Samsung’s flagship soundbar, the HW-Q990D, is being rendered useless for some owners after a faulty firmware update that the company rolled out this week. The sheer number of reports on Samsung’s community forums, Reddit, and AVSForum confirm that something has gone very wrong with the premium Dolby Atmos system in recent days. The issue isn’t limited to any specific region, with customers in the United States, Austria, the Philippines, Malaysia, and other countries all sharing in the frustration.

Customers say the soundbar has gone unresponsive and that none of the usual factory reset methods are working; affected units are also inaccessible via Samsung’s SmartThings app. The device powers on, but appears to freeze on the TV eARC input — with no sound output to speak of.

The culprit seems to be the latest firmware release, which is version 1020.7. Many Q990Ds are set to automatically install new updates, which has led to widespread complaints about the bad software over the last several days. If you’ve got a Samsung soundbar, it might be wise to disable automatic updates for the time being until this situation has cleared up. There are scattered reports of the same bug impacting other Samsung models like the HW-Q800D and HW-S801D, but the bulk of complaints pertain to the Q990D. It’s one of the most well-reviewed soundbars on the market, so this is an unfortunate development.

The Verge has reached out to Samsung for comment. Apparently some customers have already been instructed to send in their Q990D hardware for repair. That seems like a worst case scenario, so hopefully Samsung will have an easier, at-home solution once it realizes the scope of this problem. Can the malfunction be resolved with another firmware update in the coming days? Stay tuned.

Thanks for the tip, Eric.

In the heart of Priština, the capital of Kosovo, a small country in Southeast Europe, an architectural and cultural revolution is underway. 

The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre, recently unveiled, promises to become a landmark not just for the city but for the entire region. 

As the first opera house in Kosovo, this project represents a monumental step forward for a nation that has been steadily building its cultural identity since gaining independence in 2008. 

Combining cutting-edge technology, sustainable design and a deep connection to local traditions, the theater is poised to captivate audiences from around the world.

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A solar-powered symbol of tradition

The theater’s most eye-catching feature is its flowing, undulating roof, which spans an impressive area and is entirely clad in solar panels. These photovoltaic panels are designed to generate renewable energy on-site, significantly reducing the building’s environmental impact while also lowering its operational costs. 

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The roof’s design is more than just functional; it takes inspiration from the xhubleta, a traditional bell-shaped skirt worn by women in Kosovo. This cultural reference transforms the structure into a modern symbol of national pride while creating an exterior that is both elegant and dynamic. The roof’s soft curves intuitively guide visitors toward key entrances and spaces, making navigation seamless and inviting from every angle.

The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)

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Architecture that balances beauty and functionality

Inside, the theater is designed to deliver an unparalleled experience for performers and audiences alike. The central foyer, illuminated by a massive skylight, serves as a welcoming hub that connects all four performance spaces. These include a 1,200-seat Concert Hall, a 1,000-seat Theatre Hall, a 300-seat Recital Hall and a flexible Theatre Room. Each space is crafted with meticulous attention to acoustics and sightlines to ensure every performance feels intimate and immersive.

The interior design features curved wooden elements that not only add sculptural beauty but also enhance sound quality throughout the venue. The use of natural materials like timber creates a warm and cohesive atmosphere, while deep velvet upholstery and acoustic curtains add both comfort and functionality.

The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)

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Connecting culture with community

The theater does not stand alone; it has been carefully integrated into its urban surroundings to serve as both a cultural hub and a public gathering space. Located near major landmarks like the Palace of Youth and Sports and Fadil Vokrri Stadium, the building sits at the heart of Priština’s emerging cultural district. A large public staircase connects the theater directly to Garibaldi Street, improving pedestrian access while creating an inviting plaza where locals and visitors can gather. The existing podium of the nearby Palace of Youth has been extended to merge with the theater’s base, further enhancing connectivity and activating the area as a vibrant public space.

The surrounding landscape has been thoughtfully designed to complement the building’s architecture while promoting biodiversity. Natural stone paving is interspersed with planted islands featuring beech trees and other vegetation native to the region. These green spaces provide shade during warmer months while adding seasonal variety to the environment.

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A collaborative vision

The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre is a collaborative effort between some of Europe’s most innovative designers. Bjarke Ingels Group, an internationally renowned architecture firm based in Denmark, partnered with ALB-Architect to bring this vision to life. Commissioned by Kosovo’s Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, the project reflects a shared commitment to creating a space that meets both artistic and community needs. Bjarke Ingels himself described the theater as “an efficient factory for artistic performances,” emphasizing its adaptability and functionality alongside its striking visual appeal.

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The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre (Bjarke Ingels Group)

Kurt’s key takeaways

The Kosovo Opera and Ballet Theatre is truly a remarkable blend of modern technology and sustainable practices, all while paying homage to local traditions. With its stunning solar-powered roof and inviting spaces designed for artistic excellence and community engagement, this theater is set to shine as a beacon of innovation in Southeast Europe and beyond. As Kosovo carves out its place on the international cultural map, this landmark is sure to play a vital role in shaping the future narrative of the nation.

Could integrating solar technology into iconic buildings, like this opera house, change how we view renewable energy in the U.S., or is it just architectural eye candy? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission was originally scheduled for Wednesday evening from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A, before NASA and SpaceX scrubbed the attempt “due to a hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm.”

Now that has been addressed and the launch date has been rescheduled to Friday, March 14th at 7:03PM ET, with a backup opportunity on Saturday at 6:41PM ET.

Once its there, NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will finally get a safe ride back home to Earth after being stranded aboard the ISS for nine months. Their Boeing Starliner mission that launched to the ISS on June 5th, 2024, was only supposed to last eight days, but issues like thruster failures and helium leaks made it unsafe to return to Earth using Starliner. The astronauts will now return on the Crew-9 capsule, tentatively scheduled for March 19th, along with two astronauts from that mission.

Follow along here for all of the updates on the Crew-10 launch, as well as the return flight of Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams.