Sunita Suni Williams and Barry Butch Wilmore have returned to Earth after a nine-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS) a trip that lasted far longer than originally planned thanks to leaks and thruster problems on the Boeing Starliner spacecraft they used to get there.Williams and Wilmore splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico in a SpaceX Dragon capsule at 5:57 p.m. ET on Tuesday, after a 17-hour return journey from the ISS.Their return marks the end of one of the stranger chapters in recent spaceflight history, thanks to the problems that Boeings Starliner experienced and the way that SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has politicized the astronauts return. Williams and Wilmore initially launched to the ISS in June 2024 as part of a mission that was crucial to Boeings attempt to compete with SpaceX. The aviation behemoth won a contract alongside SpaceX in 2014 to send astronauts to the ISS for NASA with an eye on eventually carrying them even farther out into the solar system.SpaceX performed its first crewed flight with its Crew Dragon spacecraft in 2020 during the early days of the COVID pandemic. Boeings Starliner project, meanwhile, was dragged down by cost overruns and delays.The flight in June 2024 was supposed to help Boeing look past all that. The goal was to send Williams and Wilmore to the ISS and then bring them back home after a short stay. But Starliner experienced problems before they even docked with the ISS. Once the astronauts finally got aboard, NASA and Boeing spent a few weeks performing tests before deciding to bring Starliner back without them.NASA quickly started working with SpaceX on a plan to bring Willams and Wilmore back. After some back-and-forth, they decided to wait until early 2025 to bring the duo home so that the ISS wouldnt be short-staffed.In recent months, though, Musk has claimed (without providing any evidence) that he offered to bring the astronauts home earlier and that former president Joe Biden declined the offer because it would help his political rival Donald Trump.NASAs former administrator and deputy administrator under Biden have both said the space agency was not aware of any offer. CNN reported on Tuesday that senior White House officials also claim they werent aware of any offer.Watch the team return to earth:This story was updated to include a video of the astronauts returning.

Real Estate in Manhattan | Jermaine Ee via UnsplashReal estate remains one of the most lucrative investment opportunities, but not every deal is good. Savvy investors understand that success isnt just about buying low and selling highits about strategy, research, and leveraging the right partnerships. In todays competitive market, making informed decisions is more critical than ever. Whether youre a seasoned investor or just starting, understanding how to identify profitable opportunities, manage risks, and maximize returns will set you apart.This guide breaks down the key elements of successful real estate investing. Here, youll learn practical steps that you can implement to make sure every investment you make is a smart one.The Power of Joint Ventures in Real EstateReal estate investing doesnt have to be a solo endeavor. Many investors form joint ventures to pool resources, share risks, and take on larger, more lucrative projects. This type of partnership allows individuals or companies to combine capital, expertise, and networks to access opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.For example, a developer with construction experience but limited funding can partner with an investor with capital but lacks operational knowledge. By working together, they can take on projects that neither could manage alone. Joint ventures also help mitigate risklosses are shared rather than shouldered by one party alone if a project faces unexpected setbacks.However, entering a joint venture without proper planning can lead to complications. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence and seek professional joint venture deal consulting before finalizing agreements. A well-structured deal clearly outlines financial contributions, profit-sharing arrangements, responsibilities, and exit strategies. This prevents misunderstandings and ensures that all parties are aligned in their goals. Successful joint ventures are built on trust, transparency, and a solid legal framework, making them one of the most effective strategies for scaling in real estate.Finding Undervalued Properties: How to Spot Hidden Gems Devon Beard via Unsplash Ellen via UnsplashSome of the most profitable real estate deals come from buying properties that others overlook. Finding undervalued properties requires a keen eye, patience, and a deep understanding of what makes a property a good investment.Distressed properties, such as foreclosures and short sales, often present significant opportunities. Banks and lenders are usually eager to sell these properties quickly, meaning investors can acquire them below market value. Off-market deals are another way to find hidden gems. These properties arent listed publicly and can be secured through networking, direct marketing, or working with real estate wholesalers.Another strategy is looking for properties in up-and-coming neighborhoods. Areas undergoing revitalization, infrastructure projects, or an influx of new businesses often see rising property values over time. Investors who recognize these trends early can buy properties at a lower price and benefit from long-term appreciation.Financing Strategies: Smart Ways to Fund Your InvestmentsHaving a solid financing strategy is crucial to closing real estate deals. The right funding approach depends on investment goals, risk tolerance, and creditworthiness. Traditional bank loans are the most common option but require a strong credit history and substantial down