For audiophiles like me, 2024 was a year filled with exciting new releases and innovations in the world of high-fidelity audio. From groundbreaking headphone technology to the resurgence of vinyl, it was a year that catered to both seasoned audiophiles and newcomers alike. But as the year draws to a close, all signs point to 2025 being even bigger and better. Let’s delve into why 2024 was such a fantastic year for sound enthusiasts and what we can expect in the coming year. This article will explore the key trends and releases that defined 2024 in the audiophile world and provide insights into what we can anticipate in 2025. We’ll cover everything from advancements in wireless audio and spatial sound to the continued growth of vinyl and the rising popularity of high-resolution audio streaming. Get ready to turn up the volume and dive into the exciting future of audio! 2024: The Year in Audio Wireless Audio Takes Center Stage: 2024 saw significant strides in wireless audio technology. Bluetooth codecs like aptX Adaptive and LDAC continued to push the boundaries of wireless sound quality, bringing it closer than ever to wired fidelity. Personally, I was blown away by the improvement in my listening experience when I upgraded to a pair of headphones with aptX Adaptive. The difference was truly noticeable, especially when streaming high-resolution audio. Spatial Audio’s Immersive Rise: Spatial audio, with its ability to create a 3D soundscape, truly came into its own this year. Apple’s Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos on Apple Music, along with Sony’s 360 Reality Audio, offered immersive listening experiences that redefined how we enjoy music. I remember listening to Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon in spatial audio for the first time, and it felt like I was rediscovering the album. The way the sound enveloped me was simply breathtaking. Vinyl’s Resurgence Continues: Vinyl records continued their impressive comeback in 2024. New turntables, cartridges, and phono preamps flooded the market, catering to a wide range of budgets and preferences. Even mainstream artists embraced the format, with many releasing special vinyl editions of their albums. I finally took the plunge this year and invested in a decent turntable setup, and I haven’t looked back. There’s something truly special about the ritual of listening to vinyl. High-Resolution Audio Streaming Gains Momentum: Streaming services like Tidal and Qobuz, offering high-resolution audio , saw increased adoption. Audiophiles are increasingly demanding higher quality audio, and these services delivered. I’ve been a Tidal subscriber for a while now, and I love the option to stream Master quality recordings. The clarity and detail are simply unmatched by standard streaming services. Looking Ahead to 2025: The Future of Sound Lossless Audio Goes Mainstream: Apple Music’s adoption of lossless audio in 2023 paved the way for wider acceptance of high-fidelity streaming. We can expect more streaming services to follow suit in 2025, making lossless audio the new standard. This is fantastic news for audiophiles, as it means easier access to high-quality music without the need for large local libraries. AI-Powered Audio Personalization: Artificial intelligence is poised to revolutionize the audio experience. We can expect to see AI-powered headphones that automatically adjust sound profiles based on individual preferences and listening environments. Imagine headphones that learn your favorite genres and tailor the sound accordingly! This is an exciting prospect for personalized audio experiences. The Metaverse and Immersive Audio: As the metaverse continues to develop, immersive audio will play a crucial role in creating realistic and engaging virtual environments. Expect to see advancements in binaural audio and spatial sound technologies that transport users to another world. I’m particularly interested in seeing how this technology evolves in the gaming sector, where immersive audio can significantly enhance the gameplay experience. Sustainability in Audio: With growing concerns about environmental impact, the audio industry is likely to focus on sustainability. We can anticipate more eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes in the production of audio equipment. I’m eager to see companies adopt sustainable practices and offer products that are both high-quality and environmentally conscious. The Rise of Independent Audio Brands: While established brands continue to innovate, we can expect to see a rise in independent audio companies offering unique and specialized products. These smaller companies often push the boundaries of audio technology, offering innovative designs and features that cater to niche markets. I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting audio brands, and I think 2025 will be a great year for discovering hidden gems. My Predictions for 2025 2024 was a landmark year for audiophiles, with advancements across various aspects of audio technology. However, 2025 promises to be even more groundbreaking, with AI-powered personalization, immersive soundscapes, and a continued focus on high-fidelity audio. As an audiophile, I’m excited to see how these trends unfold and how they will shape the future of our listening experiences. Bring on the next wave of audio innovation!
