• Who Knew the Northern Lights Had a Season? We're In It Right Now
    www.cnet.com
    Historical data shows that the aurora borealis occurs more often during the spring and autumn equinoxes.
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  • Marvel Rivals devs pull off stunning fix, earning player praise
    www.videogamer.com
    You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereThe last few days have been quite stressful for some Marvel Rivals players. NetEase had completely broken Peni Parker, making her kit borderline useless, which resulted in numerous complaints. The Vanguard was nerfed into oblivion, purely by accident, but the development team reacted quickly, releasing a patch to fix the hero.Interestingly, NetEase needed less than a day to diagnose the issue and fix it. The entire process was done flawlessly, earning the developers massive praise from the community.The Marvel Rivals development team fixed the issue in less than a dayPeni Parker mains were well aware of the struggle the hero recently went through. The tank was drastically nerfed, as her mines were exposed and easily destroyed by enemies, which should have never been the case. This made the character less effective on the battlefield, which resulted in lower pick and win rates.Fortunately, the Marvel Rivals community reacted to this issue, asking the developer to fix it. Not even 10 hours after a Reddit post with the issue went rival, NetEase released a fix, patching Peni Parker and making her effective once again. This move has earned the development team a lot of praise, as releasing the fix so quickly is very impressive.Peni Parkers issue was quickly fixed by the Marvel Rivals developer. Image by VideoGamerMany players praised the developer for the swift response and transparency, as well as the dedication to improving the game. The community is appreciative of the developers communication throughout this issue and believes that this should be a standard for other developers in the gaming industry.With NetEase in charge, there is no doubt that Marvel Rivals has a bright future. The game has been out for roughly four months, with the developer delivering outstanding results, and were hopeful that this trend will continue.Marvel RivalsPlatform(s):macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series XGenre(s):Fighting, ShooterSubscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share
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  • Fortnite announces new changes coming to Item Shop
    www.videogamer.com
    You can trust VideoGamer. Our team of gaming experts spend hours testing and reviewing the latest games, to ensure you're reading the most comprehensive guide possible. Rest assured, all imagery and advice is unique and original. Check out how we test and review games hereThe Item Shop in Fortnite has gone through a major overhaul over the past few years. Back when it was first released, it looked simple, as it only had a couple of items. However, as Epic Games kept releasing more cosmetics, as well as more different types of them, the in-game shop evolved. Now, the game developer is ready to make even more changes to it.The upcoming changes will mostly affect the Festival part of the shop, and here is everything that Epic has revealed about them.New Item Shop changes will mostly affect Fortnite Jam TracksBack in December 2023, Epic added many new modes to Fortnite, including Festival and Rocket Racing. All of this new content resulted in an expanded Item Shop, which needed to accommodate new cosmetics, from vehicles to Jam Tracks and instruments. The shop has stayed more or less the same, receiving only design changes since then. However, Epic will now change its schedule as well.Generally, Jam Tracks are released on Thursdays. This week was different, though, with one new track coming on Tuesday, while another one arrived on Friday. The game developer clarified that this is not a bug, but rather a result of upcoming changes.Fortnite Jam Tracks will have a different release schedule in the Item Shop. Image by VideoGamerAnd while weve historically released new Jam Tracks every Thursday, were experimenting with a more flexible release schedule these days, Epic posted on X (formerly Twitter). Furthermore, the game creator reduced the number of Jam Tracks available in favor of a more curated approach.Finally, the development team is looking for more ways to use the Jam Tracks. The latest season brought so-called Moments, allowing players to play their music while jumping out of the bus or after winning a match. We can expect more similar features in the future, as Epic will find a way to make tracks even more valuable. FortnitePlatform(s):Android, iOS, macOS, Nintendo Switch, PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/XGenre(s):Action, Massively Multiplayer, Shooter9VideoGamerRelated TopicsFortnite Subscribe to our newsletters!By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy and may receive occasional deal communications; you can unsubscribe anytime.Share
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  • Feature: "It's A Perversion Of The Whole Thing" - Jeff Minter On Scam Games, Switch 2, And 'I, Robot'
    www.nintendolife.com
    Image: Nintendo LifeJeff Minter is, perhaps quite rightly, referred to as a legend within the gaming industry. His career following the founding of Llamasoft in 1982 has spawned dozens of the most unique and recognisable titles in existence, including Tempest 4000, Akka Arrh, Polybius, Attack of the Mutant Camels, and Gridrunner.Those unfamiliar with Minter should check out Digital Eclipse's Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story, a phenomenal interactive documentary looking at the creator's career with dozens of playable games from the Llamasoft back catalogue.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube799kWatch on YouTube Now, however, alongside partner and co-developer Ivan 'Giles' Zorzin, Minter is about to unleash another stylised remake in the form of I, Robot, based on the original 1984 arcade curio from Atari and creator Dave Theurer (who, by the way, also created the original arcade Tempest, a game which shaped Minter's career).Following on from the critical success of both Tempest 4000 and Akka Arrh on Switch, I, Robot revamps the original's maze-like gameplay in which you avoid the gazing eye of 'Big Brother', shoot down 'Tetras' in space, and create bizarre painterly masterpieces with the 'Ungame' mode all the while injecting some of that instantly-recognisable Llamasoft iconography.We recently sat down with Minter (and Giles, albeit briefly) to find out more about the game, Llamasoft's partnership with Atari, and Jeff's thoughts on the upcoming Switch 2. "Defy the eye"Yak in timeNintendo Life: Can you talk about how I, Robot came to be?Jeff Minter, Llamasoft founder: Well, I'd look through Atari's back catalogue for games to update and I like going for the more obscure things. The big titles are often spoken for anyway, and if you go for something like Asteroids or Centipede, people tend to have pretty big opinions on how it should be, so you have a bit less creative freedom.The more obscure games tend to have very interesting ideas that perhaps didn't get the kind of exposure that they deserved back in the day. I quite like the idea of taking these things, blowing the dust off, and perhaps giving them a bit more publicity in modern times. I, Robot is a particular favourite of mine, I played it back in the day a fair bit; a friend of mine actually owned the coin-op machine, so I was able to go to his house and play it extensively.The technology was groundbreaking at the time, and so it definitely stuck in my mind. One thing I loved about it was that because the graphics technology was so new, they built a special mode into the game where you just played with the 3D graphics. That was at a time when I started doing my own early light synth