When cruising down a lonely stretch of highway, it's easy to get swept away and forget about the pressure of your foot on the gas. Next thing you know, you might be getting a pricey speeding ticket or even a date in traffic court. If only you had a radar detector.A radar detector notifies you when your vehicle's speed may be monitored by law enforcement. This allows you to find police before they find you, allowing you to slow your speed and correct your driving. In short, radar detectors can help you drive safer while saving you money with fewer tickets. They are legal in only two areas (Washington, DC and Virginia).Also: Best dash camsWhat is the best radar detector right now?ZDNET researched the best radar detectors available based on features, display, and price. Our pick for the best radar detector overall is the Uniden R7, thanks to its integrated GPS, strong signal, and ease of use. Read on to learn about the best radar detectors you can buy right now. Sort by All The best radar detectors of 2025 Show less The Uniden R7 gets our pick for the best radar detector overall, thanks to its customizable voice alerts and false alarm detection. It keeps you safer with advanced false alert filtering, 360-degree monitoring, and arrow detection. There is even GPS technology employed to help the device remember and mute typical false alarms. You'll also find red light and speed camera locations will automatically update to remain current at all times. The OLED display is a bonus for easy visibility.Customers who bought the Uniden R7 said they love that it's easy to set up and use, as well as its extensive configuration settings.Uniden R7 features:GPS:Yes |Voice alerts:Yes |Power source:DC |Voltage:12V |Display type:OLED Pros Integrated GPS Strong signal strength Ease of use Cons On the larger side Lacks Bluetooth The Uniden R7 gets our pick for the best radar detector overall, thanks to its customizable voice alerts and false alarm detection. It keeps you safer with advanced false alert filtering, 360-degree monitoring, and arrow detection. There is even GPS technology employed to help the device remember and mute typical false alarms. You'll also find red light and speed camera locations will automatically update to remain current at all times. The OLED display is a bonus for easy visibility.Customers who bought the Uniden R7 said they love that it's easy to set up and use, as well as its extensive configuration settings.Uniden R7 features:GPS:Yes |Voice alerts:Yes |Power source:DC |Voltage:12V |Display type:OLED Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you find yourself on a budget, the Cobra RAD 480i could be a great fit for you. At just $150, it's very affordable when compared to others in its class. LaserEye technology helps detect signals from all around your vehicle for better front and rear detection, while built-in security protocols help provide early warnings while reducing the threat of false alarms. Use the corresponding iRadar app to view further up the road or receive real-time alerts from the over 3 million drivers in the community.Users who own the Cobra Rad 480i report in reviews that they like that the unit allows you to adjust sensitivity as well as the low rate of false positive alerts.Cobra RAD 480i features:GPS:No |Voice alerts:No |Power source:DC |Voltage:12V |Display type:OLED Pros Bluetooth connectivity Voice alerts Adjustable sensitivity Cons Noisy Suffers from false alerts If you find yourself on a budget, the Cobra RAD 480i could be a great fit for you. At just $150, it's very affordable when compared to others in its class. LaserEye technology helps detect signals from all around your vehicle for better front and rear detection, while built-in security protocols help provide early warnings while reducing the threat of false alarms. Use the corresponding iRadar app to view further up the road or receive real-time alerts from the over 3 million drivers in the community.Users who own the Cobra Rad 480i report in reviews that they like that the unit allows you to adjust sensitivity as well as the low rate of false positive alerts.Cobra RAD 480i features:GPS:No |Voice alerts:No |Power source:DC |Voltage:12V |Display type:OLED Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Escort MAX 360c MKII gives you the ability to customize your screen, viewing in high resolution details like signal type and strength when you connect to Escort Live. Incorporated is a full-color graphic display that uses both antennas and arrows to identify risks around your vehicle and near your location. This radar detector is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices for easy connectivity. Plus, there is the benefit of built-in Wi-Fi, so you can see in real-time if there is a ticket threat in your future.Users who own the Escort Max 360cMKII praise the detector's range and accuracy as well as the built-in dash camera.Escort MAX 360c MKII features:GPS:Yes, via app |Voice alerts:Yes |Power source:DC |Voltage:12V |Display type:OLED Pros Excellent connectivity Rear radar antenna Auto lockout Cons Pricey Mediocre rear-range The Escort MAX 360c MKII gives you the ability to customize your screen, viewing in high resolution details like signal type and strength when you connect to Escort Live. Incorporated is a full-color graphic display that uses both antennas and arrows to identify risks around your vehicle and near your location. This radar detector is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices for easy connectivity. Plus, there is the benefit of built-in Wi-Fi, so you can see in real-time if there is a ticket threat in your future.Users who own the Escort Max 360cMKII praise the detector's range and accuracy as well as the built-in dash camera.Escort MAX 360c MKII features:GPS:Yes, via app |Voice alerts:Yes |Power source:DC |Voltage:12V |Display type:OLED Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less If you frequently drive to and from the office or travel for work, the Escort Max 4 is a great tool for staying safe on the road. With a built-in GPS function and integration with both Car Play and Android Auto, it learns your routes to better distinguish between false alerts and true detection. With app integration, it's easier to confirm and dismiss notifications as well as mute the voice alerts; there is also a physical mute button on the 12V power adapter for safer, one-touch use while driving.I got to use the Escort Max 4 on a recent road trip from Cleveland, Ohio to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and it was a great help on curvy Appalachian highways for staying aware of potentially slowed or stopped traffic due to police patrols, speed cameras, and even construction. The magnetic windshield mount