The Fast Company Impact Council is an invitation-only membership community of leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual dues for access to peer learning, thought leadership opportunities, events and more.Through hundreds of conversations with college presidents and my work with institutions across the globe, Ive observed a powerful dynamic shaping the success or failure of digital transformation in higher education. As we progress through the first few months of 2025, Ive been reflecting on the dynamic at this pivotal time in higher education.Before institutions rush the doors of modernization and leap into this new wave of artificial intelligence, they must first step back and acknowledge a different type of AIalignment and inertia.Institutional inertiaFirst, lets start with inertia, because the reality is, its always easier to do nothing than to drive change. Organizational inertia acts as a constant force against change, manifesting itself in ways that directly impact an organizations ability to evolve and be healthy. In the context of higher education, where there are often competing priorities, technology projects that should take months stretch into years. Decision processes become mired in endless approval cycles. Resources remain locked in legacy systems while innovation initiatives slowly die in committee. Meanwhile, competitors advance, and market opportunities slip away.Sadly, the cost of this inertia compounds over time, creating a widening gap between institutional capabilities and student expectations. When technology projects face multiple delays, institutions lose more than time and moneythey lose their place in line for their competitive position. We see this even more when an institution prioritizes its modernization project to start with its administrative areas rather than those directly affecting the student experience and their ultimate success.I had this conversation with a top HBCU leader in Alabama which is gearing up to modernize its enterprise and student systems. He called me to announce that his strategy to compete and ensure his students had the best experience and graduated on time was to start with their student systems first. He just plain got it, telling me that our student information system would help them drive the outcomes they need.Todays modern learner is expecting seamless digital experiences and will choose institutions that better meet their needs. We saw this clearly in our recent Student Voice Report that showed 92% of students surveyed expect to access all student account services in one place. At the same time, faculty was frustrated with outdated tools, while staff waste countless hours on an abundance of manual processes that could be automated (stating that this is the way theyve always done it). The resulting impact on enrollment, retention, and institutional reputation creates a downward spiral that becomes increasingly difficult to reverse. It also traps valuable resources that could be directed to higher impact areas, from student mental health services to career coaching innovations, to addressing the imbalance of student-to-advisor ratios.Leadership alignmentInertia sets up like quicksand when one variable is missingalignment. Leadership alignment provides the essential counterforce to institutional inertia. When presidents achieve true alignment from their board, leadership team, and endowment partners, they create momentum that can almost always overcome even the strongest resistors. This type of multi-stakeholder alignment accelerates decision making, ensures resources flow to strategic priorities, and empowers change champions throughout the organization. Rather than avoiding resistance or waiting for the right time that often never comes, aligned leadership teams address it proactively in a constructive, outcomes-based, and student-first mindset aligned to their strategic priorities.Presidents face the challenging task of building these aligned teams while managing the constant drag of inertia. Some achieve this by bringing in trusted leaders who share their transformation vision. Others invest time building coalitions with existing team members, carefully assessing their capability and commitment to change. But the best leaders do one thing that trumps all othersthey lead with the mindset of putting their students first. When leaders do this, there is always a sense of urgency and action because students cant and wont wait!Alignment helps overcome inertiaSo, what is a president to do with their board? If they are lucky, they have recruited leaders with a bias for transformation and action, but often this is not the case. The reality is that the board plays a particularly crucial role in gaining alignment and support for an institutions strategic goals and must not be overlooked. As higher education becomes increasingly technology-dependent, boards must expand their oversight beyond traditional areas to ensure modernization serves student needs while supporting the institutions mission.Technology can no longer be an afterthought and it cant fromdecisions made in facilities and buildings committees. It must be front and center as a part of institutional strategic planning. Strong board support empowers presidents to overcome inertia by approving necessary resources, supporting difficult leadership decisions, and maintaining focus on long-term sustainability despite short-term pressures.When institutions lack this leadership alignment, inertia wins the day. Projects stall in endless committees while resources remain trapped in maintaining legacy systems. Innovation initiatives become diluted in attempts to maintain the status quo, and departmental interests regularly override institutional priorities. The result is a gradual erosion of competitive position that may go unnoticed until an institution finds itself unable to compete for the students they once attracted.The stakes are particularly high right now as artificial intelligence reshapes higher education in ways that we cannot even imagine. Institutions that struggle with basic technology implementations will find AI adoption nearly impossible. The technology itself, no matter how promising, cannot overcome the gravitational pull of institutional inertia.Success in digital transformation requires mastering both types of AI. While artificial intelligence promises transformation, alignment provides the force to overcome inertia and make even the toughest transformation possible. In the race to embrace AI, remember: The most crucial intelligence isnt artificialits aligned. Only through strong alignment can institutions generate enough momentum to overcome inertia and create meaningful change that serves students, supports faculty, and ensures institutional sustainability in an increasingly digital world.Laura Ipsen is CEO of Ellucian.

