Author: Pedro Domínguez

{ "de-DE": "", "en-US": "Publicist and audiovisual producer in love with social networks. I spend more time thinking about which videogames I will play than playing them.", "es-ES": "Publicista y productor audiovisual enamorado de las redes sociales. Paso más tiempo pensando a qué videojuegos voy a jugar que jugándolos.", "fr-FR": "Publicitaire et producteur audiovisuel passionné par les réseaux sociaux. Je passe plus de temps à penser aux jeux vidéo auxquels je jouerai qu'à y jouer.", "it-IT": "", "ja-JP": "", "nl-NL": "", "pl-PL": "", "pt-BR": "", "social": { "email": "", "facebook": "", "twitter": "", "linkedin": "" } }

WhatsApp will allow you to react more quickly to Christmas messages

WhatsApp continues to improve its features and now expands its repertoire of quick reactions with a new addition perfect for celebrating any event. Until now, users could choose from six default emojis to react to messages, such as the thumbs up, heart, laughing with tears, surprised, sad, and high-five gesture. However, a seventh emoji is added to the list: the iconic party popper, ideal for celebrations like New Year’s. According to WABetaInfo, this update expands the reaction tray and adds a more lively touch to interactions in the […]

WhatsApp continues to improve its features and now expands its repertoire of quick reactions with a perfect novelty to celebrate any event. Until now, users could choose from six default emojis to react to messages, such as the thumbs up, the heart, the laughing crying emoji, the surprised, the sad, and the high-five gesture. However, a seventh emoji is added to the list: the iconic party popper, ideal for celebrations like New Year’s.

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According to WABetaInfo, this update expands the reaction tray and adds a more animated touch to interactions in the app. Although it has always been possible to respond with any available emoji, the quick selection of these default ones makes it much easier to immediately react to a loved one.

Additionally, WhatsApp has introduced another feature that will make its users smile: now, when sending messages that include emojis like confetti or the celebration face, confetti animations will appear on the screen. Although it’s not a revolutionary change, these small improvements add a fun and very timely touch, especially during times when we are continuously communicating with friends and family.

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OpenAI rules out an API for Sora, its video generation AI, for now

OpenAI has announced that it does not plan to launch an API for Sora, its artificial intelligence model capable of generating realistic videos from text descriptions or reference images. “We have no plans for a Sora API for now,” clarified Romain Huet, head of developer experience at OpenAI, during an AMA (“ask me anything”) session. One of the reasons could be the lack of capacity to handle high demand. After the launch of the video creation and editing suite powered by Sora, OpenAI had to close registrations due to unexpectedly high traffic. […]

OpenAI has announced that it does not plan to release an API for Sora, its artificial intelligence model that is capable of generating realistic videos from text descriptions or reference images. “We have no plans for a Sora API at this time,” clarified Romain Huet, head of developer experience at OpenAI, during an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session.

Sora (OpenAI) ACCESS

One of the reasons could be the lack of capacity to handle the high demand. After the launch of the video creation and editing suite powered by Sora, OpenAI had to close registrations due to unexpectedly high traffic. This even led Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, to apologize on Twitter: “We significantly underestimated the demand for Sora. It will take us some time to give access to everyone. We are trying to find the fastest way to do it!”

Sora and the new update

Although registrations for Sora resumed a few days ago, the decision not to prioritize an API could leave OpenAI at a disadvantage compared to competitors like Google, which launched a limited API for its Veo model in December. The company announced a few days ago that its successor, Veo 2, will also have an API in 2025. Other companies in the sector, such as AWS and startups like Runway, already offer functional APIs for similar generative models.

Sora (OpenAI) ACCESS

GitHub launches Copilot for free: AI code autocompletion for all users

GitHub, the corporate development platform owned by Microsoft, announced on Wednesday that Copilot, its AI-assisted programming tool, will have a free version. Additionally, it will be available by default in the Visual Studio Code (VS Code) editor, one of the most popular among developers. Until now, Copilot required a monthly payment of at least $10, except for students, teachers, and verified open-source maintainers, who had free access. GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke explained in an interview with TechCrunch that this decision is part of the evolution towards a more accessible GitHub. “My first […]

GitHub, the corporate development platform owned by Microsoft, announced on Wednesday that Copilot, its AI-assisted programming tool, will have a free version. This will also be available by default in the Visual Studio Code (VS Code) editor, one of the most popular among developers. Until now, Copilot required a monthly payment of at least $10, except for students, teachers, and verified open-source maintainers, who had free access.

