Category: Technology

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Entertainment Technology

What Are the Best Online Games for the Festive Period

Andrea Piacquadio Pexels

 

Christmas is the merriest time of the year and it’s not just because of the presents we get. It’s the time spent with family that matters, as we often lead hectic lives that don’t really give us too much time for such occasions. At the same time, the Christmas break is a perfect time for us to revisit hobbies or enjoy the stuff we couldn’t before it.

Enter casino games. The iGaming industry is always the most active during Christmas. That’s when casinos get a Santa makeover and when a slew of Christmas-themed slots are released. There are many games online you can play during Christmas, and we’ve listed the best for you below.

Jingle Mingle Bingo

A game you can play via Zoom, it’s one of the favorites Christmas titles for many companies around the world. To start playing, you should split the group into teams via breakout rooms then give each team a bingo card. Marking squares requires a player to find another one who fits the description. The team that marks five boxes in a row wins the round.

As the name explains, you can mingle and play bingo online with this game, making it a Christmas favorite for many.

Christmas Carol Megaways

Online casinos these days are filled to the brim with great slots and casino games. For example, Casumo has the latest casino games from top providers. From Christmas slots to blackjack, poker, and roulette, you can have fun for days during Christmas break.

If you ask us, the first game you should definitely try is Christmas Carol Megaways. Developed by Pragmatic Play, it’s a Christmas Carol story with the Megaways engine in tow and 200,704 ways to win. 

It’s a high variance game, but it pays up to 20,000x your bet. It’s a game that features popular Christmas characters and a wide range of modifiers that can definitely spice up your eggnog this holiday period.

Christmas Movie Charades

It’s Charades, but with Christmas movies. And yes, Die Hard will be the favorite of many. For your info, we’re in a group of people who consider it a Christmas movie. You don’t need to come up with the movies on your own. There are several movie generators on the web that will make things easier.

This is one of the top Christmas games you can play with friends online or in person, so don’t pass upon it.

Aloha! Christmas

In Aloha! Christmas, NetEnt has paired one of its most popular slot games with the Cluster Pays mechanic and a tropical setting. The result is a very merry holiday in the tropics with great mechanics and medium variance as well as wins of nearly 2,000x your bet.

Aloha! Christmas is one of the most unique holiday-themed slots on the market. The fact that it’s brimming with bonuses and special features should make things even more exciting. And all those tiki totems smiling on the reels will surely cheer you up and put you in the right mood, as no one should frown or pout during Christmas.

 

 photo credit – Pexels Andrea Piacquadio

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Music Technology

How Long Do SSDs Last?

panumas nikhomkhai pexels

 

The world of technology has come a long way over recent years, and we can now look forward to using tools, services, and equipment that provide us with the ultimate efficiency, ease, and convenience. One solution that many people turn to these days is SSDs instead of HDDs, and this is because of the wide range of benefits they offer. Of course, there are pros and cons with both, but for many, the increased speed and efficiency of SSDs make them a natural option.

Of course, you need to keep in mind that even SSDs are not designed to last forever despite the many benefits that they offer. The lifespan can vary based on a range of factors, which we will look at more closely in this article. Also, to find out more about how long SSDs last, you can also refer to information from the manufacturer as this can give you a better idea about specific SSDs rather than a generalized one. So, in this article, we will look at some of the factors that can play a part in how long they last.

Some of the Factors that Can Play a Part

There are various factors that can play a part in the overall lifespan of an SSD, so it is worth bearing these in mind. One of the things that can play a part is the applications for which how it is used. There are some applications that are more suited to SSDs but others that are better suited to HDDs. So, the lifespan can be affected by the applications you use and whether these are suited to the technology that you are using.

The design of the SSD can also play a part in how long it lasts, and manufacturers will often provide details of the expected lifespan. This then gives you a better idea of what to expect in terms of how long it is likely to last. Of course, the manufacturer’s information is not a definitive promise that this is how long it will last – it is just an idea of how long you can expect it to last. Other factors will also affect the actual lifespan of your SSD such as the applications you use it for as mentioned above.