Smart lighting technology has become an integral lighting solution for the indoors and outdoors due to its ability to control the color, temperature, and brightness of lights. These smart lights are equipped with software that connects to an app or phone to automate the lighting system and it can also be controlled via smartphone using Bluetooth connectivity. The setup typically involves a combination of smart lights and smart switches that work with voice control assistants, smart TVs, and Wi-Fi thermostats. Some of the lighting options range from cool white to bluish tones alongside warm, orange-hued light with customizable color temperatures.The primary difference between conventional and smart lighting is that conventional lights can only be turned on and off or dimmed using a wired switch or remote control, while smart lights can be easily scheduled. Note that Smart lighting systems are highly versatile and available in LED bulbs, strip lights, and outdoor lighting. Additionally, these lights can easily integrate with smart home setups, they feature motion sensors and be easily scheduled.The GLORB is a cutting-edge ambient smart light that is designed to bring dynamic, customizable lighting to any space. This geodesic sphere features 80 individually illuminated triangular LED panels, each capable of producing various colors and light patterns. Unlike traditional ambient lighting, the GLORB offers a unique and visually interesting experience, with the ability to change colors, animate light patterns, and respond to audio, making it an ideal addition to modern homes or office environments.Designed for versatility, the GLORB can be used as a tabletop light or suspended from the ceiling using its included stand, which also functions as a ceiling mount. The lamp is compatible with major smart home systems, including Alexa, Philips Hue, and Home Assistant, and it supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. Additionally, the GLORB is water-resistant, making it suitable for outdoor use, such as in gardens or around swimming pools. With its energy-efficient design, customizable features, and ability to evolve through software updates, the GLORB is a premium choice for functional and aesthetic lighting needs.How Do Smart Lights Function?Smart lights are powered through a standard socket or lamp, with some models offering wireless options. The best part about smart lights is that they can be controlled via a smartphone app using Bluetooth, or connected to a hub that plugs into the Ethernet port of a Wi-Fi router, allowing remote control from anywhere. However, the disadvantage is that Bluetooth-controlled lights are limited to use within Bluetooth range. The most popular smart lighting option is smart bulbs, as they are easy to install in conventional light fixtures. These bulbs allow users to adjust the light temperature to suit different activities and times of the day.With continuous innovation in smart lighting, the Workmate is a smart LED lamp with an external screen designed to display important widgets. This enhances ones desk setup by bridging the gap between your PC, laptop, and docked phone. Its perfect for professionals and creatives who are working in the office or working from home. It offers features that help track productivity, such as logging work hours while the lamps sleek design integrates seamlessly into any workspace, providing both functionality and style.Also, the Workmate transforms into a multifunctional gadget with sensors, scanners, and a small projector that turns your desk surface into a touch-sensitive platform. This virtual widget system allows for controls like notifications, audio management, and smart lighting adjustments. With additional features like the Micrograph Pro lens for magnification and potential future applications like X-ray readings, Workmate goes beyond just lighting and transforms into an interactive accessory with a variety of useful and innovative functions.What Are the Benefits of Smart Lighting?The biggest advantage of smart lighting is the ability to create schedules that automatically turn lights on or off. For example, lights can be set to mimic a sunrise by gradually changing its color to match the time of day. Smart lights can also be controlled via timers, sensors, voice commands, or remotes. For instance, when a person enters the home, motion sensors detect movement and activate the lights. This enhances home security by illuminating lights when motion is detected, such as when a car passes outside. Additionally, lights can adjust to your reading environment, and studies show that aligning light temperature with the suns color boosts energy levels and overall well-being. Furthermore, these lights are long-lasting, energy-efficient, and include dimmable functions that allow users to adjust brightness levels.In this example, Smart lighting takes on a new level with the Star Bulb, which transforms light into an immersive experience. With 95 individually addressable RGB LEDs and advanced Chip-on-Board (CoB) technology, it creates dynamic and fluid light patterns that evoke the nostalgia of lava lamps with a distinctly modern vibe. Each LED can be controlled separately by offering endless customization options which include calming hues to vibrant colors that adapt perfectly to different moods.The Star Bulb also excels when paired with others and syncs seamlessly for coordinated light shows that transform the overall look of your room or any interior. Its easily controlled through an app or integrated into your smart home system like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Apple Home, and simplifies advanced lighting systems. Designed by Moonside, the Star Bulb elevates your existing lamps into a futuristic lighting experience that offers artistic flexibility and functional smart lighting.What Are the Various Types of Smart Lighting?The revolution in smart lighting technology is transforming the way we illuminate spaces. When selecting smart lights, it is important to check their compatibility and plan for adequate smart plugs, switches, and motion sensors. The different types of smart lighting include:Smart Plugs: Allows users to turn lights and wired appliances on or off by converting them into smart devices that can be controlled via a phone app or voice commands.Smart Bulbs: Smart bulbs and downlights, can be integrated into existing fixtures to enhance traditional lighting and offer control via voice or app. Strip lights can be used to highlight architectural interior details, and create subtle backlighting or downlighting effects.Color-changing Bulbs: Available in various colors, these smart lights offer customizable lighting to suit different moods or settings.The Govee Floor Lamp Pro is a sleek, modern smart lighting solution that combines style and functionality. Standing 67 inches tall, it features a minimalist design with a durable aluminum rod and a white silicone LED strip, available in black and gray. The RGB lighting offers a variety of customization options through the Govee Home app, allowing users to adjust brightness, color, and animations to create the perfect ambiance.With 162 RGB and 162 white LED units, the lamp provides bright, seamless lighting that can sync with music for an immersive experience. The Govee Floor Lamp Pro is compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant for voice control. Its ideal for any setting, from movie nights to parties, adding both a decorative touch and dynamic lighting effects to your home. This floor lamp also includes a built-in Bluetooth speaker, making it a unique all-in-one light and sound system.The IKEA JETSTRM smart light panel combines simplicity with functionality, offering an elegant solution to smart home lighting. With a minimalist design, the 30cm x 30cm (11.8in x 11.8in) square panel features rounded corners and a soft white diffuser cover, ensuring it complements various interior styles. Its sleek, unobtrusive aesthetic makes it an ideal addition to any room, whether as a standalone piece or when grouped with additional panels. It requires no complex installation and provides a simple plug-and-play experience.The JETSTRM has a simple appearance but provides essential smart lighting features like adjustable color temperature that provides warm or cool light as per the lighting requirements and customizable lighting colors to suit different moods or themes. Note that warm light creates a warm and welcoming ambiance while cool light creates a modern look. It can be controlled via the IKEA Home mobile app or paired with other IKEA smart lights using the DIRIGERA hub and includes a dedicated remote for added convenience.The post Smart Lighting 101: A Guide To Creating Your Light-filled Aesthetic Space first appeared on Yanko Design.

The living room television experience is undergoing a dramatic transformation as screens grow larger, processing becomes more intelligent, and immersive entertainment reaches new heights. Hisense has positioned itself at the forefront of this evolution with its newly unveiled 2025 ULED television lineup. The companys latest offeringsspanning the U6, U7, U8, and U9 seriesrepresent a significant leap forward in home entertainment technology, particularly in the ultra-large screen category. These new models dont merely increase in size; they fundamentally reimagine whats possible in consumer display technology across various price points. From advanced AI processing to enhanced gaming capabilities, the 2025 collection aims to deliver premium viewing experiences regardless of budget constraints or space limitations.Designer: HisenseWhat makes this lineup particularly noteworthy is how Hisense has managed to democratize features once reserved for flagship models. MiniLED technology now extends across the entire range. Advanced processing engines quietly optimize picture quality without requiring user intervention. Even the entry-level options boast specifications that would have seemed impossible at their price points just a few years ago.The timing couldnt be better. As streaming content continues to expand and gaming consoles push visual boundaries, consumers increasingly seek displays capable of showcasing these experiences at their best. Hisense appears ready to meet this demand with solutions that balance technical prowess with practical considerations.Beyond Size: AI-Driven Intelligence Takes Center StageArtificial intelligence serves as the cornerstone of Hisenses 2025 strategy. Two sophisticated processors power these new televisions: the flagship Hi-View AI Engine X (featured in the U9 series) and the Hi-View AI Engine Pro (driving the U7 and U8 models). Both systems continuously analyze incoming content, making real-time adjustments to contrast, color accuracy, and motion clarity without requiring users to navigate complex settings menus.This approach represents a philosophical shift in how television technology interacts with viewers. Rather than overwhelming consumers with technical adjustments and calibration options, Hisense has developed systems that quietly optimize the viewing experience behind the scenes. The AI doesnt simply make minor tweaksit fundamentally transforms how content appears on screen, adapting to both the source material and viewing environment.Consider the comprehensive suite of AI enhancements working together: expanded local dimming zones create deeper blacks and more precise highlight control; advanced Quantum Dot technology delivers richer, more accurate colors; intelligent brightness adaptation responds to ambient lighting conditions to maintain optimal contrast. These arent isolated features but interconnected systems working in concert to address real-world viewing challenges.For gaming enthusiasts, the AI benefits extend to interactive content as well. Motion processing specifically tuned for gaming, refresh rates reaching 165Hz, and Dolby Vision Gaming support ensure responsive, tear-free gameplay across the model range. The processing intelligently differentiates between film, sports, and gaming content, applying appropriate enhancements without introducing artificial-looking effects or control lag.Audio hasnt been neglected either. AI-enhanced sound processing optimizes Dolby Atmos soundscapes, creating theater-like experiences that adapt to room acoustics and content type. The result is a more balanced, immersive audio presentation that complements the visual improvements.The Lineup: From Premium to Ultra-PremiumWhile sharing core technologies, each series in the 2025 ULED family maintains a distinct identity and target audience.U9 Series: Bridging Premium and Ultra-PremiumThe U9 series expands its accessibility with a new 65-inch option joining the existing 75 and 85-inch models. This addition makes flagship-level performance available to households with more modest space requirements or viewing distances.At the heart of the U9 sits the Hi-View AI Engine Xthe same advanced chipset used in Hisenses flagship ULED X lineup. This processor continuously analyzes and optimizes brightness, contrast, and color accuracy for a refined, lifelike picture in real-time.The AI enhancement suite on the U9 is particularly comprehensive. AI 4K Upscaler, Super Resolution, and Noise Reduction work in concert to elevate sub-4K content to near-native quality. Meanwhile, AI Local Dimming, HDR Upscaler, and Depth Enhancer continuously optimize picture parameters for maximum impact and dimensionality.Viewing flexibility receives special attention through the Ultra LR panel, which effectively eliminates reflections while maintaining vibrant visuals from virtually any seating position. This solves a common problem in real-world viewing environments where perfect lighting control isnt always possible.For cinephiles, Dolby Vision IQ, IMAX Enhanced certification, and Filmmaker Mode preserve creative intent across various content types. Gamers will appreciate the 165Hz native refresh rate with FreeSync Premium Pro support, ensuring smooth, responsive performance with compatible consoles and PCs.Audio performance matches the visual prowess with CineStage X Surround, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Virtual X creating a multi-dimensional soundscape through integrated 4.1.2 channel audio (upgrading to 5.1.2 channels in the larger sizes). This approach delivers convincing spatial audio without requiring additional speakers or soundbars, though connectivity options remain for those seeking to expand their audio setup.U8 Series: MiniLED Excellence for EveryoneThe U8 series perhaps best exemplifies Hisenses approach to the 2025 lineup by redefining what consumers should expect from a mid-premium television. Powered by the Hi-View AI Engine Pro, these sets deliver peak brightness levels up to an astonishing 5000 nitsapproaching the brightness of direct sunlight. This exceptional luminance capability, combined with expanded local dimming zones and Quantum Dot color technology, produces exceptional contrast and color accuracy regardless of ambient lighting conditions.Motion handling receives particular attention with a 165Hz native refresh rate, ensuring smooth presentation of sports, action films, and gaming content. Advanced MEMC (Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation) processing reduces blur without introducing the artificial soap opera effect that plagues many high-refresh displays.Content compatibility is comprehensive with support for Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10+, and IMAX Enhanced certification. These technologies ensure optimal presentation across streaming services, physical media, and broadcast content.Available in sizes up to 100 inches with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and an 82W Dolby Atmos 4.1.2 multi-channel sound system, the U8 represents perhaps the most balanced offering in the entire lineupdelivering premium performance without the premium price tag typically associated with such capabilities.The U8s combination of advanced picture processing, high brightness, and comprehensive feature set makes it particularly well-suited for mixed-use environments where the television serves multiple roles throughout the day.U7 Series: Gaming Excellence Under $1,000The U7 targets a specific audience: gamers and sports enthusiasts seeking high-end performance without breaking the bank. This series combines MiniLED Pro technology with a 165Hz native refresh rate at a sub-$1,000 price pointa combination previously unavailable at this price tier. The gaming credentials are particularly impressive: 165Hz Game Mode Ultra, Game Booster 288Hz, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), Dolby Vision Gaming, and FreeSync Premium Pro support.These technologies work together to minimize input lag, eliminate screen tearing, and ensure smooth performance across both current and next-generation gaming platforms. The Game Booster 288Hz feature is especially intriguing, suggesting frame interpolation specifically optimized for gaming content.Whats particularly clever is the AGLR-Antiglare low reflection panel, ensuring clear visuals even in bright rooms or with multiple viewers at different angles. This practical approach acknowledges that most gaming sessions dont occur in perfectly darkened environments.The 60W 2.1.2 multi-channel Dolby Atmos sound system delivers spatial audio that enhances both gaming effects and live sports broadcasts, creating a more immersive experience without additional audio equipment.With sizes ranging from 55 to 100 inches, the U7 represents a compelling value proposition for performance-focused consumers who prioritize responsive handling of dynamic content.U6 Series: MiniLED for the MassesThe entry point to Hisenses 2025 lineup is anything but basic, bringing premium display technology to previously unthinkable price points. The U6 series introduces MiniLED technology to screen sizes up to 100 inches at the most accessible price point in the lineup. This democratization of advanced backlighting technology represents a significant shift in the market, potentially making more basic edge-lit displays obsolete even at budget price points.Unlike previous generations, the 2025 U6 models now feature Fire TV with Alexa Voice Remote integration, offering an intuitive smart TV experience with minimal learning curve. This platform change provides access to an extensive content library while simplifying the user interface for households that prioritize straightforward operation.Technical highlights include Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos with a built-in 2.1 subwoofer, HDR10+ Adaptive, and gaming features like ALLM and VRR. The 144Hz native refresh rate with Game Mode Pro and FreeSync Premium support ensures smooth motion for both casual viewers and gaming enthusiasts.Connectivity receives appropriate attention with Wi-Fi 6 support, providing reliable streaming even in bandwidth-challenged or congested wireless environments. This practical approach acknowledges the real-world networking limitations many households face.The U6 effectively redefines entry-level expectations by bringing features once reserved for premium models to a more accessible price point, without compromising on screen size options or core performance metrics.Final Thoughts: Redefining Home EntertainmentHisenses 2025 ULED lineup isnt just another annual refreshits a statement about televisions future.By democratizing 100+ inch screens across multiple price points, the company has eliminated the primary barrier to truly immersive viewing. The standardization of MiniLED technologyonce a premium featureacross the entire range represents a significant manufacturing breakthrough that benefits consumers at every level.What impresses most is how each series maintains a distinct identity while sharing core technologies. The U9 delivers flagship performance with expanded size options. The U8 balances premium features with accessibility. The U7 caters specifically to gamers and sports enthusiasts. The U6 redefines entry-level expectations entirely.The 2025 collection arrives in stores later this year, with pricing details forthcoming. If these sets deliver on their technical promises, they could fundamentally change what consumers expect from televisions across all price categories.In an industry often focused on marketing rather than meaningful advancement, Hisense appears to be taking the road less traveled. The real question isnt whether consumers want bigger, smarter TVsits how quickly our living rooms will adapt to accommodate them.The post Hisense Pushes Boundaries with 2025 ULED TV Lineup: Bigger Screens, Smarter AI, and Uncompromising Performance first appeared on Yanko Design.

Modern society, and the clean energy revolution, depend on rare earth elements. Can Greenland help break Chinas stranglehold on the market?

Companies like OpenAI and Chinas DeepSeek offer chatbots designed to take their time with an answer. Heres how they work.

Utah's new App Store Accountability Act will force companies like Apple and Google to verify the ages of new App Store users in the state.Utah's new App Store Accountability Act will force tech companies to implement age verification measures.The law, signed by Utah Governor Spencer Cox on Wednesday, was created to protect children and prevent them from accessing age-inappropriate content. Under the App Store Accountability Act, Apple will be required to implement age-verification measures, and the company is already well prepared.In February 2025, Apple published a whitepaper detailing the age assurance features it would be implementing. Through a new developer API, Apple will make it easier for parents to set up App Store accounts for their children. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Hello Games landmark support for No Mans Sky continues with Update 5.6, Relics, now available on all platforms. If the mechs, underwater exploration, derelicts, living ships, and more werent enough, you can now engage in paleontology. Check out the trailer below.While scouring the universe, you can now happen upon ancient bones. By assembling them, you can recreate the creatures bodies with hundreds of unique parts to discover. Of course, you can sell these to Fossil Collectors, join the Galactic Palaeology Society, hunt down bone caches and more. Accessing the dig sites wont be easy, though, as mysterious Guardians will rise up to stop you.You may also encounter the risen bones of creatures and can indulge in new recipes which provide different benefits. Stone effigies also await to be discovered and there are even massive boneworms to battle.Check out the patch notes below and full details here. No Mans Sky is available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC.5.6 Patch NotesCollect and Display SkeletonsPlanetary fossil beds now contain a vast array of specific bone formations.Each of these bones can be placed as a decorative base part, either individually or mounted on a display plinth.Larger display plinths allow a collection of bones to be reassembled into a complete skeleton, allowing the design and reassembly of ancient and extinct beings.Completed displays can be packaged into an easily transportable module, allowing them to be re-deployed in other locations, traded with other players, or sold on the galactic market.A new planetary dig-site building has been added, serving as a hub for interested fossil collectors.The icon for planetary fossils has been improved.A small tutorial mission has been added to guide new palaeontologists.A new palaeontology section has been added to the guide.Fossil ExchangeA fossil collector has been added to the Space Station.Surplus fossils can be exchanged with the fossil collector, allowing players to target specific skeleton components for their designs.The fossil collector will barter for items in their collection, allowing individual inventory items to be swapped.Relics ExpeditionExpedition Eighteen, Relics, will begin shortly and run for approximately six weeks.Rewards include new posters, decals and titles; a living stone suit customization set; the unique Basilisk Crown staff; a mysterious skeletal companion; and the exclusive Living Stone jetpack.Stone GuardiansFossil beds are now watched over by a vigilant stone eye, ready to protect the bones from those who would exhume them.Disturbing the vigilant eye may yield valuable rewards, but comes at the cost of awakening the guardians.Two forms of stone guardian awaita huge living statue, and a whirling storm of re-animated rock.Huge guardian statues have been added to relic worlds.Skeletal LifeformsA new and highly rare skeletal lifeform has been added to some planets.Some planets are now home to the elusive titanic bone-wormQuality of Life and User InterfacePlanets in your current system can now be marked from the discovery page, adding a marker to the starship navigation systems.Added an accessibility option to increase the contrast in mission-critical UI panels.Fixed an issue that could cause the camera to move erratically back and forth while inside high-ceilinged rooms in player bases.Nearby NPCs that have specific unseen interactions will now be highlighted with a marker.Added a new water state for ocean worlds with