House task force cites 'various failures' ahead of 'preventable' Trump shootingIn a recent development, the U.S. military has successfully evacuated American citizen Travis Timmerman from Syria. Timmerman had been imprisoned until his release by Syrian rebels earlier this week, according to a U.S. official on Friday. Timmerman's disappearance in June had left his parents in distress. However, recent events took a positive turn when rebel forces overthrew Syria's long-standing President, Bashar al-Assad, leading to his release. Following his liberation, he was flown out of Syria, marking the end of a tense period for his family and the beginning of a new chapter for Timmerman. (With inputs from agencies.)
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Trump wants to turn the clock on daylight saving timeSpecial counsel moves to abandon election interference and classified documents cases against Trump
Newsom wants CA consumers to pay to replace $7,500 federal EV credit, Tesla excludedVANCOUVER — A confidence agreement between British Columbia’s New Democrats and the provincial Green Party stabilizes David Eby’s bare-majority government, while putting Green election promises on the legislative agenda. The agreement announced Friday outlines the basis on which the Greens’ two-member caucus will provide confidence to Eby’s party, which won election with 47 seats in B.C.’s 93-seat legislature in October’s provincial election. The deal features key elements of the Greens’ election platform, including a commitment to growing a community health centre model for primary care and expanding public coverage of psychology services at a cost of $50 million. Deputy premier Niki Sharma said the framework focuses on areas of agreement between the two parties, while recognizing their positions won’t always align. The balance struck is “a way to keep government stable for four years ... without erasing the distinct identity that we both have as political parties,” she said Friday. The seven-page agreement says the house leaders of the NDP and the Greens “agree to establish a relationship of trust based on good faith and no surprises.” While set to last four years, it is subject to annual agreement at each parties discretion. It was important to the Greens throughout the negotiations to be able to disagree with government positions, Sharma told a news conference. “I know that we’ll have differences of opinions moving forward, but the fact that we can show a pathway where two political parties in a time of great polarization can come together for British Columbians, I think is a profound thing.” The October election saw two new Green members win seats, lawyer Rob Botterell, representing Saanich North and the Islands, and geological engineer Jeremy Valeriote in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, while the B.C. Conservatives won 44 seats. B.C. Conservative Leader John Rustad said after the election that he would work to bring the NDP government down if it continues with its “destructive policies.” When he was asked about the agreement on Friday, Rustad said he has always assumed the Greens would back the NDP. Eby is “fooling himself” if he thinks having the support of the Green Party is going to make it easier to pass legislation, Rustad said in an interview. “We are going to make it very difficult for him to move anything through the legislature that is continuing the destruction of British Columbia,” he said. “A week can be a long time in politics, so we’ll see what January brings. I don’t want to say anything further at this point.” The stability of Eby’s government had appeared shakier earlier this month when New Democrat Grace Lore announced she was temporarily stepping away due to a cancer diagnosis, though she said she intended to participate in important votes. Eby said in a statement Friday that the agreement with the Greens will “strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians.” While his party and the Greens are distinct and won’t always agree, the premier said they have “many shared values.” He said the deal sets out specific areas of action they will work together on, including health care, affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong, sustainable economy. “We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people,” Eby said. Additional policy commitments outlined in the deal that reflect the Green platform include expanding access to housing aid for elderly renters and building 30,000 more units of non-market housing than the government had pledged. The agreement also commits to a review of B.C.’s forests to “address concerns around sustainability, jobs, environmental protection an the future of the industry.” This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian PressNone
