CAMM2 memory modules promise significant advancements in memory technology with impressive read and write speeds

• TeamGroup claims CAMM2 memory promises high-speed DDR5 performance
• Revolutionary design offers dual-channel operation in a single module
• Limited motherboard compatibility poses challenges for CAMM2 adoption

---

TeamGroup has introduced its Compression Attached Memory Module 2 (CAMM2), promising high-speed DDR5 performance with its new T-Create lineup.

The company says CAMM2 features a revolutionary design that offers significant advantages over traditional memory types like SO-DIMM, U-DIMM, and R-DIMM. It supports dual-channel operation with just one module, streamlining system architecture and lowering power consumption.

The built-in Client Clock Driver (CKD) boosts signal integrity, making CAMM2 well-suited for slim notebooks while its optimized thermal design enhances heat dissipation, allowing higher performance despite the smaller form factor.

CAMM2-compatible motherboards are very scarce

The T-Create CAMM2 modules are designed with DDR5-7200 specifications and a CAS latency of CL34-42-42-84, delivering remarkable read, write, and copy speeds of up to 117GB/s, 108GB/s, and 106GB/s, respectively.

This performance is achieved through manual overclocking, which has driven latency down to 55ns, a significant reduction compared to typical DDR5 JEDEC specifications. TeamGroup is now focused on pushing boundaries and the company says it is working to achieve even faster speeds, aiming to reach DDR5-8000 and even DDR5-9000 in future iterations.

One major setback for TeamGroup lies in the availability of CAMM2-compatible motherboards, which are currently limited. The T-Create CAMM2 memory was tested on MSI’s Z790 Project Zero, one of the few boards currently compatible with this new form factor.

Other brands, such as Gigabyte, hint at possible CAMM2-enabled designs, like an upcoming TACHYON board. However, the CAMM2 ecosystem is still emerging, and widespread adoption may depend on the release of more compatible boards and competitive pricing.

Nevertheless, TeamGroup expects to launch the first-generation T-Create CAMM2 modules by Q1 2025, with broader motherboard support potentially arriving as manufacturers introduce new CPU platforms. With AMD and Intel rumoured to announce budget-friendly CPUs at CES 2025, the rollout of mid-range boards compatible with CAMM2 could align with TeamGroup’s release plans, potentially helping CAMM2 secure a foothold in the market.

CAMM2 offers a couple of advantages over the widely used SO-DIMM, UDIMM, and RDIMM standards. Notably, CAMM2 modules operate in dual-channel mode while only occupying a single physical slot. Furthermore, they incorporate a Client Clock Driver (CKD), similar to CUDIMM memory, which bolsters signal integrity at high speeds, allowing for more reliable and faster memory performance.

These features make CAMM2 particularly appealing for laptops, which often face limitations with current SO-DIMM speeds or non-upgradeable LPDDR5/5X options.

Via Tom's Hardware

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Fake parcel delivery texts are the fastest-growing phishing scam this holiday season – here’s how to avoid them

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• Fake text message alerts claim to be from legitimate courier service
• URL requests personal or financial information to arrange redelivery
• If in doubt, go to the official website and enter your tracking number

---

A new survey has revealed the fastest-growing type of scam and it’s probably one you’ve already received this month: a fake parcel delivery alert sent by text message.

According to research published by NatWest, a UK bank, fake delivery alerts are the fastest-growing con of 2024. The study combines industry data with feedback from a survey of 2,000 British adults.

These messages, delivered to your mobile phone by SMS, claim to be from a courier service. They state that a package delivery has been attempted and needs to be rescheduled. They then prompt the recipient to click a link.

This malicious URL leads to a phishing website designed to look legitimate. It will ask for personal details and usually request a fee payment to arrange the fictitious redelivery. If users submit their information here, including login credentials or credit card details, cybercriminals will be able to use them for fraudulent purposes, including purchases.

Companies commonly impersonated in examples we’ve seen include FedEx, DHL and UPS. Because it’s common to receive real redelivery alerts by SMS, it’s easy to be fooled by an apparently convincing message. It’s also easier to fake an SMS alert, because it contains fewer words and doesn’t include a logo.

The scheme uses tactics common to most phishing scams. The message creates a sense urgency, as most people will want to respond to a missed package and arrange its redelivery as soon as possible. They might also receive and read the SMS when they are away from home and distracted, meaning they don’t pay enough attention to whether it is legitimate.