JI launches 'Farmers' March' from Mandi Bahauddin today
Black plastic kitchen utensil risks were overstated. But you should still toss them, group saysThe U.S. Department of Agriculture is sending more than $44 million in grants to Minnesota to help people in rural communities’ access high-speed broadband. The funding, which Sen. Tina Smith helped secure through her work on the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, is expected to give more than 5,000 Minnesotans, especially in rural areas, high-speed broadband access across the state and help at least 139 businesses and 368 farms, Smith’s office said. The latest investment comes as as many as 136,000 homes and businesses across the state are said to lack high-speed broadband access. As part of the investment, the USDA awarded Consolidated Telecommunications Co. $11 million to connect as many as 600 homes and dozens of farms and businesses to broadband in Crow Wing and Morrison counties. “It really helps people that want to live in rural areas get the connectivity they need to work and to stream and to do schooling and telehealth,” Andy Isackson, Consolidated Telecommunications Co.’s chief marketing officer told the Minnesota Star Tribune. “It’s still a big challenge that we’re trying to fix in rural America.” MiEnergy Cooperative was awarded more than $28 million in funding to provide high-speed broadband to 55 businesses and 235 farms in Fillmore and Winona counties. The investment is expected to help as many as 2,255 Minnesotans. Additionally, Red River Rural Telephone Association was awarded more than $5 million to help 17 businesses and 55 farms and a school access high-speed broadband in Clay County. The investment is expected to help as many as 482 Minnesotans. “Internet access is not just a luxury in the 21st century, it’s a necessity,” Smith said in a statement. “In Minnesota and across the country, people in rural areas, small towns, and Tribal communities need access to reliable, high-speed internet.” The latest investment from the USDA follows $652 million in federal funding Sen. Amy Klobuchar helped secure last year to expand broadband access across the state. Reporter Kim Hyatt contributed to this report.One of the advantages electric vehicles have is that their batteries can store energy to be used for purposes other than driving. Vehicle-to-grid and vehicle-to-load are some of the terms used to describe this versatility. So, if you have a Ford Lightning , Chevy Silverado EV , or Tesla Cybertruck and your home power goes out, if there is enough electricity in your pickup truck’s battery you can use that to provide electricity to your appliances. On a larger scale and for work and industrial purposes, there is the Mobile Power Station manufactured by DANNAR . Relative to an EV for personal transportation, it is huge and multi-functional. Personally, I like this idea far better than a massive diesel generator which uses a fuel that creates toxic air pollution when combusted, is loud, and smelly. Fossil fuels are also doing a lot of harm to the planet’s atmosphere and climate. Additionally, electric batteries are more energy efficient than diesel generators. Gary Dannar, Founder and CEO of DANNAR, answered some questions about the Mobile Power Station for CleanTechnica . What does MPS mean, and what is the battery on wheels? DANNAR is a global leader in clean energy technology and the pioneer of the Mobile Power Station® (MPS). Founded by Gary Dannar in 2011, DANNAR has established a new category in the developing EV industry as the first-ever self-propelled MPS that serves as both a dynamic heavy work machine with industry-standard hydraulics to power work tools and attachments, as well as an unparalleled energy storage and charging solution. This ‘mega battery on wheels’ is capable of off-road and on road autonomous and semi-autonomous work and is capable of transporting and exporting power for increased energy resiliency through mobile micro-grids. The MPS’ modular design allows it to serve multiple industries across agriculture, utilities, construction, government fleets, airports, emergency response, military and defense, and more. Does it have a drivetrain, or does it need to be trailed? The MPS is a fully integrated battery system and carries its own onboard inverter, liquid cooling system, and BMW-engineered battery packs. This system is on a four-wheel drive chassis and is powered by a highly efficient electric drivetrain. The MPS powertrain includes an oscillating axle, creep and travel modes, selectable 2W and 4W (coordinated or crab), traction control and regenerative braking, and more. The MPS’ top speed is 20 MPH with a drawbar pull of 100,000 pounds with auxiliary brakes and has a 1-mile line of sight Safe Remote Control (SRC). What is the minimum battery capacity and the maximum battery capacity? The DANNAR MPS is available with 250 kWh and is configurable up to 500 kWh depending on the customers’ needs and desired use cases for the MPS. What is the battery chemistry? The DANNAR MPS uses the BMW i3 Li-Ion battery packs. What is the cost? The cost of an MPS is equivalent to a similar-sized construction vehicle or work vehicle you would see at construction sites, used by government fleets, etc. Specific pricing for the MPS is based on the configuration requested by the customer. The MPS is unique in that its modular design allows customers to have a multiple purpose and multi-functional vehicle in one platform. Customers can attach a cab to drive the MPS, a backhoe, mower, and much more based on their needs. Because the MPS is able to perform jobs that would usually take multiple vehicles or machines, this saves the end customer dollars, storage space, and time toward maintaining multiple machines to do the jobs they need. In addition, the MPS can provide solutions to other customers’ needs across electricity output for outdoor events, caps in EV charging, and more. What does the warranty cover? The warranty for the MPS covers defects in the MPS unit across the battery system, power electronics, and other components. The parts and main battery system also come with a warranty, and customers will need to make sure they register their DANNAR MPS to activate the warranty. Who is it intended for? The MPS is intended for customers across a wide variety of industries. Whether you are in construction and are in the process of converting your fleet to full electric, a farmer looking to use a powerhouse EV in your field, to a fleet manager looking for one vehicle that can serve multiple purposes, the MPS can serve virtually anyone. The industries DANNAR is seeing the most interest from are construction, agriculture, fleets, military, utilities, and airports. In general, we are seeing a shift towards EVs, not just in the automotive industry, but also across big machinery. This is because EVs can supply a more constant stream of power, meet sustainability goals, are quieter, and require less maintenance. However, the gap in EV charging is something we cannot ignore. DANNAR is directly solving this gap with their MPS acting as a ‘mega battery on wheels’. The MPS can go off-road and reach massive construction EVs and provide opportunity charging during the work shift, as well as off-hour maximum charging when required. The MPS can also be used as a DC fast charger for vehicles. The options and opportunities to use the MPS are endless, and we are excited to see how the use cases for our modular machine continue to develop. Who are some of your customers currently? DANNAR has customers across the agricultural, military, construction, and fleet industries. For agriculture, we are seeing the MPS used to power their EV farming machinery, but also to help act as the farming machine itself, pulling, watering, and fertilizing attachments without damaging crops. Across construction, we are seeing the MPS used to step in as an additional powerhouse vehicle to being used as the charger for the massive EV construction machines. The military is also exploring similar use cases with the MPS as well. For government fleets, we are seeing customers adopt the MPS to replace multiple pieces of machinery they used to need but can now be replaced with one modular MPS. This saves customers time and dollars across storage, maintenance, and more. In each industry, we are seeing customers continue to evolve how they are using the MPS, and with virtually unlimited attachment options, we at DANNAR are always excited to see how the MPS can be used next. How much does it weigh? The DANNAR MPS weighs up to 22,000 pounds and can carry a payload of about 40,000 pounds. Additionally, the MPS is about the size of a full-sized pickup truck and can fit in most standard parking