Developer weltenbauer Software Entwicklung (creators of the Construction Simulator games) and publisher astragon have announced Firefighting Simulator: Ignite, a new Unreal Engine 5-powered simulation game that puts you in the boots of a firefighter, rescuing trapped citizens, battling electrical blazes, handling flammable liquids, and dealing with grease fires, backdrafts, flashovers, and explosions. You can team up in four-player co-op as well. It's due out in Fall 2025 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S.Firefighting Simulator promises realistic fire, smoke, and heat physics. It also aims to up the immersion with "officially licensed firefighting equipment and tools from industry-leading brands like HAIX, Fire-Dex, and STIHL, including fire hoses, saws, Halligan tools, axes, and extinguishers, as well as personal protective equipment" as well as "authentic fire trucks from Rosenbauer America, such as the TP3 Pumper, Viper, 68' Roadrunner or the brand-new RTX."Firefighting Simulator: Ignite - First ScreenshotsYou can also customize your character. And buying the Extended Edition includes a Dalmation dog for your firehouse, among other bonuses. Modding is also supported for both PC and consoles. Check out the first screenshots above and the announcement trailer at the top of this page, and wishlist Firefighting Simulator: Ignite on Steam if you're interested.Ryan McCaffrey is IGN's executive editor of previews and host of both IGN's weekly Xbox show, Podcast Unlocked, as well as our monthly(-ish) interview show, IGN Unfiltered. He's a North Jersey guy, so it's "Taylor ham," not "pork roll." Debate it with him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan.

Despite requiring players to sign NDAs to prevent details of EA's upcoming untitled Battlefield game leaking online, it leaked online anyway, with dozens of video and screenshots popping up, showing off what players participating in the game's closed playtesting have been up to.As we reported when the leaks surfaced, the footage seems to confirm the "modern" setting previously teased by Vince Zampella, distinguishing it from other Battlefield games. A quick scroll through the Battlefield subreddit gives us plenty of firefights, as well as a taste of the game's destructible environments and a handful of new mechanics, including the ability to hang off vehicles and dragging wounded teammates out of harm's way.Perhaps most surprising of all, however, is EA is seemingly doing very little to combat the leaks.Most publishers are fiercely protective of leaked early footage as pre-release gameplay can feature incomplete animations, unfinished UI, and less-than-stellar graphics. This time, however despite the fact players are breaking confidentiality agreements by uploading videos or screenshots EA has yet to issue takedowns.Perhaps that's because, unlike Battlefield 2042's lukewarm reception, fans seem pretty pleased with what they've seen so far."I am scared to say that but this game is shaping up very damn well. I hope there are no catches" said one player, with another adding: "The animations of the weapons moving around while running / doing anything look better than 2042 to me.""Dude, even in a pre-alpha state, the explosions, bullets, and projectiles whizzing by, buildings crumbling down, dust kicking up. This has so much potential!" exclaimed another happy player."I can't get over how good the sounds and the destruction look at alpha," opined someone else.EA expects its next Battlefield game to launch in the fiscal year 2026, which means we'll see it released sometime between April 2025 and March 2026. From our first official unveiling just last month, we now know the new Battlefield will include the return of a traditional, single-player, linear campaign, which has been welcome news to players disappointed it was excluded in the multiplayer Battlefield 2042.Vikki Blake is a reporter, critic, columnist, and consultant. She's also a Guardian, Spartan, Silent Hillian, Legend, and perpetually High Chaos. Find her at BlueSky.

In the weeks since Eon Productions heads Barbara Broccoli and Michael G. Wilson announced they were turning control of the James Bond franchise over to Amazon, the internet has been aflame with pitches for nightmare spin offs. Its not hard to imagine the streamer green-lighting a drama about the early days of M, a Penguin-style prestige origin show about Blofeld, or some sort of reality competition to choose the next Bond girl.One that hasnt come up is a kids cartoon that recasts the super spy as a handsome teen who battles outrageous versions of Bonds celebrated villains. And thats because it already happened.65 episodes of James Bond Jr. ran in 1991, an animated series about 007s nephew James Bond Jr., going on adventures with Qs grandson I.Q. and Felix Leiters son Gordo and facing off with classic baddies such as Dr. No and Jaws.James Bond Jr. is exactly as weird as it sounds, but it didnt come from Amazon or even Kevin McClory and Jack Whittingham, the duo responsible for the off-brand movie Never Say Never Again, at least not directly. No, James Bond Jr. is the brainchild of DIC Entertainment head Andy Heyward, producer Robby London, and Michael G. Wilson himself.James Bond Jr. reminds fans that the franchise wasnt exactly sacred under the previous leadership, and provides both a warning and best-case-scenario for future spin-offs. For Kids Eyes OnlyIn the opening scene of James Bond Jr.s pilot episode, we watch as a shadowy vehicle chases an Aston Martin down a twisting road. The Aston Martin fires rockets and other counter-measures, but the pursuer remains, soon joined by two assailants on motorbikes. That is, until the pursuers chase the Aston Martin off a cliff.With the press of a button, wings pop out from the sides of the car and a propeller extends from the front, converting the vehicle into a plane that soars across the sky.Sure, theres a soft-spoken teen behind the wheel instead of Connery, Moore, or Dalton. But the opening scene feels like a proper James Bond adventure. And thats the thing that truly stands out when watching the show. James Bond Jr. feels like a proper Bond entry and a standard cartoon show from the late 80s and early 90s. The series hits a sweet spot between the silliest aspects of the franchise and the heavy world-building (read: toy opportunities) of the eras cartoons, making something that isnt exactly good, but not quite as crazy as it sounds.James Bond Jr. takes place at elite private school Warfield Academy, where young Bond (Corey Burton) pals around with the nerdy I.Q. (Jeff Bennett), the mulletted Gordo (Jan Rabson), the headmasters daughter Tracy Milbanks (Mona Marshall), and her nerdy best friend Phoebe Farragut (Susan Silo).Each of the 65 episodes of James Bond Jr. hold to the same basic premise. Gym teacher Mr. Mitchell (Brian Stokes Mitchell) or another instructor tries to impart a lesson on the students, but James gets distracted by some mystery. The mystery brings him into contact with a beautiful young woman with whom he trades kid-friendly flirtations. In every case, the mystery is related to S.C.U.M., aka Saboteurs and Criminals United in Mayhem. With the help of Gordo, I.Q., and Tracy, James thwarts the S.C.U.M. agents, embarrasses snob Trevor Noseworthy IV (Simon Templeman), and gets back to school, just in time for a firm but respectful reprimand from headmaster Bradford Milbanks (Julian Holloway).The S.C.U.M. baddies feature some new creations for the series, including the generic-looking Scumlord (Jeff Bennett), who hides behind a fedora and glasses, the French mad scientist Dr. Derange (Julian Holloway), and his lacky Skullcap (Jan Rabson). Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!However, some characters from the main franchise make their way to the show, albeit in redesigned form. Jaws (Rabson) is beefier than Richard Kiel, but otherwise looks mostly the same. However, Oddjob (Bennett) gets refit as an 80s B-Boy, while Nick Nack (Bennett) from The Man With the Golden Gun becomes a slightly undersized white greaser. Goldfinger (Rabson) mostly matches his film counterpart, but he does gain a teen daughter called Goldie (Kath Soucie). Conversely, Dr. No (Holloway) gets made up with every ugly Yellow Peril stereotype, ensuring that the franchises signature racism stays intact.Strange as it all sounds, James Bond Jr. kind of makes sense. Its not very good, but its not nearly as outlandish as other cartoon series from the time, such as the Troma adaptation Toxic Crusaders or even the Rambo kids shows. Yet, given Eons strict standards for the Bond franchise, one has to wonder how does something like this even get made?Copyrights Are ForeverThose most at fault for the existence of James Bond Jr. are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. No, the heroes in a half-shell