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This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.The first trial of generative AI therapy shows it might help with depressionThe first clinical trial of a generative AI therapy bot suggests it was as effective as human therapy for people with depression, anxiety, or risk for developing eating disorders. Even so, it doesnt give a go-ahead to the dozens of companies hyping such technologies while operating in a regulatory gray area. Read the full story.James ODonnellHow a bankruptcy judge can stop a genetic privacy disasterKeith PorcaroThe fate of 15 million peoples genetic data rests in the hands of a bankruptcy judge now that 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy. But theres still a small chance of writing a better ending for usersand its a simple fix. Read the full story.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 Meet the online activists fighting back against ICE raidsTheir networks are warning migrants about ICE officer hotspots in major cities. (WP $)+ Noncitizens are growing increasingly anxious. (NPR)2 US health experts were ordered to bury a measles forecastThe assessment warned the risk of catching the virus was high in areas with lower vaccination rates. (ProPublica)+ The former US covid chief has called the outbreak wholly preventable. (Politico)+ How measuring vaccine hesitancy could help health professionals tackle it. (MIT Technology Review)3 Donald Trump is confident a TikTok deal is forthcomingAhead of the impending deadline on Saturday. (Reuters)4 Chinas efforts to clean up air pollution are accelerating global warmingIts dirty air had been inadvertently cooling the planet. (New Scientist $)+ Whos to blame for climate change? Its surprisingly complicated. (MIT Technology Review)5 Brands are spending small amounts on X to appease Elon MuskTheyre doing what they can to avoid triggering a public fallout with the billionaire. (FT $)+ Musks X has a new ownerits, err, Musks xAI. (CNBC)6 Campaigners are calling to pause a mental health inpatient monitoring systemThe Oxevision system remotely tracks patients breathing and heart rates. (The Guardian)+ This AI-powered black box could make surgery safer. (MIT Technology Review)7 The US and China are locked in a race to produce the first useful humanoid robotThe first to succeed will dominate the future of many labor-intensive industries. (WSJ $)+ Beijing is treating humanoid robots as a major future industry. (WP $)8 Data center operators are inking solar power dealsIts a proven, clean technology that is relatively low-cost. (TechCrunch)+ The cost of AI services is dropping. (The Information $)+ Why the US is still trying to make mirror-magnified solar energy work. (MIT Technology Review)9 H&M plans to create digital replicas of its modelsWhich means the retailer could outsource entire photoshoots to AI. (NYT $)+ The metaverse fashion stylists are here. (MIT Technology Review)10 What its like to drive a Tesla Cybertruck in Washington DCExpect a whole lot of abuse. (The Atlantic $)+ Protestors are gathering at Tesla showrooms across America. (Insider $)Quote of the dayViruses dont need a passport.Dr William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, warns CNN that the US measles outbreak could spread widely to other countries.The big storyMarseilles battle against the surveillance stateJune 2022Across the world, video cameras have become an accepted feature of urban life. Many cities in China now have dense networks of them, and London and New Delhi arent far behind. Now France is playing catch-up.Concerns have been raised throughout the country. But the surveillance rollout has met special resistance in Marseille, Frances second-biggest city.Its unsurprising, perhaps, that activists are fighting back against the cameras, highlighting the surveillance systems overreach and underperformance. But are they succeeding? Read the full story.Fleur MacdonaldWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ The online pocket computer museum is exceptionally charming.+ Theres an entirely new cat color emerging, and scientists have finally worked out why.+ Experiencing Bluesky skeets posted in real time is a seriously trippy business.+ Never underestimate the power of a good deed.

In a new interview, Apple executives who worked on the AirPods Pro 2 hearing feature reveal how long the development was, and how the H2 chip proved to be crucial.AirPods ProApple has allowed journalists into its AirPods Pro audio testing labs before. But now that the hearing aid feature has been released in Australia, the company has discussed more details of the development with local media.Bergeron said that it was really with the release of the first generation of AirPods Pro in 2019 that the company to think it might have the ability to create a hearing aid feature. Even then, it was not a full development program, and she implies it wouldn't become so until the H2 was being designed. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

