As our favourite Dutch holiday approaches, TNW is celebrating the tech titans shaping the future in the Netherlands. Our beloved home country is the proud parent of a prodigious brood of digital talent. It’s given birth to cultivated meat, raised Booking.com to become the world’s largest online travel agency, and watched with joy as ASML grew into Europe’s most valuable tech company. The family also includes a gifted group of startups and scaleups. In recent years, economic headwinds, geopolitical turbulence, and questionable government policies have blown some of their progress off course, but Dutch tech continues to punch well above its weight. Just last month, the Netherlands ranked 10th in a global index of tech competitiveness — ahead of every G7 country. The country also boasts an illustrious list of tech luminaries. Many of them will be at TNW Conference — and so could you. In our spirit of patriotism (and, perhaps, a bit of Dutch courage), we’re offering a ludicrously generous discount on tickets to mark Koningsdag — aka King’s Day, an orange-infused celebration of the monarch’s birthday. You can find all the details on the offer at the bottom of this article. But first, we want to introduce you to eight Dutch tech leaders who will grace the stages of TNW Conference on June 19 and 20. The 💜 of EU techThe latest rumblings from the EU tech scene, a story from our wise ol' founder Boris, and some questionable AI art. It's free, every week, in your inbox. Sign up now!1. Peter Wennink A legend of Dutch tech, Peter Wennink led chip giant ASML to become the most valuable tech firm in Europe. Over his 25-year career at the Veldhoven-based business — including over a decade as CEO — ASML earned acclaim as the world’s only supplier and producer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. These systems are essential for manufacturing the world’s most advanced chips. They’ve become a crucial force behind countless innovations, from iPhones and MacBooks to autonomous vehicles and Nvidia GPUs. On the TNW stage, Wennink will speak in an exclusive session titled “Gods of Industry: The Battle for Deep Tech Dominance.” He’ll be joined by Young Sohn, the founding managing partner of Walden Catalyst Ventures, a VC fund dedicated to deep tech. The duo will give a glimpse into a future that is hard for most of us to even imagine. “It’s difficult for mankind to foresee the impact of exponentiality because it often yields something seemingly impossible,” Wennink told TNW. “But that’s exactly what science and deep tech will create, making the impossible possible.” 2. Vidya Peters As the CEO of Dutch unicorn DataSnipper, Vidya Peters has overseen the scaleup’s rise to become the fastest-growing tech company in the Netherlands for two years. Under her leadership, DataSnipper has become a global force in audit and finance automation. Over 500,000 professionals across more than 125 countries now use its software. After honing her expertise in Silicon Valley, Peters has also become a powerful advocate for European tech. Rather than merely mimicking US tech, she urges startups and scaleups to embrace the continent’s strengths. A key one is sustainable, long-term growth. “Five years ago, it wasn’t very fashionable to be profitable,” Peters told TNW. “But I think this is where the European sensibility is a strength, because European companies have always taken this approach, and now it’s hugely valued in the current economic climate.” Peters has also guided DataSnipper’s adoption of artificial intelligence. At TNW Conference, she’ll share her learnings in a session titled “AI’s Big Glow-Up: Generating Ideas, Innovation, and Impact.” Vidya Peters, the CEO of DataSnipper, flanked by the company’s three founders. Credit: DataSnipper 3. Daan Klein Douwel Joining Peters in her session will be Daan Klein Douwel, the head of data and AI at one of the biggest companies in the Netherlands: KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. Klein Douwel drives the company’s efforts to leverage the power of AI and data. KLM has applied these technologies to numerous applications, from automating responses to customer enquiries to predicting hand luggage amounts and cutting food waste. Klein Douwel will take the TNW stage to share practical insights on deploying AI. 4. Robert Doornbos In Max Verstappen, the Netherlands boasts the reigning four-time Formula 1 World Champion. In Robert Doornbos, TNW boasts one of the drivers who paved the path for Verstappen’s rise. A former F1 and Indycar driver, Doornbos was a driver for Jordan and Red Bull Racing — Max Verstappen’s team. He was also Minardi’s last-ever race driver. Today, he’s a renowned F1 analyst. His career in motorsports has given him unique insights into vehicle technology. He’ll join TNW Conference to explore the future of mobility in a talk titled “The Road Ahead: Driving Innovation and Sustainability.” 5. Jacqueline van den Ende Jacqueline van den Ende is playing a powerful role in fostering impactful companies. She’s the co-founder and CEO of Carbon Equity, an investment platform that unlocks private capital to solve one of the world’s greatest challenges: climate change. Earlier this month, the platform announced that it had raised €105mn for its Climate Tech Portfolio Fund III. “Despite the current geopolitical uncertainty, we have raised over €100mn within a year for innovative climate solutions. I’m proud of that,” van den Ende said.  “It also confirms that the momentum for investing in climate technology continues. The energy transition is already in full swing — not driven by idealism, but simply because sustainable solutions are economically smarter.” She’ll explore the challenges and opportunities for venture capital in a conference session titled “Off with Their Heads: Death to the VC & Building Smarter Investment Models.” 6. Marc Wesselink Joining van den Ende in her session will be Marc Wesselink, the co-founder of Venturerock, an all-in-one investment and venture-building platform. A serial entrepreneur, Wesselink has launched 12 companies. He’s also failed with four, gaining valuable insights about the startup world. In addition to his role at Venturerock, Wesselink is a founding partner at Startupbootcamp, responsible for its alumni portfolio. He’s now using those experiences to build a new way to fund global startups and scaleups. Wesselink will take the stage at TNW Conference to explain how Europe can challenge the old-school VC playbook and explore alternative funding models. 7. Jeroen van Glabbeek As the CEO and founder of CM.com, Jeroen van Glabbeek has built a global leader in cloud software for conversational commerce. Van Glabbeek has an ambitious goal: to create the world’s best platform for mobile messaging, payments, voice, apps, and security. His company recently introduced the next step of this mission: HALO — an agentic AI tool for automating business tasks, boosting productivity, and scaling businesses. He’ll speak at TNW Conference in a session titled “Death of the Unicorn: Can Europe Learn to Love Rapid Growth?” The discussion will highlight real-world success stories that prove scaling within Europe is possible — and what’s holding the continent back. Van Glabbeek will also be joining the Assembly — an exclusive, invite-only gathering of policymakers and business leaders at TNW Conference. 8. Monika Tomczak-Gorlikowska Monika Tomczak-Gorlikowska is one of Europe’s leading experts on data privacy. A licensed attorney who practised data privacy law for over 20 years, Tomczak-Gorlikowska has served as a legal counsel for the EU and Shell. She’s now the Chief Privacy Officer at Prosus Group — a global consumer internet group and one of the largest technology investors in the world.  She’ll join TNW Conference for a session titled “Innovation at Scale: The Future of Global Enterprise.” Alongside Shez Partovi, the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at Philips, she’ll share actionable strategies to drive sustainable growth, adapt to emerging trends, and thrive in a competitive marketplace. To find out more about TNW Conference, check out our full speaker list, agenda, tickets page, and media hub.  Still here? Then you’ve earned yourself a big discount on tickets to TNW Conference, which takes place on June 19 and 20 in Amsterdam. Use the code ORANJEBOVEN at the checkout to get 40% off your pass. Story by Thomas Macaulay Managing editor Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he e (show all) Thomas is the managing editor of TNW. He leads our coverage of European tech and oversees our talented team of writers. Away from work, he enjoys playing chess (badly) and the guitar (even worse). Get the TNW newsletter Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week. Also tagged with

I thought my days of wearing a smartwatch were over, after making the switch to dumb watches and relying instead on a smart ring, but the chance to try out a $65 Apple Watch clone proved too intriguing to refuse! I fully expected it to be pretty terrible. But while I wouldn’t recommend buying the WithIt Giga instead of an Apple Watch, I was actually quite pleasantly surprised … Look & feel There are, of course, counterfeit Apple Watches out there. These replicate both design and packaging, and are sold to some unknown mix of people who want the look without the price tag and people who are being scammed, thinking they’re buying the real thing. The Giga isn’t one of those. It does look similar to an Apple Watch at first glance, but isn’t pretending to be one. The overall form factor is the same, but there are enough visual differences that it wouldn’t fool anyone familiar with one. For example, the casing protrudes around the equivalent of the Digital Crown, and there are conventional watch lugs to attach the band. The watch faces also look nothing like Apple ones. The standard one shown above has very prominent WithIt branding, and the activity and health stat displays are much more basic than Apple’s exercise rings. There’s a celebratory face with balloons which shows just the date, time, and step-count; there’s one which is very vaguely reminiscent of the panel graphics in Star Trek: TNG; and two analogue faces, one of which is ugly, and the other really ugly! In short, anyone buying this hoping people will mistake it for an Apple Watch is going to be very sorely disappointed. Functionality Giga offers much the same health and fitness monitoring as the Apple Watch, and most such devices these days, including: Heart rate Blood oxygen Steps Exercise minutes Sleep time Stress level There’s a Workout equivalent, with support for a solid range of activities. Additionally, you can toggle on reminders to move and to drink water. You can also choose to sync the health and activity data to the Apple Health app, either permitting all data to be shared or toggling on/off individual data items. You get a remote camera button, but it’s literally just a red shutter button: no viewfinder feature, and no controls. You also get the option of music controls, for Apple Music and Spotify. You can sync with your Apple Calendar, and a world clock supports up to six time-zones. You can make and receive phone calls from the Watch (via a Bluetooth connection to the iPhone – there’s no cellular