never visit Warfield Academy, but the massive success of that show sent animation studios and toy makers on a wild search for the next big thing. So when Eon and DIC approached animation studio Murakami-Wolf-Swenson, the group also responsible for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, it seemed like a match made in heaven.But the origin of James Bond Jr. goes back further, long before ooze dripped its way onto four young turtles. In 1967, author R.D. Mascott published The Adventures of James Bond Junior 003, a spin off of the Ian Fleming series featuring Bonds nephew. (Charlie Higsons Young Bond novels, beginning with 2005s Silverfin, would follow decades later.) That book may have had something to do with Harry Saltzmans plans, reported in the New York Times in 1966, to make a movie about a ten-year-old who thwarts a SPECTRE plot. That connection may also explain talks to make 003 into a television series, shortly after the books release. Whatever the genesis, James Bond Jr. stayed on the shelf until the late 1980s, when the franchise stalled out. After Timothy Daltons two entries (including License to Kill, in which poor Gordo Leiters dad Felix gets partially fed to sharks) met with mixed reviews, Eon stepped back to change their approach.At the same time, writer Kevin McClory renewed his attempts to create a Bond franchise outside of Eon, building off the rights awarded him from a plagiarism case against Ian Fleming. In addition to planning another live-action Bond film in the style of Never Say Never Again, McClory began pitching an animated series called James Bond vs. SPECTRE.To help secure their control over every version of the character, Eon teamed up with Murakami-Wolf-Swenson and DIC Entertainment to make a proper kids cartoon based on the characters, complete with a full toy line from Mattel, a Marvel Comics series, and a couple of Nintendo games.James Bond Jr. Will Not ReturnJames Bond Jr. ended after one season and, outside of a couple VHS releases, has never been remastered or re-released, with pretty good reason. James Bond Jr. plays exactly like a low-rent version of the main thing, sanding off the edges and replacing them with mediocre television animation thrills. It was made to protect IP rights and make money and toy sales, and it shows.That said, James Bond Jr. isnt nearly as bad as it could be, and even served something of a purpose. If you were a kid whose parents didnt mind laser-gun violence but didnt let you see Bond bed various ladies, then James Bond Jr. scratched that itch for PG-friendly wacky gadgets, outlandish baddies, and cheesy quips until at least, Alex Rider came along.And in light of Amazons impending mining of the franchise, James Bond Jr. might be the best case scenario of 007 spinoffs.

For most older Millennials, your scariest movie theater experience wasnt seeing Casey Becker get stabbed in Scream, it wasnt Samara coming out of the TV in The Ring, and it wasnt even when the Borg came back for Picard in Star Trek: First Contact.It was feeling your parents tense up with shock when Raphael said Damn in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. After all, you came to the theater in 1990 after falling in love with the cartoon series and toy line that launched in 1987, all kid-friendly adventures in which sais and katanas were mostly for show. Nobody got hurt, nobody got scared, and certainly, nobody said, Damn.But as the posters for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles promised, This aint no cartoon. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie was the first comic book movie to show deference to the source material, in a way thats expected in modern blockbusters.Shoving Nerd Stuff to the BackAn equally shocking moment for older Millennial and younger Gen X comic book fans was watching the Batmobile drive through the Axis Chemical plant in 1989s Batman. In the comics, Batman has a strict no killing policy, and normally wont even pick up a gun. But here he was, firing away and blowing up the factory, not concerned about anyone getting hurt.But that was the norm with comic book adaptations at the time. The comics provided source material and a recognizable name. Everything else had to be changed for wider audiences. Thus, we get Joker killing Bruce Waynes parents in Batman, leaving poor Joe Chill in the cold. We get Marlon Brandos Jor-El wearing an S shield within a crystalline Krypton in Superman. We get Adrienne Barbeau as Alice Cable falling for Ray Wises Alex Holland in 1982s Swamp Thing.To be clear, such revisions from the source material werent always bad. Famously, concepts such as Kryponite, the Daily Planet, and even Supermans flight came from the Adventures of Superman radio show and TV series, not the comics. But its hard to imagine such major