Savannah Tech Seeks Community Input for New Mascot

A Unique Mascot Search at Savannah Technical College

Savannah Technical College is taking a creative approach to selecting its next mascot. This year, the college has opened up the search for a new official symbol, and the final contenders are anything but ordinary. A storm, a kraken, and an otter have all made it to the final round of the 2025 mascot selection process. Now, the community is being asked to cast their votes to determine which of these three unique characters will represent the institution.

Savannah Tech prides itself on being the “premier provider of career-ready technical education and workforce development in Coastal Georgia.” The college’s press release highlights that each finalist embodies the spirit of both the institution and the region. The mascot, once chosen, will serve as a unifying symbol for the college’s more than 150 career-focused programs and its nearly 13,000 students across campuses in Chatham, Bryan, Effingham, and Liberty counties.

Cynthia Cradduck, Assistant Vice President for Public Relations and Marketing at the college, emphasized the importance of the community-centered approach. She stated that involving local residents in the decision-making process is a powerful statement of partnership with the coastal region. The mascot will not only represent the college’s values but also inspire students and faculty alike.

The Finalists

The college provided detailed descriptions of each finalist, explaining what makes them stand out:

The Storm

The Storm is a raw force of nature, symbolizing the powerful, career-ready education delivered by Savannah Tech. This aggressive and confident choice promises to bring the thunder, mirroring the high-impact programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. The Storm represents strength, resilience, and the energy that drives the college forward.

The Kraken

This legendary sea monster represents power, mystique, and the rich history of the coast. The Kraken is an unforgettable symbol ready to rise from the depths to command respect and represent the college's bold future. It embodies the mystery and depth of Coastal Georgia while reflecting the college’s commitment to innovation and excellence.

The Otter

Smart, sleek, and resourceful, the Otter embodies the intellect and adaptability of Savannah Tech students. Known for using tools in the wild and thriving in local waters, this mascot is a clever choice that represents a different kind of strength—one ready to navigate the professional world with skill and finesse. The Otter reflects the creativity and problem-solving abilities of the student body.

How to Vote

Residents interested in participating in the mascot selection can cast their vote at www.savannahtech.edu/mascot. The voting period runs until Monday, September 15. Once the votes are tallied, Savannah Tech will announce the winner later this year.

This unique mascot search highlights the college’s commitment to engaging with the community and celebrating the spirit of Coastal Georgia. Whether it’s the power of the Storm, the mystery of the Kraken, or the cleverness of the Otter, the chosen mascot will play a vital role in representing the identity and values of Savannah Technical College.

Ulanzi D200H Deck Dock: 7-in-1 Creator Hub with AI Workflow & Lighting Control

A New Era of Creative Control with Ulanzi D200H Deck Dock

Ulanzi has long been recognized as a leader in photography accessories, known for delivering high-quality, affordable tools that empower creators. The company has now taken its innovation to the next level with the release of the D200H Deck Dock, an all-in-one control and connectivity station designed to streamline workflows for videographers, live streamers, photographers, and video editors.

Priced at half the cost of similar products on the market, the D200H boasts an impressive 92% user satisfaction rate from beta testing. But what exactly makes this device stand out? Let’s explore the features that make it a must-have for modern creators.

Hardware-Software Synergy: A Creator's Dream Machine

The D200H combines tactile control with unified connectivity in a way that hasn’t been seen before. At its core are 14 customizable LCD keys, which offer sub-millisecond response times—critical for live production environments where every millisecond counts. These keys can be programmed to handle a wide range of tasks, from OBS scene transitions to Premiere Pro timeline edits and even Zoom meeting controls.

In addition to the LCD keys, the D200H includes a 7-in-1 docking station, making it a versatile tool that replaces multiple devices. This includes:

• A USB-C dock
• An SD card reader
• A Stream Deck
• A separate lighting remote

This consolidation not only saves desk space but also simplifies the setup for creators who juggle multiple tools.