The scam is particularly effective at this time of year, because many people will be expecting genuine deliveries ahead of the festive season. The scam also relies on emotional manipulation: a lot of these packages will contain presents for love ones, so people will be particularly keen to ensure that they are safely delivered.

As a result, recipients of the SMS may act quickly to resolve the apparent issue. This could cause them to overlook inconsistencies in the message, such as the lack of tracking number.

How to stay safe

Some examples of the kinds of scam 'missed parcel' SMS text messages you might see this holiday season (credit: National Cyber Security Centre). (Image credit: National Cyber Security Centre)

As with any SMS message or email you receive which claims to be from a real company, the most important step is to stop and think before clicking on a link. Be alert to tell-tale signs of a phishing scam, particularly any urgent requests for personal or financial information.

Stuart Skinner, a Fraud Expert from NatWest, advises people: “Think about it: would a real delivery company ask you to follow a link and make a payment?”

This statement from FedEx reflects the position of most courier services: “FedEx does not request, via unsolicited mail, email, or text, any personal information pertaining to your account credentials or identity.”

Once you’ve paused for thought, consider the details in the message and ask yourself a few questions. Are you expecting a delivery? If so, which company is handling that delivery? You should have received a confirmation when you placed your order, which should tell you the courier service and tracking number. If those don’t match up, then you’ve received a fake message.

You should also look out for grammatical errors in the message, as well as misspelled website addresses or variations of real URLs. If you’re uncertain about a link, don’t click it. Instead, head directly to the courier service’s official website and input your tracking number. This ensures you’re seeing genuine information about your package, including whether any action is required.

Most couriers offer advice about how to avoid fake delivery scams. For example, DHL states: “If you don't recognize the sender and don't expect the email or text message, there's a chance you're phishing.”

The United States Postal Inspection Service echoes this advice: “If you suspect the text message you have received is suspicious but are expecting a parcel, please do not click on any links. Rather, report it and visit USPS.com from your mobile device or computer for tracking and additional resources..”

UPS has a similar recommendation: “If you are unsure of the validity of a text, do not click or select any links or open any attachments as they may contain a virus.”

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Google Chrome is testing a new AI tool that scans for scams to help save you from online trickery

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• Google Chrome is testing a new AI-powered scam detection feature
• It seemingly uses an on-device Large Language Model (LLM) to maintain user privacy
• AI-driven safety tools, including scam detection, help to fight the rise of AI-powered threats online

---

The world’s most popular browser, Google Chrome, is experimenting with a new AI-powered tool designed to help you avoid online scams.

The feature is currently being tested and apparently uses AI tech, specifically a Large Language Model (LLM) on the device, to analyze web pages and determine if they seem suspicious or scam-related.

This development was spotted by Leopeva64 on X, who regularly highlights web browser features which are being tested. What they actually discovered was a flag that can be enabled called ‘Client Side Detection Brand and Intent for Scam Detection,’ which is present in the latest version of Chrome’s experimental browser, Canary.

It looks like Chrome will also use AI to detect scams, there's a new flag in Canary that suggests this:https://t.co/uQb84zbqeW pic.twitter.com/7CyK5y4gtODecember 19, 2024

The new flag leverages an on-device LLM to investigate the content of any given web page and figure out what it's trying to do, and whether that content falls in line with the website’s supposed purpose or brand.

This is explained in the flag’s description, which reads: “Enables on-device LLM (large language model) output on pages to inquire for brand and intent of the page.”

(Image credit: Robinraj Premchand from Pixabay)

On device is key to privacy

One key detail about this process is that it uses an on-device LLM, which means that the analysis of web pages happens on your device (as opposed to in the cloud somewhere, which would involve sending your browsing data to a third-party). In short, this means your data will stay private.

To try this feature out, you would have to install the latest Google Chrome Canary release, which is not something I’d generally recommend, unless you’re really keen (if so, you can follow Neowin’s advice on how to enable the new flag).

This is the latest in a series of AI-powered tools coming to Chrome, which also includes a ‘Store reviews’ feature that’s currently in testing. This capability uses AI to summarize reviews from platforms like Trustpilot or ScamAdvisor, helping users quickly check if an online store is reliable.

As ever, we don’t know if features in testing will make it through to release, but it’s likely these will - Google is keen on building out AI powers for its browser, and I expect we’ll see this scam warning system rolled out before too long. Unless the Google Chrome team finds some good reasons to go back to the drawing board.

