#vehicle-router

[joelalorian]

neighborhood watch

neighbor!frankie morales x f!reader | wc: 5.7k | masterlist

Summary: When someone - or something - starts causing mischief around your new neighborhood, you and your neighbor Frankie are paired up for the new neighborhood watch.

Warnings: Not much, just cursing. Though this fic is rated T for Tame, this blog as a whole is 18+ mdni. Fluff and humor. Reader is a blank slate. No use of y/n.

A/N: This is my contribution to @punkshort's AU August Challenge to celebrate Shortie's 1-year tumblrversary. I was given the AU prompt neighbor!Frankie and ran with it. Hope you enjoy!

Palm trees lined both sides of the road, fronds gently swaying in the sea breeze as you drove through the picturesque neighborhood of bungalows to your new home. After a long and winding journey nearly halfway across the country to get there, you sighed in relief when you pulled your Wrangler into the small driveway. With all your – admittedly limited – worldly possessions shoved into the backseat, truck, and every other available crevice; you couldn’t wait to get out of the cramped space.

An old Florida 2/1 painted the color of green sea glass, the bungalow greeted you with a charming porch and two large windows bisected by the front door. The gabled roof offered taller ceilings and the wood flooring was original. By far, your favorite feature was the reading nook nestled into the living room with built-in shelves for books and the comfiest cushion to lounge on while reading or simply staring out the bay window.

Yeah, everything about this place beat what you left behind. Shitty apartment in a shitty part of a shitty town and an even shittier ex-boyfriend. Not that you were bitter about that or anything. You were still in awe that you managed to dig yourself out of that toxic situation before it completely destroyed you and scrounge up the money for this place. Thankfully, it came furnished. You didn’t have much money left for anything else.

You spent the afternoon unloading your belongings, organizing, and rearranging the place to your liking, blinds open to let the natural light in – anything to save on electric when the AC unit would be running nonstop. With the router and wifi connected, you curled up in the reading nook and watched as your new neighbors started coming home from work or set about walking dogs and mowing their small yards. A few glanced curiously at the sight of a vehicle in your driveway, no doubt wondering about the new resident.

Was this the type of neighborhood where neighbors would bring you casseroles to introduce themselves? Surely that was something only done in television shows and cheesy movies, right?

No less than an hour later, a kindly looking older woman knocked on your door, a covered dish in her hands. She greeted you with aged eyes and a toothy smile when you opened the door.

“Well, hello dear. I’m Stella and just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood.” Stella casually peeked into the house as she spoke, not bothering to hide the blatant snooping, and you shook your head in amusement.

“Nice to meet you, Stella,” you replied, offering your name. “Would you like to come in?” The woman practically craned her neck to get a look, how could you not invite her in.

“Oh! That would be lovely, dear. As long as you don’t mind. Maybe we could snack on this key lime pie I made for you?” She bustled right in, making herself at home at your tiny dining table and you shut the door to follow her, grabbing plates and forks along the way.

“Would you like something to drink, Stella?” you asked from the kitchen. “I don’t have much yet, but I made lemonade.”

“Lemonade is great, thank you.” After a moment, she added, “Will anyone else be joining us?”

“Unless there’s a ghost hiding out in this place, I doubt it,” you replied, taking a seat across the table from her.

For the next hour, Stella grilled you for information – where were you from, what brought you to this particular neighborhood, were you single. The list of questions went on and on, but she was so kind and friendly about it that it didn’t feel intrusive. Still, relief washed over you when she changed topics from you to sharing information about the other neighbors. Much of it went in one ear and out the other until she got to someone who piqued your interest. Stella talked A LOT.

“There are two men about your age a few doors down. They are the nicest boys, always offering a hand when they can. Benny and Frankie are their names and they have been friends since they served in the military together. Quite handsome, too.”

Stella watched you as she spoke, keen eyes gauging your reaction, and she smiled when you perked up.

“Oh?” you said wanting to hear more.

“Mmhmm, thought those two might get your attention,” the older woman chuckled merrily. “Frankie is the one with dark hair and soulful eyes. He’d run into some sort of trouble a bit ago, which is why he lives with Benny while getting back on his feet.”

You hummed. “I know how that goes.” You wondered what kind of trouble he got into, but you didn’t ask Stella. That was something you’d want to hear firsthand from Frankie, if he ever wanted to share, not the rumor mill.

“Don’t we all,” Stella agreed. “Benny is the blonde one, a little younger and full of energy. Comes home with a bruised face a lot. I think he boxes or something. I’ll never understand young men and their desire to beat each other up.”

You smiled dreamily, mind wandering as Stella continued talking. While all the neighbors sounded normal, you looked forward to meeting Benny and Frankie from just the little Stella shared. They seemed most like your kind of people. The broken souls just trying to make it through life one day at a time.

It took a week to fully settle in and meet most of the neighbors. Stella lived right next door with another older couple, Ann and John, next to her. Benny and Frankie lived next door to them. One the other side of you lived a young couple, Kara and Matt, newlyweds who moved in not too long ago, followed by a quiet woman by the name of Lynn, and a busy couple in their 30s with two small children, who you referred to as “The Kellys”, finger quotes included. They scurried to and from their house like cockroaches afraid of the sun, never stopping to interact with the neighbors. You found it oddly amusing.

Across from you was another eclectic bunch of neighbors – an artist, two retired teachers, a retired cop, an insurance agent and housewife, and a variety of others whose names you were still learning.

You met Benny pretty quickly, crossing paths one morning while going for a run. Stella hadn’t lied, he was cute, but in like a golden retriever kind of way that made you want to scratch his head and throw him a ball to fetch. He was just not your type, if you even had a type. Given your track record… nah, you weren’t going down that road.

Frankie, on the other hand, was an elusive creature. He tended to work a lot if the hours were available, Benny told you. It took an extra week to meet him, and it happened completely by accident while going to check your mail. A collective mailbox area sat next to the small clubhouse, and you started swinging by at the end of your morning runs to check your mail. It gave you some time to cool down and get rid of the junk mail before you got home.

Eagerly awaiting the severance package from your last job, you excitedly rushed around the corner after that morning’s run to get to your mailbox. The collision with a hard chest knocked you right off your feet, leg muscles too fatigued from your three-mile run to stabilize after the impact.

“Oomph,” you grunted at the initial impact, quickly followed by, “Oh, shit!” as you fell backwards on your ass.

“Fucking hell! I’m so sorry!” came the rushed, masculine reply as strong arms shot out to catch you just a moment too late.

You stared up, wide-eyed, from your seated position on the grass – at least you didn’t crash down on the sidewalk – to meet the prettiest pair of baby cow eyes you’d ever seen, the irises a shade of coffee brown you could just drink in for days. Your eyes roved the man’s face, meeting tanned skin flecked with stubble and pouty lips, dark locks curled out beneath a ball cap, twisting around the backs of his ears and along the absolutely kissable stretch of skin on the back of his neck.

One large hand moved to rub along that exact expanse of skin, a nervous tic perhaps, as the other reached out to help you back to your feet.

“Are you alright? I’m really sorry ‘bout that. Wasn’t watching where I was going,” the man said once you stood before him.

Brushing the grass off your ass and the back of your thighs, you waved him off. “No, no, I’m fine and it was completely my fault. I charged around the corner like a bull in a China shop.”

The man laughed in relief, blush still visible on his pinchable cheeks. “Yeah, you kinda did. Almost knocked me off my feet, too.”

Eyeing his exceptionally broad form doubtfully, you shook your head. “I’m your new neighbor, by the way,” you said, reaching out a hand and giving him your name.

“Oh! I’ve heard about the pretty addition to the neighborhood,” he winked at you, taking your hand in a firm grip. “I’m Francisco Morales, but everyone calls me Frankie. I think you met my roommate Benny already. He’s the one who said you were pretty. He wasn’t lying.”

Heat rushed your face at the rambled compliments. Frankie was a delightful mix of flirty, nervous, and shy which you found incredibly endearing. He was also gorgeous.

Flustered and overheated, the need to flee overwhelmed you. “Well, it was nice to finally meet you, Frankie. I’m sure I’ll see you around,” you called over your shoulder as you moved to your mailbox in the back corner of the space.

“You can count on it,” he called back before departing. He didn’t notice you peek around the corner to check out his backside as he walked away. His jeans hugged his ass in a pleasing way and his shirt stretched across his shoulders, the seams hanging on for dear life.

Frankie was going to be trouble; you could feel it. The best kind of trouble, yes, but trouble none the less.

Working from home allowed you to keep a great schedule. No more long commutes to the office, getting caught in traffic on the interstate, spending too much money on gas, or racking up the mileage on your car. You loved the Wrangler, but fuel economy was not its best quality. Instead, you could sleep until a respectable hour, still get a morning run or walk in, and have time for a shower and breakfast before plopping down at your desk for the workday.

And you loved your new job. Not only did you get to work from home, but you were paid to learn and develop learning programs for corporate trainings all day. The nerd in you danced with joy every time you learned something new or received feedback on something you put together.

The only downfall to this new life of yours?

Loneliness.

