Connect with us
DAPA Banner

Tech

New GlassWorm attack targets macOS via compromised OpenVSX extensions

Published

on

New GlassWorm attack targets macOS via compromised OpenVSX extensions

A new GlassWorm malware attack through compromised OpenVSX extensions focuses on stealing passwords, crypto-wallet data, and developer credentials and configurations from macOS systems.

The threat actor gained access to the account of a legitimate developer (oorzc) and pushed malicious updates with the GlassWorm payload to four extensions that had been downloaded 22,000 times.

GlassWorm attacks first appeared in late October, hiding the malicious code using “invisible” Unicode characters to steal cryptocurrency wallet and developer account details. The malware also supports VNC-based remote access and SOCKS proxying.

Wiz

Over time and across multiple attack waves, GlassWorm impacted both Microsoft’s official Visual Studio Code marketplace and its open-source alternative for unsupported IDEs, OpenVSX.

In a previous campaign, GlassWorm showed signs of evolution, targeting macOS systems, and its developers were working to add a replacement mechanism for the Trezor and Ledger apps.

Advertisement

A new report from Socket’s security team describes a new campaign that relied on trojanizing the following extensions:

  • oorzc.ssh-tools v0.5.1
  • oorzc.i18n-tools-plus v1.6.8
  • oorzc.mind-map v1.0.61
  • oorzc.scss-to-css-compile v1.3.4

The malicious updates were pushed on January 30, and Socket reports that the extensions had been innocuous for two years. This suggests that the oorzc account was most likely compromised by GlassWorm operators.

According to the researchers, the campaign targets macOS systems exclusively, pulling instructions from Solana transaction memos. Notably, Russian-locale systems are excluded, which may hint at the origin of the attacker.

Environment checks before executing on the host
Environment checks before executing on the host
Source: Socket

GlassWorm loads a macOS information stealer that establishes persistence on infected systems via a LaunchAgent, enabling execution at login.

It harvests browser data across Firefox and Chromium, wallet extensions and wallet apps, macOS keychain data, Apple Notes databases, Safari cookies, developer secrets, and documents from the local filesystem, and exfiltrates everything to the attacker’s infrastructure at 45.32.150[.]251.

Data theft activity
Data theft activity
Source: Socket

Socket reported the packages to the Eclipse Foundation, the operator of the Open VSX platform, and the security team confirmed unauthorized publishing access, revoked tokens, and removed the malicious releases.

The only exception is oorzc.ssh-tools, which was removed completely from Open VSX due to discovering multiple malicious releases.

Advertisement

Currently, versions of the affected extensions on the market are clean, but developers who downloaded the malicious releases should perform a full system clean-up and rotate all their secrets and passwords.

Modern IT infrastructure moves faster than manual workflows can handle.

In this new Tines guide, learn how your team can reduce hidden manual delays, improve reliability through automated response, and build and scale intelligent workflows on top of tools you already use.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

Tech

Hyundai’s New Boulder Concept Feels Like The Future Of SUVs

Published

on





Hyundai unveiled its “Boulder” concept off-roader at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, and it’s decidedly unlike other Hyundais we’ve come to know. Firstly, it’s a big, body-on-frame SUV, which is an interesting turn of events, given how every other Hyundai produced for the United States has been unibody. 

This puts it right in contention with off-roaders like the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, but also potentially against the likes of the Chevy Colorado and Ford Ranger. Now, a body-on-frame SUV isn’t exactly high tech. In fact, it was the de facto layout for decades prior to the popularity of unibody construction. However, the Boulder still feels like a pretty big step forward for off-road vehicles and SUVs as a whole, as Hyundai seems committed to body-on-frame vehicles in the future. Hyundai notes that a truck will be coming first (in 2030), and then more vehicles riding on that platform will follow.

Advertisement

Hyundai’s Boulder concept represents a transition toward off-roading in the future

Although it might seem like this move toward body-on-frame construction is actually a blast from the past, what makes the Boulder unique in that it takes the best parts of this old technology and combines it with newer tech. This vehicle maintains the improved towing capacity and durability of a body-on-frame construction, while generally allowing for more wheel travel and differential setups that come with off-roading. At the same time, the concept is designed with modern features like coach-style doors that capable of side loading and a double-hinged rear tailgate that opens from either side.

Advertisement

There are still several questions that need answers: Is the Boulder eventually coming to fruition, or is it just a concept? What drivetrain is Hyundai planning, and perhaps most importantly, will it be priced in a way that drivers will agree with? We will likely have to wait a few years to get any satisfying answers to most of those questions. 

But the Boulder is an encouraging look at what the future might hold for SUVs designed on the more rugged side of the spectrum. A technologically advanced and (hopefully) efficient dedicated off-roader riding on a good platform might win a lot of fans over from Jeep. 

Advertisement



Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

Anthropic Says Its New AI Model Is So Good at Finding Security Risks, You Can’t Use It

Published

on

AI developer Anthropic says its newest Claude artificial intelligence model is so good at finding cybersecurity vulnerabilities that it’s not releasable to the public. The company is instead providing the tool to big tech infrastructure providers so they can patch the flaws it finds.

In late March, word began to leak that Anthropic’s latest AI model, dubbed Claude Mythos (PDF), was going to be a leap forward for the company’s AI technology. Now, the company has previewed its capabilities and warned that Mythos represents a major cybersecurity threat, as its capabilities represent a leap forward in finding and exploiting online security vulnerabilities. 