Even though Chrome is the dominant web browser by a long way, Google shouldn’t rest on its laurels, and I think it’s very savvy of the company to keep improving its browser to stay in pole position. And with scammers and hostile actors now having AI-powered tools at their disposal, it’s good to see Google (hopefully) bringing LLMs in to help defend Chrome users from the unwanted attention of these nefarious types.

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Last-Minute Gift Ideas If Your Only Option Is the Drug Store

Well, well, well. The hour is nigh, and you’re in need of a last-minute gift. Perhaps you procrastinated a “Secret Santa” gift exchange, or you’ve been blessed with an unexpected guest, now in need of a present so they don’t feel left out. It’s too late for even the fastest online delivery, and most viable in-person store options are already closed. All that’s left to do is invent an excuse to get out of the house and proceed to sprint to your local 24-hour drug store.

Luckily, the last-minute drug store dash needn’t be as dire as it sounds. With a little ingenuity, you can whip up a quick, budget-friendly gift for that special (or not-so-special) someone.

I’ve carefully categorized your gift options into three tiers. The first is for gift-givers willing to shell out a little extra cash in their panic in order to create something somewhat personalized. The second tier includes single-item purchases that are simply passable gift options. The third tier is a warning.

Tier one: DIY signature collections

Like a chef turning baskets of mystery ingredients into a three-course meal on Chopped, this category of gifts is all about your innovation. In these DIY arrangements, the sum is greater than its parts, which should all be available at most chain drug stores. Here are some of our ideas for themed collections, but feel free to customize at your convenience.

• Movie night: Popcorn. Funky popcorn toppings. Candy. Hot chocolate. Fuzzy socks. A little slip of paper with your Netflix login. You can’t go wrong with a cozy movie-night theme.

• Treat yo’ self: Think spa day materials, like face masks, nail polish, and bath bombs. Throw in a candle to help set the pampering vibe.

• Health and wellness: Browse around for gummy vitamins, supplements, protein powder, and whatever else catches your eye in the fitness aisle. Be warned: This one can quickly get expensive. (Plus, we believe that vitamins are mostly useless, even if they’re personalized.)

• The Jetsetter: Pick from the array of travel-sized must-haves, including ear plugs and perhaps even a neck pillow (with a note about how to wear it right).

• The Techie: Head to the electronics section and go wild with whatever gadgets are available and within your price range. Portable chargers and speakers are quality gifts in their own right.

Tier two: It’s the thought that counts

These items aren’t necessarily bad gifts, but many will be easily detected as a last-minute purchase. The success of tier two drug store gifts will come down to the charm of the gift-giver and the chill factor of the recipient.

• Gift cards

• Candles

• Cosmetic bags

• Therapeutic massager

• Jewelry

• Insulated mugs

• Calendars or planners

• Notebooks

• Coffee/tea bundles

• Wine and a corkscrew (depending on your state’s liquor laws)

• Picture frames

• Electronics, like ear buds or portable chargers

Tier three: “Gifts” that will do more harm than good

Hey, buddy. All is lost, huh? Personally, I recommend a white lie about an imaginary gift that didn’t arrive in time. Unless you’re confident you can pull off a gag gift, proceed with caution should you opt to gift someone anything from the list below.

• Lottery tickets

• Command strips

• Batteries

• Pregnancy test

• Beef jerky

• Laxatives

• A toilet plunger

• Laxatives and a toilet plunger tied together with a bow

There you have it. If you have access to a drug store, you should be able to pull together a last-minute gift with moderate success.

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Government employees are still using Kaspersky despite the ban

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• Kaspersky products have only seen a 58% decline in use in the US
• The software was banned nearly 3 months ago
• 19 Government agencies still use the software

---

Kaspersky was banned in the US in September this year, but that hasn’t stopped workers from multiple government agencies from continuing to use Kaspersky products. New research from Bitsight has revealed that the Russia-based antivirus firm still has a surprising number of customers within the US government.

It's been nearly 3 months since Kaspersky products were banned from use in the US after national security concerns rose surrounding the Russian firm, despite consistent denials of any Kremlin influence from the organisation. However, research shows that 40% of government agencies are still using Kaspersky products.

In fact, so many users are still active that the US remains the firm’s largest customer, with 19 government agencies actively using the software. Kaspersky is no longer allowed to sell or update its antivirus software in the US, but this has only led to a 58% decline in the use of the products.