revisions flying today, unless they were done with relatively minor characters like Star-Lord or Drax the Destroyer.More often than not, comic book adaptations acted like they were too good for the source material, and even felt embarrassed by the comics. The Incredible Hulk television series eschewed almost everything from the comics and changed the main characters name to David Banner, for fear, according to Stan Lee and Lou Ferrigno, that Bruce sounded too gay. The Arrowverse eventually became a bastion of wacky superhero antics on TV, but it began with Stephen Amell playing Oliver Queen as Bruce Wayne by another name, without the liberal politics or Van Dyke beard of Green Arrow comics.But Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles didnt approach things the same way. It was a comic book adaptation first, a cartoon adaptation second, and a mass-market movie last.From the Sewers to the Comics to the ScreenAs most nerds know, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles started life as a Daredevil parody that Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird created to entertain one another. The first issues, which Eastman and Laird began self-publishing as black and white stories in 1984, were silly, but not in the same way as the cartoon show would be. The Turtles didnt say Cowabunga or eat pizza, but they did amp up the melodramatic voice that Frank Miller brought to Daredevil comics.While the Shredder dies at the end of the first issue, the Turtles went onto have goofy adventures involving evil genius Baxter Stockman, brain-like aliens called Utroms, and the masked vigilante Casey Jones. Most of the humor came from exaggeration of comic book tropes, presenting the silliest material with utter seriousness.When the Turtles became cartoon and toy stars in 1987, that approach wouldnt translate, so the Turtles became easily identifiable party dudes. Minor qualities from the comics get amped up into the cartoon, making Leonardo the clear leader, Raphael more of an unstable hot head, Michelangelo a non-stop partier, and Donatello a nerd with an inventive knack. Most importantly, they get rid of the matching red masks and each got their own individual color schemes.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!All of those aspects make their way into the movie, especially the personalities and the masks. But so did much of the comics. The Turtles banter, their predilection for pizza, and even the movies logo all come from the comics. But outside of that, writers Todd W. Langen and Bobby Herbeck and director Steve Barron went straight to the comics. The films story adapts several arcs from the comics and the Raphael one-shot, in which Raph and Casey Jones duke it out for the first time. Even the Northampton farmhouse where the Turtles go to recuperate after Raphs beatdown is straight from the comic books, albeit with Donatello having received the beating.Most notably to younger viewers and their parents, the movie retained the edge of the comics, in which the Turtles violently killed their opponents. The Turtles attack Shredder with shocking brutality, stabbing him with Leos katana and using Donnies B staff to knock him off the roof, where he explodes when his grenade goes off. The movie isnt quite as violent, but Casey Jones does make a joke when he turns on the trash compactor to crush his enemy.From beginning to end, the TMNT movie carried the spirit of the comics, even more so than the cartoons or toys.Today, TMNTs minor changes from the comics seem drastic. We live in a world in which Red Ghost is played by an esteemed actor and Kryptos arrival is a key point in the Superman trailer. Today, everyone knows what SHIELD is, and Commander Steel was a fan favorite in Legends of Tomorrow. Furthermore, you dont have to go far online to find people still dissatisfied and griping that Guy Gardners costume isnt quite right in Superman or that Daredevil still doesnt have the DD logo in Daredevil: Born Again.Not long ago, nobody would have even thought to complain about such minor details because just the fact that Bruce Wayne was Batman was a major concession to the comics.TMNT didnt get everything right. By trying to meld the comics with the cartoon and toy line, it ended up leaving everyone a bit dissatisfied, despite the solid story and amazing Turtle designs from the Jim Henson Company. But as the movie and its fans get older, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles stands out for its mix of goofy comedy and gritty realism.Adherence to the comics has made Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles not just a bellwether for the modern state of comic book movies, but also a more engaging watch, 35 years later, now that our parents cant get mad at us for watching a movie with swear words.