“AI models have reached a level of coding capability where they can surpass all but the most skilled humans at finding and exploiting software vulnerabilities,” the company said in a blog post Tuesday. Anthropic said Mythos Preview, which has not been released to the public, has already found what it says are thousands of severe security vulnerabilities “in every major operating system and web browser.” Asked for comment, a representative for Anthropic directed CNET to the company’s blog post.

Advertisement

To address the cybersecurity risks, Anthropic said it’s launching a consortium called Project Glasswing that includes Apple, Amazon Web Services, Broadcom, Cisco, CrowdStrike, Google, JPMorgan Chase, the Linux Foundation, Microsoft, Nvidia and Palo Alto Networks. Anthropic said those organizations and more than 40 others will have access to Mythos in order to start the work of shoring up defenses against AI attacks and exploits. It’s committing $100 million in usage credits for Mythos and $4 million in donations to open-source security organizations. 

“The dangers of getting this wrong are obvious, but if we get it right, there is a real opportunity to create a fundamentally more secure internet and world than we had before the advent of AI-powered cyber capabilities,” Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei posted on X.

In a video posted to YouTube about Project Glasswing, leaders from companies including Microsoft, the Linux Foundation and Anthropic discussed the damage that software vulnerabilities can cause. 

Large cloud computing companies have already been working with the new model to find vulnerabilities. “What we have found has been illuminating,” Anthony Grieco, chief security and trust officer at Cisco, wrote in a blog post. “Now the real work begins. AI-powered analysis uncovers data at a scale and depth that legacy frameworks were not designed to accommodate.”

Advertisement

Amazon Web Services said the model has already found ways to strengthen code even in its most well-tested systems. Amy Herzog, vice president and chief information security officer at AWS, called Claude Mythos Preview a “step-change in reasoning and AI capabilities for cybersecurity.”

How significant is this new model?

The phenomenon of AI being able to discover, and potentially exploit software vulnerabilities, is not new — the DARPA Cyber Grand Challenge has had several instances of AI drawing attention in this area, said Michal Salát, threat intelligence director for Norton.

But now, AI tech that’s available to anyone has some of those capabilities. “Anthropic’s Project Glasswing is focused on safeguarding this powerful technology, which can transform vulnerability research but also pose a serious risk if misused for malicious purposes,” Salát said in an email to CNET. “While it represents a major step forward from current top models such as Opus 4.6, the underlying capability already exists today, and vulnerability research is rapidly emerging as one of the primary, real-world use cases for AI in cybersecurity.”

National policymakers, who have been going back and forth on the need for federal AI regulation, will likely watch the consortium’s progress closely.

Advertisement

Sen. Mark Warner praised the initiative in a statement. “I applaud these leading companies for recognizing this threat and proactively sharing information, capabilities and computing capacity to better protect our critical infrastructure,” the Virginia Democrat said. “As AI dramatically accelerates the discovery of new vulnerabilities, I hope industry will correspondingly accelerate and reprioritize patching.”

Warner, whose state is a hotbed of AI data centers, recently called a proposed moratorium on data center construction “idiocy,” but has also warned about the risks to society posed by rapid AI development leading to massive job losses.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

Advance Paris NOVA Range Debuts at AXPONA 2026: Integrated Amplifiers, Streaming Module, and Bi-Directional Bluetooth Dongle with aptX Low Latency Support

Published

on

Advance Paris is bringing its new NOVA flagship series to AXPONA 2026, and it feels like the next deliberate step in a push that has already kicked down more than a few doors on this side of the pond. The French brand, which has quietly built momentum in the U.S. and Canada with its retro-leaning aesthetic and feature-rich designs, is officially unveiling a five-product NOVA range built around two integrated amplifiers, a modular streaming cartridge, a bi-directional Bluetooth dongle, and a rotary remote that leans hard into tactile control.

Unlike some of its compatriots; YBA, Devialet, Metronome, and Jadis, that tend to favor either stark minimalism or full blown luxury theatrics, Advance Paris has found a middle ground that actually resonates with North American listeners. NOVA sits at the top of that strategy, combining amplification, streaming, and wireless connectivity into a modular system designed to evolve over time rather than lock users into a single box solution.

A-i130 & A-i190 Integrated Amplifiers

advance-a-i130-silver-angle
A-i130
Advance Paris A-i190 Integrated Amplifier Silver Front Angle
A-i190

Both the A-i130 and A-i190 are built on the same core idea: this isn’t just an integrated amplifier, it’s the control center for an entire system. Advance Paris is combining hybrid amplification, DSP, DAC, and subwoofer management into one chassis and then letting you expand it later with modular add-ons. That’s the play.

At their core, both models use a hybrid design with an ECC81 tube preamp stage feeding a Class A/B output section. You get some harmonic texture without sacrificing control. On the digital side, both rely on an ESS9017 DAC running in Quad mode, paired with a 4 channel DSP that handles EQ and room correction across left, right, and up to two subwoofers

Subwoofer integration is taken seriously here. Both support 2.1 or 2.2 configurations with a proper crossover and independent control, which immediately separates them from a lot of integrated amps still pretending subs don’t belong in two channel systems.