AI-Powered Workflow Automation

One of the most groundbreaking features of the D200H is its built-in AI trigger system. A single key can be assigned to launch ChatGPT for live chat moderation, auto-generate meeting summaries, or apply batch presets in Adobe Lightroom. This intelligent automation allows creators to:

• Trigger ChatGPT for live chat moderation during streams
• Generate meeting summaries without leaving their workflow
• Batch-apply Lightroom presets across hundreds of photos

This isn’t just about hardware—it’s about smart automation that adapts to your creative process.

Customization for Specific Creator Needs

Beyond its standout features, the D200H offers three unique innovations tailored to specific creator needs. These enhancements transform workflows across different scenarios.

For Gaming Live Streamers: No Lag

Game streamers will appreciate the low-latency scene switching that minimizes alt-tab delays—a common frustration during intense gameplay. The chat interaction suite allows for:

• One-touch commands like “!clip” or “!drop”
• Automated moderation triggers
• Instant emote displays

These features ensure smooth and interactive streaming experiences.

For Photographers & Designers: Photoshop Efficiency

The D200H includes 39 instant-access Photoshop shortcuts, making it a game-changer for professionals. Functions like Free Transform, Redo, or New File creation are now literally at your fingertips. Beta testers reported completing color grading tasks 40% faster and layer management 35% more efficiently compared to traditional workflows.

Lighting Control: Ecosystem Integration Done Right

Ulanzi has created something truly unique with its lighting integration. The D200H serves as a central command hub for:

• Ulanzi’s lighting products (VL series, AL series, etc.)
• Major smart home systems (Mi Home, Haier, Midea)
• Professional lighting setups via Home Assistant/HomeBridge

The intelligent lighting recommendations automatically adjust based on your content type—whether you’re streaming, shooting portraits, or photographing products.

Conclusion

The Ulanzi D200H Deck Dock is more than a control deck or a docking station—it’s a hybrid device that recognizes how messy, multi-platform, and multi-purpose modern creative work has become. By blending tactile control, AI automation, unified connectivity, and environmental integration, Ulanzi has built a product that can serve as the literal and figurative hub of a creator’s workspace.

Whether its primary role is to command a live broadcast, accelerate a Photoshop session, or keep a gaming stream smooth and interactive, the D200H appears ready to meet the challenge. Its combination of price, feature set, and compatibility gives it a competitive edge, while its integration with Ulanzi’s broader ecosystem hints at how the brand plans to connect its hardware line-up in the future.

For creators who have been piecing together a mix of docks, decks, and control panels, the D200H’s all-in-one approach could prove both a space saver and a workflow upgrade. And for Ulanzi, it’s a signal that the company is no longer just making accessories—it’s building creative command centers.

Faraday Future's Crypto Advantages Unveiled

Strategic Progress and Financial Moves

Faraday Future Intelligent Electric, a prominent player in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, has continued to provide updates to its shareholders. These updates come in the form of a letter from the company’s Founder and Co-CEO, YT Jia. The letter outlines the company's strategic progress, emphasizing its "Dual Flywheel & Dual Bridge" ecosystem. This approach is designed to strengthen the company's core operations without diverting focus from its primary goals.

The automotive industry is known for its long development cycles and high capital requirements. To address these challenges, Faraday Future introduced the C10 Treasury, a portfolio of leading cryptocurrencies. This initiative aims to provide ongoing financial support for the company’s main electric vehicle business through capital growth and liquidity. According to Jia, by accumulating and compounding a portfolio of the world’s top 10 crypto coins, the company can ensure continuous and sustained capital support for its main operations.

Operational Expansion and Product Development

On the operational front, Faraday Future highlighted its multi-sector engagement following the "Dual Flywheel + Dual Bridge" event. This event significantly expanded the company's industry profile and influence, prompting intensified marketing efforts moving forward. The company is also making strides in product development. The FX Super One recently passed an initial safety development milestone, meeting U.S. Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. This achievement is a crucial requirement for accessing prominent global markets.