Sure, video calls with clients and colleagues peppered your days and you occasionally ran into a neighbor on your morning runs. But real human connection? No, there was none of that. Aside from talking to the plants or yourself, you didn’t even have a pet to provide companionship.

Three weeks after settling in, you found yourself at the shelter browsing adoptable animals. Growing up loving animals but never allowed to have pets – even your asshole ex was adamant about not having any in the house, which you should have seen as a giant red flag much sooner – you were finally able to add a furry little being to your family. You weren’t picky either, going in completely open-minded and letting the universe choose a fur friend for you.

The universe delivered ten minutes after arriving at the shelter when a big-eared, blue-eyed, black and white shepherd looking dog bounded up to you excitedly, darting directly between your legs and goosing you so hard it felt like your soul left your body with the yelp that burst from your lips.

“Joshua! No!” a harried volunteer called out, rushing over to you and the overly eager four-legged fiend. “I am so sorry! He loves people and picks out his favorites with a little too much zest.”

The woman wrangled the dog, which was no easy feat. Bigger than a breadbox but smaller than a German Shepherd, Joshua was a sturdy boy – and strong, based on the visible muscles in his hind legs – presenting a challenge when he put his mind to it.

Right then, his mind focused on you, and he refused to leave your side, licking at your hands with his pink tongue, booping you with his snout until you scratched his head, ears perked up as he gazed at you with those ice blue eyes.

You fell in love instantly. Plopping down on the ground, right there in the middle of the kennel walkway, you ruffled Joshua’s short-haired fur. He practically smiled in delight and melted into you as you pet him, tongue lolling out of his mouth as he presented his belly.

A pile of paperwork and a small fee later, you and Joshua the two-year-old McNab Shepherd headed to the pet store for goodies to start your adventure together. Joshua herded you around the store with single-minded determination, choosing his toys and treats while you spoke to the staff about the best food to feed him. Hundreds of dollars later, a gangly teenager helped you load a large dog bed, 50-pound bag of dry food, and two bags full of toys and treats into the Wrangler. Joshua sat shotgun, head hanging out the window as you drove home.

Joshua settled right in with minimal fuss, spending his days laying under your desk while you worked, booping you with his snout when he needed attention or walkies, and – worst part – chomping on your right ass cheek when you weren’t going in the direction he wanted. That was a habit you needed to break, asap. With Joshua at your side, you found yourself outside more, stopping to talk to all the neighbors and being recruited to join the new neighborhood watch. Suddenly, you no longer felt lonely or left out.

Tim, the retired cop who lived across the street, started the neighborhood watch out of boredom, you reckoned. He served the public in larger cities for much of his law enforcement career, and the small-town life took a while for him to get used to. Thus, Tim liked to patrol the neighborhood, self-identifying as the Sheriff of Paradise, keeping an eye out for mischief.

Recently, Tim noticed evidence of some mischief in the form of knocked over garbage cans and missing or broken lawn ornaments. Minor things that could potentially be explained away by blaming the occasional trash panda searching for a midnight snack. Like a dog with a bone, Tim was unwilling to chalk it up to mischievous racoons and began recruiting neighbors to join him in keeping an eye on the neighborhood.

That’s how you found yourself seated on a couch in Tim’s living room, squeezed between the broad shouldered forms of Benny and Frankie, with other neighbors scattered around room. Tim stood in front of the small group with a dry erase marker in hand; a large whiteboard perched on a chair next to him.

“Thank you all for your interest in keeping this neighborhood safe. There have been several concerning things happening lately and I would like for us to make a collective effort in heading them off before things escalate,” Tim began.

His speech continued and the sudden vision of Scruff McGruff the Crime Dog popped into your head. You barely managed to stifle your laughter.

Out of the corner of your eye, you caught Benny flashing Frankie an incredulous look and mouthing “Is this guy for real?”

You wondered the same thing but kept those thoughts to yourself and listened as Tim continued.

“I took the liberty of assigning teams of two and setting patrol schedules,” he said, turning to the whiteboard. The sound of the dry erase marker squeaking across the board was the only noise in the room for a solid five minutes as you all stared at Tim’s back.

This dude was intense.

Frankie’s knee started bouncing next to you, jostling the cushion a little. Smiling warmly, you reached out a hand, placing it just above his knee to get him to stop. The warmth of his skin flowed through his jeans, igniting a fire inside your belly as his wide eyes shot to you, a hesitant smile on his face as he mouthed “Sorry”.

Tim spun around and called out the pairings then, breaking the eye contact between you and Frankie. Your breath caught when he announced your name and Frankie’s as the third team. Frankie beamed at you and bumped your shoulder.

“Looks like we’re a team,” he said, dark eyes shooting to frown at Benny over your shoulder for a moment. You turned to see what Benny did, but the man just grinned and winked at you.

“Yeah,” you replied, still a little flustered from the heat bubbling in your core. Jesus, could you not think of anything witty to say?

Tim called the meeting to an end ten minutes later – thank the fucking Lord above! – and you followed Frankie outside. He and Benny basically walked you to your door just to say hi to Joshua.

Your happy fur baby bounded down the front steps to say hi the moment you opened the door, tail wagging so hard his whole booty shook with the effort.

“No jumping, Joshua!” you called with a laugh as Benny practically fell to the ground to play with him.

After getting a few pets in, Frankie left the rambunctious pup to wrestle with Benny while he moved closer to you. “He’s really just a big kid,” he said with a chuckle.

“I can see that,” you replied, meeting Frankie’s chocolate eyes as a smile spread across your lips. Damn, he was gorgeous, and you could easily get lost in those eyes.

“So, uh, looks like our first neighborhood watch shift is tomorrow night from 9 ‘til midnight,” Frankie said as you both watched the makeshift WWE match happening in your little front yard.

“Yeah, that’s past my normal bedtime so it will be your job to keep me awake,” you responded with a laugh and a shrug of the shoulders. “Sad, but true.”

“Not a night owl? Me either. I’m sure I can come up with a few ways to keep you awake,” Frankie replied boldly, though a blush crept up his neck into his face.

You shot him a mock scandalized look before collapsing into laughter. “Yeah, I’m sure you could.” After a beat, you steered the conversation back to the neighborhood watch. “What do we need to do on this shift? I’ve never been part of something like this and, to be honest, I tuned out half of what Tim droned on about.”

Frankie’s smile widened until the dimple in his cheek popped, drawing your eyes. “That guy sure could talk, huh?” When you nodded, he added, “I guess we just walk around and make sure nothing’s happening. I’ll meet you here tomorrow night with flashlights in case we need them, feel free to bring Joshua. Nothing will get past the three of us.”

True to his word, Frankie stood at the base of your walkway at five minutes to 9 pm with a backpack containing bug spray, water, snacks, and flashlights. Joshua bounded towards him the moment you opened the door – you should have known to put his leash on first, but you were just as eager as the pup to see the handsome man waiting for you.

After handing you a flashlight, Frankie gestured for Joshua’s leash, clipping it to the dog’s collar and gripping it tightly in his right hand. You let Joshua lead the way, stopping every so often so he could sniff at something interesting.

You weren’t nervous, per say, but you did have some concerns about how awkward these three hours might be. Those concerns were all for naught as conversation flowed easy and free between the two of you as you both asked and answered questions about each other.

Frankie told you a little about his time in the military and how he met Benny and his other friends. He shared about his current job working on helicopters and trying to get his pilot’s license back after some misunderstandings. You told him about ditching your old life to start fresh, how your ex turned out to be controlling and isolated you from your friends. You told him about your new job and how happy you were to be in control of your own life again.

“Sounds like that guy was a real asshole. Me and the boys could go kick his ass for you, if you wanted.”

You appreciated the offer but turned it down. Instead, you asked about his love life. “You mean my complete lack of one?” Frankie replied teasingly.

“Hmmm,” you hummed distractedly. Something seemed off about Stella’s front garden. Your eyes narrowed, searching the shadows from the streetlights and Frankie followed your gaze, brows furrowed.

“That wasn’t like that when we passed by on our last lap,” he said as you both took in the destruction. Potted plants toppled over, some clay pots shattered, leaves ripped from shrubs, flowers crushed, and sporadic holes dug in the topsoil.

In a word, it was a mess.

“No, it most definitely was not,” you replied and immediately glanced around searching for the culprit. The street was empty save for the two of you. “I don’t see anyone. Whoever did this is hiding or long gone.”

“We better write this down in our notepad for Tim. He’ll want full documentation, so we can’t leave out a single detail.” Frankie pulled the small, spiral bound notepad and a pen from the front pocket of his backpack, handing them to you. At your raised brow, he shrugged with a boyish grin and added, “I’m holding a flashlight and your dog’s leash. Besides, you probably have much neater handwriting.”

“You’re lucky you’re cute.” Rolling your eyes, you accepted the items and flipped the notepad open to the first page. Noting the date, time, and location, you wrote a few notes about the destruction in Stella’s garden. After a moment, you pulled your phone from your back pocket and snapped a few pictures. Tim would appreciate the effort.

“You think I’m cute?” Frankie teased once you finished, sounding pleased as punch at the idea. You ignored him.

The rest of the night passed with no further incidents, and you waved to Frankie as he walked back to his house after handing you Joshua’s leash. Despite the exhaustion plaguing your body, your mind fixated on thoughts of Frankie for two more hours before you finally fell asleep with Joshua snuggled against your side.

