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Founded in Melbourne in the 1980s, Australian company Swann may not be a household name. However, it does have an excellent reputation across the security industry thanks to a wide range of smart indoor and outdoor security cameras. We’ve reviewed many of them here at TechRadar, and though they they’re not always the most stylish, they tend to be some of the most reliable on the market – solidly built with intuitive software and offering decent performance (see our guide to the for our top recommendations). The Swann Video Doorbell appears to be no exception. Visually it’s quite similar to the we reviewed recently. That’s to say it’s chunkier than some of the doorbells out there, but feels well made. Setup is reasonably straightforward. Once the doorbell fully charged using the USB-C charging port, simply download the app to your smartphone. Then, using the QR code on the back of the device, you can pair the device with your Wi-Fi network (compatible only with 2.4GHz wireless networks, not 5GHz). Alternatively, for those who don’t want to have to remove the device for charging every few weeks, and who have a bit of DIY skill, it’s possible to connect the Swann to an AC (mains) power supply using the terminals supplied. However, we didn’t test this out, preferring to use the device’s rechargeable battery instead. One problem we faced was with the mounting bracket which the video doorbell slots into. Because it is made of metal, it’s slightly little less flexible to install on the architrave of a Victorian door - ie. the wooden mouldings of the frame – than if it’s made out of plastic. It’s also quite fiddly screwing the anti-tamper screw in at the bottom of the doorbell – useful if you want to prevent people from stealing the device from your front door! Certainly, when it comes to features, the SwannBuddy 4K ticks most of the boxes. Probably the most useful of all is the built in MicroSD storage. A 32GB card is provided with the doorbell as standard, but it will support up to 128GB. This means you don’t have to pay an expensive monthly subscription to store video clips as you do with other models (although a subscription plan is available if you want it). Less useful, but much more likely to grab headlines, is SwannShield. Described somewhat prosaically as an ‘AI-driven voice assistant’ by the manufacturer, it’s really little more than a set of pre-recorded messages at present, though it’s still in beta mode. Basically, when someone presses the video doorbell at your property, a screen appears on your phone with a series of options underneath the video image. These include ‘push to talk’ so you can talk to the person at the door and a ‘voice prompts’ option that brings up various pre-recorded voice messages. As soon as someone presses the doorbell, a ring can be heard from the speaker at the bottom of the video doorbell as well as the small, standalone battery-powered chime provided. Designed to be placed in the room where you are most likely to hear the doorbell, this features several melodies including one of a cuckoo clock and another of a dog barking menacingly (great for deterring intruders.) Of course, the video doorbell is much more than a device for talking to people at the door. It can also be used as a standard security camera, recording footage as soon as the motion detection sensor is triggered. Capable of distinguishing between different types of movement (person, pet, car, package etc), it’s possible to store videos by type – particularly handy if you want to find out when a parcel was left on the doorstep. Alternatively, you can store videos in chronological order on the built-in MicroSD card. Includes 60 days cloud recording, priority support, 36-month extended warranty, device insurance, exclusive offers. Costs £3.99 a month/£39.99 a year When you consider everything that video doorbells offer in terms of functionality, they really aren’t that expensive. Currently available online for around £129 (but with a recommended price of £169), the SwannBuddy is a little more pricey than some of its competitors, including the (about £99). However, a huge advantage is that, although you can sign up to a subscription package for £3.99 a month or £39.99 a year should you wish (see details above), it’s not necessary in order to use the camera fully. Instead, on the back of the video doorbell behind a plastic panel lies a MicroSD card slot with a 32GB card fitted for storing your recordings (the SwannBuddy supports up to 128Gb). Another benefit is that a doorbell chime is included as standard whereas sometimes these are sold separately - though it’s worth noting the battery powered chime isn’t the best. Made in China, the Swannbuddy 4K is very similar in looks to other video doorbells we’ve tested. Water resistant (IP65 rating), it’s certainly quite a sturdy unit – solid in the hand and measuring around 14cm long, 5.5cm wide and nearly 3cm thick. At the top of the device is the camera while underneath are the microphone and night detection sensor. In the middle is the doorbell button itself which lights up different colours according to its mode (for example, solid blue during charging and red when recording footage). Underneath the doorbell button is the passive infrared (PIR) sensor which detects movement and a speaker button which enables the user to hear the doorbell when pressed. Behind a rubber cover on the back of the unit lies the MicroSD card slot, set/reset buttons and the USB-C charging port. Alternatively, it can be hard wired into the AC mains. Swann recommends mounting around ‘chest height’ – between 1.2m and 1.6m high. Provided is a small metal mounting bracket which the doorbell slots into. However, this isn’t great if you are trying to install at a slight angle on the architrave of a door because it doesn’t provide enough flexibility. And while the double-sided sticky tape provided may be an alternative option, it’s not really ideal for a device of this size (it also removes the paintwork). To help stop the doorbell from being stolen, an anti-tamper screw connects the bottom of the bracket to the video doorbell itself. However, we found this slightly difficult to insert when the camera was mounted on the door frame and had to move the device to a flat surface instead. Like most Swann models we’ve reviewed, the SwannBuddy 4K doesn’t disappoint. Thanks to clear, intuitive instructions complete with voice commands, pairing the device with your home’s Wi-Fi is simple (though it only supports 2.4GHz networks). The software on the app is straightforward too with well laid out menus. Various options are provided to help you customise the video doorbell, including a detection setting which allows you to exclude certain parts of the camera’s view from being recorded. That’s useful, especially if you live on a busy road and don’t want to record passers-by or cars going past. Adjustable sensitivity settings and recording schedules are also provided to limit unnecessary recording time. At first, I thought the video quality of the SwannBuddy 4K was extremely poor, until I realised the device had defaulted to low quality mode. However, in high quality 4K the image is excellent even when recording at night. Unlike traditional security cameras which tend to offer more landscape images, video doorbells are obviously much more portrait in orientation. That said, the viewing angle is still a respectable 165 degrees, more than adequate for most set-ups. As soon as someone presses the doorbell, a push notification is sent to your smartphone telling you the front doorbell is ringing. Once you answer, it then ‘wakes up the camera’ in a matter of seconds so you can see who is at your door. Included are various options including ‘push to talk’ which enables you to speak directly to whoever’s at the door. Alternatively, the SwannShield feature allows you to play pre-recorded messages to your visitors. To set this up you can choose from one of three demeanours (polite, interested or disinterested) with various pre-recorded messages available, all delivered in a slightly scary Australian accent. There’s even one telling the person to leave your property as the police are on their way! And if that doesn’t do the job there’s always the siren button to scare them off. It all feels a little unwelcoming and probably not entirely suitable for most interactions. Buy it if Don't buy it if I set up the SwannBuddy 4K in two locations on my front door. Firstly, on the door frame itself and then on the side of the porch covering an existing analogue door entry system. During testing many people came to the door, although I only used the pre-recorded voice messages with people I knew. On one occasion a friend who came round was quite shocked by the response of the SwannShield feature when I deliberately played a message telling him (in an assertive Aussie accent) to ‘leave my property’ before sounding the siren loudly. But he later saw the funny side when I explained it was an experiment for a product test! After two weeks on the front door, I brought the video doorbell indoors to test it as a security camera in my home office. During this time, I noted that despite being very responsive to movement and recording plenty of footage, it still had nearly 50% charge left on the battery after three weeks. Read more about .
Syra Health to Present at NobleCon20
DUBAI , UAE , Dec. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Huawei debuts the all-new HUAWEI nova 13 Series during the Dubai HUAWEI Flagship Product Launch on December 12 . Pioneering the new Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, multi-focal portrait capabilities, AI-driven innovations, HUAWEI nova 13 Series ushers in a fresh wave of trends while embodying the creative spirit of the younger generation . Aesthetic design with a style of its own The HUAWEI nova 13 Series introduces a bold leap in design through the interplay of plaid patterns. Staying true to its fashion-forward, minimalist aesthetic, the HUAWEI nova 13 Series brings plaid from clothing and accessories into the world of handheld design, crafting a play of light and shadow. Featuring nano-level precision in the Dynamic Plaid Texture Design, it combines bold, tech-inspired sophistication with a modern touch. The pattern's shading shifts subtly with viewing angles, adding a dynamic visual appeal. The back cover is crafted with a unique upgraded Star Effect finishing, offering a silky satin-like texture that's irresistibly smooth and comfortable to hold. Launching with Loden Green as the flagship colourway, it embodies a lifestyle of ease, spontaneity, and individuality, breaking free from convention. This low-saturation, warm shade is understated yet lively, encouraging a return to self, inviting users to embrace life's realest moments. White and Black colourways are also available, bringing timeless colours that are bound to leave lasting impressions. As a defining fashion element of the nova Series, HUAWEI nova 13 Series elevates its signature Super Star Orbit Ring camera design with a sharper, more refined aesthetic for added sophistication. The 5D glass structure on the back panel enhances the tactile experience while visually minimising the camera's height, creating a sleek, seamless look. Portrait Powerhouse: Capture Every Moment Freely HUAWEI nova 13 Series debuts the AI Best Expression feature. Whether capturing moments with a single person or a group, this tool optimises each expression, scanning through burst shots to allow users to pick out their most natural and lovable expressions from multiple burst shots and adapt it to the best photo composition. AI Best Expression highlights your best self, perfectly capturing cherished moments to be treasured forever. For the first time, HUAWEI nova 13 Series brings support for multi-focal portrait capabilities [1] for both front and rear cameras, delivering portrait shots with a richly artistic atmosphere. HUAWEI nova 13 Pro introduces an upgraded 50 MP Adjustable Aperture Camera with a variable aperture range of F1.4 to F4.0. This intelligent aperture system can recognise scenes and adjust settings accordingly to help users capture stunning moments. Equipped with Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), the camera improves light sensitivity for clearer results in low-light conditions. Additionally, the 3X Optical Zoom Telephoto Portrait Camera with OIS provides versatile zoom options, perfect for medium to long-distance portrait shots. This allows for detailed, sharp images while maintaining a clean and visually striking composition, whether capturing close-ups or scenic backgrounds. EMUI 14.2: Intelligent, Safe and Efficient Powered by EMUI 14.2, HUAWEI nova 13 Series brings fun, intelligent, safe and efficient device experience for users. With the enhanced, HUAWEI Themes, users can use Symbol Stickers to add cut-out images from your Gallery as stickers into a thematic background, allowing creativity to soar. Using emojis, users can use Emoji Stickers to create their own personalised backgrounds. The home screen also supports personalised Symbol Stickers, giving users a richer canvas for self-expression. Huawei has always considered cyber security and privacy protection as top priority, offering enhanced transparency and control over app permissions and device security status. Support for app tracking management and key control points during app installation and operation adds an extra layer of protection for users. Powerful 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo HUAWEI nova 13 Series addresses power needs with the new 100 W HUAWEI SuperCharge Turbo with AI Precision Temperature Control for stable power output, resulting in HUAWEI nova 13 Pro being able to charge to 50% in just 9 minutes [2] , and the HUAWEI nova 13 reaching 50% in 10 minutes [3] , providing a smooth and convenient user experience. HUAWEI nova 13 Series houses a 5000mAh Large Battery [4] , while maintaining a sleek and lightweight body. All-New Dynamic True-Colour Display with 120Hz LTPO With the new Dynamic True-Colour Display, HUAWEI nova 13 Series comes with AI HDR [5] that combines HDR technology with AI algorithms to automatically recognise scenes, results in clearer details in both highlights and shadows, more vivid colours, and a bright, transparent visual experience that enhances the artistic appeal and viewing pleasure of each image. To ensure ease of viewing of display during dimly lit scenarios, HUAWEI nova 13 Series offers an advanced AI Eye Comfort Display [6] , enhancing the eye-care experience from multiple angles. By intelligently sensing ambient lighting, recognising image content, and controlling blue light levels, it ensures a more comfortable and strain-free viewing experience, adapting to the user's environment for optimal eye care. HUAWEI nova 13 Pro features a 120Hz LTPO Adaptive Display, offering smooth, power-efficient performance with dynamic refresh rate adjustments tailored to your needs. The Always-On Display (AOD) provides a quick glance at essential information, while Splash Touch & Touch Optimisation ensures smooth, accurate interaction, even on wet screens. SOURCE HUAWEI
Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts Each week Hot off the Wire looks at a variety of stories in business, science, health and more. This week's headlines include: Airports ready for holiday crowds. Starting a small business is hard. Exiting can be even harder, but planning early is the key. McDonald's to expand US value menu as fast food chains battle for bargain seekers. Has a waltz written by composer Frederic Chopin been discovered in an NYC museum. The 'super year' of elections has been super bad for incumbents as voters punish them in droves. Trump has promised again to release the last JFK files. But experts say don’t expect big revelations. Donald Trump's latest branded venture is guitars that cost up to $10,000. Should women be allowed to fight on the front lines Trump’s defense pick reignites the debate. Texas offers Trump land on US-Mexico border for potential mass deportations. About 20% of Americans regularly get their news from influencers on social media, report says. Betty White Forever New stamp will honor the much-beloved Golden Girls actor. Forget driverless cars. One company wants autonomous helicopters to spray crops and fight fires. Volunteers came back to nonprofits in 2023, after the pandemic tanked participation. New Hampshire shelter faces enor-mouse problem after man surrenders nearly 1,000 rodents. NFL issues security alert to teams and the players' union following recent burglaries. NBA memo to players urges increased vigilance regarding home security following break-ins. WNBA corporate sponsorship deals are growing. But not every athlete is getting their due. Today he is a high school football player. Soon he'll be a Buddhist lama in the Himalayas. Denmark will plant 1 billion trees and convert 10% of farmland into forest. $344 for a coffee Scottish farm is selling UK's most expensive cup. Texas weighs Bible-related curriculum for public schools, placement of the Ten Commandments in classrooms faces a legal