Pelican Press

Goodbye to grease: Philips launches self-cleaning air fryer to save you scrubbing Goodbye to grease: Philips launches self-cleaning air fryer to save you scrubbing The Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer is available now The fryer has a steam-cleaning mode to remove stubborn grease It can steam and air fry two dishes simultaneously, with synced finish times Philips has launched a new two-in-one air fryer and steamer, which has a self-cleaning cycle to prevent built-up of **** from your fries and chicken wings. The Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer lets you use two different cooking methods at once, making it easier to prepare a balanced meal. During our years of testing here on TechRadar, we’ve found that even the best air fryers can be a hassle to keep clean. You may be able to put some baskets or racks in the dishwasher (always check the instruction manual to make sure it’s safe first) but the rest of the machine is often prone to getting greasy. Using abrasive cleaners risks damaging the appliance. That’s not a problem with the 5000 Series, which uses its built-in steam generator to remove **** from the large basket and around the heating tube, which would normally be tricky to get thoroughly clean. (Image credit: Philips) Two in one Two-in-one appliances that combine a microwave or a toaster oven with an air fryer are quite common, and can be a good way to save space on your kitchen counter but air fryer/steamer hybrids are much rarer. As our colleagues at T3 explain, the new dual Philips fryer has one three-liter basket and one six-liter basket, which can be set to use different cooking methods and synced to finish at the same time. That means you can steam your green beans and carrots while air frying your chicken wings without risking either being over-cooked. The Philips 5000 Series Dual Basket Steam Air Fryer is available now from John Lewis for £249.99, or for AU$499 from JB Hi-Fi (about $300). If you’ve been thinking of picking up an air fryer, this is the perfect time. Our roundup of the best ****** Friday air fryer deals feature hand-picked lists of all the biggest savings in the US and the ***, and features only air fryers from reputable brands that you can trust. Sign up to be the first to know about unmissable ****** Friday deals on top tech, plus get all your favorite TechRadar content. You might also like Source link #Goodbye #grease #Philips #launches #selfcleaning #air #fryer #save #scrubbing Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Pivotal Research hikes Netflix price target to Street-high $1,100 after Tyson-Paul ****** Pivotal Research hikes Netflix price target to Street-high $1,100 after Tyson-Paul ****** Netflix’s record-breaking boxing match between legend Mike Tyson and influencer Jake Paul cements the company’s status as the winner in streaming, according to Pivotal Research Group. The firm raised its price target on Netflix to a Wall Street-high $1,100. That target, up from $925, implies upside of 26.2%. Pivotal said the change accounts for higher medium- and long-term subscriber and revenue estimates following the bout. The event shown on Netflix notched 65 million live concurrent streams and 108 million total live viewers worldwide, making it the most-streamed global sporting event on record. “Importantly, given the success of the Tyson/Paul ****** we expect Netflix to accelerate its offerings of ‘eventized’ live programming, which further enhances NFLX’s ability to offer households regular compelling content (juiced by the fact their competitors are now selling previously exclusive content to NFLX) = likely lower subscriber churn and greater ability to take price,” analyst Jeffrey Wlodarczak wrote in a Wednesday note. Netflix’s large free cash flow and strong subscriber numbers stand in contrast to its competitors, which are struggling with substantial losses and “mediocre” subscriber results, according to the analyst. “While not necessarily needed by NFLX, we believe other streaming players/media players will have no choice but to continue to sell their premium library content to NFLX to offset their own poor returns in streaming (and to tap into NFLX’s ~600M global viewers to increase the content value), which enhances the value of NFLX service allowing them to drive higher subscriber growth,” Wlodarczak added. Netflix shares have rallied nearly 79% in 2024. NFLX YTD mountain Netflix shares in 2024 “Our view ******** unchanged that Netflix has won the global streaming race as evidenced by YTD results/raised guidance (especially relative to its streaming peers’ results), and this is what, in our opinion, winning looks like,” the analyst said. Source link #Pivotal #Research #hikes #Netflix #price #target #Streethigh #TysonPaul #****** Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Target (TGT) Q3 2024 earnings Target (TGT) Q3 2024 earnings Target on Wednesday missed Wall Street’s quarterly earnings and revenue expectations and posted only a slight uptick in customer traffic, despite the discounter’s price cuts on thousands of items and its early holiday *****. The big-box retailer reversed course and cut its full-year profit guidance, just three months after hiking that forecast. It said it expects full-year adjusted earnings per share to range from $8.30 to $8.90. That’s lower than the $9 to $9.70 per share range that it shared in August and below the $9.55 a share expected by analysts, according to StreetAccount. Target now expects fourth quarter comparable sales to be approximately flat. That metric includes sales on its website and stores open at least 13 months. Target missed Wall Street’s earnings per share estimate by 20%, its biggest miss in two years. It also marked its first revenue miss since Aug. 2023. On a call with reporters, CEO Brian Cornell said “lingering softness in discretionary categories” and costs associated with rushing shipments and preparing for the short-lived port strike in October hurt the company’s quarterly performance. Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke said “it’s disappointing that a deceleration in discretionary demand combined with some cost pressures have caused us to take our guidance back down after raising it last quarter.” But he added that Target feels confident in its long-term outlook. Here’s what Target reported for the three-month ******* that ended Nov. 2 compared with what Wall Street expected, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG: Earnings per share: $1.85 vs. $2.30 expectedRevenue: $25.67 vs. $25.90 billion expected Target, which is known for its cheap chic spin on clothing, home goods and other discretionary merchandise, has struggled to attract steady foot traffic and higher sales. Shoppers have been selective about spending after cumulative years of pricier food, housing and more. To woo price-sensitive consumers, Target announced in May that it would cut prices on about 5,000 frequently purchased items, including diapers, bread and milk. It announced another wave of price reductions in October on more than 2,000 items during the holiday season, including cold medicine, toys and ice cream. Target said it will have lowered prices on more than 10,000 items this year by the end of the holiday season. Target offered those discounts after hearing from shoppers about “the importance of value and affordability,” Chief Commercial Officer Rick Gomez said. He added the price cuts on frequency items leaves more room in customers’ budgets to splurge on products that they want, whether it’s a new outfit or beauty item. Yet those price cuts weren’t enough to lift Target’s performance in the fiscal third quarter. Target eked out a comparable sales gain of 0.3%, as shoppers spent more on its website but less at its stores. That fell short of the 1.5% gains that analysts expected, according to StreetAccount. Target’s fiscal third-quarter net income tumbled about 12% to $854 million, or $1.85 per share, from $971 million, or $2.10 per share, in the year-ago quarter. Revenue rose from $25.40 billion in the year-ago *******. Customer traffic across Target’s stores and website grew 2.4% year over year. Digital sales were a bright spot, growing 10.8% year over year because of double-digit gains with curbside pickup and almost 20% gains with same-day home deliveries. Comparable store sales, however, declined 1.9% year over year. Customers gravitated toward food and everyday essentials during the quarter, along with beauty items. Comparable sales in that category, which includes sales at Ulta Beauty shops inside of Target, grew more than 6%. Two other categories, food & beverage and essentials, posted low single-digit gains compared with the year-ago *******. The Minneapolis-based retailer’s results clash with trends at Walmart, which on Tuesday reported