Amazons Big Spring Sale has been introducing some of the years top deals along with it including savings that even surpass Black Friday deals.Among those standout deals is a portable charger from Anker, a 10,000mAh 30W portable power bank, which now sells for just $12a 50% discount from its normal price of $25. Most noticeably, the same power bank retailed at $16 during last years Black Friday sale which makes this offer even more attractive.See at AmazonKeeps Your Devices PoweredThis 10,000mAh portable charger is a little powerhouse that will keep your devices powered wherever you go. With a capacity of 10,000mAh, it can charge most smartphones two times completely and even provide emergency power to tablets or mini laptops. Its 30W fast charging ensures that your devices will be charged in no time and efficiently.Whether on a long flight or driving to work, this power bank guarantees you will never be in need of searching for a plug. It has a two-way USB-C port, which makes it both input and output. That means you can fast-charge the power bank as well since you get to utilize it to charge your other devices at high speed.Of course, the most significant benefit of this Anker power bank is how versatile it is: It supports all of the current models ranging from the iPhones (up to the latest iPhone 16), iPads, MacBooks, Galaxy phones, Google Pixels, among many others. The PowerIQ technology that comes with it ensures charging speeds are maximized for each device that is plugged in, preventing overheating or overcharging and keeping them at their best performance.The design of this Anker charger is another plus point: Weighing just 215 grams and measuring only a few centimeters in thickness, its incredibly portablesmall enough to fit in your pocket or bag without adding bulk. Despite its compact size, its build quality is robust, with a smooth finish that feels premium in hand. The device also features an LED indicator that provides real-time updates on the battery level, so youll always know when its time to recharge.What sets this power bank apart from others in its category is how efficient and reliable it is: The USB-C port allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously when used with its USB-A port or another cable. This allows you to charge your phone and another devicelike wireless earbuds or a smartwatchat the same time without losing speed. The lithium battery of the power bank also allows for long-lasting performance and consistent use across hundreds of charging cycles.At just $12 down from $25 during Amazons Big Spring Sale, this deal on the Anker charger is truly unmatched. It offer exceptional value for money with its high-capacity battery and fast-charging capabilities and it comes from one of the most trusted names in portable charging solutions.See at Amazon

Third Places in the United States: Commercialized or Community-Centered?Save this picture!Media Library [Third-Place] in Thionville / Dominique Coulon & associs. Image Eugeni PONSThe modern world is disconnected. Online interactions dominate the daily lives of people across the world. This shift is not just a result of the rise of the internet, but also a stark reflection of the decline of public spaces, particularly third places. Third places, once essential for promoting community and social cohesion, have evolved drastically over the past few decades. In today's commercialized landscape, third places face plenty of demands from users and designers alike, calling for a need to reconsider their accessibility and purpose."The Great Good Place" by sociologist Ray Oldenburg featured the first mention of the term "third place", the writing being a response to the privatization of domestic life driven by urban sprawl and suburban development. Oldenburg identified these spaces as distinct from our homes and places of work, initially categorizing cafs, bars, libraries, barbershops, parks, and other locations where locals would gather to socialize outside their primary domains.Save this picture!The key function of third places was to serve as a social anchor. They were accessible and inclusive environments that demanded a neutral ground for visitors to relax, interact, spread ideas, and build connections regardless of their social status or background. Anthropologists have long studied public areas like plazas and markets as essential elements of the public sphere. These spaces have historically expressed cultural norms while shaping a shared history. Related Article The Future Workspace That Isn't the Workplace In the United States, many elements of traditional neighborhood third places emerged during the 1950s post-war economic boom. Local diners, town libraries, bowling halls, and modern hair salons became fixtures of community life. The widespread adoption of automobiles created a commuter culture, which increased the need for intermediate spaces where people could connect. However, the subsequent decades brought significant challenges to these communal spaces.Since World War II, American life has become increasingly private and isolated. The shift toward suburban living created neighborhoods lacking natural gathering places. William Whyte observed that many urban "public spaces," like plazas in front of