Things only got stranger the next two nights you patrolled the neighborhood with Frankie.

“So, what do you do for fun, Frankie?” you asked, making conversation as you walked along the sidewalk.

“The usual, I guess. Hanging with friends, listening to music, playing the occasional video game, and having a few beers. Mostly just hang with the boys and reminisce about the old service days. Oh! And flying, of course. Can’t wait to get my license reinstated.” Frankie ran a hand along the back of his neck, a little embarrassed about how boring he sounded. “How about you?”

“Oh, you know, the same stuff,” you laughed. “I lead a very exciting life. I read, lounge on the couch watching reality tv shows, run in the mornings. Stuff all the cool kids do.”

“We’re an exciting pair, huh?”

“It only goes downhill from here.”

You bantered back and forth as you worked your way through the neighborhood, keeping an eye out for signs of mischief. Frankie was the first to spot the trouble in the mail area. A few mailboxes were wrenched open with envelopes and magazines ripped and scattered across the ground. Joshua sniffed at them unhelpfully.

“How’d someone even get these open?” you questioned. “They need a key.”

Frankie shrugged. “Must’ve pried them open with something. Wouldn’t be too hard, actually. These aren’t the best locking mechanisms. Here, write it down while I take some pictures.” He fished the notepad from the backpack and handed it to you, snapping photos of the mess while you jotted down observations.

“How long have you lived here?” you asked Frankie once you tidied up the mess into a small pile for the other residents to sort through in the morning.

“A few years. You?” He froze, realizing the stupidity of the question, and grimaced. “I clearly have foot in mouth disease. Forget I said that. Please.”

Waving him off with a chuckle, you told him not to fret. “Have you noticed anything like these shenanigans happening before?”

Silent for a few moments, Frankie thought about it. “Not that I recall, but I’m not too sure I paid much attention.”

“It’s weird though, right? Like all of this seems like something a couple of middle school kids would do but they wouldn’t be out this late. Shit, I haven’t even seen kids that age in this neighborhood.”

Frankie nodded. “Come to think of it, we haven’t seen any footprints or litter either. Kids always leave a mess, right? Like candy wrappers and soda cans and shit.”

The next night, things got more bizarre. Joshua stayed at home, exhausted after visiting the vet that afternoon and getting a few shots, leaving you and Frankie on your own.

Frankie spotted a light on in the detached single-car garage at Kara and Matt’s house after a few laps through the neighborhood. Both of you swore the light had been off the other times you passed by. It wouldn’t be so odd if it was a weekend night. But you knew the couple got up really early for work and there was no way one of them would be tinkering in the garage after 11 pm on a worknight.

The pair of you approached the garage warily, sounds of rummaging and glass breaking coming from inside the wooden structure. You looked to Frankie for direction. He gestured for you to stay put a couple yards back, shrugging the backpack from his shoulders, and pulled a handgun from the front pocket.

Your eyes widened at the sight of the weapon. “What are you gonna do with that?” you whispered as he handed you the bag.

“Nothing unless I have to,” Frankie replied quietly and edged closer to the garage. He crept up to the garage door, trying to peek through the dirt smudged windows, but it was impossible to see anything. Instead, he slowly made his way around toward the side of the garage.

A few steps from the corner, his foot caught on a stray cinderblock, causing him to trip with a yelp. The sound within the garage ceased, immediately followed by a scramble and rustling in the wooded area behind the garage. By the time Frankie righted himself and turned the corner, who- or whatever it had been in the garage was gone. A small window on the side of the garage sat open and Frankie peered inside, finding utter destruction within the garage.

“Well?” you inquired from your position. “Anything?”

“Nothing but a mess. I didn’t see anyone and there was nowhere for someone to hide.” He motioned you over now that it was clear. Slipping the weapon back into the bag, Frankie pulled out his phone and took photos through the window.

Gazing at the window, you said, “I can’t imagine they leave this open like this. It must be a person, right? How would an animal get a window like this open? Or turn on the light?”

Frankie shrugged. “I have no fucking clue. We should let Tim know about this. He’ll want to talk to Kara and Matt in the morning.”

Sliding the window shut, Frankie led you from the property.

“This is just getting ridiculous,” Benny muttered from the backseat. “I can’t believe that dickhead has us on a fuckin’ stakeout on a Friday night. Who died and made him Sheriff of fuckin’ Palmingham.”

“Sheriff of Palmingham,” you repeated with a guffaw. “Good one, Benny boy.”

You, Benny, and Frankie were parked at one end of the street in Frankie’s truck, with a few other neighbors stationed at the other end. A stakeout was Tim’s brilliant idea to finally catch the culprit terrorizing the otherwise quiet neighborhood. He created a few teams and stationed them at the end of the two main streets of the small neighborhood. Tim wanted the culprit caught tonight.

The first thing you learned about stakeouts was they were boring as fuck. If not for the company of two handsome men, you’d have been banging your head against the dashboard after the first fifteen minutes. After the first hour of staring through the windows, you and Frankie resorted to playing a variation of twenty questions.

“What is your favorite food?”

“To make or to order out?” you questioned. When Frankie rolled his eyes playfully, you added, “What? There’s a big difference!”

Nodding his head, Frankie laughed. “Ok, if you say so. Tell me both then.”

Sitting back in your seat, you tapped your chin with a finger. “Salmon to cook and beef wellington or scallops to order out. What about you?”

Benny watched from the backseat as the two of you went on and on. “For fuck’s sake, I feel like a third wheel on a first date,” he complained. “Will you just ask her out already?”

“Damnit, Benny,” Frankie growled. Enjoying the conversation with you so much, he almost forgot his friend was even there.

“You want some cheese to go with that whine, Ben Ben?” you teased. “I know little girls who whine less than you.”

“You want some cheese with that whine,” Benny mocked in a high-pitched voice. Leaning forward in his seat, Benny perched his chin on the back of the front bench seat, a shit-eating grin playing across his lips. “You know, if you like Salmon for the omega 3 fatty acids, my boy Fish here has some mega D fatty acid for you. It’s a lot better, or so I’ve heard.”

“What the fuck, Benny?!” Frankie exclaimed as your mouth dropped open in shocked amusement. He glared over his shoulder at the younger man before looking at you with dark, pleading eyes. “Please ignore this fucking idiot.”

“Come on, man. That shit was funny!” Benny insisted, broad shoulders shaking with laughter.

You patted Frankie’s thigh reassuringly. “I mean, it is pretty freaking hilarious, I’ll give him that. And Fish? Is that your nickname or something?”

“At least your girl has a sense of humor.” Benny slumped back in his seat at Frankie’s scowl.

Still staring down his friend in the rearview mirror, Frankie explained the call signs from their army days. Movement down the block drew his attention mid-sentence and he drifted to a stop. “Can you guys see that?”

You reached for the binoculars sitting on the dash, raising them to your eyes to peer into the distance. Something darted from the shadows into an area of the street brightened by a streetlight, and you gasped.

 “It’s a fucking monkey!”

The rest of the night turned into a shitshow as the three of you chased a small monkey – a capuchin, you guessed – around the neighborhood. After a quick call to Tim, the other neighbors on stakeout joined you in the effort to capture the mischievous little bugger. Shortly before dawn, someone found the monkey asleep on a low-hanging tree limb and scooped the thing up, quickly containing him in a travel pet crate.

Exhausted yet exhilarated, you walked toward your house when a sudden commotion sounded a couple doors down. Ann and John rushed from their home, frantically searching for something in the yard.

“Where could he have gone?” Ann called out to John.

“How did he even get out?” John yelled back, moving to search the backyard.

Pausing mid-step, you turned toward where Frankie stood talking to Tim. The capuchin monkey sat in a pet crate at the former cop’s feet as they talked about what to do with it. Eyes narrowing, you looked back at the older couple scouring their yard.

The pieces clicked into place, and you rushed over to Frankie. “Hey, uh, I think this little cutie belongs to Ann and John,” you said, pointing over your shoulder. “They’re searching for a missing pet, and it seems awfully coincidental.”

Sure enough, the older couple were searching for the little monkey named Cosmo, who they were pet sitting for their grandson. The little rascal had been sneaking out each night to wreak havoc on the neighborhood out of boredom. Cosmo was used to a much higher level of activity than the older couple could offer. Thankfully, the grandson was coming later that day to take Cosmo home.

“Hey, you wanna come over for some brunch?” you asked Frankie once all the drama wrapped up, not wanting to part from him just yet. You really enjoyed his company and wanted to get to know him even more. “I’m thinking pancakes and mimosas. What do you think?”

“I, uh, think that sounds like a perfect first date,” he replied with a shy smile, one hand lifting his cap as the other combed through his curls.

“Oh yeah? I think this might count as a third date given all the time we’ve spent alone together this week.”

Frankie’s lips spread until his smile split his face and his dark eyes burned with want. “Third date, huh? Do you have a rule about third dates?”

“Why don’t you come in and find out?” Grasping his large hand in yours, you led him inside.