At the Hanford manufacturing facility, 60% of the production process planning for the FX Super One is complete. Ongoing process validation and workforce training are currently underway. These steps are essential to ensuring that the production of the FX Super One meets the company's high standards and is ready for market launch.

Financial Highlights and Future Plans

Financially, the first $30 million commitment to the C10 Treasury has been closed. Allocations are set to begin next week. The investments include 80% deployed passively via the C10 Index and 20% actively managed. This diversified approach is intended to maximize returns while managing risk effectively.

Looking ahead, Faraday Future has several initiatives planned. The company is set to launch regional Super One campaigns, which will serve as a notable showcase at Burning Man. Additionally, upcoming sales events in Massachusetts and New York are scheduled. Another highlight is the first Go-Global Stand-Up Comedy Festival at FF headquarters, which is expected to generate significant buzz and media attention.

Stock Performance and Market Outlook

Shares of Faraday Future have shown positive momentum, with a 12.3% increase over the last six weeks. This performance reflects investor confidence in the company's strategic direction and its ability to navigate the challenges of the automotive industry.

Key Developments and Future Focus

In addition to these developments, there have been several key reports and analyses on Faraday Future. Recent discussions have focused on the company's Q2 results and its major shift towards cryptocurrency. The Q2 2025 Earnings Call Transcript provided further insights into the company's financial health and strategic priorities. Analysts continue to monitor the company's stock story, noting that it is far from over.

Faraday Future has also reported its Q2 results, highlighting its progress in various areas. The company has kicked off the trial production phase of the FX Super One MPV at the Hanford manufacturing facility, marking another significant step in its journey.

Cyber Resilience in the Quantum Age: The Era of Crypto-Agility

The Tipping Point for Quantum Computing

We are at a pivotal moment in the evolution of computing, where quantum computing is transitioning from theoretical possibility to practical reality. This advancement holds immense promise but also presents a significant challenge to existing data security systems and cryptographic methods that have long been relied upon to protect sensitive information.

Quantum computers leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to process information in ways that classical computers cannot. Unlike traditional computers that use bits (0s and 1s), quantum computers utilize qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously. This capability allows them to solve complex problems at an exponentially faster rate than classical machines.

One of the most pressing concerns is their potential to break widely used public key encryption algorithms like RSA and ECC (elliptic curve cryptography). These algorithms secure nearly all digital communications today, and once a sufficiently powerful quantum computer becomes available, they could become obsolete. The threat is not just theoretical; it's already being exploited through "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks, where adversaries collect encrypted data with the intention of decrypting it once quantum technology becomes viable.

The timeline for when cryptographically relevant quantum computers will emerge is uncertain, with estimates ranging from five to ten years. However, the risk is immediate, especially for organizations that handle long-term sensitive data such as financial records, personal information, or trade secrets. The stakes are high, as the exposure of such data could lead to severe financial, operational, and reputational damage.

What is Post-Quantum Cryptography?

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to withstand attacks from both classical and quantum computers. These algorithms rely on mathematical problems that remain difficult to solve even for advanced quantum systems. In 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) released its first set of standardized PQC algorithms, including CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, SPHINCS+, and FALCON. In March 2025, NIST added Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC) as a backup to existing Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM) algorithms.

HQC is based on error-correcting codes, a concept that has been fundamental to information security for decades. Unlike ML-KEM, which relies on structured networks, HQC offers a unique mathematical foundation that provides robust protection against future quantum threats. This shift in approach is crucial for maintaining the integrity of encrypted data in the face of evolving computational power.

The Time for Change is Now

The window of opportunity to transition to quantum-resistant systems is narrowing. While many organizations are focused on broader cyber resilience strategies, the specific risks posed by quantum computing are often overlooked. Changing cryptographic standards in a complex IT environment is not something that can be done overnight. It typically takes several years, especially for large enterprises with extensive infrastructures.

Historical precedent shows that major cryptographic transitions usually take between five to ten years to complete. Therefore, starting the transition now is essential to avoid being caught off guard when quantum threats materialize.

Steps to Begin the Transition

To initiate a transition to post-quantum cryptography, organizations should follow these steps:

1. Cryptographic Inventory: Identify where cryptography is needed in your digital infrastructure. This includes sensitive data, applications, networks, identity systems, and third-party connections.

2. Risk Assessment: Prioritize protecting the most sensitive data. Evaluate the sensitivity and longevity of your information. Data that needs to remain confidential for more than five years should be given immediate attention.

3. Crypto-Agility Implementation: Develop frameworks that allow for quick switching between cryptographic algorithms in response to new threats. This requires employee training to ensure readiness for the transition.

4. Prioritized Migration: Start with the most critical systems and data, particularly those that protect intellectual property or personally identifiable information.

5. Supplier Engagement: Confirm that all suppliers in your ecosystem are aligned with emerging standards to ensure end-to-end protection and agility.

In Summary

By taking proactive steps today, organizations can safeguard their most valuable data as we move into the quantum era. Waiting until quantum computers can break current encryption methods will be too late for data that has already been compromised. The future is here, and the time to future-proof your data is now.

Crypto-agility in the post-quantum age

The Tipping Point for Quantum Computing

We are at a tipping point for quantum computing, which is on the verge of becoming a reality. While its potential is tantalizing, it also represents an unprecedented threat to traditional data security infrastructure and the cryptographic algorithms that protect it. Post-quantum cryptography – algorithms designed to be secure against classical and quantum computer attacks – is the response.

Quantum computers exploit the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems that classic computers cannot feasibly tackle. These machines use qubits, which can exist in multiple states simultaneously, as opposed to normal computers, which only use "zeros" and "ones". This creates an exponential scale, which is what gives them their computational power.

Of particular concern is their ability to crack widely used public key encryption algorithms such as RSA and ECC (elliptic curve cryptography). By the time a sufficiently powerful quantum computer becomes available, these encryption methods, which protect virtually all current digital communications, will be obsolete.

The date when cryptographically-relevant quantum computers will appear remains uncertain: estimates range from five to 10 years. However, the risk is immediate due to the "harvest now, decrypt later" attacks that are already taking place, especially for data with a longer lifetime.

If an organization retains sensitive data for the long term, such as financial information, personal data or even trade secrets, this represents a significant and growing risk. What is at stake is nothing less than the most valuable digital assets: intellectual property, private and sensitive data, authentication systems and secure communications.

The financial, operational and reputational damage from such exposures could be catastrophic, and unavoidable without proactive measures.

What is Post-Quantum Cryptography?

Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to be secure against attacks by classical and quantum computers. These algorithms are based on mathematical problems that remain difficult to solve even for quantum computers.

In 2024, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) published its first set of standardized post-quantum cryptographic algorithms, including CRYSTALS-Kyber, CRYSTALS-Dilithium, SPHINCS+ and FALCON. In March 2025, NIST selected a new algorithm, Hamming Quasi-Cyclic (HQC), which will serve as a backup to the existing Module-Lattice-Based Key-Encapsulation Mechanism (ML-KEM) algorithms recommended by FIPS 203 to protect against quantum attacks.

HQC is based on error-correcting codes, a concept that has been fundamental to information security for decades. Unlike ML-KEM, which relies on structured networks, HQC's unique mathematical basis offers a robust alternative that can help combat the potential threats posed by future quantum computers. This shift in mathematical approaches is crucial for maintaining the integrity of encrypted data.

The Time for Change is Now

The time when currently encrypted data can be decrypted using quantum technology is closer than many people think. However, while most organizations are actively working on cyber resilience strategies, including their core IT infrastructure and components of the supply chain, the risk to quantum computing is not as widely considered.