payments. Private lending and hard money loans offer quick funding for investors looking for flexibility, though they often come with higher interest rates.Seller financing is another creative option where the seller acts as the lender, allowing the buyer to make direct payments over time instead of relying on a bank. This can be beneficial when traditional loans arent feasible. Investors can also explore partnerships (as mentioned previously), crowdfunding, or leveraging existing home equity to secure financing.A smart financing approach isnt just about getting a loanits about structuring deals to maximize cash flow and minimize financial risk.Due Diligence: Protecting Your Investment Before You BuyNo matter how promising a property looks, skipping due diligence can lead to costly mistakes. A thorough evaluation ensures that an investment aligns with an investors financial goals and doesnt come with hidden risks.The first step is conducting a detailed property inspection. Issues like structural damage, plumbing problems, or outdated electrical systems can turn a seemingly great deal into a financial drain. Reviewing property records, including title history, zoning regulations, and tax assessments, helps uncover potential legal or financial liabilities.Financial due diligence is equally important. Investors should analyze rental income potential, operating expenses, and market comparables to ensure a property is priced fairly.Performing due diligence saves investors from unpleasant surprises. It ensures that every purchase is backed by facts, not assumptions, and that long-term profitability is prioritized over short-term gains.The Role of Negotiation in Securing Profitable DealsBrown Houses | Clay Leconey via UnsplashA well-negotiated deal can mean the difference between a mediocre investment and an exceptionally profitable one.Before entering any negotiation, savvy investors conduct thorough research. Knowing a propertys market value, the sellers motivation, and comparable sales in the area provides leverage. If a seller is in a hurry to close or the property has been on the market for long, an investor has more room to negotiate favorable terms.Beyond price, negotiation can impact financing, contingencies, and closing costs. Investors can ask for seller concessions, request an extended due diligence period, or even structure creative financing arrangements. The ability to find win-win solutions where both buyer and seller feel satisfied is what sets skilled negotiators apart. In competitive markets, a well-crafted offer with strong terms often outweighs simply offering the highest price.Leveraging Technology for Smarter InvestingTechnology has transformed real estate investing, making it easier to analyze properties, streamline transactions, and identify profitable deals. Investors who embrace tech tools gain an edge over those relying solely on traditional methods.One of the most potent advancements is data analytics. Platforms like Zillow, Redfin, and PropStream provide real-time market data, allowing investors to instantly evaluate property values, rental demand, and neighborhood trends.Blockchain technology is also revolutionizing real estate transactions by enabling smart contracts. These digital agreements remove intermediaries, increase transparency, and speed up the buying process. Additionally, virtual property tours and 3D modeling help investors assess properties remotely, saving time and money.From property management software to online financing platforms, technology allows investors to operate more efficiently. Those who leverage these tools can identify better deals, reduce operational costs, and scale their investments faster.Profitable real estate investing is all about strategy, research, and execution. The most successful investors approach every deal with strategy, patience, and a willingness to adapt. They recognize that market conditions shift, financial landscapes evolve, and opportunities come to those who are prepared. By focusing on long-term growth and strategic decision-making, investors can create financial freedom, build generational wealth, and seize opportunities that others overlook.by ArchEyes TeamLeave a comment

Images Salvador Dominguez, shared with permissionSalvador Dominguez Confronts Identity and Labor Through Woven Pipe Cleaner VesselsMarch 18, 2025ArtCraftJackie AndresI was among the first in my family to go to college, artist Salvador Dominguez says. Years after graduating, I began to realize the biggest challenge was going to be sharing the work I make with those closest to me. When art is so deeply intertwined with identity, a profound irony can form when trying to share it with loved ones who havent had access to the same resources or lessons in Western art theory and history. Even when the work itself is rooted in shared culture and family connection, how do artists bridge this gap?The Chicago-based artist confronts this question in a series of hand-woven vessels titled Mano de Obra. Paying homage to a nostalgic vibrancy from his upbringing in southern California and Mexico, the brilliant colors within Dominguezs work serve as cultural markers. Memories of vividly painted houses and colorful statues inside corner stores and carnicerias, or butcher shops, guide the artists use of color and pattern, each component tethered to his sense of identity.Pipe cleanerswhich are fairly accessible and easily recognized by both children and adultsproved to be a clear choice as Dominguez contemplated different materials to work with. Weaving each slender, fuzz-covered wire into functional vessels greatly alters the value of the material in a fascinating way and evokes a familiar environment in which the artist was raised, where trade and craft were used interchangeably as currency.Recently, Dominguez has begun to teach his mother, Silvia, the weaving techniques he developed