Uncrowned Guard

Pixelfed Introduces Official Mobile Apps In a progression towards a more open social web, Pixelfed, a prominent decentralized Instagram alternative, is delighted to announce the release of its official mobile apps. As part of the burgeoning fediverse, Pixelfed harnesses the same ActivityPub protocol used by the open-source Mastodon—an X alternative, PeerTube—a YouTube rival—and various other decentralized social applications, including Meta's Threads and Flipboard. Founded in 2018 by Daniel Supernault, who recently brought the federated TikTok opponent Loops to life, Pixelfed asserts its distinct identity. Similar to Instagram in its functionality, Pixelfed empowers its users to share and peruse images and videos and directly connect with others. However, Pixelfed stands apart in its ad-free, open-source, decentralized nature, with a deliberate setting to default to chronological feeds—glaring attractions for its user base. The Promising Potential of Pixelfed With the contemporary climate demonstrating a preference for a Chinese app over reunification with Meta if a TikTok injunction is validated by the U.S. Supreme Court, Pixelfed's mobile apps potentially offer a refreshing social media substitute. In light of the current skepticism towards Meta's unverified social media, Pixelfed's official mobile apps appear well-placed for a warm reception. To engage with Pixelfed, users have the freedom to either register with any of the existing servers within the community or independently host an instance of Pixelfed, customary to other federated apps. Successive Triumphs of Pixelfed Mobile Apps In the lead-up to the rollout of Pixelfed's mobile apps, the platform was accessible via the Internet or specific third-party applications such as Impressia. However, Pixelfed now offers its own genuine mobile apps for Android and iOS platforms, after the successful preliminary beta tests. A surge of 11,000 fresh users was reported to have joined one of the leading Pixelfed platforms, pixelfed.social, within just a day. This specific server was also host to an impressive volume of activity on Tuesday in particular, with more than 78,000 posts registered. The Pixelfed apps, available free to users, emphasize a strong commitment to privacy, with no collection of user data. View full article

Patriots Eyeing Mike Vrabel for Head Coach Opening In recent news, the New England Patriots are reportedly in discussions with Mike Vrabel, a name not unfamiliar to their camp, about stepping in as their new head coach. Boston Globe reporter Nicole Yang recently confirmed the ongoing negotiations. A Familiar Face and Fan Favorite Vrabel, enshrined in the Patriots Hall of Fame after eight rewarding seasons with the team, has been a top prospect for the role ever since the management parted ways with former coach Jerod Mayo following a single season at the helm. Considering Other Prospects in the League Aside from Vrabel, Patriots' management held talks with Lions offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson, on Friday. Complying with the Rooney Rule, they also considered Byron Leftwich and Pep Hamilton, both currently unassociated with any league team. Their request to interview Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, however, was declined. For Vrabel, this opportunity with the Patriots is not the only one on the table. He also participated in discussions with the Jets and the Bears. Vrabel’s Recent Inactive Season and Coaching Record Vrabel did not participate in the 2024 season. His previous employer, the Tennessee Titans, relieved him of his coaching duties following the 2023 season. Despite the dismissal, Vrabel maintained a respectable 54-45 record over his seven-season tenure with the Titans. His stint in Tennessee was highlighted by three postseason appearances and a 2-3 postseason record. Reflecting on the Patriots’ Recent Performance The Patriots' pursuit of a new head coach follows a two-season drought with Bill Belichick and later Mayo leading the team, during which they recorded a disappointing 8-26 scoreline. With the potential appointment of Vrabel, the Patriots aim to steer the franchise back on the path to their winning ways.