[blurban-form]

Future Brisbane

So, at the end of “Surprise”, we get to see future-Brisbane, maybe 25-30 years in the future? A grown-up Bluey brings her child to visit her parents’ house, so her kid can blast Dad with tennis balls like she did.

Compare future Brisbane with current Brisbane

First of all, nice to see the house hasn’t fallen down, Dad and Mum have kept it in good repair (thanks Hammerbarn) and it now has solar panels, as do a number of other homes.

Many things have changed:

An incredible increase in land use density; multiple medium and tall towers (like in downtown) now are common in the suburban area. Assuming this means much more multifamily housing.

Roads much less dominant/conspicuous in the hills

Look how the trees have grown.

The communications towers on the hilltops are less conspicuous.

Three waste/recycling bins (addressing the green waste recycling issue)

Drone transport (for deliveries?)

Some things haven’t changed:

Sky is blue. That’s good.

The whole area hasn’t flooded from rising sea levels…

Adult Bluey drives, or at least is using a private vehicle, rather than something like an on-demand transit service. (Maybe the drone deliveries mean less congestion on the roads but traffic has never been a big issue in Bluey-Brisbane 😉)

Inside the house is not crazy-futuristic, some electronic gadgets, like a Roomba. (I was expecting more high-tech like a Mr. Fusion from “Back to the Future” but that’d probably be by the kitchen or by the garbage wheelie-bins.)

I know my parents still have the same stereo they had 30+ years ago, and much of the same furniture.

Note that 30 years of progress has not improved how Roombas dock with their charging stations.

Some other new tech in the front hall:

Electronic digital picture frames with weird floating connections to the wall.

Wifi router thing on ceiling

Spherical thing (maybe something like an Alexa?)

New comfy chair, replacing the red one.

Density Increase

The increase in land use density in the Brisbane suburbs where the Heelers live is one of those dreams of land use planners; more density in already developed areas is generally considered a plus, assuming the infrastructure can accommodate it. Higher density means more people in a given area making public transit more efficient and reducing costs to serve the homes with utilities.

Is that kind of growth possible in only a few decades? Yes, here’s a North American example… this is where I grew up, in the early 1980s it looked like this in Mississauga, ON around the Square One shopping centre…

…and now it looks like this in the 2020s.

So that’s growth over about 30-40 years, which is a little longer than how much time has apparently elapsed in “Bluey”, but not a lot. It’s possible, and this kind of thing can snowball / accelerate once initial projects get underway.

Public opposition (NIMBY) can prevent this kind of thing from occurring in many cities.

[betterdonutgalaxy]

very curious right now

*this can be either sexual or romantic, but im mostly thinking about sexual attraction

[justgot1]

Neighborhood wifi router names are so funny.

On my block we have FBI Surveillance Vehicle, The Router of Requirement, and Casita del Perro. I love it when people come up with dorky names for their router.

Eta: I forgot my favorite, who must’ve moved because they don’t come up anymore, Pretty Fly For A WiFi 😂

[mariacallous]

An indictment from the US Department of Justice may have solved the mystery of how disgraced cryptocurrency exchange FTX lost over $400 million in crypto. The indictment, filed last week, alleges that three individuals used a SIM-swapping attack to steal hundreds of millions in virtual currency from an unnamed company. The timing and the amount stolen coincides with FTX's theft. Meanwhile, in a letter obtained by WIRED this week, seven lawmakers have demanded the DOJ stop funding biased and inaccurate predictive policing tools until the agency has a way to ensure law enforcement won’t use them in a way that has a “discriminatory impact.”

In Florida, prosecutors say a 17-year-old named Alan Winston Filion is responsible for hundreds of swatting attacks around the United States. The news of his arrest was first reported by WIRED days before law enforcement made it public. It was the culmination of a multi-agency manhunt to piece together a trail of digital breadcrumbs left by the teenager. In Ukraine, unmanned aerial vehicles have been powerful tools since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. But as the war rages on, another kind of unmanned robot has increasingly appeared on the front-lines: the unmanned ground vehicle, or UGV.

For months lawyers affiliated with an India based hacker-for-hire firm called Appin Technology have used legal threats to censor reporting about the company’s alleged cyber mercenary past. The EFF, Techdirt, MuckRock, and DDoSecrets are now pushing back, publicly sharing details for the first time about the firm's efforts to remove content from the web. It’s a dangerous world out there, so we’ve also got a list of some major patches issued in January that you can use to update your devices to keep them secure.

And there’s more. Each week, we highlight the news we didn’t cover in-depth ourselves. Click on the headlines below to read the full stories. And stay safe out there.

China’s Hackers Keep Targeting US Water and Electricity Supplies

For years Western security officials have warned about the threat of China collecting data about millions of people and the country’s hackers infiltrating sensitive systems. This week, Federal Bureau of Investigation director Christopher Wray said hackers affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party are constantly targeting US critical infrastructure, such as water treatment plants, the electrical grid, and oil and gas pipelines. Wray’s testimony, at a House subcommittee on China, came as the FBI also revealed it removed malware from hundreds of routers in people’s homes and offices that had been planted by the Chinese hacking group Volt Typhoon.

“China’s hackers are positioning on American infrastructure in preparation to wreak havoc and cause real-world harm to American citizens and communities,” Wray said in the public appearance. “Low blows against civilians are part of China’s plan.” The FBI director added that China has a bigger hacking operation than “every other major nation combined,” and claimed that if all of the FBI’s cyber-focused agents were assigned to work on issues related to China, they would still be outnumbered “by at least 50 to 1.”

While concerns about the scale of China’s espionage and cyber operations aren’t new, the US intelligence community has been increasingly vocal and worried about critical infrastructure being targeted by Volt Typhoon and other groups. “The threat is extremely sophisticated and pervasive,” NSA officials warned in November. In May 2023, Microsoft revealed it had been tracking Volt Typhoon intrusions at communications and transportation infrastructure, among other critical infrastructure, in US states and Guam.

The FBI and DOJ, also revealed this week that they remotely removed the KV Botnet malware from hundreds of routers infected by Volt Typhoon. The impacted routers, from Cisco and Netgear, were mostly at the end of their life, but were being used as part of wider operations. “​​The Volt Typhoon malware enabled China to hide, among other things, pre-operational reconnaissance and network exploitation against critical infrastructure like our communications, energy, transportation, and water sectors,” Wray said. It isn’t the first time US officials have obtained a court order to remotely wipe devices infected by hackers, but the move is still rare.

‘Untraceable’ Monero Transactions Have Been Traced, Police Claim

Since the first cryptocurrencies emerged more than a decade ago, there has been the assumption that the blockchain-based digital currencies are anonymous and untraceable. They are, in fact, very traceable. Researchers have shown how people can be linked to the transactions they make and law enforcement have used the techniques to help bust illicit dark web markets and catch pedophiles. There are, however, still some privacy-focused cryptocurrencies that appear to be less traceable than Bitcoin. This includes Monero, which is increasingly being adopted by sellers of child sexual abuse materials.

This week investigators in Finland said Moreno-tracing helped reveal the identity of a hacker who allegedly attacked psychotherapy company Vastaamo in 2020, stealing thousands of patient records and threatening to leak them unless people paid a ransom. Investigators from the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation claim they used heuristic analysis to infer where funds were moved to. The investigators did not reveal the full methods of how they allegedly traced the Monero payments, however, they add to the growing body of evidence that cryptocurrency tracing firms and investigators may be able to track the currency.

Russia Likely Behind a Spike in GPS Interference, Officials Say

Planes flying over Europe have faced a spike in accuracy issues with GPS systems used for navigation in recent months. The head of Estonia’s Defense Forces has claimed that Russia is likely the source of this interference, according to an interview with Bloomberg. “Someone is causing it, and we think it’s Russia,” Martin Herem told the publication, adding that Russia may be testing its electronic warfare capabilities and “learning” the most effective tactics. Across Europe, and particularly the Baltics region, there has been a reported increase in GPS jamming, with Finland reporting large interferences in December and pilots repeatedly reporting issues with their navigation systems.

Vault 7 Hacking Tools Leaker Joshua Schulte Sentenced to 40 Years

In 2017, the Vault 7 leaks exposed some of the CIA’s most sophisticated hacking tools, including how the agency could compromise routers, phones, PC, and TVs. Joshua Schulte, a former CIA engineer in the agency’s Operations Support Branch who prosecutors identified as being behind the data breach and responsible for leaking the materials to Wikileaks, was convicted in numerous trials in recent years. Schulte, who denied the allegations, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for the espionage and also for possessing thousands of child abuse images. Judge Jesse Furman, sentencing Schulte, said he had caused “untold damage to national security.” In June 2022, The New Yorker published this comprehensive investigation into the data breach and Schulte’s troubled history working at the agency.

[jackdiyproject]

EXPLORING THE 5 COOL PARTNER SELLER ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS-Part1

Exploring the 5 Cool Partner Seller Electronics Products

Prologue

Are you an electronics enthusiast looking to expand your electronics project repertoire? Want to take your skills to the next level by exploring new and exciting products? Look no further than our list of five cool electronics products from partner sellers!