with pipe cleaners. He shares:Her labor within domestic life often went unseen, but her imagination came alive through craft and embroidery. By involving her in this creative process, I not only honor her contributions but also try to maintain our connection, transforming her labor into a visible and valued part of the work. I remain curious about how this collaborative effort has the potential to bridge the gap between generations, particularly since we live in separate parts of the country.To stay inspired, the artist also collects a slew of domestic items. From his mothers hand-embroideredtortillerosto household textiles like pillowcases and table runners from Indigenous artisans from Mexico, Dominguezs collection of precious goods influences form, pattern, and palette in his own work. Though he has encountered these articles since early life, turning to them for research has established a new, unique relationship with the familiar objects.Dominguez is anticipating a group exhibition in Antwerp, Belgium this May with de boer gallery. Find more work and updates on the artists website and Instagram.Photo by Ian Vecchiotti. Courtesy of the artist and ANDREW RAFACZ, shared with permissionNext article

Future Governance Forum calls for a new blueprint to modernise and digitise local government, including a sector-wide workforce plan, de-risking innovation, targeted funding and creating a better marketplaceA report by the Future Governance Forum (FGF) calls for a joined-up plan to deliver local digital government, bringing the sector together through a collaborative approach.The report, which comes after an eight-month engagement period with local government leaders, and produced in collaboration between the forum and Public Digital, looks at challenges and opportunities in the local digital government sector. It highlights the need for a blueprint for a modernised local government, which should be developed collaboratively by the sector itself.It is a call to bring together the whole sector and set a new North Star, and strengthen the story for digital in local government that focuses on delivering modern, 21st century and world-leading public services, it said.The report highlights the missing middle in other words, a gap in local government innovation, data and technology across the system. The gap, the report said, is is leading to huge amounts of fragmentation, duplication of efforts and confusion about who should be doing what. But, above all, there is a gap that is preventing the sector from effectively learning from one another and addressing common and shared problems at the pace we need, it added.To fix this, the report sets out 60 recommendations, including developing a sector-wide workforce plan, to address digital skills and diversity issues, creating structured pathways for digital staff to progress into leadership roles not usually held by those in digital roles, such as chief executives, and improve infrastructure and incentives.The aim is to de-risk innovation and shape the marketplace via collective buying, sandboxing and shared procurement frameworks. It added that the current software market is broken, where crucial systems are often dominated by a small number of large suppliers, locking councils into contracts with systems that cant integrate with others, and excluding a more diverse range of suppliers.The report said that it currently isnt clear who should be doing what, and there is no incentive to collaborate with others around common challenges.On the one hand, we heard about a high level of duplication across a local government sector that is fragmented by nature, often leading to 320 councils repeating the same process, procurement or design sapping their vital resources, the report said.It added that local government would have more power collectively to influence central government and to share and connect data.Equally, we also heard that it was harder to harness the power of the sector collectively either in how digital can help resolve universal challenges or leverage its collective power with the private sector. As a result, despite the ever-growing importance of technology in all our lives, the use of digital remains underutilised or really understood.Funding in local government is also an issue, with councils more cash-strapped than ever before. According to the report, in 2023, eight councils were given permission to increase council tax above the legal maximum and 30 secured exceptional financial assistance to balance their budgets for 2025-26.While governments early steps to commit to multi-year settlements and abandon competitive funding streams are hugely welcome, an ongoing and sustained financial crisis in local government is a significant barrier to advancing longer term thinking and greater innovation in service design within the sector, the report said.Digital skills and access to them is also an issue. There are challenges around the lack of representation across all levels of digital roles, limited routes of entry into the sector, and a lack of equity in the geographic distribution of talent across local government.The report recommended that data is collected on the diversity of staff in digital roles to build up a complete picture of the diversity of the digital workforce, as well as monitor progress, and that a new apprenticeship programme is created to support those who want to develop skills to transition into digital roles.It also wants to tackle the lack of standards in local government, leading to a varied and fragmented service experience for councils, recommending the potential to mandate digital service standards for all councils and their services.Its vision for 2030 is a set of established and trusted service standards and patterns that are being used and adopted by 70% of councils, with rewards and incentives offered to those who are actively adhering to them, and with a suitable audit regime in place to assess levels of compliance. Standards would be co-designed by representatives from different parts of local government.The FGF sees as successful approach as the infrastructure for local digital government being developed and owned by local government and brought together by a light touch institute, acting as a co-ordinating body on behalf of local government.This will include a number of regional centres for service innovation, which would be focused on regionally specific solutions, as well as working as a sandbox in the development of evidence-based solutions for shared local government challenges.Read more about local government and technologyLocal government bodies are being invited to take advantage of a new NCSC-derived Cyber Assessment Framework to help enhance their resilience and ward off cyber attacks.Hillingdons three-year digital strategy will see the council fund attempts to modernise its systems and infrastructure, change how residents interact with the local authority and make better use of data.Liverpool City Council wants to improve residents experience of dealing with the council, and sees digital technologies as key to achieving its goal.

The new Nvidia Quantum-X and Spectrum-X silicon photonics switches with co-packaged opticsNvidiaBuilding any complex system is a sum of its parts, but the most foundational element is the thing that binds them together. In brick, its mortar; in wood, its nails; and in data centers, its networking. Last year, Nvidia CEO Jenson Huang declared that the data center is the new unit of compute. This means an entire data center should be thought of as a single system, just as a system-on-chip (SoC) or a server. Combining all those individual elements, including processing, memory, and storage, into a single platform requires a complex, high-performance, low-latency network.Disclosure: My company, Tirias Research, has consulted for Nvidia and other companies mentioned in this article.In 2024, Nvidia introduced the new Blackwell GB200 GPU AI accelerator to be combined with the Grace CPU in the new NVL72 rack server configuration. While the GPU and rack configuration were, and remain industry leading solutions, the real star of the story was the NVLink switch that allowed all 72 GPUs to be interconnected and to act as a single GPU, essentially a foundation for the server and rack. Because it was all in the same rack, it is referred to as a scale up solution. In 2025, Nvidia is looking to scale out the networking throughout the data center with new co-packaged optical networking solutions.According to Nvidia, it has worked with a number of industry partners to develop the Quantum-X InfiniBand and the Spectrum-X ethernet silicon photonics networking switches with co-packaged optics on the networking module. In addition, Nvidia is introducing three new liquid-cooled optical networking switches. Because of the high networking demands of AI data centers, especially AI factories, optical networking is already common. While it provides a significant boost in performance and reduction in latency, it comes at a cost in terms of power, space, complexity, and money. According to Nvidia, an AI factory can use up to 2.4 million optical transceivers using up to 24MW of power, which can be upwards of 10% of the overall data center power consumption.New photonic switch systems from Nvidia.NvidiaAdvantages of the new Nvidia photonic switch system over a traditional switch using optical ... [+] transceivers.NvidiaWhen comparing the Spectrum-X silicon photonics networking switches to traditional optical transceivers, Nvidia claims a 4x reduction in the number of lasers, a 3.5x increase in power efficiency, a 63x improvement in signal integrity, a 10x increase in network resiliency, and 1.3x decrease in network deployment time. These improvements are critical to meet the demands of agentic AI, which may require hundreds of times more resources than generative AI workloads spread across data center resources. The new Nvidia networking solutions will allow data centers to continue scaling with the demands of AI.While the announcement is a boost to Nvidia, it is a milestone for the industry. Co-packaged optic solutions have been under development since 2000 but have not entered mass production because of technical and manufacturing challenges, such as fiber coupling and light source integration. While the industry agrees that co-packaged optics are inevitable, the likelihood of a mass-produced solution was still viewed by many as several years away. However, with the assistance of its partners, Nvidia claims to have overcome the challenges and is ready for volume production starting later this year. The Nvidia partners include Browave, Coherent, Corning, Fabrinet, Foxconn, Lumentum, Senko, SPIL, Sumitomo Electric, TFC, and TSMC.In addition to the new networking solutions, Nvidia made a plethora of other announcements, including:Nvidia announced the next three generations of data center GPUs - Blackwell Ultra, Rubin, and Rubin UltraThe new DGX Spark (formerly Project Digits) and DGX Station systems for AI developersThe Blackwell DGX SuperPOD, an out-of-the-box AI factoryA number of new models/libraries and software solutions for developing and maximizing agentic AI solutionsFiber optic cables connected to the front of the Nvidia silicon photonic switch systemNvidiaEven with all these other announcements, networking was still the highlight of Jensen Huangs keynote and GTC for the second year in a row. Not only does it improve the performance efficiency of the data center, but it also advances a technology that is critical to the entire industry. While slated for rack-to-rack scale out connectivity today, it will likely be targeted for internal rack scale up networking in the future as the industry pushes the limits of copper interconnects.