and quick-release power cable made it easy to stow when traveling through Virginia, where it is illegal to use radar detectors.Escort Max 4 features:GPS:Yes |Voice alerts:Yes |Power source:DC |Voltage:12V |Display type:OLED Pros Quick-release magnetic mount and suction cup Voice alerts App integration Built-in GPS Cons Steep learning curve for setting custom parameters Expensive If you frequently drive to and from the office or travel for work, the Escort Max 4 is a great tool for staying safe on the road. With a built-in GPS function and integration with both Car Play and Android Auto, it learns your routes to better distinguish between false alerts and true detection. With app integration, it's easier to confirm and dismiss notifications as well as mute the voice alerts; there is also a physical mute button on the 12V power adapter for safer, one-touch use while driving.I got to use the Escort Max 4 on a recent road trip from Cleveland, Ohio to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, and it was a great help on curvy Appalachian highways for staying aware of potentially slowed or stopped traffic due to police patrols, speed cameras, and even construction. The magnetic windshield mount and quick-release power cable made it easy to stow when traveling through Virginia, where it is illegal to use radar detectors.Escort Max 4 features:GPS:Yes |Voice alerts:Yes |Power source:DC |Voltage:12V |Display type:OLED Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less While the Waze app isn't billed as a radar detector, the user base does help to provide real-time information on the locations of red light cameras and speed traps along your route. And along with helping you avoid getting a ticket, Waze users can provide real-time updates on traffic jams, restaurant and gas station locations, and even special events like parades and street carnivals. The app also features an integrated GPS system that operates similarly to Google Maps, and you can integrate your Spotify playlists for safer multitasking while driving.Waze app users said they love the ability to report real-time traffic information as well as the integrated GPS functionality.Waze app features:GPS:Yes |Voice alerts:Yes |Power source:N/A |Voltage:N/A |Display type:N/A Pros Real-time user updates Integrated GPS Event alerts for traffic jams and special events Free Cons Ad-supported While the Waze app isn't billed as a radar detector, the user base does help to provide real-time information on the locations of red light cameras and speed traps along your route. And along with helping you avoid getting a ticket, Waze users can provide real-time updates on traffic jams, restaurant and gas station locations, and even special events like parades and street carnivals. The app also features an integrated GPS system that operates similarly to Google Maps, and you can integrate your Spotify playlists for safer multitasking while driving.Waze app users said they love the ability to report real-time traffic information as well as the integrated GPS functionality.Waze app features:GPS:Yes |Voice alerts:Yes |Power source:N/A |Voltage:N/A |Display type:N/A Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best radar detector? PLACEHOLDERBest radar detectorPriceGPSPowerUniden R7 $450Built-in 12V DC Cobra RAD 480i $139N/A 12V DC Escort MAX 360c $600Companion app 12V DC Escort Max 4$399For false alerts only12V DC Waze Free Built-in N/A Show more Which is the right radar detector for you? When choosing a radar detector, the most important thing to keep in mind is whether or not it's legal to own and use in your state. Some areas have outlawed the use of radar detectors for civilians, so check all local laws and ordinances to make sure you aren't illegally owning and operating one.Buy this radar detector...If you need...Uniden R7 A well-rounded radar detector. The Uniden R7 features integrated GPS and voice alerts for additional road safety. Cobra RAD 480i A budget-friendly radar detector. The Cobra RAD 480i retails for about $150, making it one of the cheaper options on the market. Escort MAX 360c A radar detector with a great display. The Escort MAX 360c uses an OLED display for cleaner, easier to read text. Escort Max 4A radar detector for frequent commuters. Built-in GPS technology learns your routes to reject repeated false alert locations for better accuracy.Waze app A user-friendly radar detector app. Waze users help provide real-time updates to red light camera and speed trap locations. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a radar detector While searching for the best radar detectors, you should consider the following factors:Features:There are several bonus features you may find from model to model, such as GPS connectivity or false alert detection. These features can greatly simplify use and improve your chances of picking up on radar.Display:Visibility is a critical factor when selecting a radar detector. The best radar detectors come with an OLED display that provides greater clarity and color for your images.Cost:Budget is a primary concern for many users, so we look for the best affordable radar detectors that come at a reasonable cost for their features. Show more How did we choose these radar detectors? When researching each radar detector featured on this list, I kept these criteria in mind:Legality: Not all states or cities allow the use of radar detectors, or radar jammers. Each model on this list has been ensured to follow federal guidelines for radar detection, but be sure to check all state and local laws before purchasing.Installation: Setting up a radar detector shouldn't take all day or require special knowledge. Each model on this list has been chosen for its easy setup and user-friendly controls.Consistency and reliability: A radar detector should give you clear and consistent warnings each time it picks up a radar signal. Each model on this list was chosen for its reliability based on customer reviews. Show more Is it illegal to have a radar detector in your vehicle? While federal law only bans radar detectors from being used in commercial vehicles, use in personal vehicles is regulated at the state and municipal level. Make sure you consult all applicable laws before you purchase a radar detector. Show more What's the difference between a radar detector and a radar jammer? A radar detector, well, detects radar signals. These devices search for signals given off by police radar scanners and alert you to their presence, allowing you to correct your speed or other driving faux pas and avoid a ticket. Radar detectors are generally legal across the United States, except in commercial vehicles. Though it is best to check state and local laws before purchasing anything.A radar jammer is something very different, and very illegal. Both federal law and FTC regulations prohibit the use of radar jammers, as they intentionally interfere with radar communication systems to provide false readings. Offenders, even first-time offenders, can face heavy fines, equipment and property forfeiture, and even prison time. Show more How much does a radar detector cost? The cost of a radar detector significantly varies from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars. The best radar detectors range in price from $150 to less than $700, depending on the model you choose. Show more More radar detectors to considerWhile we've rounded up our top radar detector picks, here's a few more to consider if you're not set on one of the picks above. Show less View now at Best Buy This is the best radar detector if you're looking to splurge. Full Review Read Full Review Escort Redline 360c This is the best radar detector if you're looking to splurge. Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you are in the market for a radar detector but don't want to spend a whole paycheck on one, this Uniden radar detector does the trick. Full Review Read Full Review Uniden DFR7 If you are in the market for a radar detector but don't want to spend a whole paycheck on one, this Uniden radar detector does the trick. Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Escort MaxCam 360c not only alerts you to nearby radar bands, it also has an integrated dash cam for recording your drives and more accurate information in the event of a collision or other emergency. Full Review Read Full Review Escort MaxCam 360c The Escort MaxCam 360c not only alerts you to nearby radar bands, it also has an integrated dash cam for recording your drives and more accurate information in the event of a collision or other emergency. Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon This compact device has a bright OLED display, making it easier to read at-a-glance and keep you safe on scenic byways where accidents, construction, and slow traffic may not always be immediately visible. Full Review Read Full Review Uniden R4 This compact device has a bright OLED display, making it easier to read at-a-glance and keep you safe on scenic byways where accidents, construction, and slow traffic may not always be immediately visible. Read More Show Expert Take Show less Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.Cybercriminals are constantly evolving their methods, and the latest example of this is the alarming spread of the Vo1d malware botnet. This highly sophisticated malware has now infected 1,590,299 Android TV devices across 226 countries, transforming them into anonymous proxy servers for illicit activities. What makes this malware particularly concerning is its resilience and ability to grow despite previous exposure by security researchers.According to an investigation by XLab, Vo1d reached its peak infection rate on January 14, 2025, with 800,000 active bots currently in operation. Researchers speculate that the botnet is being leased to cybercriminal groups for various illegal operations, from ad fraud to bypassing regional internet restrictions. The botnets infection patterns suggest that devices are being rented out and then returned, leading to sharp surges and declines in the number of active bots in specific regions. The most significant impact has been recorded in Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, Argentina, Thailand, and China.Vo1d Malware ExplainedVo1d is not just another botnetit is one of the largest and most advanced in recent years, surpassing even notorious botnets like Mirai and Bigpanzi. Its sophisticated Command and Control infrastructure employs 2048-bit RSA encryption and Domain Generation Algorithms, making it incredibly difficult to dismantle. The malware uses 32 DGA seeds to generate over 21,000 C&C domains, ensuring that it remains operational despite efforts to disrupt its network.One of the primary functions of Vo1d is transforming infected devices into proxy servers. This allows cybercriminals to reroute malicious traffic through these compromised devices, obscuring their original locations and avoiding detection. These proxies can be used for a range of illicit activities, including:Ad Fraud: The malware can manipulate online advertising systems by generating fake clicks and views to artificially inflate revenue for fraudulent advertisers.Illegal Transactions: Threat actors can use infected devices to carry out financial fraud, identity theft, and other cybercrimes while appearing to operate from legitimate IP addresses.Security Evasion: The botnet enables criminals to bypass geo-restrictions, content filters, and cybersecurity defenses, making it more difficult for law enforcement to trace their activities.What makes Vo1d even more dangerous is its evolving nature. The latest version includes enhanced stealth capabilities and custom XXTEA encryption, further complicating detection and removal efforts. Even if researchers manage to register a C&C domain, they cannot issue commands to disable the botnet due to the strong encryption measures in place.Vo1d also deploys specialized plugins, including the Mzmess SDK, which coordinates fraudulent ad-clicking activities. This SDK enables the botnet to simulate human-like interactions, tricking advertising networks into paying for fake engagement. Additionally, Vo1d has the capability to harvest system information from infected devices, including IP addresses, device specifications, and network details, which could be leveraged for further cyberattacks.Another notable aspect of Vo1ds evolution is its infection technique. While the precise infection vector remains unknown, researchers suspect that it spreads through malicious firmware updates, sideloaded applications, or vulnerabilities in Android TV systems. Some indications suggest that compromised third-party app stores and illicit streaming services may play a role in distributing the malware.The botnets infrastructure also includes a layered obfuscation mechanism, making it difficult for security researchers to analyze and take down. Each infected device communicates with multiple C&C servers in a decentralized manner, reducing the risk of the entire network collapsing if specific nodes are shut down. Furthermore, Vo1d can dynamically update its payload, allowing it to introduce new features or evade security measures over time.7 Essential Tips to Stay SafeGiven the scale and complexity of this and other botnets, consumers must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Android TV users and IoT device owners should take the following precautions to minimize the risk of infection:Only buy Android TV and IoT devices from trusted manufacturers and authorized resellers. Avoid purchasing from third-party sources that may preload devices with malware.Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. Ensure that all firmware and security updates are installed promptly to close potential security gaps.Do not install apps from outside the Google Play Store or third-party firmware images that promise extended functionality. These often contain hidden malware.If your Android TV or IoT device has remote access enabled, disable it unless it is absolutely necessary. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access by cybercriminals.Disconnect devices from the internet when they are not actively being used.Configure your home network to separate IoT devices from computers and smartphones that contain sensitive data. This way, even if an IoT device is infected, it cannot easily spread malware to other crucial systems.Use security software or a network monitoring tool to detect abnormal internet traffic patterns that could indicate a compromised device.

NetflixNetflix found a new, very popular docuseries in the form of American Murder: Gabby Petito, focused on the tragic killing of a young woman back in 2021, and it stayed as Netflixs #1 show on Netflixs top 10 list for nearly two weeks since its debut in mid-February. Now, a new scripted series starring an A-lister is in the top spot.That new #1 show in the top 10 list is Running Point, a new comedy series from Mindy Kaling of The Office fame. It stars a big name, Kate Hudson, and has a great cast featuring the likes of Brenda Song, Max Greenfield and Justin Theroux. Whats it all about? Heres the synopsis:NetflixWhen a scandal forces her brother to resign, Isla Gordon is appointed president of the Los Angeles Waves, one of the most storied professional basketball franchises, and her family business. Ambitious and often overlooked, Isla will have to prove to her skeptical brothers, the board, and the larger sports community that she was the right choice for the job.The show has solid review scores, a 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, and the last time I checked, perfect 100% audience score, but its not likely that stays that high indefinitely. This marks a huge TV project for Hudson, her last one being one season of Truth Be Told back in 2021. But Running Point has debuted at #1 meaning it is almost certainly the most-viewed series in the US right now given the reach of Netflix. Im sure Hudson and Kaling are thrilled with that result. This definitely seems like a show that is angling for more seasons from here, and with this kind of debut, it seems likely that may indeed happen, but time will tell.The rest of the list has the poorly-reviewed Zero Day, the Robert De Niro feature, at #3, and it has never hit the #1 spot, and at this point, will not. Its a miniseries, so thats not a huge deal. Theres a new scripted series called Toxic Town based on a real tragedy in the East Midlands, and it stars ex-Doctor Who Jodie Whittaker and current White Lotus cast member Aimee Lou Wood.In the wake of the Gabby Petito series, American Murder: Lacy Peterson has made the list again as I am guessing it was recommended to viewers after watching the other series. Brooklyn Nine-Nine has also reappeared on the list as a comfort classic. Well keep an eye on how Running Point does, but so far so good.Follow me , and .Pick up my sci-fi novels the and

In brief: Indie game store itch.io frequently offers massive bundles of games and other digital content to raise funds for various causes. The company's latest charity initiative aims to provide relief for victims of one of the worst wildfires in California's history. The bundle features a growing collection of PC games, printable tabletop games, books, and more. Itch.io's latest charity bundle provides permanent, DRM-free access to hundreds of games and other digital content for a minimum donation of $10. All proceeds support relief efforts for those affected by the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires, which swept through much of Southern California in January.Purchasing the bundle before March 15 grants immediate access to over 180 PC games, a similar number of printable card and board games, a few Android titles, and other digital goods. As more developers contribute their creations, additional games will be added for buyers.Users should note that while many itch.io games include Steam keys, bundle purchases do not grant access to Steam versions. However, all games added to a user's account remain DRM-free, similar to those on GOG and Humble Bundle.Navigating the bundle's contents can be challenging due to itch.io's web-based interface and the sheer volume of included items. To prevent cluttering users' main libraries, the store does not automatically add bundle purchases. Instead, users must manually click the download buttons for each title, a process that can be time-consuming. Additionally, download buttons lead to separate pages rather than initiating downloads directly.Fortunately, third-party tools can simplify the process. Developer Saizai's script allows users to quickly add all bundle purchases to their libraries, while Playnite can scan an itch.io account to help organize games for easier management. Additionally, a web-based browser tool assists users in finding and saving purchases from multiple itch.io bundles.It's CHARITY MEGABUNDLE TIME! And there's some absolute gems in this one, including Tunic which is just an all-timer and everyone should have it in their library. So let's do a little thread showcasing some of the games, and also the tools you might find handy to navigate this & other Itch bundles.[image or embed] Dominic Tarason (@dominictarason.com) February 27, 2025 at 3:24 PMAlthough itch.io primarily hosts small, experimental indie projects, the bundle includes several standout titles that buyers can easily find using the search bar. Hidden gems are also likely among the offerings. // Related StoriesTunic, available for Windows and macOS, is a critically acclaimed action-adventure game inspired by classic Legend of Zelda titles. Other highlights include Octodad: Dadliest Catch, Catlateral Damage, and Cook, Serve, Delicious.The Eaton and Palisades fires, which raged across Southern California in January, burned thousands of acres, damaged approximately 18,000 structures, and resulted in at least 29 confirmed deaths, with over 30 people still missing. More than 150,000 residents were evacuated.Proceeds from the bundle, which aims to raise $100,000 by March 15, will support the Community Organized Relief Effort, a Los Angeles-based nonprofit also aiding relief efforts in North Carolina, Ukraine, and other crisis-affected regions worldwide.

In brief: A slim and light version of the iPhone is expected later this year but a rival handset maker out of China could beat Apple to the punch. Tecno Mobile has announced its Spark Slim, an ultra-thin concept smartphone set to debut at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona next week. The Spark Slim features a 6.78-inch 3D curved AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate and a peak brightness rating of 4500 nits. Tecno said it will be powered by an upcoming (yet unnamed) high-performance octa-core processor, but we do not know how much memory or storage it will ship with. We do know the phone features a 5,200mAh battery with 45W fast charging, dual 50-megapixel rear-facing cameras, and a 13-megapixel front-facing shooter for selfies and video calls.The handset's standout feature, however, is its thin profile which measures just 5.75mm at its thinnest. For comparison, Apple's latest iPhone 16 and iPhone 16e are significantly thicker at 7.8mm. A standard No. 2 pencil is around 7mm thick. Tecno did not say how much the phone weighs, but noted it is crafted of recycled aluminum with a stainless steel unibody.For years, smartphones trended toward increasingly thinner designs, but most manufacturers eventually shifted focus to other features like camera modules. While aesthetically pleasing to some, a thinner chassis leaves less room for key internal hardware like the battery. Slim handsets with large screens are also more prone to physical damage like bending in a pocket. Hopefully the Spark Slim is rigid enough to withstand daily use without bending, as we don't need another "bendgate" controversy like Apple had with its iPhone 6 Plus years ago.Mobile World Congress, the mobile industry's premiere trade show, kicks off on March 3 and runs through the 6th in Barcelona, Spain. Tecno Mobile will have the Spark Slim on display at booth 6B11. The show is open to the general public and with any luck, we will learn more about this intriguing ultra-slim come next week.

Universal PicturesSince this weekend is also the start of March, Amazon Prime Video is going to have a number of new movies available on the platform. But with everyone else focused on the Oscars, were putting the spotlight on two 80s movies that are returning to Prime Video on March 1.The first is Back to the Future, a sci-fi comedy thats often ranked among the best movies ever made. Our other pick this week is the original RoboCop from 1987, and not the 2014 remake, which is also coming to Prime Video in March. Sometimes, filmmakers get it right the first time, and the remake is only superfluous.Other recent arrivals, including A Fish Called Wanda,The Super Mario Bros. Movie, and Groundhog Day, can be found with the rest of the best movies on Amazon Prime Video below. We update this list every Friday so you can get ready for the weekend with your top viewing options.RelatedNeed more recommendations? Weve also put together guides to the best shows onPrime Video, the best movies on Hulu, the best movies on Netflix, the best new movies to stream, and the best movies on Disney+.Recently added to Amazon Prime VideoBack to the Futurepg1985RoboCopr1987Dominiquer2024The Devil Wears Pradapg-132006My Fault: London2025A Fish Called Wandar1988Editors Recommendations

The site in New Albany, Ohio, is now set to be completed in 2030, with operations starting as late as 2031, compared with the original operations start date that was set for 2025.

As dizzyingly complex technologies occupy the center of the global economic, political and military order, one engineer thinks its time to talk philosophy.

Commercial cacophony Commercials are still too loud, say thousands of recent FCC complaints 1,700 complaints about boisterous TV ads hit the FCC in 2024. Scharon Harding Feb 28, 2025 1:34 pm | 5 Credit: Getty Credit: Getty Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreThousands of complaints about the volume of TV commercials have flooded the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in recent years. Despite the FCC requiring TV stations, cable operators, and satellite providers to ensure that commercials dont bring a sudden spike in decibels, complaints around loud commercials took a troubling jump in 2024, the government body said on Thursday.Under The Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation (CALM) Act, broadcast, cable, and satellite TV providers are required to ensure that commercials have the same average volume as the programs they accompany, per the FCC. The FCCs rules about the volume of commercials took effect in December 2012. The law also requires linear TV providers to use the Advanced Television Systems Committee's (ATSCs) recommended practices. The practices include guidance around production, post production, metadata systems usage, and controlling dynamic range. If followed, the recommendations result in consistency in loudness and avoidance of signal clipping, per the ATSC [PDF]. The guidance reads:If all programs and commercials were produced at a consistent average loudness, and if the loudness of the mix is preserved through the production, distribution, and delivery chain, listeners would not be subjected to annoying changes in loudness within and between programs.As spotted by PC Mag, the FCC claimed this week that The Calm Act initially reduced complaints about commercials aggressively blaring from TVs. However, the agency is seeing an uptick in grievances. The FCC said it received "approximately" 750 complaints in 2022, 825 in 2023, and "at least" 1,700 in 2024 [PDF].Since The Calm Act regulates a commercial's average loudness, some advertisers may be skirting the spirit of the law by making commercials very loud at the start (to get viewers' attention) before quieting down for the rest of the ad.In response to growing complaints, the FCC is reexamining its rules and this week announced that it's seeking comment from consumers and industry on the extent to which The CALM Act rules are effective. The FCC is also asking people to weigh in on what future actions the FCC, the TV industry, or standard developers could take.Streaming ads could get muzzled, tooAs you may have noticedeither through the text of this article or your own earsThe Calm Act doesnt apply to streaming services. And because The Calm Act doesnt affect commercials viewed on the Internet, online services providing access to broadcast channels, like YouTube TV and Sling, dont have to follow the rules. This is despite such services distributing the same content as linear TV providers.For years, this made sense. The majority of TV viewing occurred through broadcast, cable, or satellite access. Further, services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video used to be considered safe havens from constant advertisements. But today, streaming services are more popular than ever and have grown to love ads, which have become critical to most platforms' business models. Further, many streaming services are airing more live events. These events, like sports games, show commercials to all subscribers, even those with a so-called ad-free subscription.Separate from the Calm Act violation complaints, the FCC noted this month that other recent complaints it has seen illustrate growing concern with the loudness of commercials on streaming services and other online platforms. If the FCC decides to apply Calm Act rules to the web, it would need to create new methods for ensuring compliance, it said. Nielsen's most recent data on how people watch TV. Credit: Nielsen The FCC didn't specify what's behind the spike in consumers' commercial complaints. Perhaps with declining audiences, traditional TV providers thought it would be less likely for anyone to notice and formally complain about Ozempic ads shouting at them. Twelve years have passed since the rules took effect, so its also possible that organizations are getting lackadaisical about ensuring compliance or have dwindling resources.With Americans spending similar amounts of timeif not longerwatching TV online versus via broadcast, cable, and satellite, The Calm Act would have to take on the web in order to maximize effectiveness. The streaming industry is young, though, and operates differently than linear TV distribution, presenting new regulation challenges.Scharon HardingSenior Technology ReporterScharon HardingSenior Technology Reporter Scharon is a Senior Technology Reporter at Ars Technica writing news, reviews, and analysis on consumer gadgets and services. She's been reporting on technology for over 10 years, with bylines at Toms Hardware, Channelnomics, and CRN UK. 5 Comments

short sharp science Research roundup: 7 cool science stories from February Dancing sea turtles, the discovery of an Egyptian pharaoh's tomb, perfectly boiled eggs, and more. Jennifer Ouellette Feb 28, 2025 1:17 pm | 3 X-ray image of the PHerc.172 scroll Credit: Vesuvius Challenge X-ray image of the PHerc.172 scroll Credit: Vesuvius Challenge Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreIt's a regrettable reality that there is never time to cover all the interesting scientific stories we come across each month. In the past, we've featured year-end roundups of cool science stories we (almost) missed. This year, we're experimenting with a monthly collection. February's list includes dancing sea turtles, the secret to a perfectly boiled egg, the latest breakthrough in deciphering the Herculaneum scrolls, the discovery of an Egyptian pharaoh's tomb, and more.Dancing sea turtlesThere is growing evidence that certain migratory animal species (turtles, birds, some species of fish) are able to exploit the Earth's magnetic field for navigation, using it both as a compass to determine direction and as a kind of "map" to track their geographical position while migrating. A paper published in the journal Nature offers evidence