spaces. How is it recharged, and how long does a full charge take? The DANNAR MPS can be charged in a variety of ways depending on the users’ setup. The MPS can be charged directly from grid connection, through a Level 2 AC input, using a CCS1 Level 3 DC fast charger up to 250 kW, and via 480 3-Phase. The full charge time depends on which charging option users are going with and its battery configuration; however, if the MPS is connected to the grid, it can be charged much quicker. Once the MPS is charged, depending on how customers use the MPS, it will usually be fully functional for multiple days before needing to be recharged. What kind of electrical outputs does it have, and what can it be used to charge? At DANNAR, we like to say the MPS can charge other machines as fast as the machines themselves can handle it. The MPS can export energy via 110 VC Output at 20 amps, 240 VAC 1P NEMA 14-50 Output, SAE-J1772 Level 2 Charger Output up to 9.6 kW. In addition, the platform can also provide a DC fast charging output and can deliver up to 120 kW of power for multiple vehicles at once. The flexibility in the output of energy is also what makes the MPS so attractive to various industries. In fact, multiple MPSs can be tethered together to create a microgrid for backup power and emergency response needs. Is it possible to charge it with solar power? DANNAR’s MPS can be charged using solar power, and the MPS is a great complement to solar in a comprehensive microgrid setup. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when looking to charge the MPS using solar. A microprocessor will be needed to make the process streamlined, as the collection of solar is intermittent. Because of this, the most effective way to ensure an efficient charge is for the solar generation system itself to have its own battery. This will allow the electricity to flow steadily from one battery to another controlled by the microprocessor. CleanTechnica's Comment Policy LinkedIn WhatsApp Facebook X Email Mastodon RedditMADRID (AP) — Spanish King Felipe VI used his traditional Christmas Eve speech to remember the victims of the catastrophic Valencia flash floods , and urged the country to remain calm despite public debates around hot-button issues such as immigration and housing affordability. In a pre-recorded speech that usually reviews the year's most relevant issues, Felipe said Spain “must never forget the pain and sadness" the flood have caused. The Oct. 29 floods killed more than 225 people in eastern Spain, damaging countless homes and leaving graveyards of cars piled on top of each other. In some towns, the heavy downpours that caused the floods dropped as much as a year's worth of rain in just eight hours. In early November, as Spaniards' shock at the wreckage turned into frustration, a political blame game began, directed especially at regional authorities who failed to send timely emergency alerts to cell phones on the day of the floods. The frustration of residents in hard-hit Paiporta near Valencia was on display when people tossed mud and shouted insults at the king and government officials in early November when they made their first visit to the town. “We have seen — and understood — the frustration, the pain, the impatience, the demands for greater and more effective coordination," Felipe said about how the disaster was managed, adding that he had asked that aid be sent to everyone who needed it. He also addressed the country's housing crunch and high rents, which have become a leading concern in this European Union country that is the eurozone's fourth-largest economy. Fast-rising rents are especially acute in cities like Barcelona and Madrid, where incomes have failed to keep up, especially for younger people in a country with chronically high unemployment. Felipe urged that “all the actors involved reflect” and "listen to each other” so that they facilitate bringing access to housing under “affordable conditions.” Spain's immigration debate should keep in mind the country's European partners and immigrants' countries of origin, Felipe said, warning that “the way in which we are able to address immigration ... will say a lot in the future about our principles and the quality of our democracy.” Felipe said Spain need to remain calm in the public sphere, even in the face of a “sometimes thunderous” contest in its politics.
December 6, 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 proofread by Mid Sweden University Punjab is the epicenter of stubble burning in India. Although the majority of residents are aware of the harmful effects of burning crop waste, it is still a widespread practice, with serious consequences for health, household expenditures and the environment. "One of the most notable findings was that migrant agricultural workers , who stay in the region only during seed cultivation time, reported better health than the residents of the stubble burning areas. This suggests that exposure to stubble burning may play a significant role in deteriorating the health of the local population," says Koustuv Dalal, project leader, senior health economist and professor of public health, at Mid Sweden University. The report " Insights and Realism of Stubble Burning in India: Health Economics Analyses " results from a collaborative project between Mid Sweden University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar. The project has deepened the understanding of the social, economic, environmental and health consequences of stubble burning in Punjab, India. "Our research shows that stubble burning has far-reaching consequences for air quality and people's quality of life. We discovered that the health-related quality of life is so low in the region that the results indicate a need for extensive efforts to improve both health and the environment," says Professor Dalal. The research studies, conducted in four districts of Punjab, measured emissions from stubble burning and analyzed its effects on water and soil quality. In addition, focus groups and interviews evaluated the residents' health, economy, awareness, and perception. The report states that stubble burning can be linked to a number of health problems, such as coughing, breathing problems, allergic reactions, cancers, and indigestion problems. Students report that they are affected in their daily activities , and infertility in the core areas of problem areas of the region has increased significantly. In addition to the health effects, a majority of families report spending more than 10% of their household expenditure on health care costs , underscoring very high financial burdens. "It is critical that policy makers and communities in Punjab adopt a holistic approach to preventing stubble burning. Our research points to the potential of alternative methods such as subsidized machinery, development of markets for straw as raw material and diversification of crops, especially Basmati rice production," says Professor Dalal. With the report, the researchers hope to help create community engagement and increase capacity to reduce the harmful effects of stubble burning in Punjab and other regions of India. "By combining technical solutions and society-driven awareness, one can take a step towards cleaner air and better health for future generations. The study has immense importance in the current scenario as the stubble burning is increasingly becoming a global problem igniting more greenhouse gases," concludes Professor Koustuv Dalal. More information: Report: Insights and Realism of Stubble Burning in India: Health Economics Analyses Provided byMid Sweden University
Ardelyx chief development officer sells $34,443 in stockMOSCOW, DECEMBER 25, 2024 — RT Documentary presents its new film, Russia’s Avant-Guardians, exploring how modern trends in music, cinema and arts in general find a way into the traditional life of Russia’s ethnic minorities. The documentary will premiere on January 1, 2025, airing on RTDoc in English, RT Д in Russian, and streaming on rt.doc. Film director Natalya Kadyrova explains, “There are five stories in the film. We have selected the most impressive ones out of all the projects we have found across our vast country.” Russian indigenous music group Otyken mixes local folk music with modern pop and produces memorable video clips featuring lush costumes that combine folk and fantasy elements. The group boasts of millions of views on streaming platforms, and in 2024, Otyken provided sound track for the annual Moscow Fashion Week show. Khanty-Mansiysk-based fashion designer Irina Satygina used AI to create her innovative collection of warm clothes, Mansi Hoodie . “When I was a little girl, I saw people wear traditional clothes in streets, and it defined the life in the North. They wore ornaments made of beads, reindeer shoes. I would like to bring back the magic of traditional clothing to modern people’s life by combining the traditions and new technologies we now have,” she said. A groups of artists in the Republic of Tatarstan established a movement they call ethnic avant guard 20 years ago. They call themselves avant-guardians and see their mission in creating art galleries in small villages and donating their works to the local people. Film critics have hailed Yakutian cinema a new Russian cultural brand, which keeps garnering international awards and captivating global audiences. “In Yakutia, local films outperform blockbusters like Spider-Man or The Matrix at the box office,” notes Yakutian filmmaker Sandal Baishev. A white wedding dress inspired by traditional ceremonial attire has breathed new life into an entire industry. Designer Madina Saralp reflects, “We’re seeing a phenomenal revival of interest in national costumes. It’s a way to counter globalization through fashion and stay true to our identity.” Russia’s Avant-Guardians will premiere on January 1, 2025, airing on RTDoc in English, RTД in Russian, and streaming for free on rt.doc. About rt.doc RT’s newly launched online documentary platform, rt.doc ( https://rtdoc.tv/ ), is the first free streaming service showcasing documentaries from around the world. It currently offers over 700 films in Russian and English, including productions by RT, the MovieStart film collection, the St. Petersburg Diary series, and works by independent Russian documentary studios and filmmakers from Asia and Africa. About RTDoc RT Documentary TV channel (RTDoc) has produced over 1,000 documentaries since its launch, many of which have earned prestigious awards such as the New York Festivals, Telly Awards, and OMNI Intermedia Awards. For more information, visit https://doc.rt.com/ .
The Vancouver Canucks continued their homestand on Tuesday night with a 4-3 overtime loss to the St. Louis Blues in Thatcher Demko's first game since April. Vancouver put up a strong effort in the loss, but couldn't find a way to finish it off in overtime as Dylan Holloway picked up his tenth goal of the season for St. Louis. After the game, Rick Tocchet met with the media, as he always does, but this time seemed pretty irritated with a question regarding Swedish forward Elias Pettersson. Rick Tocchet irked by question from Farhan Lalji about Elias Pettersson During his post-game media conference, Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet was asked about Elias Pettersson and how he was able to elevate his game in the absence of J.T. Miller. He added, 'I don't know what else to say. You guys are obsessed with Petey huh? It's Petey, Petey, Petey every game.' When Farhan Lalji mentions about Elias Pettersson's salary and the expectation that comes with making that much money, Rick Tocchet replied with: Dan Riccio of Canucks Central believes that questions will remain until Elias Pettersson hits his full stride, especially when he has just three goals at five-on-five. Pettersson has turned a corner in the last month and is nearly a point-per-game player, registering 26 (eight goals, 18 assists) in 27 games. While Elias Pettersson might not be scoring at the rate you'd expect at five-on-five, he'll get there, but it might be a struggle to record his fourth-straight 30+ goal season. This article first appeared on Canucks Daily and was syndicated with permission.
The Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) has announced the launch of an alliance within the BRICS group aimed at joint development of Artificial Intelligence (AI). RDIF chief executive, Kirill Dmitriev made the announcement on Wednesday on the sidelines of the AI Journey conference in Moscow. Over 20 companies from six of the bloc’s member-states (Russia, China, India, Brazil, Iran and the UAE) have already joined the BRICS+AI alliance. Among the 50+ companies reportedly in favour of creating an alliance are universities, medical companies, pharmaceutical developers, financial infrastructure developers, telecommunications innovators, manufacturers of electric batteries and of semiconductors, according to Dmitriev. The new alliance will focus on digital technologies in the public and commercial sectors, according to RDIF. “This is particularly important given the fact that many Western countries are seeking to limit the access of BRICS to AI technologies,” Dmitriev said, underlining the “important role” of the new alliance. The alliance could ensue that the BRICS group develops AI technologies “faster and more powerfully,” through joint developments, the RDIF chief executive stressed. RDIF is Russia’s sovereign wealth fund created by the government in 2011 to make investments in companies of high-growth sectors of the Russian economy. The idea of creating BRICS+AI alliance was presented to Russian President Vladimir Putin during the BRICS Kazan Summit in October. Addressing the AI conference on Wednesday, Putin said that the development of the technology is crucial for Russia’s scientific and ideological sovereignty, while stressing the country’s readiness to partner internationally with innovators. BRICS was initially comprised of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and expanded when Egypt, Iran, Ethiopia, and the United Arab Emirates officially became members on January 1, 2024. Last month, Russian ally Belarus announced that it had also officially become a BRICS partner country. Such status has been also awarded to Indonesia, according to Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Pankin. ‘Partner country’ status provides for permanent participation in special sessions of BRICS summits and foreign ministers’ meetings, as well as other high-level events. Partners can also contribute to the group’s outcome documents. Bolivian Foreign Minister Celinda Sosa Lunda revealed in November that her nation had received an invitation from Russia to become a partner country of BRICS, saying they “responded positively to the invitation.” The list of aspiring partners has not been officially announced, but media reports have also mentioned Algeria, Cuba, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Türkiye, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam as potential candidates.
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