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The CEO of GitHub, Thomas Dohmke, explained in an interview with TechCrunch that this decision is part of the evolution towards a more accessible GitHub. “My first project [at GitHub] in 2018 was free private repositories,” he commented. “Then, in 2020, we launched free private organizations and GitHub Actions entitlements. It felt natural to reach the point of also offering a completely free Copilot, not just for students and open-source maintainers.”

The free version is designed for occasional use and has certain limitations. Users will be able to access 2,000 code autocompletions per month and, although the AI models Claude 3.5 Sonnet (Anthropic) and GPT-4o (OpenAI) can be used, the platform reserves other more advanced options for paid plans. In the case of Copilot Chat, up to 50 messages per month are allowed. However, users will have access to all Copilot extensions and skills.

Dohmke emphasized that the goal of this strategy is to expand GitHub’s global reach and reduce economic barriers, especially in countries where average incomes make it difficult to access tools like Copilot. “We want to enable a billion people to become developers worldwide,” he noted. Additionally, the CEO hopes that this initiative will make Copilot more popular among students, who will no longer have to validate their academic status.

The move comes at a time when competition in the AI-assisted programming tools market is increasing, including GitHub rivals like Tabnine, Qodo, and AWS. By betting on a freemium model and leveraging the wide distribution of VS Code, GitHub’s intention is to maintain its leadership and continue making access to AI-assisted programming more accessible.

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Did you know that TikTok emits more carbon than Greece? This is the brutal environmental impact of the platform

TikTok, the popular short video platform, could be generating a carbon footprint larger than that of Greece, according to an analysis by the consultancy Greenly. In 2023, the social network’s emissions in the United States, United Kingdom, and France reached 7.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). These figures surpass those of platforms like Twitter and Snapchat, and place TikTok just above Instagram, even though the latter has almost twice as many users. TikTok’s environmental impact is linked to the time its users spend on the […]

TikTok, the popular short video platform, could be generating a carbon footprint larger than that of Greece, according to an analysis by the consultancy Greenly. In 2023, the social network’s emissions in the United States, United Kingdom, and France reached 7.6 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). These figures surpass those of platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Snapchat, and place TikTok just above Instagram, although the latter has nearly twice as many users.

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The environmental impact of TikTok is linked to the time its users spend on the app. While Instagram users spend an average of 30.6 minutes a day on the platform, TikTok users spend 45.5 minutes daily. “The algorithm is designed for the mass distribution of videos,” explained Alexis Normand, CEO of Greenly. This increases the individual carbon footprint as it encourages greater content consumption.

Greenly estimates that the global carbon footprint of TikTok could be around 50 million metric tons of CO2e, if global data is considered and not just that of certain countries. This is close to the annual emissions of Greece, which were 51.67 million tons in 2023. Additionally, the report notes that emissions associated with data centers account for 99% of TikTok’s footprint, excluding other sources such as offices or employee transportation.

At an individual level, TikTok users generate an average of 48.49 kg of CO2e per year, equivalent to driving 198 kilometers in a gasoline car, surpassing YouTube (164 kilometers) and Instagram (133 kilometers). However, TikTok also stands out for its lack of transparency in environmental data, as, unlike Meta or Google, it does not publish detailed reports or collaborate with carbon disclosure projects.

TikTok has committed to being carbon neutral by 2030 through initiatives like “Project Clover,” which includes a data center in Norway powered by renewable energy. However, the future of these commitments is at least uncertain due to potential changes in the company’s ownership, as ByteDance, the parent company, could be forced to sell the platform in the United States before January 19, 2025.