On the latest episode of the HomeKit Insider Podcast, we cover the newly-leaked Hue doorbell, some rumored devices types coming to Matter 1.5 this spring, and talk about the impending iOS 18.4 release.HomeKit Insider PodcastWe start off this week's episode rounding up some of the new features coming in iOS 18.4 that are most relevant for the smart home. New features include a new recipe guide, Matter vacuums, and more.On the heels of the iOS 18.4 update, we pivot to the first Matter smoke detector hitting shelves. Also included with iOS 18.4, Sensero is the first compatible model up for preorder. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Following our previous visit toColega Architects, we are moving ourMeet Your Next Employer seriesto San Francisco this week to explore the work ofDumican Mosey Architects.Founded in 2006 by Eric Dumican and Matthew Mosey, the architecture and interiors firm has built a portfolio ranging from small infill projects to large-scale communities. We pride ourselves on an elastic approach to each project, marrying a service-centered drive to fulfill our clients hopes and aspirations with a dedicated commitment to pushing the boundaries of architectural form and practice, the firm says about its approach.Over on Archinect Jobs, the firm iscurrently hiringfor an Intermediate to Senior-Level Designer to join their San Francisco team. For candidates interested in applying for a position or anybody interested in learning more about the firms output, we have rounded up five homes by Dumican Mosey Architects that exemplify the firms ethos.SOMA Residence, Artist Gallery & Studio. Ima...

Rebellion Developments and XR Games have announced that VR shooter Zombie Army VR will be coming to PlayStation VR2, SteamVR, Meta Quest 2, and Meta Quest 3 on May 22. The game, priced at $29.99, is now available for pre-orders across all of the platforms.Zombie Army VR is a continuation of the story set forth by the Zombie Army franchise. In the game, players take on the role of a Deadhunter tasked with taking down zombie war criminals. Players will have to take on undead hordes near the bombed-out city of Nuremberg, and in the process, help Deadhunter leader Hermann Wolff find his family.As the games own store description puts it, the story of Zombie Army VR will ultimately revolve around bringing peace back to Europe, which still remains ravaged by war and zombies even after the death of Zombie Hitler.In Zombie Army VR, players will be able to make use both of their hands for an immersive experience. The use of both hands carries over to a number of gameplay options, including aiming down a guns sights, dual-wielding pistols and submachine guns, and even reloading when you run out of bullets.Among the vast arsenal players will have access to in Zombie Army VR are various kinds of sniper rifles, submachine guns, pistols, and other tools. All of these will be based on real-world World War 2 weaponry. Players will also be able to get their hands on upgrade kits to further make their guns more powerful, as well as earn experience to level up in order to get better accuracy.The traditional X-ray Kill Cams from the Zombie Army series will also be returning in Zombie Army VR, along with the kind of gameplay that fans of the series expect. Check out the trailer below for more details.The most recent title in the franchise was Zombie Army 4: Dead War, which was originally released back in 2020 on PC, PS4 and Xbox One. The game has since also been brought over to the Nintendo Switch. For PS5 and Xbox Series X/S players, Zombie Army 4: Dead War also got updated to make use of the most powerful hardware on current-gen consoles, allowing for better frame rates and higher resolutions.Check out our review of Zombie Army 4: Dead War from back in 2020 for more details.

April has its share of big releases, yet Sandfall Interactives Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is one of the more intriguing. It went gold recently, and in a new tweet, the developer announced that it crossed one million wishlists.How this will translate into sales is unknown, but it reflects some anticipation for the turn-based RPG. Launching on April 24th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is about an expedition setting out to slay the Paintress. After an incident results in the deaths of many in the group, its up to Gustave, Maelle, Lune, and Sciel to carry out the mission.The English voice cast features heavy hitters like Ben Starr, Charlie Cox, Jennifer English, and Andy Serkis. However, Expedition 33 also promises over 30 hours of gameplay with about as much side content and a combat system with parrying mechanics inspired by Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Check out the latest character trailer and stay tuned for more updates.Weve officially surpassed ONE MILLION wishlists!Were absolutely blown away by your support. Thank you all for being part of this journey.With you by our side, The Paintress doesnt stand a chance.Tomorrow comes. pic.twitter.com/YWW3EF40kR Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 (@expedition33) March 29, 2025