Battle Angel Alita Manga Re-ignites After Extended Pause The much-anticipated wait is over for staunch supporters of Yukito Kishiro’s Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle. Following a 10-month interregnum, the digital Comic Days platform has just released the 52nd chapter of this thrilling manga. Kishiro's Third Engaging Manga in the Battle Angel Alita Series Battle Angel Alita: Mars Chronicle, which started captivating audiences in 2014, is the third entry in the chronicle of Battle Angel Alita, colloquially known as Gunnm. True to its name, the saga unfolds on the dramatic backdrop of Mars. Publishing rights in the United States are held by Kodansha, which echoes the excitement and intensity of the series as follows: Yukito Kishiro, the creator of this universe, breathes new life into the cosmic martial arts narrative. Mars Chronicle reveals the intriguing backstory of Alita’s early life on Mars and tantalizingly teases the astonishing events that she has yet to experience. For ages, Mars has been a battleground, an environment of climactic warfare where the fiercest warrior of the solar system, Alita, was forged. However, at the moment, that feared warrior is merely a young girl named Yoko. The riveting finale of this beloved sci-fi masterpiece weaves together Alita's future and past into an intricate tapestry that spans the vast expanses of space. Kishiro's Future Plans for the Series and Personal Update Consistently passionate about contiguity, Kishiro has previously intimated that the narrative will not end with the 56th chapter, his projected closure of the current sequence. Instead, the tale will evolve and continue under a fresh title. In a concerning update from late last year, Kishiro disclosed via his blog that he was recovering from an avulsion fracture in his leg, an injury that likely contributed to the nearly year-long hiatus. As he now continues with the series, fans eagerly anticipate what new twists and turns lie ahead in this epic saga.

Watch Duty's App: The Life-Saving Beacon amidst LA Wildfires Los Angeles is currently combating the calamity of devastating wildfires, history's most destructive on record. Watch Duty, a free app renowned for its crucial insights about active fires, evacuation zones, air quality, wind direction, and more, has emerged as a vital resource during this catastrophe. Watch Duty serves both firefighters and ordinary citizens, dispensing much-needed information swiftly and accurately. Unlike many tech companies, Watch Duty is not concerned about user engagement, time spent, or ad sales. Its primary concern is the accuracy of the information provided and its rapid delivery. This simple philosophy was appealing to users, resulting in over one million downloads in just a few days, rocketing the app to the top of both Apple's and Google's app stores (they also offer a web browser app). A Simple, Volunteer-driven Firefighting Tool Watch Duty's simplicity is part of its appeal. The app doesn't scrape user data, show ads, require any login, or track information. Maintained mostly by volunteer engineers and reporters, its primary aim is to help save lives. The app accepts tax-deductible donations, with membership tiers unlocking additional features such as a firefighting flight tracker and alert settings for various counties. The goal is to expand the service globally across other emergency services, potentially replacing slower and less reliable local government alert programs. Watch Duty co-founder, John Mills, conceived the concept while defending his Sonoma County home from the destructive Walbridge fire in 2020. Mills and David Merritt, the app's CTO and co-founder, transformed the vision into a life-saving reality. Combating Obstructed Information Flow during Emergencies Fire-prone regions often experience fragmented fire reporting scattered across multiple platforms. News updates on fires are often obstructed by the enactment of access fee protocols, and government alert systems can be sluggish, and potentially fatal in rapid-fire situations. Watch Duty provides a streamlined, uncomplicated solution to this issue, acting for public benefit as a service dedicated to delivering timely and relevant safety information during emergencies, bypassing bureaucratic red tape often encountered by official agencies. Fires can spread quickly, consuming vast regions within minutes. The traditional piecemeal alert system can cause costly delays in life-threatening situations. Watch Duty aims to deliver push notifications in under a minute, a significant improvement over the delay experienced with some state agency delivery systems. Behind the Reliable Technology of Watch Duty Watch Duty operates through a blend of technology and human inputs. Powered by Google’s cloud platform, Amazon Web Services, Firebase, Fastly, and Heroku, the app relies on dedicated staff and volunteers to maintain the accuracy and timeliness of information. Vetting details for quality over quantity, Watch Duty has a stringent code of conduct for its volunteer reporters. Watch Duty continues to maintain its approach of keeping the app free and refraining from scraping user data. Operating on the principle of providing useful, crucial information in emergencies, the app limits itself to relevant updates and avoids inciting panic by adding unnecessary content. Public Information: The Spine of Watch Duty’s Operation Watch Duty capitalizes on public information from sources like the National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency. However, with the incoming administration's potential threats to dismantle these organizations, concerns about Watch Duty's operations have arisen. Nevertheless, Merritt asserts confidence in the app's resilience, stating they are well-insulated against such changes. If necessary, they are prepared to buy information and shoulder the cost themselves. With the service currently covering 22 states and expansion plans in place, Watch Duty’s app download numbers and user feedback indicate that it has established itself as a critical and essential tool during wildfires. Their primary focus remains strictly on delivering relevant and timely safety information during emergencies. View full article

Not really, although I do have some major goals that I want to achieve with my sites this year that kind of lined up with the new year. How about yourself?