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Americans can now call ChatGPT by phone

OpenAI has surprised on the tenth of its “12 Days of Christmas” with “1-800-CHATGPT,” a new feature that allows free calls to ChatGPT. The service allows sending messages via WhatsApp globally by dialing the number 1-800-242-8478 or directly speaking with the chatbot if you reside in the United States, using the same number. According to Kevin Weil, OpenAI’s product director, this project was developed in just a few weeks and aims to bring artificial intelligence closer to a broader audience. The initiative is based on OpenAI’s real-time API to manage the calls and […]

OpenAI has surprised on the tenth of its “12 Christmas Days” with “1-800-CHATGPT,” a new feature that allows free calls to ChatGPT. The service allows sending messages via WhatsApp globally by dialing the number 1-800-242-8478 or directly speaking with the chatbot if you reside in the United States, using the same number. According to Kevin Weil, product director at OpenAI, this project was developed in just a few weeks and aims to bring artificial intelligence closer to a broader audience.

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The initiative is based on OpenAI’s real-time API to manage calls and on a integration of GPT-4o mini with the WhatsApp API for messages. The usage limit is 15 minutes per month per phone number, although more “creative” users might “bypass” this restriction by using virtual phone numbers.

For OpenAI, this tool represents an ideal opportunity for new users who wish to try ChatGPT in a simple and economical way. “It is a low-cost way to experience it through familiar channels,” the company explained. However, they emphasize that regular users who need more advanced features and customization options should continue using their regular accounts through the website.

OpenAI’s proposal is reminiscent of GOOG-411, a voice assistance service launched by Google in 2007 and discontinued in 2010. Although no official explanation was ever given for its closure, Marissa Mayer, then vice president of Google, admitted that the project’s goal was to collect voice samples to improve their voice recognition models. “We need a lot of people speaking to train robust models,” Mayer explained at the time.

To clear up any possible suspicions, OpenAI has clarified that the calls will not be used to train language models. According to Taya Christianson, the company’s spokesperson, “we will not use these calls to train large language models.”

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Instagram now allows scheduling direct messages: here's how it works

Instagram has launched a new feature that allows scheduling direct messages (DM). The social network confirmed to TechCrunch that this tool is now available to users worldwide and promises to be especially useful for content creators and brands. Thanks to this innovation, originally detected by social media expert Lindsey Gamble, both creators and businesses will be able to send messages at strategic times to maximize their impact, while regular users can use it to adapt to different time zones or to send reminders at specific moments. To use the feature, simply draft the message, […]

Instagram has launched a new feature that allows scheduling direct messages (DM). The social network confirmed to TechCrunch that this tool is now available to users worldwide, and promises to be especially useful for content creators and brands.

Instagram DOWNLOAD

Thanks to this innovation, originally detected by social media expert Lindsey Gamble, both creators and businesses will be able to send messages at strategic times to maximize their impact, while regular users can use it to adapt to different time zones or to send reminders at specific moments.

To use the feature, simply draft the message, hold down the send button, and select the desired date and time. According to tests conducted, it is possible to schedule messages up to 29 days in advance. Additionally, Instagram will display a notice within the chat with pending scheduled messages to ensure users remember the messages they will send.

This past month, Instagram has incorporated other improvements in its DMs, such as the ability to share locations directly with friends and to customize chat names with nicknames. Meanwhile, creators can now organize their message requests by applying filters such as verified accounts, number of followers, or brands.

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Avast Free Antivirus: Robust Protection and Optimized Performance for Your Windows PC

In our hyperconnected world, using antivirus software is practically a must. And for good reason—every time we turn on our computers and venture into cyberspace, we are exposed to threats as varied as they are sophisticated, constantly evolving to our disadvantage. Despite their protection, most antivirus programs demand significant system resources, which can slow down computer performance and hinder productivity.

Avast Free Antivirus Download

Thankfully, Avast Free Antivirus breaks this trend. Avast’s popular program combines robust  protection with minimal impact on PC resources, making it an ideal choice for users who need security without sacrificing performance. Designed specifically for Windows users, Avast Free Antivirus not only defends against modern threats but also ensures smooth operation, even while running demanding tasks. Below, we’ll explore why this free antivirus is one of the best choices for everyday use.