improving sales trends in discretionary merchandise for the second quarter in a row. Walmart also said it’s gaining market share among upper-income households. The two big-box retailers, however, have a different sales mix, as groceries account for about 60% of Walmart’s U.S. business but only about 23% of Target’s in the most recent fiscal year, according to the companies’ financial filings. Gomez said the retailer is contending with savvy and selective shoppers who aren’t willing to buy until the price is right. “Consumers have become increasingly resourceful and strategic on how they shop,” he said. “They know deals are out there. They’re willing to search for them, and they’ll wait for the exact right moment to head into our stores or log on to our app.” For example, Gomez said the week ahead of Target’s Circle Week, a promotional event in October, was quieter. But it was the biggest Circle Week to date in terms of sales, and 3 million new members signed up for Target’s loyalty program, he added. Gomez said Target is seeing momentum when it offers eye-catching merchandise, such as debuting new workout gear, **** accessories, seasonal flavors of food or a fresh hair care line. Higher supply-chain costs posed another challenge in the quarter, Fiddelke said. As the company geared up for the port strike, which wound up lasting only a few days, Target rerouted and rushed shipments and loaded up on inventory to make sure it had the merchandise that it needed for the holiday season. “That came at a cost,” he said. “It meant we were fuller a little bit earlier in the quarter than we would like to be, and we’re never quite as efficient when our buildings are full, but we felt like that was the right decision to really protect the guest experience.” Shares of Target have lagged behind the S&P 500. As of Tuesday’s close, Target’s stock is up about 9.5% this year, compared to the S&P 500’s approximately 24% gains during the same time *******. The company’s stock price of $156 is also well off the pandemic highs, when its stock rose to nearly $270. – CNBC’s Robert Hum contributed to this report. Source link #Target #TGT #earnings Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SpaceX Launches India’s GSAT-20 Satellite, Providing Boost to Broadband and Satellite Communication SpaceX Launches India’s GSAT-20 Satellite, Providing Boost to Broadband and Satellite Communication India’s advanced GSAT-20 satellite has come under the control of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) following a successful deployment by SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Tuesday, the satellite aims to enhance broadband connectivity throughout India, with a particular focus on rural and remote regions and the ability to enable in-flight internet services. Smooth Transition to ISRO’s Master Control Facility The initial communication and control of GSAT-20 were transferred to ISRO’s Master Control Facility (MCF) in Hassan, Karnataka, early Wednesday. ISRO confirmed that the satellite, weighing 4,700 kg, is in good health, and all systems are fully functional. Teams at the MCF are now conducting a series of complex orbital manoeuvres to guide GSAT-20 from its transfer orbit to a geostationary orbit at an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometres. Orbital Adjustment and Testing to Begin Over the coming days, the satellite’s onboard propulsion system will be used for orbit-raising procedures, a process that is expected to take about two weeks. Once in its final orbit, GSAT-20 will undergo in-orbit testing to verify the performance of its high-capacity Ka-band payload. This payload has the capacity to deliver data transmission speeds up to 48 Gbps, making GSAT-20 India’s most advanced communication satellite to date. Significance of India’s Connectivity Goals GSAT-20 represents a significant achievement in India’s satellite communication capabilities. The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that the satellite will play a key role in extending internet services, particularly in regions with limited connectivity options. The collaboration with SpaceX for the launch marks a strategic step in India’s increasing involvement in global space initiatives. Looking Ahead The GSAT-20 launch and its operational success reflect India’s expanding technological reach in space communication. As the MCF continues to monitor and adjust the satellite’s positioning, expectations remain high for the positive impact it will bring to India’s connectivity infrastructure. Source link #SpaceX #Launches #Indias #GSAT20 #Satellite #Providing #Boost #Broadband #Satellite #Communication Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Danish Navy tails ******** ship suspected in ********* undersea cable sabotage — Sweden’s Defense Ministry put freighter at the time and place of the disruption Danish Navy tails ******** ship suspected in ********* undersea cable sabotage — Sweden’s Defense Ministry put freighter at the time and place of the disruption Denmark has sent two of its ships, the HDMS Hvidbjoernen, an ocean patrol frigate, and the DNK Navy Patrol P525, a smaller patrol craft, to shadow the ******** Bulk Carrier Yi Peng 3. The ******** vessel is suspected to be connected with the cutting of two undersea internet cables that connect Finland and Sweden to Central Europe, reports MSN. The undersea cable connecting Sweden to Lithuania was the first to be hit, sustaining damage around Sunday, November 17, 2024. The Finland-Germany undersea cable was then cut the following day. On Tuesday, the Sweden Ministry of Civil Defense announced that it recorded the ship’s movements and placed the Yi Peng 3 within the vicinity of the possible sabotage events. According to public records, the bulk carrier left Ust-Luga Anchorage, some 50 miles east of St. Petersburg, Russia, last November 15, and that its next destination is Port Said of Egypt. We don’t have any information on her crew or what type of cargo she’s carrying, though. At the time of writing, Marinetraffic.com puts the ******** ship in the middle of the Kattegatt, the sea bound by Denmark on the west and Sweden in the east. The smaller Danish patrol ship is immediately beside it, while the Hvidbjoernen is located some 15 to 20 miles southwest of the two vessels (although the website says that this position was last updated more than seven hours ago). Sweden says that it has already dispatched units to the scene of the cut undersea cables to examine the damage and that its police are already investigating the incident. The action of the Danish ships is likely part of a coordinated effort to determine the how and why the undersea cables were cut, especially as the authorities are crying sabotage. This comes just a few months after NATO said that Russia was mapping undersea fiber optic cables as part of its strategy to disrupt communications. While the involved ship is ******** flagged, the two countries are, if not exactly allies, at least friendly on friendly terms. The events in the Baltic Sea regarding the suspected sabotage of the undersea cables are currently developing, but we hope that this does not turn into a wider conflict. After all, undersea communications cable goes beyond just providing internet to the general people; it could also carry crucial military and government messaging. This is especially important for Finland, which shares a border with Russia, and Lithuania, which is located north of Belarus — the same country from which ****** launched the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Get Tom’s Hardware’s best news and in-depth reviews, straight to your inbox. Source link #Danish #Navy #tails #******** #ship #suspected #********* #undersea #cable #sabotage #Swedens #Defense #Ministry #put #freighter #time #place #disruption Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Piper Sandler says this tech stock that’s up 700% in 2024 has more room to run Piper Sandler says this tech stock that’s up 700% in 2024 has more room to run Mobile app development company AppLovin may have soared more than 700% this year. Piper Sandler thinks the stock is an artificial intelligence winner with more room to run. The firm initiated coverage with an overweight rating and $400 price target on shares, implying shares could climb an additional 24.5% from Tuesday’s close. The company’s online advertising business has grown thanks to its AI-powered advertising engine called Axon. In its third-quarter earnings report , AppLovin reported a 66% year-over-year increase in software platform revenue. APP YTD mountain AppLovin in 2024 “The stock is up over [700%] YTD, more recently driven more by multiple expansion than estimate revisions. But we still think the stock can outperform,” analyst James Callahan wrote. “APP estimate revisions have outpaced the NASDAQ every quarter since 1Q23 and the delta has been improving the last 3 quarters.” While AppLovin’s advertising segment has been a key generator of growth, the company’s mobile gaming business is also set to rebound as consumer spending in the segment rises, per Callahan. “APP’s impressive revenue growth has occurred despite a challenged overall market. Today, volumes are driving the majority of revenue growth vs pricing which we view to be positive as APP takes volume share and can ultimately grow pricing as the auction normalizes,” he wrote. AppLovin’s expansion into e-commerce also will help sustain the stock’s growth, the analyst said. Shares added 1.9% Wednesday in the premarket following the announcement. Source link #Piper #Sandler #tech #stock #room #run Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

