AI sales rep startups are a very crowded market these days. If youre driving into San Francisco from the airport, youll probably spot billboards promising that you can Stop Hiring Humans (Artisan) or urging you to Hire Piper, the AI SDR (Qualified). While some of these startups are certainly growing fast, the field has its challenges and some VCs are wary.Anshul Gupta, co-founder of Actively AI, admits the early versions of these AI sales tools dont live up to their own hype. Gupta claims classic AI sales reps arent the right approach, telling TechCrunch theyve failed by focusing too much pure volume that means contacting as many potential customers as possible.Founded in 2022, Actively AI argues it has a different approach. The startup builds custom reasoning models for companies to sift through their data and find the highest-value prospects to sell to, mirroring the work that top human sales reps do.Its a new way of leveraging reasoning tech, a technique thats taken the AI world by storm by forcing AI models to flesh out their logic and double-check their work.Actively claims this method is working, touting that it has helped clients like fintech Ramp get tens of millions of dollars in extra revenue.The New York-based startup has now raised $17.5 million in Series A funding from Bain Capital Ventures, it exclusively told TechCrunch. That follows a previously unannounced $5 million seed round from First Round Capital, bringing total funding to $22.5 million.We call it GTM Superintelligencea reasoning-driven approach that doesnt just automate or assist, but actively makes the best possible decisions to drive growth, Activelys CEO (and other co-founder) Mihir Garimella said in a statement.The startup says it uses a combination of in-house models and popular reasoning models from OpenAI and Anthropic to power its tech. Both founders previously studied AI at Stanford, with Garimella focusing on a field closely related to reasoning called active learning, giving Actively its name.Activelys fundraise is the latest evidence that the boom in reasoning models could be spreading beyond foundational AI companies like OpenAI or DeepSeek to startups.Just last week, for example, a YC-backed startup raised $5 million claiming it had built a reasoning engine for slashing paperwork in healthcare. That startup, Taxo, said it had passed $1 million ARR in six months. (Actively declined to share its exact ARR, but said it has grown tenfold in 9 months.)Its still a bit early to tell whether Activelys reasoning-powered approach will work as advertised, or if this will become just a new spin on AI sales tools. After all, reasoning only really took off late last year with the rise of DeepSeek. For now, though, some investors are certainly buying the pitch.

Cloud infrastructure is dominated by several large industry players: AWS, Microsofts Azure, and Google Cloud. While to some it may look like AI is headed in a similar direction, the founders of Parasail think AI infrastructure will look very different and are betting their companys fate on it.Parasail works with dozens of providers to deliver on-demand GPUs for companies and enterprises looking to build AI models and applications. Parasail gives customers access to hardware, including Nvidias H100, H200, A100, and 4090 GPUs, at a fraction of the cost that incumbents charge, according to the company.Theres basically three cloud vendors who run the internet, and that isnt exactly how the internet is being rebuilt when you look at AI, Tim Harris, one of Parasails co-founders and the CEO of Swift Navigation, told TechCrunch. Its much more fragmented. The compute is much more fungible and fluid, so you can actually inherently run it in a more horizontal nature, and thats really what we were trying to do.Harris added, We didnt want a world where AI was controlled from soup to nuts by the hyperscalers.Harris and Parasail CEO Mike Henry had the idea for the startup a few years back. Henry, the former CPO of Groq, told TechCrunch that he had spent a long time thinking about what it would take to build AI infrastructure that could compete with Nvidia. He said that when he realized AI infrastructure was being rapidly built up by numerous players, he saw an opportunity for a horizontal move.According to Henry, the rapid clip of innovation happening in AI hardware was making it difficult for companies to keep up.We had to really focus on, how do we make [this] as simple as possible for the customer? Henry said. Theyre barely keeping up with the open-source model releases alone.Harris and Henry got started on the company back in 2023, hired an engineering team, and began building in early 2024. Today, theres no shortage of vendors looking to help enterprises and other companies build and scale their AI products. From hyperscalers like Nvidia and Microsoft to startups such as Together AI and Lepton AI, customers have plenty of options.The Parasail founders dont think theyre all one and the same. Sure, all these vendors provide GPUs and AI infrastructure, Henry said, but he thinks the proprietary technology Parasail has running under the hood helps it stand out. This tech is what connects Parasails GPUs from various sources together.Wednesday marks the official launch of its platform, but Parasail is already working with dozens of customers including Elicit, Weights & Biases, and Rasa. The company has also raised $10 million from a seed round in 2024 that had participation from Basis Set Ventures, Threshold Ventures, Buckley Ventures, and Black Opal Ventures.To gain meaningful market share, Parasail will have to go head-to-head with hyperscalers and bet on the demand for GPUs continuing to grow. There is reason to believe that it will, but there are also signs like Microsoft canceling some of its data center contracts that the predictions around needed AI infrastructure may be a bit overblown.We see literally no end [to] the demand, Harris said. Its really that customers have a hard time doing it have a hard time scaling AI. The models now are getting to a place where [companies] can just grab open-source models and pretty much run them, but then being able to get access to GPUs, access to data centers, all the optimizations we can do that with a click of a button.

