Rss Bot

An unpatched vulnerability in the web server of device firmware gives attackers root privileges, researchers said. View the full article

Trojan Chrome browser extensions spied on users and maintained a foothold on the networks of financial services, oil and gas, media and entertainment, healthcare and pharmaceuticals and government organizations. View the full article

High-severity flaws plague Cisco's Webex collaboration platform, as well as its RV routers for small businesses. View the full article

A “very rare” malware has been used by an unknown threat actor in cyberattacks against two different Russian organizations in 2017. View the full article

The beautiful game is back on the pitch in the U.K. -- and cyberattackers will be looking to take advantage of fans streaming the games. View the full article

Looking for the best left-handed mouse can be difficult, as even in 2020, many mouse makers seem to neglect southpaws and churn out loads of right-handed mice, and hardly any for lefties. This can be incredibly frustrating, as the humble mouse is one of the most important peripherals we use when interacting with our computers. For creatives, it's especially important to find a mouse that's comfortable to use, and for left-handed people, that can sometimes be a struggle. This is where our guide to the best left-handed mice can help. We've collected the best mice for left-handed users, and listed them right here, so you can easily find the best one for your needs. Not all of these mice are designed just for lefties. Many of them are ambidextrous in design, so they can be comfortably used in any hand, and you'll still be able to reach every button. You'll notice that some mice on this page come with plenty of additional buttons. These can be configured to help speed up your workflow, and help you be even more productive. Of course, we also have left-handed mice that favour simplicity, and so still with that tried-and-tested two-button design. For more ambidextrous options, take a look at our main buying guide to the best mouse in 2020. Left-handed mouse: the best options available now The Logitech G903 is a wireless gaming mouse that does it all. Thanks to 11 programmable buttons and up to 12,000 DPI of accuracy, this left-handed mouse offers more than most could even use. The mechanical button tensioning (which gives you physical feedback through the button clicks) lets you personalise it exactly. Even more useful are the five profiles you can switch between – adjust settings like sensitivity and button uses to enable you to hop between designing, browsing, and gaming uses. Wireless charging using the PowerPlay mat is another great feature that makes that 32-hour battery life even less of a worry. You can leave the lighting on, lowering battery to 24-hours of use, without worry. If you're after a left-handed gaming mouse, then your options are limited, but the good news is that many mouse makers are now embracing ambidextrous designs, which means their mice are comfortable to use for both left- and right-handed people. SteelSeries is one of those manufacturers, and the Sensei Ten combines a left-hand-friendly design with a brilliant sensor that makes it fast and accurate to use. There's loads of customisation options, and it comes with a Tilt Tracking feature, which keeps tracking your movements even when you’re lifting your mouse and putting it back down at tilted angles. The Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 is the best left-handed mouse for people on a budget. It's compact and affordable, but crucially, it's well built as well. It's ideal for people who travel a lot and want a dependable wireless mouse that they can easily carry around. Its ambidextrous design means it's a great choice for left-handed users as well. Microsoft has a formidable reputation when it comes to peripherals, and the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Mouse 3600 is a great example of this. The Mad Catz Rat 1 is a wired mouse that's impressive to look at but somehow remains low in price. The quirky aesthetic is functional too, as the design means the mouse can be adjusted to fit any hand for perfect ergonomic comfort. There are only three buttons, but that keeps this mouse light for travel (it can even be split to make it more compact). With multiple colour options and a very low price, this is a tough mouse to beat. The SteelSeries Sensei 310 is a mouse built for gamers, meaning it’s crammed full of useful tech that designers and general users alike can benefit from. A whopping 12,000 DPI capability makes this super-sensitive (if you have it set to that high level). An ARM 32-bit processor – once a dream even for smartphones – helps compute all this data so you end up with the smoothest end result, which is what it’s all about really, isn’t it? The Evoluent VerticalMouse 4 has gone through many generations since it first appeared in 2002, and it's still going strong. The ergonomic design keeps your wrist from twisting thereby creating maximum comfort and promising long-term wrist health. The optical sensor and pointer are adjustable and buttons are available for fingers and thumbs (there are six in total). This mouse isn't cheap, but as a designer it's worth shelling out a bit more if it means keeping your wrist and hands happy. Read more: Switch from Mac to Windows: A 3D artist's guide The best free fonts for designers The best computer for graphic design View the full article

Microsoft report offers insight on how threat actors exploited COVID-19 across the globe. View the full article

It's rare to come across decent discounts on Apple products, which is why we were super-excited today to see these top AirPods Pro deals. In the US, right now you can save $30 off Apple AirPods Pro over at Verizon, and if you're in the UK, Amazon has also shaved £20 off the popular Apple headphones. These great deals take the Apple AirPods Pro price tag to an all-time low, so you'll need to be quick if you're interested. We've also found a great saving on the equally brilliant 2nd Gen Apple AirPods too, with a whopping £40 off at Amazon – taking the price down to just £159. The Apple AirPods Pro are the most recent, high-end of all the Apple AirPods, with an in-ear design that comfortably fits all, cancels noise and produces quality sound on the go. They come complete with a solid 4.5 hours listening time, with a quick 20 minute-charge giving you three hours playback. And with the AirPods Pro's sweat/ water resistance, these are great earbuds to use when you're down the gym, off for a run, or just for when you want to hear your favourite music when you're out and about. Browse AirPods at Apple.com The best Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods deals in the US The best Apple AirPods Pro and AirPods deals in the UK Not in the UK or the US? No worries. Our clever price comparison tool collects the best deals from around the world... Related articles: The best running headphones in 2020 AirPods deals: today's BEST offers Apple 'foldable' iPhone design sparks controversy View the full article

Pressure has been mounting on Disney to rebrand Splash Mountain, one of its most well-known rides. Built in 1986, the ride is based on the 1946 film, Song of the South, which has not been released on home video in the US (and does not appear on Disney Plus) due to its glorification of slave culture and inclusion of racist tropes. One detailed rendering shared on Twitter replaces the current ride's theme with the 2009 film The Princess and the Frog – a film praised for its celebration of black culture and the first to feature a black Disney princess. Many petitions have been launched calling for the rebrand of Splash Mountain, and over 21,000 people added their support to using The Princess and the Frog as a suitable replacement. If you haven't yet seen The Princess and the Frog, here's how to try Disney Plus for free. Created by a self-named "Disney Park Aficionado" and podcast host, Frederick Chambers, the concept art tracks the journey through the rebranded Splash Mountain. Instead of the backdrop of the Reconstruction Era, the setting would be New Orleans in the 1920s Jazz Age. The Princess and the Frog's plot is centred around a river adventure, and so Chambers' design builds on the existing setup and space of Splash Mountain, negating the need for expensive remodelling – just "retheming". Detailed written description of the scenes accompany the rendering, from the queuing space, through to the launching area and the ride itself. Brer Rabbit and Brer Fox (the current Splash Mountain residents) are replaced by the cast of The Princess and the Frog, with Chambers' description setting out how that would work. The Princess and the Frog features the first black Disney Princess "There is a huge need for diversity in the parks and this could help fill that need," the petition states. "Princess and the Frog is a beloved princess movie but has very little representation in the parks." However, some commenters disagree, suggesting that The Princess and the Frog may not be the ideal theme for a thrill ride. Though the film does deserve more representation in the park, they say, its target demographic of 3-5 year olds would be excluded from riding due to height restrictions. The films Moana and Emperor's New Groove have also been suggested. The current Splash Mountain theme Disney has yet to comment on the mounting pressure and increasing chatter surrounding Splash Mountain, but the company has been known to rethink rides for cultural progression before. The Pirates of the Caribbean ride was redesigned to remove images of pirates auctioning off women for marriage, and a female pirate was also added to the scene. In the midst of a wave of global protests in support of Black Lives Matter, creatives are standing together against racism. With the world re examining cultural symbols, this concept art is an example of how creatives can use their talents to enact change. Watch this space to see how Disney reacts. Read more: Banksy reveals brilliant plan for Bristol’s toppled Colston Statue Powerful New Yorker cover pays tribute to black lives lost Theme park design: the art of attractions View the full article

Once, documentaries were only of interest to academic and intellectual types. In the 2000s, though, they went mainstream, with slickly produced docu-movies like Bowling for Columbine and An Inconvenient Truth scoring big at the box office. Since then, the trend has only heightened, and nowadays documentaries regularly top the charts on streaming services like Netflix and Amazon. Even if you have no money right now, you don't have to miss out. Here, we've rounded up the 10 best creative documentaries currently available to watch YouTube for free. So whatever your discipline, you're sure to find something to entertain, inform and inspire you. 01. Abstract: The Art of Design Lavishly shot and beautifully edited, this documentary series truly has something for everyone. Available on Netflix since 2017, it’s recently been made free during lockdown to watch on YouTube. Abstract: The Art of Design consists of a series of eight standalone episodes, each around 40 minutes long, and profiling in turn graphic designer Paula Scher, illustrator Christoph Niemann, Nike shoe designer Tinker Hatfield, stage designer Es Devlin, architect Bjarke Ingels, automotive designer Ralph Gilles, photographer Platon, and interior designer Ilse Crawford. Watch the first of these above, and access the full playlist here. 02. Inge Druckrey: Teaching to See Born in 1940 in Germany, Inge Druckrey is a designer and educator credited with bringing the Swiss school of design to the United States. This 37-minute documentary from 2012, directed by Andrei Severny and produced by Edward Tufte, explores her teachings and provides some fascinating insights into graphic design, typography, composition, form and visual arts education. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or a veteran, there’s much to learn from this beautifully put together documentary. 03. Infamy Infamy is one of the best documentary films we’ve ever seen on street art, so it’s amazing that it’s available to watch free on YouTube. Directed by Doug Pray, this one hour 30 minute movie, first released in 2005, includes interviews with six of the most exciting graffiti artists of the time: Saber, Toomer, Jase, Claw, Earsnot, and Enem. While street art has moved on since then, this snapshot from earlier in the century remains an energetic and inspiring watch. 04. Naughty Dog Based in California, Naughty Dog is the video game studio behind such influential creations as Uncharted and The Last of Us series. In 2014, it celebrated its 30th anniversary by releasing this intriguing look behind the scenes of the award-winning studio. Covering the full history of the company, from its early developments to its recent triumphs, this is a worthy tribute to one of the best game developers of a generation. 05. PressPausePlay It’s undeniable that the rise of the internet has democratised global culture. But is this leading to better music, film and art overall, or is mass culture dumbing everything down to the lowest common denominator? That’s the question posed by this one hour 24 minute documentary film, featuring interviews with some of the world's most influential creators and entrepreneurs. 06. Everything is a Remix Where do you draw the line between inspiration and copying in your creative work? That’s the subject of this 37-minute documentary Kirby Ferguson, which was first released in 2010, and remastered in 2015. In it, he argues that creativity is based upon three three elements – copy, transform, and combine – and that these building blocks are the basis for all new ideas. 07. Shenzhen: The Silicon Valley of Hardware Remix or copy culture isn’t just something that influences music and art, but increasingly the whole of the economy. This one hour seven minute documentary looks at the evolution of 'Shanzhai' – or copycat manufacturing – in China, and how it has transformed traditional models of innovation. Taking us inside the bustling Chinese city of Shenzhen, it asks what the rest of the world can learn from this so-called 'Silicon Valley of hardware'. 08. Raising Creativity Raising Creativity is a documentary about how we can raise the level of creativity in education. Made in 2014 by Rebecca Zak, currently co-founder and VP of ArtResin, as part of her PhD in Educational Studies, it takes a comprehensive look at existing research, makes some incisive observations, and offers some constructive ideas on the way forward. Running for one hour 17 minutes, this is a must-watch for anyone working in design education. 09. John Lasseter: A Day in a Life First released in 2011, this 25-minute documentary details the daily routine of John Lasseter, chief creative officer at Pixar/Walt Disney Animation Studios. The films Lasseter has made have grossed more than $19 billion, making him one of the most successful filmmakers of all time. So while this typically sanitised Disney doc doesn’t go into a huge amount of depth, it’s still fascinating to see what his working day looks like, from choosing the Hawaiian shirt he’ll wear to fixing last-minute production errors on Cars 2. 10. How far is too far? The age of AI This 34 minute documentary is part of a larger 2019 series of YouTube Originals looking at the latest artificial intelligence technologies and where they're taking us. In this episode, presented by Robert Downey Jr, Oscar-winning VFX artist Mark Sagar and pop star Will.i.Am explore how AI is providing us with new ways to be expressive and creative. Read more: 5 things designers can't do right now, and how to do them remotely 9 mindful exercises to do from home How to create mood boards that inspire View the full article

A designer never stops learning new programs, tools, and techniques. Whether you want to start your creative career or further your design speciality, The Ultimate UX/UI Designer Bundle is a great way to finesse your web design expertise, and create responsive and user-friendly websites. Best yet, it's currently price-dropped to only $29. With over 35 hours of lectures and more than 200 tutorials, this comprehensive design bundle brings you everything you need to master HTML5, CSS3, jQuery, JavaScript, and more, without needing former training in front end web development. The eight-course master bundle focuses on various levels of experience, so no matter where you are in your design journey, you're likely to get something out of it. And the best web design tools will help, too. Start with essential tutorials and move forward You'll start with beginner-friendly UX/UI essential tutorials and move your way into more advanced techniques in industry-leading software. Courses on HTML5 Canvas and Bootstrap 4 will get you up to speed with key streamlining web developer elements, while other front end web courses will teach you the essential tools to styling and structuring your code to get the results you want. With step-by-step tutorials and no time constraints, you'll be able to learn at your own pace and visit each lesson whenever you want. Not only will you learn how to create the framework needed to develop apps and websites, but you'll also comprehend how to understand the needs of your users to get them the results they want. With project-based courses in powerful software platforms, such as Adobe XD and Illustrator, you'll be on your way to ramping up your design skills based on device – desktop, tablet, mobile, and more. By the end of the courses, you'll have the tools you need to create and present a visual roadmap for your clients successfully. Plus, a certification of completion is included in the bundle, allowing for valuable credentials to add to your résumé and portfolio. While access to The Ultimate UX/UI Designer Bundle is valued at over $1,500 for a limited time, you can start your developer journey at only $29 – that's a saving of 98 per cent. With all the content available 24/7, you'll soon be on your way to finessing your UX/UI skills and developing stunning websites and apps for projects of all sizes in 2020. Read more: The next big thing in web design: 7 trends you need to know The best laptops for programming in 2020 The future of frameworks: What's in store for the rest of 2020? View the full article

If you are a 3D artist, chances are your studio will include at least a large workstation, multiple monitors and a graphics tablet. The hardware required to create show-stopping 3D art doesn’t exactly lend itself to working on the go. Until now. Introducing the blisteringly powerful, dual screen Asus ZenBook Pro Duo laptop. The foundation of any workstation is the processing power, and this is where the Zenbook excels. Under the hood of this amazing device you’ll find an Intel Core i9 CPU and NVIDIA RTX 2060 GPU, providing all the power to support the most complex of 3D tasks at speed. A creative game-changer But all the processing power in the world is next to useless unless you can harness it properly, and this is where the ZenBook Pro Duo really shines. This laptop has been specifically designed to help 3D and digital artists make the most of the immense power that lies beneath its equally impressive-looking exterior. Built into the ZenBook Pro Duo are not one but two 4K screens, both of which are touch sensitive and colour accurate. The glossy main OLED display is beautifully crisp, but it’s the second screen that really makes this device a game-changer for digital and 3D artists. Located at the top of the lower half of the device, the second screen boasts a paper-like finish that works wonderfully with the stylus included. A 3D artist’s workflow will often involve working with multiple palettes and keyboard shortcuts. In this case the second screen is ideal for docking these palettes for easy access and to free up the main screen for the perspective viewport. The extra screen also means the keyboard has moved to the front edge of the laptop’s body and the trackpad to the right. A huge ergonomic improvement over centralised trackpads, the ZenBook Pro Duo puts an end to reaching over the chassis when typing or using keyboard shortcuts, and offers a much more natural workflow. To use the second screen will, however, mean leaning over the keyboard. But Asus has all bases covered with this design, adding an in-built function to simply lock the keys. Highly portable power The ZenBook Pro Duo’s unique design and rich feature set makes for a highly intuitive user experience on a truly mobile workstation that doesn’t compromise on power, and, in many cases, excels over that of a desktop experience. If you are a 3D or digital artist who needs uncompromised power and portability, the Zenbook Pro Duo is the best solution. View the full article

Critical vulnerabilities were patched in Adobe After Effects, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Premiere Rush and Audition. View the full article

An internal investigation into the 2016 CIA breach condemned the agency's security measures, saying it “focused more on building up cyber tools than keeping them secure." View the full article

The vulnerabilities affect everything from printers to insulin pumps to ICS gear. View the full article

Everyone is waiting for Apple to follow in the footsteps of its rivals and finally announce the design of a foldable phone. According to a prominent leaker-of-all-things-Apple, Jon Prosser, the tech giant could be getting closer with its recent prototypes – but, crucially, the design may not contain a flexible screen. Apparently, Apple is working on a dual screen model, which has two separate screens put together as one, complete with a hinge. Even though Apple usually comes top of the class for its product design and innovation (the iPhone 11 is one of our best camera phones, after all), commenters have already begun to pour mirth on the idea, and the memes aren't pretty. Source Jon Prosser is quick to defend Apple's potential design, pointing out in a separate tweet that, although the memes are funny, "it doesn't look like they just stuck two phones together. Even though they're separate panels, when the displays are extended, it looks fairly continuous and seamless". Reactions weren't entirely scornful, though. One, more positive, angle was the Twitter user excited about a futuristic Westworld-style tablet (above). Apple's patent for a dual device system Apple did file a patent back in March outlining plans for a "system with multiple electronic devices", which would solve the problem of the crease that is bound to occur along a flexible screen. It would also deal with the the fragility of a foldable device, a problem that has plagued the development of foldable screens at rival companies. Will Apple's foldable device look like the Surface Duo? The closest reference point to a dual screen device of this nature is Microsoft's upcoming Surface Duo (above) but is Apple's foldable phone likely to go down this route? Other Twitter users are questioning the very definition of a foldable device, asking: if it has two screens, what sets it apart from a flip phone? But user Mr Dan Master disagrees, pointing out that it's display size, rather than the method of folding, that makes a phone foldable. Whether or not Apple is rewriting the rules of a foldable phone with its proposed plans, we're sure it won't look like the examples being thrown around on Prosser's twitter feed, which are hilariously clunky and crudely put together (except the Westworld tablet, of course, which would be brilliant). Plus, there's nothing to say Apple isn't currently working on a bunch of solutions for the foldable iPhone, including a flexible screen. This foldable iPhone concept design sparked our imaginations last month, and though it is careful to avoid having to deal with the issue of the screen crease, we would hope to see something as sleek from Apple if it ever actually releases a foldable phone. If you're not bothered about whether your phone can bend or not, here are the best non-folding iPhone deals available now. Read more: Is this Apple’s most ludicrous move yet? The best Apple Pencil alternatives in 2020 Apple's bendable MacBook will blow your mind View the full article

Copywriting in branding and advertising has always been an important part of the industry, and the role of words in advertising in particular has previously been recognised at the D&AD Awards, with its Writing for Advertising category. This year, that category is no more, and many have been left baffled by the decision, or are at least lamenting it. Creative director Jack Davey took to Twitter to show what some famous adverts would look like without the words (below). Spoiler: it's not good. See our favourite print ads for more examples of compelling copy in advertising. As you can see, these ads are far less impactful without their accompanying copy. In recognition of the role of words in creating powerful branding, the Brand Impact Awards has this year launched a new craft category as part of its awards scheme: copywriting. Two other new craft categories have also been launched: typography and illustration – and you have until 26 June to enter the prestigious awards. Enter your best branding now Here, judges from the Brand Impact Awards' specialist copywriting panel share how copywriting can define and invigorate a brand, and how you can best use words to shape an identity. 01. Listen and learn Identity for performance space The Roundhouse "Sometimes we do little more than ask intelligent, informed, pointed questions – and then listen," explains Mike Reed. "Sometimes we use workshop exercises, like pulling up famous faces: one client described how they were currently Scotty (nervous, risk-averse, caught up in technicalities) and wanted to become more Kirk (confident, direct, visionary). Your ears, and what sits between them, are your most effective tools." 02. Don't obsess over tone "The obsession with 'tone of voice' emphasises tone over content and message, and leads to a lot of wasted investment," argues Nick Asbury. "If you think about the brands who are known for their words – let’s say Jack Daniel's, Innocent and The Economist – then the effectiveness is rooted not so much in the tone, but the content. Given a limited budget, I’d advise any client to pay a good copywriter to write as much real stuff as possible. It's more useful than any tone of voice guidelines." "Sometimes, brands get caught up in wanting to sound different or show loads of personality through their words, when what they actually need is to be clear and straightforward, and focus on writing well," suggests Kate van der Borgh. "Tone can come afterwards, and it might be very subtle." 03. Don't patronise your audience Vikki Ross has crafted words for Paperchase "We seem to be going through a phase of products talking to us in the first person," laments Vikki Ross. "You know, 'Fix me, I’m broken'; 'Take me home'; 'Buy me'. Grown-up products like machines, toiletries, champagne. Not stuff for kids, but copy like this looks like it's aimed at kids. Too twee for me." 04. Make the most of microcopy Every word counts, as this work for Upcircle shows "Turning an Innocent carton over to find ’Stop looking at my bottom’ remains a delight," says Reed. "But it doesn’t have to be silly. The little line of explanation under a data-entry field can be just as pleasing, if it perfectly anticipates the question forming in your head. Or if it adds a fun little twist to the process. Or – joy of joys – both." 05. Stay consistent "Tricky things, like letters to customers apologising for something going wrong, are super important bits of brand writing," insists van der Borgh. "You see it all the time: a brand is all warm and friendly in its welcome email, but stern and overly-formal when something goes wrong. It's like a mask slipping, and it doesn't help build trust." 06. Consider something different Part of a campaign for University of Cambridge "Most brands stick to a narrow range in the tone of voice spectrum – somewhere around friendly, professional, warm, human," says Asbury. "But what would a sarcastic or miserable brand sound like? Could a brand be inexplicably angry with you? In a world of nice smoothies, a miserable or stoical one would stand out." 07. Stay in character "Brands that stay true to their personality for years see results," says Ross. "Take the opportunity to make things like call-to-action buttons feel yours. For instance, Virgin Atlantic says 'Take me there' instead of 'Book now'. 'Book now' may result in more clicks, but that's for a newer brand that must be more direct with its audience at first. If brands start talking formally and functionally when they don’t usually, it puts usual customers off." Submit your best copywriting in branding to the Brand Impact Awards by 26 June. Read more: 5 steps to building a strong brand voice Brand typography: a complete guide Computer Arts survived by the Brand Impact Awards View the full article

You’re just about to capture the perfect picture when, out of nowhere, someone walks into the shot. Or you’ve nailed the perfect landscape scene, only to notice an ugly road sign in the way. We’ve all experienced the annoyance and frustration of an otherwise perfect picture being spoilt by unwanted objects in the background. Good news is there’s now a quick and even simpler way to remove them. Introducing Luminar 4’s Clone & Stamp and Erase tools. The Clone & Stamp tool works in the same way as a regular clone tool, and is particularly effective on repeating patterns, fine details and man-made objects. Getting the tones and colours to match when using a clone tool is a well-known challenge, but this is where Luminar 4’s secret weapon – the Erase tool – excels. The Erase tool removes objects intelligently, taking textures, patterns and tones from the surrounding image to cover up the object you want to remove automatically. The majority of the time, results are immediate and spot-on. However, a trickier subject will often require some fine tweaking. Let’s take a look at exactly how both of these tools work... 5 simple steps to remove objects from a photo 01. Prep your image Luminar’s Erase tool creates a composite layer from all the already existing image layers, so it’s important to make any exposure adjustments beforehand. Any tweaks or changes made after the Erase tool has been applied won’t show up. 02. Select the Erase tool In the main Luminar interface, select the Canvas workspace via the button towards the top-right corner. Here you’ll find all manner of useful tools, including Clone & Stamp and Crop & Rotate and, the one you’re looking for, the Erase tool. Select it, and a new layer will be created. 03. Erase an object Once selected, you will see the Erase tool consists of a circular brush, with an adjustable slider to choose its size. Using the brush, simply paint over the object you want to remove. Don’t worry too much about being exact, but try to avoid the background as much as possible. 04. Remove multiple objects The Erase tool allows you to remove many objects at the same time. Simply release the brush, alter the size to suit and paint over anything you want to get rid of. 05. Clean up When you have finished painting with the Erase tool and are happy with your selection, click ‘Done’. Use the visibility toggle in the layers panel to see the difference. If the results aren’t right the first time, you can try again on any problem areas, or alternatively use Luminar’s Clone & Stamp tool to make manual repairs… How to use the Clone & Stamp tool Click top right corner of image to enlarge While Luminar’s Erase tool does a fantastic job of removing unwanted objects, more trickier, busy shots might need a bit of fine tuning. This is where the Clone & Stamp tool comes in really handy. Here’s how to make the most of this powerful feature. 01. Create a Clone & Stamp layer Just like with the Erase tool, selecting the Clone & Stamp feature will create a new composite layer to work on. 02. Clone target area To start, select the clone source and then paint over the area in need of repair. Press Alt (Option)-click to select a new clone source. 03. Brush size The clone brush sizes can be changed to suit using the menu on the top toolbar, or right-click on the image to reveal the brush properties panel. 04. Brush sensitivity You can also adjust a brush's soft and hardness options here. A hard brush tends to work well on hard edges, whereas a soft brush is better for blending in areas of softer, shaded areas. 05. Reduce the opacity For really complex areas, which are proving troublesome, try reducing the opacity and using a larger soft brush to help disguise obvious repairs. 06. Review Once finished, click ‘Done’ to generate the Clone & Stamp layer, which you can review or make more repairs on at a later date. Get your copy of Skylum Luminar 4 today Want to give Luminar 4 a go? Right now you can download a free seven-day trial via the Skylum website. Available on both macOS and Windows, should you decide to buy, be sure to use our exclusive discount code CB to save $10/£10 on the regular retail price. View the full article

Creatives everywhere have been waiting for Photoshop on their phones for a long time, and Adobe has finally released Photoshop Camera on Android and iOS devices. Although it may not be exactly what professionals have been yearning for in terms of bringing Photoshop's capabilities to the small screen, it's a fun app that will have its uses – especially for social media users. Photoshop Camera (now out of beta) is powered by Adobe’s Sensei AI, and gives users "real-time Photoshop-grade magic right from the viewfinder" with its powerful effects and filters. Essentially, it uses the AI technology to add flashy lens effects (you'll definitely want the best camera phone to fully enjoy this), and though you can do some basic photo-editing, it's limited to exposure, contrast, saturation and so on. Want the real thing? Here's how to download Photoshop, and some top-class Photoshop tutorials to get you started. Get Adobe Creative Cloud Photoshop Camera's effects are created by influencers and artists, with more added frequently, and Adobe has targeted younger users right off the bat with its inclusion of effects created by pop singer, Billie Eilish. The latest AI technology gives the camera some nifty auto-recognition tricks, which enables it to automatically recommend filters and effects that will best complement the photograph you're about to take. In truth, there may not yet be much here that isn't already found elsewhere (check out more options in our pick of the best photo-editing apps). However, the powerful technology has the capability for further innovation down the line, and the Adobe name means it'll be a platform for some standout creative work. The integrated features, which include the ability to publish to social media straight from the app, make this the perfect companion for a social media user, especially on visual platforms like Instagram. If you're still not using social media to its full extent, here's our guide packed full of social media tips for professional artists and designers. Read more: The best social media schedulers in 2020 5 tips for presenting your work on social media 8 top social media platforms for artists and designers View the full article

If you're looking to buy a WD My Passport, you're in the right place. WD (or Western Digital) creates quality portable drives, which can store countless image, video and audio files. In this guide, you'll find a selection of Western Digital's best external hard drives – from the smaller, lower-priced WD My Passport SSD, to the larger WD My Passport 4TB hard drive. One thing that all of the external hard drives below have in common is that they all have super-fast data transfer speeds and are easy to use. And the best bit? Our clever price comparison tool has found the best deals on each model. WD My Passport: Which model should you buy? When choosing the right one for you, foremost on your mind should be its storage capability. Even though many come in massive multi-terabyte iterations, 500GB is plenty to get you started. But if you want to store lots of large video and/or RAW files, or you want to use your external hard drive for housing games, investing in few more terabytes is a good idea. Other important information to consider before making a purchase is the hard drive's connectivity. The rectangular USB-A ports are slowly being replaced by the newer, smaller reversible USB-C ports, found in all newer generation Macs and PCs. Luckily, we've included all this information, and much more (such the difference between HDD and SSD hard drives) below to help you decide which WD My Passport product is right for you. If you can't find what you're looking for here, don't miss our guide to the best external hard drives available right now. See WD's weekly sales here! The best WD My Passport deals in 2020 The 4TB iteration of the Western Digital My Passport is a top choice. In fact, we rate it so highly, it takes the top spot in our round up of the best external hard drives (mentioned above). You can also get it in 1TB, 2TB and 5TB iterations, but for value for money, this is our choice. It's got a huge capacity to store all your favourite media – perfect for creatives that deal in massive digital files. With the 4TB version, you'll get cloud storage and 256-AES encryption, plus Western Digital's own backup software. Best of all is its great data transfer speeds and, though this HDD hard drive doesn't offer the speed of a solid state drive (SSD) device (see WD My Passport SSD below), the Western Digital My Passport offers a great balance of quick transfer speeds and massive storage without a huge price tag. As detailed below on this page, there are some key differences between a solid state drive (SSD) like this one, and a hard disc drive (HHD). In short, the SSD version of WD's My Passport is far faster at transferring data, and it comes in a smaller shell. You'll have to pay a little more to get the storage up to 1TB or 2TBs, but if you value speed and portability over all else, it'll be worth it. Built for both PC and Mac, the My Passport SSD is compatible with a range of ports – both the USB Type-A and Type-C ports, with the latter able to reach speeds of up to 540MB a second. It's also a sturdy model, made to stand a drop of up to two metres. And it's as compact and portable as they come, proving that great things really can come in small packages. The WD My Passport Ultra 4TB stands out from the My Passport crowd by offering a three-year warranty – a nice addition if you aim to get a lot of use out of it and want peace of mind – and also having a Mac-specific version of the hard drive available (all the models on this page can be reformatted to work with Macs, but this version is ready out of the box). Ever so slightly wider than the WD My Passport 4TB, but a little shallower, the Ultra comes with a metal cover and WD Discovery software for WD Backup, WD Security and WD Drive Utilities. It is USB-C ready, and USB 3.0 compatible with an adapter provided, and there are a range of storage sizes, including the huge 5TB option. Can't find a portable storage device to suit above? Here are some more great WD My Passport deals available now. The difference between HDD and SSD hard drives There are two types of external hard drive: hard disk drives (HDD, also known as mechanical or traditional hard drives) or solid state drives (SSD). An SSD is faster, lighter and less power-hungry, whereas an HDD drive will be cheaper and slower than an SSD. HDDs are also good for storing lots of data as they often have a high capacity. So, if you want to store huge amounts of data while keeping prices low, a HDD is the way to go. But if speed is your top priority – for example, if you move a lot of large files, or want to run programs off the drive – then choose an SSD. Or, you can always use a smaller SSD for files that you need to access or move around often, and then store the other data that you use less often on a higher capacity HDD. Related articles: Best graphics cards Best usb-c monitors Best 4K monitors View the full article

There are few things more satisfying than a well-made logo, and especially when that logo contains a clever surprise that conveys a brand's story. Coming to our attention most recently is the Tostitos logo, which contains a brilliant piece of chip-themed imagery. Tostitos may be more well known in the US, while across the pond in UK the brand's sibling Doritos (which comes with its own clever logo) is more familiar. But we wonder how many chip-consumers in either country have noticed the hidden-in-plain-sight image in the Tostitos logo. It's a neat piece of design we can't believe we haven't yet noticed, and a contender for our pick of the best logos. Take a second to have a good look (below) before we dive in. What can you see? The two capital Ts and the i nestled between tell the story – can you see it now? We clocked the chip and then the dip being used to dot the i almost immediately, but it took another few seconds to realise the Ts also double as people. It's not only that the design plays with the wordmark to create a visually-witty image, but the brand message being delivered is smart too. The image conveys Tostitos as a party brand – sociable and warm in its two pals' chip-sharing nature. The design sure brings the party Tostitos is certainly in good company with its use of hidden imagery, symbolism and meaning in its logo, as this bumper infographic displaying a whopping 50 examples backs up. It's a smart tactic that enables a brand to use its logo to its full effect, and we love spotting them. Read more: This logo contains a delightful hidden surprise 6 magnificently minimal logos Where to find logo design inspiration View the full article

Researchers find six bugs in consumer D-Link DIR-865L Wireless AC 1750 Dual Band Cloud Router. View the full article

Graphic design is quickly becoming an in-demand skill for various industries and job positions, and learning how to become a designer doesn't have to be expensive or impossible. With the right tools and guidance, you can train to be the creative you've always dreamed of right from the comfort of your home. Start achieving your goals with the Graphic Design Bootcamp, now only $15. Starting with the essentials, you'll begin the crash course training bundle by getting familiar with the industry-leading programs included in Adobe's Creative Cloud. With an intro into each program application, you'll get an understanding of each app and acquire valuable tips from the pros for getting your programs started with ease. For more Adobe lessons, try our pick of the best Photoshop tutorials and top Illustrator tutorials. Get Creative Cloud Dive into hands-on projects Once you are organised and comfortable with your desktop setup, you'll dive deep into hands-on projects that allow you to put what you learn into real-world practice. Led by creative director and designer Derrick Mitchell, each project will guide you through essential design principles and step-by-step introductions to Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign software interfaces. You'll learn the ins and outs of design techniques on each platform, and cover essential tools used by graphic designers of all levels. With 65 lectures included, you'll be exposed to projects with downloadable project files for both digital and print mediums, plus learn best practices and techniques for each along the way. Projects on logo design, compositing, business card creation, editorial design, and more will get you started producing work that will help launch your career or merely help brush up your skills. Not only will you have work to show from the course, but you'll learn how to get started creating a portfolio to display your design work. Access to an exclusive private Facebook group will allow you to connect with other students for sharing and critiquing projects. This opportunity will enable you to start getting comfortable with showcasing your work and getting feedback – a variable that every graphic designer must face. Certification of completion is also included upon finishing your projects, adding valuable credentials to your résumé, and future job interviews. While usually priced at over $100, this crash course brings you everything you need to jumpstart your graphic design career for only $15 – that's 88 per cent off! Add valuable skills and credibility to your ongoing creative portfolio and continue learning today with a little help from the pros. *Prices subject to change. Software not included. Read more: The best laptops for graphic design in 2020 Graphic design history: 25 landmark design events 33 must-read graphic design books View the full article

An Apple-made CPU is the tastiest rumour we've heard for sometime, and it seems it's about to come to fruition. It's been suggested by reliable Apple leaker that the company may be about to ditch Intel in favour of its own ARM processor, and that the announcement could be coming as soon this year's online WWDC conference, scheduled to take place on June 22. If the rumours are to be believed, the 12-inch MacBook will be the first model to contain the ARM processor, which could be released in 2021 – giving outside developers enough time to catch up with the technology shift. Want to get the most out of your Apple devices? Try the best monitors for the MacBook Pro, and our pick of the iPad apps for designers you have to try. Browse MacBooks at Apple.com Will the 12-inch MacBook be the recipient of the much-anticipated ARM chip? According to leaker Fudge (@chocobit on Twitter), who shared detailed predictions on Reddit, the move comes as the next stage in Apple's multi-phase plan to have all its devices kitted out with an Apple-designed chip. Plans for this first began back in 2015, with Fudge suggesting Apple is now at the stage which sees the 'release of at least one lower end model Arm Macbook', with the final rollout scheduled for 2023-2025. As Fudge also points out, the move will free Apple from Intel's release schedule, as well as put its market-leading technological know-how into full force. Preliminary testing has, according to Bloomberg, confirmed the superiority of Apple's chips over those of Intel when it comes to graphics, AI and battery life. The A14 chip, found in the upcoming iPhone 12 The prospective Mac processor will be based on the Apple-designed chips currently found in iPad and iPhones (including the A14 chip found in the iPhone 12, above). It should also be noted that the MacBook system will continue to run macOS rather than the mobile device's iOS. We're excited to reap the benefits of the ARM chip, which look to be plentiful, including lightning-fast performance and improved battery life. Crucially, it could also mean that Apple is able to start producing even thinner devices due to fewer internal components – a potential bonus for the overall design aesthetic. But it's not all good news. These rumours also suggest the butterfly keyboard could make a comeback. Apparently, Apple hasn't given up on the system, which was replaced to thundering applause, and is working internally to correct the loud, clunky, prone to jamming setup in order to bring it back on future MacBook models. Here's hoping we hear more news on this next Monday at the annual Apple WWDC. Want a different model MacBook? Here are the best prices in your area: Read more: Is this Apple’s most ludicrous move yet? The best Apple Pencil alternatives in 2020 Apple's 2020 iMac could look like a giant iPad Pro View the full article

The June edition of the New Yorker has been released, with a cover devoted to the history of violence inflicted on black people in the United States. Entitled 'Say Their Names', the powerful illustration features George Floyd, the US citizen recently killed by a police officer in Minneapolis. It shows his body imprinted with images of individual victims, placards, scenes from history and pertinent symbolism. Kadir Nelson's cover art is interactive and can be explored on the New Yorker's website, which describes the feature as a "closeup examination of the artist’s latest cover, in which the murder of George Floyd embodies the history of violence inflicted upon black people in America". As you click through the page, you find out the individual stories of the 18 black Americans featured. The New Yorker cover is a powerful tribute to George Floyd and other victims of police brutality Prominent activists such as Martin Luther King JR and Malcom X – who were both assassinated in the 1960s – are included in the piece, and there are also victims like seven-year-old Aiyana Stanley-Jones and twenty-two-year-old Stephon Clark, who were both killed in their own homes in the last decade. The final annotation included in the interactive feature is an escaped slave – known as Gordon – whose image was circulated as a key part of the abolitionist movement because of the shocking lacerations on his back. Nelson has depicted moments of historical significance too, including the March from Selma, and the Tulsa Race Massacre, while the 'I Am A Man' placard reflects the protest signs carried by sanitation workers during the Memphis strikes. The mostly monochrome piece is interlaced with blue Periwinkle, which represents the millions of black people who died as slaves in the USA. Periwinkle was often used as a burial flower, and was often the only sign of a burial plot in the case of the resting place of many slaves. Nelson is well-known for his work depicting African-American history and culture. His work is often featured on the cover of the New Yorker, and he has also created cover art for National Geographic (see it above), Ebony and Marvel, amongst other publications. Nelson is one of the many creatives standing up in the fight against racism, in response to the killing of George Floyd and support of the protests currently taking place globally. Read more: Designers create public document listing black-owned studios Banksy reveals brilliant plan for Bristol’s toppled Colston Statue Brands show support for Black Lives Matter View the full article