Uncrowned Guard

On 2/8/2024 at 4:56 PM, Grungie said:

On one hand, monopolies can be annoying. Though it will be less annoying when you have to juggle more than one streaming service for anime, and some shows are split between services where one or more seasons are on one service, and the other seasons are on another.

I do enjoy everything on one platform, but I would much rather see less exclusive content and not give up a competitive market that is currently pro-consumer to achieve it.  Granted, the bigger issue in this move for me is once again a company is pulling purchased movies and content that they made users believe they "owned" and offering nothing in return.

Launching a New Revenue Stream

Plex, the streaming media platform, is broadening its horizons with the introduction of a movie rentals service. This move comes on the back of a substantial $40 million fundraising effort, showcasing the company's ambition to diversify its revenue sources. Initially available to customers in the United States, this service aims to supplement Plex's existing ad-supported streaming and subscription models, offering an alternative revenue stream amid the fluctuating advertising market. The rental marketplace will feature an array of films from leading studios such as WB, Paramount, MGM, Lionsgate, and A24, including titles like “Barbie” and “Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom.”

A Curated Selection with Growth Potential

At its inception, the Plex movie rental service will boast a collection of over 1,000 titles, with rental prices starting at $3.99. The selection is expected to expand over time, although the availability of specific titles will vary as they enter and exit rental windows. This development has been in the pipeline for several years, with Plex teasing the idea of a TV and movie rental marketplace without bringing it to fruition until now. Despite the delay, influenced by an increased focus on streaming during the pandemic and other technical hurdles, Plex has now confirmed the launch of its movie-only rental service, excluding TV show rentals based on customer preference feedback.

Enhanced Viewing Experience and Future Plans

Plex aims to distinguish its rental service with unique features such as a 30-day viewing window and a 48-hour period to complete a movie once started, mirroring the policies of other rental platforms. Movies will also be integrated into Plex’s “Continue Watching” section, enhancing user convenience. The company is in talks to partner with additional studios to enrich its catalog further. Despite the competitive landscape of movie rental services, Plex believes its superior recommendation engine, powered by extensive user data and machine learning, will set it apart by offering personalized content suggestions across a wide range of media.

Plex's entry into the movie rentals market signifies an exciting phase of growth and diversification for the company. By leveraging its strong foundation in media streaming and organization, along with its robust recommendation system, Plex is positioned to offer a compelling service that could attract a broad audience of movie enthusiasts.

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Expanding Tools for Teen Safety

Meta has taken significant steps to empower teenagers worldwide with more control over their intimate images, working in collaboration with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC). The expansion of the Take It Down program now offers support in multiple languages and countries, making it easier for millions of teens to safeguard their privacy and prevent the unauthorized spread of their images online. This initiative allows for the creation of a unique digital fingerprint for intimate images, ensuring that the actual content remains private and secure on the user's device while enabling the removal of such content from the internet.

Resources and Support against Sextortion

Recognizing the distressing impact of sextortion on young individuals, Meta has updated its Stop Sextortion hub in partnership with Thorn. This update introduces new resources and tips aimed at teens, parents, and educators on how to address and prevent sextortion. By providing guidance on how to navigate these challenging situations, Meta aims to equip affected individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to counteract exploitation and regain control.

Global Awareness and Protection Measures

In a concerted effort to raise awareness about sextortion scams, Meta is launching a global campaign to inform teens and their parents about the dangers of such activities and the steps they can take to protect themselves. This includes working with creators and safety organizations worldwide to spread the message. Meta's ongoing efforts also include introducing safety notices on Instagram to caution users about potential scams and encouraging them to report any threatening behavior. Moreover, Meta has implemented measures to protect teens from unwanted contact by setting stricter default message settings and privacy controls for younger users.

Meta's commitment to combating sextortion reflects a comprehensive approach to enhancing online safety for young users. Through the expansion of the Take It Down program, the provision of updated resources, and a global awareness campaign, Meta aims to create a safer internet environment, empowering teens and their families to take proactive steps against online exploitation and scams.

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Historic Decline in Fossil Fuel Dependence

Europe has witnessed a landmark reduction in its reliance on fossil fuels for electricity generation, with 2023 marking a record low since data collection began in 1990. This dramatic shift is attributed to a significant decrease in coal and natural gas usage, positioning renewable sources as the dominant forces in the continent's energy mix. The European Union now sources less than a third of its electricity from fossil fuels, a testament to the growing prominence of cleaner, sustainable energy solutions.

Renewables Lead the Charge

The rise of renewable energy sources has been pivotal in this energy transformation. In 2023, renewables, along with nuclear power, contributed to more than two-thirds of the EU's electricity generation, outpacing fossil fuels by a factor of two. Wind and solar energy have been particularly instrumental, with wind energy accounting for 18 percent of the EU's electricity, overtaking natural gas for the first time. Solar energy also saw a significant uptick, contributing to 9 percent of the power mix. This surge in renewable energy generation is crucial for Europe's ambition to reduce its carbon footprint and combat climate change.

The Path Forward: Efficiency and Expansion

Energy efficiency measures played a crucial role in reducing overall electricity demand by 3.4 percent in 2023, underscoring the importance of continued efforts in this area. As Europe moves towards electrifying transportation and residential heating, demand for electricity is expected to rise, highlighting the necessity of further investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy infrastructure. To meet the EU's ambitious clean energy targets and achieve a 90 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2040, renewable energy generation, especially wind power, must continue to grow at an aggressive pace.

Europe's energy landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, with renewable energy sources increasingly displacing fossil fuels. This transition not only marks a significant milestone in the fight against climate change but also sets a precedent for global energy policies moving towards sustainability and environmental stewardship.

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Transition Details and Dates Announced

In a significant move that marks the end of an era, Funimation has announced that it will cease the operations of its website and app services on April 2, 2024. This decision follows the 2021 announcement that Funimation would be integrated into Crunchyroll, uniting two of the biggest names in anime streaming under one roof. Since the initial announcement, fans have had the flexibility to maintain subscriptions with both platforms as Crunchyroll gradually incorporated Funimation's extensive catalog into its own offerings. With the sunset date now official, Funimation subscribers are provided with a two-month window to either terminate their subscriptions or merge their accounts with Crunchyroll.

Streamlining User Experience Through Account Merging

Funimation has laid out a straightforward process for subscribers looking to transition their accounts over to Crunchyroll. Users without a prior Crunchyroll account can easily migrate their Funimation account by using their existing credentials. For those who have been managing subscriptions on both platforms with the same email address, a syncing option is available that will seamlessly transfer their watch history and queue to Crunchyroll. The merging process is designed to ensure a smooth transition, offering options to combine data from both services, opt for Funimation data only, or retain only Crunchyroll data, with a final confirmation step to secure the changes.

Subscription Adjustments and Digital Copy Concerns

With the merger comes a note on potential changes in subscription pricing. Funimation has advised users that the subscription fees may vary in the next billing cycle, aligning with Crunchyroll's current pricing structure. This adjustment reflects the consolidation efforts and aims to streamline the subscription model for users moving forward. However, a notable caveat for Funimation subscribers is the incompatibility of digital copies of anime shows and movies with Crunchyroll's platform. Funimation has acknowledged this limitation and expressed ongoing efforts to expand content offerings and enhance the streaming experience on Crunchyroll, though the immediate future will not include support for Funimation's digital copies.

This transition signals a significant shift in the anime streaming landscape, promising to bring together a comprehensive library of content under Crunchyroll's banner. As the deadline approaches, Funimation encourages its users to take the necessary steps to continue enjoying their favorite anime without interruption.

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Exclusive Streaming Announcement

In an exciting development for fans, Disney+ has secured exclusive rights to stream Taylor Swift's spectacular "The Eras Tour" next month, enriching its catalog with one of the most talked-about concert films of the year. This partnership introduces "The Eras Tour (Taylor's Version)" to the platform, featuring an array of performances including five acoustic bonus tracks, among them the much-loved "Cardigan."

Strategic Move by Disney

Disney's decision to host "The Eras Tour" represents a notable shift in strategy, emphasizing original and exclusive content over third-party licensing. The announcement, made by Disney CEO Bob Iger during the company's latest earnings call, underscores Disney's commitment to offering compelling content directly to its subscribers. This collaboration between Swift's own production team and Disney+ highlights an innovative approach to content distribution, bypassing traditional routes and directly engaging with streaming audiences.

Unprecedented Success and Accessibility

Taylor Swift's "The Eras Tour" not only achieved monumental success at the box office, grossing over $261 million worldwide, but it also set records with its live performances, generating over $1 billion from ticket sales—the first tour ever to reach this milestone. Previously available for rent on various digital platforms, the Disney+ deal marks the first occasion the concert film will be accessible as part of a subscription service, offering fans an exclusive viewing experience at no additional cost. This move is expected to attract a significant number of viewers, adding to the streaming service's allure.

The partnership with Taylor Swift for "The Eras Tour" streaming rights is just one of several key announcements made by Bob Iger, alongside news such as the renewal of "Percy Jackson and The Olympians" for a second season, highlighting Disney+'s ongoing strategy to enhance its exclusive content offerings and solidify its position in the competitive streaming market.

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Hollywood Meets Football

The upcoming Super Bowl LVIII isn't just a pinnacle of athletic achievement; it's also a celebration of cinematic excitement, with trailers for some of the most anticipated movies of the year slated for debut per a Variety report. Fans across the globe are gearing up not only for an epic showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers but also for a sneak peek at the future of film, from superhero antics in Deadpool 3 to the enchanting melodies of Wicked.

Marvel, Pixar, and Paramount Take Center Stage

The spotlight this year shines on Marvel Studios, poised to unveil the first look at Deadpool 3, featuring the return of Ryan Reynolds alongside Hugh Jackman. Disney is expected to charm audiences with previews of Pixar's Inside Out 2 and the latest installment in the Planet of the Apes series, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Paramount, not to be outdone, has a roster of trailers ready, including the gripping horror prequel A Quiet Place: Day One and the musical journey Bob Marley: One Love, alongside the imaginative fantasy comedy IF by John Krasinski.

Universal's Magical Offerings and Potential Surprises

Universal is rumored to dazzle with trailers for the magical adaptation of Wicked, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, and the high-octane The Fall Guy. Fans of animation can look forward to a teaser for Kung Fu Panda 4, while thrill-seekers might get a glimpse of the storm-chasing adventure Twisters. Notably absent from the lineup are Warner Bros., Sony, Netflix, and Amazon, leaving audiences in suspense about potential trailers for Dune: Part Two, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and Bad Boys 4.

A Super Bowl of Entertainment

Super Bowl LVIII promises to be more than just a game; it's a showcase of the year's most exciting film offerings. As the Chiefs and 49ers prepare to battle it out on the field, movie fans will be treated to a spectacle of trailers that promise action, adventure, and magic. The event, airing on CBS, Paramount+, and NFL+, with a special broadcast on Nickelodeon, is set to be a unifying celebration of sports and cinema.

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On 2/2/2024 at 9:37 PM, Grungie said:

Iirc, a lot more rural schools have shop classes, and there’s articles from last year that they’re bringing them back to urban schools.

Most of the rural schools around me still have wood shops, but as far as I know, none have brought back anything related to metalworking or other trades.  I have heard shops are making a comeback as well, so hopefully we will start to see them as a more common thing once more.

I'm okay with the loss of cursive, to this day I always found it extremely odd that not only is English a messed up language, but we had to learn two ways to write it.  

I find the loss of shops to be the largest issue.  I don't necessarily jump on the "schools should teach all life skills" bandwagons, but I do believe students should have the opportunity to explore possible trades and careers they may want to follow.  

Introduction of Household Account Sharing Policy

Hulu is setting new boundaries for its streaming service usage, marking a significant shift in its Terms of Service (ToS). The update explicitly restricts password sharing to individuals within the subscriber's "primary personal residence." This move aligns with Hulu's efforts to curb account sharing beyond the household, following a similar trend observed with Netflix and Disney Plus. Subscribers have been notified to adjust to these changes by March 14th, 2024, as Hulu prepares to enforce these guidelines rigorously.

Terms of Service Revision and Subscriber Notification

The revised ToS clearly defines "Household" as the devices linked to the subscriber's main residence and utilized by its residents. Hulu's decision comes amidst broader industry measures against password sharing, influenced by Netflix's success in limiting account sharing and driving up new subscriptions. With Disney set to assume full ownership of Hulu, this policy revision is part of a broader strategy that includes merging Disney Plus and Hulu services. Subscribers received emails outlining the new policy, emphasizing limitations on sharing accounts outside their household.

Compliance and Enforcement Measures

Hulu has not detailed the methods it will employ to monitor compliance or the timeline for enforcing these new rules. However, the ToS grants Hulu the authority to "analyze the use of your account" to ensure adherence to the policy, with consequences including potential limitation or termination of service for violations. While the ToS hints at additional details available in the Hulu Help Center, specific information on account sharing policy enforcement remains sparse. This policy update holds subscribers accountable for any usage of their account by household members, underlining the importance of compliance with the new sharing restrictions.

In essence, Hulu's updated policy on account sharing marks a pivotal change in how subscribers can share their streaming service, aligning with broader industry efforts to ensure that account usage is confined to individual households. As the March 2024 deadline approaches, Hulu subscribers will need to navigate these new limitations, reinforcing the trend towards stricter control over digital content consumption within the streaming industry.

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First Human Brain-Computer Interface Implant

Elon Musk's neurotechnology venture, Neuralink, has achieved a significant milestone by successfully installing its brain-computer interface in a human patient. This breakthrough procedure, part of Neuralink's ambitious project, aims to revolutionize the way humans interact with technology. The patient, who underwent the surgery, is reportedly recovering well. Neuralink, established in 2016, focuses on developing interfaces that would enable individuals, especially those with paralysis, to operate external devices through neural signals. The successful human trial marks a pivotal moment in the field of neurotechnology and its potential applications.

The PRIME Clinical Trials and Device Functionality

The installation was part of Neuralink's Precise Robotically Implanted Brain-Computer Interface (PRIME) clinical trials. These trials involve a sophisticated surgical procedure where a section of the patient's skull is removed to place 1,024 electrodes on a specific brain region related to movement. The N1 device, once implanted, records brain activity and transmits the data to an application that interprets it into movement intention. Elon Musk announced the successful surgery on social media, highlighting the device's capability to detect neuron spikes, indicating effective neural signal detection. The first product of this endeavor, named Telepathy, is designed to enable users to control devices through thought.

Implications and Future Prospects

Neuralink's progress into human trials is a leap forward in neurotechnology, with aspirations extending beyond communication enhancements. Musk envisions applications like restoring sight and aiding spinal injury patients in regaining mobility. Prior to this, Neuralink conducted experiments on animals, facing both acclaim for innovation and criticism for ethical concerns. The move to human testing is not only a technological advancement but also a shift in the ethical landscape of medical device experimentation. Neuralink's use of robotic surgery might offer a competitive edge in the industry, especially against other companies exploring similar technologies. This development opens a new chapter in merging human cognition with artificial intelligence, with vast potential to transform lives, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

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21 hours ago, Jason said:

Sorry to sound old, but back in my day, there was none of this.  Video games, and primitive ones at that, was all that was available.  Anyway, I'm not sure if online chatting is good for kids, but I don't want to be judgemental.

This is more to the reason that I support kids-focused social media.  Most content and activities on social media and even the web as a whole are not great or even outright dangerous for kids.  However, kids are finding this content and using those platforms.  While I fully support parents who don't want their kids on any of it until they are older, as a parent, I also know that it took until 1st grade for our youngest to have a classmate with access to their own phone.  I'd call that insane, but I know that I can't prevent the use of social media and I also have no answer to how to prevent it as they get older and now 90% of their classmates and friends have access.  This is actually why I support the idea of sites and social media just for kids, it isn't so much "kids need access to the web", it is much more "we can't stop it, so let's reinforce safe platforms for them".  I would still fully support parents not wanting their kids online, but I would also feel much better if the videos going around class or the sites kids found a way to access from school computers were designed to protect the kids and were not just TikTok and the like.  

And don't get me wrong, I do fully support less electronics for kids and less electronics in at least elementary level education. Sadly this is not exactly the experience anymore. Even our 6-year-old has been assigned a Chromebook from school in order to do work on. He's not allowed to turn on the TV at home without asking for permission first, but he has a laptop that he can use at any time during school. So essentially I just feel like the goalposts have moved to the point that we need to find a better way to embrace the technology then to try and avoid it.

It's been almost 13 years since that devastating magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami hit, causing a meltdown at three reactors. And there's still a ton of dangerously radioactive material inside. TEPCO, the plant's operating company, has struggled to get clear data from inside the reactors due to debris, high radiation, and navigation challenges. Previous robots just couldn't make it through, but these new tiny drones could be the solution they've been looking for.

During a recent demo, this 185-gram drone showed off its moves, avoiding obstacles and even sending live footage back to operators. It's designed to fly in short five-minute intervals, but even that could provide invaluable data. They're planning to send these drones into the No. 1 reactor, a place previous probes couldn't reach, in hopes of gathering new insights into the 2011 meltdown and aiding the long-term cleanup process.

There's a lot to unpack here. For one, it's incredible to see how technology is advancing in such critical areas. But also, the situation at Fukushima is a stark reminder of the challenges in nuclear energy and disaster response. TEPCO is even eyeing a 30-40-year cleanup plan, which some critics say is overly optimistic.

What do you all think about this development? Can these mini drones make a significant impact in understanding and eventually cleaning up Fukushima? And what about the broader implications for nuclear safety and disaster management?

Source: How a drone the size of a bread slice may give Japan a look into the damaged Fukushima nuclear plant | AP News

Encouraging Horizontal Videos for Enhanced Engagement

TikTok, initially renowned for its vertical video format, is now urging content creators to embrace horizontal video production. This shift is part of the platform's strategy to diversify content styles and enhance user engagement. Creators have reported receiving prompts from TikTok encouraging the posting of horizontal videos exceeding one minute in length. These longer videos, according to TikTok's promise, will receive a viewership boost within 72 hours of posting, provided they meet certain criteria like being non-political and non-commercial. This new direction aligns with the growing trend of content consumption on mobile devices and aims to reshape how audiences interact with TikTok videos.

Longer Videos and the YouTube Influence

TikTok's latest move echoes the content strategy of YouTube, known for its longer video formats. The platform is experimenting with videos up to 30 minutes long, a significant leap from its original 15-minute limit. This change suggests a strategic pivot towards more extensive, YouTube-style content, moving away from the short, snappy videos that initially defined TikTok. The platform's focus on longer content reflects a broader industry trend towards monetizable video formats, such as vlogs, that typically run for 10 minutes or more. This shift in content strategy represents TikTok's effort to adapt to changing viewer preferences and market trends.