skyscrapers, were created as technical concessions to developers rather than thoughtful community spaces.Save this picture!The rise of big-box retailers further undermined small local businesses that once functioned as third places. Highway construction often carved through urban neighborhoods, physically dividing communities and destroying organic gathering spots. During this period, urban planning frequently overlooked the human-scale activities that once thrived in spaces between buildings not officially designated as "public."Save this picture!Surprisingly, American third places faced a similar outcome post-revival, 70 years later with the COVID-19 pandemic. Lockdowns and social distancing measures forced temporary closures of countless gathering spots, accelerating their decline and pushing social interaction online. As physical third places became inaccessible, digital platforms increasingly filled this void. Social media networks, online communities, and virtual meeting spaces began functioning as de facto third places.Save this picture!Post-pandemic third places in the United States mimic patterns seen post World War II. Private entities have seized the opportunity to revive social life in public spaces, establishing ventures within workplaces and retail buildings to meet people's growing need for social interaction. The rise of hobbyism has led more people to seek specialized spaces aligned with their particular interests, amplifying the rise of commercial third places. These new incarnations frequently have elements of subculture, where "proof of membership is signalled by external self-expression," according to social observers. Today's third places increasingly blur the line between community space and commercial enterprise. In workplace design, "third spaces" now describe areas that offer employees a retreat from formal settings. By incorporating elements of hospitality and comfort, these spaces aim to encourage collaboration while enhancing employee satisfaction.Save this picture!Save this picture!Retail brands are also reimagining stores as community hubs in the United States. Brands like Patagonia and Glossier have created experiential spaces that prioritize social interaction alongside commerce. Public markets and co-working spaces like WeWork design their experiences to catalyze social interaction and amongst visitors. Corporate offices are also opening previously private spaces to the public, making cafeterias and lounges accessible to non-employees to create more social purpose while developing new revenue streams.This trend raises important questions: Are third places becoming too commercialized? Should authentic third places be freely accessible to all? Is it acceptable for third places to create niche communities rather than broadly inclusive spaces?Save this picture!The approach of niche versus broadly inclusive third places reflects our changing social landscape. Traditional third places like the neighborhood diner or local park served geographic communities where diversity naturally occurred through proximity. Modern third places increasingly serve communities of interest or identity, which can strengthen bonds between like-minded individuals but potentially reduce cross-cultural interaction.Rather than seeing this as an either/or proposition, urban planners and community leaders should advocate for an ecosystem of third placessome specialized around particular interests or identities, others deliberately designed for broad accessibility and diversity. The most successful third places will likely balance commercial viability with social accessibility. The true measure of a third place isn't whether money changes hands, but whether it encourages connection, builds social capital, and strengthens the fabric of community life. Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorAnkitha GattupalliAuthorCite: Ankitha Gattupalli. "Third Places in the United States: Commercialized or Community-Centered?" 31 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028553/third-places-in-the-united-states-commercialized-or-community-centered&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

bofumil sendagaya Caf / Jo Nagasaka + Schemata ArchitectsSave this picture! Takeshi AbeTokyo, JapanArchitects: Jo Nagasaka, Schemata ArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:25 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Takeshi AbeMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Bohumil Coffee opened in Seoul, South Korea, in May 2023. Since the summer of 2024, it has also operated as Bohumil sendagaya in the corner of Schemata Architect's office in Tokyo. Bohumil Coffee in Seoul is located in an old reinforced concrete building in Seongsu, a former factory district that has transformed into a trendy area with cafes, shops, and galleries. However, the building was slated for demolition and reconstruction, and the owner, Mr. Kim, was looking for a place to open a temporary shop while reconstruction was underway.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!He set his eyes on the office of Schemata Architects, who was in charge of designing the new building in Seongsu. The building of Schemata Architects on the corner site was formerly a stationary wholesaler's warehouse. It has a parking space of about 3.3 m2, and the plan was to convert it into a cafe, including the kitchen that faces the parking space. The Bohumil shop, including the staff, moved here across the sea.Save this picture!Save this picture!Mr. Kim is the founder of Anthracite, a popular cafe in South Korea. Anthracite represents the third-wave coffee movement, creating stylish spaces by renovating old buildings such as former factories. However, buildings that accommodate trendy tenants in Korea become gentrified, and their prices skyrocket after ten years. Instead of getting caught up in this cycle, the Bohumil project began with the idea of creating a "fourth wave" place where coffee lovers could drop in casually.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Bohumil sendagaya is like a mock-up cafe or a place to conduct studies for this purpose, which is constantly being re-created while remaining open for business. While studying the layout of the furniture, plants, and signage on a 1:1 scale on-site, we are making repeated trials and errors for the Bohumil flagship cafe that will eventually be rebuilt in a new building in Seoul. Our experiment, which inserts a small shop discreetly into an existing space, will continue here for a little longer to explore what a small yet sustainable cafe will be like.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeSchemata ArchitectsOfficeJo NagasakaOfficePublished on March 31, 2025Cite: "bofumil sendagaya Caf / Jo Nagasaka + Schemata Architects" 31 Mar 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1028549/bofumil-sendagaya-cafe-jo-nagasaka-plus-schemata-architects&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Nvidias GTC (GPU Technology Conference) has firmly established itself as the leading event for artificial intelligence (AI) and accelerated computing. GTC 2025 was no exception. It was packed with significant announcements and showcased the companys continued dominance in the AI hardware space. However, the event also highlighted some potential challenges and shifts in the competitive landscape.Lets break down the key announcements from GTC 2025. Then, Ill close with my Product of the Week a standout AI laptop from Lenovo that reflects where PC innovation is heading.GTC 2025: Key AI and Hardware RevealsGTC 2025 saw Nvidia unveil a range of new products and technologies, reinforcing its position at the forefront of AI innovation. Key announcements included:Blackwell Ultra: Nvidia introduced the Blackwell Ultra GPU architecture, an enhanced version of its Blackwell platform designed for demanding AI reasoning models. Blackwell Ultra boasts increased memory capacity and improved performance, further solidifying Nvidias commitment to pushing the boundaries of AI compute.Rubin Architecture: Looking ahead, Nvidia announced the Rubin architecture, the successor to Blackwell, promising even better performance and efficiency for AI data centers. This announcement underscores Nvidias annual cadence of innovation in AI infrastructure.Isaac GR00T N1: Nvidia made a significant push in robotics with the unveiling of Isaac GR00T N1 (pictured above), the worlds first open, fully customizable foundation model for humanoid robots. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of general-purpose robots capable of performing a wide range of tasks.Quantum Computing Efforts: Nvidia announced its foray into quantum computing by establishing the Nvidia Accelerated Quantum Computing Research Center (NVAQC) in Boston. This initiative signals Nvidias intention to play a key role in the future of quantum computing.These announcements demonstrate Nvidias continued focus on driving advancements across the AI spectrum, from fundamental hardware to software platforms and emerging fields like robotics and quantum computing.Risks of Nvidias AI Market LeadershipNvidias dominant position in the AI hardware market also carries inherent risks. The danger of being the leader in any field is the potential to become complacent and take competition for granted. While Nvidia continues to innovate, there were aspects of GTC 2025 that raised some concerns. Notably, the event lacked the compelling demonstrations of real-world AI applications that characterized previous GTCs. In past years, GTC showcased how Nvidias technology was being used to solve specific problems and drive innovation across various industries.This year, with the exception of robotics, the focus seemed to be more on the underlying technology and future roadmaps than on tangible, present-day applications.Missed Opportunity for AI in ActionWhile the robotics demonstrations were impressive, they often leaned toward entertainment rather than showcasing practical applications for getting real-world work done. For example, while seeing a robot out of Star Wars is fun to watch, it may not have resonated as strongly with professionals seeking to leverage AI for business productivity or scientific research.Furthermore, Nvidias CEO, Jensen Huang, a charismatic and influential figure in the tech industry, did not prominently feature a personal AI assistant or demonstrate how he personally uses AI to enhance his daily workflow.In an era where AI assistants should be becoming increasingly