Your front door is a first impression, a personality statement, and, of course, a chance to show off your impeccable taste. Choosing the right shade is no small featafter all, it's the one element of your exterior that speaks volumes before guests even step inside. So what colors are designers obsessing over this year?"Across the board, we are seeing a rise in the use of color, and this also applies to front doors," says designer Kelly Neely. Designers agree that homeowners are stepping away from safe neutrals and embracing color in a big way, but don't worrythis doesn't mean neon brights or candy-colored chaos. Instead, were talking earthy greens, fiery reds, sophisticated jewel tones, and moody blues. Read on for the designer-approved shades guaranteed to elevate your curb appealand maybe even make your neighbors just a little bit envious.Rich, Earthy GreensFrank FrancesInterior designer Eva Bradley gave her123-year-old Victorianin San Francisco a gorgeous update with Benjamin MooresRainforest Foliage on the front door.If there's one color family that's truly having its moment, it's greenbut not just any green: deep forest shades and moss tones. These shades feel sophisticated and also have that connection to nature that makes them feel classic and fresh at the same time, Lior Kahana of 123 Remodeling tells ELLE DECOR.And if you dont want to go too green, Neely tells us that sage and forest greens are the chicest way to embrace color without straying too far from neutral territory. Designer Alecia Taylor from CabinetNow singles out Sherwin-Williams' Green Baya luxurious teal-greenas the perfect shade for those craving tranquility with a pop of style. Perfect for making an elegant yet cozy statement," she says. For even more subtlety, consider Sherwin-Williams' Slow Green, a charming soft green that Taylor says "adds a fresh and stylish touch while blending beautifully with natural landscaping."Fiery Reds and Warm BerriesWilliam Jess LairdIn this Connecticut home, designer Clive Lonstein painted the front door red and the staircase a Benjamin Moore purple.If subtlety isn't your style, fiery reds like crimson and scarlet are ready to spice things up. Mike Brown from Dania Furniture and Scandinavian Designs tells us that these vibrant hues are becoming popular as homeowners look to inject "more character into simple spaces." With modern farmhouse styles trending toward neutral palettes, bold reds like crimson or scarlet add just enough drama to turn heads without overwhelming the architecture. Kahana is also loving muted reds like terracotta and deep berry: "These shades still have that traditional 'welcome' feel but look richer and more curatedperfectly paired with warm wood siding or bold black exteriors."Sophisticated Jewel TonesPatrick BillerThe front door of a restored 1880s row house in the Cabbagetown neighborhood of Toronto is painted in Benjamin Moores Rapture.Want to make a statement that's bold yet timeless? Jewel tones. This is the year of classic jewel tonesnavy blue, emerald green, garnet, and even pewter, interior designer Kathy Kuo tells us. Theyre eye-catching but still versatile enough to stay sophisticated over time.Whether your exterior is traditional brick or sleek modern siding, jewel tones like deep garnet or navy blue add instant depth and personality without crossing into flashy territory. Consider pairing these hues with brass hardware or matte black accents for a look thats polished, refined, and a little bit daring. Who wouldnt want their entryway to feel like a grand entrance?Moody BluesWilliam AbramowiczActress Minnie Driver added a pop of color to her Hollywood Hills house with a bold, blue front door.Blue doors are hardly groundbreakingbut this years blues are diving deeper and moodier. Isfira Jensen of Jensen & Co. Interiors sees homeowners eager to escape "the sea of neutrals and bland colors," choosing instead deeper blues to infuse personality into their exteriors. Rich, deep blues are making a statement for those who want to incorporate some personality into the exterior of their home, Jensen explains. She adds that these shades pair beautifully with natural textures like stone facades, warm wood accents, and aged metalscreating an exterior that feels intentional, sophisticated, and distinctly yours.Julia CancillaEngagement EditorJulia Cancilla is the engagement editor (and resident witch) at ELLE Decor, where she manages the brand's social media presence and covers trends, lifestyle, and culture in the design world. Julia built her background at Inked magazine, where she grew their social media audiences by two million, conducted interviews with A-list celebrities, and penned feature articles focusing on pop culture, art and lifestyle. Over her five years of digital media experience, Julia has written about numerous topics, from fashion to astrology.