Unacceptable national security risk

Elsewhere, in countries like the UK, Italy, and Germany, warnings have been issued against the products, but no outright bans have been put in place. Despite this, Germany has seen a 69% decline in usage, so this has been arguably more effective.

Many Kaspersky customers had their antivirus products forcibly replaced with partner software UltraAV, meaning there has been a significant global decline in the use of the firm's software since the ban.

This isn’t the first time Kaspersky software has been found in use after the ban took effect, with some users reporting that they weren’t concerned about data theft and were unwilling to blindly trust the US government on this issue, with others simply unwilling to waste the money they had already spent.

If the trend continues, it looks likely that Kaspersky products will be virtually out of use in the future, but it may take a few months.

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The Best Gifts for the Person Who Has Everything

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As I've ranted about before, the art of gift-giving isn't about finding the most objectively impressive item, but about communicating love, understanding, and personal investment. Which is all well and good, until the holidays come around, and you need to actually find something to slap a bow on. What do you get someone who seems to always buy what they want for themselves?

To find the perfect present for someone who seems to have it all, you need to try and find something they didn't even know they wanted. So before you add another gift card to their gift card pile, consider these thought-starters for your pickiest loved ones.

Give an experience

For the person who buys whatever they want for themselves as soon as they want it, shift your gifting focus to experiences. Sure, this is an obvious choice. But you can still be intentional and get creative with it. Book a local cooking class, wine tasting, pottery workshop, concert tickets, or other events you know match their interests. If we're going by "it's the thought that counts" logic, the effort of giving events and activities is a much more meaningful thought than material goods.

Subscription boxes

For eclectic personalities who enjoy surprises, subscription-box services make fantastic ongoing gifts, especially monthly ones that they'll continue to enjoy in the months following Christmas. There are a ton of different subscription boxes out there that deliver curated items like books, coffee, healthy snacks, or even exotic meats and alcohol. You pay for a recurring shipment for a set period—like three, six or 12 months—in which they'll receive items tailored to the recipient's unique tastes.

Consider a flower subscription service for the eco-conscious, an Atlas coffee club subscription for the caffeine addicts in your life, or perhaps a snazzy Japanese snack box.

Travel (or travel gifts)

Travel-themed gifts provide a wide window of ideas for what to get someone. If your budget allows, surprise that frequent jet-setter or travel lover with elements of a trip, like plane tickets, hotel bookings, or even full travel packages. Or get creative with travel accessories:

• Monogrammed luggage tags, $29.99

• Travel bags to keep your shoes clean, $18.99

• Collapsible water bottle, $9.99

• Electronics organizer travel case, $19.99

Electronics Organizer Travel Case

$19.99 at Amazon

$19.99 at Amazon

Fancy consumables

Lifehacker's Alice Bradley got a Murray's Cheese gift basket last year and "lost [her] dang mind." Cheese, candles, napkins—think elevated versions of everyday stuff, like cashmere socks ($25.99) or fancy hand soap ($29.99).

Home and Body Hand Soap Collection

$34.95 at Amazon

$34.95 at Amazon

An emphasis on cozy

If this is a person who already has everything, why not add some accoutrements to their life of luxury?

• Calming candles set, $16.99. After the candles are burned, these jars are pretty enough to be recycled into plant pots or jewelry holders.

• Aromatherapy shower steamers, $16.99. Relaxing, refreshing, and great for guests.

• A decked-out picnic basket backpack, $59.99. Hopefully you get invited on the picnic day.

Picnic Basket Backpack

$59.99 at Amazon

$59.99 at Amazon

Get weird with it

Hey, if you have nothing to lose, why not take a big swing?

• Microwaveable heated slippers. The ultimate comfort gift for cold days. And delicious once warmed up! Just kidding. Please don't eat them. Available for $30.99.

• Stress-relief squeeze toys. Cute and functional stress-busters. Make sure to share a knowing look with your fellow weary coworkers on this one. This fidget toy for adults is $24.99, or the significantly sillier "calma llama" is $13.99.

• LED bluetooth beanie. It's a great move for a gift exchange: Perfect for music lovers, cold weather, and it satisfies the need for something unique. I mean, I'd be shocked if anyone owned one of these of their own volition. Get one for $30.99.

For more, I rounded up some more quirky gifts that don't suck here.

Charitable donations

A charitable donation gifted in someone's name can be meaningful for do-gooders and people passionate about social causes. You can choose a monetary amount or symbolic adoption of animals or trees through various nonprofit organizations. Print out a custom certificate to give the recipient announcing your donation made in honor of them.