capability). Finally, you can receive any notification on the watch, with individual toggles for popular messaging apps (Messages, Messenger, WhatsApp, Skype, and Snapchat), along with things like email. Beyond those, it’s all-or-nothing, via an ‘Other apps’ toggle. In use It perhaps feels a little cheap compared to the real thing – especially the band – but the finish and build quality seem decent. Battery life is excellent, going several days between charges. There’s a raise-to-wake feature which proved reliable (with the same ability to set working hours for this, so it doesn’t wake you in bed), and the screen is bright, colorful, and easy to read. The functionality provided by the controls is crude. Pressing the digital crown acts as a manual wake button when off, and a Home button when on. Rotating it from the home screen simply switches between watch faces, which is arguably the least-useful thing it could possibly do since I rarely changed mine on my Apple Watch, and would never change the mostly-ugly ones on this. The side button opens the workouts screen, with the digital crown letting you scroll through them and select. The ‘apps’ are accessed by swiping from the left side of the screen. This displays the weather, and provides one-touch access to the five most recently-used apps, with a 6th button bringing up the full list. The digital crown then scrolls through these. I tested heart-rate, steps, and sleep monitoring against my Oura Ring (which was in turn more accurate than my Apple Watch). Heart-rate and step accuracy was remarkably good. It over-estimated sleep time when I wore it for one night, logging 7h 49m against the 7h 21m recorded by my Oura Ring, but my Apple Watch did the same thing to about the same extent. Conclusions I’m honestly impressed by just how much tech you get for a pretty incredible $65. If someone wanted to test out whether a smart watch is for them, or you wanted to give something to a younger kid, you could do worse. More than anything, this is a sign of just how incredibly cheap no-brand tech can get while still delivering decent performance. Indeed, there’s a whole bunch of these things on Amazon for as little as $30. That said, however, you get could a pre-owned Apple Watch SE on eBay for roughly the same money as the Giga, and in most cases that would be a significantly better option. It was fascinating to try, though! Highlighted accessories The WithIt Giga costs $65 from the company’s website. Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed.  FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.You’re reading 9to5Mac — experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Don’t know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Three weeks out from "liberation day" — when Donald Trump announced severe tariffs on US allies and adversaries alike — the president is reeling from a hard lesson about the global economy in 2025: that China, not the United States, is holding the leash on international trade.After a series of confusing financial escalations and retaliations, the White House now wants to substantially walk back its threatened tariff rate, which at one point rose as high as 245 percent."No one thinks the current status quo is sustainable" with tariff rates that high, Trump's Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told JP Morgan bigwigs at a closed door meeting in DC earlier this week.But while Trump has insisted that Chinese officials were negotiating to bring that number down, Beijing says it hasn't been in contact with the US at all — evidently content to watch as American businesses agonize in the wake of Trump's hystrionics. Trump has previously insinuated that Xi should "request a call" to discuss trade relations, evidently too proud to make the first move.At one time, officials in Beijing had hoped that Elon Musk, who has substantial business holdings in mainland China, might act as a go-between for Xi and Trump, avoiding the ugly business of tariffs altogether.That's obviously out the window now. Instead, China has reportedly considered whether to "kneecap" US tech companies like Tesla, Apple, Qualcomm, and Intel, according to a CNN analysis, but has so far backed off for fear of upsetting Chinese consumers. Still, US tech companies are bearing the brunt of the tariff whiplash, as Chinese-made consumer goods like iPhones skyrocket in price, and China halts the export of rare earth metals, to Musk's horror.China, meanwhile, seems well positioned to wait out the storm. It currently dominates the global electric vehicle market, has legions of manufacturing robots at its disposal, and boasts a record-breaking freight rail system to keep its supply chain running.Average Americans might not be in such a good spot. In the three weeks since liberation day, shipping container traffic from China to the US seems to be plummeting. Weekly cargo bookings bound for the US from Chinese manufacturers are reportedly down as much as 60 percent across all industries, signaling doom for Americans used to cheap consumer goods.As Trump carries on his game of chicken with Xi, it remains to be seen: will the American tycoon fold under the pressure, or will he bide his time while the US plunges into financial ruin? Time will tell.More on China: China Fires Up World's First Thorium-Powered Nuclear ReactorShare This Article