Step into the mystical world of Carpathia with The Legend of Ochi, where a young girls fate intertwines with a mysterious creature. In this First Look, meet Ochi, the adorable yet elusive being brought to life through incredible puppetry!The VFX are made by:Kings Ransom Media (VFX Supervisor: Nicolaus Waetjen)XReality Studios (VFX Supervisor: Ignacio Lacosta)Selected Works (VFX Supervisor: Francois Roisin)In-house team (VFX Supervisor: Grant White, CG Supervisor: Erik Ferguson, VFX artists: Leandro Vasquez, Jack Stone, Chris Fraser, Giles Hicks, Ralph Briscoe andDaniel Lpez)The Production VFX Supervisor is Grant White.Director: Isaiah SaxonRelease Date: April 25, 2025 (USA) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025The post The Legend of Ochi appeared first on The Art of VFX.

AI-driven 3D modeling platform Tripo AI has introduced an Application Programming Interface (API) to generate high-quality 3D models from text and image inputs.With this launch, Tripo aims to provide developers with tools to integrate 3D model generation into their applications and services. Designed to enhance user interaction, create immersive environments, and support simulation development, the API offers various features intended to streamline creative workflows.Available through a dedicated web application, Tripos capabilities are also accessible via its API, which is tailored for broader and more customized use cases. For developers looking to streamline their 3D modeling process, Tripos API offers a variety of tools designed to streamline processes ranging from initial drafts to polished, animated models.3D model of a retro style shield. Image via Tripo AI.Key features of Tripos APIOne of the standout features is the APIs ability to generate quick drafts from text and image inputs. Rather than spending hours manually crafting initial concepts, users can produce basic models in a matter of minutes. This approach is aimed at speeding up the prototyping process, allowing developers to explore different designs or perspectives before diving into detailed modeling.Theres also the option to enhance these draft models, moving from rough concepts to high-resolution versions without having to start from scratch. For developers focused on refining their designs, this capability offers a straightforward path to producing polished results.In addition to model generation and refinement, Tripos API supports automated animations, allowing static designs to be brought to life. The idea here is to make presentations and user experiences more dynamic, with minimal effort required on the developers part.Customization and conversion are also on the table. Users can stylize models with creative twists, such as converting them into lego-like or voxel-based versions, to suit various project needs. On top of that, the API supports conversion into widely-used formats like USDZ and FBX, ensuring compatibility across different platforms and applications.Describing its API as a scalable solution, Tripo has also provided a documentation with detailed setup instructions and usage guidelines aimed at ensuring smooth integration and reliable performance.Developments in Text-to-CAD toolsGrowing interest in generative AI has contributed to the expansion of text-to-CAD platforms within the 3D printing sector.For example, Zoo, previously known as KittyCAD, introduced its AI-powered Text-to-CAD tool following a rebranding effort in January 2024. Designed as an open-source platform, the tool uses the KittyCAD design API and ML-ephant machine learning API to convert short text prompts into CAD files, with export options including formats like STL, OBJ, and FBX.The tools effectiveness largely depends on how precisely users describe their intended designs. While vague prompts tend to produce simplistic or inaccurate results, providing clear details about size, shape, and features leads to more accurate and functional models. Zoo is also planning to offer customization options, allowing users to fine-tune the tool using proprietary datasets for tailored applications.A helical gear CAD model generated using Zoos text-to-CAD tool. Image by 3D Printing Industry.Another contribution came from GPU manufacturer Nvidia developing its Magic3D text-to-3D model tool in parallel with Googles DreamFusion and Physna Inc.s generative AI prototype for creating 3D models and scenes.According to a research paper, the tool uses a two-step approach where it first generates a basic, low-resolution model, which is then refined to achieve higher resolution. Magic3D also supports prompt-based editing of 3D meshes. After uploading a base prompt and a low-resolution model, users can alter the text input to modify the resulting 3D model.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping upTo stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows a 3D model of a retro style shield. Image via Tripo AI.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) has published its first Defence Advanced Manufacturing Strategy. It highlights additive manufacturing as crucial to the British militarys strategic roadmap, identifying 3D printings vital role in strengthening supply chain resilience.The document emphasizes the urgency of accelerating additive manufacturing adoption in the UKs defense sector. To achieve this, the MOD outlines three core initiatives: investing to incentivize industry, adapting policies to remove barriers, and integrating additive manufacturing into the defense supply chain.Key 3D printing benefits for defense include faster production, shorter lead times, access to obsolete parts, and improved sustainability. In 2021, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) identified obsolescence as the top supply issue affecting military operations, impacting both old and new platforms. With over 1.3 million items in its inventory, the MOD sees 3D printing as a solution for many obsolete components.Britains defense leadership believes additive manufacturing will significantly improve platform and equipment availability. A Defence Innovation Unit (DIU)-commissioned report found that 3D printing 15% of the defense inventory could save 110M over the next 15 years. After that, the annual net benefit could reach 35.5M. According to the new defense strategy, 3D printing represents the first step toward the MODs broader adoption of other advanced manufacturing technologies.This strategy outlines our intent to embrace AM in new designs, to help resolve obsolescence and to increase our competitive edge through development of expeditious battle damage repair techniques, commented Vice Admiral Andy Kyte, Chief of Defence Logistics and Support.This exciting technology has been in existence for some time, and defence must now realise the latent benefits it offers, in terms of operational availability, improved supply chain resilience and efficiency.The MODs additive manufacturing vision. Image via the Ministry of Defence.Introducing the MODs Defence Advanced Manufacturing StrategyConflict in Ukraine and hostilities in the Middle East are worsening supply shortages, affecting access to key products and raw materials. These global challenges have increased the need for improved supply chain resilience. Personnel cuts in the Armed Forces and Civil Service, along with shrinking fleet sizes and ageing equipment, have further reduced availability, productivity, and efficiency.The MOD is turning to additive manufacturing to address these issues. Its new Advanced Manufacturing initiative shows how 3D printing can create dispersed supply networks of qualified suppliers. This approach aims to reduce lead times, tackle obsolescence, and improve sustainability. Four key pillars are central to the MODs additive manufacturing vision. These are design sources, a digital thread, certification, and mobile production capabilities for fabricating parts close to the point of need.Design sources generate 3D printed parts. This includes designing for additive manufacturing (DfAM) of new components or using reverse engineering to enable 3D printing of existing parts. The digital thread securely transmits sensitive