Changing cryptography in a complex IT environment is not something that can be done overnight. It can take years, especially for large organizations with complex IT environments. Historical precedent shows that major cryptographic transitions typically take 5-10 years to complete.

Beginning the Transition

To begin a transition to post-quantum cryptography, a number of steps must be followed:

1. Cryptographic Inventory: Not all data is equally important, and not all data needs to be encrypted in the same way. It is therefore necessary to identify where cryptography should be used in the digital heritage. This should include the most sensitive data, applications, networks, identity systems, and third-party connections.

2. Risk Assessment: Given the cost of post-quantum cryptography, it makes sense to prioritize protecting the most sensitive data rather than trying to protect everything. Evaluate your data in terms of its sensitivity and longevity. Information that must remain confidential for more than five years should receive immediate attention. For less sensitive data, standard encryption methods will suffice in keeping it secure.

3. Crypto-Agility Implementation: Being crypto-agile – having the ability to switch between different cryptographic algorithms in response to new threats – will be essential in the post-quantum era. Develop frameworks that allow you to quickly replace cryptographic algorithms without the need for extensive system redesign. Crypto-agility also requires employee training, so invest time and resources to bring your employees on this journey with you.

4. Prioritized Migration: Start with your most sensitive systems and data, particularly those that protect intellectual property or personally identifiable information.

5. Supplier Engagement: Confirm that all suppliers in your ecosystem are aligned with emerging standards to ensure end-to-end protection and agility.

In Summary

By starting your post-quantum transition today, you can help protect your organization's most valuable data as we enter the quantum era. The alternative is to wait for quantum computers to break existing encryption – by then, it will be too late for data that has already been compromised. The future is quantum, and the time to future-proof your data is now.

Meta to launch new smart glasses with display next month

Meta's New Smart Glasses: A Glimpse into the Future of Wearable Tech

Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook and Instagram, is set to introduce its first consumer-ready smart glasses. This innovative product, known internally as Hypernova, is expected to revolutionize how users interact with digital content through augmented reality (AR) technology. The glasses are scheduled to be unveiled at the company’s annual Connect conference, an event dedicated to virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse.

The Hypernova glasses will feature a small digital display embedded in the right lens. This display is designed to offer a 20-degree field of view, primarily for receiving notifications such as incoming text messages. While the display may seem modest, it represents a significant step forward in integrating AR into everyday life.

In addition to the glasses, users will receive a wristband that pairs with the device. This wristband utilizes sEMG sensor technology, which detects and interprets electrical signals from hand movements. This allows for intuitive control of the glasses through hand gestures, enhancing the user experience and making interactions more seamless.

The glasses are expected to retail for around $800 each. They will be sold under a partnership between Meta and EssilorLuxottica, a leading eyewear company. Although the specific brand name has not been confirmed, there have been reports suggesting that Prada-branded smart glasses could be part of this collaboration. Prada’s signature thick frames and arms might provide a suitable design for the Hypernova model, blending fashion with functionality.

According to a letter dated July 23 from the Customs and Border Patrol to a lawyer representing Meta, the Hypernova model will enable users to take and share photos and videos, make phone calls and video calls, send and receive messages, listen to audio playback, and interact with an AI assistant through various methods, including voice, display, and manual interactions.

This letter is part of routine communication when determining the country of origin for a consumer product. A source confirmed to CNBC that this letter was indeed in reference to Hypernova. The details provided in the letter highlight the potential capabilities of the device and its intended use cases.

As Meta continues to expand its presence in the AR and metaverse space, the release of Hypernova marks a pivotal moment for the company. With its focus on innovation and user experience, Meta is positioning itself as a leader in the future of wearable technology.

The development of Hypernova also underscores the growing importance of partnerships in the tech industry. By collaborating with EssilorLuxottica, Meta is leveraging the expertise of a well-established eyewear company to bring its vision to life. This strategic alliance could pave the way for other collaborations in the future, further expanding the possibilities of AR technology.

