DONALD Trump has emerged unscathed as he avoids prison time with an unconditional discharge sentence, cementing his status as the first felon to serve in the White House. Despite the president-elect’s repeated efforts to dismiss the case, citing his Election Day victory and his right to presidential immunity, Judge Juan Merchan had the final say…
The Gist AI-driven productivity tools. CES 2025 featured innovations like Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, enhancing productivity with AI-driven features. Sustainability at CES. The Circular Smart Ring 2 introduced eco-friendly materials and advanced health-tracking features, focusing on sustainability. Empowering creators and enhancing accessibility. From AI-integrated TVs to dyslexia-friendly monitors, CES 2025 showcased tools for personalization and inclusivity. CES 2025 once again turned Las Vegas into a hub for groundbreaking consumer technology, featuring a range of devices and concepts that aim to improve daily life. This year’s event highlighted advancements in AI, sustainability, and design, focusing on creating tools that are easily integrated into various aspects of modern living. In this article, we’ll explore the most buzz-worthy technologies that have captured the attention of attendees and set the stage for the future of consumer electronics. Table of ContentsReimagining Productivity with AI-Driven Devices ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable features a display that transitions between 14 inches and 16.7 inches, offering adaptability for different tasks. Whether it’s editing lengthy documents, multitasking with split-screen functionality, or presenting visually-rich data, this device combines versatility with practicality. Powered by Intel Core Ultra processors and equipped with AI tools for real-time task optimization, the ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable provides enhanced capabilities for business users on the go. Lenovo AI Now Assistant Lenovo AI Now Assistant, built on Meta’s Llama 3 model, was built to handle tasks such as document summarization, workflow automation, and natural language processing, reducing time spent on mundane activities. Unlike cloud-based solutions, AI Now operates locally, offering both enhanced security and personalized assistance. Luca Rossi, president of Lenovo Intelligent Devices Group, emphasized the company’s commitment to advancing technology for a wide range of users. He noted that “AI [is] at the heart of our personalized, productive and protected experiences,” driving innovations across product lines like ThinkPad, Yoga, and Legion. These advancements, Rossi explained, are designed to “redefine how users work, create, and play” while delivering exceptional performance and versatility.Related Article: CMSWire’s Guide to CES Las Vegas 2023 Sustainability Meets Innovation Circular Smart Ring 2 The Circular Smart Ring 2 introduces practical improvements to smart ring ownership, addressing common challenges with a digital sizing system that uses a smartphone camera to measure ring size, removing the need for physical sizing kits. This feature simplifies the ordering process and reduces waste. The ring also includes enhanced health-tracking capabilities, such as FDA-cleared Atrial Fibrillation detection and ECG monitoring. Built from durable titanium and offering up to eight days of battery life, the Circular Ring 2 provides a more streamlined approach to wearable health technology. Innovations for Creators and Professionals AI-Integrated TVs Samsung unveiled its Vision AI technology at CES 2025, showcasing what could be the future of personalized, interactive TV experiences. Samsung Vision AI turns screens into adaptive companions that are built to integrate into our daily lives. Features such as “Click to Search” provide instant content information, while “Live Translate” features real-time subtitle translation. Samsung also introduced innovations like generative wallpaper and integration with SmartThings, offering tools such as Home Insights for real-time household updates. Not to be left out, LG’s 2025 OLED evo lineup also emphasizes AI-driven personalization, offering tailored experiences for users. According to LG, the TVs are “powered by AI-driven personalization [to offer] a customized experience tailored to each user,” including features such as personalized greetings, voice recognition, and content recommendations based on viewing habits. Additionally, according to the announcement, LG’s 2025 OLED evo lineup provides “access to Microsoft Copilot, which further streamlines the process, allowing users to efficiently find and organize complex information using contextual cues,” while its AI Chatbot enables a smoother experience by “proactively identifying potential user challenges and offering timely, effective solutions.” Lili Dyslexia-Friendly Monitor Designed by French startup Lili for Life, the Lili Dyslexia-Friendly monitor addresses some of the challenges that are faced by people with dyslexia. By emitting imperceptible light flashes, it improves text comprehension and reduces eye strain, offering a transformative tool for accessibility in education and professional settings. Building on research by French physicists Albert Le Floch and Guy Ropars, the Lili screen addresses the root cause of reading challenges in dyslexia: overlapping “mirror” images caused by two dominant eyes. This innovative display emits subtle light flashes to shift visual perception, making reading smoother and less tiring. Currently available in Europe and the UK, Lili for Life aims to expand availability to the United States, providing a useful tool for the 5-10% of the global population that is affected by dyslexia. Yoga Slim 9i with Camera-Under-Display Technology Lenovo’s Yoga Slim 9i introduces a unique feature for creators with the world’s first camera-under-display (CUD) technology. This 14-inch laptop offers a 98% screen-to-body ratio and a 4K PureSight Pro OLED display, delivering immersive visuals. Paired with AI-powered tools like Smart Note for intuitive note-taking and Smart Reader for AI-generated synopses, it’s a device that is likely to interest creators seeking portability without compromise.Related Article: Cool Tech Finds Its Purpose A Visionary Look at AI and Modular Tech PieX AI Emotion Tracking Pendant PieX introduced its AI-Driven Emotion-Tracking Pendant, a unique wearable that leverages mmWave radar and on-device AI to provide real-time emotional insights. Designed as more than just a tech accessory, the pendant features emotion tracking, meditation guidance, automatic journaling, and personalized AI-driven coaching to help users manage their emotional well-being. With its ability to monitor stress levels and deliver actionable advice via integrated large language models (LLMs), the pendant offers a unique blend of innovation and practical application, drawing significant attention from CES attendees. The pendant’s standout feature is its AI-driven coaching, which delivers tailored advice based on the user’s emotional state, creating a personalized user experience. Legion AI-Enhanced Legion Space Lenovo enhanced its gaming ecosystem Legion Space with a suite of AI-powered tools and features tailored for competitive gamers and content creators. Central to this platform is Game Coach, which analyzes gameplay inputs such as eye movement and reaction times to deliver personalized performance improvement plans.View all Complementing this is Game Clip Master, a generative AI tool that transforms hours of streamed footage into curated highlights, ideal for social media sharing. The Game Companion, an AI avatar, provides real-time encouragement and advice, adding a layer of interactivity to gameplay. The CASBOT Humanoid Robot CASBOT is advancing the field of humanoid robotics with its sophisticated robot, CASBOT 01, nicknamed ‘Wednesday.’ Standing 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing 132 pounds, this humanoid robot boasts 52 degrees of freedom, 550 trillion operations per second (TOPS) of computing power, and over four hours of continuous operation. Designed with precision bionic hands, high dynamic force control, and an ultra-durable structure, CASBOT 01 can perform a wide range of tasks, from assembling furniture and changing light bulbs to running and jumping. Its application extends across smart home solutions, industrial manufacturing, emergency rescue, and more. Bird Buddy’s AI Nature Camera Bird Buddy, known for its AI-powered Bird Buddy feeder, unveiled its latest innovation under its new Wonder brand name this week at CES 2025. The Petal, an AI-enhanced camera designed to deepen users’ connection to nature. This circular, biomorphic device integrates advanced engineering and solar power for flexible and non-intrusive placement in natural habitats. Its AI, dubbed “Natural Intelligence,” not only identifies wildlife through motion and sound detection but also interprets faint sounds such as butterfly wings or flowers blooming, offering a unique sensory window into the natural world. What sets Petal apart is its ability to enhance the user experience through ChatGPT integration. When the AI identifies a bird, insect, or plant, users can ask follow-up questions to learn more about their observations. Powered by solar panels and designed with interchangeable lenses for both wide-angle and close-up views, Petal blends innovation with ecological mindfulness. CES: A Preview of Forward Facing Technology CES 2025 presented advancements that prioritize practicality and integration across diverse fields, from robotics and health monitoring to gaming and entertainment. The event once again delivered on CES’ commitment to blending technology with sustainability and personalization, offering a glimpse into the future of innovation in consumer electronics. Core Questions Around CES 2025 Innovations Editor’s note: These are some of the top questions about CES 2025 that highlight key trends, technologies, and takeaways from the event. What were the most talked-about technologies at CES 2025? CES 2025 showcased groundbreaking advancements in AI, sustainability, and personalization. Highlights included Lenovo’s ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 Rollable, Circular Smart Ring 2, Samsung Vision AI TVs, and PieX AI Emotion Tracking Pendant. These innovations captured attention for their practical applications, from reimagined productivity tools to eco-conscious designs. How did AI play a role in CES 2025 innovations? AI was a central theme at CES 2025, with technologies like Lenovo AI Now Assistant enhancing productivity, Samsung Vision AI personalizing entertainment experiences, and PieX’s pendant offering emotional well-being insights. These advancements showcased AI’s transformative impact on everyday devices, emphasizing automation, personalization, and accessibility. What does CES 2025 tell us about the future of consumer electronics? CES 2025 signaled a future focused on practical innovation, sustainability, and integrated AI solutions. From health monitoring wearables to AI-driven gaming ecosystems, the event highlighted how technology is evolving to meet consumer demands for personalized, eco-friendly, and seamless experiences.