design information from a design library to the 3D printer. It also allows users or manufacturers to send requested changes back to the designer. Ensuring cyber-security and consistent information across transmissions is crucial. The MOD is currently exploring how to create a unified, fully integrated digital service that can link with design libraries. The finalized design is certified before being deemed fit for military operations and 3D printed, sometimes near the frontlines.These stages will reportedly exist within a circular economy based on 3D printing material recyclability and reusability. The British military is also working to recycle high-end scrap metal into new metal 3D printing feedstock. For instance, British engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce recently partnered with the MOD to convert old Tornado fighter jet components into new 3D printed jet engines. Called Tornado 2 Tempest, the new initiative has already been used to 3D print components for the Orpheus jet engine concept, which supports the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) program.RAF Tornado Fighter Jet. Photo via the RAF.How to increase adoption of additive manufacturing for defenseThe Defence Advanced Manufacturing Strategy outlines the MODs strategy for accelerating 3D printing adoption and development within the UK defense sector.To incentivise industry, additional investment will be used to foster 3D printer adoption, either directly or through partnerships with additive manufacturing companies. This will include embedding 3D printing in existing and future designs and digitizing strategically important inventory and spare parts. It will also work to clarify how digital information can be securely transmitted from industry to MOD units and Front Line Commands (FLC).Unlocking constraints is another key pillar of the MODs additive manufacturing strategy. This will see the MOD work with industry partners to create accessible cross-functional processes that adhere to updated policies and drive adoption. Additionally, it will create a knowledge hub, improving access to critical information. The MOD also plans to develop new metrics to improve tracking of financial and non-financial 3D printing benefits.The MOD will design and create networks of supply, allowing 3D printing technology to be brought into the defense supply chain. Equipment, training, and consumables will be standardized, making them accessible through regular supply channels to meet industry standards and qualifications.New partnerships between industrial partners, FLCs, and MOD units will be encouraged. The goal is to facilitate rapid learning and build trust through trusted agent status in an extended hub and spoke supply network. Inter-industry partnerships will also be incentivized to enhance resilience and improve 3D printing capabilities. Additionally, the MOD plans to form a strategic partnership with the UK High Value Manufacturing Catapult to drive efficiencies and benefit the UK industrial base.These strategic priorities will guide a program of work, involving the MOD, industry, and the research community. A new governance structure will not be created for this. Instead, the program will be managed by one of the MODs existing steering groups.3D printing in the British military: advantages and challengesAccording to the MOD, the main benefit of additive manufacturing is addressing shortfalls in inventory items, due to technical or commercial obsolescence. 3D printing can also reduce lead times and create a more resilient, agile, and dispersed supply network.The British military has already demonstrated the value of 3D printing for defense applications. In 2021, the Chief of Defence Logistics and Support (CDLS) commissioned Project TAMPA. This ongoing initiative seeks to establish a network of suppliers capable of 3D printing military-grade spare parts on demand and at the point of need. According to the MOD, this project has already validated its additive manufacturing vision, confirming that increasing industry incentivization is key to growing adoption.British forces have actively leveraged 3D printing since at least 2016, with various MOD units and FLCs establishing AM centers to support battle damage repair operations. This work has mainly been completed independently, with each unit developing its own 3D printing processes and digital threads.Elsewhere, the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) is using 3D printing to produce complex parts, while the DE&S Defence Electronics and Components Agency (DECA) is 3D printing prototypes.Another MOD organization leveraging additive manufacturing is The Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA). According to the Advanced Manufacturing Strategy, the SDA is using 3D printing to support In Service Submarines (ISS), Dreadnought, and Ship Submersible Nuclear (Attack) (SSN(A)) programmes. The ISS uses additive manufacturing to 3D print replacement components, conduct maintenance, and enhance supply chain resilience to improve submarine availability. 3D printing is being used in the SSN(A) to increase the rate of platform production.The MOD claims that there is currently no compulsion for its manufacturing partners to accelerate 3D printing adoption to improve supply chains. It also highlights several key challenges constraining additive manufacturing development in the UK.For example, the MOD emphasized the need for more agile routes to the market, particularly when sourcing obsolete parts. It suggests creating separate supply chains for 3D printed components to avoid delays from traditional methods. This is because the benefits of AM, such as faster production and quicker responses, would be lost if the supply process is slowed.Interoperability challenges are also highlighted. Project TAMPA has proved that the pace of 3D printing development and increased machine versatility can cause 3D print files to quickly become obsolete. Even when using the same 3D printing method, different 3D printers often produce different results, hampering repeatability. TAMPA also found that a range of relevant 3D printing standards do not exist, with ASTM now working to improve access to the standards it has created.The MOD also identifies challenges related to through-life support, training, access to consumables, digital thread uncertainties, and high manufacturing costs.British Army soldier using SPEE3Ds XSPEE3D cold-spray 3D printer. Photo via the British Army.Additive manufacturing enhances global defence capabilitiesBeyond the UK, additive manufacturing is gaining traction in the global defense sector. The US, in particular, is investing heavily to expand its 3D printing-enabled supply chains.The US Department of Defense recently added $9.85 million to an existing agreement with 3D printing firm X-Bow Launch Systems. This contract, now worth $28.67 million, sees X-Bow develop 3D printed solid rocket motors (SRM) for US missiles.Similarly, rocket engine manufacturer Ursa Major recently received $12.5 million from the US Navy and the Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) to scale the production of its own 3D printed SRMs. Using its Lynx 3D printing technology, the Colorado-based company will design, manufacture, and test a new SRM prototype for missiles critical to national security. This follows earlier news that the firm is 3D printing the Navys Mk 104 dual rocket motor, which powers the SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 missiles.In other news, Spanish 3D printing OEM Meltio recently saw its technology deployed by the Republic of Korea Army. This marks the first time Meltios DED 3D printers have been validated by a military in Asia, expanding its global footprint following earlier integrations by US, French, and Spanish forces. Who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to keep up with the latest 3D printing news.You can also follow us on LinkedIn, and subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry Youtube channel to access more exclusive content.Featured image shows the UK Ministry of Defence sign. Photo via The Ministry of Defence.

