Desert Island Dekus.As we approach the end of the 'Switch 1' generation (at least, we hope we're approaching the end), we're starting to get all whimsical about the last eight years.In truth, the Switch has brought us some of our favourite games of all time, and the list of certified 10/10 bangers to have landed on the console is enough to keep us occupied for years something our ever-growing backlogs can attest to. But rather than focus on the sheer mass of brilliance that now lays out before us, we've decided to be a little evil and cut our libraries down to size. Hypothetically, of course.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Image: WB GamesFor years, LEGO has found great success in teaming up with third-party studios to develop its tie-in game titles. However, it seems that collaborations with the likes of TT Games, 2K and Epic may soon come to an end, as a LEGO executive has suggested that the company wants to take things in-house in the future.In a recent interview with the Financial Times, LEGO chief exec Niels Christiansen stated that the company is looking to build its digital departments alongside its classic, physical manufacturing. We can definitely say as long as were under the Lego brand we can cover experiences for kids of all ages, digital or physical," Christiansen told the outlet, "[Game development in-house] is something were building up".It will mark an interesting move for the company, which, despite having a presence in the gaming space for the past two decades, has always outsourced development to other studios. TT Games has long helmed the movie tie-in series like LEGO Star Wars, Harry Potter and Indiana Jones, 2K got behind the bricky wheel in LEGO 2K Drive and, with a recent win, the company paired up with Epic Games in 2023 on the immensely popular LEGO Fortnite.That said, it makes a lot of sense. With LEGO sets cropping up for Mario, Animal Crossing, Sonic and Zelda in recent years, the company clearly sees the appeal of getting in with the gaming crowd, and it's not as if the House of Bricks is strapped for cash of late in its latest financial report, the company posted increased revenue of 13% to 74.3 billion DKK (8.4 billion / $10.8 billion) with consumer sales up 12%."We have made quite a few investments in the future Id almost rather overinvest," Christiansen told the Financial Times, "Thats the benefit of being family-owned and long-term". Back in 2022, LEGO announced that it was planning to triple its number of software engineers to make more of an impact in the digital space. Two years on, it seems that is still the case.What this means for the future of LEGO games remains to be seen. LEGO Fortnite continues to be a huge success, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is still selling like hot cakes three years after its release, and we remain none the wiser about that rumoured football game from 2K. You'd think that it would be a tall order to pull everything in-house immediately, but when we're talking about LEGO money, who knows? Pole position on our wishlistsNow you're playing with buildable powerWhat do you make of this news? Build your thoughts in the comments below.Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.[source ft.com]Related GamesSee AlsoShare:03 Jim came to Nintendo Life in 2022 and, despite his insistence that The Minish Cap is the best Zelda game and his unwavering love for the Star Wars prequels (yes, really), he has continued to write news and features on the site ever since. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNew 18+ LEGO Mario Kart Set Is A Better Build Than We ExpectedPole position on our wishlists20 Years After Its Demise, Publisher 'Acclaim' Is Being ResurrectedWill look to "support indie developers and reignite classic franchises"Analyst Fears U.S. Tariffs Could Spell Disaster For Physical Games"What a mess"Analyst Expects Switch 2 To Sell Like Hot Cakes In Its First QuarterPre-empting a battle with the PS6Skullgirls Dev Is Off The Game, Taking Legal Action Against Publisher"Thank you all for everything - you deserve nothing but the best"

Waymo will start offering robotaxi rides to people in its Waymo One early rider program in Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and parts of Sunnyvale starting Wednesday, an expansion that will bring its footprint in Silicon Valley to 27 square miles.The Waymo vehicles will be available around-the-clock, and the new territories add to the 55 square miles of coverage already offered in the San Francisco Bay Area, the company said Tuesday.The expansion is part of a busy year of growth in both commercial deployments and of geographic testing for Waymo.Just last week, Uber users in Austin, Texas could start getting matched to Waymo vehicles on the ride-hailing app. Uber and Waymo plan to bring the same service to Atlanta later this year. (Waymo employees have been taking autonomous trips in that city since January.) Waymo is launching in Miami, too, in partnership with African mobility startup Moove. Waymo also plans to test in as many as 10 new U.S. cities this year, including Las Vegas and San Diego something its able to do thanks to a massive $5.6 billion funding round that closed late last year, valuing the robotaxi company at $45 billion. With Cruises commercial business now dead, Waymo is racing ahead as the leading U.S. robotaxi company. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has said his company plans to trial a version of its long-promised robotaxi service in Austin in June, and possibly in California and other locations by the end of this year. Uber and Yandex spinoff Avride also plan to launch a service in Dallas this year. Amazon-owned Zoox is also working to spin up a commercial launch in Las Vegas and, eventually, in San Francisco as well.