The first M4 MacBook Air reviews are out, and the consensus view appears to be that while it may not be an exciting update, its a lot of tech for the money and is the Mac most people should buy.The other thing reviewers agree on is that the new blue color is a whole new level of subtle, so dont expect too much of a change in look from the silver Six ColorsJason Snell welcomes the new price, and says that if youre coming from an Intel Mac, this is the machine to buy.Thats why perhaps the most important change in the M4 MacBook Air is its base configuration, which starts at $999. When Apple introduced a winning new flat-with-rounded-corners Air design in 2022, it had to keep selling older models in order to get down under a thousand dollars. Three years later, Apple is finally able to sell a brand-new Airwith a generous 16GB of unified memoryat that important price.So: No more quibbles about stepping back a generation or two to an older model with a lower price. Apple has done away with that strategy for the MacBook Air: The latest and greatest model is the one most people shopping for a Mac should buy, especially if theyre coming from an Intel model.The IndependentDavid Phelan agrees, and says that the price of the 15-inch model is particularly noteworthy.There are reasons why theMacBook Airis so well-liked (Apple even calls it the worlds most popular laptop). The machine has been created to be preposterously slim, sharply designed and appealingly light, with battery life that goes on and on. Those attributes still apply in the latest model but now it has a much more powerful processor, to ensure it runs even faster than before. The lower price, especially in the sumptuously sized 15in model, is the icing on the cake.WiredBrenda Stolyar says shes long been a MacBook Air fan, and while she may have things left on her wish-list, its hard not to love this one.Its hard not to love the new MacBook Air. It packs everything we loved about the previous version while also addressingalmostall the critiques. The lack of ports continues to be my biggest gripe, but I digress [] its still an excellent laptop for basic taskswhether thats for work, school, or fun. Sure, the upgrades continue to feel iterative, but its nice to see the MacBook Air priced at under $1,000 again without skimping on features.CNETJoshua Goldman says that while little has changed from the M3 model, thats just proof of how amazing these M-series machines are.What continues to amaze me about the M-series MacBook Airs is that they crank out high-level performance and long battery life, yet the body is completely fanless. Whats even more incredible is that the performance gets better year after year. So, while not too much has changed from the last-gen M3 MacBook Air, for the M4 Air, youll still get a lot of computing power and upwards of 15 hours of battery life in a thin, light and quiet body. And now it comes in a light metallic blue.Toms HardwareAndrew Freedman says that while upgrade pricing is still absurd, the base machine is great value.The MacBook Air with M4 is still thin, still powerful, and still excellent. Add in a lower price point and a default 16GB of RAM, and this laptop is one of the best values Apple has offered in a long time [though] RAM and SSD pricing are still absurd.GizmodoKyle Barr says the machine is a solid buy, but wasnt the only reviewer to say they had to look hard at the new blue color to see any signs of, well, blue.The 2025 version of the MacBook Air now starts at its most attractive price point for the best performance yet. Just dont expect something so different than previous versions. [] Starting $1,000 price point is a solid grab for the average user [but] a cold silver color is not sky blue.Highlighted accessoriesPhoto: AppleAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Apples new Mac Studio arrives in users hands this week, and the first reviews have just become available. The conclusion? This is a powerhouse machine that is easily the most powerful Mac everbut you need to know which chip is right for you.Differences between M4 Max and M3 Ultra modelsThe new Mac Studio is basically identical in form to its M2 predecessor. But when comparing the M4 Max and M3 Ultra models, there are a couple noteworthy hardware differences to point outperformance aside.Andrew Cunningham at Ars Technica:The Max and Ultra models are externally identical, but they have a couple of different details. The Ultra version of the Studio is still about two pounds heavier (8 pounds, up from 6.1) than the Max version because of its heatsink, which uses heavier but more-conductive copper instead of aluminum. The two ports on the front of the Ultra version of the Studio also support full 120Gbps Thunderbolt 5 speeds, while the ports on the Max version are 10Gbps USB-C.When focused on performance, reviewers universally praise the power of the new Mac Studio. But due to the two chip options being a generation apart, there are certain computing tasks where one chip will outshine the other.Despite the M3 Ultra being significantly more expensive, for example, it comes with pros and cons per Ars Technica:The biggest downside is obviously that the M3 Ultra comes with M3-class single-core performance, which is still relevant for things like games and other workloads that cant be split among multiple coresthe M3 Ultra GPU outperforms the M4 Max in the GFXBench graphics benchmark at 4K and 1440p, but the M4 Max is actually way faster at 1080pthats because the M3 Ultras CPU is bottlenecking the GPU, and the M4 Maxs CPU isnt.Single-core performance aside, the M3 Ultra does eventually start to run the expected circles around the M4 Max when it comes to multi-threaded CPU work and GPU benchmarks that are actually bottlenecked by the GPU.Among the variety of undisputed