Unveiling the Future of Gaming: The First 27-inch 4K OLED 240Hz Monitors Tech giants Asus, Samsung, and MSI have separately declared the launch of the world’s first 27-inch 4K OLED 240Hz gaming monitors, charting a new course in the landscape of monitor technology. Enabling high refresh-rate 4K OLED gaming, these monitors offer all the advantages of 4K OLED 240Hz panels without the need to accommodate a 32-inch panel, presenting a remarkable shift in screen size. Sharing Features and Utilizing Advanced OLED Technology It appears that all three monitors will be using Samsung Display's latest fourth-generation QD-OLED panel. This technology, according to Asus, ensures a lengthier lifespan compared to preceding OLED generations, reflecting continual advancements in display tech. Two of the monitors, the Asus ROG Swift OLED PG27UCDM and the MSI MPG 272URX QD-OLED, boast the inclusion of DisplayPort 2.1a (UHBR20). This advancement provides a staggering 80Gbps of bandwidth, which supports a consistent 4K at 240Hz display without needing Display Stream Compression (DSC). Samsung's press release remained silent on this feature regarding its Odyssey OLED G8 (G81SF) model, though it's reasonable to speculate it as part of its specifications. Key Specifications and Warranty Details The MSI and Asus models have included support for a DisplayHDR True Black 400 feature. Furthermore, Asus has set itself apart by adding support for Dolby Vision HDR. With regards to the warranty, both MSI and Asus have extended a three-year coverage, inclusive of burn-in protection. Samsung, however, has remained silent on its warranty provision for the fresh G8 model. Likewise, the complete specifications for Samsung's latest G8 OLED monitor have not been disclosed, but like others, it is expected to support DisplayHDR True Black 400 at the very least. A Competitive Market with Untapped Potential Notably, despite its claim, Asus' model offers a slightly smaller 26.5-inch display, contrasting the 27-inch displays mentioned by MSI and Samsung. Given that all three monitors provide 0.03ms response times, high refresh rates, and above 160PPI for superior text clarity, consumer preference might ultimately hinge on design, supplementary features, and pricing. However, release dates and pricing details for these cutting-edge monitors are yet to be announced by Samsung, Asus, or MSI, presenting a sense of suspense within the gaming industry. View full article

UFL to Accentuate Friday Night Entertainment in 2025 As confirmed by the United Football League (UFL), matches are all set to return to our screens by late March for a grandiose second season. The robust and vibrant nature of these games is expected to redefine Friday night television, making them the coveted centerpiece of Fox's weekly sports programming. Unveiling the UFL Broadcasting Plan for the 2025 Season The UFL, on Thursday, released an intriguing fixture schedule for the approaching season, which notably promises an enthralling game each Friday night, transforming every week of the regular season into a spectacle on Fox. It’s worth noting that all 43 games, which include 40 regular season and three postseason fixtures, will span across various prominent platforms such as Fox, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, or ABC. As per the distribution plan, Disney networks will broadcast 22 of these games, while the remaining 21 will be televised on Fox networks. Majority of UFL Games Broadcasted by ABC or Fox It's anticipated that the alliance with key broadcasting giants, ABC and Fox, will see about 74 percent of all UFL games aired on their respective networks. Such a partnership assures fans of broad coverage and adds a seamless offering to their experience. The Teams On Deck for the UFL 2025 Edition The excitement carries on as all eight teams from the 2024 season will return for the 2025 season. These include the Arlington Renegades, Birmingham Stallions, D.C. Defenders, Houston Roughnecks, Memphis Showboats, Michigan Panthers, San Antonio Brahmas, and St. Louis Battlehawks. Notably, these teams are the ones that survived the USFL-XFL merger. The Launch and Conclusion of the Season Football enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the season's opening game scheduled on Friday, March 25, which sees the St. Louis Battlehawks travel to play against the Houston Roughnecks. The regular season's exhilarating run will conclude on Sunday, June 1. Following suit, the crowning glory of the season, the UFL championship, will plunge into action on Saturday, June 14. Certainly, an exciting and memorable season beckons for UFL fans in 2025.

Roaring Kitty Boosts Unity Software Stock With Cryptic Post Stock trader Keith Gill, widely recognized under the moniker “Roaring Kitty,” fueled an unexpected surge in a gaming stock on Thursday, not linked to GameStop as one might expect. Instead, Unity Software shares showed a significant hike after Gill ambiguously posted a GIF, which traders seemingly decoded as a nod to the game technology corporation. A Meme Post Propels the Stock Market The particular GIF, featuring comedian Dave Chappelle parodying musician Rick James in a 2004 episode from "Chappelle’s Show," humorously represents Hollywood stories associated with James. A notable association is a nod to his 1983 song, "Unity." Traders ostensibly linked this to Unity Software, causing the stock value of the company, known for its pervasive Unity software engine, to increase by over 8% during the pre-market trading phase. The stock growth sustained even after markets commenced trading, with Unity, trading under the ticker U on the NYSE, now listed at $24.51—a gain of almost 9%. Impact Beyond Traditional Markets The influence of Roaring Kitty's post extended beyond the conventional markets, with more than 3.4 million views on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Curiously, this also spurred a surge in value for a Unity-centric meme coin on the Solana blockchain, showing a growth of over 200% within the previous 24 hours. Gill hasn't been a stranger to affecting financial market trends--his enigmatic posts have previously moved market values in varying directions. Rising to prominence in 2021, Gill became a notable figure during the GameStop short squeeze debacle, highlighting his increasingly influential role in trading communities. Meme coins and shares team up to create market fluctuations, a phenomenon earlier observed in December, with an edited Time magazine cover post boosting GameStop shares and relevant meme coins. His posts can play the reverse role as well—on one occasion, Gill's manipulated image from "Toy Story" led traders to believe he was selling shares of pet product retailer, Chewy. This led to Chewy’s shares dropping almost 4% within mere minutes, recovering later to approximately the previous price. Gill, embroiled in the GameStop frenzy, drew scrutiny from regulators and was subsequently summoned to testify to the U.S. House Committee on Financial Services in 2021. Current Stock Statuses GameStop shares, with Gill holding around 9 million shares as of late June (as indicated by his recent Reddit update), experienced a slight drop by approximately 1%, priced at $31.10 per share. The GameStop-linked GME meme coin on Solana, nevertheless, showed an encouraging rise of almost 13% in the last 24 hours. Despite this surge, the Unity Software stock price has only risen from a recent slump of $17.29, not exceeding its 2024 record price of $39.29, now sitting at a stable value of $24.51. View full article

Happy New Year to you as well!

Volkswagen Data Breach: Exposing Confidential Details of EV Vehicles In a recent cybersecurity incident, location data of about 800,000 electric vehicles from Volkswagen were accessible on the internet due to a data leak. The report originated from Der Spiegel, a leading German news magazine revealing the breach aftermath which witnessed the potential compromise of the drivers' information exposing the exact tracking of their movements. Discovery: Software Vulnerability and the Whistleblower The long-standing leakage problem allegedly sourced from the software incorporated in Volkswagen vehicles that could have paved the way for any potential adversary to track a driver's precise movements, Electrek reported. An unnamed whistleblower was instrumental in unveiling this vulnerability to Der Spiegel and the European hacking organization Chaos Computer Club. Furthermore, the issue seems to have also impacted other globally recognized Volkswagen-owned brands including Audi, Seat, and Skoda. Inside the Breach: The Role of Cariad An investigation by Der Spiegel indicated that Cariad, Volkswagen's software-developing subsidiary, had inadvertently made it possible for potential cyber criminals to find and access driver's data stored within Amazon's cloud service. The information at risk included specific details of when the electric cars were in use, and in certain instances, included the emails, telephone numbers, and addresses of drivers. The breach specificity shines a spotlight, shockingly finding the locations of nearly 460,000 vehicles to an alarming accuracy “within ten centimeters” for Volkswagen and Seats vehicles and within a radius of 10km (approximately 6 miles) for Audi and Skoda models. Aftermath: Security Amendments and Customer Assurances After the distressing exposure, Cariad promptly addressed the issue and reassured their customers in a statement relayed to Der Spiegel that they did not need to take any action. They clarified that no sensitive information like passwords or payment data had been affected. The data leak underscores ongoing concerns about the vast amount of information amassed by contemporary vehicles, that has often been flagged as a "privacy nightmare." All instances like this continually thrust privacy and data protection into sharp focus. View full article