Whether you’re interested in building your own smart home devices, experimenting with sensors, or creating your own robot, these products are sure to inspire you. They cover a lot of application areas, from loop detectors used to monitor vehicle count in parking garages to Arduino CNC shields used in CNC machines, from simple pulse sensors used to detect cardiovascular pulse signals from fingertip to RGB LED panel light used in smart home, these products are unique, compact, and functional. Not only are these products fun to build and use but they’re also designed to help you learn new skills and techniques along the way.

What’s more, these products all come from trusted partner sellers who are committed to developing high-quality products. They’re happy to provide technical support for customers who have questions, so you can be sure you’re getting the best in electronics.

So get ready to dive into the world of electronics and explore these five cool partner seller products. You’re sure to find something that piques your interest and takes your own electronics projects to the next level.

Inductive Loop Vehicle Detector by Elektronika-ba

Whether you need to monitor occupancy and count vehicles in parking garages, control vehicle access at door and barrier controls, or facilitate traffic light installations and traffic controllers, the inductive loop detector is the perfect solution. It can even detect the direction and speed of vehicle traffic, making it an invaluable tool for a variety of traffic-related applications. In addition, this device can function as a stand-alone speed trap and can be easily interfaced with Arduino.

We can also provide a pre-programmed PIC chip to meet your project requirements.

Specifications

Number of operating modes: 4

Tuning: Automatic

Detection type: Presence/Pulse

Presence time: Adjustable in 3 steps

Pulse duration: 250 ms / 500 ms

Signal filtering: Adjustable in 2 steps (NORMAL, HIGH)

Loop inductance: 20 uH — 1000 uH

Frequency range: 20 kHz — 145 kHz

Frequency selection: 2 combinations (LOW, HIGH)

Sensitivity: Maximum 0.0025% Δf/f, adjustable in 8 steps

Detection speed: 10 ms by default, adjustable

Start-up time: ~ 1 second per channel (or longer if the frequency is not stable)

Temperature range: -35°C — 120°C

Sensor protection: Galvanic isolation + gas discharge tube for lightning protection

Don’t settle for less — click here to learn more about the Inductive Loop Vehicle Detector and experience the compact, yet cool detector!

Arduino CNC Shield V3.51 by Protoneer

Designed by Protoneer, this kit is packed with features to ensure high precision control of your stepper motors, you can use it to easily build small CNC routers, DIY laser cutters, 3D printers, or any project that requires precise stepper motor control.

Our latest version 3.51 includes several enhancements to make assembly and installation even easier. We’ve added end-stop and probe signal filtering circuitry to eliminate false triggers and allow the use of unshielded cables for end-stops and probes. We’ve also increased the size of the solder pads for easier assembly and updated the probe pin labels to make installation a breeze.

With the Arduino CNC Shield Kit, you’ll have everything you need to build your own CNC router or mill with ease.

Features

Includes Noise Filers on all end stops and the probing pin. (New in V3.51)

GRBL 0.9 compatible. (Open source firmware that runs on an Arduino UNO that turns G-code commands into stepper signals https://github.com/grbl/grbl)

4-Axis support (X, Y, Z, A-Can duplicate X, Y, Z or do a full 4th axis with custom firmware using pins A4 and A3)

2 x End stops for each axis (6 in total)

Coolant enable

Uses removable Pololu A4988 compatible stepper drivers. (A4988, DRV8825 and others)(Not Included)

Jumpers to set the Micro-Stepping for the stepper drivers. (Some drivers like the DRV8825 can do up to 1/32 micro-stepping )

Compact design.

Stepper Motors can be connected with 4-pin molex connectors or soldered in place.

Runs on 12–36V DC. (At the moment only the Pololu DRV8825 drivers can handle up to 36V so please consider the operation voltage when powering the board.)

Don’t wait — click here to see more about the Arduino CNC Shield V3.51 and start your next project today!

Easy Pulse Mikro by Embedded Lab

What’s more, the Easy Pulse Mikro is designed in the convenient Mikro bus form factor, making it easy to integrate with a wide range of mikroElektronika’s development boards. With all necessary instrumentation and amplification built right in, this powerful sensor provides a clean and precise analog PPG waveform output that’s routed to the AN pin of the mikroBus connector.

Whether you’re a hobbyist, student, or professional developer, the Easy Pulse mikro is the perfect tool for monitoring heart rate and other vital signs.

Click here to see more about the Easy Pulse mikro.

Features

Compatible with mikroBus socket.

Filtered and amplified analog PPG signal output

On-board potentiometer for adjusting amplifier gain, if needed (rotate clock-wise for increasing gain)

Onboard LED for indicating heartbeat. It flashes synchronously with the heartbeat on detecting the pulse from the fingertip.

[myranker01]

Best Car Signage, Vehicle Signage in Pakenham Vic | Proven

Signage Gallery

Pakenham Signs & Design is a Melbourne based Signage & Design company specialising in corporate branding and signage production.

VIEW OUR WORK.

Pakenham Signs & Design has helped hundreds of businesses with their signage throughout Victoria. Below are images of just some of our jobs. Click the images to view larger.

car signage Pakenham

WE ALSO SUPPLY

Graphic Design, Printing, Router/Laser cut, 3D fabrication, Illuminated letters, Vehicle Signage, Car Wraps, Shopfront Signage, POS Signage, Event Signage, Window Film, Wall Graphics, Signage Installation, Wayfinding Signage, Structural Signage, Architectural Cladding.

[eteily4]

Antenna Efficiency: Why Magnetic Antennas Excel in Small Spaces

In today's fast-paced technology environment, the need for effective wireless communication technologies is greater than ever. As device sizes reduce and the requirement for compact solutions grows, magnetic antennas have emerged as an excellent choice for achieving high efficiency in small spaces. These antennas, sometimes disregarded in favor of their electric equivalents, have particular benefits that make them ideal for tiny applications.

At the heart of their efficiency is the fundamental principle that governs magnetic antennas. Magnetic antennas, unlike standard electric antennas, use magnetic fields to transmit and receive signals.

This permits them to perform admirably despite their diminutive stature. Magnetic antennas' loop construction, which is frequently built of conductive materials such as copper or aluminum, allows them to resonate efficiently at lower frequencies while being small in size. This is especially useful in contexts where space is limited, such as mobile devices, cars, and smart home technology.

One of the most notable benefits of magnetic antennas in confined places is their ability to reduce interference from other electronic devices. Electromagnetic noise is present in urban surroundings from a variety of sources, including Wi-Fi routers, power lines, and other electronic devices.

Magnetic antennas are less vulnerable to this noise because they use magnetic coupling instead of electric fields. This robustness enables them to transmit clearer signals and retain greater connectivity, making them perfect for applications requiring dependable communication.

Furthermore, magnetic antennas are extremely energy efficient, which is critical for systems operating in small spaces. Their narrow-band design enables them to concentrate energy on certain frequency bands, decreasing power waste. For battery-powered devices, this efficiency translates into longer working lifespans and less recharging, which is especially useful in applications such as remote sensors or IoT devices that require ongoing monitoring without frequent maintenance.

Magnetic antennas' modest size adds to their adaptability in a variety of applications. Their compact footprint allows for easy integration into a variety of goods while maintaining aesthetics and functionality. Magnetic antennas can be effortlessly integrated into designs for smart speakers, wearable devices, and vehicle-mounted communication systems, allowing manufacturers to develop elegant and modern products that fulfill the demands of consumers looking for both performance and flair.

Magnetic antennas are very useful in security applications in small places. Their directed transmission characteristics make it more difficult to intercept signals than standard omnidirectional antennas. This heightened security is especially crucial in applications that handle sensitive data, such as financial transactions or private correspondence.

Organizations can protect their data while maintaining effective communication routes by using magnetic antennas.

As the globe embraces the Internet of Things (IoT) and smart technologies, the need for efficient antennas becomes increasingly critical. Magnetic antennas, with their low size and great efficiency, are suitable for supporting the next generation of connected devices. They support communication in increasingly complicated networks, ensuring that data flows easily between devices regardless of space constraints.

To summarize, magnetic antennas are more than just an option; they represent a paradigm shift in antenna design and application in small spaces. Their capacity to give great performance in challenging urban situations, combined with their energy economy and enhanced security features, make them a vital asset in current communication networks. As technology advances, magnetic antennas will play an important part in determining the future of wireless communication, ensuring that efficiency and dependability stay at the forefront of compact device design.

[lorryelectronicblog]

Best Uses of NCV1117 in Power Supply Systems

Power supply systems are the backbone of almost every electronic device, and at the heart of these systems, you’ll often find voltage regulators ensuring that power is delivered safely and consistently. Among the most popular and reliable voltage regulators is the NCV1117. This low-dropout (LDO) regulator is a favorite among engineers and hobbyists alike due to its versatility and ease of use. But what are the best uses for the NCV1117 in power supply systems?

Let’s explore how the NCV1117 can be used to improve various power supply designs and why it might just be the perfect regulator for your next project.

Understanding the Role of Voltage Regulators in Power Supply Systems

Before diving into the specific uses of the NCV1117, it’s essential to understand why voltage regulators are crucial for power supply systems. Think of voltage regulators as "steady hands" that ensure your devices receive the right amount of power, protecting sensitive components from damage. Without regulators like the NCV1117, devices would be at the mercy of fluctuating voltages, potentially leading to overheating or malfunction.