sophisticated, the absence of such a demonstration from the leader of an AI powerhouse was notable. This absence raises questions about the maturity and practicality of AI assistants in everyday executive use, or at least Nvidias public messaging around them.Growing Threats to Nvidias AI DominanceNvidias dominance in the AI hardware market is also facing increasing competition:AMD has emerged as a strong number two in the GPU market, making significant inroads into Nvidias traditional strongholds. AMD offers competitive products and solutions, particularly in the data center space, and is gaining traction with key customers.China is rapidly developing its own AI hardware capabilities. Companies like Huawei and others are investing heavily in domestic GPU and AI chip development, driven by both commercial ambitions and a desire for technological self-reliance. Given the ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade restrictions, Chinese companies are highly motivated to create competitive alternatives to Western technology, including Nvidias products.A Quantum Leap?Nvidias increased focus on quantum computing, highlighted by the announcement of its new research center, represents a potentially transformative shift for the company. While still in its early stages, quantum computing holds the promise of revolutionizing computation and solving problems that are intractable for classical computers.However, Nvidia is entering a field with already established players. Companies like IBM, Google, and numerous startups are actively pursuing quantum computing research and development. China is also making significant investments in this area, viewing it as a strategic technology for future economic and technological leadership. Other companies with compelling quantum efforts include:Rigetti ComputingHoneywell Quantum SolutionsIonQPsiQuantumNvidias expertise in accelerated computing could give it an advantage in developing hybrid quantum-classical systems, but it faces stiff competition from these established players.Gaming Takes Back Seat at GTCAnother notable aspect of GTC 2025 was the relative lack of emphasis on gaming.In the past, GTC was a significant event for showcasing the latest advancements in gaming technology, with a strong focus on graphics performance and new gaming experiences. However, gaming took a backseat to AI and data center technologies this year. The absence of significant announcements related to AI-powered non-player characters (NPCs) in games was conspicuous. While AI has the potential to revolutionize gaming by creating more dynamic, realistic, and engaging virtual characters, this area did not seem to be a major focus at GTC 2025.Wrapping UpNvidia is undoubtedly at a pivotal moment. The companys leadership in AI hardware has propelled it to unprecedented success, but it cannot afford to rest on its laurels. To maintain its position and capitalize on the full potential of AI, Nvidia must:Demonstrate Real-World Impact: Focus on showcasing how its technology is being used to solve practical problems and drive tangible benefits across industries.Embrace the Application Layer: Go beyond simply providing the hardware and play a more active role in enabling the development of innovative AI applications.Navigate the Competitive Landscape: Aggressively address the challenges posed by rising competitors like AMD and Chinas growing technological prowess.Strategically Pursue New Frontiers: While exploring promising areas like quantum computing is essential, Nvidia must ensure that these efforts complement, rather than distract from, its core focus on AI.Remember Its Roots: While the company has expanded far beyond its gaming origins, Nvidia should not completely abandon this market, as it remains an important source of innovation and a key driver of technological advancement.GTC 2025 underscored Nvidias continued leadership in AI hardware but also highlighted the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. To thrive in the long term, Nvidia must remain focused, demonstrate the practical power of AI, and avoid devolving into a company that merely touts speeds and feeds.Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura EditionPhoto by AuthorThe Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition represents a change of direction from traditional ThinkPad design, offering a modern, ultraportable take on the business laptop. It also showcases how far Intel has come in the AI PC race. The X9 14 Aura Edition sports a sleek, slim, and light design, a departure from the classic matte black hybrid chassis of previous ThinkPads.Design and Build QualityIts constructed from recycled aluminum and comes in a Thunder Gray color. It has premium build quality and feels modern, with tiny display bezels and a sizeable haptic touchpad. To achieve its slim profile, Lenovo incorporated an engine hub bar at the bottom rear of the laptop, housing expansion ports and the cooling system. This design is functional and gives the X9 a unique look.The laptop is also MIL-STD 810H certified, indicating it can withstand travel hazards like shock, vibration, and extreme temperatures. Its unique ribbed bottom makes it one of the easiest Ive tested to hold and carry.Display Options and