A weekly behind-the-scenes dive into everything interesting, dynamic, strange, and wonderful happening in literary culture—featuring Lit Hub staff, columnists, and special guests! Hosted by Drew Broussard.
A customer browses the book and wine selection at Book Society. Courtesy: Book SocietyWalking through a wine store is becoming more and more like walking through a bookstore these days. Wine bottles increasingly feature colorful, whimsical, eye-catching art, with label descriptions that read more like short stories than mere tasting notes. And now a new store in Berkeley has brought these two worlds together. Book Society, the brainchild of Laura Guzman, is a combination bookstore and wine shop where customers can browse books and sip wine at the same time. The shop opened in December in a space formerly occupied by Bill’s Trading Post & Gem Gallery.Guzman even offers book/wine pairings. @media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-1{min-height: 100px;}}
“We pair eight handpicked books with wines that complement their stories, making wine tasting fun, approachable, and a total conversation starter,” wrote Guzman in a social media post.Book Society owner Laura Guzman (right) drums up interest for the shop during the Elmwood’s day of trick or treating on Oct. 26. Credit: Zac Farber This month’s selections include Jenny Albertini’s Decluttered: Mindful Organizing for Health, Home, and Beyond matched with Scribe Winery’s stripped down Sonoma Valley Chardonnay; Simon Parkin’s The Forbidden Garden: The Botanists of Besieged Leningrad and Their Impossible Choice paired with Farm Cottage Wine’s Santa Cruz Mountain Pinot Noir; and Krista Tippet’s self-help tome, Becoming Wise, about the mystery and art of living, paired with Leitz’s Eins Zwei Zero Blanc de Blancs, a non-alcoholic white wine (just in time for Dry January).Customers can also sign up for book- and- wine subscriptions, which include a book, a bottle of wine, a “page and pour companion” tasting and reading guide, plus a tote bag to carry them all. Monthly packages are $59 per month or $660 for a year, while the “Bi-monthly Blend” package costs $69 every other month or $390 for the year.Book Society also hosts events and gatherings, including several book clubs curated by the shop such as the WTF Did I Just Read?! Book Club, the Leading Ladies Book Club, the Secret Romantacy Fan Book Club, and the Cookbook Book Club. The store also offers space to private book groups complete with wine, snacks and comfortable seating.And while books are on offer, Book Society is technically a bar, so readers must be at least 21 years of age to enter.Book Society, 2945 College Ave., Berkeley. Phone: 707-297-9907. Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday & Saturday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Connect via Instagram and Facebook.@media ( min-width: 300px ){.newspack_global_ad.scaip-2{min-height: 100px;}}
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<!– Business Travel in MENA: Top Trends and Destinations This post was originally published on here
Rekhachithram leaves one with a niggling thought — was/is there a Mammootty fan to whom he was/is ‘Mammootty chettan’? He is usually, out of love, respect and reverence, referred to as Mammookka. Coming to the movie, the posters of the film with Anaswaran Rajan in a nun’s habit and Asif Ali as a cop make one wonder if it was inspired by one of Kerala’s infamous murders. Turns out it is not, but it does inventively explore the alternate history subgenre of speculative fiction, which is not seen as much in Malayalam cinema.Jofin T Chacko’s film stirs nostalgia like no other in recent times. It is a cinephile’s love note to Malayalam cinema, perhaps to the movies and technicians who might have kindled his love for cinema. The writing is intelligent, the past and the future organically weave in and out of the narrative. Where it is not and lags a wee bit, it is forgivable for the sheer inventiveness of the movie to tell a story where the past and the present crisscross effortlessly.The movie looks like the scenarists John Manthrickal and Ramu Sunil were on the same page as the director of the film Jofin when it comes to cinema lore. The film opens with all the ingredients of what looks like just another investigative thriller — which it is not. The action is set in motion with the discovery of a skeleton; Asif Ali’s Vivek Gopinath, the SHO of the police station under whose jurisdiction it is found, is assigned the case. The new posting is an opportunity to redeem himself, having been under a cloud for his gambling addiction, now eager to return after getting suspended.
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Rekhachithram (Malayalam)
Director: Jofin Chacko
Cast: Asif Ali, Manoj K Jayan, Saikumar, Anaswara Rajan, Zarin Shihab
Runtime: 139 minutes
Storyline: A cop cracks a 40 year-old murder which took place during the making of a popular Malayalam film.
Vivek has to work his way backwards to find out whose skeleton it is — the only clue is a video — and several roadblocks along the way, including political interference. It demands good old leg work since there was very little by way of technology in 1985 when the murder took place. All that is available in 2024 is of no use.The path to finding the identity of the victim is long, with all the elements of a police procedural and a very generous dose of 80s film nostalgia — movies, junior artistes and even a nod to film journalism of the time. Rekha is a movie-crazy Mammootty fan whose one dream is to be part of films and act with him. The murder takes place during a film shoot.The film referenced is one of writer/director Bharathan’s well-loved movies Kathodu Kaathoram; there is even an AI-generated Bharathan and a Mammootty of that time. The use of AI is clever, perhaps because it is in moderation. Jagadeesh makes a cameo, talking about a movie of his from the time, Muthramkunnu PO. Then there is director Kamal talking about Kathodu Kaathoram. In short, it is a sweet blast from the past with the song from the ‘Devaduthar paadi…’ playing in the background, this time the original from the film (It was reprised a couple of years ago in Nna Thaan Case Kodu, making it an earworm).
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Anaswara Rajan in a still from ‘Rekhachithram’
| Photo Credit:
Think Music India/YouTube
Rekhachithram sometimes feels like a slow burn, as an investigation especially into a 40-year-old crime with just a skeleton would be! There are few shocks and thrills, but the twist is unexpected and refreshing. Anything more about the story would be a spoiler.The casting is more or less on point, though Manoj K Jayan is underutilized, alternating between looking nifty and menacing. Indrans’ role as Chandrappan, a production controller, might be minuscule in the runtime, but it is pivotal to the story, as is Saikumar’s.Meanwhile, is Asif Ali becoming the go-to A-lister for cop roles? One hopes not, but his take as the investigator bent on cracking the case and bringing the victim justice is effortless. Anaswara Rajan is coming into her own; she impresses as the effervescent Rekha. Zarin Shihab impresses in yet another outing after last year’s Aattam; she proves to be a shape-shifter in just the span of one role.
Where are the women in Malayalam cinema?The women characters in the film are more than mere token presences. Could they have been made to do more? Sure, but the women in Rekhachithram have more to do than trigger the action, a noteworthy aspect at a time when most Malayalam films look like the filmmakers forgot writing women characters. On the whole, Rekhachithram is a unique, cleverly made film that has a lot going for it.Rekhachithram is currently running in theatres Published – January 10, 2025 07:16 pm IST
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Westroyd MovementTwo rappers have been fined after they filmed a “disruptive” music video near a polling station on election day.
Dynamic Researcher and Regenerative Scientist Dr. Benjamin Arthur Recently Featured on Close Up Radio – Science News Today – EIN Presswire
In a testament to the growing influence of Nollywood, Toyin Abraham’s comedy-drama film “Alakada: Bad and Boujee” has secured an impressive fifth position among the highest-grossing movies of 2024, with a staggering box office haul of over N200 million. The film’s producer and star, Toyin Abraham, took to social media to express her heartfelt gratitude…
Kangana Ranaut has offered Karan Johar a role in her directorial film. The actress wants to cast the filmmaker for what would supposedly be a ‘proper role.’ She, who wanted Karan to play a villain in her biopic at one point, has now extended a hand and offered him a movie on a public platform. Here’s what exactly happened…Kangana Ranaut offers Karan Johar her directorial filmKangana Ranaut wants to cast Karan Johar in her directorial film. The actress even promised to give the filmmaker a ‘proper role in a proper film.’ While promoting Emergency on Indian Idol 15 (available for streaming on SonyLIV via OTTplay Premium), Kangana made the statement. She said, “I’m sorry to say, but Karan sir ko mere saath movie karna chahiye (should do a movie with me).” While responding to whether she’s open to working in a Dharma film, Kangana added that her movie would be one that has ‘saas-bahu chugalbaazi or a movie that would be a PR exercise.’Will Karan Johar play a villain in Kangana Ranaut’s film?Kangana did not specify whether Karan would play the hero or villain in her movie. Interestingly, during her infamous segment on Koffee With Karan season 5, Kangana expressed her desire to cast Karan as the villain in her biopic. It is when she called him the ‘flagbearer of nepotism.’ At that point, Karan said that he chose not to work with Kangana because he made a choice and not because she’s not a star kid.Kangana Ranaut, Karan Johar (Instagram).Kangana Ranaut’s EmergencyEmergency, based on the dark period in India’s history, covers Indira Gandhi’s life as the PM. Kangana plays Indira in the film which is directed and produced by her. Before switching to politics, Kangana declared Emergency as her last movie since she was tired of how Bollywood treats women. However, from what we see, Kangana has not shut the door completely on Bollywood, for now.Also starring Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman and Mahima Chaudhary, Emergency is finally cleared by the censor board and is scheduled to release in theatres on January 17.