advantages with the high-end M3 Ultra: AI workflows.Max Weinbach writes at Creative Strategies:The Apple Mac Studio featuring the M3 Ultra represents the most powerful AI workstation currently available, tailored specifically toward AI developers demanding workflows. With its unprecedented unified memory (up to 512GB) and robust GPU performance, the M3 Ultra Mac Studio excels at running large language models (LLMs) efficiently, surpassing even high-end PCs in practical AI workloads. Its integration with Apples MLX framework provides optimized, user-friendly performance, establishing the Mac Studio as a uniquely capable machine for both current and future AI development.Jeremy Gray writes at PetaPixel:The Mac Studio with M3 Ultra is an interesting machine in terms of performance. In many ways, it is undoubtedly the most powerful Mac to date and lives up to Apples lofty billing.However, not every use case takes full advantage of the available power. While Lightroom, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve clearly do, Photoshop doesnt. This makes broad advice challenging because Apples most powerful Mac might not be the most powerful foryou.Its hard to beat the new Mac Studio, but for many users, the Mac mini is a better optionA common theme throughout the reviews is that the Mac Studio is for a small set of users who know they will actually take advantage of its power.For everyone else? Theres the M4 Mac mini, especially since you can get it in an M4 Pro configuration.If you need a desktop Mac, theres no more powerful, flexible computer than the new Mac Studio.But if the mini doesnt provide enough headroom for you, you cant go wrong with the upgraded Mac Studioprovided you get the chip that serves your needs best.Best Mac accessoriesAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Mar 11, 2025Ravie LakshmananNetwork Security / VulnerabilityUnpatched TP-Link Archer routers have become the target of a new botnet campaign dubbed Ballista, according to new findings from the Cato CTRL team."The botnet exploits a remote code execution (RCE) vulnerability in TP-Link Archer routers (CVE-2023-1389) to spread itself automatically over the Internet," security researchers Ofek Vardi and Matan Mittelman said in a technical report shared with The Hacker News.CVE-2023-1389 is a high-severity security flaw impacting TP-Link Archer AX-21 routers that could lead to command injection, which could then pave the way for remote code execution.The earliest evidence of active exploitation of the flaw dates back to April 2023, with unidentified threat actors using it to drop Mirai botnet malware. Since then, it has also been abused to propagate other malware families like Condi and AndroxGh0st.Cato CTRL said it detected the Ballista campaign on January 10, 2025. The most recent exploitation attempt was recorded on February 17.The attack sequence entails the use of a malware dropper, a shell script ("dropbpb.sh") that's designed to fetch and execute the main binary on the target system for various system architectures such as mips, mipsel, armv5l, armv7l, and x86_64.Once executed, the malware establishes an encrypted command-and-control (C2) channel on port 82 in order to take control of the device."This allows running shell commands to conduct further RCE and denial-of-service (DoS) attacks," the researchers said. "In addition, the malware attempts to read sensitive files on the local system."Some of the supported commands are listed below -flooder, which triggers a flood attackexploiter, which exploits CVE-2023-1389start, an optional parameter that is used with the exploiter to start the moduleclose, which stops the module triggering functionshell, which runs a Linux shell command on the local system.killall, which is used to terminate the serviceIn addition, it's capable of terminating previous instances of itself and erasing its own presence once execution begins. It's also designed to spread to other routers by attempting to exploit the flaw.The use of the C2 IP address location (2.237.57[.]70) and the presence of Italian language strings in the malware binaries suggests the involvement of an unknown Italian threat actor, the cybersecurity company said.That said, it appears the malware is under active development given that the IP address is no longer functional and there exists a new variant of the dropper that utilizes TOR network domains instead of a hard-coded IP address.A search on attack surface management platform Censys reveals that more than 6,000 devices are infected by Ballista. The infections are concentrated around Brazil, Poland, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, and Turkey.The botnet has been found to target manufacturing, medical/healthcare, services, and technology organizations in the United States, Australia, China, and Mexico."While this malware sample shares similarities with other botnets, it remains distinct from widely used botnets such as Mirai and Mozi," the researchers said.Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Mike Thomson, President and Chief Operating Officer, UnisysMarch 11, 20254 Min ReadNatallia Bardushka via Alamy StockThe future of enterprise technology is taking shape rapidly, and the start of 2025 is only accelerating the impact it will have on all businesses, no matter the industry. IT and business leaders face incredible opportunities alongside complex challenges that will reshape everything from daily operations to client value.As technology redefines how we work, organizations are in a race to innovate to tap into new possibilities and drive sustainable growth, or risk falling behind. To succeed in this dynamic landscape, leaders must focus on the following trends shaping the tech landscape.Natural Language: Default for AI-Human InteractionOver the past several years, AI has become a major focus for businesses and in everyday life. We went from the onset of ChatGPT to learning how to engineer prompts and are now coming to terms with the privacy and governance considerations needed to use the technology safely.AI will continue to become more intuitive and accessible, transitioning from basic web interfaces to seamless, natural interactions. AI will integrate into all aspects of our lives, enabling us to communicate with machines as naturally as we do humans. Further, we will see AI integrated into devices like phones and smart home systems, responding to voice commands, gestures and predictive cues.Related:This marks a reversal of the current approach to AI, a shift from teaching humans to prompt AI toward teaching it to understand humans. Today, prompt engineering plays a central role in making AI systems deliver optimal results. However, prompt engineering will become obsolete as natural language processing improves, and AI becomes more intuitive.To stay ahead of this shift, organizations should identify key processes unique to their business models that could benefit from natural language automation Expanding AI use beyond traditional interfaces -- incorporating voice, gesture and predictive features -- will be crucial to staying ahead. Leaders should prioritize intuitive user experiences that make AI tools easier for all users to navigate. Finally, as AIs capabilities grow, ensure that your infrastructure and security measures are robust enough to handle the demands of natural language processing at scale.Small Language Models and Edge ComputingDue to connectivity, privacy and security concerns, not all AI applications can rely on large language models (LLMs). Small language models paired with edge computing can process data closer to the source --like on local servers, laptops and mobile devices -- reducing LLM token usage, improving latency and addressing privacy challenges.Related:This hybrid approach enables organizations to process sensitive data locally, resulting in faster, more secure AI applications. Organizations can achieve more reliable AI-driven insights by using localized models that rely on curated data while optimizing resource use and managing operational costs. It mainly benefits organizations operating in regulated environments or those handling confidential information. Edge deployment also helps organizations control their AI operations, reducing reliance on external cloud providers.Organizations can use this hybrid approach by evaluating where moving computing power to the edge can improve data confidentiality, security and cost-efficiency. For example, consider areas where sensitive or regulated data can be processed locally, minimizing the need to transmit information over less secure channels. Partnering with edge computing providers will allow organizations to expand their AI capabilities while keeping sensitive operations closer to home.Energy-Efficient AI as a Competitive AdvantageAs AI is incorporated into everyday life, it drives the construction of energy-intensive data centers, straining global power grids and raising environmental concerns. Consequently, the focus is now on developing energy-efficient models to balance innovation with sustainability.Related:Practicing sustainable AI can be a differentiator in two ways: optimizing the use of energy resources in the training and operation of AI, and applying AI to energy-intensive processes and applications.Business leaders should consider implementing efficiency techniques such as model pruning, quantization, and knowledge distillation to reduce computational complexity and resource usage. Additionally, the focus should be on reusing datasets and optimizing data storage to avoid redundant data processing and reduce energy consumption. Partnering with cloud providers and hardware manufacturers who prioritize energy-efficient AI solutions is another step toward sustainability.Entry-Level Workers and an AI WorkforceOne temptation with generative AI technology is to assume it can do the work of entry-level workers. However, even with these advances, these workers remain essential to the future of business. While AI can automate many repetitive tasks, entry-level employees often possess a deeper understanding of generative AI tools and how to integrate them effectively into workflows. These workers are digital natives who are highly adaptable, innovative, and capable of handling AI technologies, making them valuable contributors to an AI-enabled workforce.To leverage the potential of an AI-enabled workforce, organizations should prioritize hiring entry-level talent who bring valuable digital-native skills and a deep understanding of generative AI tools. Retaining these workers is key to nurturing future leaders who can harness AIs capabilities for long-term success. Additionally, organizations should provide targeted training programs to help experienced employees adapt to AI advancements and integrate new technologies into their roles.In an era of rapid technological advancement, businesses need to stay nimble while planning ahead. The trends shaping enterprise technology offer both challenges and opportunities. Taking action today will position organizations for sustained innovation and competitive advantage in 2025 and beyond.About the AuthorMike ThomsonPresident and Chief Operating Officer, UnisysMike Thomson is president and chief operating officer at Unisys, helping clients experience breakthroughs as he oversees strategy and relationships for the companys solutions: digital workplace; cloud, applications & infrastructure; enterprise computing; and business processes.See more from Mike ThomsonWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

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