roadblock, and Ohio religious schools may so. —The Associated Press Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack | All Of Our Podcasts About this program Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate. Theme music The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRXAlan Shearer left stunned by Man City's late collapse against Feyenoord - and pinpoints the moment which sums up their struggles: 'Weak, frail... an absolute disaster' City had led Feyenoord 3-0 but collapsed with 15 minutes to go and drew 3-3 They have now conceded 17 games in their last six matches in dire run of form Liverpool correspondent LEWIS STEELE tells all on bombshell chat with Mo Salah - LISTEN NOW to It's All Kicking Off! New episodes every Monday and Thursday By LEWIS BROWNING Published: 23:17, 26 November 2024 | Updated: 23:18, 26 November 2024 e-mail 5 View comments Alan Shearer was left astounded by Manchester City 's late collapse against Feyenoord in the Champions League on Tuesday evening. City looked set to finally end their dire run of form at the Etihad when they breezed into a 3-0 lead thanks to an Erling Haaland brace and another strike from Ilkay Gundogan . Pep Guardiola 's side had lost their last five matches - including 4-1 against Sporting Lisbon last time out in Europe - and had hope to get back to winning ways before a difficult trip to Anfield to face Liverpool in the Premier League this weekend. That seemed a certain to happen in Manchester with around 15 minutes remaining, but a late blitz from the Dutch side saw three goals go in and the English champions rocked once again as the game ended 3-3 . The result leaves them down in 15th in the Champions League table, two points short of the top eight and having played one more game than half of the teams in the competition. And Alan Shearer, who was watching the game for Amazon Prime, was left stunned by City's latest collapse, with there currently being no sign that their struggles are going to end. Alan Shearer was left stunned as Manchester City collapsed once again on Tuesday night Pep Guardiola's side were 3-0 up with 15 minutes to play but ended up drawing 3-3 at home Shearer also picked out one specific moment which he felt summed up the side's struggles 'Conceding the way they did at the weekend, three again here. They look weak, they look frail, they're giving the opposition far too many chances, Shearer said, breaking down the performance. They were cruising midway through this game. 'What you cannot do is give the opposition hope and that's exactly what they did.' Former City player and manager Stuart Pearce, meanwhile, added: 'Liverpool will be rubbing their hands together, especially the way they play. Salah going in behind, Diaz, the runs that they make with and without the ball, they'll look at this and think it's got to be their tactic.' Feyenoord's goals all came in the last sixth of the game, with Anis Hadj Moussa getting one back on 75 minutes and Santiago Gimenez in the 82nd. City then had just a matter of minutes to hold out to cling onto the three points, but David Hancko bagged an equaliser one minute from time as home heads dropped. Shearer was left puzzles by the nature of City's play in the closing embers, and pinpointed one exact moment that summed up their current struggles. 'Even when they were winning 3-2 with two minutes to go and they're trying to take a quick free-kick,' the former striker began. 'Why? You're winning the game, there's no need to do that, sit on the ball. 'It's been an absolute disaster for them this evening after being in such a comfortable position.' Feyenoord scored three goals late on to earn a point at the home of the Premier League champions The result meant City dropped to 15th in the Champions League table and they could slip further this week City have now not won in six games, and have conceded 17 goals in their last six matches City have now conceded 17 goals in their last six games - a run which has seen them lose five games and win just once. That includes a 4-0 defeat by Tottenham at the weekend which saw them concede chances at will, while they also shipped four to Sporting, three on Tuesday and two on three occasions. Former City defended Gael Clichy could barely believe his eyes when analysing the game, and spoke about his ex-side's defensive efforts. He said: 'I'm lost for words. You can talk about what just happened but you win and lose games in both boxes. Going forward you need to be creative and give them freedom but defensively there are rules for defenders on how to defend. 'If there's pressure on the ball you cannot have your ball so high. Every detail we spoke about before the game happened in the game. From a very comfortable game 3-0 up, everyone thinking about the Liverpool game, you find yourself in a position where you haven't lost a game but it feels like a defeat.' Champions League Manchester City Alan Shearer Share or comment on this article: Alan Shearer left stunned by Man City's late collapse against Feyenoord - and pinpoints the moment which sums up their struggles: 'Weak, frail... an absolute disaster' e-mail Add commentHow the stock market defied expectations again this year, by the numbers