The Need for Antivirus Software Today

The exponential rise of cyber threats has made antivirus software essential: malware, ransomware, spyware, and phishing attacks are just a few of the dangers targeting individuals and businesses alike. Without antivirus protection, you risk losing sensitive data, unauthorized access to personal information, or even permanent system damage.

Cyberattacks affect everyone, from professionals handling confidential information to students conducting online research. However, the resource-heavy nature of many antivirus programs often results in sluggish performance, making the user experience frustrating. Avast Free Antivirus is an exception, offering an efficient solution that helps to protect without dragging down your system.

Lightweight Design, Exceptional Performance

Avast Free Antivirus is built with a lightweight architecture that minimizes its impact on your computer’s performance. Unlike other programs that consume substantial memory and processing power, Avast Free Antivirus operates efficiently, allowing you to use your PC without interruptions. Whether working, studying, or enjoying recreational activities like gaming or streaming, Avast Free Antivirus ensures your computer runs smoothly.

This optimized design is crucial for Windows users, as this operating system is a prime target for cyberattacks. Avast Free Antivirus not only helps to protect against these threats but also allows a seamless user experience. Even when running multiple applications simultaneously, Avast’s impact on performance is mostly unnoticeable. This efficiency benefits both modern PCs and older models.

Smart Scan: Efficient Protection in a Single Click

One of Avast Free Antivirus’s standout features is its Smart Scan, which performs a quick yet thorough system analysis to identify potential vulnerabilities. This tool detects suspicious files, outdated software, hidden viruses, and malware that could jeopardize your privacy or system performance.

Smart Scan’s main advantage is its speed and efficiency—you don’t have to endure long waits for results or worry about system slowdowns while running. This makes it especially valuable for users with fast-paced lifestyles who need practical, hassle-free solutions.

Additionally, Avast Free Antivirus features an intuitive interface that guides users through resolving detected issues step by step, ensuring even less tech-savvy individuals can easily safeguard their systems.

Always Updated, Always Protected

Another defining feature of Avast Free Antivirus is its ability to stay updated without disrupting your workflow. Background updates ensure the program is always equipped with the latest virus definitions and security enhancements without requiring manual intervention or causing noticeable slowdowns.

These automatic updates are crucial in an environment where threats evolve rapidly. By staying up to date, Avast Free Antivirus can detect and neutralize even the newest threats, ensuring continuous protection. This proactive approach reduces the risk of vulnerabilities caused by unpatched security flaws.

The Perfect Balance of Security and Performance

Avast Free Antivirus excels at striking a perfect balance between robust security and efficient performance—a crucial combination in a market where many programs force users to choose one. With Avast Free Antivirus, you don’t have to compromise: enjoy top-notch protection and a fast, responsive system.

Moreover, Avast Free Antivirus is designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, even for those with limited tech expertise. From installation to configuration, every step is optimized for a smooth and straightforward experience. The minimalist interface allows quick access to essential tools and features, saving time and effort for more important tasks.

Avast Free Antivirus: Efficient Protection for Everyday Use

Avast Free Antivirus proves you don’t need to compromise PC performance for quality protection. With its lightweight design, this program is perfect for users seeking effective security with minimal impact on system resources.

Avast Free Antivirus Download

Beyond its technical prowess, Avast Antivirus Free provides peace of mind for users who want to focus on what truly matters, whether it’s work, studies, or entertainment. Its ability to operate seamlessly makes it a valuable tool for professionals and home users alike.In a world full of cyber threats, choosing a reliable antivirus like Avast Free Antivirus is the smartest decision you can make. It helps to protect your computer, maintain its performance, and browse with complete confidence, knowing you’re using a tool designed to be both effective and efficient. Because security shouldn’t be an obstacle to productivity. Download Avast Free Antivirus today and make your digital experience safer and more enjoyable!