Neura Robotics shows off 4NE-1, a humanoid robot, in an outdoor ad campaignNeura RoboticsEuropean robotics company Neura Robotics says that its third-generation 4NE-1 humanoid robot will launch in June of this year, and that it should be the best robot on the market at that point. Thats a very bold statement in a space that has seen unprecedented levels of innovation at high speed in the past few months. But given recent geopolitical shifts between Europe and the USA, its also incredibly necessary for European competitiveness in an emerging world of ever-increasing automation.It should be the best robot on the market, Neura Robotics CEO David Reger told me recently on the TechFirst podcast. Im super excited to show something in June, which will actually beat also all the other humanoids on this planet.Thats a very, very tall order indeed.To be sure, 4NE-1 is an impressive robot. (And yes, its name is intended to convey that the robot is actually for anyone.) 4NE-1 is just under six feet tall and weighs in at 176 pounds. The current model can carry about 35 pounds and move at just under two miles per hour, though both are likely to improve in the third generation. 4NE-1 has 3D vision to sense its environment, special sensors to detect humans and avoid collisions, and force-torque sensors to give it a sense of touch. It runs autonomously and has exchangeable forearms so it can be customized to specific jobs and purposes.What really makes 4NE-1 impressive, however, is its intelligence. Specifically, how its intelligence has been designed and implemented in a three-layer cognition cake that is shockingly similar to how humans feel, react, think, and process.Think about it: sometimes, when you touch something like a hot stove, you react almost instantly, instinctively. Your reaction doesnt require thought or processing: its instinctive, generated from your spinal cord, not your brain. That makes it super fast.Some tougher challenges, like picking a route from your car to the grocery store front door, involve higher-level functions in your brain. And some are beyond even our deepest musing, so we consult other peoples intelligence in persona or online, in Wikipedia, one social media, or with AI systems like ChatGPT.Theres something oddly similar built into Neura Robotics 4NE-1.A first layer in its skin, or in a charging port for example, uses a very distributed LLM-based AI model with just five or six million parameters to sense and react immediately. A second layer, in the chest of the humanoid robot, uses a 500-600 million parameter AI engine to understand the world around and compute next actions. And then theres a third layer in the cloud with perhaps 10 billion parameters for the toughest challenges.Neura Robotics's spec sheet for the 4NE-1 humanoid robotNeura RoboticsThe goal is intelligence at the level needed that is available as quickly as, well, inhumanly possible.If you really want to have a humanoid robot or just any kind of robot doing some smart task, having knowledge about a situation, you need to have these different layers, says Reger. And thats the only way of being really reactive and moving in this physical world.While Regers claim about the gen-3 4NE-1 is a big one, he isnt completely making claims in a void.Neura Robotics is not his first robotics company and its not a brand-new startup. Neura has been making robotscognitive robots, Reger emphasizessince 2019. The company has multiple products in market already, including tethered robotic arms like the MAiRA, a skate-like equipment and load-moving robot named MAV which can move up to 3,300 pounds, plus a wheeled delivery robot that is currently at the prototype phase.4NE-1 will also have a revolutionary type of skin which is critical to solve Regers vision of robots working directly with humans in the real world. And his vision of them working at a reasonable speed.People get impressed every time theyre coming visiting me, and I let 4NE-1 fill up my glass, but I dont get impressed at all, Reger says. Im super annoyed by my robot.Why?Robots are typically slow, particularly robots that are designed to work in close proximity to humans. They are designed to move slowly, Reger says, because they dont want to risk injuring a human.How do you solve that problem?Reger says the answer is skin. Skin that senses touch and has superhuman sensors to anticipate touch as well as compute pressure accurately. With that as a safety layer against hitting a human, a robot can move much quicker.Then you can actually have a completely different approach of how you control the robot next to a human, says Reger. And this is actually one of the most important topics we work on.Neura has also invented a new actuator that will allow 4NE-1 to move incredibly quckly and powerfullymuch like Boston Dynamics hydraulics-driven parkour robotsbut using electricity. Reger believes its the best actuator available today.All of this