Crates of Select Aperitivo and champagne are currently being carted throughout Milan and stocked in showrooms. The carbonated calling card can only mean one thing: Milan Design Week is near. This year, design week coincides with the 63rd edition ofSalone del Mobile, the year of Euroluce, which will bring 2,100 exhibitors to the city. One week out from spritz season and the inbox and calendar are filling up with invites and appointments. Already a theme appears to be emerging: theater. Salones special guest this year is Robert Wilson, renowned American director, playwright, and artist who will be creating an installation titledRobert Wilson. Motherfor the fair. Elsewhere, Formafantasma will mount a theatrical performance,Staging Modernity, at Teatro Lirico Giorgio Gaber for Cassina. Some designers will even be sleeping in the showroom among their worksbut more on that later.Amid the flurry of upcoming activations,AN Interiorrounded up these enlightening and engaging events. In addition to the weeks staples like the fair and Alcova, these perhaps lesser-known destinations will provide not just the spectacle surrounding Salone, but also thought-provoking and moving ruminations on design.The Theater of Things features a bench by Laurids Galle, vases by Espace Aygo, and a carpet by Stefania Ruggiero (Piercarlo Quiecchia/DSL Studio)The Theater of ThingsDelvis (Un)LimitedVia Fatebenefratelli 9, 20121 MilanDesign is only as good as it is livable, and this new exhibition hosted atDelvis (Un)Limitedgallery puts this to the test. For the duration of design week, designers will be living at the galleryyes, eating, sleeping, and partying in the spaceall visible through the shop window. Each night, one of the seven designers, whose work will help shape the home/gallery, will spend the night, and each morning, a critic or journalist will wake them for coffee and engage in discussion about the experience. The participating designers include Objects of Common Interest, Linde Freya Tangelder, Espace Aygo, Rich Aybar, Laurids Galle, Stefania Ruggiero, and Niki Danai. The exhibition is curated by Valentina Ciuffi and Joseph Grima and designed by Space Caviar. A render showcases Rockwells installation and the lifelike tree it features (Courtesy Rockwell Group)Casa CorkVia Solferino 31, 20121 MilanIn partnership with nonprofit Cork Collective and cork producer Corticeira Amorim,Rockwell Grouphas designed an installation that showcases the prowess of cork, both from a sustainability standpoint and its interior applications. The material will be used to craft the interiors, furnishings, lighting, and a lifelike replica tree. Students from Parsons School of Design in New York and Politecnico di Milano will also be presenting cork prototypes at the atelier.Vocla is a new platform from Alcova (P. Sorgetti)VOCLAEx-Macello di Viale MoliseViale Molise 68, 20137 MilanAlcovamakes it return to the citybut only for night owls. VOCLA is a new platform for design by night. Catering to design experimentation as well as social gathering, VOCLA brings together a design exhibit and a bar and restaurant pop-up to create places of encounter. Henge designed the custom lounge bar with dining by Yapa. This program will be held in the exchange of the former slaughterhouse of Viale Molise, a listed Liberty building. Designers include Weronika Woliskas textile-inflatable collaboration, made by astronauts studios hydroforming research, and more. Get those Resys in now to dine within design.The exhibition features objects from prisons around the world (Piercarlo Quiecchia/DSL Studio)Prison Times Spatial Dynamics of Penal EnvironmentsVia Giovanni Battista Sammartini 60, 20125 MilanAcross five ofDropcitys tunnels, the exhibitionPrison Times Spatial Dynamics of Penal Environmentsdelves into the spatial and temporal realities of prison environments. Objects from prisons around the world will be displayed clinically and taxonomically to create a show that merges design, market data, and penal objects. The 14 pyramid and 141 piece by Bocci (Kate Williams)The Numbers Between The NumbersVia Giuseppe Rovani 20, 20123 MilanIn celebration ofBoccis 20th anniversary, this exhibition explores the work and process of its founderOmer Arbel. The artist and architect presents archival concepts, fragments of works, and completed pieces. The exhibitions creative direction is led by David Alhadeff, founder ofThe Future Perfect. The showcase will culminate in a reimagining of 14, Boccis first-ever piece, as well as show the recently debuted 141.Hydro will present R100 with post-consumer recycled aluminum (Courtesy Hydro)Capsule PlazaSpazio Maiocchi: Via Achille Maiocchi 7, 20129 MilanSatellite Venue 1: Via Achille Maiocchi 23, 20129 MilanSatellite Venue 2: Piazza Risorgimento 8, 20129 MilanThe third edition of Capsule Plaza features the theme Expanded Living, an exploration of the design of lifestyles and domesticity. Featured exhibitors include HEM, Stone Island, Harry Nuriev, Sabine Marcellis,Hydro, and many more. This year, the exhibition will include the activations Spazio Maiocchi, the same venue Capsule was held last year, as well as two satellite venues. The Marghe chair for Flou in 1993 (Courtesy Flou)More or less 60 chairs in 60 yearsFondazione studio museo Vico MagistrettiVia Vincenzo