Securing Your Online Shopping This Holiday Season

It’s December Already: The Magical Season of Shopping and Cybersecurity. The holiday season is here—the magical time when streets light up with festive decorations, Christmas carols play on every corner, and shopping carts, both physical and online, overflow with gifts for friends and family. But did you know this is also the peak season for cybercriminals? If you’re one to take advantage of holiday deals by shopping online from your computer, it’s crucial to do so securely.

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This is where Avast Secure Browser comes into play, a tool designed to keep you safe while shopping online. In this article, we’ll explain how this browser can help you enjoy a secure and hassle-free shopping experience and provide practical tips to protect your transactions.

Avast Secure Browser: The Browser You Need for Worry-Free Shopping

Shopping online for holiday gifts, family dinner ingredients, festive decorations, and more can be incredibly convenient. Still, it comes with certain risks—especially during a season when cybercriminals ramp up their activities.

It’s essential to use tools designed for this purpose to ensure your transactions are secure and your data remains protected. Avast Secure Browser stands out as a trustworthy option specifically designed to safeguard your privacy and security while browsing shopping websites or making online payments.

This browser combines advanced features that help block common threats and protect your personal information, allowing you to focus on enjoying your shopping without worries. Here are its standout features that make Avast Secure Browser an essential tool for this holiday season:

Phishing Protection

During this shopping season, emails and texts with links to “amazing deals” are everywhere. Unfortunately, many of these promotions are phishing attempts aimed at stealing your personal information. Avast Secure Browser comes equipped with Web Shield, an integrated protection system that analyzes links before you click on them, automatically blocking malicious websites and alerting you if any issues are detected.

Bank Mode

Bank Mode provides a secure, isolated environment for conducting online transactions. When activated, the browser blocks any attempts to capture your screen or log your keystrokes—common tactics hackers use to steal data. This way, your online purchases and payments are made in a risk-free, protected environment.

Privacy Guard

While not all ads are malicious, some can redirect you to unsafe pages that expose you to various dangers. Avast Secure Browser includes a Privacy Guard, an ad and tracker blocker that eliminates these distractions, making browsing faster and safer. You can also customize the level of blocking you prefer while browsing the web.

General Tips for Secure Online Transactions

While Avast Secure Browser provides a robust layer of protection, it’s important to follow certain best practices to minimize risks and enjoy a secure shopping experience. Here are some essential tips:

  1. Use Secure Payment Methods Opt for platforms like PayPal or virtual cards that generate temporary numbers for each transaction. These options minimize exposure to your financial data in case of a website breach.
  2. Shop Only on Trusted Websites Before entering personal or financial data, ensure the website uses an SSL certificate. Look for “https://” at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. Avast Secure Browser also detects and warns you if a site is unsafe.
  3. Keep Your Antivirus Updated Although Avast Secure Browser is designed to block many threats, keeping your antivirus software updated is essential. Use Avast Free Antivirus to protect yourself against viruses, trojans, and other threats that could compromise your security.
  4. Avoid Public Wi-Fi Public Wi-Fi networks are vulnerable to hackers. If you need to use one, ensure you do so with a VPN to hide your IP address and encrypt your data, making it unreadable to unauthorized users. However, it’s always best to avoid performing sensitive transactions on these networks.
  5. Check Your Card Statements During the shopping season, it’s easy to overlook small or suspicious charges on your cards. Take a few minutes each week to review your bank statements and report any unrecognized transactions.
  6. Be Skeptical of “Too-Good-To-Be-True” Deals If you see a product at an unbelievably low price, do your research before making the purchase. Many scammers create fake websites with irresistible offers to lure unsuspecting shoppers.

Why Avast Secure Browser Is the Best Choice for Holiday Shopping

Beyond its exceptional features, Avast Secure Browser is intuitive and easy to use, even for those without extensive cybersecurity knowledge. It’s designed so you can focus on what truly matters: finding the best gifts for your loved ones without worrying about your online security.