is good and exciting, but theres a ton of competition out there.Figure plans to ship an astounding 100,000 humanoid robots over the next four years, and Agility Robots already has its robots working in customers factories and fulfillment centers. Beyond that, there are something like 100 companies making humanoid robots all over the world, and at least 16 with a significant existing product, vision, and capital to potentially make it happen.So well believe Neuras claims when we see the gen-3 4NE-1 humanoid robot in action.One thing that is clear already, however, is that Europe needs its own humanoid robots to compete in an increasingly automated future. In Peter Diamandis recent report on humanoid robots, he didnt see too many companies doing interesting things in humanoids in Europe. Most are in the USA or China, with one in the UK and one in Canada.Thats a problem, if youre European.Efficient, effective, and reasonably-priced humanoid robots will turn the world upside down. Manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, health care, elder care, deliveries most major industries would be impacted, and countries with higher levels of implementation could see massive productivity jumps.Which makes solving humanoid robots mission-critical for any country.Reger fully understand that:We are not just not allowed to miss this train, he says. f youre going to miss robotics, Europe will have super huge issues in the future because thats the only thing we dont have under control yet, because we dont have a solution, we don't have an answer on this issue.In fact, its almost an existential crisis, Reger says.Europe without robotics is like I would say its not possible to exist because there is no real need of Europe anymore as it was before, he says. Because we were always known for our amazing cars, our amazing technologies, machines, which we built, and this time is kind of not over yet, but it could have an end if we are missing this train of automation.Especially in an era of tariff wars and buy-local campaigns.

Why it matters: Long charging times remain among the most significant drawbacks of electric vehicles compared to gas-powered cars. However, Chinese EV giant BYD claims it has nearly eliminated the gap between electric charging and gasoline refueling speeds. Unfortunately, the benefits will initially be available only in China, as BYD's vehicles face steep tariffs in Western countries. Electric car maker BYD recently unveiled a charging system it claims can recharge EVs more than three times faster than Tesla's popular Superchargers. BYD's "Super e Platform" reportedly charges vehicles almost as quickly as gasoline pumps fill tanks, potentially addressing a major drawback of electric vehicle ownership.Electric cars have grown in popularity partly due to their reduced environmental impact compared to traditional vehicles. However, EV battery technology remains a significant challenge, with new charging methods and alternative battery types still being intensively researched.Currently, recharging an EV can take over half an hour. Tesla advertises that its Superchargers can provide up to 200 miles of range in approximately 15 minutes, though users sometimes resort to applying damp cloths to maintain charging rates of up to 120kW.BYD claims its new flash charging platform significantly surpasses Tesla, delivering approximately 250 miles of range in just five minutes, or fully charging a vehicle in under eight minutes at rates reaching one megawatt (1,000kW). A promotional video from BYD demonstrated a car gaining around 12.5 miles of charge within 10 seconds. Tesla's stock price slumped by around 5% following the announcement.The Super e Platform will debut with BYD's new flagship Han L and Tang L models, which are currently available for pre-order in China. The company has announced plans to construct over 4,000 flash charging stations across China but has not provided a timeline. It remains unclear when or if BYD's megawatt charging technology will become available outside China, especially given existing regulatory hurdles abroad. // Related StoriesBYD is widely recognized for its competitively priced EVs, benefiting greatly from Chinese government subsidies. However, the European Commission recently imposed tariffs on BYD and other Chinese automakers, potentially raising prices by up to 50 percent. The US had announced tariffs of 100 percent on these vehicles, although details on these duties have since disappeared from official government websites, leaving their status uncertain under the current administration.Meanwhile, Tesla's sales increased slightly in the UK and US last month despite waning popularity in continental Europe and Australia. While increased competition and anticipation of Tesla's upcoming Model Y may have influenced sales, CEO Elon Musk's association with President Trump and his role as the head of DOGE might be significant factors.