Bellini 1, 20122 MilanoIn 1980, architect and designer Vico Magistretti organized an exhibit titled,Twenty Years, Twenty Chairs. When he reached 21 chairs he staged another exhibit,Twenty One Years, Twenty One Chairs. Now,Fondazione studio museo Vico Magistretticontinues the traditionmore or less. The exhibition follows a timeline of original drawings and photographic reproductions of 66 chairs with a dozen or so available to the public to sit and lounge.Rooms Studio presents Re-Assembled Floor Lamp (Lile Revishvili)Sub-currents (At work)Studio Frey BarthVia Kramer 32, 20129 MilanTbilisi- and ParisbasedRooms Studiopresents an exhibition of new furniture, lighting, and ceramic works that reflect the shifting political and social landscape in Georgia. Hosted byStudio Frey Barth, this presentation is both poetic and quietly political as it captures the unique moment in Georgian history. Featured among the new work, Re-assembled Floor Lamps is a set of utilitarian lighting the aesthetic of captures urban protest sites.Bitossi Ceramichealso contributes vessels that bridge ancient tradition and contemporary design languages.

A spread from Eastern Blocks II featuring a residential block in Tbilisi. All images Zupagrafika, shared with permissionMore than 180 Photographs Chronicle Brutalist Suburbs and Public Buildings in Eastern Blocks IIApril 2, 2025Kate MothesIn the second half of the 20th century, brutalism and the shall-we-call-it marketplace modernismwhen it appeared in the East, was always about spectacle, Zupagrafika founders David Navarro and Martyna Sobecka say in a blog post about Eastern Bloc suburbia.Brutalist housing estates and public buildings of the post-war Soviet era were built on a massive scale, often from concrete and prefabricated panels, to accommodate growing populations and to demonstrate power, socialist values, and modernity. Sometimes blocked in color or complemented by murals, these hulking structures largely emphasized monolithic forms, an unmissable PR message about communist ideology.TbilisiBrutalism is a study in contrastsheaviness juxtaposed with balance; concrete set into the natural landscape. Eastern Blocks II, Navarro and Sobeckas new book, captures some of these stark scenes, with expansive residential units rising above bucolic meadows or framed by nothing but snow. Functionality takes precedence over aesthetics.Navarro and Sobecka have traveled the width and breadth of Eastern Europe, photographing the regions unique architecture and expanding on the first volume published in 2019. Along with local photographers Alexander Veryovkin and Kseniya Lokotko, who captured views of Kaliningrad and Minsk, the authors chronicle a total of ten cities from Chiinu to Riga to Prague in more than 180 photos.Find your copy on the publishers website. You might also enjoy Zupagrafikas Kiosk, a survey of Eastern Europes disappearing tiny shops.TallinnTbilisiA spread featuring two images of TallinnPragueVilniusLvivChiinuNext article

close 'CyberGuy' explains ransomware attacks The U.S. is the target of ransomware attacks. Kurt Knutsson explains how to keep your information safe. Ransomware is a major threat to every industry. In recent years, hackers have increasingly targeted companies with ransomware, locking their data unless a ransom is paid. In some cases, they also threaten to leak the stolen data online if the company refuses to comply, as seen in the UnitedHealth breach, where hackers reportedly demanded $22 million.However, ransomware attacks are not limited to companies.According to the latest FBI warning, they also target employees, particularly corporate executives.The agency cautions that cybercriminals are sending extortion letters, threatening to release victims' sensitive information unless a ransom is paid.STAY PROTECTED AND INFORMED! GET SECURITY ALERTS & EXPERT TECH TIPS SIGN UP FOR KURTS THE CYBERGUY REPORT NOW Hacker at work (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)What you need to knowTheFBI is warning businesses, particularly those in the healthcare sector, about a scam involving physical ransom letters sent via the U.S. Postal Service. These letters, falsely claiming to be from the ransomware group BianLian, demand Bitcoin payments ranging from $150,000 to $500,000 in exchange for not leaking supposedly stolen data.Marked with "TIME SENSITIVE READ IMMEDIATELY," the letters allege that the attackers gained access through social engineering and exfiltrated sensitive files. However, no proof is provided, and investigations have found no signs of actual ransomware intrusions in affected organizations. The letters appear to be templated, with only minor variations, and include a QR code linked to a Bitcoin wallet. Some also feature a compromised password, likely to make the threat seem more credible.