Avast Secure Browser Download

By pairing this browser with good shopping practices, you’ll stay one step ahead of cybercriminals. Avast Secure Browser provides a solid protection foundation against cyber threats, from phishing attempts to unsafe websites. And by following tips like using secure payment methods and verifying website authenticity, you can further enhance your safety.This December, enjoy online shopping knowing you’re protected with Avast Secure Browser. After all, the only thing you should worry about this holiday season is finding the perfect gift for that special someone—not the security of your transactions.

Microsoft fixes a serious security issue that affected Windows Defender

Microsoft has revealed a critical vulnerability in Windows Defender that could have allowed the exposure of sensitive data over a network. The security breach, identified as CVE-2024-49071, was made public on December 12 in the company’s security update guide. According to Microsoft, users do not need to take any action, as the solution was implemented remotely on the servers. The issue was that Windows Defender created an “index of private or sensitive document searches” without adequately limiting access to it. This, according to the database of […]

Microsoft has revealed a critical vulnerability in Windows Defender that could have allowed the exposure of sensitive data over a network. The security breach, identified as CVE-2024-49071, was made public on December 12 in the company’s security update guide. According to Microsoft, users do not need to take any action, as the solution was deployed remotely on the servers.

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The problem was that Windows Defender created an “index of private or sensitive document searches” without adequately limiting access to it. This, according to the Debricked vulnerability database, could have allowed unauthorized actors to access confidential information. Although the complexity of the attack was low, exploiting it required some prior access to Windows Defender. Fortunately, no cases of exploitation of this vulnerability have been reported so far.

Microsoft has clarified that the vulnerability has already been completely fixed and that users do not need to install patches or make adjustments. This strategy, although unusual for a critical vulnerability, reflects a new approach by the company towards transparency in security matters. Since June 2024, Microsoft has committed to notifying users about critical vulnerabilities in cloud services, even when it is not necessary for them to take direct action.

“We will issue CVEs for critical vulnerabilities in cloud services, regardless of whether customers need to install a patch or take other measures to protect themselves,” stated Microsoft mid-year. This approach aims to strengthen trust in the company by proactively reporting on issues that have already been resolved.

In this case, Microsoft states that “the vulnerability documented by this CVE does not require any customer action to be resolved” and added that “it has already been fully mitigated.”

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Get ready to watch movies like never before: HDMI 2.2 will be released very soon

The CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the largest event in the tech world, promises to become the showcase for a revolutionary breakthrough in the field of audiovisual transmission. According to ComputerBase, a new HDMI standard, possibly called HDMI 2.2, will be presented during the fair, promising greater bandwidth and resolution capabilities, thus marking a significant technological leap for the home entertainment industry. The official announcement will take place on January 6 at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center, according to a press release issued by the HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. The organization […]

The CES 2025 in Las Vegas, the largest event in the tech world, promises to become the showcase for a revolutionary advancement in the field of audiovisual transmission. According to ComputerBase, a new HDMI standard, possibly called HDMI 2.2, will be presented during the fair, promising greater bandwidth and resolution capabilities, thus marking a significant technological leap for the home entertainment industry.

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The official announcement will be made on January 6th at the Mandalay Bay Conference Center, according to a press release issued by the HDMI Licensing Administrator, Inc. The organization states that this new standard, which includes an update to the HDMI specification, will offer “next-generation technology and greater bandwidth, allowing for higher resolutions and higher refresh rates.” Additionally, the standard will be accompanied by a new type of HDMI cable, essential to take advantage of these improvements.

The press release also highlights that these innovations will enable “higher quality options for content producers such as television, film, and video game studios,” in addition to expanding distribution platforms. However, the specific technical details are currently unknown, such as the exact specifications and the final designation of the standard.

Among the speculations about compatible devices, it is rumored that the upcoming graphics cards from Nvidia and AMD, the GeForce RTX 50 and Radeon RX 8000, could integrate this HDMI 2.2 along with the DisplayPort 2.1. Although there is no official confirmation, the fact that both companies have scheduled conferences during CES suggests possible announcements in that direction.

The current HDMI 2.1 standard already supports resolutions up to 8K at 60 FPS with DSC compression. HDMI 2.2 will seek to surpass these capabilities, eliminating the need for compression at high resolutions or further increasing refresh rates.

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