In normal circumstances and with standard use, you can get years of use from your SSD, so this is reassuring. However, at the same time, it is impossible to know when it will develop problems and fail, which is why it is advisable to ensure you have a backup of files and data by using solutions such as backing up to the cloud. Many SSD users tend to replace their drives, not because of failure but because they want to upgrade for greater speed or capacity.

If you do notice signs of problems with your SSD, it is important to look at replacement as soon as possible rather than waiting it out. This will help to ensure you do not lose access to the data stored on the drive. 

 

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Architecture Art Culture Design Featured Lifestyle Living Music NYC Technology

ART AND CRAFT

Eschew the production line and choose a one-of-a-kind piece to tie your room together.

KYOTO TABLE

Poltrona Frau revisits the iconic Kyoto table designed by Gianfranco Frattini in 1974. The elegance of Japanese design blends with the rich and tactile qualities of solid wood. The table is crafted with precision dovetail joints, making the craft part of the decorative appeal. 

poltronafrau.com

RONDEL PENDANT LIGHT

A simple, yet elegant glass rondel hovers beneath an LED light and copper hardware. This pendant light is also available as a flush mount light or sconce. 

tracygloverstudio.com

HYALINE I RUG

Bec Brittain’s Taxonomy collaboration with Edward Fields continues with designs based on the structures and functions of the natural world. Hyaline I mimics the patterns of insect wings writ large. Brittain continues to re-contextualize the science of taxonomy, not as limiting or separating force, but as a means of revelation. 

edwardfields.com

CLUB CHAIR

Taylor Forrest designs and produces his furniture in New York. The Club Chair is crafted with vegetable-tanned saddle leather. The sling is fixed to a solid metal frame with an oversized saddle stitch. Hammered brass rivets on the armrests add contrast while keeping the leather in place. 

taylorforrest.com

JEFFERSON LAMP

Lodes introduces a crystal suspension lamp designed by Venetian designer Luca Nichetto in honor of the brand’s 70th anniversary. Jefferson uses a reinterpretation of the vortex pattern of Bohemian glass, which casts a swirling play of light. 

blightingcollection.com

EASY PEASY

Adds quirky portable style to any room. The rechargeable table lamps from Lodes have a metal base that houses an LED light, and a methacrylate diffuser wrapped by a glass bell. A solid knob functions as a dimmer, and also allows users to control the intensity and warmth of the light.

jblightingcollection.com

TOSS CUSHIONS

From Marimor Objects are ultra-soft and feature contrasting colors and textures, adding a punch of personality and playfulness. Toss is available in five color combinations and two shapes, lending itself to a range of aesthetics and color schemes.

marrimor.com

FACTORY FLOOR photography by Antoine Bootz

RALPH PUCCI INTERNATIONAL introduced a new concept in their Chelsea flagship location, last year. The (factory) collection includes work by Patrick Naggar, Paul Mathieu, Vladimir Kagan, John Koga, and Olivier Gagnere, as well as new exhibits. Many of the works are produced entirely in Pucci’s 18th Street workshop, using techniques and materials born out of the company’s history and experience producing mannequins.

Currently, the floor also houses the large-scale, sculptural wood designs of Stefan Bishop (Orka side table, above) and light sculptures created by Ana Meier and Hervé Descottes for Richard Meier Light (below).

Bishop creates organic forms inspired by the iconic redwoods of his home in Oregon. He works in wood, bronze, and steel, and his pieces beg you to touch them and appreciate the tactile textures that evoke tree bark smoothed and shaped by the elements.

Currently, the floor also houses the large-scale, sculptural wood designs of Stefan Bishop (Orka side table, above) and light sculptures created by Ana Meier and Hervé Descottes for Richard Meier Light (below).

Bishop creates organic forms inspired by the iconic redwoods of his home in Oregon. He works in wood, bronze, and steel, and his pieces beg you to touch them and appreciate the tactile textures that evoke tree bark smoothed and shaped by the elements.

In a limited-edition collection that explores light, color, shape, and shadow, the light sculptures of Meier and Descottes are inspired by the architectural shape of a construction I-beam. ralphpucci.com

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Technology

Why Usage of Mobile Application is Extremely Trendy These Days

Why Usage of Mobile Application is Extremely Trendy These Days
https://www.pexels.com/photo/macbook-pro-beside-white-ipad-4158/

This article narrates mobile phone applications’ utility, enlightening aspects like communication, entertainment, convenience, and more.

Online or offline, regardless of business model, companies now always have a mobile-centric application to offer. Currently, the mobile app store is flooded with many different applications. Sometimes, it feels like if there is another application to manage all other applications, it would have been better.

A few years ago, most of the research conducted on the mobile-friendliness of local businesses showed that a maximum of them are even absent in online spaces.  Now, along with having well-managed websites, most of them offer their designated mobile application and services through it. It denotes a vast development in technology and adaptation of it into businesses. But, why most of the business entities have come down to build their mobile-centric applications? Cause they are popular among users. And, we are here to discuss all the factors behind this much popularity.

 

  • Mobile Applications Have Made Daily life More Convenient

 

This factor can be considered as the significant reason for mobile applications’ popularity in tech-savvy people. From the appearance of web-based services, people are habituated to convenience as they can easily avoid going to land-based locations performing the same task through their computers. 

Now, the arrival of mobile apps has made the situation even more practical. You don’t need to wait while the webpage is getting loaded; you don’t have to enter specific web addresses in the web-browsers’ search bar. But, for doing the job, you need to click your mobile screen a few times. This facility provided nothing below the highest level of convenience.

  1. Apps Have Changed the Ways of Entertainment  

Entertainment is one sector that has been noticeably changed because of the mobile application revolution. From listening to music to watching films or web series, you can download many mobile applications. Besides, many game development companies are now creating a galore of mobile phone games, while many renowned PC version games are now being re-modified to have mobile phone compatibility. 

When it comes to mobile games, the aspect of playing games of chance needs to be highlighted. For many years, online casinos have been serving players replacing traditional brick and mortar establishments. With the growing numbers of mobile phone users, most online gambling platforms have also started to cater to their mobile devices. Many of them are doing it through their mobile casino applications. Moreover,  casino games having designated mobile apps is more convenient than mobile responsive casino websites.

  1. Innovative Solutions Brought by Mobile Applications

Google Maps apps can be considered as an example of innovative mobile applications. For visiting any new place, using Google Maps navigation is a common phenomenon these days. Using this application, you don’t need to ask anyone for directions as the app tells everything, even how many steps you have to walk to reach your destination. If you think you are spending more than the limit and what to have an eye on it, there are apps for it. Such apps are designed to give a clear insight into one’s spending habits. If you need something to make your life easier, mobile apps are always offering something for you.

 

  • Mobile Apps have Also Contributed to Improve Communication

 

Mobile phone apps have also contributed to enhancing the way we used to connect. Now, because of mobile phone apps, long-distance calls have become cost-free, SMS can be sent along with sending pictures, sound clips, videos, and more. People love to connect, and when they require it, mobile applications come to serve the purpose. Hence, because of the technological advancement in mobile phones and mobile apps, everyone can connect to anyone they want any minute they desire. 

Concluding Lines 

Like every other thing, technology, and a blessing if used well; otherwise, it also has the potential to become menaces. Mobile phone apps are now literally wrapped around peoples’ daily lives. From buying groceries to sharing thoughts, utilization of these apps can be witnessed everywhere. 

Hopefully, more innovative ones would appear with new scopes of endowing convenience and ease in the future. But for now, mobile phone applications are ruling the current market trends and will witness more improvements in upcoming years. Amidst a scenario like this, should it be precise to utter, we see a technology-led ‘App’ age at present?

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Entertainment NYC Sports Technology Uncategorized

Why New York Needs Online Casinos

Why New York Needs Online Casinos
Atlantic City Chamber

 

Though online casinos have been around for more than two decades, they have seen a tremendous increase in popularity over the past five years. Statistics show that the industry grew by almost 70% in two years and that the worldwide online gambling market is worth $66 billion, set to hit annual revenues of $92.9 billion by 2023. 

At the forefront of this digital revolution are sites that let you play slot machines online and those that accept bets on sporting events. In the US, Nevada, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia allow for companies to operate and offer casino games via the internet. Michigan is joining this bunch soon, and more states are making efforts to fall in line with this trend.

However, while New York is showing signs that it may move to legalize sports betting, the same does not seem to apply for online casinos. In the past Governor Cuomo, rejected the idea of allowing sportsbook apps, claiming that they violated the state’s constitution. Nevertheless, legalization is under consideration, as state senator Joseph Addabbo looks to push Bill 17D. That said, no one is talking about the possibility of legalization of online casinos and how the state can profit from it.

Online Casinos Bring Hefty Tax Revenues to New Jersey 

When it comes to online casinos in the US, the Garden State is the pioneer, spearheading the effort to legalize online gambling in the country. In 2013, then New Jersey Governor Chris Christie signed a bill that allowed sites to provide online games of chance if they partner with struggling Atlantic City gaming venues. After a rocky start, the number of such platforms grew year to year, and now New Jersey is raking in massive tax revenues.

In August of 2020, the state posted record-setting online gambling revenues of $87.8 million, with online casinos taking in $84 million of that pie. Total gaming taxes for that month alone amounted to over $13 million, and the total amount of taxes paid by operators in 2019 was around $66 million.

People Are Already Playing at Offshore Sites

Seeing as the industry is exploding and new sites continuously pop up, many make their services available to players from the US. New Yorkers do not have to look for platforms outside US borders. They can play at those that operate from the previously mentioned states that permit companies to run such sites.

Today, thanks to virtual private networks, players can mask their location and gain access to sites that won’t accept them. Cryptocurrencies allow for anonymity, so, unless the platform uses advanced software that can detect VPN use, New Yorkers are free to play where they want, leaving the state without the ability to tax them.

Gambling Giants Are Stepping into the Digital Sphere

A report in early 2020 suggested that sports betting juggernaut William Hill, via its US division, plans to offer online casino games in New Jersey in the second half of the year. The company then announced its further expansion to Pennsylvania at a later date. In October of 2020, it quietly added a casino section to its sportsbook app for New Jersey players.   

This occurrence comes at the heels of the impending acquisition of William Hill by Caesars Entertainment, which has a 20% stake in the company due to its acquisition by former competitor Eldorado Resorts. Caesars already operates online casinos in New Jersey, and so does MGM Grand under the brand BetMGM. More industry powerhouses aim to make similar moves, such as Wynn Resorts, which inked a deal with operator BetBull and is investing $80 million in the venture.

If New York legalizes gaming sites and opens the door for such companies, it will bode well once the state is ready to allow massive land-based casino expansion. If or when that happens, it should provide a significant boost to the local economy via new employment opportunities, increased tourism, and more.

Gambling Laws in New York and Recent Developments

Currently, in the Empire State, you can legally place bets online on horse and dog racing and fantasy sports. Once the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 passed, Native American tribes opened gaming venues in New York, whose number now stands at seven. In 2013, after legal provisions allowed the establishment of non-tribal casinos, four new ones became available to residents. 

While there are some retail sportsbooks in New York, online ones are still not in play. However, no law explicitly bans residents from gambling on the internet, and many do so with no fears that they may face prosecution or receive a fine. Pro-gaming politicians and lawmakers made attempts in 2019 to include internet wagering in New York’s budget bill. In 2020, they raised the issue again but couldn’t reach an agreement before the legislative deadline. According to experts, it is a matter of when not if the activity becomes legal.