The Future of Content Creation on TikTok

TikTok's new direction might lead creators to repurpose their YouTube content for TikTok, thereby streamlining their content strategy across platforms. The introduction of the Series program, allowing creators to produce video collections for paying subscribers, further indicates TikTok's ambition to offer more extensive, premium content. With the ability to set varying prices for these collections, TikTok is providing creators with new monetization avenues. As TikTok incorporates features synonymous with YouTube, and vice versa, a convergence in content strategies across these platforms is becoming increasingly apparent. This evolution in TikTok's content strategy signifies the platform's commitment to staying relevant and competitive in the dynamic social media landscape.

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Introducing Scheduling and Archiving for Links

Linktree, a prominent link-in-bio platform, has unveiled new features aimed at enhancing user experience and efficiency. Users now have the ability to schedule links to go live at a specific date and time, catering to various time zones. This feature is particularly useful for users targeting audiences in different geographical locations, as it allows for the alignment of content releases with the intended audience's time zone. Additionally, there is an option to set a deactivation time for these links, eliminating the need for manual removal once the link becomes irrelevant. Alongside scheduling, Linktree has also introduced an archiving feature, enabling users to remove links from their page while preserving associated statistics, thus avoiding permanent deletion.

Automatic Content Fetching and Link Prioritization

For Pro users, Linktree is taking content integration to the next level by automatically fetching the latest videos from platforms such as TikTok, Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. This enhancement builds upon existing functionalities that pull posts from social networks like X (formerly Twitter) and Threads. Moreover, the company is rolling out a new “prioritize” feature, allowing users to highlight specific links on their Linktree page. This can be achieved by expanding a link automatically or adding animation effects when visitors access the page, thereby drawing attention to priority content or promotions.

Availability and Company Developments

While the link archiving feature will be available to all Linktree users, the link scheduling and prioritization features will be accessible only to those subscribed to the Starter plan or higher. The automatic video fetching feature is exclusively for Pro plan users. Linktree's continuous expansion and innovation are evident in its user base of over 45 million and recent executive appointments, including Jiaona “JZ” Zhang as chief product officer. The company's commitment to advancing in AI is highlighted by the hiring of Martin Gould and Johnny Hunter, founders of the audio detection company Sonalytic acquired by Spotify. Furthermore, Linktree’s acquisition strategy, as seen with the purchase of link-in-bio startups Koji and Bento, indicates a focused approach to consolidating its position as a leading link management platform.

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On 1/28/2024 at 2:36 AM, Heatman said:

Personally, I'm all in support of this development because the real social media platforms we have today are totally not for kids in any way. Look at all the stuffs going on in TikTok and Instagram with ladies going almost naked to grow their followers because that's how they become famous and rich. The content they create isn't safe for kids to watch. 

Ya, this is a huge issue and it worries me quite a bit as most of these platforms are throwing half-naked women and dangerous "challenges" as the standard recommendation for brand-new users.  Essentially the exact thing a child making an account as an adult will land on.

8 hours ago, Jason said:

I know this cyberbullying with kids goes on cause my close relative was the bully back in the late 90s.  This was before social media was on the scene.  It was on chat boards. 

Cyberbullying is a major issue, and I would say that a platform dedicated to kids could help with that by taking practical steps to discourage the practice.  Of course, it sadly is not something that I believe will ever be fully gone or completely avoidable.

Allegations of Extortion and Monopoly Tactics

Spotify, a major competitor and critic of Apple, has publicly denounced the tech giant's latest plan to align with the European Union's tech regulations, labeling it as extortion. The streaming company expressed its disapproval on its website, criticizing Apple's introduction of a Core Technology Fee for app installations via third-party app stores. According to Spotify, this fee, which amounts to €0.50 per app install after reaching a million downloads, unfairly targets developers, particularly those offering free apps. Spotify argues that this fee applies even if an app is downloaded and remains unused, exacerbating the financial burden on developers.