India’s Summer Maximum Temperature to See a Rise of 1.5 Degree Celsius by 2043, Claims New Climate Data India’s Summer Maximum Temperature to See a Rise of 1.5 Degree Celsius by 2043, Claims New Climate Data A report titled Climate Change Projections for India (2021–2040) has warned of severe implications for India’s climate, economy and food security in the coming decades. The new climate data set was published by Azim Premji University. It outlines potential climate scenarios and urges policymakers, educators, and NGOs to devise strategies that address these challenges effectively. The findings project increases in temperatures, intensified monsoons, and shifts in precipitation patterns, all of which could significantly impact health, agriculture, and rural livelihoods. Rising Temperatures Across Scenarios The report predicts that by 2057, India’s annual maximum temperature may rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius under a moderate emissions scenario. However, under a high-emissions trajectory, this threshold could be crossed a decade earlier, by 2043. Low-emission pathways (SSP2-4.5) indicate that 196 districts could see summer maximum temperatures rise by at least 1 degree Celsius, with Leh projected to experience the steepest increase at 1.6 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, under high emissions (SSP5-8.5), up to 249 districts are expected to witness similar rises, with 17 districts, including Leh, surpassing 1.5 degrees Celsius during summers. Winter minimum temperatures are also projected to increase significantly, with districts like Anjaw in Arunachal Pradesh potentially experiencing a rise of 2.2 degrees Celsius under high emissions. Shifts in Rainfall and Monsoonal Activity Precipitation patterns are expected to vary widely. Western states such as Gujarat and Rajasthan may encounter a 20–50 percent rise in annual rainfall, while northeastern states like Arunachal Pradesh could see deficits of up to 15 percent. The southwest monsoon is likely to intensify in western regions, while the northeast monsoon may weaken, potentially exacerbating drought conditions in rain-dependent northeastern states. Impacts on Agriculture and Food Security The report highlights the potential for food insecurity due to disruptions in monsoons and rising temperatures. Increased heavy rainfall in high-altitude regions like Ladakh could trigger landslides, while drought-like conditions in northeastern areas may threaten rain-fed agriculture. Coastal districts may face wet-bulb temperatures above 31 degrees Celsius, posing significant health risks. The report serves as a critical resource for shaping India’s response to these escalating climate challenges. Source link #Indias #Summer #Maximum #Temperature #Rise #Degree #Celsius #Claims #Climate #Data Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Post Office project taking control of Horizon data from Fujitsu as part of messy split Post Office project taking control of Horizon data from Fujitsu as part of messy split The Post Office and its subpostmasters will no longer rely on audit data from Fujitsu once it completes a project to replace its current audit system. Legacy Horizon data will begin to be migrated from Fujitsu to a Post Office cloud system early next year. It will also house data from the Post Office’s future branch technology. Over the past 25 years, data from Horizon was requested by the Post Office via audit record queries (ARQs). This data could have proved the subpostmasters were not to blame for unexplained shortfalls in their branches, but the Post Office was reluctant to use it because it had a limit on how many requests it could make for free before Fujitsu charged. “We are in the process of replacing the current audit solution for Horizon with a modern, cloud-based system that will ultimately contain audit data for both legacy Horizon and also our transformed branch technology estate,” Post Office IT chief Andy Nice told Computer Weekly. Word of the plan emerged during evidence at the Post Office scandal public inquiry from Fujitsu boss Paul Patterson last week. He told the inquiry that Horizon data, including all historical data, would be inside the Post Office’s house by February. “They’ll have all the data that is required,” he said. Nice told Computer Weekly: “We are in the middle of finalising the migration design, working both with Fujitsu as the current provider of Horizon audit storage and partners who are helping design this strategic solution.” The Post Office plans to start testing after Christmas and will begin the migration of data in early 2025. The cost of ARQs is a controversial aspect of the Horizon scandal. Judge Peter Fraser said in his 2019 judgment in the High Court battle between the Post Office and subpostmasters: “… audit data should have been sought in every case where a subpostmaster was possibly going to be suspended or have their contract terminated, that the Post Office acted unreasonably in failing to seek such data before those events occurred, and that the commercial arrangements between the Post Office and Fujitsu did not justify the ******** to seek the audit data, which was the best evidence of what had occurred and whether any bugs, errors or defects were operative.” Asked whether the cost of ARQ data was a “significant issue for the Post Office”, during a public inquiry hearing in December 2023, former Post Office investigator David Posnett said: “I would say yes on the basis that costs and money spent throughout the Post Office [were] not frowned upon but we had to keep a tight rein on every penny spent.” Nice said on completion of the migration project, the Post Office would “no longer be reliant on Fujitsu for the provision of data via the ARQ process and this solution opens up the possibility of giving subpostmasters more direct access to their branch audit data”. He added: “This will be looked at as part of our overall technology transformation roadmap as we overhaul not only the trading elements of the Horizon platform but also the functionality that supports postmasters to run their branches efficiently and with confidence.” In a recent interview with Computer Weekly, Nice, who is tasked with replacing the Horizon system, asked subpostmasters to judge him on his actions. Computer Weekly first exposed the scandal in 2009, revealing the stories of seven subpostmasters and the problems they suffered due to Horizon accounting software, which led to the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British history (see below timeline of Computer Weekly articles about the scandal since 2009). Source link #Post #Office #project #control #Horizon #data #Fujitsu #part #messy #split Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Zelensky says Ukraine will lose war if US cuts funding Zelensky says Ukraine will lose war if US cuts funding Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky told Fox News late on Tuesday that Ukraine would lose the war if Washington, its main military backer, pulled funding. The Ukranian leader said it would be “very dangerous if we lose unity in Europe, and what is most important is unity between Ukraine and the ******* States”. US President-elect Donald Trump has campaigned on a promise to end US involvement in wars and instead use taxpayers’ money to improve Americans’ lives. He has said he will bring the Russia-Ukraine war to an end within 24 hours, without saying how. “If they will cut, I think we will lose,” Zelensky told Fox News. “Of course anyway we will stay, we will ******, we have our production but it is not enough to prevail and it think it is not enough to survive.” Asked if Trump would be able to influence ****** to end the war, Zelensky replied: “It will not be simple but yes he can because he is stronger than ******. “****** is weaker than the ******* States. The President of the ******* States has the strength, authority and weapons, and he can decrease the price of energy resources.” On Tuesday, Ukraine fired