Why Choose the NCV1117 for Power Supply Systems?

So why choose the NCV1117 over other voltage regulators? First, its low-dropout voltage allows it to function efficiently even when the input voltage is just slightly higher than the desired output. This is particularly beneficial in power-sensitive applications where every bit of energy efficiency counts. Furthermore, the NCV1117 can handle up to 1A of current, making it ideal for a range of medium-power applications.

Regulating Microcontroller Power Supply

One of the most common uses for the NCV1117 is in microcontroller power supplies. Microcontrollers like the Arduino or Raspberry Pi often require a stable 3.3V or 5V power supply to function correctly. The NCV1117 is perfect for this role because of its ability to step down voltage efficiently from a higher input, ensuring your microcontroller runs smoothly without voltage spikes that could lead to instability.

Imagine you're giving a public speech, and your microphone cuts out every few seconds—frustrating, right? That’s what can happen to your microcontroller without a stable power source. The NCV1117 keeps everything "on the mic" and running without interruptions.

Using NCV1117 in Battery-Powered Devices

For battery-powered devices, energy efficiency is crucial. The NCV1117's low-dropout characteristics make it a perfect candidate for battery-operated gadgets like wireless sensors, handheld devices, and portable medical equipment. Because it doesn't waste much energy as heat, it prolongs battery life, keeping your devices running longer between charges.

NCV1117 for Sensor Stabilization

Many sensors, especially in industrial or automotive settings, require precise and stable voltages to function properly. The NCV1117 is often used in sensor stabilization circuits where it ensures that even when the input power fluctuates, the sensor gets a smooth, consistent voltage. This reliability makes it a go-to solution for systems that depend on real-time data from sensors.

Voltage Regulation in Automotive Applications

The automotive industry relies heavily on robust and reliable components, and the NCV1117 fits the bill for many automotive electronics. From controlling dashboard displays to powering in-car sensors, this regulator helps ensure the various systems in a vehicle receive the right voltage, even under extreme conditions such as high temperatures or fluctuating battery power.

How the NCV1117 Benefits Consumer Electronics

In consumer electronics, devices like smartphones, tablets, and routers demand compact, efficient voltage regulation. The NCV1117’s small form factor and thermal protection features make it ideal for use in tight spaces without the risk of overheating. Additionally, it supports the low power requirements of modern gadgets, ensuring they run cool and efficiently.

NCV1117 for LED Drivers and Lighting Systems

LEDs are highly efficient, but they require a stable voltage to operate at their best. The NCV1117 is often used in LED driver circuits, ensuring that LEDs receive consistent power and maintain their brightness and longevity. Whether in household lighting systems, automotive headlights, or display screens, the NCV1117 helps maintain stable illumination.

Ensuring Safe Operation in Communication Devices

Communication devices such as modems, routers, and even satellite equipment require voltage regulation to maintain clear and uninterrupted data transmission. The NCV1117 ensures these devices operate without power-related hiccups, keeping signals stable and systems reliable, even in fluctuating power environments.

How to Properly Integrate the NCV1117 into Your Circuit

Integrating the NCV1117 into your power supply design is straightforward, but it requires careful attention to details such as input and output capacitor selection and heat dissipation. Ensuring proper heat sinks are used can prevent thermal shutdowns in higher-current applications, while adding the recommended capacitors ensures voltage stability.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with NCV1117

Even though the NCV1117 is easy to use, common mistakes can lead to inefficiency or even damage to your circuit. Some of the most frequent errors include:

Not using adequate heat dissipation: Without proper cooling, the NCV1117 can overheat and shut down.

Incorrect capacitor selection: Using the wrong size or type of capacitors can lead to instability.

Input voltage too low: Ensure the input voltage is high enough to provide the required output plus the dropout voltage.

Conclusion

The NCV1117 voltage regulator is an incredibly versatile component that plays a critical role in power supply systems across various industries, from automotive to consumer electronics. Whether you’re stabilizing a sensor, powering a microcontroller, or ensuring steady voltage in LED drivers, the NCV1117 stands out as a reliable and efficient choice. By understanding its features and best practices, you can maximize its benefits in your projects and ensure long-lasting, stable performance.

No matter the application, the NCV1117 helps keep your devices running smoothly—just like a trusted mechanic keeps your car on the road, fixing issues before they cause real problems.

[tbrc34]

"The Expanding RFIC Market: Key Trends and Predictions for 2024-2033"

Radio Frequency Integrated Circuit (RFIC) Market : Radio Frequency Integrated Circuits (RFICs) are at the core of the wireless communication boom, enabling everything from smartphones and Wi-Fi routers to advanced radar systems and satellite communications. As the demand for faster and more reliable connectivity grows, RFIC technology is evolving to support higher frequencies, wider bandwidths, and more efficient signal processing. With the advent of 5G, the Internet of Things (IoT), and the increasing integration of wireless technology into everyday devices, RFICs are playing a critical role in reshaping how we connect and communicate. These chips are becoming more powerful and compact, driving innovation across industries and ensuring seamless, high-speed wireless communication.

To Request Sample Report : https://www.globalinsightservices.com/request-sample/?id=GIS23967 &utm_source=SnehaPatil&utm_medium=Article

Looking toward the future, RFICs will be pivotal in the development of 6G, AI-driven communication networks, and edge computing. They are also key to the expansion of smart cities, autonomous vehicles, and advanced healthcare systems that rely on ultra-fast, low-latency wireless connections. As the complexity of communication networks increases, RFICs will need to offer even greater performance while minimizing power consumption, making them essential in the quest for more energy-efficient wireless technologies. The next decade will see RFICs continue to revolutionize global connectivity, powering the next wave of technological advancements.

Relevant Link : Vision Sensor Market : https://linkewire.com/2024/10/23/vision-sensor-market-outlook-trends-and-forecast-2024-2033/

#RFIC #WirelessTech #5GRevolution #6GInnovation #IoTIntegration #SmartCities #EdgeComputing #AIConnectivity #HighSpeedCommunication #SignalProcessing #NextGenTech #WirelessRevolution #AutonomousVehicles #SmartHealthcare #FutureOfConnectivity

[newsource21]

Scale of Chinese Spying Overwhelms Western Governments

LONDON—Beijing is conducting espionage activities on what Western governments say is an unprecedented scale, mobilizing security agencies, private companies and Chinese civilians in its quest to undermine rival states and bolster the country’s economy.

Rarely does a week go by without a warning from a Western intelligence agency about the threat that China presents.

Last month alone, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said a Chinese state-linked firm hacked 260,000 internet-connected devices, including cameras and routers, in the U.S., Britain, France, Romania and elsewhere. A Congressional probe said Chinese cargo cranes used at U.S. seaports had embedded technology that could allow Beijing to secretly control them. The U.S. government alleged that a former top aide to New York Gov. Kathy Hochul was a Chinese agent.

U.S. officials last week launched an effort to understand the consequences of the latest Chinese hack, which compromised systems the federal government uses for court-authorized network wiretapping requests.

Western spy agencies, unable to contain Beijing’s activity, are raising the alarm publicly, urging businesses and individuals to be on alert in their interactions with China. But given the country is deeply entwined in the global economy, it is proving a Sisyphean task, said Calder Walton, a national-security expert at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. Western governments “are coming to terms with events, in many ways, after the events,” he said.

The Chinese government’s press office, as well as the ministries of state security, public security and defense, didn’t respond to requests for comment. Beijing has previously denied allegations of espionage targeting Western countries while portraying China as a frequent target of foreign hacking and intelligence-gathering operations.

Chinese leader Xi Jinping since taking power in 2012 has increasingly emphasized the importance of national security, calling on officials and ordinary citizens alike to ward off threats to Chin a’s interests. The result is a sweeping information-gathering effort whose scale and perseverance dwarfs that of Kremlin espionage during the Cold War and has jolted Western spy agencies.

China-backed hackers outnumber all of the FBI’s cyber personnel at least 50 to 1, according to the U.S. agency. One European agency estimates China’s intelligence-gathering and security operations might comprise up to 600,000 people. “China’s hacking program is larger than that of every other major nation, combined,” FBI Director Christopher Wray said earlier this year. Complicating the West’s response: Unlike with autocracies such as Iran or Russia, trade with China has for decades supported Western economic growth, which in turn underpins the West’s long-term security. Most countries simply can’t afford to slap China with sanctions and throw out its diplomats. “China is different,” said Ken McCallum, the head of the U.K.’s domestic-intelligence agency, MI5.

The malign-activity risks intensifying as China’s economic growth slows under Xi’s increasingly authoritarian leadership. Beijing’s intelligence apparatus will come under pressure to pilfer the innovation needed to bolster the economy and silence critics at home and abroad, officials said. “It all boils down to the security of the regime,” said Nigel Inkster, a former director of operations at the British foreign-intelligence agency MI6.

Chinese activity ranges from the absurd to the hair-raising. In September, U.S. prosecutors alleged that five Chinese University of Michigan graduates were found in the middle of the night taking photos just feet away from military vehicles in a U.S. National Guard training exercise that included Taiwan military personnel. The men claimed to be stargazing. 

Earlier this year, the U.K. government said Chinese-linked hackers had accessed the nation’s voter-registration records, which include around 40 million people’s home addresses. The U.S. government is currently probing whether a Chinese state-linked hacking group burrowed into major U.S. broadband providers, potentially accessing U.S. law-enforcement wiretaps. Intelligence officials fret China is stealing swaths of private data to train advanced artificial-intelligence models.

As China becomes more assertive militarily, including increasing support for Russia in its war in Ukraine, its covert action also poses greater threats. Xi has ordered his military to be ready to invade Taiwan by 2027, the centenary of the founding of the People’s Liberation Army, according to Western officials. A war over Taiwan could draw China into conflict with the U.S., which is committed to ensuring the democratically self-ruled island can defend itself.

The FBI earlier this year said China had hijacked hundreds of routers and used them to infiltrate American water and energy networks, raising concern of a pre-emptive attack on U.S. infrastructure if Washington were to intervene in a Chinese attempt to claim Taiwan. Congress in December banned the Pentagon from using any seaport worldwide that deploys the Chinese cargo-data platform Logink, out of fear classified information could be disclosed.

China also prepositioned malware on Indian power grids amid a border dispute in 2021 and on telecommunication networks in Guam, home to a large U.S. air base, according to analysts and officials.

Central Intelligence Agency Director William Burns recently said he had visited China twice in the past year “to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings and inadvertent collisions.”

There is worry of a dangerous mishap. Spy agencies in authoritarian states often tailor information to meet their bosses’ world views. For instance, Russia’s intelligence services told Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine would fold quickly after he invaded. If Xi similarly received faulty information, or didn’t believe the information he was given, China could pre-emptively strike at vital foreign infrastructure. 

China doesn’t play by the old-school spy rulebooks, intelligence officials say. It doesn’t seem to care if it is caught red-handed and, unlike Russia, it rarely makes efforts to swap its spies when they are arrested.

Another factor hampers a Western intelligence response: It is hard to spy on China. Beijing’s intelligence operations are decentralized, stretching across myriad agencies and private-sector companies. They operate largely autonomously, making the system difficult to penetrate, and their methods appear haphazard, with a mix of private and state actors seemingly loosely guided by overarching aims laid out by senior officials. China also purged a whole cadre of officials working as U.S. spies a decade ago.

Underpinning China’s activity is Xi’s desire to consolidate his grip on power. He has cited the Soviet Union’s sudden collapse in 1991 as a warning of what could befall communist rule in China if ideological controls are loosened. He created a national-security commission, which first convened in 2014, to centralize control over security work, and set an expansive definition of national security that spans the party’s political dominance as well as China’s economic strength and food sufficiency.

This emphasis morphed into a fixation in recent years as Beijing clashed with Washington over territorial disputes, technological dominance and the causes of Covid-19. Further fueling paranoia were allegations by former U.S. intelligence contractor Edward Snowden that the U.S. had extensively hacked Chinese infrastructure including mobile phone networks.

“Security is the prerequisite for development, and development is the guarantee of security,” Xi told officials. “Security and development must be promoted simultaneously.”

The U.S. in 2014 accused Chinese military officers of plundering American corporate secrets through hacking—and said it was outside the bounds of traditional espionage.

The U.S. responded with tariffs and a campaign to stop its European allies from using China’s Huawei to build its next generation of telecom infrastructure.

Western democracies are trying to strike a balance now by continuing to do business with China while calling out Beijing’s spying. In May, Canadian intelligence officials said China likely tried to interfere in two past federal elections, including by busing in Chinese students to vote to secure the nomination of a preferred candidate.

Around the same time, Australian authorities sentenced a businessman with links to the Chinese Communist Party for trying to curry favor with a government minister by donating $25,000 to a local hospital. This spring, seven alleged Chinese spies were arrested during separate operations in Germany and Britain for acquiring a special laser and shipping it to China without authorization, spying on the European Parliament and targeting dissidents, respectively.

Much of China’s information-gathering activity isn’t illegal. Most of China’s researchers and businesses aren’t involved in espionage, and many are credited with contributing to important advances in innovation that benefit Western economies.  

But European security officials say Chinese students and guest scientists also have become a prime conduit for Chinese espionage in the West. In the past, security officials kept a close eye on Chinese researchers who had studied at one of the “Seven Sons of National Defense,” a nickname for top Chinese universities with strong links to the military. Recently, the officials say, spies masquerading as researchers have grown better at hiding their tracks. One example is students who initially enroll in language or literature courses and then switch to quantum computing or other sensitive areas.

More than 20,000 people in the U.K. alone have been approached by Chinese agents on LinkedIn since 2022 in attempts to get them to hand over sensitive information, according to MI5, the U.K.’s domestic spy agency.

MI5 has been touring universities warning them about collaborations with Chinese-backed consultancies or universities, which could inadvertently hand over valuable intellectual property. Spy agencies can’t “disrupt our way out of that challenge,” McCallum, the head of MI5, said recently.

Chun Han Wong and Bertrand Benoit contributed to this article.

Write to Max Colchester at Max.Colchester@wsj.com and Daniel Michaels at Dan.Michaels@wsj.com

https://www.wsj.com/politics/national-security/scale-of-chinese-spying-overwhelms-western-governments-6ae644d2?st=ukRexA

[marketresearchintent]

Edge Computing Market Insights: Anticipated Growth from USD 14.2 Billion in 2023 to USD 116.6 Billion by 2030

The Edge Computing Marketis poised for significant growth, with projections indicating an increase from USD 14.2 billion in 2023 to USD 116.6 billion by 2030, representing a remarkable Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 35.1% during this forecast period. This explosive growth can be attributed to various factors, including the rising demand for real-time data processing, the proliferation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and the increasing need for efficient data management solutions across multiple industries.

Definition and Importance of Edge Computing

Edge computing refers to the distributed computing paradigm that brings computation and data storage closer to the location where it is needed. By processing data at the "edge" of the network, rather than relying solely on centralized cloud servers, edge computing reduces latency and bandwidth use, which is crucial for applications requiring real-time responses. This technology is particularly vital in sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, telecommunications, and smart cities, where immediate data processing is essential for operational efficiency.

Access Full Report @ https://intentmarketresearch.com/latest-reports/edge-computing-market-3026.html

Market Dynamics

Drivers of Growth

Increased Data Generation: The rapid expansion of IoT devices has led to an exponential increase in data generation. According to reports, global data growth surged by 350% from 2015 to 2019, necessitating advanced computing solutions like edge computing to manage this influx effectively.

Demand for Low Latency: Applications such as autonomous vehicles and real-time analytics require low-latency processing capabilities that edge computing can provide. By minimizing the distance data must travel, organizations can achieve faster response times and improved user experiences.

5G Network Expansion: The rollout of 5G networks enhances the capabilities of edge computing by providing higher speeds and lower latency. This synergy between 5G and edge computing is expected to drive adoption across various sectors, particularly in smart cities and industrial IoT applications.

Digital Transformation Initiatives: As businesses undergo digital transformation, there is a growing need for technologies that facilitate efficient data handling and processing. Edge computing supports these initiatives by enabling localized data processing and reducing reliance on central cloud infrastructures.

Challenges

Despite its promising outlook, the edge computing market faces several challenges:

High Initial Investment: Implementing edge computing solutions can require significant upfront costs for hardware and infrastructure development.

Complexity of Integration: Integrating edge computing with existing IT systems can be complex, requiring skilled personnel and potentially leading to operational disruptions during the transition phase.

Regional Insights

North America

North America is expected to hold the largest market share in the edge computing sector due to substantial investments in telecommunications infrastructure and a high concentration of technology companies. The region's advanced IT ecosystem fosters innovation in edge computing solutions, making it a leader in market growth.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to experience the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. Countries like China and India are rapidly adopting IoT technologies and enhancing their digital infrastructure, driven by government initiatives aimed at promoting smart city projects and industrial automation.

Key Market Segments

The edge computing market can be segmented based on components, applications, organization size, and industry verticals.

By Component

Hardware: This segment includes devices such as edge servers, routers, and gateways that facilitate localized data processing.

Software: Software solutions encompass platforms that enable data management and analytics at the edge.

Services: Managed services that support deployment and maintenance of edge computing solutions.

By Application

Real-Time Data Processing: Critical for industries requiring immediate insights.

Predictive Maintenance: Used extensively in manufacturing to foresee equipment failures.

Smart Cities: Applications include traffic management systems and public safety monitoring.

Download Sample Report @ https://intentmarketresearch.com/request-sample/edge-computing-market-3026.html

Competitive Landscape

The competitive landscape of the edge computing market features several key players:

◘AWS ◘ Cisco ◘ Dell ◘ Google ◘ HP ◘IBM ◘ Microsoft ◘ Nokia ◘NVIDIA ◘ Siemens

These companies are actively investing in research and development to enhance their offerings in edge computing technologies.

Future Outlook

The future of the edge computing market appears promising as businesses increasingly recognize its potential to enhance operational efficiency and improve decision-making processes. The convergence of technologies such as IoT, AI, and machine learning with edge computing will likely create new opportunities for innovation across various sectors.