Apr 25, 2025Ravie LakshmananCryptocurrency / Artificial Intelligence North Korea-linked threat actors behind the Contagious Interview have set up front companies as a way to distribute malware during the fake hiring process. "In this new campaign, the threat actor group is using three front companies in the cryptocurrency consulting industry—BlockNovas LLC (blocknovas[.] com), Angeloper Agency (angeloper[.]com), and SoftGlide LLC (softglide[.]co)—to spread malware via 'job interview lures," Silent Push said in a deep-dive analysis. The activity, the cybersecurity company said, is being used to distribute three different known malware families, BeaverTail, InvisibleFerret, and OtterCookie. Contagious Interview is one of the several job-themed social engineering campaigns orchestrated by North Korea to entice targets into downloading cross-platform malware under the pretext of coding assignment or fixing an issue with their browser when turning on camera during a video assessment. The activity is tracked by the broader cybersecurity community under the monikers CL-STA-0240, DeceptiveDevelopment, DEV#POPPER, Famous Chollima, UNC5342, and Void Dokkaebi. The use of front companies for malware propagation, complemented by setting up fraudulent accounts on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, X, Medium, GitHub, and GitLab, marks a new escalation for the threat actors, who have been observed using various job boards to lure victims. "The BlockNovas front company has 14 people allegedly working for them, however many of the employee personas [...] appear to be fake," Silent Push said. "When viewing the 'About Us' page of blocknovas[.]com via the Wayback Machine, the group claimed to have been operating for '12+ years' – which is 11 years longer than the business has been registered." The attacks lead to the deployment of a JavaScript stealer and loader called BeaverTail, which is then used to drop a Python backdoor referred to as InvisibleFerret that can establish persistence on Windows, Linux, and macOS hosts. Select infection chains have also been found to serve another malware codenamed OtterCookie via the same JavaScript payload used to launch BeaverTail. BlockNovas has been observed using video assessments to distribute FROSTYFERRET and GolangGhost using ClickFix-related lures, a tactic that was detailed earlier this month by Sekoia, which is tracking the activity under the name ClickFake Interview. BeaverTail is configured to contact an external server ("lianxinxiao[.]com") for command-and-control (C2) to serve InvisibleFerret as the follow-up payload. It comes with various features to harvest system information, launch a reverse shell, download additional modules to steal browser data, files, and initiate the installation of the AnyDesk remote access software. Further analysis of the malicious infrastructure has revealed the presence of a "Status Dashboard" hosted on one of BlockNovas' subdomains to maintain visibility into four of their domains: lianxinxiao[.]com, angeloperonline[.]online, and softglide[.]co. A separate subdomain, mail.blocknovas[.]com domain, has also been found to be hosting an open-source, distributed password cracking management system called Hashtopolis. The fake recruitment drives have led to at least one developer getting their MetaMask wallet allegedly compromised in September 2024. That's not all. The threat actors also appear to be hosting a tool named Kryptoneer on the domain attisscmo[.]com that offers the ability to connect to cryptocurrency wallets such as Suiet Wallet, Ethos Wallet, and Sui Wallet. "It's possible that North Korean threat actors have made additional efforts to target the Sui blockchain, or this domain may be used within job application processes as an example of the 'crypto project' being worked on," Silent Push said. BlockNovas, according to an independent report published by Trend Micro, also advertised in December 2024 an open position for a senior software engineer on LinkedIn, specifically targeting Ukrainian IT professionals. As of April 23, 2025, the BlockNovas domain has been seized by the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as part of a law enforcement action against North Korean cyber actors for using it to "deceive individuals with fake job postings and distribute malware." Besides using services like Astrill VPN and residential proxies to obfuscate their infrastructure and activities, a noteworthy aspect of the malicious activity is the use of artificial intelligence (AI)-powered tools like Remaker to create profile pictures. The cybersecurity company, in its analysis of the Contagious Interview campaign, said it identified five Russian IP ranges that have been used to carry out the operation. These IP addresses are obscured by a VPN layer, a proxy layer, or an RDP layer. "The Russian IP address ranges, which are concealed by a large anonymization network that uses commercial VPN services, proxy servers, and numerous VPS servers with RDP, are assigned to two companies in Khasan and Khabarovsk," security researchers Feike Hacquebord and Stephen Hilt said. "Khasan is a mile from the North Korea-Russia border, and Khabarovsk is known for its economic and cultural ties with North Korea." If Contagious Interview is one side of the coin, the other is the fraudulent IT worker threat known as Wagemole, which refers to a tactic that involves crafting fake personas using AI to get their IT workers hired remotely as employees at major companies. These efforts have dual motivations, designed to steal sensitive data and pursue financial gain by funneling a chunk of the monthly salaries back to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK). "Facilitators are now using GenAI-based tools to optimize every step in the process of applying and interviewing for roles and to aid DPRK nationals attempting to maintain this employment," Okta said. "These GenAI-enhanced services are