Visual ExperienceThe X9 14 Aura Edition features a 14-inch display. A key highlight is the option for a 2.8K OLED touchscreen, which is described as bright and colorful and offers excellent contrast. The OLED display supports Dolby Vision and Windows 11s adaptive color capabilities. Other configurations include a 1920 x 1200 resolution non-touch display.The laptop is designed for efficiency and extended power. In terms of performance, the device is powered by Intel Core Ultra processors and includes integrated Intel Arc graphics. Configurations come with LPDDR5X memory. Storage is provided by M.2 PCIe Gen4 SSDs.Performance and AI CapabilitiesThe X9 14 Aura Edition includes AI features co-developed with Intel, such as Smart Modes like Attention and Wellness. It has a high-resolution 8 MP webcam, which is noted for its quality. It includes Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI port, and Wi-Fi 7 for connectivity. Security features include a fingerprint reader in the power button and Windows Hello face recognition.Keyboard, Touchpad, and AudioThe keyboard is an island-style keyboard with soft, flat, square keys. Some reviews note that it has a shallower feel compared to the keyboards on other ThinkPad models. The laptop has a large, buttonless touchpad that glides smoothly.In terms of audio, the X9 14 Aura Edition includes downward-firing stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos spatial audio capabilities. The audio quality is described as clear and sufficient to fill a room.Bottom Line on the ThinkPad X9 14 Aura EditionThe X9 14 Aura Editions pros include its compact and modern design, premium build quality, gorgeous OLED display option, and modern connectivity features. Its cons include a keyboard that may not be Lenovos best, a lack of USB-A ports and an SD/microSD card slot, and no mobile broadband option in some configurations.Overall, the Lenovo ThinkPad X9 14 Aura Edition is a modern and stylish ultraportable laptop that blends performance, portability, and a premium user experience. This business laptop is a departure from traditional ThinkPad designs, targeting users who prioritize a sleek and modern aesthetic without sacrificing business-grade features and it earns my pick for Product of the Week.

Nature, Published online: 31 March 2025; doi:10.1038/d41586-025-00936-0Marine ecologist Gemma Galbraith builds remotely operated vehicles and uses them to assess how coral reefs are being affected by climate change.

Would you be interested in some video content from the 80 Level team? (interviews with developers, portfolio reviews with acclaimed Digital Artists as reviewers, etc.)

This golden retriever portrait is not a photo but a highly realistic 3D model created by @KenichiNishida.The artwork was made with Houdini, Maya, Substance 3D Painter, Nuke, and UVLayout: https://80.lv/articles/take-a-look-at-this-realistic-cg-portrait-of-an-adorable-golden-retriever/

CapcomMonster Hunter Wilds, released on February 28, has hit a huge milestone: it has sold 10 million units worldwide in just one month.Capcoms title was developed on its proprietary RE ENGINE, offering lush environments and fascinating creatures to players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. On its release date, the game attracted almost a million concurrent players on Steam, securing its place as one of the most successful games in 2025.Monster Hunter Wilds will see its first free Title Update on April 4, adding a fan-favorite monster and the Grand Hub, an in-game settlement where players can meet and talk to each other. The update after this is scheduled for summer.Capcom remains firmly committed to satisfying the expectations of all users by leveraging its industry leading game development capabilities in order to create highly entertaining gameplay experiences, the company said in its press release.Are you one of the players? Join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Keep readingYou may find these articles interestingMonster Hunter Wilds Producer Agrees That PC Is Major PlatformMonster Hunter Wilds Launches to Almost 1 Million Users on SteamSource link The post Monster Hunter Wilds Sells 10 Million Copies in One Month appeared first on CG SHARES.

If you are even a little bit interested in 3D, youve probably seen Sakura Rabbits amazing Unity projects she can really create mind-blowing things in the engine.Here is something new and old at the same time: Sakura has presented a URP version of her cyberpunk rainy scene using a Huawei Pocket 2 smartphone for real-time rendering. The rain shader produces realistic water droplets and puddles with ripples and accurate reflections on a phone as well.Want more? Then check out Sakura Rabbitscozy winter environment,real-time mesh deformations, andautomatic paving effect, onX/Twitter.Also, enjoy hereye tracking project, real-time creases, and wrinkles.Grab the Rain City project for mobile from the artists Fanbox and join our80 Level Talent platformand ournew Discord server, follow us onInstagram,Twitter,LinkedIn,Telegram,TikTok, andThreads,where we share breakdowns, the latest news, awesome artworks, and more.Source link The post Sakura Rabbit Created URP Version of Rain Scene Using Huawei Phone appeared first on CG SHARES.