Advertisement

Add HDMI eARC, USB with DSD support, multiple optical and coaxial inputs, five line level RCA inputs, MM phono (with ground), pre-out, record out, dual sub outs, and a 6.35 mm headphone jack, and both units are clearly designed to replace a stack of separates without feeling compromised. 

They also share the same expansion path. Both include slots for the optional A NTC streaming cartridge and A BTC Bluetooth module, enabling full streaming or bi-directional wireless audio including headphone transmission. And yes, both support the rotary remote if you want tactile volume control without getting off the couch.

Physically, these are not compact lifestyle boxes.

advance-a-i130-silver-back
A-i130
advance-a-i190-rear
A-i190

The A-i130 measures 43 x 17.5 x 35.1 cm (16.9 x 6.9 x 13.8 inches) and weighs 13.3 kg (29.3 lbs). Think of it as the Marion Cotillard of the lineup; refined, composed, and quietly in control of the room.

Advertisement

The A-i190 grows in every direction at 43 x 19.2 x 45.4 cm (16.9 x 7.6 x 17.9 inches) and 19 kg (41.9 lbs), which tells you exactly what’s going on inside before you even turn it on. This one is Vincent Cassel; leaner than you expect, hits harder than it should, and absolutely not here to play nice.

Where they diverge is power, architecture, and connectivity.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

The A-i130 delivers 130 watts per channel into 8 ohms using a single toroidal transformer. Its connectivity is extensive but entirely single ended on the analog side. You get five RCA line inputs, an MM phono input with grounding terminal, and RCA outputs for pre out, record out, and dual subwoofers. Digital inputs include three optical, three coaxial, USB audio with DSD support, and HDMI eARC for TV integration. There’s also a 6.35 mm headphone output on the front. It’s a complete, modern hub without unnecessary complexity—and for most systems, it’s not leaving anything on the table. 

Advertisement

The A-i190 takes that foundation and pushes it into more serious territory. It moves to a dual mono design with two toroidal transformers, effectively isolating each channel and increasing output to 190 watts per channel with greater headroom. Connectivity expands where it actually matters: in addition to the same five RCA line inputs and digital suite (optical, coaxial, USB, HDMI eARC), the A-i190 adds balanced XLR inputs and a balanced XLR pre out alongside the RCA pre out. The phono stage is upgraded to support both MM and MC cartridges, and it retains dual subwoofer outputs and record out. In other words, it’s not just more power—it’s built to integrate into more demanding, higher-end systems without forcing compromises. 

A-NTC Streaming Cartridge Turns NOVA into a Real Network Player

advance-a-I190-a-ntc

The A-NTC is Advance Paris’ modular answer to streaming, and it’s designed to work two ways without overcomplicating things. On its own, it can function as a standalone streamer via its optical output, adding network playback to any system with a compatible digital input. Install it into the expansion slot on the A-i130 or A-i190, and it disappears into the chassis; no extra cables, no extra box, just a fully integrated streaming amplifier.

It supports the platforms that actually matter: Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, DLNA, and Roon, with connectivity over Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Output is capped at 24-bit/192 kHz, which covers the vast majority of real world streaming use cases without pretending to chase numbers for marketing.

The key point here is integration. This isn’t another streamer fighting for shelf space, it’s part of the ecosystem. Clean, functional, and exactly what most people will use.

A-BTC Bluetooth Dongle Adds Wireless Flexibility Without Pretending It’s Perfect

advance-a-I190-a-btc

The A-BTC is a bi-directional Bluetooth 5.4 module that uses the same expansion slot, adding both transmit and receive functionality to the NOVA platform. You can stream from your phone to the amplifier or send audio out to a single pair of Bluetooth headphones; useful for late night listening or keeping the peace when the rest of the house is asleep.

Codec support includes aptX HD, aptX Adaptive, aptX Low Latency, and AAC, which gives you solid coverage for both sound quality and low latency video use. Lip sync should be tight with aptX LL, and aptX Adaptive handles variable bitrate conditions more gracefully than older standards.

Advertisement

What it does not include is just as important: there’s no LDAC and no aptX Lossless. That’s going to matter if you’re running newer wireless headphones that rely on those codecs for maximum resolution. In other words, this is a well executed, practical Bluetooth solution, but it’s not chasing the bleeding edge of wireless audio.

A-RTR Rotary Remote Brings Back Tactile Control

a-rtr

The optional A-RTR rotary remote is exactly what it looks like: a solid, weighty metal control designed to live on your coffee table or listening surface, not get lost between couch cushions. It connects wirelessly to the A-i130 and A-i190 via the A-BTC Bluetooth module, so yes—you need that piece in place for this to work.

Functionally, it keeps things simple. The rotating crown handles volume, while additional controls manage input selection and power. No screen, no app dependency, no nonsense. Just direct control with a physical interface that mirrors the design language of the amplifiers themselves.

This is clearly aimed at listeners who are tired of poking at phones or dealing with plastic remotes that feel like they came free with a toaster. It’s not about adding features, it’s about restoring a more tactile way to interact with the system.

As Cédric Léon, Product Manager at Advance Paris, puts it: “With these new products, we are offering a future proof audio solution that is both powerful and versatile—and really leans into the modern and sleek aesthetic Advance Paris is known for. Whether you’re looking for the best possible sound quality, streaming flexibility, or an amplifier that can adapt to a variety of needs, this new product lineup has it all.”