required to manage the scheduling of job interviews with multiple DPRK candidate personas by a small cadre of facilitators. These services use GenAI in everything from tools that transcribe or summarize conversations, to real-time translation of voice and text." Telemetry data gathered by Trend Micro points to the Pyongyang-aligned threat actors working from China, Russia, and Pakistan, while using the Russian IP ranges to connect to dozens of VPS servers over RDP and then perform tasks like interacting on job recruitment sites and accessing cryptocurrency-related services. "Given that a significant portion of the deeper layers of the North Korean actors' anonymization network is in Russia, it is plausible, with low to medium confidence, that some form of intentional cooperation or infrastructure sharing exists between North Korea and Russian entities," the company said. Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter  and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post. SHARE    

James M. Connolly, Contributing Editor and WriterApril 25, 20254 Min ReadInk Drop via Alamy StockIn the adoption of new technology, there has always been the need for tradeoffs. For every opportunity, there has been a cost, a need to achieve the good by understanding the bad. The early computers offered efficiency, but they raised fears of depersonalization; PCs threatened IT security; the internet connected the world but enabled cybercrime. In the end, nobody wanted to go back to typewriters, rotary dial phones, and adding machines. Somehow humanity has found ways to balance the negative and positive side of each emerging technology. Today, artificial intelligence offers a prime example of the good/bad, plus/minus equation. AI promises to make work easier, cure diseases and solve global problems. Yet, we know about the risks: Biased data, lack of transparency, loss of jobs, and more. Recently, a new concern has emerged: AI models require so much electrical power that the energy demand seems ready to bring down the global grids. The irony is that some experts say AI actually has the potential to help achieve greater sustainability by finding answers to multiple energy issues. We recently launched a special report on this topic in which we investigated the thorny issues surrounding the true cost of AI. For example, what’s the price tag CIOs have to pay in the short term and what’s the cost to their business -- and to society -- in the long-term? And over the past year or so, InformationWeek writers have examined the energy dilemma that AI raises. The articles in this Quick Study share the thoughts of key experts in the AI and energy fields. They can help you and your IT organization understand the two sides of the AI energy issues.  The Problem Confronting the AI Energy Drain Artificial intelligence technology is working its way into nearly every aspect of modern life. But what are the energy costs? Can they be reduced? The AI Power Paradox The energy needed to train AI models is draining the power grid. But AI may also be key to sustainable energy management. AI Driving Data Center Energy Appetite As organizations scramble to integrate AI platforms into their businesses, the impact on data center energy requirements is skyrocketing, with future demand certain to rise. Will Future AI Demands Derail Sustainable Energy Initiatives? As AI use grows, so will its energy demands. How will power-hungry AI deployments affect sustainable energy initiatives? Pulling Back the Curtain: The Infrastructure Behind the Magic of AI Here’s a look at the “magic” behind artificial intelligence development, which requires density in design, strategic land selection, and power availability. Possible Solutions AI, Data Centers, and Energy Use: The Path to Sustainability The increasing use of AI and data centers is leading to a surge in energy consumption, posing risks for energy, tech, and data companies. It also presents an opportunity for these companies to decarbonize, build trust, and reduce long-term costs. Accenture Makes $1B AI Power Play with Udacity Purchase The company will use Udacity to build out its LearnVantage business to focus on AI-fueled technology training. Supercharging AI With the Power of Quantum Computing How can we supercharge artificial intelligence? Through the power of quantum computing and its potential to pave the way for a more sustainable and efficient future with AI. Clean, Lean Data Is the Cornerstone of AI Sustainability Messy data is making AI inefficient and hampering its sustainability. So why aren’t more organizations doing a better job of optimizing their data for AI? Sustainable AI: Wishful Thinking or Corporate Imperative? With the increasingly popular use of AI in the enterprise, it becomes crucial to ensure that these technologies are harnessed in a climate-neutral way. Infrastructure Sustainability and the Data Center Power Dilemma Microsoft’s plan to tap into a reactor at Three Mile Island to power data centers fuels questions about how far our voracious appetite for energy might go. A Sustainability Spin to the Issue How AI Impacts Sustainability Opportunities and Risks AI can be used to drive sustainability initiatives, yet the technology itself has an environmental cost. How can we strike a balance? AI and the War Against Plastic Waste Plastic waste is one of today’s most complex environmental challenges, and people are putting AI to work to understand it and solve it. Embracing AI for Competitive Edge and Social Impact AI is revolutionizing business by enhancing operational efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness, while also addressing