US-supplied longer-range missiles at Russian territory for the first time, a day after the US gave permission for their use. US President Joe Biden has also agreed to give Ukraine anti-personnel land mines, a US defence official told the BBC. But Zelensky said Ukraine was going through a “very difficult *******” on the battlefield. The Russian military is accelerating its gains along the front line, according to data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Its analysis found Russian forces seized six times more territory in 2024 than it did in the previous year. Based on confirmed social media footage and reports of troop movements, the ISW said Moscow’s forces seized around 2,700 sq km of Ukrainian territory so far this year, compared with just 465 sq km in the whole of 2023. Ukraine’s surprise incursion into Russia’s Kursk region is faltering as Russian troops have pushed Kyiv’s offensive backwards. Zelensky also had harsh words for ******* Chancellor Olaf Scholz for speaking to ****** on the phone last week. He told Fox News it was a “Pandora’s box” because ******’s isolation would increase the pressure on him. Source link #Zelensky #Ukraine #lose #war #cuts #funding Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Final Fantasy 14 mobile announced Final Fantasy 14 mobile announced Final Fantasy 14 has been announced for mobile. Announced by producer Naoki Yoshida, the game is being developed by Tencent-owned Lightspeed Studios. Lightspeed Studios previously developed PUBG Mobile. During the announcement video, which can be viewed below, Yoshida said: “Despite the adjustments, Lightspeed Studios is working with tremendous enthusiasm and dedication to faithfully recreate the story, duties, battle content, and other aspects of the game.” The game will launch with 9 of the main game’s jobs. It’s expected that the remaining jobs will eventually be added. It’s currently unknown how much of the game’s original content will be included in the mobile version. “You can experience the game in your own way, whether solo or alongside other players,” the game’s official website reads. “Beginners and mentors, party members, and even adventurers you meet by chance can become your friends. Explore the unknown, share moments of joy, and make Eorzea a better place through the bonds of friendship.” Earlier this month, Square Enix released patch 7.1 Crossroads, the game’s biggest update since Dawntrail. The update introduced the first part of a crossover Alliance Raid series with Final Fantasy 11, Square Enix’s first MMORPG. The series will see players traveling to Vana’diel, the land where Final Fantasy 11 is set. Source link #Final #Fantasy #mobile #announced Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

See the sun revealed in stunning glory by Solar Orbiter pictures See the sun revealed in stunning glory by Solar Orbiter pictures The sun’s upper atmosphere, or corona, in ultraviolet light ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/EUI Team These fiery images are the clearest views we have ever had of the sun, taken by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft. Solar Orbiter, a ****** mission between the ********* Space Agency (ESA) and NASA, is the most advanced instrument to orbit the sun and has been sending back information to Earth since it arrived there in 2020. These images were captured in March 2023, when Solar Orbiter was less than 74 million kilometres from the sun. The picture above was taken using ultraviolet light, revealing the sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, in extreme detail and showing the roiling, 1 million °C plasma blasting out along the sun’s magnetic field lines. The bright light from the sun’s surface normally hides the corona, so the corona can normally only been seen if you block out visible light, which happens during an eclipse, or just look using ultraviolet light, say. To create this full image of the sun’s corona, many smaller zoomed-in pictures had to be stitched together, resulting in this full mosaic consisting of 8000 pixels. In the future, we will get two high-resolution pictures of the sun like this from the Solar Orbiter each year, according to ESA. The sun in visible light taken by the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager on the Solar Orbiter spacecraft ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/PHI Team This second image is what the surface, or photosphere, of the sun looks like when viewed by the Solar Orbiter in visible light, the same light we can see with our eyes. This layer of the sun has a temperature of between about 4500 and 6000°C. The dark regions here are sunspots, which are cooler than the surrounding areas and emit less light. A map of the sun’s magnetic field as measured by the Polarimetric and Helioseismic Imager on the Solar Orbiter spacecraft ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/PHI Team When viewed using the spacecraft’s magnetic instruments, the sun’s magnetic field can be seen to be concentrated around the sunspot regions (see image above). The field directs charged particles away from these regions, cooling them down and giving them their dark appearance. A velocity map, or tachogram, showing the speed and direction of movement of material at the sun’s visible surface ESA & NASA/Solar Orbiter/PHI Team The Solar Orbiter can also track the speed and direction of the plasma moving at the sun’s surface. In this velocity map (above), called a tachogram, blue represents movement towards the spacecraft and red away from it, showing that the plasma mostly turns with the spin of the sun, but diverges around the sunspot regions. This collection of images will help scientists understand the behaviour of the sun’s corona and photosphere. The Solar Orbiter will also image the sun’s poles, on the top and bottom of the star, which we haven’t seen before. We don’t currently understand the solar poles well and researchers expect these areas to look markedly different from the other regions of the sun. Topics: Source link #sun #revealed #stunning #glory #Solar #Orbiter #pictures Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Launch Price Could Be Higher Than Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Launch Price Could Be Higher Than Galaxy S24 Ultra Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is expected to launch soon alongside the Galaxy S25 and Galaxy S25+ handsets. The phone will succeed the Galaxy S24 Ultra, which was unveiled in January this year. The top-of-the-line Galaxy S-series smartphone is expected to be powered by an octa-core Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset. Other key features of the upcoming flagship handset have been tipped in previous reports. A tipster now claims that the phone could launch at a higher price point than the preceding Galaxy S24 Ultra. Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra Price (Expected) The bill of materials (BoM) for the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is at least $110 (roughly Rs. 9,300) more than that of the Galaxy S24 Ultra, according to a Weibo post by tipster Setsuna Digital (translated from ********). The tipster added that this might convince the manufacturers to increase the price of the upcoming handset in select markets and regions. The tipster noted that Samsung will not increase the price of the Galaxy S25 Ultra over that of the Galaxy S24 Ultra in China. The 12GB + 256GB option of the current top-of-the-line flagship handset starts in China at CNY 9,699 (roughly Rs. 1,12,900). The tipster said that the base Galaxy S25 Ultra variant will likely maintain the same price. However, a recent ***** suggested that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could be priced in the US at $1,299 (roughly Rs. 1,09,600) for the 12GB + 256GB option, while the 12GB + 512GB and 16GB + 1TB variants will likely be marked at $1,419 (roughly Rs. 1,19,800) and $1,659 (roughly Rs. 1,40,000), respectively. This is similar to the price of the Galaxy S24 Ultra in the market. The same ***** claimed that Samsung is unlikely to increase the price of the Galaxy S25 series smartphones. This strategy is said to be influenced by Apple’s decision to not raise the price of iPhone 16 series phones and therefore, allegedly maintain competition. Currently, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is priced in India at Rs. 1,29,999 for the 12GB + 256GB option, while the 512GB and 1TB variants are listed at Rs. 1,39,999 and Rs. 1,59,999, respectively. Affiliate links may be automatically generated – see our ethics statement for details. Source link #Samsung #Galaxy #S25 #Ultra #Launch #Price #Higher #Galaxy #S24 #Ultra Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Nvidia Q3 Earnings Preview: The Make It or Break It Moment for the Market Is Here Nvidia Q3 Earnings Preview: The Make It or Break It Moment for the Market Is Here Nvidia is scheduled to release third-quarter earnings on Wednesday evening. Excitement over the business prospects of AI has boosted Nvidia shares by almost 200% this year. This report will not only gauge the strength of Nvidia’s business but also serve as a barometer for the broader AI and semiconductor industries. Looking for more actionable trade ideas? Subscribe here for up 55% off as part of our Early Bird ****** Friday *****! Nvidia (NASDAQ:)’s highly anticipated third-quarter earnings report, set for release after the market close on Wednesday, is shaping up to be a defining moment for both the company and the broader stock market. The results are expected to highlight the ongoing surge in demand for Nvidia’s AI chips, which have become the backbone of the generative AI revolution and accelerated computing advancements. The Stakes for Nvidia As the dominant player in the AI chip market, Nvidia’s earnings have far-reaching implications. Analysts predict revenue will reach $33.1 billion, up 82% year-over-year, with adjusted earnings climbing 85% to $0.75 per share.Source: InvestingPro Profit estimates have been revised upward 32 times in recent weeks, according to an InvestingPro survey, with just five downward revisions, reflecting growing bullishness around Nvidia’s earnings potential. Investors will focus closely on the tech giant’s outlook for the fourth quarter, the first ******* to include sales of its next-generation AI processor, Blackwell. CEO Jensen Huang has described demand for Blackwell as “insane,” adding to the buzz surrounding Nvidia’s potential to exceed expectations. This report will not only gauge the strength of Nvidia’s business but also serve as a barometer for the broader AI and semiconductor industries. Past earnings surprises from Nvidia have been market-moving events, and this quarter is unlikely to be an exception. NVDA stock closed at $147.01 on Tuesday, a tad below its all-time high of $149.65 touched on November 12. Shares have soared 196.9% in 2024, making Nvidia one of the top-performing S&P 500 stocks of the year. Source: Investing.com At current levels, Nvidia has a market cap of $3.6 trillion, making the Santa Clara-based AI darling the most valuable company in the world. Investor Scenarios: Preparing for the Aftermath Market participants expect a sharp swing in NVDA stock following the print, as per the options market, with a possible implied move of 8.4% in either direction. As such, investors should prepare for multiple outcomes: 1. A Blowout Quarter and Strong Guidance: If Nvidia beats expectations and raises guidance, the stock could surge to a new record above $150, boosting sentiment across the tech sector. Investors holding Nvidia and related AI plays, such as AMD (NASDAQ:), Broadcom (NASDAQ:), Oracle (NYSE:), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:), and Palantir (NYSE:) could benefit. 2. An In-Line Report with ************* Guidance: While Nvidia has a track record of exceeding expectations, ************* guidance could trigger short-term selling. This scenario might signal caution about overestimating the pace of AI adoption. 3. A Miss or Soft Guidance: Given Nvidia’s high valuation, any disappointment could lead to a sharp selloff, impacting not just Nvidia but also other high-growth tech stocks. Investors may consider hedging through options or rotating into defensive sectors of the market. Those with long-term confidence in Nvidia might use any post-earnings dip as a buying opportunity. Broader Market Implications Given Nvidia’s stature and its leading role in the AI hype train, its Q3 results will influence not just semiconductor stocks but also other tech companies tied to AI and cloud computing. Positive updates to Nvidia’s corporate outlook for the months ahead could fuel more AI optimism and extend the current market rally. On the other hand, investors may use a less-than-stellar report as an opportunity to take profits. Additionally, Nvidia’s performance will likely set the tone for the broader market during a ******* already fraught with economic, political, and geopolitical uncertainty. Key Takeaway Nvidia’s Q3 report is more than just an earnings release—it’s a potential tipping point for the AI narrative and broader market sentiment. Investors should monitor Nvidia’s guidance closely and have a game plan to navigate the multiple scenarios that could unfold. Be sure to check out InvestingPro to stay in sync with the market trend and what it means for your trading. Subscribe now to get up to 55% off all Pro plans and instantly unlock access to several market-beating features, including: ProPicks AI: AI-selected stock winners with proven track record. InvestingPro Fair Value: Instantly find out if a stock is underpriced or overvalued. Advanced Stock Screener: Search for the best stocks based on hundreds of selected filters, and criteria. Top Ideas: See what stocks billionaire investors such as Warren Buffett, Michael Burry, and George Soros are buying. Disclosure: At the time of writing, I am long on the S&P 500, and the via the SPDR® S&P 500 ETF, and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF. I am also long on the Technology Select Sector SPDR ETF (NYSE:). I regularly rebalance my portfolio of individual stocks and ETFs based on ongoing risk assessment of both the macroeconomic environment and companies’ financials. The views discussed in this article are solely the opinion of the author and should not be taken as investment advice. Follow Jesse Cohen on X/Twitter @JesseCohenInv for more stock market analysis and insight. Source link #Nvidia #Earnings #Preview #Break #Moment #Market Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Ariana Grande says she channelled personal loss into Wicked role Ariana Grande says she channelled personal loss into Wicked role Universal Ariana Grande (left) forms a friendship as Glinda with Cynthia Erivo, who plays Elphaba Ariana Grande has told the BBC that she channelled her personal feelings of loss when filming Wicked. “Losing someone you love is something we’ve all unfortunately had to experience – and sometimes we have the privilege to say goodbye and sometimes we don’t,” she says. Grande, 31, plays Galinda Upland in the film, which is an adaptation of the hugely successful stage musical exploring the Wizard of Oz universe from the perspective of two witches. The two-time Grammy award winner has suffered personal tragedy in recent years, after the 2017 Manchester ******** of her concert and the ****** of her former partner Mac Miller a year later. Universal Cynthia Erivo (left) plays Elphaba and Ariana Grande plays Glinda She says appearing in Wicked, one of the first Broadway shows she saw as a child, “feels like a homecoming”. “This music has always brought such comfort and now being able to spend time with it and be trusted with it is the privilege of a lifetime.” In the weeks running up to the film’s release, the close relationship between Grande and co-star Cynthia Erivo has been in the spotlight. “From the moment we were cast, Cynthia invited me over and we hung out for five hours and we laughed and we cried and got to know each other. “We had a real conversation right off the bat about creating a safe space for each other and being honest with each other,” she says. Grande and Erivo’s characters begin in the Oz universe as university students, before later becoming enemies as Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba the Wicked Witch of the West. Erivo, 37, has described her role as “a real honour” and nods to the foundations formed by the original stage actors Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel, who she calls “the architects”. “We’ve been handed something really special and it’s a dream come true and truly big shoes to fill,” she adds. Mixed reviews Critics have so far given the film mixed reviews. The Guardian’s Peter Bradshaw praised the “sugar-rush fantasy” and awarded four stars, describing Wicked as a “blast of entertainment power”. There was another four-star review from Empire’s Helen O’Hara, who said director Jon M Chu “uses every bell and whistle possible to turn the stage show into a movie epic”. However, in a two-star review, the Telegraph’s Robbie Collin described Wicked as “utterly exhausting and hopelessly miscast”, adding that there was “no conceivable artistic argument” to have split the the Broadway show into two films. The Independent’s Clarisse Loughrey awarded three stars and questioned the way it was shot, with characters often “aggressively backlit”. “Jon M Chu treats his Oz as if it were as mundane as a city block,” she added. But Screen Daily’s Fionnuala Halligan concluded: “It’s so doggedly faithful to the show, so emphatically orchestrated and so powered by Cynthia Erivo’s exceptional performance, that resistance to its 169 minutes of theme park magic becomes futile.” Universal Grammy Award-winning Grande plays Galinda Upland, who goes on to become Glinda the Good Witch Erivo, who received a best actress nomination at the Oscars for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman in the biopic Harriet in 2019, is also a decorated stage performer who received a Tony Award in 2016 for the Broadway adaptation of The ****** Purple. She says she was able to draw on her own experiences of struggling with acceptance for the role of Elphaba, who is outcast for her green exterior. “Whether you feel ‘other’, or you feel different from everyone else, I think both of us have experience in those spaces that we have used to infuse our characters,” she says. Wicked, which first came to Broadway in 2003, has gone on to be the third-highest grossing theatre show in the world, behind The Lion King and The Phantom of the Opera. Many have pinned its enduring success with audiences on the relatability of its content – from Elphaba’s struggle with self-identity to Glinda’s difficulty in making moral choices. Universal Jonathan Bailey plays the prince Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked Its reimagining for the big screen also stars Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible and Game of Thrones’ Peter Dinklage as the voice of Doctor Dillamond – who is an animated goat. Oscar nominee Jeff Goldblum appears as the Wizard of Oz and British star Jonathan Bailey – who has received international recognition in recent years after starring in Netflix hit Bridgerton – as Fiyero. Goldblum says the central themes of the film, which include embracing diversity, were important to the cast, who were able to “come together to work and appreciate each other with empathy, compassion and love”. Bailey also says everyone he worked with had their own “Elphaba story”, adding “we have at points in our lives felt different”. He says: “In this film particularly, it’s the superpower of individuality which becomes a power to harness. “I think it’s really important right now as well, this theme that there’s more that unites us than divides us.” Universal Jeff Goldblum plays The Wizard of Oz and Michelle Yeoh plays Madame Morrible in Wicked The musical has been a West End and Broadway institution for more than 20 years, but Chu says the central themes of the plot are more relevant than ever. “Elphaba says something has changed within me, something’s not the same – and that’s the line that really got me into this movie, I felt like we all feel uneasy,” he says. Chu, who also directed Crazy Rich Asians in 2018, says he received the script for the film during the pandemic, which made him think about how the film could reflect his real-life experience of looking for truth in a confusing time. He says the cast also made themselves “emotionally available” during filming and were able to put themselves personally in the shoes of their characters. “Ariana, Cynthia and Jeff were talking about the real-world stakes of what we were putting into these characters,” he adds. “It wasn’t just about global politics, it was more personal than that. “We were all going through stuff in our own lives and I think they were generous to offer that up within the roles of Glinda, Elphaba and the Wizard.” Source link #Ariana #Grande #channelled #personal #loss #Wicked #role Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Uber’s new XXL rides will have extra room for your big-**** suitcase Uber’s new XXL rides will have extra room for your big-**** suitcase Uber is rolling out some new features for the holiday travel season. On Wednesday, it announced a new, super-duper-sized option with extra trunk space for airport travel. In addition, there will be a third shuttle route for NYC travelers. UberXXL is the company’s new extra-spacious rideshare option. These airport-only rides offer more trunk space and plenty of “comfortable” seating room “for you and your group.” Uber says pricing for the new jumbo-sized service will fall somewhere between UberXL and Uber ******. Upfront pricing will be available in the app. The service is launching at 40 airports in the US and Canada, including New York’s Kennedy, LaGuardia and Newark. Other participating UberXXL airports include (among others) LAX, SFO, Reagan National, O’Hare, DFW, Miami and Atlanta. It will be available at over 60 airports globally. Uber Holiday travelers will also have new ways to save a few bucks on their trips this year. UberX Share is launching at eight US airports and two international ones. The service lets you book a trip with “just one other airport traveler” to save up to 25 percent compared to UberX fares. The company says the cheaper rates will apply even if you aren’t matched with a random stranger. UberX Share for flights will launch at Austin, Denver, Newark, Dulles, Miami, New Orleans and Phoenix airports. Uber Reserve, the company’s schedule-ahead feature, is adding Flight Capture, which lets you enter your flight info and schedule your trip around it. The app will recommend the best time to leave and ask if you want to adjust your drop-off if your flight is delayed. In addition, Uber Reserve will now give you the option of adding multiple stops when setting up your ride. After launching in New York City last month, Uber Shuttle has added an extra stop to and from LaGuardia. The $18 shuttle service, which lets you save some money on its preset routes, will now include a third stop at the World Trade Center site at 198 Fulton St. It joins the previous two shuttle pickup and drop-off points: Midtown Manhattan (with stops at Port Authority Terminal and Grand Central) and Penn Station. Finally, the Uber app for iPhone has added a widget that could shave a few seconds off the time it takes to schedule a pickup. Starting today, the iOS app has a new Home Screen widget that lets you request a ride “in as little as two taps.” You can check the App Store for the update today. The company added a ride-tracking Live Activities feature last year. Source link #Ubers #XXL #rides #extra #room #******* #suitcase Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Piper Sandler says this tech stock that’s up 700% in 2024 has more room to run Piper Sandler says this tech stock that’s up 700% in 2024 has more room to run Mobile app development company AppLovin may have soared more than 700% this year. Piper Sandler thinks the stock is an artificial intelligence winner with more room to run. The firm initiated coverage with an overweight rating and $400 price target on shares, implying shares could climb an additional 24.5% from Tuesday’s close. The company’s online advertising business has grown thanks to its AI-powered advertising engine called Axon. In its third-quarter earnings report , AppLovin reported a 66% year-over-year increase in software platform revenue. APP YTD mountain AppLovin in 2024 “The stock is up over [700%] YTD, more recently driven more by multiple expansion than estimate revisions. But we still think the stock can outperform,” analyst James Callahan wrote. “APP estimate revisions have outpaced the NASDAQ every quarter since 1Q23 and the delta has been improving the last 3 quarters.” While AppLovin’s advertising segment has been a key generator of growth, the company’s mobile gaming business is also set to rebound as consumer spending in the segment rises, per Callahan. “APP’s impressive revenue growth has occurred despite a challenged overall market. Today, volumes are driving the majority of revenue growth vs pricing which we view to be positive as APP takes volume share and can ultimately grow pricing as the auction normalizes,” he wrote. AppLovin’s expansion into e-commerce also will help sustain the stock’s growth, the analyst said. Shares added 1.9% Wednesday in the premarket following the announcement. Source link #Piper #Sandler #tech #stock #room #run Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Fremantle Dockers’ drafting of Victorian Murphy Reid could be the perfect type of selection for the club Fremantle Dockers’ drafting of Victorian Murphy Reid could be the perfect type of selection for the club Justin Longmuir spent Monday & Tuesday in mining town Karratha, but after making the trip to Melbourne for the draft, he’ll be hoping his recruiters have mined some gold in Murphy Reid, writes Craig O’Donoghue. Source link #Fremantle #Dockers #drafting #Victorian #Murphy #Reid #perfect #type #selection #club Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

‘We’re really sorry’: Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 head acknowledges launch login issues ‘We’re really sorry’: Microsoft Flight Sim 2024 head acknowledges launch login issues Microsoft has acknowledged the problems players have been having launching Flight Simulator 2024. The latest edition in the company’s flight sim series was released on Tuesday and many players (including VGC) have been unable to get past an inital ****** screen. Those who have made it past the ****** have been reporting lengthy loading times that freeze at 97%, and those who mananged to get past that have been reporting missing aircraft from their library. Now, in a ‘Launch Day Update’ video, Microsoft Flight Sim head Jorg Neumann and Asobo Studio CEO Sebastian Wloch have apologised to players and explained the situation. “While it’s a great launch day, we know a lot of people are frustrated,” Neumann said. “We’re really sorry, we want to apologise. This video, we made it because we’re always here, we want to be as transparent and as honest as possible. So we have some problems today, the team is on it, and we will keep going.” Explaining the issue in greater detail, Wloch said the problem stemmed from a server cache that’s struggling to keep up with demand. “At the very beginning, when players start, they’re basically asking a server for some data and that server is going to catch it in a database,” he explained. “It’s a very big database, and there is a cache, and that cache is currently getting saturated. It’s a cache that’s been thoroughly tested during the whole tech alpha, we’ve done load tests simulating 200,000 users, and tonight it’s just completely overwhelmed. “We’ve tried to restart the services, we’ve taken measures to throttle the number of people who can come in at the same time. It worked pretty well, so we increased the ****** size, the speed by 5X, and it worked well for maybe half an hour and then all of a sudden the cache collapsed again. “So we’re restarting, we’re trying to investigate, doing our best, and going as fast as we can to make sure everybody can go in.” A new update on the official Microsoft Flight Simulator site claims the problem has been addressed and that players should be able to start gaining access to the game. “We have solved the issues and are now bringing players in at a steady pace,” it says. “We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience.” Source link #Microsoft #Flight #Sim #acknowledges #launch #login #issues Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors: What Makes Each Celestial Object Unique Asteroids, Comets, and Meteors: What Makes Each Celestial Object Unique Planetary scientists from NASA explain that while asteroids, comets, and meteors are all small celestial objects orbiting the Sun, they differ greatly in composition, appearance, and behaviour. These distinctions help scientists understand more about our solar system and the unique roles each type of object plays. Asteroids: Rocky Remnants of the Early Solar System Asteroids are small, rocky objects that circle the Sun, explains NASA JPL scientist Ryan Park. Typically appearing as points of light in telescopes, most are concentrated within a region called the asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter. This belt contains a range of asteroid shapes and sizes, from rounded forms to elongated structures, with some even accompanied by small moons. These ancient rocks are considered to be remnants from the early solar system, carrying clues about the conditions and materials present billions of years ago. Comets: Icy Bodies with Characteristic Tails Comets, in contrast to asteroids, contain more ice and dust than rock, giving them a unique composition. When a comet nears the Sun, the heat causes its icy surface to vaporise, resulting in the release of gas and dust. This process produces a tail that stretches behind the comet, which appears hazy when observed through telescopes. Comets are often distinguished by this tail, which is formed by solar radiation pushing dust and gas away from the comet’s core. The tails are a characteristic feature that differentiates them from asteroids and makes them particularly interesting to study. Meteors and Meteoroids: Pieces of Asteroids and Comets Entering Earth’s Atmosphere When discussing meteors, it’s essential to understand the term “meteoroid,” which refers to a small fragment of an asteroid or comet, often created from a collision or breakup of these larger bodies. Once a meteoroid approaches Earth and enters its atmosphere, it is then called a meteor. Travelling at very high speeds, meteors ***** up upon entry, creating bright streaks of light in the sky that people often refer to as “********* stars.” If a meteor survives this fiery descent and lands on Earth, it becomes known as a meteorite. A Comparative Overview These planetary objects, though similar in their solar orbits, hold unique compositions and behaviours. Asteroids are solid and rocky, comets are icy and produce tails, and meteors are small fragments that create bright streaks in Earth’s sky. Source link #Asteroids #Comets #Meteors #Celestial #Object #Unique Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Microsoft Introduces Purpose-Built AI Agents, Copilot Actions at the Ignite 2024 Event Microsoft Introduces Purpose-Built AI Agents, Copilot Actions at the Ignite 2024 Event Microsoft Ignite 2024, the company’s annual conference for developers and IT professionals, was held on Tuesday. At the event, the Redmond-based tech giant made several new announcements around Windows, Microsoft 365, Azure, and its artificial intelligence (AI) platform Copilot. In the AI space, the company introduced new purpose-built AI agents that do not require programming and can directly perform certain tasks within Microsoft 365 apps. Additionally, a new Copilot Action feature was also announced which allows users to automate everyday repetitive tasks. Microsoft Introduces New AI Agents at Ignite 2024 In a blog post, Microsoft detailed the new AI features and tools. The tech giant already has AI agents that can be interacted with via Copilot, and a Copilot Studio where users can build their own custom AI agents. But now, four new purpose-built AI agents have been introduced. The main difference here is that these agents are pre-trained and are skilled at performing enterprise-focused tasks with high accuracy and efficiency. Among them, Agents in Sharepoint can find project details from an organisation database, summary meeting notes and memo, as well as find particular documents. Users can request a file or project details via natural conversation and a vague description of it. The tool also allows users to create and share custom agents to scope a specific type of content. This is now generally available. The Facilitator agent in Teams can take real-time notes during a meeting and in chats, and the Project Manager agent in Microsoft Planner can automate plan creation and complete tasks. Both of these are available in public preview. Another AI agent introduced at the event is the Employee Self-Service Agent. Available in Business Chat, it can answer common organisation-related policy questions, and complete certain HR and IT tasks such as applying for leave of absence or requesting a new laptop. This AI agent is available in private preview. Finally, the Interpretor agent in Teams can provide real-time speech-to-speech interpretation during meetings. The AI agent can also simulate the user’s voice for a personalised experience. This is not available currently, and will be added in preview in early 2025. Copilot Action Feature Announced At Ignite 2024, Microsoft also announced several new features for Copilot. Among them, Copilot Actions will allow users to automate repetitive everyday tasks such as gathering inputs from coworkers, receiving a summary of action items at the end of the day, and more. Users can automate such tasks by setting up fill-in-the-blank prompts once. Once activated, the feature will complete the task every day without any manual intervention. This is available in private preview. Copilot Action Photo Credit: Microsoft Apart from this, Copilot Pages is also getting a new feature dubbed rich artifacts. It can generate interactive flow charts, blocks of code, and more with simple text prompts. Copilot in PowerPoint is also getting a translation feature that can translate entire presentations into one of the 40 supported languages. Teams is also getting a quick summary feature, where users can upload a file in a chat and get a summary without having to open the file. All of these features will be available in public preview next year. Affiliate links may be automatically generated – see our ethics statement for details. Source link #Microsoft #Introduces #PurposeBuilt #Agents #Copilot #Actions #Ignite #Event Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