Hinge Health, a 10-year-old company that offers a digital solution to treat chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, filed to go public.Although Hinge has not yet announced how many shares, nor priced them, the IPO specialists at Renaissance Capital estimate the company hopes to raise up to $500 million in its offering.Hinges revenue in 2024 was $390 million, a 33% increase from the prior year, while net losses narrowed to $11.9 million from $108 million in 2023, according to its IPO prospectus.The companys technology aims to reduce MSK pain through the use of advanced wearable sensors and computer vision technology that is monitored remotely by a clinical care team of physical therapists, physicians and board-certified health coaches.Hinge was last valued at $6.2 billion in October 2021 when it raised a $400 Series E from Tiger Global and Coatue Management. The company has raised a total of $828 million in venture capital, according to PitchBook data.The companys largest outside shareholders are Insight Partners, which holds 19% of all stock, and Atomico, which has 15% of all shares. Other venture capital firms that own approximately 8% of Hinges shares include 11.2 Capital, Coatue, Tiger Global, and Bessemer Venture Partners, according to the filing. Co-founders Daniel Perez and Gabriel Mecklenburg own 18.9% and 8.2%.Hinges main competitor is Sword Health, which was valued at $3 billion last year. Virglio Bento, Swords CEO and founder, told TechCrunch last year that if the company grows as expected and the macroeconomic environment is favorable, it could also launch a public listing in 2025.Hinge Healths other competitors include Kaia Health Software, Omada Health, and Vori Health.

Movie & Games TrailersThe Accountant 2By Vincent Frei - 11/03/2025 Ben Affleck is back as Christian Wolff in The Accountant 2! When an old acquaintance is murdered, leaving behind a cryptic messageFind the accountantWolff is drawn into a dangerous new mystery!The VFX are made by:Gneiss Stuff VFX22 DogsThe Production VFX Supervisor is Bruce Jones.The Production VFX Producer is Petra McElvenny.Director: Gavin OConnorRelease Date: April 25, 2025 Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Shortlist, Travel: Liu Song, China Mainland, Abseil. A tourist descends by rope into Tianyan cave in Chongqing, China. The unique karst cave contains a large Buddha statue that draws tourists from around the world. All images the photographers, courtesy of the Sony World Photography Awards 2025, shared with permissionLandscapes, Customs, and Culture Shape the 2025 Sony World Photography AwardsMarch 11, 2025NaturePhotographyKate MothesNearly half a million images were submitted to this years Sony World Photography Awards, organized by the World Photography Organisation, marking another highly competitive, awe-inspiring selection of moments captured across the globe. Now in its 18th year, more than 419,000 contributions rolled in from more than 200 countries.The photos shown here are all entries in the Open competition, which invites amateur image-makers from around the world to submit their best compositions. Additional contest streams, for which many of these images are also considered, highlight the work of professionals, students, specific regions, women, and youth.Winner, Travel: Matja imic, Slovenia, Ask a Shaman. Shamans play a major role in Native Bolivian traditional culture, La Paz, BoliviaFrom dramatic landscapes to cultural customs to one-of-a-kind travel experiences, the winning and shortlisted photos capture beautiful and diverse ecosystems, locations, and traditions. The contest celebrates the ability of an individual photograph to capture and distill a singular moment, and to evoke a broader narrative, says a statement.The overall winner of the Open Photographer of the Year will be announced on April 16 in London, where the 2025 exhibition opens at Somerset House and runs from April 17 to May 5. Explore all of the top shots on the awards website.Shortlist, Travel: Khai Chuin Sim, Malaysia, Wings of Tradition. This pair of Kazakh eagle hunters was photographed in the vast and rugged landscape of western Mongolia. Clad in intricately detailed fur garments, they sit atop sturdy horses, with golden eagles perched majestically on their armsShortlist, Travel: Chim Oanh, Vietnam, Incense Flowers. Workers dry colorful incense before taking it to sell at the marketShortlist, Landscape: Yoshiaki Kudo, Japan, Blossoms in a Dreamscape. Weeping plum trees in full bloomShortlist, Lifestyle: Syed Mahabubul Kader, Bangladesh, Paddy Straw. A group of workers unloads paddy straw from a truck. The rice straw is a by-product of farming that is used for a variety of purposes, including as cattle feed and fuelShortlist, Landscape: XiaoYing Shi, China Mainland, Ground