Image credit: The SHIFT Architecture ChallengeThe Ontario Association of Architects (OAA), provincial regulator of the practice of architecture, has announced the six selections for its SHIFT2025 Challenge, a biennial aspirational ideas competition that recognizes the potential of architectural thinking to address societal issues.This years theme, Reshaping Communities, asked the profession to explore how they could develop sustainable solutions. From urban revitalization and reconceptualization to adaptations responding to climate change and other emergencies, the competition sought out conceptual, yet possible, architectural ideas for communities that enabled all people to find stability, a sense of belonging, and hope.At the heart of the SHIFT2025 Challenge is a call to action to approach critical issues with innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to community well-being, said Ted Wilson, OAA president. We are excited to unveil this years exceptional selections, which demonstrate how architectural thinking can inspire and shape a future where communities not only adapt, but also thrive in the face of uncertainty.The six projects were chosen by a jury of experts for their creativity, feasibility, and emphasis on sustainability. They also reflected diverse strategies required to create adaptable, inclusive, and climate-conscious communities.The winners include the following.Subdivillage: Isometric drawing of a subdivilage development. Team led by Architects Naama Blonder and Misha BereznyakSubdivillageTeam led by Architects Naama Blonder and Misha BereznyakSubdivillage addresses low-density growth by redesigning suburban street networks in order to improve walkability, cycling, and local trips within the realities of low density, car reliance, and limited transit. Without raising costs or density, the concept creates livable communities ready for future transit and growth.The City Limits: Vignette of a streetscape re-design of a Toronto suburb. Team led by Architect Tim ScottThe City Limits: Rethinking a 100-year-old Toronto SuburbTeam led by Architect Tim ScottThe City Limits: Rethinking a 100-year-old Toronto Suburb envisions a sustainable future by integrating climate-focused design, quadrupling residential density, reclaiming streets as public spaces, and creating human-scaled, connected neighbourhoods with carbon net zero strategies and cohesive urban living.Swansea Park: Illustrative drawing of an eco-habitat in a suburban development. Team led by Architect David PetersonSwansea Park: A Development Concept for the Former Swansea MewsTeam led by Architect David PetersonSwansea Park: A Development Concept for the Former Swansea Mews imagines blending nature and urban living through a central naturalized park, doubling housing density with modular mid-rise buildings, and fostering biodiversity alongside vibrant public spaces for community engagement.Parkdale Commons: Sectional drawing of a silo and supported programmatic space. Team led by Architects Luc Johnston and Nancy ChaoParkdale Commons: A Living Food BankTeam led by Architects Luc Johnston and Nancy ChaoThis project transforms Torontos Parkdale Community Food Bank into an adaptive space, fostering resilience, food security, and sustainable connections through thoughtful architecture evolving with diverse neighbourhood needs and strengthening community empowerment.The Living Core: Diagram of the Living Core project concept showing destruction and rebuilding. Team led by Architect David DiGiuseppeThe Living Core: Designing for Resiliency at HomeTeam led by Architect David DiGiuseppeThis project reimagines housing with a tornado-resilient design, integrating cost-effective rebuilding and essential functions to protect small-town Ontarios economic and cultural fabric while fostering adaptable, secure, and sustainable living spaces.Speculative Assemblies: Detailed drawing of a speculative assembly using straw. Team led by Architect Jerry HackerSpeculative Assemblies: From Pine Needles to Pressed CoffeeTeam led by Architect Jerry HackerThis project conceives a sustainable future by reimagining building practiceseliminating plastics, toxins, and exploitative supply chainsthrough regenerative, biodegradable materials that promote biodiversity, human health, and environmental renewal while addressing urgent climate and ecological emergencies.Each of these winning projects underscores the importance of designing for adaptability in the face of climate change, technological advancements, and societal shifts, said Wilson. The OAA congratulates these selections for their exceptional contributions to reimagine the future of communities in Canada and beyond.These six projects will be celebrated at the Westin Ottawa during a special event on May 15 as part of the OAA Conference. The selections will also be featured in a special publicationand online for the broader public to explore.For more information, click here.The post Six selections chosen for OAAs SHIFT2025 Challenge appeared first on Canadian Architect.

A16z Speedrun is taking applications for its fifth event, where startups in the interactive and tech spaces receive advice and funding.Read More