Apple's Commission and Spotify's Dilemma

Spotify also highlighted the issue with Apple's commission of 17 percent from developers using third-party payment processors. This commission, as per Spotify, is structured to dissuade developers from moving away from Apple's ecosystem. While Spotify has plans to introduce its own in-app payment system in the EU, the company is skeptical about its viability under Apple's new terms. Spotify CEO Daniel Ek expressed concerns over the significant impact this would have on the company's customer acquisition costs, potentially making it unfeasible for Spotify to maintain profitability while complying with Apple's new policy.

Apple's Response and Wider Industry Backlash

In response to the criticism, Apple spokesperson Fred Sainz stated that the company aims to support the success of all developers, including Spotify. Sainz emphasized that the new policy offers developers options in distributing iOS apps and processing payments, with the majority of developers likely to pay the same or less to Apple under the new terms. However, the policy has attracted widespread criticism from developers of various sizes, who are troubled by the financial implications of stepping outside the App Store or incorporating alternative payment methods. The European Union Commission plans to review Apple's changes in detail when the regulations take effect in March, providing developers ample opportunity to analyze the new rules thoroughly.

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New Messaging Restrictions for Young Users

Meta has recently announced a significant update in its approach to safeguarding teenagers on its popular social media platforms, Instagram and Facebook. The company is introducing a series of "stricter messaging" settings, particularly aimed at users below the age of 16, or 18 in certain regions. These settings are designed to reduce the likelihood of teens receiving unsolicited messages from unknown individuals. Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, highlighted these updates in a video, emphasizing the importance of enhanced security measures for younger users.

Parental Supervision and Setting Changes

Another key development from Meta is the introduction of supervised accounts for teenagers. Under these new guidelines, any changes that teens wish to make to default security or privacy settings will now require parental approval. This process involves sending a request to parents, who then have the authority to approve or deny these changes. This system applies to various settings, including switching an account's status from private to public, adjusting Sensitive Content Controls, and modifying direct messaging (DM) settings. This measure aims to provide parents with more control and oversight over their children's online activities.

Future Plans and Content Moderation

Looking ahead, Meta is planning to roll out additional features to further protect teenagers on its platforms. One such feature is aimed at steering teens away from engaging with or receiving inappropriate images. These safety measures will extend to encrypted chats, ensuring that content moderation remains effective even in private conversations. While full details of these upcoming features are yet to be disclosed, Meta assures that more information will be provided later in the year. This proactive approach reflects the company's ongoing commitment to creating a safer and more secure online environment for its younger users.

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Revolutionizing Electronics with Coal-Derived Insulators

In an innovative shift within the semiconductor industry, a team of researchers has discovered a new use for coal, traditionally a fossil fuel. As reported by IEEE, they have successfully used coal to create ultra-thin insulating films, potentially paving the way for a new generation of semiconductors made from 2D materials. This breakthrough comes as the industry seeks alternatives to silicon, which has been the cornerstone of electronics for the past 70 years. The demand for smaller transistors, driven partly by the growing needs of machine learning and computational power, has expanded the search for alternative materials suitable for transistors and other computer chip components.

The Push Beyond Silicon in Semiconductor Design

Silicon-based semiconductors are reaching their physical limits, as the long-standing trend of Moore’s Law, which predicts the doubling of transistor density every two years, is nearing its end. Scientists are now exploring 2D semiconductors, such as graphene and molybdenum disulfide, for their ability to be incredibly thin and potentially more efficient. However, one of the major challenges in developing 2D semiconductors has been finding suitable insulating materials that can work effectively with them. Traditional metal oxides used with silicon don’t align well with the flat surface of 2D semiconductors, creating performance issues. Additionally, the crystalline nature of current 2D insulators has led to inefficiencies, pointing to the need for an amorphous (non-crystalline) and 2D insulator.