Vein. Aerial view of Factory Butte, UtahShortlist, Travel: Kunal Gupta, India. The Colours of the Andes. Set against the backdrop of Perus Rainbow Mountain, two elegantly adorned alpacas stand as symbols of the rich Andean culture and the timeless bond between humans and natureWinner, Lifestyle: Hajime Hirano, Japan, Akihabara. The prototype of todays Akihabara was a gathering of street vendors selling parts for radios. After the late 1950s, during a period of rapid economic growth, Akihabara grew into Japans largest electronics town. Today, it is famous worldwide for its anime and cosplay cultureShortlist, Landscape: Francisco Negroni, Chile, The Lord of Volcanoes. Villarrica is the most dangerous volcano in Chile and one of the most active in America; its last eruption occurred in 2015. In this photograph a strong electrical storm can be seen over the volcano, while the crater is illuminated by the lava pitShortlist, Street Photography: Angela Magalhes, Portugal, Feast of St. Martin. The Magusto festival in the city of Braga is celebrated not only by eating chestnuts and drinking gua-p (a traditional Portuguese spirit) but also by dancing, singing, and jumping the bonfire where the chestnuts are roastedShortlist, Travel: Arun Saha, India, Floating Market of Myanmar. Early in the morning, hundreds of vendors come to sell everyday necessities to both local consumers and tourists at Myanmars Inle LakeShortlist, Travel: Akram Menari, Algeria, Get Ready! The intricate details of the horses hoof emphasize its strength and poise; the hoof appears taut and ready for action, perfectly in sync with the rider preparing to engage in the equestrian sport. The photograph was taken just before a game beganNext article

Compromised or vulnerable perimeter security appliances and devices especially virtual private networks (VPNs) formed the initial access vector in over half of observed ransomware attacks during 2024, according to data released this week by cyber security insurance provider Coalition in its latest annual threat report, covering 2024.US-based Coalition, which began offering its so-called Active Insurance policies in the UK back in 2022, said that cyber criminals compromised such appliances in 58% of claims with which it dealt during 2024, with the second most widespread access point being remote desktop products, blamed in 18% of claims.While ransomware is a serious concern for all businesses, these insights demonstrate that threat actors ransomware playbook hasnt evolved all that much theyre still going after the same tried and true technologies with many of the same methods, said Alok Ojha, head of security products at Coalition.This means that businesses can have a reliable playbook too, and should focus on mitigating the riskiest security issues first to reduce the likelihood of ransomware or another cyber attack. Continuous attack surface monitoring to detect these technologies and mitigate possible vulnerabilities could mean the difference between a threat and an incident.Unsurprisingly, the most commonly compromised products were all built by household names in the industry, including the likes of Cisco, Fortinet, Microsoft, Palo Alto Networks and SonicWall. The most common initial access vectors (IAVs) were stolen credentials, used in 47% of such intrusions, and software exploits, seen in 29% of cases.Coalitions analysts warned that exposed logins were fast-emerging as an underappreciated and acute driver of ransomware risks. They claimed that the organisation detected more than five million remote management solutions and tens of thousands of login panels exposed on the public internet. It added that, according to its data, most applicants for cyber insurance (65%) had at least one internet-exposed web login panel, and securing these is a requirement for buying its products.Out of these, the most commonly exposed admin login panels related to VPNs from Cisco and SonicWall, which between them accounted for over 19% of detected exposed panels, followed by Microsoft email services.In 2024, Coalition also observed a significant number of exposed Citrix panels, which caused significant losses, including more than a billion dollars from the infamous Change Healthcare incident in the US, in which a ransomware gang used stolen Citrix credentials and exploited a lack of multifactor authentication to access the victims systems.As part of the set of services Coalition provides, it sends out zero-day alerts to its customers as and when new vulnerabilities are discovered, and constantly monitors for new vulnerabilities.As such, its annual report also includes data on some of the more widespread common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVEs) it saw in 2024 issues with Citrix, Fortinet, Ivanti and Palo Alto Networks prominent among them.Looking ahead to 2025, Coalitions analysts said the number of published vulnerabilities would likely increase to more than 45,000, a rate of nearly 4,000 every month, up 15% over the first 10 months of 2024.This aligns closely with data released in February by the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (First), a non-profit, which suggested that CVE volumes may even top 50,000 this year.A combination of new players in the CVE ecosystem, evolving disclosure compliance practices and a rapidly expanding attack surface are likely behind the growing number of vulnerabilities being reported on.This years report focuses on the most crucial security risks that under-resourced organisations should understand to better calibrate their defensive investments to bolster resilience, said Daniel Woods, senior security researcher at Coalition.Calibration involves balancing security investment across vulnerabilities, misconfigurations and threat intelligence, while also responding to emerging threats, such as zero-day vulnerabilities exploited in the wild. Thats why Coalition issues Zero-Day Alerts to help businesses, especially SMEs with limited security resources, stay ahead of these vulnerabilities and reduce alert fatigue by prioritising those posing the greatest risk.Read more about ransomwareThis key member of the Black Basta ransomware gang is wanted by the US justice system. He narrowly escaped extradition at the end of June 2024, with the help of highly-placed contacts in Moscow.Several factors, including the impact of law enforcement operations disrupting cyber criminal gangs and better preparedness among users, may be behind a significant drop in the total value of ransomware payments.The criminal ransomware fraternity was hard at work over the festive period, with attack volumes rising and a new threat actor emerging on the scene.

clrcrmckNewsSecret London tribunal to hear appeal in Apple vs government battle over encryptionCampaigners call for High Court hearing to be held in public as tech giant appeals against UK government order to open a backdoor into its encrypted iCloud serviceByBill Goodwin,Computer WeeklyPublished: 11 Mar 2025 15:30 A secret tribunal is due to meet at the High Court in London this week to hear tech giant Apple appeal against a Home Office order to compromise the encryption of data stored by its customers on the iCloud service worldwide.The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) has taken the unusual step of publishing a notification of a closed-door hearing on Friday 14 March, days after leaks revealed that Apple was intending to appeal against the secret order.Press and civil society groups are expected to petition the Tribunal, which rules on matters of national security, to hold the hearings in open court, given the important public interest surrounding the case and the fact the governments order has been widely leaked.The decision by home secretary Yvette Cooper to issue a Technical Capability Notice requiring Apple to give UK law enforcement and intelligence services backdoor access to data stored by Apples customers on the encrypted version of its iCloud service, has raised tensions between the UK and the US.US lawmakers are expected to intervene further in the case after the US director of national intelligence Tulsi Gabbard President Trumps most senior advisor on intelligence and security - warned that any order from the UK that could put Americans privacy at risk would be a clear and egregious violation.As a result of the UK governments move, Apple in the UK has withdrawn its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service which allows users to store data in encrypted form on iCloud.The decision is likely to expose people in the UK using Apple services to greater risk of cyber threat as they will no longer have the ability to fully encrypt their personal data on Apples iCloud, though the service will remain available elsewhere in the world.The president of the IPT, Lord Justice Rabinder Singh, and a senior High Court Judge, Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson, have made themselves available at short notice to hear a case behind closed doors on the morning of 14 March, according to court listings.The IPT hears national security cases in secure courts at the High Court in the Strand the only central London venue authorised for national security cases, aside from a secure court on Chancery Lane used for immigration cases.A series of leaks about the secret order issued by the UK have made it more difficult for the Home Office and security agencies to maintain a stance of neither confirming nor denying the move against Apple.Privacy International, which has brought a number of cases against government agencies in the IPT, said the Apple