Microsoft is testing out an interesting new aspect within the Settings of the latest Windows 11 preview build that allows users to expand the functions of various applications.The app settings called Actions, was hidden in the 26120.3576 build for the Dev Channel. However, enthusiasts uncovered the menu and shared details of its function on various Windows forums, noting the associated apps currently include Photos and Paint. When toggled on, it enables useful tasks that deepen the functions within apps.Windows CentralTo find these settings within the Windows 11 preview Go to Settings > Apps > Actions. There you will find the available options for Photos, which include Blur background, Erase objects, and Visual Search with Bing. The available options for Paint include Removes background.Recommended VideosNotably, these are higher-level editing features that are typically not found in the vanilla versions of Microsofts software. However, the Actions settings do appear connected to the Click To Do intelligent text actions feature, which is mentioned by Microsoft within the feature log of the Windows 11 preview. Windows Central noted that Click To Do is exclusive to Copilot PCs, which likely means Actions would similarly be associated with coming AI PCs. Click To Do is a feature that has similar functions to the Actions settings but can be accessed by highlighting and right-clicking to trigger a drop-down menu on AMD and Intel-powered PCs.Microsoft is set to roll out several Copilot+ features, starting in May, including the notable Recall feature, To Do and a feature called AI in Windows Search, in the summer, as well as more proactive Copilot features later in the year, the publication added.The Actions settings is not guaranteed to make it as a public-facing feature; however, if it did, it would integrate some of those AI-associated features, similar to Click To Do on the OS level. As said, all of these features require Copilot+ PCs that include an NPU that can process at least 40 TOPS.While the Windows 11 preview only demos two applications, the pundits noted the potential for how other apps, particularly third-party apps, could be integrated into the Actions Settings experience for more dynamic functions.Editors Recommendations

[This article has been updated to confirm the participants of the press conference]NASA is about to give its first press conference just a couple of hours after Crew-9 returned from the space station in a nine-month mission that was only supposed to last eight days.Williams and Wilmore, both experienced astronauts, were the first humans to ride Boeings new Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). But during the flight, which took place in June last year, issues developed with the spacecrafts thrusters. While it was able to dock, engineers harbored safety concerns that prompted them to bring the Starliner home empty, leaving the pair on the ISS until a return flight could be arranged.Please enable Javascript to view this contentEventually it was decided to send Crew-9 to the ISS with two spare seats in a scheduled mission last September. Crew-9s six-month stay ended in the early hours of Tuesday ET as a SpaceX Crew Dragon undocked from the ISS carrying Williams, Wilmore, fellow NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.During their 286 days in space, Williams and Wilmore experienced 4,576 orbits and covered 121 million miles. They stayed busy the whole time, working alongside colleagues carrying out science research in microgravity conditions. In January, the two astronauts conducted a spacewalk together, while Williams also participated in a second spacewalk alongside Nick Hague.The press conference will start at 7:30 p.m. ET and will be livestreamed by NASA. You can watch the coverage via the player embedded at the top of this page. NASAs X accountwill also carry the same video feed.The participants will be Joel Montalbano, deputy associate administrator, NASAs Space Operations Mission Directorate; Steve Stich, manager of NASAs Commercial Crew Program; Bill Spetch, operations integration manager of NASAs International Space Station Program; and SpaceXs Sarah Walker, director of Dragon Mission Management.Editors Recommendations

Starboard has a more than $500 million stake and plans to nominate a minority board slate.