global challenges like healthcare and sustainability. It enables companies to thrive while contributing to broader societal impact. AI Will Make Cars and Trucks Smarter, Faster, and Safer AI promises to revolutionize driving. Here's a look at what's coming down the road, and how AI can help make cars safer and more energy efficient. SAP’s Sophia Mendelsohn on Using AI to Scale Sustainability How GenAI can be put to work to free up ESG professionals and connect the dots on resource planning within the enterprise. About the AuthorJames M. ConnollyContributing Editor and WriterJim Connolly is a versatile and experienced freelance technology journalist who has reported on IT trends for more than three decades. He was previously editorial director of InformationWeek and Network Computing, where he oversaw the day-to-day planning and editing on the sites. He has written about enterprise computing, data analytics, the PC revolution, the evolution of the Internet, networking, IT management, and the ongoing shift to cloud-based services and mobility. He has covered breaking industry news and has led teams focused on product reviews and technology trends. He has concentrated on serving the information needs of IT decision-makers in large organizations and has worked with those managers to help them learn from their peers and share their experiences in implementing leading-edge technologies through such publications as Computerworld. Jim also has helped to launch a technology-focused startup, as one of the founding editors at TechTarget, and has served as editor of an established news organization focused on technology startups at MassHighTech.See more from James M. ConnollyReportsMore ReportsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also Like

There are many ways to define the current era of Hollywood cinema. But there’s no question that one sub-genre looms largest over the rest: Superheroes.Before the turn of the 21st century, Hollywood largely looked at comic books and their brightly-colored characters as exploitation fare. Even the occasional blockbuster adaptation, like 1978’s Superman or 1989’s Batman, did little to alter the general perception that comics were pow-biff-zap kids stuff, and no matter how much money you threw at them, that’s all that would ever be.The early 2000s, and movies like X-Men and Spider-Man, changed all that. Superheroes went from occasional novelties to the very center of mainstream filmmaking, with big-budget adaptations now a reliable annual tradition every summer (and early spring ... and late fall too). Instead of just turning household names like Superman and Batman into films, Marvel, DC, and others began adapting increasingly obscure characters — and turning them into improbable franchises. (Go read up on the early years of the Guardians of the Galaxy, and you’ll see what I mean.)Today, we’re going to take a look at this era of Hollywood cinema, and the superheroes that define it — the best comic-book movie of every year from 2000 to today. Some years, especially at the start of the century when there were still relatively few of these films, the title of a year’s best superhero film is very easy to choose. A decade or two later, the competition becomes so fierce it gets a little big trickier. But I’ll do my best, in the name of truth, justice, and all that stuff.The Best Superhero Movie Of Every Year From 2000 to TodayThere are a lot of comic-book movies these days. If you could only pick one best one from every single year of the 21st century, what would you choose? Here are our picks.READ MORE: The Worst Superhero Movies of the Last 20 YearsGet our free mobile app13 Actors Who Returned To Iconic Roles Decades Later

About the RoleWe are seeking a detail-oriented, adaptable, and highly professional visa & passport consultant to join our remote team. This is a multi-role position that spans visa consulting, customer service, operations, and administration.You will initially focus on assisting UK-based corporate clients—often large businesses and professionals in senior positions—with their visa and passport needs. However, the role is flexible, and you will be expected to contribute across various functions within the company as needed.You’ll work closely with our logistics team, operations staff, and directly with our director, gaining exposure to all aspects of our business.This is a 100% remote role—work from anywhere in the world with a competitive salary paid in USD and flexible working arrangements as a contractor.Key ResponsibilitiesAdvise corporate clients and individuals on visa and passport application requirementsHandle global mobility queries from HR and Mobility departmentsReview, check, and verify documents for accuracy and complianceTroubleshoot client issues and provide accurate, efficient solutionsProgress clients through the application process step-by-stepIdentify potential issues and provide clear, actionable adviceCollaborate with internal team members across operations and logisticsSupport general administration and cross-functional duties as requiredRequirementsFluent written and spoken English – this is absolutely critical. Communication quality will be assessed during the recruitment processExperience in administration, customer service, or operations (experience across multiple is a plus)Proven ability to work with large organisations and professionals in senior rolesConfident working with multiple departments within corporate environmentsExcellent document handling and attention to detailStrong problem-solving skills and ability to work independentlyComfortable multitasking and managing multiple cases concurrentlyTeam player with a proactive, hands-on attitudeSkills RequiredProfessional communication (written & verbal)Document review and compliance checkingIssue identification and problem-solvingClient service and relationship managementStrong organisational and time management skillsAdaptability across cross-functional tasksTech-savvy with familiarity in tools such as email, shared drives, task management software, etc.Technical RequirementsTo perform effectively in this remote role, you’ll need:A reliable computer (Core i5 or equivalent, 12GB RAM, Windows 10 or above)Noise-cancelling USB headset and webcam for meetingsStable internet connection (min. 35 Mbps download / 15 Mbps upload)Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks remotelyWhy Join Rapid Visas?100% remote position – work from anywhere in the worldCompetitive salary paid in USDFlexible working arrangements as a contractorBecome part of a small, focused team where your input mattersCollaborate directly with leadership and gain exposure across departmentsDevelop a broad skillset in a dynamic, multi-role environmentWork with respected, high-profile clients from industries across the boardHours & Work StyleThis is a remote position based on UK working hours (9:30AM – 5:30PM GMT/BST). You must be available to work within these hours consistently.To ApplyTo apply, please submit your CV and complete our online application form.As part of the application, you will also be asked to:Record and submit a short video using Loom (a free and easy-to-use video tool) to answer a few questions.Shortlisted candidates will go through a multi-stage recruitment process designed to assess communication skills (both written and spoken), attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities—essential qualities for success in this position.Apply NowLet's start your dream job Apply now Meet JobCopilot: Your Personal AI Job HunterAutomatically Apply to Remote Customer Support JobsJust set your preferences and Job Copilot will do the rest-finding, filtering, and applying while you focus on what matters. Activate JobCopilot

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd" Quebec-based architecture practice Matière Première Architecture has built a pair of building that act as an evolving showcase in the mountainous landscapes of Quebec, Canada.The two buildings, named Atelier Matière Première – Nu Drom, were designed by Matière Première Architecture and built simultaneously by the construction firm Nu Drom. One building is dedicated to artisanal production, while the other serves as a space for work, reflection, and public engagement.The Eastern Townships of Quebec are home to the architecture firm Matière Première Architecture. Since 2016, the two teams have been working closely with Nu Drom, a construction company that is its sister company. They have been looking for a permanent location to establish their shared identity, which is based on the smooth fusion of design and building.A fundamental project began with the chance to jointly purchase a plot near the town of Magog's entryway with a third partner from the woodworking sector. Although the office building is the subject of this discussion, both buildings were intended to be a cohesive architectural ensemble that was consistent in both placement and materiality.A new architectural concept that is highly sensitive to its surroundings arises in this charming area of Quebec, which is well-known for its hilly scenery and verdant forests. Atelier Matière Première-Nu Drom, which faces Mount Orford and is situated on a pine-covered property with a view of Highway 10, is more than just an architectural intervention; it provides a tactile and immersive experience.Once the location of a well-liked restaurant and rich in local memories, the site served as the backdrop for Matière Première and its crew as they rooted a modern vision that carefully considers both natural and cultural legacy."Designing here meant listening first—listening to the land, to the site’s history, and to our own needs as creators," said Etienne Chaussé, co-founder of Matière Première Architecture.A building that lives with the landscapeThe office building's simple design, which draws inspiration from traditional country architecture, is intended to serve as a dynamic exhibition space for the studio's artistic output. No two experiences in the space seem the same because to the thoughtfully positioned floor-to-ceiling windows that provide delicate light plays that change with the hours and seasons."We wanted the building to live and breathe in rhythm with its surroundings,” explained Marc-Antoine Chrétien, project architect. "Each opening was designed to establish a permanent, almost organic connection with the outdoors."If left untreated, the white cedar cladding will eventually take on a silvery patina that will reflect the building's gradual transformation in its natural environment.A deliberate threshold between built and naturalIn the project, landscape design was crucial. The location was picked for its views, but it was also highly valued for its unspoiled nature. Much of the terrain was preserved in its natural state to preserve this integrity. The design team used well-placed pavers and modest concrete planters with grasses and conifers to create a distinct boundary between the built and undeveloped areas. In order to subtly demonstrate human presence while honoring the ecology, a visual and experiential buffer between the building and its forested surrounds was intended.Interior spaces of light, warmth, and flexibilityInside, the architecture strikes a mix between ambiance and