hearings should be conducted in public.Caroline Wilson Palow, legal director and general counsel at Privacy International said: This is a very important debate to have in public, because we're talking about the security of our computer systems that can affect millions, if not billions, of people around the world, given the reported technical capability notice has global reach.Last month, over 100 cyber security experts, companies and civil society groups signed a letter calling for home secretary Cooper to drop the demands for Apple to create a backdoor that would allow government access to encrypted communications and data stored on Apples iCloud service.Timeline of UK government's order for a backdoor into Apple's encrypted iCloud service7 February: Tech companies brace after UK demands back door access to Apple cloud - The UK has served a notice on Apple demanding back door access to encrypted data stored by users anywhere in the world on Apples cloud service.10 February: Apple: British techies to advise on devastating UK global crypto power grab - A hitherto unknown British organisation which even the government may have forgotten about is about to be drawn into a global technical and financial battle, facing threats from Apple to pull out of the UK.13 February: UK accused of political foreign cyber attack on US after serving secret snooping order on Apple - US administration asked to kick UK out of 65-year-old UK-US Five Eyes intelligence sharing agreement after secret order to access encrypted data of Apple users.14 February: Top cryptography experts join calls for UK to drop plans to snoop on Apples encrypted data - Some of the worlds leading computer science experts have signed an open letter calling for home secretary Yvette Cooper to drop a controversial secret order to require Apple to provide access to users encrypted data.21 February: Apple withdraws encrypted iCloud storage from UK after government demands backdoor access - After the Home Office issued a secret order for Apple to open up a backdoor in its encrypted storage, the tech company has instead chosen to withdraw the service from the UK.26 February: US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard probes UK demand for Apples encrypted data -5 March: Apple IPT appeal against backdoor encryption order is test case for bigger targets - The Home Office decision to target Apple with an order requiring access to users encrypted data is widely seen as a stalking horse for attacks against encrypted messaging services WhatsApp, Telegram and Signal.In The Current Issue:Digital twins map the world and guide strategic decisionsLiverpool reinvents customer service through digital platformDownload Current IssueSUSE CEO: Enterprise Linux where choice happens' Open Source InsiderSLM series - OurCrowd: Are domain-specific LLMs just as good (or better)? 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If you find yourself making inconsistent decisions, even in familiar situations, or struggling to ... [+] filter out mental noise, your mind may be working in ways that benefit you more than you realize.gettyEver been in a situation where you make a decision, second-guess it, change your mind and later realize your initial instinct was right? Maybe you debated whether to take a job offer, hesitated before sending a risky text or changed your mind about a big purchase.At the moment, it felt like you were being indecisive, scattered or even irrational. Were often taught to view distractions, shifting opinions and uncertainty as weaknesses, but in reality, these so-called mistakes are part of how our brains navigate a world full of unknowns.Instead of striving for perfect consistency, embracing this mental variability can actually help us make better decisions, adapt to new challenges and uncover creative solutions we might have otherwise missed.The Science Of Cognitive NoiseHave you ever noticed how your thoughts sometimes feel scattered? You might feel like your brain is jumping between ideas, revisiting old decisions or getting distracted at the worst possible moments. This randomness, often dismissed as mental noise, may be a useful feature, rather than a glitch.This is called cognitive noise, and rather than being a problem, research suggests its a key part of how our brains function. A 2019 study published in PNAS found that our brains ever-changing internal state directly influences decision-making. This variability helps us stay flexible, adapt to new situations and even explains why some people tend to be more impulsive than others.In other words, the occasional mental chaos isnt just normalits useful. Our brains arent built to operate like flawless machines; they thrive on flexibility. This ability to shift gears, consider different possibilities and embrace uncertainty