of a possible mechanism for this unusual ability, at least in loggerhead sea turtles, who perform an energetic "dance" when they follow magnetic fields to a tasty snack.Sea turtles make impressive 8,000-mile migrations across oceans and tend to return to the same feeding and nesting sites. The authors believe they achieve this through their ability to remember the magnetic signature of those areas and store them in a mental map. To test that hypothesis, the scientists placed juvenile sea turtles into two large tanks of water outfitted with large coils to create magnetic signatures at specific locations within the tanks. One tank features such a location that had food; the other had a similar location without food.They found that the sea turtles in the first tank performed distinctive "dancing" moves when they arrived at the area associated with food: tilting their bodies, dog-paddling, spinning in place, or raising their head near or above the surface of the water. When they ran a second experiment using different radio frequencies, they found that the change interfered with the turtles' internal compass, and they could not orient themselves while swimming. The authors concluded that this is compelling evidence that the sea turtles can distinguish between magnetic fields, possibly relying on complex chemical reactions, i.e., "magnetoreception." The map sense, however, likely relies on a different mechanism.DOI: Nature, 2025. 10.1038/s41586-024-08554-y (About DOIs).Long-lost tomb of Thutmose II Archaeologists found a simple tomb near Luxor and identified it as the 3,500-year-old burial site of King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Thutmose II was the fourth pharaoh of the Tutankhamun (18th) dynasty. He reigned only about 13 years and married his half-sister Hatshepsut (who went on to become the sixth pharaoh in the dynasty). Archaeologists have now confirmed that a tomb built underneath a waterfall in the mountains in Luxor and discovered in 2022 is the final resting place of Thutmose II. It's the last of the 18th dynasty royal tombs to be found, more than a century after Tutankhamun's tomb was found in 1922.When it was first found, archaeologists thought the tomb might be that of a king's wife, given its close proximity to Hatshepsut's tomb and those of the wives of Thutmose III. But they found fragments of alabaster vases inscribed with Thutmose II's name, along with scraps of religious burial texts and plaster fragments on the partially intact ceiling with traces of blue paint and yellow starstypically only found in kings' tombs. Something crucial was missing, however: the actual mummy and grave goods of Thutmose II.It's long been assumed that the king's mummy was discovered in the 19th century at another site called Deir el-Bahari. But archaeologist Piers Litherland, who headed the British team that discovered the tomb, thinks that identification was in error. An inscription stated that Hatshepsut had the tomb's contents relocated due to flooding. Litherland believes the pharaoh's actual mummy is buried in a second tomb. Confirmation (or not) of his hypothesis won't come until after archaeologists finish excavating what he thinks is the site of that second tomb, which is currently buried under multiple layers of rock and plaster.Hidden images in Pollock paintings "Troubled Queen" reveals a "hidden" figure, possibly a soldier. Credit: D.A. Morrissette et al., CNS Spectrums 2025 Physicists have long been fascinated by the drip paintings of "splatter master" Jackson Pollock, pondering the presence of fractal patterns (or lack thereof), as well as the presence of curls and coils in his work and whether the artist deliberately exploited a well-known fluid dynamics effect to achieve themor deliberately avoided them. Now psychiatrists are getting into the game, arguing in a paper published in CNS Spectrums that Pollockknown to incorporate images into his early pre-drip paintingsalso used many of the same images repeatedly in his later abstract drip paintings.People have long claimed to see images in those drip paintings, but the phenomenon is usually dismissed by art critics as a trick of human perception, much like the fractal edges of Rorschach ink blots can fool the eye and mind. The authors of this latest paper analyzed Pollock's early painting "Troubled Queen" and found multiple images incorporated into the painting, which they believe establishes a basis for their argument that Pollock also incorporated such images into his later drip painting, albeit possibly subconsciously."Seeing an image once in a drip painting could be random," said co-author Stephen M. Stahl of the University of California, San Diego. "Seeing the same image twice in different paintings could be a coincidence. Seeing it three or more timesas is the case for booze bottles, monkeys and gorillas, elephants, and many other subjects and objects in Pollock's paintingsmakes those images very unlikely to be randomly provoked perceptions without any basis in reality."DOI: CNS Spectrums, 2025. 10.1017/S1092852924001470 (About DOIs).Solving a fluid dynamics mystery Soap opera in the maze: Geometry matters in Marangoni flows. Every fall, the American Physical Society exhibits a Gallery of Fluid Motion, which recognizes the innate artistry of images and videos derived from fluid dynamics research. Several years ago, physicists at the University of Santa Barbara (UCSB) submitted an entry featuring a pool of red dye, propelled by a few drops of soap acting as a surfactant, that seemed to "know" how to solve a maze whose corridors were filled with milk. This is unusual since one would expect the dye to diffuse more uniformly. The team has now solved that puzzle, according to a paper published in Physical Review Letters.The key factor is surface tension, specifically a phenomenon known as the Marangoni effect, which also drives the "coffee ring effect" and the "tears of wine" phenomenon. If you spread a thin film of water on your kitchen counter and place a single drop of alcohol in the center, you'll see the water flow outward, away from the alcohol. The difference in their alcohol concentrations creates a surface tension gradient, driving the flow.In the case of the UCSB experiment, the soap reduces local surface tension around the red dye to set the dye in motion. There are also already surfactants in the milk that work in combination with the soapy surfactant to "solve" the maze. The milk surfactants create varying points of resistance as the dye makes its way through the maze. A dead end or a small space will have more resistance, redirecting the dye toward routes with less resistanceand ultimately to the maze's exit. "That means the added surfactant instantly knows the layout of the maze," said co-author Paolo Luzzatto-Fegiz.DOI: Physical Review Letters, 2025. 