In addition to the Hypernova project, Meta has been actively involved in other initiatives, such as its partnership with Midjourney to license AI image and video models. These efforts reflect the company's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible with technology.

As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Meta's latest venture into smart glasses is a clear indication of the company's ambition to shape the future of digital interaction. With its focus on innovation, user-centric design, and strategic partnerships, Meta is well-positioned to lead the next wave of technological advancements.

Upgraded Old Speakers to Bluetooth with Raspberry Pi Zero 2W

Exploring Wireless Connectivity for an Old Speaker System

Repurposing old devices can be a rewarding and creative endeavor. I have an older Sony speaker system that, while still functional, only accepts audio through an AUX cable. This limitation made it inconvenient to use with my other Tribit speaker, which offers wireless playback. To address this, I started exploring self-hosted services and Raspberry Pi operating systems, eventually finding a solution that transformed my Hi-Fi speaker into a modern wireless device.

The Challenge of Adding Bluetooth

The main challenge was integrating Bluetooth connectivity into the speaker, which lacked this feature. Instead of soldering or modifying the speaker itself, I opted for a more straightforward approach by using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W. This affordable single-board computer has built-in Bluetooth capabilities, making it an ideal choice for the project.

To connect the speaker to the Pi, I used an AUX adapter with a built-in DAC. Since the Pi doesn't have an AUX port, I used a micro USB to USB-C adapter and connected an audio DAC that I previously used with my Samsung Galaxy S21 FE. This setup allowed me to avoid any physical modifications to the speaker.

Choosing the Right Operating System

After setting up the hardware, I needed an appropriate operating system. I chose moOde Audio OS, a dedicated audio streaming OS for Raspberry Pi. It’s based on Raspberry Pi OS Lite and includes a music streaming server, making it perfect for this project.

I used the Pi Imager tool to flash moOde Audio OS onto an SD card. During the setup, I configured Wi-Fi and SSH settings to enable a headless setup. Once the Pi booted up, I accessed the web interface by entering its IP address in a browser. However, I encountered an issue: there was no audio output initially.

Adjusting Audio Output Settings

Upon investigation, I realized that the OS defaults to HDMI as the audio output. To fix this, I navigated to the "Configure" section, selected "Audio," and then "Output device." By clicking the "Scan" button, I found the USB DAC and selected it as the audio source. After adjusting the volume levels, the audio played correctly through the speaker.

Next, I formatted a USB drive with the FAT32 file system and copied several tracks to it. The software automatically recognized the USB drive, allowing me to play audio without manual configuration. Rebooting the Pi confirmed that the USB drive was detected, and I could access the tracks from the library interface.

Enabling Bluetooth Connectivity

While the web interface provided a convenient way to manage local playback, my primary goal was to enable Bluetooth connectivity. I manually installed Bluetooth packages using the following commands:

sudo apt install bluetooth bluez blueman
sudo systemctl enable bluetooth
sudo systemctl start bluetooth

Then, I went back to the "Configure" section and enabled Bluetooth connectivity under the "Renderer" option. After restarting the controller, I paired my phone with the Pi via Bluetooth. A quick test with a YouTube video confirmed that the audio connection worked smoothly.

Final Results and Benefits

This project turned out to be one of the easiest Raspberry Pi projects I've completed. My Hi-Fi speaker now supports wireless playback without the need for an AUX cable. The moOde Audio OS not only solved the connectivity issue but also offered a user-friendly web interface for local playback.

Both the web interface and Bluetooth functionality work exceptionally well, with no noticeable degradation in audio quality. If you have an old speaker with AUX connectivity that lacks Bluetooth or Wi-Fi support, consider using a Raspberry Pi Zero 2W and moOde Audio OS to give it a modern upgrade. It's a cost-effective and efficient way to breathe new life into your existing audio equipment.