makes us better problem-solvers, more creative thinkers and ultimately, better decision-makers.When Mistakes Lead To Better DecisionsWe often assume that good decision-making requires absolute certainty, but in reality, we rarely have all the information we need. Thats where a little cognitive variability can be an advantage. In uncertain situations, randomness in our thought processes helps us adapt, explore different possibilities and arrive at better solutions.For example, in business, leaders often have to make decisions based on incomplete data. Cognitive variability enables decision-makers to pivot when needed, testing different mental approaches rather than sticking to a single, linear path. Similarly, in social situations, being open to changing your stance based on new information or emotional cues can lead to better interactions and relationships.Cognitive variability also plays a key role in creative problem-solving. Many groundbreaking discoveries and artistic innovations have emerged from what initially seemed like mistakes. Penicillin, the microwave oven and even Post-it Notes were all accidental discoveries that came from unexpected detours.These breakthroughs were possible because their inventors embraced variation in their thinking rather than dismissing errors outright. Artists and writers also benefit from allowing their minds to wanderwhat may seem like a distraction or a wrong turn in the creative process can often lead to a breakthrough idea.By embracing cognitive variability, we can turn mistakes into opportunities, making decisions that are not only more innovative but also better suited to the complexities of the real world.How To Use Cognitive Variability To Your AdvantageWhile mental noise can feel frustrating, harnessing it correctly can make it a powerful tool. Heres how:Reframe your mistakes. Instead of viewing inconsistency as a flaw, see it as a sign of adaptability. Your brain is constantly updating and recalibratingthis flexibility is a strength.Embrace productive distractions. Ever had a great idea in the shower? Thats the incubation effectwhen stepping away from a problem allows you to make unexpected connections and find solutions. Such intentional mental breaks can boost creativity, possibly reducing fatigue and helping refresh the brain, especially when they involve engaging in a completely different activity.Welcome diverse perspectives. If youre struggling with a decision, take a step back and return to it later. Seeing things from a fresh angle often leads to better choices and newer discoveries.Leverage intuition. Gut feelings arent just randomtheyre often the result of your brain subconsciously processing information. Learning when to trust your intuition can help in decision-making.However, there are times when you have to rein in mental noise. While cognitive variability is useful, too much can lead to damaging indecision or inefficiency. For instance, some situations call for a more structured, methodical approach, such as making medical decisions, planning financial investments or handling high-stakes tasks.If mental noise is overwhelming, techniques like mindfulness, structured decision-making frameworks or even simple checklists can help bring more focus.Remember, our brains are not designed to function like perfectly programmed machines, and thats a good thing. Mental mistakes are often a natural by-product of a flexible, adaptive mind. By embracing cognitive variability, we can improve our decision-making, spark creativity and navigate uncertainty with more confidence.Are your decisions driven by intuition or analysis? Take the Intuitive Decision Style Scale to see where you stand.

Fluance Ri71 Reference powered bookshelf speakers in walnut finishFluanceFluancethe Niagara Falls-based audio brand that makes some of my favorite turntables-has a new product release aimed at discerning music fans. Powered speakers offer true stereo sound without the need for an amplifier or receiver. They make a great option when you want something more than a portable Bluetooth speaker, but dont have the space or budget for a component stereo system. The new Fluance Ri71 Reference powered bookshelf speakers are designed to elevate the listening experience through the use of features like AMT tweeters, aptX HD Bluetooth and curved, MDF wood cabinets.Ive spent the past week putting the new Ri71 speakers through their paces, enjoying the stereo sound, wide soundstage and the detail that those AMT tweeters and 5-inch glass woven drivers can deliver. Whether streaming music over Bluetooth, listening to records spinning on a connected turntable, or enhancing the sound of your TV, these powered bookshelf speakers are designed to deliver a premium experience.Heres a first look at the newly-announced Fluance Ri71 Reference powered bookshelf speakers.Curved MDF wood cabinets, AMT tweeters and 5-inch woven glass drivers, on-speaker controls and a ... [+] wide range of inputs.Brad MoonBuilt-in Amplifier Saves Space and MoneyA key appeal of powered speakers like these is that the amplifier is built-in. So you get the full stereo sound of a traditional component stereo system without having to find the space for a separate amplifier. You also dont need to pay for a standalone amplifier. In this case, it is 120W of power (60W per channel), which is sufficient to fill a large room with sound.In addition, the bass reflex port on these speakers is front-facing, which means that they can be placed close to walls without risk of distortion.Bluetooth aptX HD for Wireless Streaming ConvenienceThe speakers are equipped with Bluetooth aptX HD (with AAC) for high quality wireless streaming, regardless of whether you stream from an Android or iOS device. The inclusion of aptX HD means a maximum Bluetooth data transfer rate of 576kpbs, compared to the maximum of 320kbps that standard SBC Bluetooth supports. More data means better sound.Wide Range of Inputs and Outputs, Including RCA for TurntablesBasic powered speakers are usually lacking in inputs and outputs. The Fluance Ri71 powered speakers are more like a traditional stereo amplifier or receiver in terms of the variety of inputs and outputs offered. With HDMI ARC, these speakers can be used as a home theater sound system, while RCA inputs mean that you can plug in any turntable that is equipped with a pre-amp (which is the majority of consumer turntables sold these days). There is also output for a subwoofer, if more prominent bass is your thing. Mind you, the 5-inch drivers on these speakers and DSP enhancement means they can effectively hit 46Hz, so bass response is hardly an issue.RCA input means you can connect a turntable.Brad MoonConnect With Standard Speaker WirePowered speakers like these usually connect to each other with a cable. In many cases, that is a proprietary cable carrying audio signal plus power, that has the advantage of being a single plug-in on each speaker. Its convenient. However, this approach has the disadvantage of limiting the distance between speakers to the length of the supplied cable. And if you lose or damage that cable, replacement can be a challenge. Fluance instead uses standard speaker wire to connect the Ri71s. The company includes 8 feet of speaker wire in the box and if you want to space them further apart than that, speaker wire is cheap and easy to find.Customize AudioThe primary speaker in this set has a built-in volume dial on the top. In addition there are bass and treble controls on the back of the speaker so you can easily tailor sound to match your preferences. Fluance also includes a remote control, so you dont have to leave your chair to make adjustments.A remote control is included.Brad MoonReference: What Makes These Stand Out From Other Powered Speakers?The Ri71 speakers are part of the Reference series from Fluance. So how do they differ from other powered speakers like the Fluance Ai61s I reviewed a few years back?Fluance is aiming the Ri71 Reference speakers at those who are looking for more nuanced performance. Upgrades that earn these speakers the Reference designation include the AMT (Air Motion Transformer) tweeter for superior high-end detail, aptX HD Bluetooth, HDMI ARC and curved speaker cabinets that help to reduce standing waves (which can distort low frequency sound in traditional rectangular speaker cabinets).Fluance Ri71 Key Specs:2-way active (powered) bookshelf speakers5-inch woven glass drivers, 1-inch AMT tweetersIntegrated Class D 120W amplifier (60W per channel)Frequency response (DSP enhanced) 46Hz - 30kHzAcoustically inert MDF wood cabinets with tuned front-firing bass reflex ports, interior bracing to reduce resonance and curved design to minimize standing wavesOn-speaker power, volume, source selection, bass and trebleBluetooth 5.0 aptX HD 192 kHz 24-bit, with AACHDMI ARC, RCA line in, Subwoofer output12.20 x 7.28 x 7.83 inches, weight 14.11 and 11.02 lbsIncludes power cable, 8 ft. 18 gauge speaker wire, remote + batteriesAvailable in black ash, walnut or white ash finishMSRP $399.99Fluance Ri71 Reference powered bookshelf speakers in white ash.FluanceFluance Also Released Floor-Standing Ri91 VersionIf the Ri71s have piqued your interest, but you are looking for something a little more powerful, Fluance has also released the new Ri91 Reference powered tower speakers. These will cost you more than the smaller Ri71s, but the Ri91s feature a floor-standing tower form factor housing 6.5-inch woofers in addition to AMT tweeters and 150W of power.Disclosure: Fluance provided Ri71 speakers for evaluation purposes but had no input into this article.