10.1073/pnas.1802831115 (About DOIs).How to cook a perfectly boiled egg Credit: YouTube/Epicurious There's more than one way to boil an egg, whether one likes it hard-boiled, soft-boiled, or somewhere in between. The challenge is that eggs have what physicists call a "two-phase" structure: The yolk cooks at 65 degrees Celsius, while the white (albumen) cooks at 85 degrees Celsius. This often results in overcooked yolks or undercooked whites when conventional methods are used. Physicists at the Italian National Research Council think they've cracked the case: The perfectly cooked egg is best achieved via a painstaking process called "periodic cooking," according to a paper in the journal Communications Engineering.They started with a few fluid dynamics simulations to develop a method and then tested that method in the laboratory. The process involves transferring a cooking egg every two minutesfor 32 minutesbetween a pot of boiling water (100 degrees Celsius) and a bowl of cold water (30 degrees Celsius). They compared their periodically cooked eggs with traditionally prepared hard-boiled and soft-boiled eggs, as well as eggs prepared using sous vide. The periodically cooked eggs ended up with soft yolks (typical of sous vide eggs) and a solidified egg white with a consistency between sous vide and soft-boiled eggs. Chemical analysis showed the periodically cooked eggs also contained more healthy polyphenols. "Periodic cooking clearly stood out as the most advantageous cooking method in terms of egg nutritional content," the authors concluded.DOI: Communications Engineering, 2025. 10.1038/s44172-024-00334-w (About DOIs).More progress on deciphering Herculaneum scrolls X-ray scans and AI reveal the inside of an ancient scroll. Credit: Vesuvius Challenge The Vesuvius Challenge is an ongoing project that employs "digital unwrapping" and crowd-sourced machine learning to decipher the first letters from previously unreadable ancient scrolls found in an ancient Roman villa at Herculaneum. The 660-plus scrolls stayed buried under volcanic mud until they were excavated in the 1700s from a single room that archaeologists believe held the personal working library of an Epicurean philosopher named Philodemus. The badly singed, rolled-up scrolls were so fragile that it was long believed they would never be readable, as even touching them could cause them to crumble.In 2023, the Vesuvius Challenge made its first award for deciphering the first letters, and last year, the project awarded the grand prize of $700,000 for producing the first readable text. The latest breakthrough is the successful generation of the first X-ray image of the inside of a scroll (PHerc. 172) housed in Oxford University's Bodleian Librariesa collaboration with the Vesuvius Challenge. The scroll's ink has a unique chemical composition, possibly containing lead, which means it shows up more clearly in X-ray scans than other Herculaneum scrolls that have been scanned.The machine learning aspect of this latest breakthrough focused primarily on detecting the presence of ink, not deciphering the characters or text. Oxford scholars are currently working to interpret the text. The first word to be translated was the Greek word for "disgust," which appears twice in nearby columns of text. Meanwhile, the Vesuvius Challenge collaborators continue to work to further refine the image to make the characters even more legible and hope to digitally "unroll" the scroll all the way to the end, where the text likely indicates the title of the work.What ancient Egyptian mummies smell like Mummified bodies in the exhibition area of the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Credit: Emma Paolin Much of what we know about ancient Egyptian embalming methods for mummification comes from ancient texts, but there are very few details about the specific spices, oils, resins, and other ingredients used. Science can help tease out the secret ingredients. For instance, a 2018 study analyzed organic residues from a mummys wrappings with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and found that the wrappings were saturated with a mixture of plant oil, an aromatic plant extract, a gum or sugar, and heated conifer resin. Researchers at University College London have now identified the distinctive smells associated with Egyptian mummiespredominantly"woody," "spicy," and "sweet," according to a paper published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society.The team coupled gas chromatography with mass spectrometry to measure chemical molecules emitted by nine mummified bodies on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo and then asked a panel of trained human "sniffers" to describe the samples smells, rating them by quality, intensity, and pleasantness. This enabled them to identify whether a given odor molecule came from the mummy itself, conservation products, pesticides, or the body's natural deterioration. The work offers additional clues into the materials used in mummification, as well as making it possible for the museum to create interactive "smellscapes" in future displays so visitors can experience the scents as well as the sights of ancient Egyptian mummies.DOI: Journal of the American Chemical Society, 2025. 10.1021/jacs.4c15769 (About DOIs).Jennifer OuelletteSenior WriterJennifer OuelletteSenior Writer Jennifer is a senior writer at Ars Technica with a particular focus on where science meets culture, covering everything from physics and related interdisciplinary topics to her favorite films and TV series. Jennifer lives in Baltimore with her spouse, physicist Sean M. Carroll, and their two cats, Ariel and Caliban. 3 Comments