significantly larger waves.Various volumetric and other atmospheric effects no longer play on planets without an atmosphere.Story details from the In Stellar Multitudes mission now appear in the Journey Records page in the catalogue.Reduced the number of corrupt drones that attack player settlements.The space station marker is now dynamically offset, preventing the marker from obscuring the station while at a distance.Fixed a number of minor text issues in some extractor UIs.Fixed a number of minor text and icon issues in shop interactions.Fixed an issue that caused companions that were set to use no accessories to have a random accessory assigned after re-summoning them.Fixed an issue that caused the starship to too-aggressively lock on to markers when engaging the pulse engine.An organic version of the Teleport Receiver has been added for use in living starships.Fixed an issue that caused the repair requirements for several living starship technologies to all be the same.Lingering on-screen display messages that report pulse drive errors will now clear as soon as a successful pulse drive engagement is detected.Save SystemSignificantly improved the compression used for saved games, improving filesizes and upload/download times for players in the cross-save beta.Created a section for cross-save settings within the general Options menu.Players in the cross-save beta are now alerted to situations where uploads are timing out, and can manually adjust how long the game will wait for a successful upload before detecting a timeout and cancelling.CookingNew fossil-related cooking recipes have been added.Base storage container inventories are now accessible while cooking.Fixed an issue that prevented access to the nutrient processors internal storage while on a freighter or the Exo-Skiff.Fixed a number of issues while cooking the Exo-Skiff, including progress resetting or incorrect items appearing in various slots.Cronos grill on the Space Anomaly can now be used by several players at once.Fixed an issue that made it impossible to cook jellied eels.Abandoned Mode ImprovementsMulti-Tools found in abandoned mode are now always free, but start with damaged slots.Settlement-related missions will no longer start in abandoned mode.Abandoned space stations now have access to Exosuit, starship, and Multi-Tool upgrade stations.Additional salvage boxes have been added around abandoned space stations containing valuable upgrades and inventory expansion modules.Purple systems are now unlocked automatically in abandoned mode.In abandoned mode, crashed freighter containers and other buried caches can now contain additional valuable upgrades.OptimizationIntroduced a number of optimizations to planetary prop rendering.Introduced an optimization to dynamic physics groups.Introduced a significant memory optimization for nav mesh generation.Introduced a number of minor texture memory optimizations.Introduced an optimization for loading large bases.Introduced a number of optimizations for text display, particularly in the Journey Records pages.Introduced an optimization to the various catalogue and guide pages.Other Bug FixesFixed a number of issues that could occur when warping on board another players freighter.Fixed an issue that could cause water creatures to be generated for a planet that would never have deep enough water for those creatures to spawn.Fixed a number of mission blockers in They Who Returned.Fixed an issue that could cause some bases to become invisible when constructed at the waters surface on ocean planets.Fixed an issue that could cause PC players to appear jerky in cross-platform multiplayer.Fixed a rare issue that could cause players settings to reset in VR.Fixed an issue that could cause NPCs to sink into the floor.Fixed an issue that could cause a softlock when browsing the Exocraft inventory.Fixed a rare hang on load when returning to a savegame that was saved while in an Exocraft after playing in multiplayer.Fixed a rare crash related to camera shakes.Fixed a memory-related crash on PlayStation 5.Fixed a number of rare crashes related to mesh scaling.Fixed a number of rare maths-related crashes.Fixed an issue that could cause some planetary props to pop in.Fixed a number of Mac-specific rendering issues.Fixed a rare issue that could cause saves to reach a max size and stop saving on Nintendo Switchsaves can now expand as required.Fixed an issue that could cause multiple ships to become docked to the same landing pad.Improved the placement positioning of decorative base building props.Fixed a number