Medienpädagogik Apps: Following "iPi Sound" is "Sound Garden" A new app called "Sound Garden" is now available in the App Store for around 3 euros. Developed by Christian Streinz from Hesse, it targets children and educational institutions. The app allows children to create small 3D worlds in voxel-art style and enrich them with audio recordings, aiming to introduce children to digital media through creative and constructive play. "Sound Garden" is designed for use in media education projects such as storytelling and creating sound puzzles. Meta as a Negative Example: Why Apple Rejects Interoperability The EU demands that Apple make its operating systems more accessible to third-party providers under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Apple, however, argues that expanding interoperability poses privacy and security risks, pointing to companies like Meta with…

News Summary - December 17, 2024 Insta360 Connect: New AI Videobar for Hybrid Meetings Publication Date: December 17, 2024 Insta360, known for its action and 360° cameras, has unveiled the "Insta360 Connect," a new videobar designed for hybrid meetings in small to medium conference rooms. The device features two 4K cameras, a 14-microphone array, and AI-based image and sound processing. Available now for €2,399, it offers automatic AI-framing, a gallery mode, and tracks speaking individuals using sound location and recognition technology. Read more Powerfox Avoids Bankruptcy by Restructuring Publication Date: December 17, 2024 The company behind Powerfox, power42 GmbH, has overcome financial hardships and has its operations now managed by Powerfox Energy GmbH. Existing customers need to confirm data transfer via email, failing which their data will be deleted by…

News Summary from December 16, 2024 Baseus: USB-C Cable with 90°, Digital Display, Rewind and Magnets Source: ifun.de Baseus introduces a diverse array of USB-C cables, notable for their quality and functional designs. Options include robust textile cables, versions with digital displays, right-angled configurations for gamers, self-retracting cables, and fully magnetic cables. Error in macOS 15.2 Complicates System Backups Source: ifun.de A fault in macOS 15.2 disrupts seamless operating system backups, leaving users reliant on Apple's update for resolution. Backup creators recommend alternative backup strategies for the time being. Double Pages to Single Pages: Freeware Briss Handles PDF Cropping Source: ifun.de The Java app Briss provides an efficient solution for cropping PDF documents. Designed to streamline PDF adjustments, it's ideal for converting double pages into single pages across various platforms.…

News Summary News Summary HDMI 2.2 could make its debut at CES next month Publication Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2024 23:36:27 +0000 The HDMI Forum has announced that a new HDMI standard, HDMI 2.2, will be unveiled on January 6, 2025, in Las Vegas, ahead of CES 2025. This new specification promises higher resolutions, refresh rates, and will require a new HDMI Cable. The technology is expected to surpass HDMI 2.1b's support for 48Gbps bandwidth and resolutions up to 10K. Trump’s team reportedly wants to end NHTSA reporting requirement for car crashes involving automated systems Publication Date: Sat, 14 Dec 2024 21:37:20 +0000 A report suggests President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is aiming to abolish a rule by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This rule mandates automakers to…

These Innovations from macOS 15.2 You Must Try macOS Sequoia 15.2 introduces two notable features for Apple computers: an option to display weather in the menu bar and improvements to AirPlay screen sharing, allowing users to share either the entire screen or selected windows. These updates enhance usability by providing quick access to weather details and simplifying screen sharing during presentations. New on Netflix: What's Coming in January 2025 Netflix is set to release an exciting lineup of new content in January 2025. Highlights include a new movie featuring "Wallace & Gromit," the action film "Back in Action," and the latest season of the thriller series "The Night Agent." Additionally, Netflix will add classic films like the "Back to the Future" trilogy and "Jurassic Park" series to its library, available…

News Summary News Summary Zattoo integrates "ARD Krimi" and "ARD Lindenstraße" as FAST channels Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2024 Video service Zattoo expands its program with two additional FAST channels, "ARD Plus Krimi" and "ARD Plus Lindenstraße," available from December 17. FAST stands for "Free-Ad-Supported-Streaming-TV," meaning access to channels is free but ad-supported. The channels offer diverse crime formats and all episodes of the German series "Lindenstraße." The additions continue Zattoo's expansion beyond 50 such channels, and offer HD quality streaming with flexible viewing options. macOS Sequoia allows simpler Alt key shortcuts again Date: Fri, 13 Dec 2024 Apple reverses the requirement to use Command or Control keys with the Alt key for global shortcuts. With macOS Sequoia 15.2, users can again use simple key combinations involving Alt or Alt+Shift.…

News Summary from December 11, 2024 New Workspace: ChatGPT Canvas Now Available for All Users The new Canvas workspace for ChatGPT, initially introduced in October, is now available to all users. Canvas enhances collaboration for writing and programming projects with AI and includes features like version restoration and automatic changes. OpenAI plans to continuously develop Canvas based on user feedback. January Releases on Paramount+ Paramount+ has revealed its January lineup, highlighting new seasons of "Yellowjackets" and "1923" to be released in February. The lineup includes shows like "Baby Shark's Big Show" and new classic additions like "Forrest Gump" and "The Truman Show". Postage Increase Approved by Federal Network Agency The Federal Network Agency has approved new postage rates at Deutsche Post, effective from January 1, 2025. Standard letters will increase…

Google Search Trends 2024: Euro Football Championship Ahead of US Election In December, Google released its yearly lists revealing 2024's search trends. The listings in Germany are topped by the Euro and Handball Championships, followed by the US elections and searches related to the European Parliament elections. The rankings are based on the percentage increase in search interest over the year, not the most frequently entered terms. Keyboard-PC: Raspberry Pi 500 and Monitor on Sale The Raspberry Pi Foundation launched the Raspberry Pi 500 and a suitable Raspberry Pi Monitor. Available for €105 and €109 respectively, these products target users seeking a complete desktop solution based on the Raspberry Pi platform. The Raspberry Pi 500 features a 2.4 GHz quad-core processor, 8 GB RAM, and supports dual 4K displays. Apple…

Macs with 5G Option Possible with Apple's Modem Apple has been working on developing its own modem chips to achieve greater control over its hardware and reduce reliance on Qualcomm. New Apple modems, expected to debut in 2025, promise slimmer designs and integration into devices like the iPhone SE and potentially future Macs by 2026. Read more 11-Year-Old Finder Issue Persists MacOS users continue to experience a problem with the Finder's column view scaling improperly, causing inconvenience in navigation. Despite Apple's reputation for software maintenance, this issue, which can disrupt user workflow, remains unaddressed after more than a decade. Read more AI Chatbot Grok Creates Realistic Photos The AI chatbot "Grok" on the platform X introduces "Aurora," a new image generator that can create realistic images. Although briefly removed after…

Google sues after Consumer Financial Protection Bureau orders supervision of its payment arm Date: Sun, 08 Dec 2024 Link: Read more The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has ordered supervision over Google Payment Corp., citing risks related to Google’s handling of erroneous transactions and fraud prevention. The CFPB claims Google did not adequately investigate transfer issues nor properly address customer complaints about fraud. Google has sued in response, claiming government overreach. X helped senators update the Kids Online Safety Act so it can't be ‘used to stifle expression’ Date: Sat, 07 Dec 2024 Link: Read more Senators Richard Blumenthal and Marsha Blackburn announced revisions to the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) with consultation from X. These revisions are aimed at protecting free speech while safeguarding minors online. The Senate had…