 

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Featured Lifestyle Opinion Technology

Inner Peace in Outer Space

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Where Is This Renewed Interest In Outer Space Coming From?

 

Inner Peace in Outer Space
RICHARD BRANSON https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=0Zmbb757&id=D5E97D47A76582404F4960F6AE36E574F0E3117B&thid=OIP.0Zmbb757AJNI4Rox3QG4aAHaFA&mediaurl=https%3A%2F%2Flajicarita.files.wordpress.com%2F2014%2F01%2Fvirgin_galactic_founder_sir_richard_branson_right__488e8f1432.jpg&exph=1352&expw=2000&q=branson+virgin+galactic&simid=607991116836375375&ck=3F4B7045B4CAD738133108B391F32B38&selectedindex=18&form=EX0023&adlt=demote&shtp=GetUrl&shid=1dbe8993-c528-4706-bbd5-75b6f643e3e2&shtk=U3BhY2Vwb3J0IEFtZXJpY2EsIG9yIEhvdyB0byBGbHkgQXdheSBGcm9tIHRoRichard Branson ZSAuLi4%3D&shdk=Rm91bmQgb24gQmluZyBmcm9tIGxhamljYXJpdGEud29yZHByZXNzLmNvbQ%3D%3D&shhk=F0Z2cN9W8k9az91Gdvy12Hac6lMusYKTOTm6ZOTA%2FdM%3D&shth=OSH.F6bPV%252BMN1fNn93%252BJrwZxuQ

 

 

Our fascination is no longer limited to interesting scientific endeavors relying on the radio transmissions of go-kart sized satellites. 

 

Every corporate bigwig is bringing his toy rocket to the Board Room sandbox. Elon Musk‘s Space X has established the commercial viability of its Falcon 9 rocket, the first orbital-class rocket capable or flight. Jeff Bezos has undertaken some lofty goals with his Blue Origin. He believes “that in order to preserve Earth, our home, for our grandchildren’s grandchildren, we must go to space to tap its unlimited resources and energy.

Like the Industrial Revolution gave way to trade, economic abundance, new communities, and high-speed transportation – our road to space opens to the door to the infinite and yet unimaginable future generations might enjoy”. Overnight moon rocks, anyone? Do not forget the O.G. of modern space spin – Sir Richard Branson. He still wants you to book your honeymoon with Virgin Galactic.

Inner Peace in Outer Space
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Epstein cites increased defense spending, growth in satellites, space tourism, and resource extraction as ways the industry can grow.

 

To further bolster the financial potentials in Space, Bank of America’s Ronald J. Epstein believes the commercial space market will hit $1.4 trillion by 2030. Epstein cites increased defense spending, growth in satellites, space tourism, and resource extraction as ways the industry can grow.

 

Estee Lauder just signed an accord with NASA

 

The Space discourse has also entered pop culture, with many designers relying on technical gear imitating modern space suits and licensing agreements branding their clothing with NASA logos and the like. Recently, Estee Lauder just signed an accord with NASA whereby they send ten bottles of Estee Lauder’s ‘Advanced Night Repair’ serum out of this world for a four-and-and-half hour photoshoot shot by NASA astronauts for a cool $128K. The International Space Station runway never looked so good.

Where pop culture goes, Hollywood always follows. Tom Cruise is planning to shoot a movie, at least partially, in space. This past summer, he convinced Universal Pictures to board the project, with Doug Liman, who he worked with on Edge of Tomorrow, set to occupy the director’s chair. Now, we have confirmation that both Cruise and Liman will be taking their trip to space next fall.

 

Inner Peace in Outer Space
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So, why this sudden zest for adventure? Perhaps, history can shed some light. The Renaissance was a rather limited period of time and confined to a small geographic area in central Europe. That time celebrated an extended period of peace as well as great wealth distributed across society. Left to its own devices, the human spirit is curious and resilient.

This curiosity can only blossom if we are not dropping bombs or worrying about an empty refrigerator. It’s just possible things are just not that bad after all…