Coal's Potential in Future Semiconductor Production

The coal-derived material developed by the research team exhibits all the desired properties for effective use in 2D semiconductors. It is amorphous, thin, and integrates well with graphene and molybdenum disulfide semiconductors, showing improved performance over traditional insulators. The production process of this material involves converting coal into a fine powder, suspending it in a solution, and then depositing it into a thin film. This method allows for precise control, achieving layers just 1 to 2 atoms thick. The research also suggests that coal, being an abundant and cost-competitive material, offers a level of supply-chain security. The study's findings are not only academically intriguing but have also garnered interest from industry leaders like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., indicating potential practical applications in advanced processors. The team plans to focus future research on scaling up production of this coal-based insulating material.

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Cancellation of the Anticipated Live-Action Series

The dream of a live-action adaptation of the popular MMORPG "Final Fantasy XIV" is now officially over. Initially announced in 2019, the project was a collaboration between Sony Pictures and Hivemind. However, recent revelations by Hivemind executive producer Dinesh Shamdasani have confirmed the cancellation of the series. Shamdasani shared that despite having a compelling pilot script and a multi-season plan, the project faced unanimous rejection. The envisioned scale and budget requirements for the series were deemed too substantial a risk for studios to undertake. Amazon was the closest to taking on the project, but eventually, it too stepped back.

COVID-19 and Financial Constraints

The demise of the live-action adaptation can be largely attributed to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Writer Jake Thornton, who was involved in the project, indicated that the pandemic's impact played a significant role. As the global health crisis unfolded, studios became increasingly cautious with their investments, leading to tighter financial controls and reduced willingness to fund large-scale projects like the "Final Fantasy XIV" adaptation.

Animation Adaptation Unlikely

In response to inquiries about the possibility of an animated adaptation as an alternative, Shamdasani expressed skepticism. He mentioned that such a venture would be even more challenging and that the rights for the project have since returned to Japan, further complicating any future attempts. This update dashes hopes for fans who might have been holding out for an animated series in place of the live-action adaptation.

Background on Final Fantasy XIV

"Final Fantasy XIV" is a critically acclaimed MMORPG set in the mystical realm of Eorzea. Developed by Square Enix, it offers a rich and expansive online world where players embark on adventures, take on various roles and classes, and engage in battles and quests. Its vibrant community and continuous updates have made it a beloved title in the gaming world. The cancellation of its live-action adaptation marks the end of a potential expansion of its universe into a new medium, leaving fans to continue their adventures solely within the digital realms of Eorzea.

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Introduction to New Feature

The upcoming iOS 17.4 update is set to introduce a significant enhancement to the Apple Podcasts app, aimed at improving user experience and accessibility. This update will bring support for auto-generated transcripts for podcasts, facilitating an easier and more engaging listening experience for users.

Transcript Features and Accessibility

The new feature will offer live text versions of podcast episodes, similar to the lyrics feature in Apple Music. As users listen to an episode, the words will be highlighted in real-time. This transcript feature will initially support English, French, German, and Spanish-language podcasts and will be accessible in over 170 countries and regions. Users can access the transcript by clicking on a “quote” icon at the bottom of the Now Playing screen, and they can jump to specific parts of the episode by tapping on the transcript. Additionally, transcripts can be viewed separately from the episode details page.

Creation and Limitations of Transcripts

Apple’s software will automatically generate transcripts for each new podcast episode, though there may be a slight delay in availability post-upload. Transcripts for back catalog episodes will be rolled out gradually. Podcast creators also have the option to upload their transcripts through Apple Podcasts Connect, but they must adhere to Apple's quality standards, including correct spelling and punctuation. Episodes with overlapping dialogue or explicit content (when restrictions are applied) may face limitations in transcript quality. Notably, music lyrics within podcasts will not be transcribed.

Additional iOS 17.4 Updates

The iOS 17.4 update, currently in beta, introduces other changes primarily affecting EU developers, including a new fee structure, alternative browser engine support, and options for distributing iOS apps through alternative app stores. The public release of iOS 17.4 is anticipated in March.

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