of text clipping issues in large popups.Fixed an issue that could cause a teleport destination to have two copies of a mission marker added.Fixed an issue that could make interactions difficult on freighters that were summoned a long way from the centre of the solar system.Fixed a number of issues affecting markers and planet labels when entering atmosphere.Fixed a rare issue that could cause empty systems to generate incorrect information about their potential Atlas Stations.Fixed an issue that could cause the galaxy map to incorrectly choose a purple system as part of its path to a distant star when purple systems are not unlocked.Fixed an issue that could cause players to start in a purple system when arriving in a new galaxy, when purple systems were not unlocked.Fixed an issue that caused the water effects from the Nautilon submarine to remain in the world after summoning the sub to a new location.Fixed an issue that prevented Exocraft laser effects from playing correctly in multiplayer.Fixed an issue that could cause erratic torso movements in Sentinel mechs.Fixed an issue that could cause the ship to hover as if above water when reloading on a planet.Fixed a number of inconsistencies in creature descriptions, where creatures would be described as being from the wrong environment.Fixed an incorrect texture being used for the Titan expedition in the expedition history screen.Fixed a number of decals and posters from previous expeditions being missing from the catalogue.Fixed an issue that caused a number of unusable and legacy items to be included in the catalogue.

Sony has revealed its next slate of free games for PlayStation Plus Essential (and, by extension, Extra and Premium) subscribers. Starting April 1st until May 5th, theyll receive RoboCop: Rogue City on PS5, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on PS4 and PS5, and Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Hackers Memory on PS4.Developed by Teyon, RoboCop: Rogue City occurs between the second and third movies in the franchise, with RoboCop investigating a conspiracy. As a more old-school first-person shooter, your mission is to clean up Old Detroit, whether that involves completing an investigation or gunning down crooks. A standalone expansion, Unfinished Business, is out in Q3 2025, so its the perfect time to dive in.The Texas Chain Saw Massacre is an asymmetrical horror game based on the series first film. Players can control Survivors attempting to escape the Slaughter Family or embody the killers and hunt them down.Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth Hackers Memory follows the base games story and offers more than 320 Digimon. You control Keisuke Amazawa, who dives into the Digital World to clear his name in a more mature story.

The Mauritius ornate day gecko (Phelsuma ornata) is a diurnal species of gecko in the family Gekkonidae, the common geckos. It occurs in Mauritius, on the main island up to an elevation of 300 metres (980 feet) and on most of the surrounding islands. The species feeds on insects and nectar from flowering plants. It has a typical length of 10 to 13 centimetres (3.9 to 5.1 inches), and can be bluish green, with a back covered with red coloured dots and a head with a T-shaped pattern. This Mauritius ornate day gecko was photographed on the le aux Aigrettes, an islet of the southeastern coast of the main island.Photograph credit: Charles J. SharpRecently featured: Francis Scott Key Bridge collapseKefermarkt altarpieceHyacinth macawArchiveMore featured pictures

March 27: Day of the Union of Bessarabia with Romania (1918)Ball-and-stick model of sildenafil1884 Outraged by a jury's decision to convict a man of manslaughter instead of murder, a mob in Cincinnati, Ohio, began three days of rioting.1899 PhilippineAmerican War: American forces defeated troops commanded by Philippine president Emilio Aguinaldo at the Battle of Marilao River.1998 The Food and Drug Administration approved the drug sildenafil (chemical structure pictured), better known by the trade name Viagra, as the first treatment approved in the United States as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.1999 NATO bombing of Yugoslavia: A U.S. Air Force F-117 stealth aircraft was shot down by a Yugoslav Army unit.2020 North Macedonia became a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).Jonathan Jennings (b.1784)Doug Wilkerson (b.1947)Elisheva Bikhovski (d.1949)T.Sailo (d.2015)More anniversaries: March 26March 27March 28ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout