Tag: Source: Bgr.com

Microsoft Ends WordPad After Three Decades: Factors Influencing the Choice

subscription platform referred to as Microsoft 365. However, commencing with the launch of Windows 95 in the mid-1990s, Microsoft recognized the necessity to provide a complimentary word processor for the more casual user demographic. This led to the introduction of WordPad. Positioned between the basic text editor Windows Notepad and the more sophisticated Microsoft Word, WordPad served as a streamlined word processor that was included in Windows 11.

At least until the rollout of Windows 11 24H2, at which point Microsoft classified WordPad as a Deprecated Feature. Many users were taken aback by WordPad’s removal, expressing their dissatisfaction on official Microsoft forums. The software giant has not officially disclosed the reasons behind discontinuing support for WordPad, but many believe it is related to security issues. Microsoft now suggests using Word for rich text documents such as .doc and .rtf and Notepad for any plain text files.

Your alternatives to WordPad

Presenting Google’s Cutting-Edge Browser: The Crucial Web Application for All Requirements

Google is transforming the internet navigation experience with its latest browser, Disco, which is presently offered as part of a Google Labs initiative. In contrast to conventional browsers, Disco incorporates AI to provide a fluid browsing experience, crafting personalized websites on demand. This groundbreaking method is fueled by Gemini AI, enabling users to engage with the browser using everyday language prompts instead of a standard URL bar. Disco’s notable element, GenTabs, utilizes AI to create web applications customized to users’ individual requirements, improving activities such as trip organization or mastering new ideas. At this stage, Disco is in its initial testing phase, accessible exclusively on macOS, with restricted user participation to collect insights for potential future inclusion in broader Google offerings.

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Desk Accessories and Devices to Relieve Back Discomfort

create excellent presents for the telecommuters in your circle.

Each of these items is easily accessible for purchase on Amazon, where they are supported by a minimum of 10,000 customer reviews each, resulting in ratings of at least four out of five stars.

Qutool Lumbar Support Cushion

One of the most effective ways to invest in your comfort as an office worker is by acquiring a high-quality ergonomic office chair. While this is optimal, it’s termed an “investment” for a reason: The top-tier office chairs from companies like Herman Miller can easily set you back hundreds of dollars or more. For some cost-effective lumbar support on your chair, consider the <a href="https://r.bttn.io?btn_ref=org-225e4e0aac880b8f&btn_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FQUTOOL-Lumbar-Pillow-Essentials-Mesh%2Fdp%2FB074C9F45S%2F%3Fth%3D1%26tag%3Dstaticmedia-bgr-custom-20&btn_pub_ref=2043677-in_text-2" target="_blank" rel

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Norway Transforms Travel with the World’s Lengthiest Undersea Road Tunnel

It will just be a matter of time until Norway hosts the longest and deepest undersea road tunnel in the world. The tunnel is known as “Rogfast,” derived from “Rogaland fastforbindelse” — named after the region where it is located and the Norwegian phrase for “fixed link.” Once finished, Rogfast is projected to be 17 miles in length and 1,286 feet below sea level. Currently, the world’s longest passenger tunnel is the Gotthard Base Tunnel located in Switzerland.

A primary objective of this construction initiative is to eliminate the requirement for ferry transport between the Norwegian cities of Bergen and Stavanger. The tunnel is designed to decrease travel duration by approximately 40 minutes and will feature two distinct tube structures — each containing two traffic lanes — along with a central roundabout that connects drivers to an additional tunnel leading to Kvitsøy island.

Rogfast is merely a component of the comprehensive E39 coastal highway renovation project. At present, traversing the 684-mile E39 highway takes about 21 hours and involves seven ferry crossings. Sometime before 2050, engineers aim to completely eradicate ferries through the construction of tunnels and bridges.

CNN reports that Anne Brit Moen, a project manager at Skanska — the international construction company charged with the northern section of the tunnel — stated: “The tunnel will greatly enhance connectivity along the Norwegian west coast by establishing a quicker and more dependable link between the Stavanger and Haugesund areas.”

Engineering Norway’s Rogfast tunnel

The construction of Rogfast has proven to be an intriguing challenge thus far. The project actually commenced in 2018 but faced a setback in 2019 due to budget overruns, prompting a project reorganization and the cancellation of several contracts. Work resumed in 2021, and the tunnel system is now expected to be finished by 2033. The anticipated cost is projected to reach 25 billion Norwegian kroner, which is approximately $2.4 billion.

Rogfast is being constructed by two firms: the previously mentioned Skanska in the north, and a partnership between Implenia and Stangeland Maskin for the central and southern segments. The northern and southern construction teams are working concurrently, aiming to meet at the midpoint.

The teams have a margin of error of only 1.97 inches, necessitating precise engineering. Such high accuracy levels require advanced construction tools, including a rotating laser scanner designed to collect data points throughout the tunnel. This facilitates the creation of a digital replica of the tunnel, which contractors can compare against the construction plans for discrepancies.

The project has already faced various challenges, including numerous saltwater leaks. Builders must also consider how to prevent air pollution from affecting drivers and are actively developing a sophisticated ventilation system powered by jet fans to expel harmful air from the tunnel.

With that in mind, we wonder if this might encourage more drivers to transition to one of the top electric vehicles, which would help maintain cleaner tunnel air.

Where innovation meets the ocean floor

Norway’s talent for innovation extends beyond underwater endeavors: The city of Bergen has discovered an ingenious way to manage waste by utilizing vacuum tubes that essentially extract garbage from the city, significantly reducing diesel emissions by as much as 90% due to a decrease in garbage truck usage.

While it’s anticipated that the construction of Rogfast will mark the end for numerous ferry-related jobs, this new roadway may positively influence other professions, schooling, and public services. Rogfast should also benefit the seafood industry and local economy, as vendors will have the capacity to operate over a broader area.

The Rogfast initiative is advancing steadily. By 2033, all the hours invested in meticulous planning, measuring, and recalibrating will culminate in an efficient transportation system that will allow Norwegians to travel from A to B more swiftly than ever. Perhaps this creativity will be infectious, leading other congested urban areas and coastlines to begin constructing their own underwater highways.

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iOS Function Enables Personalization of AirPods Audio

positively acclaimed AirPods Pro 3 are the latest noise-canceling earbuds from Apple, excelling at ensuring your workday remains free from distractions. However, aside from the array of audio presets available in iOS, is there another method to tailor the sound of your AirPods? Indeed, there is, and it doesn’t necessitate downloading an additional application.

With the Headphones Accommodation feature found in iOS and iPadOS 14 or newer, you can finely adjust your AirPods for a more customized listening experience. The AirPods models that are compatible include AirPods 2, 3, and 4; AirPods Max; AirPods Pro 1, 2, and 3; along with Apple EarPods (featuring a 3.5mm headphone plug or Lightning connector). Additionally, Beats Fit Pro, Beats Solo Pro, Powerbeats, Powerbeats Fit, Powerbeats Pro, and Powerbeats Pro 2 are also supported.

To begin, take your iPhone or iPad and navigate to Settings, then Accessibility, followed by Audio & Visual, and finally Headphone Accommodations. Turn it on, then decide whether you want Accommodations to apply to Phone, Media, or both. After that, you’ll have the option to use the Custom Audio Setup tool to calibrate your AirPods (these settings can also be adjusted manually).

Forge sound that’s genuinely yours on your AirPods

5 Devices Frequently Plugged into the Wrong USB Port

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USB ports are present in nearly every electronic gadget, spanning PC desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Nevertheless, distinguishing the various ports by their appearance can be quite confusing. It’s difficult to fault someone for not recognizing the differences between USB 2.0 and USB 3.2 ports, as they maintain the same shape and size, with the only differing visual characteristic being the color. However, they exhibit a significant disparity in performance, as newer, quicker ports offer accelerated data transfer speeds; hence, it is advisable to utilize the appropriate port whenever feasible. Devices connected to the computer through the slower USB ports may demonstrate restricted functionality.

With a limited number of USB ports available on your computer, it’s essential to ensure that you’re utilizing the correct one for each device. External drives and other devices demanding high transfer speeds require access to the fastest USB port possible. Conversely, for devices such as computer mice, a basic USB 2.0 port is sufficient, allowing faster ports to be reserved for critical devices.

USB Hub

Google’s Nano Banana Demonstrates Major Challenges in AI Image Creation

Nano Banana Pro for the premium edition introduces a new frontier in visual authenticity. With this tool, you can fabricate images of yourself attending a glamorous event or vacationing abroad, even if you’ve never set foot in those places. While this might seem innocuous, it also allows for the creation of images depicting others in locations they’ve never visited or engaging in activities they haven’t participated in — which could lead to complications.

Since the inception of AI-generated images that possess a degree of realism, there has been growing apprehension regarding potential outcomes. This unease has only intensified as the technology evolves, with analysts claiming that Nano Banana is nearly indistinguishable from actual life. Detractors argue that Google has not taken sufficient measures to address potentially harmful applications associated with its technology, despite the existence of explicit policies prohibiting the use of their model for impersonating individuals without their consent.

Celebrities have already been subjected to having their images altered through AI. Creators, artists, and major corporations such as Warner Bros. Discovery have voiced legal concerns regarding the unauthorized use of their work (or intellectual property) by AI. Instances of AI-generated fictitious evidence have even begun appearing in legal proceedings. These occurrences, among various others, heighten issues surrounding privacy safeguards, artists’ rights, and the dissemination of false information related to AI technology.

Particular instances of challenges with AI image production

HDMI 2.1 is not always HDMI 2.1

HBO Max Audiences Enchanted by 2025 Comedy Thirty Years in the Making

FlixPatrol currently ranks it at number three for the most streamed movies during the week of December 12, and while the monthly count is still in progress, it also holds the number four position for December. Following the same concept as its forerunner, “The Family McMullen” delves into the lives of the McMullen family members, including Barry, Patrick, and Molly, the widow of their deceased brother, Jack. The family is celebrating Thanksgiving, and Barry’s children are present as well.

If you’ve watched the original, you know it comprises both heightened dramatic moments and subtle romantic comedy elements. After all, it’s about three Irish Catholic brothers from Long Island. In this iteration, the comedic elements are more pronounced, but the romantic aspects remain present. That does not do justice to the film; fundamentally, it’s about navigating life’s highs and lows and adapting to circumstances. Viewers deem it a must-see film, perhaps because they have awaited the sequel for 30 years. There are no Rotten Tomatoes reviews available yet, as it’s still too early. IMDB rates it 5.9 out of 10 based on over 500 reviews. It will be intriguing to hear critics’ opinions, although there are films that critics have previously misjudged. Viewer reviews may reveal the true narrative.

What caused the prolonged production time?

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YouTube’s Latest Television Capabilities May Counterbalance Rising Premium Subscription Fees

a viable option in YouTube TV; an $82.99 monthly subscription that provides access to over 100 live channels. YouTube TV does not offer YouTube Premium, which incurs an additional monthly fee. The total monthly cost can easily approach $100 for both services, depending on the Premium package selected. The benefit over standard cable is that YouTube TV does not require a contract, allowing you to cancel whenever you choose. Nevertheless, improvements are on the horizon in early 2026.

YouTube announced in a brief blog post its plans to introduce genre-specific YouTube TV packages, enabling viewers to tailor their TV watching experience. While YouTube did not disclose any pricing details for the forthcoming bundles, the genre-themed YouTube tiers will likely be more affordable than the complete $82.99 subscription. Consequently, you’ll soon be able to offset the YouTube Premium price increases, and potentially other unrelated streaming price hikes.

Subscribers will gain access to more than 10 genre-focused packages, as stated in the announcement. The company highlighted one offering, the YouTube TV Sports Plan, which will grant access to “all the major broadcasters along with sports networks such as FS1, NBC Sports Network, all of the ESPN channels, and ESPN Unlimited.” Add-ons for NFL Sunday Ticket and RedZone will also be available. The blog post further emphasizes that “beloved features, including unlimited DVR, multiview, key plays, and fantasy view,” will also be accessible to users. YouTube additionally hinted at other YouTube TV bundles that might emerge under the new subscription model, such as merging sports with news, or creating plans that include “family and entertainment content.”

New YouTube TV packages and Premium price increases