By Anna Helhoski, NerdWallet The battle to get here was certainly an uphill one, but people are generally feeling better about the economy and their finances than they once did. On top of that, the economy has been easing into an ideal, Goldilocks-like position — not running too hot or cooling too quickly. Throughout 2024, consumer sentiment data showed people were fairly positive about the economy and their own finances, even if there’s remaining frustration over elevated prices compared to four years ago. Looking ahead, households are feeling more optimistic about their personal finances in the next year, as the share of those expecting to be in a better financial situation a year from now hit its highest level since February 2020. Combine positive personal vibes with a strong economic picture and it looks like 2024 wasn’t so bad for consumers, after all. But that doesn’t mean there weren’t bumps in the road or potential roadblocks ahead. To cap off the year, NerdWallet writers reflect on the top trends in personal finance and the economy this year — and what they think might be ahead in 2025. Elizabeth Renter, NerdWallet’s economist What happened: In 2024, U.S. consumers have proven resilient following a period of high inflation and ongoing high interest rates. Wage growth has been strong, owing in part to rising productivity. This has driven robust spending throughout the year, which has kept the economy growing at a healthy pace. The labor market has remained steady, though cooler than 2023, and price growth continues to moderate towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% inflation goal. What’s ahead: Barring significant changes to economic policy and significant shocks, the U.S. economy is expected to grow at a moderate rate in the coming year. Inflation will continue to moderate and the labor market will remain relatively healthy, all due in part to continued slow and deliberate rate cuts from the Fed. However, there are risks to this path. Higher tariffs and tighter immigration policies are likely, but the extent of these changes are yet unclear. The potential policy scenarios are many, and the economic outcomes complex. Increased tariffs are generally inflationary, and stricter immigration policies could impact the labor supply and economic growth. Consumers and small business owners with their eyes to the new year should focus on the things within their control. Margarette Burnette, consumer banking and savings writer What happened: High-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit offered elevated rates in 2024, rewarding savers with strong returns. Following the Federal Reserve rate cuts in the second half of the year, high-yield accounts had modest rate decreases, but they continued to outperform traditional savings accounts and CDs. What’s ahead: We’re watching for further Federal Reserve rate cuts, which could lead to more decreases in savings rates. Sara Rathner, credit cards writer What happened: Credit card debt levels hit record highs, with consumers turning to credit cards to pay for necessities. While the economy is doing well, many individuals have struggled to make ends meet, as incomes haven’t kept up with certain costs. What’s ahead: We may see some policy and regulation changes with the incoming administration that could affect folks when it comes to credit cards, debt and consumer protections. Ryan Brady, small business writer What happened : New businesses continued to blossom in 2024 as business applications remained well above pre-pandemic levels. Confidence in the future state of the U.S. economy also spiked after the presidential election, but that optimism was tempered by concerns over rising costs and labor quality. What’s ahead: All eyes are on the incoming administration as small-business owners brace for turbulence resulting from potential tariffs, tax policy changes and dismantled government regulations. We’re also watching the possibility of interest rate cuts in 2025 and small-business owners’ growing reliance on new technologies, such as AI. Holden Lewis, mortgages writer What happened: Home buyers struggled with elevated mortgage rates, rising house prices and a shortage of homes for sale. On top of that, a new rule required buyers to negotiate their agents’ commissions. What’s ahead: The Federal Reserve is expected to cut short-term interest rates, but mortgage rates might not necessarily fall by a similar amount. Buyers will probably have more properties to choose from, and the greater supply should keep prices from rising a lot. Interest rates on home equity loans and lines of credit should fall, making it less expensive to borrow to fix up homes — either to sell, or to make the home more comfortable and efficient. Sam Taube, investing writer What happened: The stock market had a great year. The S&P 500 is up more than 25% due to falling interest rates, fading recession fears, AI hype, and the possibility of lighter taxes and regulations under the new administration. Cryptocurrency also saw big gains in 2024; the price of Bitcoin crossed the $100,000 mark for the first time in December. What’s ahead: A lot depends on how fast the Fed reduces rates in 2025. Another key unknown is Trump’s second term. Regulatory rollbacks, such as those he has proposed for the banking industry, could juice stock prices — but they also could create systemic risks in the economy. His proposed tariffs could also hurt economic growth (and therefore stock prices). Finally, it remains to be seen whether trendy AI stocks, such as NVIDIA, can continue their momentum into next year. It’s the same story with crypto: How long will this bull market last? Caitlin Constantine, assistant assigning editor, insurance What happened: Many people saw their home and auto insurance premiums skyrocket in 2024. In some states, homeowners are finding it harder to even find policies in the first place. Meanwhile, life insurance rates have started to decrease post-pandemic. We also saw more insurers offering online-only policies that don’t require a medical exam. What’s ahead: Auto and home insurance costs will likely continue to rise, although auto premiums may not rise as dramatically as they have over the past few years. And if you’re in the market for life insurance, expect to see competitive life insurance quotes and more customizable policies. Eliza Haverstock, student loans writer What happened: Borrowers received historic student loan relief, but lawsuits derailed an income-driven repayment plan used by 8 million whose payments are indefinitely paused. Uncertainty will carry into 2025 as a result of the presidential administration change. What’s ahead: Trump has pledged to overhaul higher education and rein in student loan relief. The fate of the SAVE repayment plan, student loan forgiveness options, FAFSA processing and more remain in the balance. Meghan Coyle, assistant assigning editor, travel What happened: People are willing to pay more for big and small luxuries while traveling, and airlines and hotels are taking note. Many airlines raised checked bag fees early in 2024, credit card issuers and airlines invested in renovated airport lounges, and major hotel companies continued to add luxury properties and brands to their loyalty programs. What’s ahead: Southwest will say goodbye to its open seating policy and introduce new extra-legroom seats, a major departure for the airline. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will unveil a unified loyalty program in 2025. Spirit Airlines may attempt to merge with another airline again after its 2024 bankruptcy filing and two failed mergers under President Biden’s administration. Travelers will find that they’ll have to pay a premium to enjoy most of the upgrades airlines and hotels are making. Laura McMullen, assistant assigning editor, personal finance What happened: This year, dynamic pricing expanded beyond concerts and travel to online retailers and even fast-food restaurants. This practice of prices changing based on real-time supply and demand received plenty of backlash from consumers and prompted the Federal Trade Commission to investigate how companies use consumers’ data to set prices. What’s ahead: Beyond an expansion of dynamic pricing — perhaps with added oversight — expect subscription models to become more prevalent and demand for sustainable products to grow. Shannon Bradley, autos writer What happened: New-car prices held steady in 2024 but remained high after a few years of sharp increases — the average new car now sells for about $48,000, and for the first time ever the price gap between new and used cars surpassed $20,000 (average used-car prices are now slightly more than $25,000). Overall, the car market returned to being in the buyer’s favor, as new-car inventories reached pre-pandemic levels, manufacturer incentives began making a comeback and auto loan interest rates started to decline. What’s ahead: The future of the car market is uncertain and depends on policies implemented by the incoming administration. Questions surround the impact of possible tariffs on car prices, whether auto loan rates will continue to drop, and if federal tax credits will still be available for electric vehicle buyers. Jackie Veling, personal loans writer What happened: Buy now, pay later continued to be a popular payment choice for U.S. shoppers, even while facing headwinds, like an interpretive ruling from the CFPB (which determined BNPL should be regulated the same as credit cards) and Apple’s discontinuation of its popular Apple Pay Later product. Large players like Affirm, Klarna and Afterpay continued to offer interest-free, pay-in-four plans at most major retailers, along with long-term plans for larger purchases. What’s ahead: Though more regulation had been widely anticipated in 2025, the change in administration suggests the CFPB will play a less active role in regulating BNPL products. For this reason, and its continued strength in the market, BNPL will likely keep growing. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Easing inflation was a bright spot in 2024. In June, the consumer price index fell below 3% for the first time in three years. Consumers saw prices level off or decline for many goods, including for groceries, gas and new and used vehicles. But prices haven’t fallen far enough or broadly enough to relieve the pinch many households feel. What’s ahead: The new and higher tariffs proposed by the Trump administration could reignite inflation on a wide range of goods. Taryn Phaneuf, news writer What happened: Rent prices remain high, but annual rent inflation slowed significantly compared to recent years, staying around 3.5% for much of 2024, according to Zillow, a real estate website that tracks rents. A wave of newly constructed rental units on the market seems to be helping ease competition among renters and forcing landlords to offer better incentives for signing a lease. What’s ahead: If it continues, a softening rental market could work in renters’ favor. But construction is one of several industries that could see a shortage of workers if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deport undocumented immigrants. A shortage of workers would mean fewer houses and apartments could be built. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: After a contentious presidential campaign, former President Donald Trump declared victory over Vice President Kamala Harris. While on the campaign trail, Trump promised to lower inflation, cut taxes, enact tariffs, weaken the power of the Federal Reserve, deport undocumented immigrants and more. Many economists have said Trump’s proposals, if enacted, would likely be inflationary. In Congress, Republicans earned enough seats to control both houses. What’s ahead: It’s unclear which campaign promises Trump will fulfill on his own and with the support of the new Congress. He has promised a slew of “day one” actions that could lead to higher prices, including across-the-board tariffs and mass deportations. Most recently, Trump pledged to enact 20% tariffs on Canada and Mexico, as well as an additional 10% tariff on China. He has also promised to extend or make permanent the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act; many of its provisions expire by the end of 2025. Anna Helhoski, news writer What happened: Fiscal year 2023-2024’s funding saga finally came to an end in March, then six months later, the battle to fund the fiscal year 2024-2025 began. The Biden Administration waged its own war against junk fees . Antitrust enforcers pushed back against tech giants like Amazon, Apple, Google, and Meta; prevented the Kroger-Albertsons merger; nixed the Jet Blue-Spirit Airlines merger; and moved to ban noncompete agreements. The Supreme Court rejected a challenge to the constitutionality of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, as well as a challenge to abortion pill access. SCOTUS also overruled its landmark Chevron case, which means every federal regulatory agency’s power to set and enforce its own rules are now weaker. What’s ahead: The election’s red sweep means the GOP will control the executive and legislative branches of government. They’ll face the threat of at least one more potential government shutdown; a debt ceiling drama comeback; and the beginning of the debate over extending or making permanent provisions of the expiring 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. More From NerdWallet Anna Helhoski writes for NerdWallet. Email: anna@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @AnnaHelhoski. The article What Trended in Personal Finance in 2024? originally appeared on NerdWallet .December 10, 2024 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlightedthe following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread by ICFO Current laser technologies for the extended short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral range rely on expensive and complex materials, limiting their scalability and affordability. To address these challenges, ICFO researchers have presented a novel approach based on colloidal quantum dots in an Advanced Materials article . The team managed to emit coherent light (a necessary condition to create lasers) in the extended SWIR range with large colloidal quantum dots made of lead sulfide (PbS). This new CQD-based technology offers a solution to the aforementioned challenges while maintaining compatibility with silicon CMOS platforms (the technology used for constructing integrated circuit chips) for on-chip integration. Their PbS colloidal quantum dots are the first semiconductor lasing material to cover such a broad wavelength range. Remarkably, the researchers accomplished this without altering the dots' chemical composition. These results pave the way towards the realization of more practical and compact colloidal quantum dots lasers. Further to that, the team demonstrated lasing—for the first time in PbS quantum dots—with nanosecond excitation, replacing the need for bulky and costly femtosecond laser amplifiers. That was achieved by employing larger quantum dots, thus increasing the absorption cross-section of the dots tenfold, leading to a dramatic reduction in the optical gain threshold—the point at which the laser light emission becomes an efficient process. The ability to produce low-cost, scalable infrared lasers in the extended SWIR range addresses critical bottlenecks in various technologies. This innovation has transformative potential for diverse applications, including hazardous gas detection, eye-safe LIDAR systems, advanced photonic integrated circuits, and imaging within the SWIR biological window. Industries relying on LIDAR systems, gas sensing, and biomedicine could greatly benefit from this cost-effective and integrable solution. Moreover, this breakthrough supports the transition to silicon-compatible photonic integrated circuits, enabling greater miniaturization and widespread adoption. "Our work represents a paradigm shift in infrared laser technology ," said ICREA Prof. Gerasimos Konstantatos. "For the first time, we've achieved lasing in the extended SWIR range with solution-processed materials at room temperature, paving the way for practical applications and the development of more accessible technologies." The research team included Dr. Guy L. Withworth, Dr. Carmelita Roda, Dr. Mariona Dalmases, Dr. Nima Taghipour, Miguel Dosil, Dr. Katerina Nikolaidou, Hamed Dehghanpour, and was led by ICREA Prof. Konstantatos. More information: Guy L. Whitworth et al, Extended Short‐Wave Infrared Colloidal Quantum Dot Lasers with Nanosecond Excitation, Advanced Materials (2024). DOI: 10.1002/adma.202410207 Journal information: Advanced Materials Provided by ICFOAnthem Blue Cross Blue Shield reverses decision to put a time limit on anesthesia
Blowout loss to Packers leaves the 49ers on the playoff brink
VANCOUVER — The British Columbia New Democrats have negotiated a deal with the two Green Party members of the legislature that will help stabilize the New Democrats' slim majority government, Premier David Eby says. The premier said in a statement Friday that while the two parties are distinct and won't always agree, they have "many shared values." Eby's party won a bare majority with 47 seats in the October provincial election, while two Greens were elected and the B.C. Conservatives have 44 seats. He said the deal sets out specific areas of action they'll work together to achieve, which includes health care, affordable housing, creating livable communities and growing a strong, sustainable economy. "This agreement will strengthen the stability of government and help deliver on the priorities of British Columbians. We will continue to work with all MLAs who want to make the legislature work for people," Eby said. The stability of the NDP government got even shakier earlier this month when New Democrat Grace Lore announced she had cancer and was stepping away from her role as children's minister. B.C. Conservative Party Leader John Rustad has said he would work to bring the NDP government down if it continues with its "destructive policies." This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 13, 2024. Brenna Owen, The Canadian PressNone
A new PC or Mac is a major purchase. Buying a high-quality device that's built to perform well and last for years can easily cost you $1,500 or more. How much more? Well, Microsoft's most expensive business laptop costs roughly $3,000, and a fully loaded MacBook Pro tops out at a cool $4,000. But you don't have to pay those sticker prices. With a little preparation and some patience, you can save up to 50% off those high price tags without sacrificing quality. Also: The best laptops under $1,000: Expert tested and reviewed Over the years, I've bought dozens of PCs and have learned a few tricks that I share in this article. I'm partial to Dell PCs and Surface devices, and I always have at least one Mac in my office, but the information here should apply to any vendor. 1. Do your homework early If you wait until your old PC or Mac is dead or dying, your money-saving options are limited. Your selection (and price) will be whatever's available at that time. A better strategy? Give yourself a few months to do some research while your aging PC is still useful. That gives you time to check specs and read reviews so you can assemble a short list of devices you might want to buy as a replacement. Armed with that short list, you can then begin watching prices to see when deals appear. Also: How to upgrade an 'incompatible' Windows 10 PC to Windows 11 Apple rarely marks its merchandise down, but you can occasionally get a discount from a third-party seller. The AppleInsider Price Guides are a good resource for tracking those bargains. If you're looking for a Windows PC, on the other hand, you have a much better chance of finding discounts on all but the newest, most supply-constrained devices. Resellers, including the Microsoft Store Online , also have frequent sales. After watching prices for a month or two, you should have a good idea of what the best available discount is likely to be and can pull the trigger when you find an irresistible deal. 2. Check your credit card for discounts and rebates These days, credit card issuers regularly offer rebates, usually in the form of statement credits or bonus points that can be redeemed for cash, airline miles, or travel. If you're buying a Mac, using an Apple Card gets you an immediate 3% statement credit, for example. Also: I tested the cheapest Surface Pro 11 model: 3 main takeaways as a Windows expert Earlier this year, I bought a Surface Pro from Microsoft . Using my American Express Business card qualified me for a rebate of $175 on that $1,000 purchase; that hefty discount is still available through the end of this year. If I use that card to buy products from Dell , I qualify for a 10% statement credit. Purchases directly from HP , available through various Amex products, qualify for $100 off a $1,000 purchase or $250 off if the transaction is $1,500 or more. Chase cards offer smaller offers, although a $50 credit or 5% cash back is nothing to sneeze at. Tracking those offers down is easy with the help of the amazing CardPointers+ mobile app and browser extension. I pay $6 a month, and it's easily earned back 10 times that amount over the past year on all sorts of purchases. 3. Last year's model is often this year's best buy Early adopters get to be the first to try out new technology, which means they pay a premium price and are also the first to run into bugs and production problems with new components. Also: I found a laptop for creators that rivals the 16-inch MacBook Pro, but it costs half the price I recommend waiting six months to a year after a new model is introduced. That gives the hardware and OS makers an opportunity to work out driver issues, and it gives you a chance to read reviews and look for reliability issues in support forums. And, of course, waiting typically means a price drop, especially as manufacturers and third-party sellers try to move last year's models to make room for newer products. 4. Check the return/restocking policy Personally, I won't buy a product online unless the seller offers a no-questions-asked return policy. When you buy online, you don't have an opportunity to actually try the model you're considering. Does the keyboard suit your preferences? Are the CPU and graphics processor sufficiently responsive? Is the particular model you received defective in any way? If there's something that bugs you in the first week or two, chances are you won't get used to it later. So take advantage of return privileges. But pay attention to the restrictions! Also: The ultimate Windows 11 upgrade guide: Everything you need to know Apple's return window for Macs you purchase directly from the company is 14 days, with a major exception for products purchased in the holiday season (this year, that's November 8 through December 25); those purchases qualify for returns until January 8. Dell offers a 30-day return/refund window for new and refurbished products. If you're buying from a third-party seller, pay special attention to restocking fees, which can be painful if you return an item that isn't defective. CDW, for example, charges a minimum 15 percent restocking fee for returns of "non-defective" products that you send back within their 30-day return window, and other products are completely ineligible for return. 5. Look for refurbs Some of the very best deals in the PC marketplace are found in the refurbished section. Refurbs are products that were returned after purchase. They've been cleaned up and repackaged so that they're almost indistinguishable from new merchandise (one exception is Dell's "scratch and dent" category, which offers even deeper discounts if you're willing to accept minor cosmetic flaws). Also: The best laptops: Expert tested and reviewed You won't usually find just-released models in the refurb stores, but it's easy to find last year's model, at deep, deep discounts. Typically, refurbs have the same warranty as new merchandise and qualify for extended warranties as well. Apple makes the refurb section difficult to find. Here's a direct link: Apple Certified Refurbished . Dell refurbs are available in the Dell Outlet , which has separate sections for Home and Business. Even if you're looking for a business PC, it's worth checking out the Home selection. HP and Lenovo also have refurb outlets, as do some third-party sellers, including Amazon's Woot . With third-party sellers, be sure to check the warranty and return policies carefully. 6. Consider an extended warranty, especially for laptops Most new PCs and Macs include a basic warranty that covers defects in the first year. While that warranty is in effect, you can typically purchase an extended warranty that covers you for a second or third year. For laptops, the cost of a screen repair or a battery replacement, especially in a sealed unit, can be exorbitant, making a warranty worth considering. Also: MacBook Pro vs. MacBook Air: How to decide which Apple laptop is best for you For a Mac, the basic AppleCare warranty covers defects but not accidental damage for one year. You can pay extra for an AppleCare+ plan , which extends the warranty and includes coverage against many forms of accidental damage. PC makers typically offer a range of warranty options. For a Microsoft Surface, for example, you can get a two-year Microsoft Complete warranty that includes accidental damage coverage, even from drops and spills, for $149. Dell offers similar accidental damage coverage that covers liquid spills, drops, and falls (including a damaged or broken LCD), and any damage caused by a power surge. The best time to buy this coverage is with the original purchase or shortly after. In most cases, that's the only time you can buy it. 7. Do your own upgrades if possible It's no secret that hardware makers squeeze their very highest margins out of hardware upgrades on custom configurations. If you can do the upgrade yourself, you can sometimes save hundreds of dollars, even if you have to replace the manufacturer-supplied parts. Your best DIY upgrade opportunities are available in desktop PCs , which usually have easily accessible slots for RAM and video upgrades and drive bays and slots for adding fast storage. Also: The best all-in-one computers: Expert tested and reviewed On modern laptops, expanding or replacing memory is usually impossible after the initial purchase, as those memory modules are soldered onto the motherboards. Storage, on the other hand, can sometimes be easier to expand . Every Surface device, for example, includes an easily accessible drawer where you can replace the built-in NVMe storage at a fraction of the official upgrade cost. Dell makes you work a little harder to upgrade laptop storage, but with the right tools and a bit of patience, it's not a difficult job, especially if you search YouTube for videos that walk you through the process. On a MacBook, however, forget about it; that SSD is soldered onto the motherboard. One expansion option that works well on high-end hardware is to use external storage devices connected via USB-C. With a Thunderbolt or SuperSpeed+ 10 Gbps connection, the added storage is fast enough for just about any task, although it's awkward for portable devices. The best photography drones: Capture stunning aerial footage Our favorite robot mowers: Hands-free lawn care The top 5 home batteries: Backup systems to keep you charged The best cheap vacuum cleaners: Affordable and reliable vacsJust one mutation can make H5N1 bird flu a threat to humans, California researchers say
(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest and tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit .Organisers of the Lagos Liga, a 7-aside non-professional football tournament, have announced that the Video Assistant Referee will be in use during the competition as 16 clubs begin to jostle for the N50m cash prize on Friday (today), The PUNCH reports. Lagos Liga was first announced via social media in May and has attracted non-professional teams including clubs created by celebrities like Nigeria music stars Davido, D’Banj and Don Jazzy. The opening match will be a tussle between Jarus FC and D’Banj’s Koko FC before Davido’s 30BG FC and Mavebrooks FC while Super Star FC and Golden Alchemy SC will also do battle on the opening day at the Campos Mini Stadium, Lagos Island. League commissioner of Lagos Liga, Sandra Omoniyi, during a press confer ence on Thursday, announced the introduction of the technology as part of the unique offerings of the recreational tournament. “About VAR, what we promised the DG of the Lagos State Sports Commission and everyone is delivering excellence. If it has to do with improvising, we would rather not do it, so you can count on the credibility of Lagos Liga, so we will go the extra length to deliver excellence at the centre of excellence. Head of the tournament’s technical committee, Tobi Adepoju also explained the rules guiding the tournament as well as the use of the technology. “In the technical department, we have had a screening of players done and we are still expecting others. Rest assured, players who have signed professional contracts will not play,” Adepoju said. Related News VIDEO: Davido reveals father's influence on his annual orphanage donations VIDEO: Why I wouldn't have married anyone except Chioma — Davido Davido’s outburst: Between ‘in shambles’ and ‘in a shambles’ “I’m excited about the innovative rules added to this tournament including the no-offside rule, the 40-minute mark and most interesting, the introduction of VAR. Also, coaches can call for the VAR twice during the game (once per half).” Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu said the tournament is special in the history of sports engagement in Lagos State. “We are very happy to be part of this historic moment because non-professionals will have the excitement of experiencing a professional touch,” Fatodu said. “We have been following the buzz on the soft laugh of Lagos Liga. So we believe that this will send a strong signal to the public that the Lagos State Government is open to strategic partnerships that will create more opportunities and bigger platforms for our budding talents.” The Campos Memorial Mini Stadium, Lagos Island will host the group stage matches between today and Monday, December 16 while the tournament will continue at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena from the quarter-finals stage. The final is scheduled for Friday December 27.