Lifehacker managing editor Meghan Walbert recommends One Simple Wish, an organization that allows you to grant wishes for kids in foster care. Another option is to plant a tree in someone's name, which you can do here.

And hey—if they're a stinker about a charitable gift, then they should reflect on why they're so hard to buy gifts for in the first place. But hopefully, with a little extra thoughtfulness and creativity, you can make even the pickiest on your holiday shopping nice list light up.

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Prime Video renews Secret Level for season 2, and I hope it levels up its gaming anthology series next time around

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• Secret Level will return to Prime Video for season 2
• Right now, no release date, cast, or story details have been revealed
• The news comes after more episodes dropped on the streamer yesterday (December 17)

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Secret Level is getting a second season on Prime Video, even though its first season has received a mixed response from critics and fans. Nevertheless, one of the best streaming services has decided to commission more episodes following the release of season 1's final few entries yesterday (December 17).

We don't have a confirmed release date for season 2 yet, and we also don't know if any of the big stars from season 1 will return in potential sequels to the standalone stories.

The first season features plenty of big names including Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kevin Hart, and Keanu Reeves, all of whom provided voices for an anthology series that celebrates the world of gaming, with episodes based on the likes of Dungeons & Dragons, Sifu, New World, Unreal Tournament, and Warhammer 40,000 all appearing.

What has been the response to Secret Level season 1?

Currently, Secret Level season 1 has a 67% Rotten Tomatoes critical score, meaning it's not eligible to appear on our best Prime Video shows list. Indeed, reviewers haven't been overly impressed, with TechRadar's very own senior entertainment reporter Tom Power criticizing the series in our weekly round-up on December 13, saying: "I've seen all 15 episodes and, while I can vouch for how gorgeous some of them look and the intriguing stories they tell, many of them come across as hollow, cash-grab-esque advertisements".

Adding further fuel to the "not good enough" fire, it's received five "rotten" scores from critics on the reviews aggregation website as well. So, while audiences seemed happy enough to give it a 'Popcornmeter' score of 82%, it hasn't done enough to win over critics.

Still, there's always room for improvement and I'm interested to see if season 2 will make it onto our best Prime Video shows list now that its chief creative team has had feedback from gamers worldwide everywhere. Over to you, Amazon and Blur Studio.

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'Gather Around Cocktails' Is the Best Book for Party Drink Recipes

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Welcome to “Cookbook of the Week.” This is a series where I highlight cookbooks that are unique, easy to use, or just special to me. While finding a particular recipe online serves a quick purpose, flipping through a truly excellent cookbook has a magic all its own. 

I am obsessed with the winter holiday season. It feeds into all of my slightly unhealthy tendencies—shopping, snacking, use of glitter—and gives them space to flourish for four to six weeks. One more of my great seasonal passions is holiday entertaining with festive cocktails. Not the brooding G&T or fluttery Aperol spritz but cocktails that function as a treat—ones that are celebratory, ones that require loved ones to be gathered ‘round. You can probably understand why my choice for Cookbook of the Week, at this point in December, is Gather Around Cocktails. 

About the book

While I chose this with the holiday season in mind, this cocktail book isn’t just centered around beverages for winter holidays, but has loads of “drinks to celebrate usual and unusual holidays” too. You can find the right cocktail for a Groundhog Day party, a Purim Rager, May the Fourth, or even mocktails for Dry January. 

The author, Aaron Goldfarb, describes himself as “a Brooklyn husband and dad who likes to throw a great party.” Most of that, I can relate to. (I’m a Brooklyn mother of two cat-children.) This cocktail book doesn’t waste any time getting to the good stuff, either. Goldfarb has a short preamble in the front, mostly describing what you’re about to jump into, and kicks it off with a syrups and sweeteners section that you’ll be directed back to throughout the pages. 

Goldfarb’s creativity and obvious inclination toward being silly and having fun with your beverages is what really sold me on this collection of repeatable cocktail recipes. In the section For Hanukkah Menorah Lighting, he has a Jelly Doughnut Beertail, which looks tempting, followed up on the next page with The Rum Fire Shots Menorah. It is a stack of shots mimicking the shape of a menorah. They are all on fire. It’s incredible. 

Credit: Allie Chanthorn Reinmann/Gather Around Cocktails

A great cocktail book for someone who celebrates every occasion

You know the type: Your mother-in-law who is always throwing a party; your nephew who celebrated National Grilled Cheese Day last month and National Dalmatians with Bowties Day last week. Anyone from New Orleans. There are some folks who can find joy in all occasions, big and small, and this is a book that seems to have been written for them. Obviously, if they like alcohol then they’ll get a lot more out of it. 

The recipes you can expect 

You won’t find boring recipes in Gather Around Cocktails. There seems to be a little twist with every recipe; something that makes you think, “Ooh I didn’t expect that.” You must expect to put a little work in with making the occasional syrup, and having an adventurous palate will help, as well. Each recipe has the serving size written at the top right, the type of party it’s matched for (like A New Year’s Eve Blowout or New Year’s Day Gathering) on the top left, and a headnote with useful tips, and an easy to read recipe. This formatting makes it a breeze to flip through as you look for your occasion, and if you’ll need to scale up the recipe or not. 

Gather Around Cocktails has an array of batch sizes too, from single-servings to massive batches—such as Ponche Navideño, which serves 16 to 24 cocktails. I rather like those options because having a group of friends over might be a party of four, or a bash for 20. With this book you don’t have to math your way up and calculate dilution for a large party; you can just choose among the batched recipes. Likewise, you don’t have to reverse it for just one serving. 

Like eggnog, for example. (Foreshadowing!)

The drink I made this week

I dive headfirst into the Christmas season, and surprisingly, this book doesn’t start with January holidays; it starts with winter ones. I didn’t have to go far to find the most Christmas-y drink: eggnog. Goldfarb kicks things off with his Homemade Eggnog recipe, and it looks fluffy and delicious. Sadly, it is for 10 to 15 people, and I am just one. Well it seems like Aaron Goldfarb has had this happen to him before too. because the next pages are replete with single-serving eggnog recipes and notes about eggnog from other countries. 

Once I discovered Spiced Mexican Chocolate Nog, I knew I had arrived. “Makes one cocktail.” Perfect. I scanned the six-part ingredient list and got to work. I’m not vegan, and I have no problem drinking raw eggs, but I had an open can of coconut milk in the fridge that I’ve been trying to use up. Plus, Masala Chai blend is an ingredient in this cocktail and I simply cannot resist.

The only hesitation I had was that the main alcohol used is mezcal, which I don’t normally go for. However, I trust coconut milk’s power to tame harsh flavors so I went along with the recipe. I’m glad I did. This is a holiday nog I would gladly make again for myself or batch up for others. The smoky notes from the mezcal play nicely with the chai seasoning and chocolate bitters, while the coconut milk mellows everything out with its fats, and of course, brings in a delicious flavor of its own. 

It’s listed as a good cocktail for a Vegan Christmas Bash, and I couldn’t agree more. The coconut milk is beautifully thick and velvety, something you’d normally get from the egg and heavy cream. I didn’t miss those ingredients at all. Plus, if you’re a coconut lover then you’re bound to be smitten, vegan or not.

How to buy it

Now is a great time to grab a copy of Gather Around Cocktails. Do a practice run this coming week and settle on which cocktail best fits your New Year’s Eve party. For additional party inspiration, check out my write up of Batch Cocktails for even larger party prepping.  

Gather Around Cocktails: Drinks to Celebrate Usual and Unusual Holidays (The Hosting Hacks Series)

$20.55 at Amazon

$20.55 at Amazon

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Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra rumored features: the key tipped upgrades on the S25 Ultra

The Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra is likely to live up to its name as a top-tier smartphone, but will it also be packed full of new and improved features?

Based on the tips and rumors we've heard so far, we’re expecting a bit of a mix here – with some major improvements and some things staying much the same as on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

But it’s those new and improved things that we’re focused on in this article, so below, you’ll find the most substantial upgrades we’re expecting from the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

More megapixels for your widest shots

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The camera setup on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is already superb, but the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra’s camera system could be even better, with multiple rumors suggesting this phone will have a new 50MP ultra-wide camera.

That would be a big jump in megapixels, as the current model has just a 12MP ultra-wide camera, so this change could lead to dramatically more detailed ultra-wide shots.

That will come in handy whenever you want to fit a lot into an image, and will hopefully bring this snapper more in line with the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s main camera.

Extra RAM for AI

Circle to Search on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

AI is likely to become an increasingly important part of smartphones over the next few years, so it’s sure to be a big focus with the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, and one way that could manifest is in extra RAM.

While having a lot of RAM can help with all sorts of things, it’s particularly important for AI, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that Samsung is rumored to be increasing on the 12GB of RAM in the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra to 16GB in the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

That said, one tip suggests the base model of the Galaxy S25 Ultra will still only have 12GB, meaning you’d have to pay for a higher storage capacity if you want 16GB. If you want to make heavy use of AI though and want it to be as fast and smooth as possible, then that could be worth the investment.

A top-end chipset to deliver peak performance

Call of Duty: Mobile on the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

If the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra does have more RAM than its predecessor then that should help ensure it’s more powerful. But what will help even more is a new, top-end chipset, and that’s almost certainly what it will get, with most leaks suggesting the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will be equipped with a Snapdragon 8 Elite chipset.

The Snapdragon 8 Elite has performed extremely well in benchmarks, with scores that in many cases beat even the A18 Pro in the iPhone 16 Pro Max. So if the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra does have this chipset – as is looking very likely – then it could be exceptionally powerful.

Magnetic wireless charging

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

As well as possibly beating the iPhone 16 Pro Max when it comes to power, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could match its clever charging capabilities, by having a MagSafe-like system of its own.

According to one rumor, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra will support Qi2 magnetic wireless charging, which is a very similar tech to MagSafe. This would mean you could magnetically attach wireless chargers and other accessories (such as tripods and battery packs) to the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra.

Notably though we’ve elsewhere heard that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might just work with a line of cases that have magnets built in instead, which wouldn’t be quite as slick, and we’re not certain which information is right.

A bigger screen than ever

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra’s screen is already massive at 6.8 inches, but according to the rumors so far, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra could have an even larger 6.9-inch display.

This is unlikely to make a drastic difference, but if the bezels are reduced too – as is likely – then it won’t necessarily make the overall footprint of the phone much bigger, and that small amount of extra space could benefit movies, games, and anything else where bigger is better.

A refined and refreshed design

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Even before you turn it on, there could be some obvious changes on the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, with reports suggesting the S25 Ultra will have much curvier corners than the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

That could help it fit in visually more with the rest of the Samsung Galaxy S25 line, and might also make it more comfortable to hold (at least if you hold it in such a way that the corners dig into your hand).

But that’s not all, we’ve also heard that the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra might have smaller bezels than any other phone, which could leave it looking exceptionally high-end.

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Slim-Llama is an LLM ASIC processor that can tackle 3-bllion parameters while sipping only 4.69mW - and we'll find out more on this potential AI game changer very soon

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• Slim-Llama reduces power needs using binary/ternary quantization
• Achieves 4.59x efficiency boost, consuming 4.69–82.07mW at scale
• Supports 3B-parameter models with 489ms latency, enabling efficiency

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Traditional large language models (LLMs) often suffer from excessive power demands due to frequent external memory access - however researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), have now developed Slim-Llama, an ASIC designed to address this issue through clever quantization and data management.

Slim-Llama employs binary/ternary quantization which reduces the precision of model weights to just 1 or 2 bits, significantly lowering the computational and memory requirements.

To further improve efficiency, it integrates a Sparsity-aware Look-up Table, improving sparse data handling and reducing unnecessary computations. The design also incorporates an output reuse scheme and index vector reordering, minimizing redundant operations and improving data flow efficiency.

Reduced dependency on external memory

According to the team, the technology demonstrates a 4.59x improvement in benchmark energy efficiency compared to previous state-of-the-art solutions.

Slim-Llama achieves system power consumption as low as 4.69mW at 25MHz and scales to 82.07mW at 200MHz, maintaining impressive energy efficiency even at higher frequencies. It is capable of delivering peak performance of up to 4.92 TOPS at 1.31 TOPS/W, further showcasing its efficiency.

The chip features a total die area of 20.25mm², utilizing Samsung’s 28nm CMOS technology. With 500KB of on-chip SRAM, Slim-Llama reduces dependency on external memory, significantly cutting energy costs associated with data movement. The system supports external bandwidth of 1.6GB/s at 200MHz, promising smooth data handling.

Slim-Llama supports models like Llama 1bit and Llama 1.5bit, with up to 3 billion parameters, and KAIST says it delivers benchmark performance that meets the demands of modern AI applications. With a latency of 489ms for the Llama 1bit model, Slim-Llama demonstrates both efficiency and performance, and making it the first ASIC to run billion-parameter models with such low power consumption.

Although it's early days, this breakthrough in energy-efficient computing could potentially pave the way for more sustainable and accessible AI hardware solutions, catering to the growing demand for efficient LLM deployment. The KAIST team is set to reveal more about Slim-Llama at the 2025 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference in San Francisco on Wednesday, February 19.

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• How organizations can make the most of LLMs
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I'm a Runner, and These Water-Resistant Running Shoes Are a Game Changer

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If you know a runner, I have the perfect gift recommendation for you. If you are a runner, I know what you should tell your mom you want for Christmas. And even if there isn’t a gifting holiday in your immediate future, you should still know the Good News about water-resistant running shoes. They’re out there, they might be on sale right now, and they will change your life.

Nike Pegasus Trail 4 Gore-TEX Women's Waterproof Trail Running Shoes (FN7102-010, Black/Light Magenta/Pink Foam/Chlorophyll) Size 9

$184.99 at Amazon

$193.94 Save $8.95

$184.99 at Amazon

$193.94 Save $8.95

I speak from experience. Not long ago, my birthday was coming up and I had no idea what to tell my mom I wanted. (She kept asking.) I was giving the matter some thought while I was jogging at the local track, in a drizzling near-freezing rain, and my toes were going squish with every step. I suddenly remembered that Gore-Tex shoes exist. I had owned a pair years ago and loved them, but never replaced them when they wore out. They felt like too much of a luxury somehow. Most runners get through wet weather in regular shoes and wool socks, so why not make do?

I’ll tell you why not. Wool socks can keep your feet warm, but they don’t keep them dry. If you’ve traveled to a park to get your run in, you’re driving home with soaking wet feet. You’ll come home, wring out your socks, and have to air out your shoes and hope they’re mostly dry by the time you go for your next run. Putting on wet shoes is about as much fun as putting on a wet bathing suit. Returning home from a drizzly run with dry feet is, by contrast, one of this cruel world’s great creature comforts. 

What weather are water-resistant shoes good for?

Water-resistant shoes are great in drizzling rain, or in snowy conditions. In regular shoes, your body heat tends to melt any snow that contacts your shoes, making your feet wet even on a below-freezing day. Water-resistant shoes are great for when it’s snowing, when there’s a small amount of snow on the ground, or when it’s raining. This covers pretty much all of the weather I’m likely to consider running-friendly in a Pennsylvania winter.

What don’t water-resistant shoes do?

Water-resistant is not waterproof, though. In Gore-Tex and similar materials, you cannot step into an ankle-deep puddle and expect to stay dry. A heavy enough downpour will probably eventually work its way through or around the material. 

Note that water-resistant shoe material doesn’t stop snow or rain from getting into the top of the shoe. For trudging through deep snow, you probably want to attach a gaiter (or buy a shoe that comes with built-in gaiters). 

And if you run in a variety of wintry conditions, you may want more traction on the bottom of the shoe as well. You can buy shoes with spikes built in, or add your own.  

What are the best water-resistant running shoes?

I know you’re dying to see mine, so here they are: the Nike InfinityRN Gore-Tex. (Mine are white.) To be honest, I didn’t do a lot of research and will not swear that these are the best. My requirements were (1) water-resistant, and (2) Nike, since Nikes always fit me well. These fit the bill, and I’ve had many pleasant runs in them in the rain and snow. 

Nike InfinityRN 4 Gore-Tex Women's Waterproof Running Shoes

$323.00 at Amazon

$323.00 at Amazon

Based on reviews, forum posts, and other things I’ve heard runners say about their favorite weatherproof shoes, I’ve collected some other excellent models to consider. For each, I’m linking one model, but click around to see its other colors, sizes, and men’s/women’s versions.

• Nike Pegasus Trail 5 Gore-Tex

• Saucony Peregrine Ice+3 

• Hoka Clifton 9 GTX TS

• Puma Deviate Nitro 3 Winterized

• Brooks Ghost 16 GTX

Brooks Women's Ghost 16 GTX Waterproof Neutral Running Shoe - Moroccan Blue/Pink/Yellow - 8.5 Medium

$169.95 at Amazon

$169.95 at Amazon

Note that Gore-Tex is a name brand of breathable, water-resistant fabric, but other brands exist (for example, Saucony has their own, which they call Runshield). Gore-Tex is often abbreviated “GTX” in shoe model names, so consider looking for that when searching for shoes. And a bonus on many of these shoes is that they include high-traction outsoles to reduce the chances of slipping on wet surfaces. 

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