work, so there was the idea of playing a game that wasn't quite a game, but still interesting. I've actually implemented something similar into my own version; it's called 'The Ungame', so you can go ahead and play around with the parameters of the lights.The original 1984 I, Robot, playable on Switch via Atari 50 Images: AtariSo in what ways has Llamasoft's I, Robot been updated from the original?There's a chunk of Llamasoft in there, there's no doubt about that. But you also have to make the basic translation from an arcade environment to a home environment; arcade games are built to kick you off within three minutes and get more money in. So you have to adjust it to allow players to sit down and enjoy it a bit longer.I hope I've kept enough of the original that fans enjoy it, but also there's enough Llamasoft in there that people who like Llamasoft will enjoy it too.The basic idea is the same. There's this eye looking at you and you can't jump while it's open. I've extended that from the original a bit, so now the eye can fire at you while it's open along with some other stuff. I've sped things up a little so it's not quite as slow anymore. Every few levels you get something called the Arena Mode, and this essentially sees you being attacked from all sides, but you have extended firepower with which to shoot back.Ultimately, I've kept the spirit of the original and I hope people like it. I hope I've kept enough of the original that fans enjoy it, but also there's enough Llamasoft in there that people who like Llamasoft will enjoy it too.Were there any challenges with the development of I, Robot that you perhaps haven't experienced before?Well, to me, it's always a bit of a step into the unknown when I'm doing a new game. So I don't sit down and design everything first, I kind of just make it up as I go. Sometimes it can take a while for a game to find its groove; you can be fiddling about, you've got some structure there, but it's not quite working.So it can be a bit of an anxious time because you think, 'I'm never going to make this fit.' I've been in that situation loads of times over my career and eventually you get to trust your instinct that everything will come together. The same thing happened with Akka Arrh, it actually took quite a while for me to find the correct feeling for that one.From a technical standpoint, it's not a particularly demanding game, so there's little challenge in that sense. It runs very well on the Switch and it runs very well on the Atari VCS. [Note: Not the original VCS, we hasten to clarify; Atari released a Linux-based console in 2021 that unfortunately didn't quite take off, but still hosts the majority of Atari's first-party offerings.]Image: AtariHow have you found development on the Nintendo Switch specifically?Giles, come here! [Giles joins the interview.]Giles: Doing the graphics, doing the sound, everything works absolutely fine, no problem. Nintendo has good documentation, and really the only complaint is that there are so many different portals for different things, it can get a bit fragmented.The biggest pain in the ass is making all the stuff conform, all the UI, little things have to be right, and it can take a long time to test certain things, sometimes hours at a time. But no, the machine is nice, it works very nice, the game runs at 60fps.You mentioned that you like going for the more obscure titles; do you get any pushback from the folks at Atari, or do they just let you crack on?Jeff: By and large, they just let me do my own thing. Early in development, they'll give me a bit of feedback, and usually I'll say, "It's too early for feedback, everything can change!"But generally, they're very good about it, and it's one of the reasons I like working with them. They give me complete creative freedom to do whatever I want, and having now done it a couple of times, they trust me enough to just get on with it and something good will come in the end.You've mentioned in the past that working with Atari affords you that vital creative freedom, but also brings some financial stability. With this in mind, can we expect this partnership to continue going forward?Jeff: Oh yeah absolutely, I'm extremely happy with it. I can just sit down and concentrate on the things that I do well and not worry about the things I don't do so well. Stuff like marketing I'm absolutely terrible at. I'm happy to offload that onto them, and they do a nice job of it; they do wonderful trailers which I could never do.As you say, there's a bit of financial stability to it, which is always welcome. So yeah, we're definitely not stopping yet.Images: AtariI would like to ask if there's anything else from Atari's back catalogue that you've got your eye on, but I suspect you're probably not going to tell me!Jeff: All I'll say is that we had a meeting to discuss potentially what I might do next. Before the meeting, I went through the IP catalogue and there were two titles which stood out to me. So one of the Atari guys at the meeting said, "We've been thinking about what you might be interested in doing and what might suit you," and it turns out that the two games at the top of their list were the same two titles that I picked.I'm very lucky to have this opportunity to work on exactly the kind of things I like to work on, because there's a great deal of stability, and I'm seizing onto that with both hands and going to keep it up as long as possible.That's wild! So if I look into the back catalogue, I might be able to guess..?Jeff: Well if you're thinking the same way that they're thinking, then maybe you could guess them!I'm not going to do that now, I don't want to embarrass myself [though for the record, we've got Black Widow in our minds...!] On the flip side, are there any games that are an absolute no-go for you?Jeff: Well, there's always room to do something, I think, but you've got to respect the original. Sometimes you can go a bit too far and do something completely different. I wouldn't put anything off the table, but I've got to be into the idea of whatever it is that I'm going to do, y'know? I don't think I'd be happy if they just handed me something and said, "Do that!"Doing things your own way has always been a Llamasoft staple, and it seems to be quite a rare thing in the current climate. I wonder if you can comment on the state of the industry at large at the moment?Jeff: Yeah, it's obviously a very difficult time for the industry at the moment. I'm very lucky to have this opportunity to work on exactly the kind of things I like to work on, because there's a great deal of stability, and I'm seizing onto that with both hands and going to keep it up as long as possible.It's very hard for indies to get known these days. It seems a lot of the times it's more about how good you are at publicity than how good you are a making a game, so a lot of creators are having a tough time. I wake up every day and I count my blessings. I'm very lucky to be able to do this.It seems especially difficult to stand out amongst the crowd at the moment given how many titles release on digital storefronts all the time. We've particularly highlighted an issue with so-called 'scam games' over the last few years...Jeff: Oh yeah, someone told me about something called 'Jumping Hot Dog' or something where you just press a button and get achievements. I don't understand how those things are even allowed to go onto the stores, it's just clogging things up for everybody else.Image: AtariHow does it feel to see this kind of stuff when you're trying to put your own game out there?Jeff: It's a perversion of the whole thing. To me, making games is about making something which I think is good and that I hope other people enjoy and will think is good value for money. There's pride in it for me. I don't think I could be proud of something that may well make more money than I could do normally, but there's no art, no communication, no substance to it.Yeah, I'm old school. I was lucky enough to be there at the start of the games business when you really could just do everything out of passion, and everything grew up around that. Now it seems quite a lot of game design and publishing is more about making money than it is about making art. It should be more about art than money, really.Now it seems quite a lot of game design and publishing is more about making money than it is about making art. It should be more about art than money, really.Perhaps both you and Giles can chip in with this, but what are your thoughts on the Switch 2 from what we've seen so far?Jeff: I'm very much looking forward to it, it looks like it'll be a nice thing. Giles: We've been trying and trying to get a dev kit but sadly nothing at the moment.Jeff: Yeah I think we're probably fairly low down on the priority list! But we'll definitely be keen to work on it when we get our hands on it, for sure.Giles: I will say that it's always good to work on the lower side of things, because if you can make it good there, then you can always make it even better on more powerful hardware.This interview has been lightly edited for brevity.A huge thanks to Jeff and Giles for taking the time to sit down and speak with us. I, Robot launches on the Switch eShop on 17th April 2025. Will you be picking it up? Let us know with a comment down below.Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube799k Yak in timeA bomb in hand is worth two in the bathroomOn the up and upRelated GamesSee AlsoShare:03 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...Related ArticlesNintendo Expands Switch Online's SNES Library With Four More TitlesArriving next weekPokmon Scarlet & Violet: Mystery Gift Codes ListAll the current Pokmon Scarlet and Violet Mystery Gift codesSakurai Says Japanese Developers Should Avoid Trying To Appeal To Western Tastes"I think that they seek the uniqueness and fun of Japanese games" Title:I, RobotSystem:Switch eShopAlso Available For:PS4, PS5Publisher:AtariDeveloper:LlamasoftGenre:Action, ArcadePlayers:1Release Date:Switch eShop 17th Apr 2025, $14.99 17th Apr 2025, 12.14Official Site:nintendo.comWhere to buy:Buy on Nintendo eShop Buy eShop Credit:
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  • The 20 hottest open source startups of 2024
    techcrunch.com
    A new report showcases the 20 top-trending open source startups around the world, more than half of which are closely aligned with AI.The report is the handiwork of European venture capital firm Runa Capital, which has operated the Runa Open Source Startup (ROSS) Index since 2020. The Index serves quarterly updates on the fastest-growing projects in terms of GitHub stars a metric thats something akin to a like on social media. Beginning in 2023, Runa started producing annual reports, highlighting the most popular commercial open source startups in a given year.Last years report demonstrated that AI and data infrastructure were driving demand for open source tooling, withLangChain hitting pole position in the ROSS Index for its open source framework for building LLM-centric apps. This year its a similar story, with AI central to 11 of the top 20 companies.Its worth noting that the ROSS Index is heavily curated and doesnt include any old open source project. Qualifying projects must be closely linked to a commercial company (i.e., a vendor-led project), meaning no side projects. Additionally, these companies must be younger than 10 years old; raised less than $100 million in funding; and be entirely independent so not a subsidiary or publicly listed.StargazingIn top spot on the 2024 ROSS Index is Ollama, a Y Combinator alum thats built an open source tool for running LLMs such as Metas Llama and DeepSeek locally (i.e., desktop). Ollamas GitHub star count increased by some 76,000 through 2024, growing 261% to more than 105,000 (it has since risen to more than 135,000 stars over the past few months).Next on the list is Zed Industries, a cross-platform collaborative code editor designed for high-performance collaboration with humans and AI. The Zed project has been around for a while, but it only went open source in January 2024, and through the rest of the year it gained more than 52,000 GitHub stars.In third place is LangGenius, the company behind an open source LLM app development platform called Dify. The project attained more than 43,000 new GitHub stars last year, growing 326% from around 13,000 to nearly 57,000 a figure that has since surged to more than 84,000 stars.And then there is ComfyUI, an open source node-based program for generating images, videos, and audio using generative AI models. The projects GitHub star count grew 195% to 61,900 stars last year.Rounding out the top five is All Hands, the company behind an open source platform called OpenHands for building software development agents. OpenHands garnered 39,600 GitHub stars from its launch last March through the end of 2024 and has since added another 12,000 stars to the mix.While the ROSS Index for last year illustrates the explosive growth in AI and LLMs, it also shows how developer tooling is still hot in the world of open source, with the likes of Zed and Astrals UV (No. 9) both featuring in the top 10. Elsewhere, the presence of PDF manipulation tool Stirling PDF (No. 7), finance management software Maybe Finance (No. 8), and remote desktop software RustDesk (No. 17) suggests privacy-focused self-hostable tooling is still in high demand.And Ethereum blockchain-focused Fuel (No. 12) shows that crypto/web3 is alive and kicking.ROSS Index: Top 20Image Credits:ROSS Index: Runa CapitalOpen source software by its very nature has always been distributed, given that contributors from all corners of the globe can get involved. This is often the case for vendor-led projects, too; however, commercial entities usually have some center of gravity even if it just means where it has been formally incorporated.The ROSS Index for last year shows that San Francisco is home to six of the top 20 ROSS startups, while Canada has three, and Europe (U.K., Switzerland, Hungary, and Czech Republic), Singapore, and China constituting the rest.MethodologyThere are other ways of tracking hot open source projects. Two Sigma Ventures operates the Open Source Index, which is similar in concept to the ROSS Index except it showcases the top 100 projects without a specific focus on commercial startups (it also offers different ways of filtering the data).And GitHub itself offers a top-trending project list, again without the specific focus on commercial businesses.Its also worth looking at themethodologybehind the ROSS Index. GitHub stars can be an imperfect metric, as it merely shows that someone has liked the project, as opposed to actively using or monitoring it. Older projects will naturally have procured more stars, too, which is why Runa focuses on the relative growth of repositories over a 90-day period for its quarterly reports, and on the absolute number of new stars gained during the year for its annual report.This also means that the annual report can look quite different to the quarterly reports, given that absolute star counts wont always align with rapid relative-growth patterns. There may also be some issues around what is classed as open source. While many of the projects on the list have indeed been released under a recognized copyleft or permissive open source license, this isnt a strict stipulation of the ROSS Index. Runa says it adheres to the commercial perception of open source, rather than the official open source definition. As such, a company that has released its software under the Server Side Public License (SSPL), for instance, would still qualify as open source, even though the Open Source Initiative has not rubberstamped the SSPL as open source.Still, the Index is a useful indicator not only of what kinds of open source technology is trending, but also what companies are trying to build businesses atop them.
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  • M45 by Triptyque: Redefining Industrial Heritage Through Adaptive Architecture
    archeyes.com
    M45 Urban Hub | Salem MostefaouiIn Villeurbannes Mansart district, M45 by Triptyque redefines industrial heritage through a contemporary lens, blending historical continuity with modern adaptability. Rather than erasing the past, the project embraces it, transforming an industrial site into a dynamic mixed-use space that integrates production, commerce, and urban life. By prioritizing essentialist design and programmatic flexibility, M45 offers a compelling model for sustainable urban revitalization.M45 Urban Hub Technical InformationArchitects1-2: TriptyqueLocation: Villeurbanne, FranceClient: Promoval / Fontanel / 6me SensArea: 5,000 m2 | 53,800 Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2018 2023Photographs: Salem MostefaouiMore than just a building, M45 is a testament to how intelligent design can honor history while embracing the future. Triptyque ArchitectsM45 Urban Hub Photographs Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem Mostefaoui Salem MostefaouiM45 Context and Design IntentVilleurbanne, a satellite city of Lyon, has long been shaped by its industrial past. The Mansart district, where M45 is situated, bears the marks of this history, with its warehouse-like structures and production facilities defining the urban grain. While many post-industrial sites face erasure or speculative redevelopment, Triptyques intervention seeks a more nuanced approach that acknowledges the districts origins while addressing the demands of a modern, evolving city.At the heart of M45s conceptual framework is the notion of the Productive City, an urban model that resists the compartmentalization of work, commerce, and residential life. Instead of segregating functions into isolated zones, the project advocates for hybrid programming, where diverse activities coexist within a single, adaptable framework. This approach is particularly relevant in an era of increasing urban density, where the efficiency of space utilization has become paramount.Triptyques strategy revolves around continuity rather than contrast. The design does not seek to impose a radically new language on the site but instead works with its existing industrial logic. The structure retains its industrial predecessors robust materiality and open-plan nature, yet refines these elements to create a spatially and functionally flexible framework.The buildings compact form is deliberately structured to optimize spatial efficiency and urban permeability. Its three-volume composition organizes the programmatic elements into distinct yet interconnected spaces, allowing seamless transitions between functions. Emergency exits, often treated as secondary elements, are integrated into external walkways, enhancing circulation while reinforcing the projects essentialist aesthetic.Spatial Organization and Adaptive DesignM45s spatial organization is a direct response to the complexity of contemporary urban life. Unlike conventional mixed-use developments, which often rely on rigid zoning principles, M45 employs a more fluid approach. The three primary volumes house different functionsartisan workshops at the lower levels and office spaces abovebut these delineations are not fixed. Instead, the design allows for easy programmatic shifts, ensuring that the building remains adaptable to future demands.The external walkways serve a practical function and introduce a rhythmic quality to the buildings massing. These elevated pathways not only improve accessibility but also frame the inner courtyards, activating the in-between spaces that are often overlooked in commercial projects. The result is an architecture that fosters interactionbetween users, different programmatic elements, and the building and its urban context.One of M45s most compelling qualities is its commitment to adaptability. While many contemporary buildings claim flexibility, they often fail to deliver in practice due to structural limitations. Here, however, flexibility is embedded into the very logic of the design.The open-plan interiors allow for straightforward reconfigurations. Office spaces can be converted into workshops, commercial areas can be repurposed as co-working hubs, and residential functions can be integrated as urban conditions evolve. This level of reversibility extends the buildings lifespan and ensures its continued relevance in an unpredictable urban landscape.Materiality and Constructive RationalismTriptyques approach to materiality is defined by restraint. Instead of employing a decorative or overly expressive palette, the architects have opted for a subdued, rationalist material selection that reinforces the buildings essentialist philosophy.Subdividing the building into smaller, legible units enhances the sense of scale while allowing for direct engagement with the urban fabric. The use of interconnecting walkways and streamlined circulation cores further emphasizes the projects commitment to clarity and efficiency. This architectural language, while understated, has a significant impactit prioritizes usability while maintaining a strong, cohesive identity.M45s construction draws upon the robust logic of industrial typologies. Structural efficiency is key: exposed frameworks and minimal core layouts reduce excess, ensuring the spatial experience remains fluid and adaptable. The material palette of concrete, steel, and glass echoes the sites industrial past while offering a refined, contemporary expression.Beyond aesthetics, the choice of materials also speaks to sustainability. By working within an existing industrial footprint and incorporating elements of the former structure, M45 minimizes the environmental impact typically associated with large-scale urban projects. This resource-conscious approach aligns with a broader shift in contemporary architecture that values longevity and adaptability over transient trends.Urban Integration and Broader SignificanceOne of the most thought-provoking aspects of M45 is its rejection of rigid zoning paradigms. The project challenges the traditional separation of production and urban living, instead advocating for a model where small-scale industry and commercial activity coexist within a dense urban framework.This integration is particularly significant in Villeurbanne, where the decline of industrial activity has led to fragmented urban landscapes. By reintroducing productive functions into the citys core, M45 offers a counterpoint to the homogenization of urban development, fostering economic diversity and social interaction.M45 is a compelling case study for architects and urban planners seeking alternative models for post-industrial sites. Its emphasis on adaptability, permeability, and essentialist design principles offers valuable insights into how cities can evolve without erasing their past.M45 Urban Hub PlansSite Plan | TriptyqueFirst Level | TriptyqueSecond Level | TriptyqueSection | TriptyqueM45 Urban Hub Image GalleryAbout TriptyqueTriptyque is a French-Brazilian architecture and urbanism agency founded in 2000 in So Paulo and later in Paris in 2008 by Guillaume Sibaud and Olivier Raffalli. Known for its naturalist and rationalist approach, the firm specializes in public and private projects across residential, corporate, education, hospitality, healthcare, and research sectors. Their work, which explores urban adaptation and sustainable design, has been exhibited in major museums, including the Centre Pompidou in Paris and the Guggenheim Museum in New York.Credits and Additional NotesProgram: Mixed-use building (Commercial, Office, Production)Design Team: Guillaume Sibaud, Olivier Raffalli, Sbastien Tison, Damien Murat, Charlotte Ferreux, Tho Tostivint, Juliano Thom, Bruna Teixeira, Kelly Comparsi, Luiz Filipe Rampazio, Alex Perret.
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  • Protect your files and memories with simple spring cleaning tips
    www.foxnews.com
    Tech Protect your files and memories with simple spring cleaning tips Simple steps to amp up your digital security and protect your precious documents, photos and memories Published March 22, 2025 10:00am EDT close BREAKING: Elon Musk reveals X under massive cyberattack Elon Musk announces his platform X is experiencing a major coordinated cyberattack. It happens without warning.Suddenly, access to your personal data gets interrupted by a simple hardware failure, a nasty virus, a cyberattack, a software glitch, accidental deletion or a human mistake. It's clearer than ever that our personal data is vulnerable.As an advocate for privacy and security and the editor behind the popular CyberGuy Report, which you can subscribe to for free atCyberGuy.com/newsletter, I have always emphasized the importance of personal responsibility when it comes to data security.My top recommendation for protecting your precious memories, critical documents and the mountains of personal data we accumulate is straightforward: utilize a personal drive for backups.STAY PROTECTED & INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW A woman working on her laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Choosing the right backup toolsSpring is traditionally a time for cleaning, and this should extend to digital hygiene as well. Each year, I undertake a thorough cleaning of my personal data, making sure to back up documents, family photos and other irreplaceable items. There's nothing quite like the peace of mind that comes from having a physical backup, which places control firmly in your hands, irrespective of whether you use a Mac, PC or even a Chromebook. A man working on his laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Recommended backup solutionsOne of my favorite tools for this task is aWD portable drive, which offers 2 terabytes of storage. It easily connects to your device via SuperSpeed USB 3.0, ensuring quick and efficient data transfer, and is fully compatible with Chromebook. A reliable drive like this is a must-have; I use another similar WD model for my MacBook and PC. Image of a portable drive. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Backup, unplug then store your portable drive in a secure placeIn addition to regular ongoing backups either on the cloud or another drive, I use this WD drive that plugs into your Mac, PC or Chromebook as an extra copy of my important data that can be disconnected and kept in a safe place away from hackers and other threats. A man working on his laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What to backup: A digital checklistWhen deciding what to back up from your computer, it's crucial to prioritize documents, files, and memories that are important and irreplaceable. Here's a comprehensive list to consider:1. Personal documents: Include items like birth certificates, passports, social security cards, marriage certificates, wills and other legal documents that could be difficult or time-consuming to replace.2. Financial records: This category should cover bank statements, tax returns, investment records and other financial documents that are essential for personal record-keeping and legal compliance.3. Photos and videos: Family photos, vacation videos, special events like weddings or graduations and other personal memories that cannot be recreated.4. Work and educational documents: If you use your computer for work or school, ensure you back up important projects, research papers, presentations and related correspondence.5. Emails: Some emails might contain important information, agreements or attachments that you may need to refer back to. Consider backing up important emails or archiving them.6. Contacts: A backup of your digital address book can save you a lot of trouble in case you lose access to your devices.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?7. Music and media collections: For those who collect music, movies and books digitally, backing up these files ensures you dont lose your collection.8. Software and app data: Back up settings and data for apps that you use frequently, especially if they help manage your schedule, finances or health.9. Website bookmarks: If you rely on bookmarks to navigate the internet efficiently, backing them up can save time if you need to restore or switch to a new device.10. Game saves and profiles: If you're a gamer, backing up your game saves and profiles can prevent loss of progress in case of system failure.11. Creative works: Include writings, artwork, design files, coding projects or any other personal or professional creative work. A woman looking at her phone while working on her laptop. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Some additional steps to consider to keep your data safeAdopt the 3-2-1 backup strategy: Ensure you maintain three copies of your data: the original, a backup on a different device and a third copy stored offsite or in the cloud. This approach offers robust protection against data loss.Implement two-factor authentication (2FA): Enhance account security by enabling2FA, requiring additional verification steps beyond just passwords, thereby reducing unauthorized access risks.Regularly update and patch systems: Keep your operating systems and softwareup to date to address vulnerabilities that cyber threats might exploit.Use strong antivirus software: Install a trusted antivirus software solution to guard against ransomware, viruses, and malicious attacks that can compromise your files.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREUpdate your passwords for better security: One of the most important steps in protecting your data is regularly updating your passwords to prevent unauthorized access. Heres how to do it effectively:Use a password manager Instead of relying on memory, use a trustedpassword manager like to generate and store complex passwords.Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) Add an extra layer of protection by requiring a secondary verification method, such as a one-time code via SMS or an authenticator app.Create unique passwords Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts. Each password should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols.Check for compromised passwords Use services with password breach detection. Some servicesinclude a data breach scanner that checks if your stored passwords have been leaked and suggests updates.Change default router and device passwords If youre still using the default login credentials for your Wi-Fi router, smart home devices or online accounts, update them immediately to prevent security risks.Get more details about my best expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.By updating passwords along with other spring-cleaning security measures, you significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and unauthorized access to your sensitive data.Kurts key takeawaysTaking a few minutes to protect your data and devices today can save you hours of frustration, heartache and financial loss tomorrow. Regular backups and trusted antivirus software work hand in hand to shield your digital life. Unplug your backup drive when finished and store it in a safe place its a small step that makes a big difference.Whats your data disaster story, and what lessons did you learn about digital backups from it? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactCLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterAsk Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Alert:Malware steals bank cards and passwords from millions of devices.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurts free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.
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  • Fox News AI Newsletter: Nvidia joins Trump onshoring push
    www.foxnews.com
    Recommended By Fox News Staff Fox News Published March 22, 2025 8:30am EDT Jensen Huang, co-founder and CEO of Nvidia Corp., gives a talk in Taipei, Taiwan. (Annabelle Chih/Bloomberg via Getty Images) Welcome to Fox News Artificial Intelligence newsletter with the latest AI technology advancements.IN TODAY'S NEWSLETTER:-- AI chipmaker Nvidia to invest billions in US amid Trump onshoring push: CEO-- The 10 telltale signs of AI-created images-- Adobe reveals how AI can be used to make projects easier-- Meta unveils new AR glasses with heart rate monitoring-- Trump urged by Ben Stiller, Paul McCartney and hundreds of stars to protect AI copyright rules Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers a keynote address during the Nvidia GTC Artificial Intelligence Conference at SAP Center, March 18, 2024, in San Jose, California. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images / Getty Images)STACKING CHIPS: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang said Wednesday that the leading artificial intelligence chipmaker will invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. supply chain over the next four years.SPOT THE AI LIE: Its becoming more common for images to be made with AI tools. As the artificial intelligence generation gets more advanced, its getting trickier to tell the difference between AI-made and human-made images. However, there are still signs to look out for.CREATIVITY BOOST: Adobe president of digital experience business Anil Chakravarthy unpacked Adobe's dive into the world of artificial intelligence on "The Claman Countdown."CREEPY SPY GLASSES: Get ready for some amazing tech that's about to change the way we see the world, literally. Meta has just unveiled its latest creation, the Aria Gen 2 augmented reality (AR) glasses. Aria Gen 2 augmented reality glasses (Meta)DEAR MR. PRESIDENT: Ben Stiller, Paul McCartney and Ron Howard were among the over 400 entertainment figures and industry workers who signed an open letter this week urging President Donald Trump to protect artificial intelligence copyright rules. Side-by-side photos of Donald Trump, Ben Stiller and Paul McCartney. (CHIP SOMODEVILLA/Monica Schipper/Jim Dyson)FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIASIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERSDOWNLOAD OUR APPSWATCH FOX NEWS ONLINEFox News GoSTREAM FOX NATIONFox NationStay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox Newshere. This article was written by Fox News staff.
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  • This opportunity is bigger than AI and missing out will cost you
    www.zdnet.com
    zf L/Getty ImagesOK, we need to talk about what I believe could be one of the biggest opportunities I see for the near future, and no, it's not AI.With AI making business opportunities so accessible and much faster, it's like the dot com bubble on steroids. So what's this opportunity? It's storytelling! Yes, I know it might not be the quick fix or magic pill you want, but I promise you this article is worth reading and acting upon. I don't want to gas this up, but storytelling could be the opportunity of a lifetime when paired with AI. Also: You're sitting on a million-dollar business idea - and don't even know itIn this article, I'll share with you: What storytelling is and why it's crucial for 2025 and beyond.Common misconceptions about storytelling and how to avoid them.Three steps to get you started, even if you've never thought of yourself as a storyteller.But before we jump into it, I'll share a little about who I am and how I arrived at this conclusion so you don't have me committed. Quick intro If you're new to my work, my name isLester, but my friends call me Les. I'm a founder with a successful exit and currently the executive chairman of a group of e-commerce brands, but I'm an award-winning performance marketer at my core, and spotting trends is my thing. Here's a fun fact: To stay ahead in the competitive e-com space, my team and I developed internal tools and processes to spot trends faster than anyone else. We operate more like a data company than a traditional e-com brand. That's why I can confidently say storytelling is the future of business. By the way, if you're into data-driven business and marketing insights and strategies, check out my free newsletter,No Fluff,Just Facts. I share what's working in the world of business, along with marketing insights and trends I'm seeing. What is storytelling's impact?Let's start with the stats from Headstream research: Brands can see a 30% increase in conversion rates with compelling storytelling.55% of people who love a brand story are more likely to buy the product in the future, and 15% will buy the product immediately.Storytelling significantly boosts consumer trust; 81% of consumers say they need to be able to trust the brand to buy from them.Storytelling also helps convert leads by as much as 30%.Of these stats, the one that stands out the most to me is: If prospects love your brand story, 55% are more likely to buy the product in the future, 44% will share the story, and 15% will buy the product immediately. Also: Why you should ignore 99% of AI tools - and which four I use every daySimply put, storytelling sparks the emotion that inspires action. Communicating with the people who give you money is more than just a good idea. It's an art that turns words into a picture they can see and believe in. Think "1,000 songs in your pocket."Without me even telling you, you know I'm talking about Steve Jobs and the iPod. That is the power of storytelling. We often focus on features and not telling stories, but I'm here to tell you that no one cares about features. They care about whether this product or service solves their problem. Storytelling is about sharing messages, emotions, and values in an authentic way. It is how we connect with people, whether in casual conversations or through bigger media. In business, storytelling transforms standard marketing into an engaging journey that captures the consumer's heart. This is entirely different from telling someone about the product or service's features. Why is storytelling so crucial? As we speak, at least a billion new AI whatevers were launched, and a new model for something or the other was created. The sheer volume of AI events is overwhelming, and keeping up with tech is literally my job. With everything so chaotic today, what does the future look like when anyone can do anything? Building a company is simply about telling an AI what you want, and poof, it's done. Also: Email marketing is back and big social is panicking - everything you need to knowThe only thing that will separate you from the tons of competitors is who can tell a better story that cuts through the noise and humanizes their product or service. Here are the key reasons why storytelling is a great business strategy:` Connection: Stories create emotional engagement and foster community through shared experiences and values.Differentiation: A compelling story sets your brand apart in a crowded marketplace. It articulates your unique value proposition in a way that facts and figures alone cannot achieve.Persuasion: A good story can be more persuasive than traditional advertising by subtly influencing behaviors and decisions.Mindshare: Stories are memorable. They stick with us long after the facts fade, helping brands build and maintain their legacy.Storytelling helps your brand stand out and feel real. It keeps the human side of your business front and center in today's AI-driven world. Common misconceptions about storytelling Storytelling is sometimes overlooked or shunned in the business and deemed unimportant, but that couldn't be further from the truth. It's not just for creative industries: Storytelling isn't just for movies, books, or ads. It is a powerful tool in any industry, shaping how people connect, understand, and remember ideas. It requires dramatic flair: Many think storytelling takes natural talent, but anyone can learn to tell engaging stories. Also: Will AI destroy human creativity? No - and here's whyMore than entertainment: While stories can be entertaining, storytelling translates dry data and abstract concepts into compelling narratives that drive action. Brevity over length: There's a notion that stories need to be long and detailed to be impactful. However, a concise story that gets to the heart of the message can be much more powerful than a lengthy one. Beyond a marketing gimmick: Some people see storytelling as another passing marketing trend, but it has always been a simple way to share ideas and build relationships. It is wild how often businesses overlook something this basic. 3 steps to get started with storytelling First off, don't overthink this. Every story has a beginning, middle, and end. The key is to keep everything in the proper order. Also: From zero to millions? How regular people are cashing in on AIHere are three simple steps to get started with storytelling in your business: Know who you're talking to: First, you must understand your audience by knowing their needs and wants. This helps you create stories they will care about, making your message stronger and more memorable. What's your main point?: Think about the main thing you want to say with your story. What's the most important idea or value about your brand that you want everyone to know? Keep this message clear and straightforward. This is the heart of your story. Make it relatable: Start your story with something your audience can understand and relate to. Describe their problem and explain how your product or service can fix it. When you use these steps, storytelling becomes natural. You will stand out, catch interest, and connect better with your audience. My two cents I know I threw a lot at you today, and you might wonder why you should trust a stranger on the internet. First, you shouldn't unless that stranger is named Les, and he's talking about the importance of storytelling. On a serious note, don't just take my word for it. Reflect on how noisy the media landscape has become, including your social feeds. Now, think about the businesses or creators that stand out. Ten times out of ten, the creators and companies that make an impression do so because they make you feel seen and achieve that through storytelling. Also: You won't believe how B2B marketing is shifting - here are 5 ways to land more dealsStill not convinced? You just read this entire article on what arguably is a boring subject. Why? Storytelling!!The businesses that will win are those that: Cut through the noise with clear, engaging narratives.Craft compelling stories that resonate on a human level.Build genuine connections with their audience.The future belongs to those who can weave powerful stories that forge lasting relationships with their audiences. By the way, want more data-driven marketing insights and tips on how to tell more compelling stories? Sign up for my free newsletter, No Fluff Just Facts. I share what's working in the world of digital marketing, the latest trends, and the occasional pep talk to keep you inspired. Click here to sign up. It's totally free! Hope this helps. I'm rooting for you. Get the biggest stories in tech every Friday with ZDNET's Week in Review newsletter.Featured
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  • The LG G4 OLED is still $2,000 off right now - and I still highly recommend the TV
    www.zdnet.com
    ZDNET's key takeaways The LG G4 OLED is on sale at Amazon and Best Buy for about $2,000. LG has made great strides with its OLED picture quality, and this model is truly exceptionalHowever, the regular price might be a turn-off since you can buy great TVs for half the price. more buying choices For a limited time, retailers like Amazon and Best Buy are discounting the 2024 LG G4 OLED model in various sizes by up to $2,000.I'm not usually a fan of LG TVs, but since testing the LG G4 OLED TV last year, I have to admit that it has the most impressive picture quality of any TV I've ever bought, used, or tested.Also: I tested the LG G5 OLED beside the industry's best TVs - and the upgrades are worth itI won't bury the lede; its current discounted price doesn't necessarily qualify it as a budget option -- you could get two 65-inch Sony X90L TVs for that money. But if picture quality is your number one priority and you have the money to spend, there's no TV on the planet with a better picture than the LG G4. Not until the LG G5 comes out, at least. details View at Amazon What makes the LG G4 OLED picture so good? Several things.First of all, there are the things that make all OLED screens great, and this is especially true for LG OLEDs because they are one of the leading innovators in the technology. We're talking about true blacks (as opposed to washed-out dark grays from LCD TVs), deep contrast, more vibrant colors, and amazing dynamic range in shots that have both dark and light elements.The LG G4 has all of those qualities -- and at the highest levels I've seen on any TV -- because it is LG's flagship OLED TV for 2024.Also: I tested Samsung's 98-inch 4K QLED TV, and here's why it might be worth the $13,000So, what's new in this year's LG G4? The biggest leap forward is in picture processing, and that's made possible by the new 11 AI Processor 4K. I've always considered Sony the king of picture processing, and it was a long way back to LG and Samsung, essentially tied for second place, with budget TV makers TCL and Hisense lagging the crowd.However, with the 2024 11 AI Processor, LG is now pushing Sony for the top spot in picture processing -- and that's saying a lot.This really matters when it comes to out-of-the-box picture settings, upscaling older and lower-quality 720p and 1080p content, and the TV automatically adjusting the picture to make today's HDR content look amazing. In all of those areas, the LG G4 now rivals Sony. Adam Breeden/ZDNETAnd because LG has always arguably made the highest-quality OLED TV panels, this upgrade in picture processing lifts the LG G4 to the top of the class in picture quality. For movies, shows, gaming, and virtually any other content, the LG G4 brings them to life in vibrant color, smooth motion, and incredible contrast -- more than any other TV you can buy right now.Also: The next big HDMI leap has arrived - what the 2.2 standard means for youI tried it with some of my favorite content with challenging visuals, includingDune, Avengers: End Game, and several other cutting-edge cinematic marvels. All of the content looked better than I've ever seen on any TV I've used, bought, or tested -- and that includes some of the best TVs from Sony, Samsung, LG, TCL, and Hisense over the past few years.What are the drawbacks?There are a few drawbacks to note about the LG G4. First, of course, is the premium price. As I've already mentioned, you could buy two 65-inch Sony X90L TVs for the price of one 65-inch LG G4. And I think most people would be extremely happy with the mid-range Sony X90L. But you're not most people if you're considering the LG G4.The other drawbacks are the remote and LG's built-in webOS software. Both are mediocre at best. I consider LG's remote to be the worst of any of the big five TV makers. It's large, chunky, and has a confusing number of buttons. A TV that is good and has such a premium design that is svelte and beautiful deserves a better-designed remote.Also: You can finally buy LG's transparent OLED TV - if you're willing to pay $60,000LG's built-in webOS software is nearly as disappointing as the remote control. It works fine, but it's not very intuitive, and it is nowhere close to being as well-thought-out as the TV hardware. The icons for content are small and sometimes hard to select, the menu system is a bit convoluted, and there are built-in ads running in the software, which makes it feel unnecessary for a TV this expensive. Adam Breeden/ZDNETThat said, in testing the 83-inch LG G4 in ZDNET's TV lab, I simply never used the remote or the built-in software. I attached an Apple TV 4K and used that remote and its interface to access all of the streaming services and content that I wanted. The combination of the LG G4 and Apple TV was glorious. So, if you buy an LG G4, I'd recommend adding a high-end streaming box like the Apple TV 4K, Google TV Streamer (4K), Amazon Fire TV Cube, or Nvidia Shield.The built-in sound in the LG G4 is fine but not great -- like virtually every other high-end or budget TV. So if you're buying a TV this expensive, I'm going to assume you're going to add a soundbar. At the very least, I'd recommend getting the Hisense AX5125H 5.1.2-channel soundbar -- my pick for best budget soundbar. And if you really want to kick into high gear, then I'd recommend the Sony Bravia Theater Quad, which automatically calibrates itself to your room.Also: Changing these 5 soundbar settings made my living room feel like a movie theaterLastly, if you'd prefer a high-quality OLED TV with a great remote and great software built-in so that you don't have to run a separate streaming box, then I'd recommend the Sony A95L OLED TV, which runs Google TV and has a very premium remote. And if your TV is going to be in a very bright room with lots of windows or lights, then I'd recommend the Samsung S95D, which nearly matches the LG G4 in picture quality but comes with an incredible glare-free screen that looks amazing in any room.ZDNET's buying adviceWhile Sony and Samsung offer OLED TVs with similar price points, the flagshipLG G4 OLED is unmatched in picture quality, making it a solid recommendation at this sale price. Its powerful 11 AI Processor is on par with the vibrant colors, true blacks, and dynamic range displayed on its sleek panel. For a more immersive, theatre-like sound experience, consider adding a soundbar, as I mentioned above.Take advantage of these discounts at either Amazon or Best Buy while they last.How we test TVsWhile testing and researching the TVs featured on this list, I and other ZDNET experts kept these criteria in mind:Price:Not all budgets are created equal. And if you're working with a limited budget, that shouldn't mean you have to settle for a sub-par TV. Each TV model on this list has been chosen across a variety of price points to help accommodate different needs.Screen size:The most important factor to consider, after price, when shopping for a new TV is whether or not it will fit into your space. Each best TV on this list was chosen because they are available in a wide variety of sizes to suit different rooms.Picture and audio quality:A new TV doesn't mean much, even if it costs an arm and a leg, if it doesn't provide a great picture and clear audio. Each TV on this list has been ensured to support various HDR codecs, including HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, as well as enhanced audio software like Dolby Atmos, Dolby Digital Plus, and object-tracking sound.For a more detailed look, check outour extensive TV testing methodology.When will this deal expire?Deals are subject to sell out or expire at any time, though ZDNET remains committed to finding, sharing, and updating the best product deals for you to score the best savings. Our team of experts regularly checks in on the deals we share to ensure they are still live and obtainable. We're sorry if you've missed out on this deal, but don't fret -- we're constantly finding new chances to save and sharing them with you atZDNET.com.Featured reviews
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