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Sent from Boston with U.S. flag stamps, these letters differ significantly in tone and wording from known BianLian communications. Authorities believe this is a fear-based scam designed to trick organizations into paying a ransom for a breach that never happened. Man scrolling on his cellphone (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Healthcare industry needs to work on cybersecurityRansomware is hitting healthcare harder than ever. It is now the third-most targeted industry after finance and manufacturing, with attacks rising more than 32% from 2023 to 2024. These attacks do not just put data at risk. They also disrupt hospitals, slow down care and create chaos for doctors and patients.TheAscension cyberattack in May 2024 is a clear example. Hackers locked medical staff out of critical systems, shut down phone lines and blocked tools needed for tests, procedures and medications. At first, the breach was reported with an estimated 500 affected individuals, but by December, that number had jumped to nearly 5.6 million.UnitedHealthsChange Healthcare unit experienced a massive data breach in February 2024 that further highlighted the vulnerability of the sector. Initially reported to have affected around 100 million people, the number later grew to 190 million, making it the largest medical data breach in U.S. history.This breach affected nearly half of the countrys population. UnitedHealth attributed the attack to ALPHV/BlackCat, a Russian-speaking ransomware group that later claimed responsibility for the attack before being dismantled by law enforcement.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Woman using multiple devices (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)7 ways to avoid ransomware attacks (and fake ransomware scams)1. Install strong antivirus software and regularly update software:The first line of defense against ransomware is ensuring that your systems are equipped with the latest security tools. Keep all software and devicesup to date to avoid vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Install firewalls,strong antivirus software and intrusion detection systems to block malicious activities before they can cause harm. Regularly patch operating systems and applications to stay ahead of cybercriminals. The best way to safeguard yourself from malicious links that install malware, potentially accessing your private information, is to have strong antivirus software installed on all your devices. This protection can also alert you to phishing emails and ransomware scams, keeping your personal information and digital assets safe.Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.2. Implement strong password policies and use a password manager: Ensure all passwords are unique, at least 15 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Also, consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely. This reduces the risk of password reuse and weak passwords, which are common entry points for ransomware attacks. Get more details about mybest expert-reviewed password managers of 2025 here.3. Educate and train employees on cybersecurity awareness:Many ransomware attacks start with phishing emails or social engineering tactics. As seen in the scam targeting executives, attackers often use fear-based tactics to manipulate victims into acting quickly. Train your employees, particularly high-level executives, to recognize suspicious emails, fraudulent requests and phishing attempts.4. Backup data and maintain a secure recovery plan:Data backups are a critical safeguard against ransomware. Regularly back up critical data to secure, offline locations that ransomware cannot access. Testing your recovery plans frequently ensures that if an attack does occur, you can recover quickly with minimal impact on operations. In addition, consider using a cloud service with encryption to ensure that even if an attack happens, the backup remains safe.5.Utilize two-factor authentication (2FA):Two-factor authentication is an essential security measure that adds an extra layer of protection to sensitive systems and data. With 2FA, even if attackers manage to obtain login credentials, they wont be able to access critical systems without the second factor of authentication, whether its a code sent to a phone or biometric verification.6. Verify threats before taking action:If you receive a ransom demand (digital or physical), investigate its legitimacy. Scams often lack proof of data breaches or network compromise. Consult cybersecurity experts or law enforcement before responding.7. Report suspicious activity: Notify law enforcement or organizations like the FBIs Internet Crime Complaint Center if you encounter scams or ransomware threats. Reporting helps authorities track and mitigate these activities.Kurt's key takeawayHealthcare is seriously lagging when it comes to cybersecurity. It's crazy that so many health institutions dont have a CISO or a dedicated security team. Instead, the IT department, which isnt always trained in cybersecurity, gets stuck trying to handle it all. With so much sensitive data at risk, its shocking that so many healthcare organizations still treat cybersecurity as an afterthought.Cyberattacks are only going to get worse, and unless the industry steps up its game, its just a matter of time before more hospitals, clinics and health systems get hit. Its time to take security seriously.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPDo you think these companies are doing enough to protect your data, and is the government doing enough to catch those behind cyberattacks? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.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.

The past year has been crucial for Ukrainian-British tech cooperation. As one of the leading IT service exporters, Ukraines presence in the UK has never been stronger, with business ties growing deeper.Recently, the IT Ukraine ssociation (ITU) published a comprehensive report on the state of the Ukrainian tech ecosystem. According to the report, Digital Tiger 2024, the UK has been the second-leading importer of Ukrainian IT services, accounting for 8.8% of total IT service exports (or 439m).As an ambassador for the ITU in the UK, Id like to highlight the key developments of 2024 and the exciting opportunities ahead for both nations tech communities.Its fitting that exactly a year ago, the Ukrainian Tech Forum took place in London. The event focused on strengthening UK-Ukraine cooperation, with a particular emphasis on the role of governments in driving digital transformation and the opportunities this creates.London also hosted the Ukraine Recovery Conference, during which the UK Department for Business and Trade announced the launch of the UK-Ukraine Tech Bridge initiative. Established in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Ukraines Ministry of Digital Transformation, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), this initiative aims to connect Ukrainian and British businesses, talent, startups and investors fostering collaboration to develop innovative solutions and accelerate digitisation.This initiative has become a key connector between the British and Ukrainian IT ecosystems, spanning 16 different tech sectors. Throughout 2024, a series of joint workshops were held to develop innovative technological solutions aimed at addressing various industry challenges.In March, the UK-Ukraine Tech Forum, which focused on Bridging British and Ukrainian Tech, took place. The event brought together numerous Ukrainian companies, including IdeaSoft, GeekPay and datrics.ai, to explore new opportunities for collaboration. A good example of such collaboration could be the Ukrainian startup Deus Robotics, which recently secured $3m to expand in the UK market (a seed funding round led by u.ventures and Sigma Software Labs).That same month, a high-level roundtable discussion was held in London, bringing together government officials from both countries alongside business representatives. The discussion focused on cyber security an urgent issue for both Ukraine and the UK, as they rank among the most targeted nations for cyber attacks. The roundtable served as a platform to develop practical strategies for protecting Ukraines critical infrastructure, tackling disinformation and fake news, and highlighting Ukrainian technologies that have the potential to reshape the global cyber security landscape.Last year, Ukraine had a strong presence at London Tech Week 2024. Ukrainian startups, including datrics.ai, Akurateco, Bird, Effy AI, GetOrder, Headway, Metaenga and UGLA ERP, as well as graduates of the 1991 accelerator, were selected to participate in the conference. In total, 20 Ukrainian projects had the opportunity to pitch their products on the London Tech Week stage.Our long-term partner, TechUK, offered all ITU association members the opportunity to join techUK, which in turn boosted the confidence of Ukrainian companies on the British market.Its essential to understand that businesses alone cannot drive trade relations between the two countries; support at the highest levels of government is equally essential. In September 2024, the UK-Ukraine Digital Trade Agreement came into effect. This agreement is designed to make trade between our nations faster, more efficient, and cost-effective. For businesses, it offers a unique opportunity to strengthen cooperation in key areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and digital services.This agreement goes beyond simply facilitating trade. It aims to foster partnerships and drive digital business transformation in both countries. It also seeks to stimulate innovation in sectors like aviation and finance.In October 2024, two major events further highlighted Ukrainian-British collaboration in the tech sector. The first was the UK-Ukraine TechBridge Cybersecurity Roundtable, which brought together cyber security companies from both nations. The level of digitisation in public services continues to garner significant interest, with our Diia project the state in a smartphone earning admiration not only in Britain but worldwide. Additionally, there has been increasing recognition of the growth in Ukraines defence industry, particularly in defence technology. Several UK-Ukrainian defence tech events were held during the year, further strengthening these ties.Thus, in May, the Ukrainian Drone Defence Forum was held in London to enhance collaboration between Ukrainian and British drone manufacturers and technology firms. The forum aimed to scale up drone and electronic warfare production, a top partnership priority. Later that year, the UK-Ukraine Defence Tech Forum was held to bring together key stakeholders government, technology developers and venture capitalists. The second UK-Ukraine Defence Tech Forum will take place in April 2025.A bit later, the IT Ukraine Association hosted the Tech Unity: UK & Ukraine event in London. This event was part of the Good Governance Funds Business Revitalisation for Sustainable Growth project, funded by the UK governments International Development Department. The gathering brought together government and industry representatives to discuss UK-Ukraine cooperation, with a particular focus on financial technology (fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI).According to Maria Shevchuk, CEO of ITA, Ukrainian innovations in AI, cyber security and fintech hold great potential in the UK. She noted that the tech sector will play a crucial role in Ukraines post-war recovery, and support from UK companies can open doors to international markets and help develop digital infrastructure creating the conditions for sustainable growth in both countries.Since relocating to the UK in 2022 due to the war, Ive been deeply involved in the British tech scene. At Sigma Software Group, I focus on building business relationships and enhancing our reputation. I actively participate in international communities such as London Tech Advocates and London Future Founders, speaking at or attending tech events weekly. This helps me stay connected to the local ecosystem, especially projects focused on Ukrainian-British collaboration.I have to admit, weve never seen as many Ukrainian-British tech events as we did last year. However, the ecosystems of both countries have even more ambitious plans for 2025.I want to end this text by quoting Matt Evans from TechUK, who highlighted the potential of UK and Ukrainian companies to tackle real challenges from resilient energy grids to digital public services and robotics. He emphasised that now is the time to build partnerships and networks to drive transformation and economic growth in both countries.So, lets make these plans a reality. As an ambassador for the ITU in the UK, I eagerly look forward to sharing our progress with the Ukrainian and British communities.Alexandra Govorukha is ambassador of the IT Ukraine Association in the UK.

Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe TV launch season is upon us, and Samsung is among the first brands to put out its 2025 lineup of visual goodness. I recently had the opportunity to scope out some new TVs at one of Samsung's satellite laboratories in New Jersey, putting every upcoming model through the ringer and seeing just how well they stack up to the company's early-year claims.Also: I spent hours testing Samsung's new flagship soundbar - it gave my Sonos a run for its moneyBelow are my initial takeaways (read: this isn't a review) on the company's Neo QLED 4K and 8K models, which are up for preorder now, as well as the new Vision AI features that underpin the 2025 viewing experience.Samsung's 'Vision AI' is hard to deny Kerry Wan/ZDNETUnsurprisingly, a major emphasis at the workshop was Samsung's latest artificial intelligence tech, Vision AI, which is integrated into all the company's new TVs. While Vision AI's capabilities span the user experience, from browsing and searching to watching foreign movies, the following caught my attention the most.Real-time subtitle translationsAre you a fan of foreign films? Sometimes, the most obscure (and best) international movies lack English subtitles. Vision AI is a near-instant translator for seven different languages on new Samsung TVs. While this isn't necessarily a new feature in tech -- several Android smartphones, including Samsung's own, already support live transcriptions -- the ability to do this from the comfort of your couch or bed is very useful.Also: Having trouble hearing whispery TV dialogue? I found 3 ways to fix thatWe have good reason to believe that number will expand after future updates since Samsung's latest mobile devices already support translation of 13 languages through its "Live Translate" feature.Onscreen 'Click to Search'I often find myself pausing a show to look up information on my iPhone to identify an actor, a set's filming location, or a song playing in the background. Samsung's Vision AI can do all that at the touch of a button, without even pausing what you're watching.But purportedly, it's also doing next-level things, like naming the designers of one of Carrie Bradshaw's outfits or the make and model of James Bond's car in the original Goldfinger. I'll have to further test Click to Search at ZDNET's TV lab to evaluate its reliability. If it can nameThe Dude's rug that tied the room together, I'll be really impressed.Control your TV with 'Universal Gestures'Generative art for slideshow wallpaper and smart home insights are becoming almost standard features in TVs of a certain price point, so I'm just mentioning here that these features are included in all new Samsungs. But how many TVs can you control just by pinching your fingers together or making a fist?Also:How to clear the cache on your TV (and why it makes such a big difference)If you have a Galaxy Watch, then this can be your reality, thanks to the feature known as Universal Gestures, which detects the motions of your fingers, hand, and wrist to perform certain functions. We've seen this kind of thing in futuristic movies and scenes from the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Is Samsung driving our interactions with devices in that direction?Neo QLED 4K & 8K: What else is new?Both flagship models (QN90F and QN990F) offer Glare-Free technology, which utilizes a matte screen finish that absorbs and scatters light instead of reflecting it. Ideally, this minimizes reflections from windows and overhead lights, and I can attest that this was the case when I moved off-axis during the demo. Until recently, this light-refracting tech was limited to Samsung's top-notch (i.e., most expensive) OLED screens like the S95F.Neo QLED 4K (QN90F) Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe Neo QLED 4K (QN90F) has an upgraded NQ4 Gen3 processor, powerful enough to run the TV's "Vision AI" feature, upscale older content into 4K, and improve overall picture and sound quality. Its Neo Quantum HDR+11 is said to boost contrast, color accuracy, and dynamic range, surpassing even that of standard OLED TVs.These enhancements, like the smoother 165Hz refresh rate ideal for console gamers, make the QN90F the premium product we should expect from a Samsung flagship.Also:The best Samsung TVs of 2025: Expert tested and reviewedAlso noteworthy is the array of sizes the QN90F comes in -- from a modest 43 inches to a gargantuan 115 inches. And if you go that big, Samsung offers its Supersize Picture Enhancer. This feature aims to mitigate the inherent problems with super-large screens by reducing pixelation, deepening black levels, and tightening noise reduction.While the enhanced crispness was there when I looked at the larger-sized TVs, I also noticed a more intense blooming and motion blur. Some modifications in the settings should greatly alleviate those issues, but they're still worth mentioning if you're planning to splurge on one of these sets.Speaking of which, the Neo QLED 4K QN90F is available now for the following prices:TV sizePrice43-inch$1,39950-inch$1,49955-inch$1,99965-inch$2,69975-inch$3,29985-inch$4,49998-inch$14,999Neo QLED 8K (QN990F) Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe Neo QLED 8K (QN990F) essentially comes with the above upgrades on its own graduated scale (for example, an NQ8 Gen2 processor to drive its Vision AI). The major difference is that the Neo QLED 8K can handle the wizardry behind Samsung's Wireless One Connect Box, which allows for cable-free transmission of 8K content at 120Hz.Also:I saw Samsung's 8K TV at CES 2025 - and these 3 new features stole the showSet-top boxes, multiple game consoles, Blu-ray players, soundbars, and all manner of peripherals can run through the One Connect as long as the box is situated within ten feet of the TV. Moving all the IO away from the 8K set gives it a cleaner aesthetic, with minimal cabling required. The big question to answer now is latency and exactly how response times will fare when gaming or requiring quick inputs.At Samsung's workshop, I sampled the Neo QLED 8K by watching videos of vibrant neon signage, firework spectaculars, and entrancing aerial drone cityscapes. Its imaging is superb, almost painfully perfect. Kerry Wan/ZDNETThe new Metal Frame design adds a nice touch of premium, but more practically, the metal frame encases a built-in speaker system with a crazily potent 6.2.4-channel setup that includes Object Tracking Sound.OTS is one of my favorite Samsung inventions because it follows the movement of onscreen objects, creating a convincingly lifelike, three-dimensional soundscape, all without an accompanying soundbar or speaker system. (But if you want to make the most of the visual fidelity of an 8K screen, you absolutely should pair it with expanded audio gear.)The Neo QLED 8K QN990F is available now for $3,299 (65-inch) and $4,299 (75-inch).Stay tuned for our full analysis and breakdown of the new Samsung TVs as we get them into our lab for review.(By the way, it was a 1964 Aston Martin DB5.)Featured reviews