The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) — What a wonderful year 2024 has been for investors. U.S. stocks ripped higher and carried the S&P 500 to records as the economy kept growing and the Federal Reserve began cutting interest rates. The year featured many familiar winners, such as Big Tech, which got even bigger as their stock prices kept growing . But it wasn’t just Apple, Nvidia and the like. Bitcoin , gold and other investments also drove higher. Here’s a look at some of the numbers that defined the year. All are as of Dec. 20. 1998 Remember when President Bill Clinton got impeached or when baseball’s Mark McGwire hit his 70th home run against the Montreal Expos? That was the last time the U.S. stock market closed out a second straight year with a leap of at least 20%, something the S&P 500 is on track to do again this year. The index has climbed 24.3% so far this year, not including dividends, following last year’s spurt of 24.2%. 57 The number of all-time highs the S&P 500 has set so far this year. The first came early, on Jan. 19, when the index capped a two-year comeback from the swoon caused by high inflation and worries that high interest rates instituted by the Federal Reserve to combat it would create a recession. But the index was methodical through the rest of the year, setting a record in every month outside of April and August, according to S&P Dow Jones Indices. The latest came on Dec. 6. 3 The number of times the Federal Reserve has cut its main interest rate this year from a two-decade high, offering some relief to the economy. Expectations for those cuts, along with hopes for more in 2025, were a big reason the U.S. stock market has been so successful this year. The 1 percentage point of cuts, though, is still short of the 1.5 percentage points that many traders were forecasting for 2024 at the start of the year. The Fed disappointed investors in December when it said it may cut rates just two more times in 2025, fewer than it had earlier expected. 1,508 That’s how many points the Dow Jones Industrial Average rose by the day after Election Day, as investors made bets on what Donald Trump’s return to the White House will mean for the economy and the world . The more widely followed S&P 500 soared 2.5% for its best day in nearly two years. Aside from bitcoin, stocks of banks and smaller winners were also perceived to be big winners. The bump has since diminished amid worries that Trump’s policies could also send inflation higher. $100,000 The level that bitcoin topped to set a record above $108,000 this past month. It’s been climbing as interest rates come down, and it got a particularly big boost following Trump’s election. He’s turned around and become a fan of crypto, and he’s named a former regulator who’s seen as friendly to digital currencies as the next chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission, replacing someone who critics said was overly aggressive in his oversight. Bitcoin was below $17,000 just two years ago following the collapse of crypto exchange FTX. 26.7% Gold’s rise for the year, as it also hit records and had as strong a run as U.S. stocks. Wars around the world have helped drive demand for investments seen as safe, such as gold. It’s also benefited from the Fed’s cut to interest rates. When bonds are paying less in interest, they pull away fewer potential buyers from gold, which pays investors nothing. $420 It’s a favorite number of Elon Musk, and it’s also a threshold that Tesla’s stock price passed in December as it set a record. The number has a long history among marijuana devotees, and Musk famously said in 2018 that he had secured funding to take Tesla private at $420 per share . Tesla soared this year, up from less than $250 at the start, in part because of expectations that Musk’s close relationship with Trump could benefit the company. $91.2 billion That’s how much revenue Nvidia made in the nine months through Oct. 27, showing how the artificial-intelligence frenzy is creating mountains of cash. Nvidia’s chips are driving much of the move into AI, and its revenue through the last nine months catapulted from less than $39 billion the year before. Such growth has boosted Nvidia’s worth to more than $3 trillion in total. 74% GameStop’s gain on May 13 after Keith Gill, better known as “Roaring Kitty,” appeared online for the first time in three years to support the video game retailer’s stock, which he helped rocket to unimaginable heights during the “ meme stock craze ” in 2021. Several other meme stocks also jumped following his post in May on the social platform X, including AMC Entertainment. Gill later disclosed a sizeable stake in the online pet products retailer Chewy, but he sold all of his holdings by late October . 1.6%, 3.0% and 3.1% That’s how much the U.S. economy grew, at annualized seasonally adjusted rates, in each of the three first quarters of this year. Such growth blew past what many pessimists were expecting when inflation was topping 9% in the summer of 2022. The fear was that the medicine prescribed by the Fed to beat high inflation — high interest rates — would create a recession. Households at the lower end of the income spectrum in particular are feeling pain now, as they contend with still-high prices. But the overall economy has remained remarkably resilient. 20.1% This is the vacancy rate for U.S. office buildings — an all-time high — through the first three quarters of 2024, according to data from Moody’s. The fact the rate held steady for most of the year was something of a win for office building owners, given that it had marched up steadily from 16.8% in the fourth quarter of 2019. Demand for office space weakened as the pandemic led to the popularization of remote work. 3.73 million That’s the total number of previously occupied homes sold nationally through the first 11 months of 2024. Sales would have to surge 20% year-over-year in December for 2024’s home sales to match the 4.09 million existing homes sold in 2023, a nearly 30-year low. The U.S. housing market has been in a sales slump dating back to 2022, when mortgage rates began to climb from pandemic-era lows. A shortage of homes for sale and elevated mortgage rates have discouraged many would-be homebuyers.
Even with technology taking over much of our day-to-day lives, board games still offer quality entertainment that can’t be beaten. Of course, the popular board games of today are a far cry from the games your parents grew up playing. Board games are perfect for encouraging your family to work together or for bringing your group of friends around the table for an evening. If you’d like to start up a weekly game night, let this helpful list of the most popular board games be your guide. Utter Nonsense Ages 8+ This game will have every player rolling in stitches with each ridiculous phrase that’s uttered. Combine crazy accents and hilarious phrases to impress the Nonsense Judge and win the round. The player with the highest number of wins ultimately wins the game, but the true fun of this card game is listening to your fellow players trying to say some of the most entertaining phrases of all time. This game is perfect for game nights or parties. Speak Out Ages 8+ This hilarious game is perfect if you have teenagers or are hosting a party with all adults. To play, you insert a mouthpiece that alters the sound of your speech, making every word sound silly. Set the timer and read one of the phrases on the cards and try to help your teammate guess what you’re saying. Speak Out easily provides hours of fun that even grandparents will love. Escape Room in a Box Ages 13+ What’s the next best thing to trying to break out of a room? Escape Room in a Box, of course. This thrilling, immersive game involves solving 2D and 3D puzzles in order to prevent a mad scientist from turning you and your friends or family into werewolves. Work together to escape your fate and use Amazon Alexa to enhance the experience. Codenames Ages 14+ This fun strategy game is perfect for anyone with teenagers. Form two teams and select a spymaster on each team. Using clues, spymasters try to help their teammates find all 25 of the agents they’re in contact with, hopefully without selecting the other team’s agents or running into the deadly assassin. This innovative game offers a challenging and rewarding time working together. Harry Potter Clue Ages 9+ Excite your kids on game night with this modern twist on a classic. Play as six recognizable Hogwarts characters — Harry, Hermione, Ron, Luna, Ginny or Neville — to solve the mystery behind a fellow student’s disappearance. It’s up to you to figure out who attacked the student, what bewitching spell they used and where it occurred. Watch out for the Dark Mark, moving staircases and secret passages as you travel along in this magical family game. Pandemic Ages 8+ If you’ve ever wanted to save humanity from a deadly outbreak, you’ll love spending an hour playing Pandemic. You and your teammates must fight to contain four deadly diseases threatening the human race. Players must learn to work with their teammates to control outbreak hotspots and treat diseases. Win the game by curing all diseases without wiping out humanity first. Catan Ages 10+ This tactical 60-minute game will push your imagination to its limits as you embark on a journey across Catan. Acquire crucial resources as you travel, build roads, buildings, and cities, and be wary of the ruthless robber and other players halting you on your own road. Through careful trading and clever decisions, you can lead your travelers to victory in this role-playing game of limitless possibilities. Play again and again. Every game is different. Ticket to Ride Ages 8+ Train lovers will enjoy this innovative board game which has won numerous awards. This cross-country train adventure game mimics the concept of traveling around the world in 80 days. Collect train cars and claim railways across the country. Players earn the most points by establishing long train routes and connecting distant cities. Each game takes roughly 30 to 40 minutes to complete, and every adventure is different. 5 Second Rule Ages 10+ This quick-paced game gives each player five seconds to name items on a certain topic. Although the topics are objectively easy —“Name 3 Mountains,” “Name 3 Types of Hats” or “Name 3 Super Heroes,” the pressure of the time crunch is likely to put you on edge. Race the clock and remain composed to win this game. You can even make up your own topics if you prefer. Half the fun is just hearing what other people blurt out, whether it’s relevant to the topic or not. Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change. Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales. BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.
The construction of the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology, designed by the renowned Zaha Hadid Architects, is making significant progress. This 46-story tower, located in the heart of Shenzhen’s Futian district, is set to become a pivotal hub for the rapidly growing fintech industry in China. Key Takeaways Architectural Highlights The Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology Tower stands at 199 meters tall and spans approximately 818,000 square feet. Its design is intricately linked to its urban context, with setbacks strategically placed to maximize sunlight exposure to surrounding streets and public spaces. This thoughtful approach not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also contributes to the overall urban environment. The façade’s unique composition, featuring vertical and angled glazing mullions, reflects the innovative spirit of the fintech sector. The interplay of light and shadow across the building’s surface creates a dynamic visual experience, while the use of black and bronze colors adds a touch of elegance. Sustainable Features Sustainability is a core principle of the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology’s design. Key features include: Smart Building Technology The integration of smart technology is a standout feature of the tower. The AI-powered system will: This innovative approach positions the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology as a leader in sustainable and smart architectural design, setting a benchmark for future developments in the region. Community and Collaboration Inside the tower, a series of atria will connect different floors, fostering a collaborative environment. These spaces will not only facilitate interaction among researchers and professionals but also incorporate greenery to improve air quality. The rooftop garden will serve as a versatile venue for events, exhibitions, and relaxation, further enhancing the building’s role as a community hub. As construction progresses, the Shenzhen Institute of Financial Technology is poised to become a landmark in the city, symbolizing the intersection of technology, sustainability, and architectural innovation. This project reflects Shenzhen’s commitment to being at the forefront of the global fintech landscape, driving advancements that will shape the future of finance. Sources
First ever Job Fair , Education Expo held at Government College of Technology, Hyderabad.The College Football Playoff in Atlanta is getting a serenade. On Thursday, the CFB Playoff announced that Camila Cabello , GloRilla , and Lil Wayne will perform during its AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! event at the State Farm Arena on Jan. 18 and 19. On Jan. 18, Lil Wayne will headline a concert at the arena, opened by GloRilla, who was just announced as a Coachella performer this week. The following day, Camila Cabello will headline the arena show, which will feature performances from rising “Stargazing” star Myles Smith and “Sneakers” singer-songwriter Knox. Tickets for both concerts will go on sale on Nov. 25 at 10 a.m. ET. A post shared by College Football Playoff (@cfbplayoff) “The incredible lineup at this year’s AT&T Playoff Playlist Live! will create unforgettable experiences in Atlanta, where sports and music thrive together,” said Mark Wright, an AT&T executive. “It’s the perfect way to kick off the championship weekend and keep the exhilaration alive for fans, no matter which team they’re rooting for.” Separately, Kane Brown will headline the free Allstate Championship Tailgate outside of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, which is open to fans with tickets to the game. Brown will play on the Music Stage, where Ashley Cooke will also perform. Trending Stories Trump Says Republicans 'MUST KILL' Bipartisan Bill to Protect Press Freedom Shaboozey Deserves More Than What the CMA Awards Gave Him — Including an Apology Pete Hegseth Police Report Shares Disturbing Details of Sexual Assault Claim 2024 CMA Awards: The Complete Winners List The Jan. 20 match will crown a national champion for NCAA Division I football, marking the final game of the College Football Playoff. The game is set to air on ESPN. Last year, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies 34-13 during the match held in Houston. In the past, Jack Harlow, Saweetie, Latto, Meghan Trainor, and Sting have performed at concerts preceding the CFP final match. Next year’s festivities are scheduled for Miami.
Steelers vs. Chiefs injury report has 4 ruled out, 3 questionable for Week 17 | Sporting NewsCHATHAM, N.J. (AP) — That buzzing coming out of New Jersey? It’s unclear if it’s drones or something else, but for sure the nighttime sightings are producing tons of talk, a raft of conspiracy theories and craned necks looking skyward. Cropping up on local news and social media sites around Thanksgiving, the saga of the drones reported over New Jersey has reached incredible heights. This week seems to have begun a new, higher-profile chapter: Lawmakers are demanding (but so far not getting) explanations from federal and state authorities about what’s behind them. Gov. Phil Murphy wrote to President Joe Biden asking for answers. New Jersey’s new senator, Andy Kim, spent Thursday night on a drone hunt in rural northern New Jersey, and posted about it on X. More drone sightings have been reported in New York City, and Mayor Eric Adams says the city is investigating and collaborating with New Jersey and federal officials. And then President-elect Donald Trump posted that he believes the government knows more than it’s saying. “Let the public know, and now. Otherwise, shoot them down!!!” he posted on his social media site. But perhaps the most fantastic development is the dizzying proliferation of conspiracies, none of which has been confirmed or suggested by federal and state officials who say they’re looking into what’s happening. It has become shorthand to refer to the flying machines as drones, but there are questions about whether what people are seeing are unmanned aircraft or something else. Some theorize the drones came from an Iranian mothership. Others think they are the Secret Service making sure President-elect Donald Trump’s Bedminster property is secure. Others worry about China. The deep state. And on. In the face of uncertainty, people have done what they do in 2024: Create a social media group. The Facebook page, New Jersey Mystery Drones — let’s solve it , has nearly 44,000 members, up from 39,000 late Thursday. People are posting their photo and video sightings, and the online commenters take it from there. One video shows a whitish light flying in a darkened sky, and one commenter concludes it’s otherworldly. “Straight up orbs,” the person says. Others weigh in to say it’s a plane or maybe a satellite. Another group called for hunting the drones literally, shooting them down like turkeys. (Do not shoot at anything in the sky, experts warn.) Trisha Bushey, 48, of Lebanon Township, New Jersey, lives near Round Valley Reservoir where there have been numerous sightings. She said she first posted photos online last month wondering what the objects were and became convinced they were drones when she saw how they moved and when her son showed her on a flight tracking site that no planes were around. Now she’s glued to the Mystery Drones page, she said. “I find myself — instead of Christmas shopping or cleaning my house — checking it,” she said. She doesn’t buy what the governor said, that the drones aren’t a risk to public safety. Murphy told Biden on Friday that residents need answers. The federal Homeland Security Department and FBI also said in a joint statement they have no evidence that the sightings pose “a national security or public safety threat or have a foreign nexus.” “How can you say it’s not posing a threat if you don’t know what it is?” she said. “I think that’s why so many people are uneasy.” Then there’s the notion that people could misunderstand what they’re seeing. William Austin is the president of Warren County Community College, which has a drone technology degree program, and is coincidentally located in one of the sighting hotspots. Austin says he has looked at videos of purported drones and that airplanes are being misidentified as drones. He cited an optical effect called parallax, which is the apparent shift of an object when viewed from different perspectives. Austin encouraged people to download flight and drone tracker apps so they can better understand what they’re looking at. Nonetheless, people continue to come up with their own theories. “It represents the United States of America in 2024,” Austin said. “We’ve lost trust in our institutions, and we need it.” Federal officials echo Austin’s view that many of the sightings are piloted aircraft such as planes and helicopters being mistaken for drones, according to lawmakers and Murphy. That’s not really convincing for many, though, who are homing in on the sightings beyond just New Jersey and the East Coast, where others have reported seeing the objects. For Seph Divine, 34, another member of the drone hunting group who lives in Eugene, Oregon, it feels as if it’s up to citizen sleuths to solve the mystery. He said he tries to be a voice of reason, encouraging people to fact check their information, while also asking probing questions. “My main goal is I don’t want people to be caught up in the hysteria and I also want people to not just ignore it at the same time,” he said. “Whether or not it’s foreign military or some secret access program or something otherworldly, whatever it is, all I’m saying is it’s alarming that this is happening so suddenly and so consistently for hours at a time,” he added. ___ Golden reported from Seattle. Related From Our Partner
I was talking by phone last week with California’s new senator-elect, Adam Schiff, as he plowed through papers in a temporary basement office of the Capitol in his transition from House member to Congress’s upper chamber — famously, or formerly, “the greatest deliberative body in the world.” More on his feelings about that in a bit. First, as we began our conversation — this was a day before his clownish former House colleague Matt Gaetz dropped out from consideration as attorney general — we had a laugh about the often-ludicrous qualities of so many of the names put forward by the president-elect for his cabinet. “When he was president before” — and before Schiff led an impeachment prosecution against him in the Senate trial — “I had a meeting with him in the Oval Office. And I said, ‘You know, we should work together on infrastructure,’ and I also brought up the high cost of prescription drugs ... He was affable, and personable, and I think the first thing he said to me was, ‘You know, you do a really good job.’ And I think he meant, on TV. Because it echoed something that Jared Kushner told me during his deposition” for the impeachment. “During one of the recesses he came up to me and said, ‘You do a really good job on TV.’ Trump had just attacked me for the very first time, on Twitter. ‘Sleazy Adam Schiff spends too much time on TV,’ and blah blah blah. And I said, ‘Well, apparently your father-in-law doesn’t think so.’ And his response was, ‘Oh, yes he does, and that’s why.’ ... He’s obviously picked a lot of his cabinet by watching them on Fox. And he also watches his adversaries on Fox.” I asked Schiff if he would be able to work with Trump during his second term. “Well, I think he sees political value in attacking me. It’s why I was such a constant feature in his rallies. Even up to the very end, his closing argument was about me — ‘He’s the enemy from within.’ All I can do is do my job. Try to get stuff done in defending our democracy, our rights and freedoms. He can call me whatever he wants. I’m not going to lose focus on core responsibilities.” Back to the difference between being a congressman and a senator. Schiff and the 11 other new incoming senators — six Democrats, six Republicans — just spent the last week in official orientations about how the upper house works. After 20 years in the House, he was at least a bit familiar. But some things are different. “It’s been a combination of briefings from Senate officers and the sergeant at arms — including with our spouses; they wanted us all to get to know each other — about your Washington office, and your district office, and personal security. We would take a meal break and have lunch together. Social interaction is very important. We had other sessions with veteran senators of both parties about things to do, and things not. A main thing seems to be: Don’t just work together and not socialize. Invite people out to dinner. Don’t judge a book by its cover — guys who you know from TV” may be different in real life. I asked about the “greatest deliberative body” idea: “It really seems like a different culture in the Senate,” Schiff said. “There’s a recognition that you can’t get anything done unless you can find a partner on the other side of the aisle. It’s a small place and you can get to know each other well. There is a group of folks in the Senate who don’t want to get anything done. But apart from that group, there’s lots of opportunities to collaborate and deliver and so I’m very excited about it. It’s very entrepreneurial.” “I was worried,” he continued. “I’d been hearing that the character of the Senate was changing — that a number of the bomb throwers in the House had come over — but the climate is very different. There’s a real willingness to say, ‘Hey, we may disagree on this and that, but I know you’re interested in housing, or rural hospitals, so let’s work together.’” Although I didn’t want to get too deep into the weeds on the inevitable question of what’s next for Democrats after they lost the White House, still don’t have the House and lost the Senate, I was still curious about how California’s new senator could work with a guy who rails against him: “This president, given his track record, is going to abuse his office. But my first priority is to get things done. Playing defense is secondary.” Larry Wilson is on the Southern California News Group editorial board. lwilson@scng.com.