Providence 0%Stories from Sol: The Gun-Dog13%Sunshower 0%TactiCats 0%Taiji 0%The Backrooms 1998 0%The Jackbox Party Trilogy / 2.0 / 3.0 0%West Escape 0%X-Out: Resurfaced7%Something Else 0%Nothing for me this week33% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%So that's your lot for this week's North American Nintendo Download. Go on, be a sport and drop a vote in the poll above, and comment below with your hot picks! Time ExtensionOut of this world!Related GamesSee AlsoShare:01 Alana has been with Nintendo Life since 2022, and while RPGs are her first love, Nintendo is a close second. She enjoys nothing more than overthinking battle strategies, characters, and stories. She also wishes she was a Sega air pirate. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Is Discontinuing Gold Points, One Of The Switch's Best IncentivesNoooo, don't do it!Toby Fox Shares Development Update On Deltarune Chapter 3 And 4"Still console testing"Hollow Knight: Silksong Briefly Vanishes From US Switch eShop, But It's Back NowUpdate: Restored after a few hoursSonic Racing: CrossWorlds Adds Characters From "SEGA Universes"Update: IGN has an exclusive preview upFunko Fusion Is Deemed A "Complete Commercial And Critical Failure"Around 20 unconfirmed layoffs reported

Instagram is introducing a new way for creators to work with brands to make money by recommending products. On Thursday, Meta introduced an addition to its Partnership Ads called Testimonials, which allows creators to get paid via written endorsements, shared as comments on the brands social media posts and advertisements. The new ad format is a move to monetize a practice thats already taking place across social media. Many brands today leverage paid commenters, or otherwise incentivize customers leaving positive reviews. For someone researching a new product, it can be difficult to tell whos really a happy customer and who may be astroturfing in the comments section. Adding a way for creators to self-identify as paid promoters could elevate the brands reception among that persons followers while also being more transparent about the nature of the creator-brand relationship. While these are obviously paid endorsements, not organic, creators at least have to risk their own reputations by putting their names behind the given products. If theyre not selective about these recommendations, they can lose their followers trust. Image Credits:InstagramExplains Meta, 40% of people now use creator recommendations on Instagram when shopping. Via Partnership Ads, these recommendations have come in the form of branded content with a paid partnership label attached and even collab posts, which feature both the creator and brands handles as the posts authors.Testimonials, meanwhile, let creators to write short, under-125-character messages that tie back to the brands campaign or the product theyre advertising. To work, creators will send their written endorsement to the brand, and theyll attach it to the correct ad. The testimonials are then pinned to the top of the comments section on the Instagram post, giving the comments and creators behind them more visibility.Creators will also be able track these testimonials and other Partnership Ads under their Creator Settings on the app so they can see how their content is being used and even pull their content, if ever warranted. Topics

On Thursday, Spotify announced that it now accepts audiobooks narrated using ElevenLabs AI voice technology. Given that ElevenLabs is currently among the most recognized AI audio providers, this new partnership is expected to boost the quantity of AI-narrated audiobooks on the platform.To upload an audiobook narrated by AI, authors need to download the file package from ElevenLabs and then visit Findaway Voices, Spotifys audiobook distribution service. The recording must then go through a review process before it can be published. Spotify labels titles that have been narrated by AI.With ElevenLabs, authors can narrate their audiobooks in 29 languages. While the free version only allows for 10 minutes of text-to-speech each month, the $99/month Pro plan generates up to 500 minutes of narration.The latest partnership comes two years after Spotify teamed up with Google Play Books to offer AI-narrated audiobooks. Spotify plans to partner with more companies to expand its audiobook library.However, the rise of AI-generated audiobooks is expected to stir considerable debate within the publishing community. Some industry professionals argue that these AI recordings may compromise the overall quality of audiobooks for listeners.