Conclusion

In summary, the Edge Computing Market is on a trajectory of rapid growth driven by technological advancements, increasing data volumes, and evolving business needs. With projections estimating growth from USD 14.2 billion in 2023 to USD 116.6 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 35.1%, stakeholders across industries should prepare for transformative changes brought about by this technology. As organizations continue to embrace digital transformation initiatives, edge computing will play a pivotal role in shaping future technological landscapes.

About Us

Intent Market Research (IMR) is dedicated to delivering distinctive market insights, focusing on the sustainable and inclusive growth of our clients. We provide in-depth market research reports and consulting services, empowering businesses to make informed, data-driven decisions.

Our market intelligence reports are grounded in factual and relevant insights across various industries, including chemicals & materials, healthcare, food & beverage, automotive & transportation, energy & power, packaging, industrial equipment, building & construction, aerospace & defense, and semiconductor & electronics, among others.

We adopt a highly collaborative approach, partnering closely with clients to drive transformative changes that benefit all stakeholders. With a strong commitment to innovation, we aim to help businesses expand, build sustainable advantages, and create meaningful, positive impacts.

Contact Us

sales@intentmarketresearch.com

US: +1 463-583-2713

[qocsuing]

The Role of Multilayer PCBs in Advancing Modern Technology

The Role of Multilayer PCBs in Advancing Modern Technology

In the rapidly evolving world of technology, the demand for more compact, efficient, and powerful electronic devices is ever-increasing. One of the key components driving this advancement is the Multilayer Printed Circuit Board (PCB). These sophisticated circuit boards, which consist of multiple layers of conductive material separated by insulating layers, are integral to the functionality of a wide range of modern electronic devices.Get more news about Multilayer PCB manufacturing,you can vist our website!

What is a Multilayer PCB? A Multilayer PCB is a type of printed circuit board that has more than two layers of conductive copper foil. These layers are stacked and laminated together with insulating layers in between, creating a single, cohesive unit. The primary advantage of this design is the ability to pack more electronic components into a smaller space, which is essential for the miniaturization of modern electronic devices.

Applications in Consumer Electronics One of the most prominent applications of Multilayer PCBs is in consumer electronics. Smartphones, tablets, and laptops all rely on these advanced circuit boards to function. The compact design of Multilayer PCBs allows manufacturers to include more features and functionalities in their devices without increasing the size. For instance, the latest smartphones are equipped with high-resolution cameras, powerful processors, and extensive memory, all of which are made possible by the use of Multilayer PCBs.

Role in Medical Devices The medical field has also greatly benefited from the advancements in Multilayer PCB technology. Medical devices such as MRI machines, pacemakers, and portable diagnostic tools require highly reliable and compact circuit boards. Multilayer PCBs provide the necessary reliability and performance, ensuring that these critical devices operate accurately and efficiently. The ability to integrate multiple functions into a single board also helps in reducing the overall size of medical devices, making them more portable and user-friendly.

Impact on Automotive Industry The automotive industry is another sector where Multilayer PCBs have made a significant impact. Modern vehicles are equipped with numerous electronic systems, including advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), infotainment systems, and engine control units (ECUs). These systems require complex and reliable circuit boards to function correctly. Multilayer PCBs offer the necessary durability and performance, ensuring that automotive electronics can withstand harsh conditions and provide reliable operation.

Advancements in Telecommunications Telecommunications is yet another field that has seen remarkable advancements due to Multilayer PCBs. The demand for faster and more reliable communication networks has led to the development of sophisticated networking equipment. Multilayer PCBs are used in routers, switches, and other networking devices to handle high-speed data transmission and complex signal processing. Their ability to support high-density interconnections makes them ideal for telecommunications applications.

Future Prospects The future of Multilayer PCBs looks promising, with ongoing research and development aimed at further enhancing their capabilities. Innovations such as flexible Multilayer PCBs and the integration of advanced materials are expected to open up new possibilities in various fields. As technology continues to evolve, the role of Multilayer PCBs in driving innovation and enabling new applications will only become more significant.

Conclusion In conclusion, Multilayer PCBs are a cornerstone of modern technology, enabling the development of more compact, efficient, and powerful electronic devices. Their applications span across various industries, including consumer electronics, medical devices, automotive, and telecommunications. As advancements in PCB technology continue, we can expect even greater innovations and improvements in the performance and functionality of electronic devices.

[tccicomputercoaching]

Computer Engineering Coaching for Success

A computer engineer is a professional who creates physical components in devices such as consumer electronics, routers, data storage devices, cell phones, medical devices, supercomputers, communication systems and vehicles. These components may include circuits, processors, conductors, microchips and similar parts. Computer engineers also typically create firmware, which is a type of software inside the hardware that helps it perform specific tasks or communicate with other devices. Most computer engineers initially develop, prototype and test these components. They may also help develop other types of software that work with the components.

Engineering: Advanced computer skills are crucial for careers in engineering, such as civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. Engineers use advanced computer skills to design and simulate complex systems, analyze data, and develop software applications for engineering projects.

That’s why Computer Engineering is best choice in current days which provides many opportunities for Job in IT field. There so much to learn today and the material for the same is easily available. The programs and applications are only as smart as the  person who coded it is.

Learn any programming language at TCCI Computer Coaching Institute: Java, Python, .Net, C, C++, SQL, HTML, PHP, C#, System Programming, Compiler Design, CSS, JavaScript, DBMS.

TCCI Computer classes provide the best training in all computer courses online and offline through different learning methods/media located in Bopal Ahmedabad and ISCON Ambli Road in Ahmedabad.

For More Information:

Call us @ +91 98256 18292

Visit us @ http://tccicomputercoaching.com/

[digitrenndsamr]

Light Fidelity (Li-Fi)/Visible Light Communication Market to Transform Smart Cities and Homes

Light Fidelity (Li-Fi) is a very high speed, two-way wireless communication method which uses visible light from LEDs as the medium for transmitting the data by turning them on and off at very high frequency which human eyes cannot sense. This technology is an apt replacement for currently prevailing Wi-Fi technology as Li-Fi is considerably faster, has almost 10,000 times broader bandwidth because it uses visible light, and it is safe to operate in electromagnetic sensitive areas.

Light Fidelity (Li-Fi)/Visible Light Communication Market report, published by Allied Market Research, forecasts that the global market is expected to garner $115 billion by 2022, registering a CAGR of 116.8% during the forecast period 2016 - 2022. In 2015, North America contributed major share in the market and will continue to lead throughout the forecast period.

Li-Fi incorporates three major components, which are LED, photodetector, and microcontroller. Among the three components, in the year 2015, LED dominated the market by contributing over 40% share of the overall component segment revenue. Also, this segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR 118.1% during the forecast period owing to its low cost, increased adoption in different applications such as households, offices, vehicles, airplanes and retail stores among others. Furthermore, LEDs are preferred over all other lighting systems as they can easily be turned off and on with the use of a microcontroller.

Under the industry vertical segment, retail industry contributed over 30% of the overall Li-Fi market, in 2015. Li-Fi enables the storekeepers to monitor the positioning of customers by tracing their location to improve shopping experience and provide notifications on their cellphones. However, healthcare sector would be the fastest growing industry and is expected to register highest CAGR 125.3% during the forecast period. This is because Li-Fi does not cause any electromagnetic interference and can safely be used with other medical apparatus such as CT scanner, MRI machine, X-ray machine, and ultrasound machine among others.

North America dominated the market in 2015 by accounting for around 40% of the total market revenue and it is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. This is accredited to the presence of various research and development facilities in the region and investment for implementation of this technology by the major companies in the region.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region among others with CAGR of 121.7% during the forecast period. This is attributed due to the large electronic market in China and Japan as well as presence of several developing regions where governments promote the use of LED lights. In Asia-Pacific, China holds about 50% of the market at present and is expected to maintain its leading position throughout the forecast period.

Light Fidelity (Li-Fi)/Visible Light Communication MarketKey findings:

In 2015, LED component led the overall Li-Fi market revenue, and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 118.1% during the forecast period.

Retail industry vertical segment is projected to grow at a CAGR of 112.8% during the analysis period.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be the fastest growing region growing at a CAGR of 121.7% during the forecast period.

The key players in the Li-Fi market are focused on intensive research and development such as undergoing researches in Edinburgh University and the research facility of pureLiFi in United Kingdom, to improve their product quality and partnerships to reach untapped regions. Key players in the market have adopted product launch as their key strategy to grow in the market. For instance, launch of enhanced lighting named Atlanta for precise indoor positioning by acquity brands and the Li-Fi enabled router, LiFi-x by pureLiFi The key players profiled in the report include General Electric, Oledcomm S.A.S, Renesas Electronics Corporation, pureLiFi, LVX SYSTEM, Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc., Qualcomm technologies Inc., IBSENtelecom Ltd., Koninklijke Philips N.V., and Panasonic Corporation.

[ask-but-beware-the-consequences]

I don't think enough people realise that the vehicles we're using function by explosions. Sometimes they sound like it too, buses, cars, etc. they emit deep growls, screams, yet at most of the a times we don't even notice it. There's just so much noise everywhere and all the time.

aka just me wanting to run away and ride a horse, since forever. Router and generator on my back with the laptop bag.