California voters ******* measure that would have raised minimum wage to nation-high $18 per hour California voters ******* measure that would have raised minimum wage to nation-high $18 per hour SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Voters in California have rejected a ballot measure that would have raised the state minimum wage to $18 per hour by 2026, the highest in the country. Opponents, including the California Chamber of Commerce, said it would have increased costs, led to higher taxes and pushed businesses to cut jobs. “With the economy and costs top of mind for many voters this election, that message appears to have resonated,” said Jennifer Barrera, the chamber’s president and CEO. Proponents estimated that the measure would have benefited 2 million workers, including hotel and grocery employees. “Proposition 32’s ******** to pass is disappointing for all Californians who believe that everyone who works should earn enough to support their families,” said Kathy Finn, president of UFCW 770, a Southern California union representing nearly 30,000 workers in various sectors. The current minimum wage rates are $16 per hour for most workers and $20 in the fast-food sector. The health care sector will eventually see its minimum wage reach $25 per hour under a law that Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom signed last year and took effect in October. Hawaii passed a law in 2022 to gradually increase the statewide minimum wage to $18 an hour, but it does not take effect until 2028. In 2016, California became the first state to pass a $15 hourly minimum wage under a law signed by then-Gov. Jerry Brown, also a Democrat. About 40 cities and counties already have minimum wages higher than the statewide rate, and six of them require minimums above $18 per hour as of this year. Source link #California #voters #******* #measure #raised #minimum #wage #nationhigh #hour Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

SpaceX Starship Successfully Completes Sixth Flight With a Banana Payload, Super Heavy Splashdown SpaceX Starship Successfully Completes Sixth Flight With a Banana Payload, Super Heavy Splashdown The sixth test flight of SpaceX’s Starship, the world’s largest rocket, was successfully conducted on November 19. The 400-foot (122 metres) rocket, developed by Elon Musk’s private space company, lifted off at 5:00 pm EST from the Starbase facility in South Texas. Despite high anticipation for a repeat of its previous booster catch using the launch tower’s “chopstick” arms, the Super Heavy booster was instead directed to a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico due to a safety parameter being triggered. Booster Catch Attempt Deferred The planned booster recovery had to be cancelled as per data assessed mid-flight, confirmed Dan Huot, a SpaceX representative during the live webcast. The booster splashed into the Gulf seven minutes after launch. A previous flight in October demonstrated a successful tower catch, marking a significant milestone for reusable rocket technology. Milestones Achieved in Starship’s Upper Stage The upper stage of Starship, known simply as “Ship,” followed a semi-orbital trajectory similar to that of the fifth flight. For the first time, the spacecraft carried a payload – a banana serving as a zero-gravity indicator. This flight tested modifications to its heat shield and new thermal protection materials while also performing an engine re-light during flight to validate re-entry manoeuvres critical for future orbital missions. Enhanced Observations of Re-Entry Unlike previous flights, this mission was timed for better visibility of the Ship’s descent. The spacecraft survived the intense re-entry process and ********* a vertical splashdown in the Indian Ocean near Australia. Observers noted the craft’s resilience despite testing a less advanced heat shield. Jessica Anderson, a SpaceX manufacturing engineering manager, described the results as remarkable during the live webcast. Co-host Kate Tice, a senior quality engineering manager, also acknowledged the significance of the successful descent amidst these challenges. Political Attendance Highlights Interest President-elect Donald Trump was among those present at the event, underlining his growing rapport with Elon Musk. Trump, who has recently appointed Musk to co-lead a government efficiency group, showed visible support for the Starship programme during this high-profile launch. Source link #SpaceX #Starship #Successfully #Completes #Sixth #Flight #Banana #Payload #Super #Heavy #Splashdown Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Tech Life: Donald Trump’s robodogs Tech Life: Donald Trump’s robodogs Who’s behind the ****** dogs at Donald Trump’s house? Plus: Wasting scammers’ time. Source link #Tech #Life #Donald #Trumps #robodogs Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Microsoft Signs AI-Learning Deal With News Corp.’s HarperCollins Microsoft Signs AI-Learning Deal With News Corp.’s HarperCollins Microsoft reached a deal with News Corp.’s HarperCollins that will allow the software company to use nonfiction titles from the book publisher to train its artificial intelligence models, according to a person familiar with the matter. Microsoft wants the HarperCollins books for a model that it hasn’t yet announced, according to the person, who asked not to be identified discussing plans that aren’t public. The company isn’t planning to use the content to generate new books without human authors, the person said. Microsoft declined to comment. In a statement to Bloomberg News, HarperCollins confirmed it reached an agreement with an unidentified AI technology company that would “allow limited use of select nonfiction backlist titles for training AI models to improve model quality and performance.” HarperCollins authors will have the option to participate or not, the company said. “Part of our role is to present authors with opportunities for their consideration while simultaneously protecting the underlying value of their works and our shared revenue and royalty streams,” HarperCollins said. “This agreement, with its limited scope and clear guardrails around model output that respects author’s rights, does that.” Technology companies use an array of data, from social-media sites to news articles, to train AI models, and companies like Microsoft are hunting for additional sources of high-quality text that they can license to make their programs more accurate, better able to answer questions or provide expertise on specific subjects. News Corp. signed an agreement in May with OpenAI to let the company use content from more than a dozen of its publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Barron’s and MarketWatch. OpenAI has also signed licensing deals with publishers including Axel Springer SE, the Atlantic, Vox Media, Dotdash Meredith Inc., Hearst Communications Inc. and Time magazine. Microsoft has worked on AI initiatives with Reuters, Hearst and Axel Springer, which publishes Business Insider and Politico. Some publishers have taken issue with AI companies pulling in content without permission. The New York Times is suing OpenAI and Microsoft, alleging copyright infringement. Perplexity AI, another AI startup, has faced similar lawsuits. © 2024 Bloomberg LP (This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Source link #Microsoft #Signs #AILearning #Deal #News #Corp.s #HarperCollins Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]

Liam Payne’s ******** to be held on Wednesday Liam Payne’s ******** to be held on Wednesday The ******** of One Direction star Liam Payne will take place on Wednesday, just over a month after he ***** at the age of 31. His former bandmates are among those expected to attend the private service in the Home Counties in south-east England, alongside his family and closest friends. The musician ***** after falling from a third-floor balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. An autopsy confirmed the 31-year-old had suffered internal and external bleeding and multiple traumatic injuries sustained as a result of the fall. In a short statement following his ******, Liam’s family said: “We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul.” Payne was one of the most recognisable names in pop, after rising to fame on The X Factor. Despite only coming third on the show in 2010, One Direction went on to become the biggest British group since The Beatles. During their five-year career, they sold 70 million records, with four *** number one singles and four number one albums. A co-writer on many of their hits, Payne also achieved solo success with tracks like Strip That Down and Bedroom Floor. He is survived by his parents, two sisters and Bear, his son with ****** Aloud singer Cheryl. Payne’s girlfriend at the time of his ******, Kate Cassidy, is also expected to attend the ********. Source link #Liam #Paynes #******** #held #Wednesday Pelican News View the full article at [Hidden Content]