Advertisement
Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
rem-21-remote

The Bottom Line

The NOVA range stands out because it combines a hybrid tube front end, Class A/B power, 4-channel DSP with real subwoofer integration, and a modular expansion path that lets you decide how far down the streaming and wireless rabbit hole you want to go. Two slots, two modules, and a clear upgrade path.

The execution matters. Both integrated amplifiers function as serious control centers with proper inputs and outputs, HDMI eARC, and flexible bass management, which is something a lot of competitors still treat like an afterthought. The A-i190, in particular, leans into higher end territory with dual mono architecture and balanced connectivity, making it viable in more ambitious systems.

The modular approach will feel familiar to anyone who has spent time with NAD and its MDC ecosystem, especially in the Master Series. Same idea: don’t lock the user into a fixed feature set that ages out in two years. Let them add what they need. The difference here is that Advance Paris is applying that concept to a more stylistically distinctive platform.

That said, there are tradeoffs. At these prices, a lot of competing integrated streaming amplifiers already include network streaming out of the box. Here, it’s a paid add-on. And while the Bluetooth module is well executed, the lack of LDAC and aptX Lossless means it’s not chasing the highest tier of lossless wireless audio performance.

Advertisement

The A-RTR remote is another interesting play. It’s tactile, heavy, and clearly designed to be part of the experience, but it will look very familiar if you’ve seen what Devialet and MOON by Simaudio have been doing for years. Whether that’s homage or imitation depends on your level of cynicism.

So who is this for? Someone who wants a modern, feature rich integrated amplifier with real system flexibility, but doesn’t want to be locked into an all in one streaming platform that may age poorly. Someone who values tactile control, clean system integration, and the ability to evolve over time.

 

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

Win a Denon DP-500BT Turntable!

Published

on

Denon DP-500BT Turntable Lifestyle

Description:

The Denon DP-500BT is a premium turntable aimed at both new vinyl listeners and experienced collectors, combining Denon’s proven analog performance with the added flexibility of Bluetooth streaming. Designed to deliver rich, detailed sound through its traditional outputs while supporting modern listening habits, it bridges the gap between classic hi-fi and everyday convenience.

Learn more about the Denon DP-500BT Bluetooth Turntable.

Where to buy:

Which Denon AVR Should You Buy?

Podcast with Phil Jones: Can HEOS Really Do All That?

First Listen: Denon Home 200, 400, 600 Wireless Dolby Atmos Built-in

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

Paradigm Premier Series v2 Debuts at AXPONA 2026: Affordable High-End Speakers Get a Major Upgrade

Published

on

Toronto-based Paradigm is debuting its Premier Series v2 loudspeaker series at AXPONA 2026 which is priced from $800 to $2,300 per pair. Although the company is leaning hard into its usual talk of trickle-down tech and refined engineering, the real story is far simpler: they’ve managed to keep this line genuinely affordable in a market that’s been sprinting in the opposite direction.

The new lineup is a full-system play, covering the 820F and 720F floorstanding speakers, 220B and 120B bookshelf models, the 620C center channel, and the 520LCR for flexible front-stage or custom-install use. Built as a ground-up redesign of the original 2018 Premier Series, the v2 range pulls design cues and driver technology from Paradigm’s higher-end offerings without dragging pricing into five-figure territory.

Like DALI, Paradigm remains one of the few speaker manufacturers still doing everything in-house; from driver design to cabinet construction, backed by extensive testing and measurements in its own anechoic chamber. That level of control tends to show up where it counts: tighter tolerances, more consistent performance, and fewer surprises once the speakers hit real rooms.

The Premier v2 Series is clearly designed as a complete, accessible ecosystem, but the headline isn’t just the redesign or the model count. It’s that Paradigm didn’t lose its grip on reality with the pricing. In 2026, that alone makes this launch worth paying attention to.

Advertisement

With the Premier v2, we wanted to make a reference-grade acoustics platform available at a more attainable price point,” says John Bagby, Managing Director at PML Sound International. “By using some of the technologies and materials developed for our award-winning Founder Series and tuning them for this new line, we’ve delivered a strong level of value—and an experience that we are incredibly excited to share with our dealers and fans.”

Advanced Driver and Enclosure Technologies

paradigm-premier-v2-drivers

The v2 series integrates a range of driver and enclosure technologies designed to deliver balanced, accurate sound across the full frequency range:

  • AL-MAC High-Frequency Drivers: A blend of aluminum, magnesium, and ceramic designed to reduce resonances and deliver a clean, controlled treble response without added harshness.
  • AL-MAG Midrange Drivers: Engineered for high sensitivity and responsiveness, these drivers keep vocals and instruments clear, focused, and tonally accurate.
  • Carbon-X Unibody Bass Drivers: One-piece cone construction designed to maintain rigidity under load, delivering deeper bass with better control and less distortion at higher output levels.
paradigm-premier-v2-sound-guides

Patented Sound Guides: The PPA (Perforated Phase-Aligning) Lens and OSW (Oblate Spheroidal Waveguide) work together to focus sound toward the listener, ensuring a wide “sweet spot” regardless of the room’s layout. Paradigm’s Oblate Spheroidal Waveguide (OSW) is a proprietary tweeter waveguide designed to improve sound dispersion. It focuses the tweeter output on the listening area, reducing off-axis reflections and enhancing clarity

paradigm-premier-v2-feet

Outrigger Shock-Mount Isolation Feet: An adjustable system that decouples the speaker from the floor to reduce vibration, helping deliver tighter, more controlled bass on any surface using the included spikes or rubber feet.

From Affordable Entry Point to Serious High Performance

The Premier v2 is positioned as a clear step up for listeners ready to move beyond entry-level gear and into a more refined, higher-performance home audio system.

We designed the Premier v2 for the enthusiast who is ready to move into a higher tier of performance without the typical high-end cost,” says Badar Qureshi, CEO of PML Sound International. “This series represents the future of our brand by proving that truly exceptional audio can be both approachable and attainable. We are committed to ensuring that Paradigm remains the standard for performance in its class, giving our customers a clear path to owning a world-class listening experience.”

Advertisement

Premier v2 820F

paradigm-premier-v2-820f

The 820F v2 sits at the top of the Premier v2 lineup, built to anchor a serious two-channel or home theater system. With multiple 7-inch Carbon-X bass drivers and a high-volume enclosure, it’s designed to move a lot of air; delivering deep, controlled bass and a wide, room-filling soundstage without losing composure as volume climbs.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Premier v2 720F

paradigm-premier-series-v2-720f-lifestyle

The 720F v2 delivers floorstanding scale without dominating the room. Its 3-way design uses dual Carbon-X unibody bass drivers for low-frequency control and rigidity, paired with a dedicated AL-MAG midrange and AL-MAC tweeter for a more cohesive, full-range presentation. Adjustable Outrigger Shock-Mount feet help keep things stable and isolated, so the speaker maintains composure and clarity even when pushed harder.

Premier v2 220B

paradigm-premier-v2-220b

The 220B v2 is a larger bookshelf or standmount design built around a 1-inch AL-MAC tweeter and a 6-inch AL-MAG driver, paired with a cabinet that offers more internal volume than you’d expect at this size. The result is deeper bass extension and greater dynamic range, making it viable in both smaller rooms and more open spaces. It’s a strong option for listeners who want something close to floorstander performance without committing to full-size towers.

Premier v2 120B

paradigm-premier-series-v2-120b-lifestyle

The Premier 120B v2 is positioned as the entry point into the lineup, built for smaller spaces without giving up on sound quality. This compact 2-way bookshelf pairs a 1-inch AL-MAC tweeter with a 5.5-inch AL-MAG mid-bass driver to deliver a detailed, surprisingly expansive soundstage for its size. It works equally well as a dedicated stereo pair or as part of a larger home theater system.

Premier v2 620C Center Channel 

paradigm-premier-v2-620c

The 620C v2 is a substantial center channel built for larger home theater systems. It uses a 4-driver array paired with dual passive radiators to deliver deeper, more impactful low-end while retaining the placement flexibility of a sealed cabinet design. The goal here is straightforward: clear, intelligible dialogue with enough weight and presence to anchor even bigger, more demanding setups.

Premier v2 520LCR

paradigm-premier-v2-520c

The 520LCR v2 is a dedicated left, center, right solution built for high-performance home theater systems. Its sealed acoustic suspension design allows for flexible placement—inside cabinetry or out in the open—without sacrificing clarity or control. A coaxial AL-MAG midrange helps lock in dialogue and imaging, creating a more cohesive and seamless front soundstage. It can be positioned horizontally as a center channel or vertically for left, right, or even surround duties, making it one of the more versatile options in the lineup.

Paradigm Premier Series V2 Speakers Comparison

paradigm-820f-720f-220b-120b
Paradigm Premier Series V2 Model 820F 720F 220B 120B
Product Type Floorstanding Speaker  Floorstanding Speaker  Bookshelf/Standmount Speaker Bookshelf/Standmount Speaker
Price (each) $1,299.99 $999.99 $549.99 $399.99
Design 4-driver, 3-way ported floor standing speaker with AL-MAC, AL-MAG, Carbon-X, OSW™, and PPA™ 4-driver, 3-way ported floor standing speaker with AL-MAC, AL-MAG, Carbon-X, OSW™, and PPA™ 2-driver, 2-way ported bookshelf with AL-MAC, AL-MAG, OSW™, and PPA™ 2-driver, 2-way ported bookshelf with AL-MAC, AL-MAG, OSW™, and PPA™
Crossover 2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 1.8kHz
(tweeter/midrange)
 
2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 450Hz (midrange/woofer)
2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 1.3kHz (tweeter/midrange) 

2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 500Hz (midrange/woofer)

2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 1.1kHz (tweeter/midwoofer) 2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 1.2kHz (tweeter/mid woofer))
High-Frequency Driver 1” (25mm) AL-MAC™ Ceramic Dome with Oblate Spheroid Waveguide (OSW™) and Per forated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Tweeter Lens, ferro-fluid damped / cooled 1” (25mm) AL-MAC™ Ceramic Dome with Oblate Spheroid Waveguide (OSW™) and Per forated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Tweeter Lens, ferro-fluid damped / cooled 1” (25mm) AL-MAC™ Ceramic Dome with Oblate Spheroid Waveguide (OSW™) and Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Tweeter Lens, ferro-fluid damped / cooled 1” (25mm) AL-MAC™ Ceramic Dome with Oblate Spheroid Waveguide (OSW™) and Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Tweeter Lens, ferro-fluid damped / cooled
Mid-Frequency Driver 6” (152mm) AL-MAG™ Cone with Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Lens, and a 2” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical™ former 6” (152mm) AL-MAG™ Cone with Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Lens, and a 2” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical™ former N/A N/A
Mid/Bass Frequency Driver N/A  N/A 6” (152mm) Ultra-High-Excursion AL-MAG™ Cone with Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Lens, Gen3 Active Ridge Technology (ART™) with Vertical Mounting System, and a 1” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical™ former 5.5” (140mm) Ultra-High-Ex cursion AL-MAG™ Cone with Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Lens, Gen3 Active Ridge Technology (ART™) with Vertical Mounting System, and a 1” high temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical™ former
Bass Frequency Driver Two 7” (177mm) Ultra-HighExcur sion CARBON-X™ Unibody Cone, Gen3 Active Ridge Technology (ART™) with Vertical Mounting System, and a 1” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical™ former Two 6″ (152mm) Ultra-HighExcur sion CARBON-X™ Unibody Cone, Gen3 Active Ridge Technology (ART™) with Vertical Mounting System, and a 1” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical™ former N/A N/A
Passive Radiator N/A N/A N/A N/A
Frequency Response (On Axis) ±3dB from 52Hz – 40kHz ±3dB from 55Hz – 27kHz ±3dB from 58Hz – 40kHz ±3dB from 62Hz – 24kHz
Frequency Response (Off Axis) ±3dB from 39Hz – 30kHz ±3dB from 39Hz – 30kHz ±3dB from 51Hz – 21kHz ±3dB from 55Hz – 32kHz
Low Frequency Extension 21Hz (DIN) 27Hz (DIN) 36Hz (DIN) 39 Hz (DIN)
Sensitivity Room/Anechonic 93dB / 90dB 92dB / 89dB 91dB / 88dB 90dB / 87dB
Amplifier Power Range 15 – 250 Watts 15 – 220 Watts 15 – 130 Watts 15 – 130 Watts
Max Input Power 180 Watts 180 Watts 80 Watts 70 Watts
Impedance  Compatible with 8 ohms Compatible with 8 ohms Compatible with 8 ohms Compatible with 8 ohms
Weight (each) 65 lbs (29.5 kg)  57.3 lbs (26 kg)  20.1 lbs (9.1 kg)  16.3 lbs (7.4 kg) 
Dimensions (HWD) 43.4” x 13.1” x 18.6” 

110.2 cm x 33.3 cm x 47.2 cm

Advertisement
39.6” x 12.5” x 17”

100.6 cm x 31.8 cm x 43.2 cm

14.6” x 8.3” x 12.9”

37.1 cm x 21.1 cm x 32.8 cm

Advertisement
12” x 7” x 12.1” 

30.5 cm x 17.8 cm x 30.7 cm

Finishes Piano Black, Black Walnut, Walnut Piano Black, Black Walnut, Walnut Piano Black, Black Walnut, Walnut Piano Black, Black Walnut, Walnut, Satin White
paradigm-620c-520lcr
Paradigm Premier Series V2 Model 620C 520LCR
Product Type Center Channel Speaker Left, Center, Right Channel Speaker
Price (each) $1,299.99 $899.99
Design 4-driver, 2-passive radiator, 3-way sealed center channel speaker with AL-MAC, AL-MAG, Carbon-X, OSW™, and PPA™ 4-driver, 3-way sealed LCR speaker with AL-MAC, AL-MAG, Carbon-X, OSW™, and PPA™      
Crossover 2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 1.7kHz (tweeter/midrange) 
2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 750Hz (midrange/woofer)
2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 1.5kHz (tweeter/midrange) 2nd Order Electro-acoustic at 650Hz (midrange/woofer)
High-Frequency Driver 1” (25mm) AL-MAC™ Ceramic Dome with Oblate Spheroid Waveguide (OSW™) and Per forated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Tweeter Lens, ferro-fluid damped / cooled 1” (25mm) AL-MAC™ Ceramic Dome with Oblate Spheroid Waveguide (OSW™) and Perforated Phase-Aligning (PPA™) Tweeter Lens, ferro-fluid damped / cooled
Mid-Frequency Driver Coaxial 6” (152mm) AL-MAG™ Cone, a 2” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with Apical™ former, Patented Dual-Sync™ Continuous Flux Motor Coaxial 6” (152mm) AL-MAG™ Cone, a 2” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with Apical™ former, Patented Dual-Sync™ Continuous Flux Motor
Mid/Bass Frequency Driver N/A N/A
Bass Frequency Driver Two 7” (177mm) Ultra-High Excursion CARBON-X™ Unibody Cone, Gen3 Active Ridge Technology (ART™) with Vertical Mounting System, and a 1” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical™ former Two 6” (152mm) Ultra-High Excursion CARBON-X™ Unibody Cone, Gen3 Active Ridge Technology (ART™) with Vertical Mounting System, and a 1” high-temp multi-layered voice coil with ventilated Apical™ former
Passive Radiator Two 7” (177mm) Ultra-High Excursion CARBON-X™ Unibody Passive Raditators with Gen3 Active Ridge Technology (ART™) and Vertical Mounting System N/A
Frequency Response (On Axis) ±3dB from 49Hz – 31kHz ±3dB from 75Hz – 40kHz
Frequency Response (Off Axis) ±3dB from 45Hz – 31kHz ±3dB from 64Hz – 32kHz
Low Frequency Extension 33Hz (DIN) 50Hz (DIN)
Sensitivity Room/Anechonic 93dB / 90dB 93dB / 90dB
Amplifier Power Range 15 – 180 Watts 15-120 Watts
Max Input Power 120 Watts 80 Watts
Impedance  Compatible with 8 ohms Compatible with 8 ohms
Weight (each) 48.1 lbs (21.8 kg)  31.1 lbs (14.1 kg)
Dimensions (HWD) 8.9” x 41” x 13.7” 

22.6 cm x 104.1 cm x 34.8 cm

8.3” x 23.4” x 12” 
Advertisement

21.1 cm x 59.4 cm x 30.5 cm

Finishes Piano Black, Black Walnut, Walnut Piano Black, Black Walnut, Walnut, Satin White
paradogm-premier-series-v2-720f-lifestyle-woman
Paradigm Premier v2 720F

The Bottom Line

Chasing better sound usually ends the same way: higher prices, diminishing returns, and a lot of second-guessing. The Premier Series v2 doesn’t pretend to rewrite that reality, but it does offer a more grounded path through it.

What makes this lineup stand out isn’t some radical new concept. It’s execution. Paradigm is leveraging its in-house design, driver development, and anechoic testing to deliver a complete, coherent speaker family that pulls meaningful technology down from its higher-end lines without dragging the price into absurd territory. That balance, real engineering, full system flexibility, and pricing that still feels tethered to reality is the hook.

What’s missing? No dedicated subwoofer in the Premier v2 lineup. You’ll need to look at Paradigm’s Defiance or Essentials series, or elsewhere if you want to round out a full-range system. Not a dealbreaker, but it’s part of the equation.

Who should be looking at these? Anyone ready to move beyond entry-level speakers but not interested in playing the five-figure game. The Premier v2 series makes the most sense for listeners building a serious two-channel or home theater system who want consistency across channels, solid engineering, and performance that doesn’t collapse when pushed.

Advertisement

In a crowded sub-$10,000 category, that’s not a small thing. Paradigm isn’t chasing hype here. They’re offering a system you can actually live with and afford.

Price & Availability 

The Paradigm Premier Series v2 Loudspeakers are priced individually (not in pairs) and the stands for smaller bookshelf models are not included. Look for them in June 2026 from Authorized Paradigm Dealers at the following prices:

  • Premier 820F v2 (Floorstanding) — $1,299.99 /each 
  • Premier 720F v2 (Floorstanding) — $999.99 /each 
  • Premier 220B v2 (Bookshelf) — $549.99 /each 
  • Premier 120B v2 (Bookshelf) — $399.99 /each 
  • Premier 620C v2 (Center Channel) — $1,299.99 /each 
  • Premier 520LCR v2 (LCR Channel) — $899.99 /each 

The Premier v2 series will make its public debut at AXPONA 2026 (April 10-12) at the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, where attendees will be the first to experience the new lineup through live demonstrations.

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.
Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

‘This creates a layered form of obfuscation’: New report says criminals are using emojis to avoid detection

Published

on


  • Flashpoint warns cybercriminals use emojis to evade detection
  • Emojis replace fraud and financial keywords to bypass filters
  • Symbols like 💳, 🔑, 🤖 signal cards, credentials, and malware

Just as everyone else these days, cybercriminals use emojis, too. But they’re not just using them to make their messages fun or exciting, they’re also using them to hide their communication in plain sight and evade security analysts’ scrutiny.

This is according to a new report from threat intelligence experts, Flashpoint. Published earlier this week, Flashpoint says threat actors may substitute emojis for keywords associated with fraud techniques, financial activity, as well as specific platforms or services.

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

5 Burning Questions About Elon Musk’s Terafab Chip Partnership with Intel

Published

on

Intel CEO Lip-Bu Tan said Tuesday that the chipmaker will “work closely” with Elon Musk to support the billionaire entrepreneur’s Terafab project, a potentially massive chip development and fabrication operation that will be jointly developed by SpaceX and Tesla. A photo posted by Intel’s official X account shows the two executives shaking hands last weekend in front of a large Intel sign. Musk’s 1-terawatt, ultra-high performance chip fabrication facility, which may span multiple locations, could cost billions of dollars.

“Terafab represents a step change in how silicon logic, memory and packaging will get built in the future,” Tan said in a social media post. “Intel is proud to be a partner and work closely with Elon on this highly strategic project.”

Exactly how Tan and Musk plan to execute such an ambitious venture remains unclear. Musk has been talking about the need to develop a so-called Terafab for months, viewing the endeavor as a way to produce the vast number of chips his companies will need for cars, robots, and data centers. Some chip industry analysts are highly skeptical that Musk can pull off such a complex and capital-intensive venture.

Intel, meanwhile, has been attempting to make a mighty comeback after years of stagnation, and part of its efforts include pitching its capacity to manufacture advanced semiconductors to tech companies hungry for chips to power the AI boom. As WIRED recently reported, Intel’s ability to secure these outside customers is critical to its success. And Musk could be a huge whale of a customer.

Advertisement

Musk did not respond to WIRED’s questions about the partnership. A spokesperson for Intel referred WIRED to the company’s posts about the deal on social media and declined to comment further. For now, here are five outstanding questions about how Intel’s involvement could affect Terafab’s chances of success.

How Big Is The “Deal”?

Hard to say. Neither Intel nor Tesla has filed any paperwork with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, which is typically required if a new partnership or deal materially changes the capital investment or manufacturing capacity of a public company.

For example, when chipmaker AMD and Meta announced a “multi-year, multi-generation” partnership in February to deploy up to 6 gigawatts of AMD GPUs for Meta’s AI services, AMD disclosed the deal in an SEC filing. As of publishing, no such forms have been filed yet by Intel or Tesla. That indicates Tan and Musk’s agreement may be mostly handshakes and vibes at the moment. As one chip industry insider put it, “It makes quite a headline for a couple days, no?”

What Is Intel Actually Contributing?

Intel’s public statement about the mashup with Musk is almost comically vague. The company said that its “ability to design, fabricate, and package ultra-high-performance chips at scale” will help accelerate Terafab’s goal of producing 1 terawatt of computing power a year to support “future advances in AI and robotics.”

Advertisement

Pat Moorhead, a longtime chip industry analyst and founder of Moor Insights & Strategy, predicts that Musk will lean on Intel for its advanced packaging capabilities to start. He notes that Tesla “doesn’t need [chip] design engineering; they’re already very capable of that.” Moorhead adds that Musk may also want to license Intel’s chip architecture, which Terafab could build upon and customize.

Intel handling advanced packaging is a safe bet in the near term, because it gives all of the companies involved a chance to test their partnership without alienating TSMC, which runs the world’s biggest fabs, Moorhead says. “If you do packaging first, you’re not going to infuriate TSMC as much as you would if you used Intel for wafers,” he says. (Tesla has existing chip partnerships with TSMC and Samsung.)

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Tech

Grab 15" MacBook Air M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD for $1,549 (lowest price ever)

Published

on

The lowest price on record is in effect on Apple’s 2026 15-inch MacBook Air at Amazon, with the loaded M5 spec featuring an upgrade to 24GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD now on sale for $1,549.

Open MacBook Air laptop with abstract blue screen pattern, overlaid by bright teal banner displaying white text: 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, against a yellow and blue gradient background
Grab the lowest price ever on Apple’s brand-new M5 MacBook Air 15-inch – Image credit: Apple

Deals on both the 2026 13-inch and 15-inch models are going on now during Amazon’s April MacBook Air sale, with retail configurations now $150 off.
A top pick from the sale is the M5/24GB RAM/1TB spec that offers extra storage space and additional memory over the standard model. Discounted to $1,549 after a $150 discount, the deal is available in all four colorways.
Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

Anthropic unveils new powerful AI that finds software flaws, but says it's too dangerous to release

Published

on


In Project Glasswing, announced Tuesday, the company is giving a select group of major tech and financial firms access to Claude Mythos Preview, a frontier model that has already uncovered thousands of previously unknown software vulnerabilities. Anthropic says the model is too dangerous to release to the general public.
Read Entire Article
Source link

Continue Reading

Tech

X’s Grok AI now breaks language barriers and lets you edit photos using simple prompts

Published

on

Elon Musk’s X is continuing its push to bake AI deeper into the platform with two new Grok-powered features aimed at helping users reach a wider audience and edit images seamlessly.

What’s new on X?

The company has rolled out automatic translation for posts worldwide, allowing users to instantly read content in their preferred language without needing to tap on the translation option. The feature, powered by xAI’s Grok models, is designed to give posts a broader global reach while reducing friction for cross-language conversations. Users who prefer the original text can still toggle translations off on a per-language basis.

We’re rolling out auto-translate worldwide to give posts in any language global reach on X.

The translations are powered by Grok and have improved substantially over the last couple months.

If you prefer to read in the original language, you can always turn off auto-translate…

Advertisement

— Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) April 7, 2026

Alongside translation, X has also introduced a new in-app photo editor on iOS. The tool gives users access to basic editing options like drawing, text overlays, and blur controls for hiding sensitive information, such as faces or personal details.

Ladies and gentlemen, we’re launching a brand new Photo Editor in our post composer.

It has long-overdue features like drawing & text. But we also included special add-ons that are unique to X:

• Edit with words, powered by Grok
• Add a blur to redact parts of the photo… pic.twitter.com/38Zaw8b5jl

Advertisement

— Nikita Bier (@nikitabier) April 7, 2026

The editor also utilizes AI to help users edit images with natural language prompts. According to X’s head of product, Nikita Bier, users can ask Grok to transform images in specific ways. For example, they can ask Grok to turn a regular photo into something styled like a painting. For now, the feature is limited to X’s iOS app, but Android support is coming soon.

What does this mean for users?

With these additions, X is trying to get users to spend more time inside its app instead of relying on third-party tools. Other social media platforms have released similar AI-driven translation features, and X is now joining the fray to make Grok a core part of how people create and engage on the platform.

Whether this push pays off will ultimately come down to execution. If these tools feel genuinely useful and intuitive, they could make posting and discovery smoother. If not, they risk blending into the background as features more users ignore, adding complexity without meaningfully improving the experience.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025