Blender Octane Texture Pack 4Contemporary DesignBlender Octane Texture Pack 4: Contemporary Design has 100 incredibly detailed textures. The textures are all 4K, 16 Bit, and set up to be seamless and tileable. Most are set up with Triplanar Mapping so everything is simple for you to use. Every texture has smudges, dirt, flecks, and subtle variations to make them incredibly realistic.Incredible RealismAttention to detailEvery texture has fine details, smudges, flecks, and imperfections for ultra-realistic renders.VarietyExtremely VersatileThis pack includes all the .orbx files in a separate download. This means you can use the pack in Octane Standalone and other apps that use Octane!Professional DesignBeautiful Details100 professional-grade textures that are perfect for that contemporary vibe!BUY NOW (INSTANT DOWNLOAD)As a 3D generalist with 10 years of experience working in Cinema 4D and Blender with Octane, Ive always appreciated the high-quality assets from The Pixel Lab. When I saw they had dedicated Blender Octane material packs, I didnt hesitate to grab them, and Im glad I did.This pack has been a huge time-saver in my workflow, whether Im building full interior scenes or creating detailed product renders. Normally, Id pull materials from previous projects, appending them into new ones, but having these materials right in my asset library speeds things up significantly. The materials are incredibly accurate, and in most cases, they require little to no tweaking to get the perfect look.Damien ParishMotion DesignerOctane Texture Pack 4 has 100 incredibly detailed textures for Octane and BlenderBUY NOW (INSTANT DOWNLOAD)16 Blender Octane Metal Textures11 Blender Octane Fabric Textures19 Blender Octane Mineral TexturesBUY NOW FOR ONLY $69 (INSTANT DOWNLOAD)22 Blender Octane Mograph Textures14 Blender Octane Plastic Textures7 Blender Octane Specular Textures11 Blender Octane Wood TexturesBUY NOW FOR ONLY $69 (INSTANT DOWNLOAD)A Blender + Octane Texture Pack for the professional 3D ArtistThis pack includes a .blend file with 100 shaders. All textures are 16 bit, 4k and tileable. Most are even set up with Triplanar Mapping to make it incredibly easy for you to use.(Click for larger view)Focus on What MattersYoure in this business to be creative. So, get to the important things: concept, design, creative storytelling. Get your head out of the node tree and stick to what you love doing. Well take care of the technical slog, no worries. You can just drag and drop, iterate, move fast, deliver incredible realism to your client, and get home in time for supper! Weve got your back with the Contemporary Design pack!Whether youre a beginner or a seasoned pro, these material packs are a must-have. They just work, saving time and eliminating the hassle of building materials from scratch. Highly recommended!Damien ParishMotion DesignerBUY NOW FOR ONLY $69 (INSTANT DOWNLOAD)RequirementsOctane 2024.1.2_29.19.0Blender 4.1 +GuaranteeWe believe in what we create and want you to be 100% happy. We offer a 60 day money back guarantee if we dont meet your expectations!Your Biggest SavingsC4D Octane Texture BundleIf you use Octane + Cinema 4D, then check out our Octane Texture Bundle. It has all nine of our C4D Octane texture packs with a 20% savings!Learn more hereRecommended Products

A federal lawsuit has been filed in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York to stop housing from getting built atop Elizabeth Street Garden. The lawsuit is supported by high-profile artists, curators, and historians including JR, Patti Smith, Mara Miller, Klaus Biesenbach, and Jeffrey Brodie. Robert De Niro, Martin Scorsese, and others have also fought on the Gardens behalf. The Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) simultaneously supports the lawsuit, which Elizabeth Street Garden (ESG), a local nonprofit, filed under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA). ESGs goal is to secure the Gardens status as an irreplaceable physical and social sculpture, integral to New York Citys cultural and environmental landscape. In addition to green space, the park displays statuary from founder Allan Reivers collection.The proposal is fighting is called Haven Green. It was first rolled out in 2019 by Pennrose, Habitat for Humanity New York City, and RiseBoro Community Partnership. Haven Green would deliver 123 units of affordable housing for seniors at Elizabeth Street Garden. This is not the first time the gardens future has come up in court. Elizabeth Street Garden Inc.run by Allans son, Joseph Reiverfiled a lawsuit against Haven Green in 2019 to stop it. The new lawsuit filed in federal court is the latest attempt by Haven Greens opponents to stymie the development project, which seeks to house seniors.Last October Elizabeth Street Garden received an eviction notice that was temporarily revoked, allowing the art-filled park to stay put until February 2025. In a statement this week, Elizabeth Street Garden said it remains steadfast in its commitment to both preserving Elizabeth Street Garden and advancing affordable housing solutions.We have identified multiple nearby city-owned and private sites, including vacant lots and unused buildings, which offer viable alternatives for creating even more affordable housing without sacrificing the Garden, ESG added. Despite the Citys messaging, these solutions provide real opportunities for housing without any loss to the community.Every day the City chooses not to seriously consider these alternative site proposals, we risk losing another opportunity to create affordable housing in the neighborhood, ESG continued. This is not a choice between saving the Garden and building affordable housingit is about rejecting false dichotomies and doing everything we can to preserve the one-of-a-kind Elizabeth Street Garden while achieving affordable housing for those who need it most.

Besides the former Wright Carriage House (now the Soule Recreation Center), the only other extant building that was built on the grounds of the former John G. Wright Estate in Brookline, Massachusetts, is this structure, the historic gatehouse to the property. Built in 1907 at the same time as the manor house, the gatehouse was also designed by architects Chapman & Frazer and served as the entry to the expansive grounds with a room for the gatekeeper to sleep in overnight. The Tudor Revival style building is less ornate than the stone mansion, the half timbering and stucco work well to compliment the other buildings. While the formerly dark half timbering has since been painted a white, the building still maintains its character. While the remainder of the Wright Estate was subdivided and sold off by the heirs of next owner, wool merchant, Andrew Adie, the gatehouse remained and survived the destruction that befell the main manor. The old gatehouse was converted to a full-time residence and remains to this day.

Tech Huge data leak exposes 14 million customer shipping records Shipping platform responsible for exposure is used by sellers on eBay, Shopify, Amazon Published February 20, 2025 10:00am EST close 'CyberGuy': Protect your data Kurt Knutsson joins "FOX & Friends" to discuss how your smart home cameras could be spying on you and how to combat phone addiction. No industry is safe from data breaches. Over the past few months alone, we've seen security incidents hit almost every sector, including healthcare, finance and tech. Now, the shipping industry has joined the list, with a major global shipper that works with Amazon, eBay and Shopify exposing 14 million records.To make things worse, the open instance was found in December during the peak of international shipping when people are sending and receiving gifts all over the world. Researchers traced it back to an unprotected AWS bucket owned by Hipshipper. Amazon boxes with labels on top. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to knowHipshipper, a shipping platform used by sellers on eBay, Shopify and Amazon, accidentally exposed millions of shipping labels with personal customer information. Researchers at Cybernews found the exposed data in December 2024, but it wasn't fixed until January, meaning it was open for at least a month. Hipshipper helps people ship packages to over 150 countries, offering tracking, free insurance and easy returns. The exposed shipping labels are important because they detail what's inside the packages and where theyre supposed to go.However, an unprotected AWS bucket held over 14.3 million records, mainly shipping labels and customs forms. Researchers from Cybernews said,"Cybercriminals can use leaked data to carry out scams and phishing attacks. For example, criminals might pretend to be trusted businesses and send fake messages using specific order details to trick people into sharing personal or financial information." Employees at a shipping facility. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What data was leaked?Researchers believe the exposed bucket contained sensitive information about buyers, including their full names, home addresses, phone numbers and order details such as mailing dates and parcel information. While theres no direct evidence that cybercriminals accessed the exposed data, millions of malicious actors use automated bots to search the internet for similar leaks, hoping to find data they can use for harmful purposes.These criminals could exploit the leaked information to launchscams andphishing attacks. For instance, they might pretend to be trusted companies and send fake messages that use specific order details to pressure people into urgently verifying personal or financial information. Unfortunately, retail companies are a prime target for hackers, and relying on large, well-known firms doesnt always protect your information. Recent breaches involving companies likeGrubhub,Mizuno andHot Topic show that even big-name retailers can suffer significant security lapses. Illustration of a hacker at work. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)7 ways you can protect yourself after a data breach like this1) Beware of phishing attempts and use strong antivirus software:After a data breach, scammers often use the stolen data to craft convincing phishing messages. These can come via email, text or phone calls, pretending to be from trusted companies. Be extra cautious about unsolicited messages with links asking for personal or financial details, even if they reference recent orders or transactions.The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links is to have antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2) Watch out for snail mail:While many security threats happen online, physical mail can also be a target. With home addresses exposed in data leaks, criminals may send fraudulent letters or fake invoices to trick you into providing further personal information or making payments. If you receive suspicious mail, avoid responding and report it to the company it claims to be from.3) Invest in identity theft protection:Given the exposure of personal data, such as names, addresses and order details, investing in identity theft protection services can provide an extra layer of security. These services monitor your financial accounts and credit report for any signs of fraudulent activity, alerting you to potential identity theft early on. They can also assist you in freezing your bank and credit card accounts to prevent further unauthorized use by criminals. See my tips and best picks on how to protect yourself from identity theft.4) Enable two-factor authentication on accounts:Enablingtwo-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. Even if hackers get hold of your login credentials, they won't be able to access your accounts without the second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone or email. This simple step can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive personal information.5) Monitor your credit reports regularly: You can request free credit reports from major credit bureaus to check for any suspicious activity or unauthorized accounts opened in your name.6) Update your passwords: Change passwords for any accounts that may have been affected by the breach and use unique, strong passwords for each account. Consider using apassword manager. This can help you generate and store strong, unique passwords for all your accounts.7)Remove your personal data from public databases: If your personal data was exposed in this breach, it's crucial to act quickly to reduce your risk of identity theft and scams by removing your personal information from the web.Check out my top picks for data removal services here.Kurts key takeawayIts high time every industry took cybersecurity seriously. If your business operates online, you are just as responsible for protecting customer data as a tech company, possibly even more so, since tech companies typically have stronger safeguards in place. The fact that Hipshipper left a storage bucket containing 14 million records unprotected speaks volumes about how little they prioritize cybersecurity. And it's not just Hipshipper. Many companies dealing with tech products arent even careful enough to password-protect their critical documents. This lack of basic security highlights a worrying trend across industries.Do you think businesses are doing enough to protect customer data?Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

zapp2photo - stock.adobe.comNewsVolvo to roll out second software-defined electric carNvidia hardware accelerates AI-powered safety features, built using its Superset tech stackByCliff Saran,Managing EditorPublished: 20 Feb 2025 16:00 The so-called Superset tech stack, on which carmaker Volvo is building its software-defined cars, is behind the companys next launch.The ES90 electric vehicle, which is being unveiled on 5 March, will be the first Volvo car equipped with dual Nvidia Drive AGX Orin hardware, which the company said will raise the bar on safety and overall performance through data, software and artificial intelligence (AI).As Computer Weekly has previously reported, the Superset tech stack consists of one single set of hardware and software modules, and systems that underpin all upcoming electric cars from Volvo.It represents what Volvo describes as a radical transformation in how it can develop and use software to improve levels of safety, technology and overall performance throughout the cars lifecycle. With the Superset tech stack, we can make such improvements more efficiently and roll them out even faster via over-the-air updates and across all models based on the Superset, Volvo said.The Nvidia Drive AGX Orin hardware provides 508 trillion operations per second for AI-based active safety features, car sensors and efficient battery management.Volvo said the hardware will enable its engineers to increase the size of the deep learning model and neural network it uses from 40 million to 200 million parameters. This will happen over time as we collect more data and continue to develop the model, with the overall goal of improving customer experience and most importantly safety levels, Volvo said.The Nvidia hardware helps the ES90 to understand its surroundings through an advanced array of sensors, which includes one lidar, five radars, eight cameras and 12 ultrasonic sensors, as well as an advanced driver understanding system inside the car. According to Volvo, these safety systems are designed to help keep you safe by detecting obstacles, even in darkness, and activating proactive safety measures such as collision avoidance.Read more about software-defined carsVolvos engineering lead discusses tech stacks: Volvo Cars approach to manufacturing is becoming more software-defined, built on top of what it calls a superset tech stack.Volkswagen supports Arm-based software-defined car standard: Car manufacturer's software business supports industry initiative to develop a standard platform and open-source reference implementation.Commenting on the hardware and software innovations inside the ES90, Volvo chief engineering and technology officer Anders Bell said: We innovate in all areas of technology to become a leader in software-defined cars, and were channelling all our engineering efforts into one direction: making great cars that get even better over time.By combining the power of core computing and our Superset tech stack, we can now make safer cars more efficiently than ever before.The ES90 will be the second Volvo built based on the Superset tech stack, and follows on from the EX90, where the stack was first introduced.The Superset tech stack will underpin all upcoming Volvo electric cars, which, according to Volvo, means it will be able to boost the performance of each car in its lineup simultaneously. For instance, ES90 customers can benefit from EX90 software upgrades and vice versa.Volvo positions the Superset stack as an enabler to replace value creation through hardware with a software approach to building value into its customers cars.The Nvidia Drive AGX Orin configuration will also be installed on new EX90 cars, replacing the existing Drive AGX Orin and Drive AGX Xavier hardware. Volvo said existing customers of the EX90 will get an upgrade of their cars free of charge.In The Current Issue:AI Action Summit: Global leaders decry AI red tapeNavigating the practicalities of AI regulation and legislationDownload Current Issue

Sellafield LtdNewsWatchdog approves Sellafield physical security, but warns about cyberThe Office for Nuclear Regulation has taken Sellafield out of special measures for physical security, but harbours cyber security concernsByBrian McKenna,Enterprise Applications EditorPublished: 20 Feb 2025 15:45 Cumbrian nuclear facility Sellafield is still under scrutiny for cyber security problems, despite the regulators clean bill of health for its physical security.The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has returned the Sellafield site to a routine regulatory regime for physical security after a period of enhanced oversight, according to a government statement.The ONRs statement said: Over the last two years, ONR has carried out a regular programme of inspections and interventions at Sellafield, assessing evidence provided by the licensees security and resilience team. This identified a period of sustained improved performance in the area of physical security, and ONR is satisfied that the required security outcomes are now being achieved.However, the ONR added: Sellafield Ltd currently remains in significantly enhanced attention for cyber security, and collaborative work is ongoing to achieve the required improvements in this area.In December 2023, The Guardian reported that groups linked to China and Russia had hacked into Sellafields IT systems, embedding sleeper malware that could lurk and be used to spy or attack systems.And in October 2024, the nuclear waste facility was ordered to pay 400,000 by Westminster Magistrates Court, after it pleaded guilty to criminal charges over years of cyber security failings, and apologised to the court.The ONR brought the charges against Sellafield Ltd, accusing it of leaving exposed information that could threaten national security over a four-year period, from 2019 to 2023. Three-quarters of its servers were also said to be vulnerable to cyber attack.Read more about SellafieldSellafield operator opens dedicated cyber centre.Sellafield pleads guilty to criminal charges over cyber security.The local authority for Sellafield, Europes biggest nuclear site, has been slammed by auditors for its response to a North Korea-linked cyber attack that temporarily crippled its operations.Sellafield whistleblower ordered to pay costs after email tampering claims.One of the three criminal charges brought related to Sellafields failure to ensure that there was adequate protection of sensitive nuclear information on its information technology network, while the other two related to failures to conduct annual health checks of its IT systems.Sellafields lawyers said at the time, it is important to emphasise there was not and has never been a successful cyber attack on [the facility], before noting that the offences are historical [and] do not reflect the current position.Paul Dicks, the ONRs director of regulation for Sellafield, decommissioning, fuel and waste, said of the new bill of health: We have worked closely with Sellafield Ltd through our enabling approach to ensure that the required improvements are delivered. Im satisfied that Sellafield Ltd has demonstrated significant and sustained security improvements which has allowed us to return them to routine regulatory attention.Sellafield operates under the governance of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority(NDA), a quasi-governmental body that serves to wind up and render safe the UKs oldest nuclear industry sites.In November 2024, the NDA opened a cyber security centre to safeguard against cyber attacks on the civil nuclear sector.Its Group Cyberspace Collaboration Centre in Cumbria is said to gather security, digital and engineering experts to work on how best to adopt new technologies and defend against evolving threats.Warren Cain, superintending inspector at theOffice for Nuclear Regulation, said: All nuclear sites must have strong cyber security systems in place to protect important information and assets from cyber threats.Cyber security is a key regulatory priority for the Office for Nuclear Regulation, and we welcome the NDAs commitment to strengthen their cyber defences with this new specialist facility.Besides Sellafield, the UKs nuclear sites include Hinkley Point, Harwell, Dungeness, Bradwell and Sizewell, Trawsfynydd and Wylfa, and Dounreay.In The Current Issue:AI Action Summit: Global leaders decry AI red tapeNavigating the practicalities of AI regulation and legislationDownload Current IssueSLM series - InFlux Technologies: It's a question of specialisation, especially CW Developer NetworkBudget flexibility for on-prem AI Cliff Saran's Enterprise blogView All Blogs

This pushes the total to almost 300 apps. Here's which cars they're coming to first.