functionality, openness and intimacy. The bottom floor's more public areas and the creative studio above are connected by a sculptured stairway made of folded steel with an oak top that serves as a spatial hinge."The exposed beams and fabric-lined millwork are not just aesthetic choices," explained Samuel Godin, project manager. "They contribute to the tactile and acoustic experience, bringing softness and calm to the workplace."The interior design was similarly flexible. The ground level, which is now a showroom, was designed to be easily transformed into further office space as needed, ensuring longevity without requiring demolition."Anticipating future needs to avoid unnecessary renovations is a core part of thoughtful architecture," added Francis Provost, landscape architect and project manager.Thermal comfort and the role of natural lightFrom the first drawings, thermal comfort and daylight performance served as a guide for decisions about design. The carefully placed glass façades maximize natural light intake and aid in controlling inside temperature. The glass wall on the southern elevation is purposefully set back from the building envelope, forming a thermal buffer that reduces summertime solar heat gain and increases wintertime passive heat. Low-angle afternoon sunlight is blocked by an external timber screen to the west, offering visual comfort without sacrificing the area's landscape connection. This skillful blending of passive techniques contributes to the creation of stimulating and cozy environments. Here, the firm's architectural approach treats natural light as a living material.A shared process, a shared placeThere was a sense of shared authorship throughout the design process. Throughout the whole project, architects, carpenters, and landscape designers collaborated closely, erasing boundaries between specialties and cultivating a strong sense of pride and ownership. As a result, the workplace has been molded by the hands and minds of its current occupants in addition to the goal. The studio's philosophy—architecture that is felt as much as it is seen—is embodied in this harmony between concept and craft.Previously, Matière Première Architecture built a mini A-frame cottage, promoting a relaxed feel overlooking the lake in Estrie, Canada.Etienne Chausse, Marc-Antoine Chrétien, and Dominic Chausse formed the firm Matière Première Architecture, which is based in the Eastern Townships of Quebec. In 2016, they launched Nu Drom, a design-build company that integrates architecture and construction.  Project factsArchitect: Matière Première ArchitectureLocation: Magog, Quebec, Canada Area: 4600 sq ftContractor: Nu Drom ConstructionFurniture: Ghauz & Atelier Vaste Lighting: Lambert et fils, Artemide, DalsRoof: Mac metalSiding: Maxi-ForetFloors: Unik parquetCompletion year: 2024All images © Alex Lesage.> via Matière Première Architecture

The Kansas City museum’s shortlist included Renzo Piano, Studio Gang and Kengo Kuma WEISS/MANFREDI’s proposals for the expansion of the Nelson-Atkins Museum The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City has selected New York-based practice WEISS/MANFREDI as lead architect for its planned 61,000 sq ft expansion, following an international competition that drew entries from nearly 200 firms across 30 countries. The scheme, which is now entering a further design development phase, seeks to open up the museum campus through a new north entrance, an events and learning lobby, and improved public access to the surrounding landscape. WEISS/MANFREDI’s concept also proposes a new “Commons” space and photography centre, with views to the original neoclassical building and adjacent sculpture park. The architectural language and massing are still to be finalised. Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi “We are deeply honored to work with The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on this transformative project,” said Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, founding partners of WEISS/MANFREDI. “It is a rare and meaningful opportunity to reimagine the museum as a place where art, architecture and landscape converge to reveal a place of discovery and delight, and we look forward to collaborating with the museum and community to create a more transparent and welcoming cultural campus.” The museum stated that WEISS/MANFREDI was selected for its responsiveness to the brief and its alignment with the institution’s long-term goals. According to Julián Zugazagoitia, director and chief executive of the Nelson-Atkins, “Central to our competition was the need to respect the Nelson-Atkins’ original, neoclassical building, as well as our beautiful Bloch building, while also bringing something new to our campus.” 1/3 show caption The project will involve a partial renovation of the original museum building and landscape interventions intended to create a more accessible and welcoming campus. Community consultation is expected to continue throughout the design process. The competition was organised by Malcolm Reading Consultants. Finalists included Kengo Kuma & Associates, Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Selldorf Architects, Studio Gang, WEISS/MANFREDI and WHY Architects. Concept models were displayed in a public exhibition at the museum in late 2024. Founded by Marion Weiss and Michael Manfredi, WEISS/MANFREDI is known for its integration of architecture and landscape. Previous cultural and public realm projects include the Olympic Sculpture Park in Seattle, the Brooklyn Botanic Garden Visitor Center, and the Women’s Memorial at Arlington Cemetery.

Women’s action group Part W has already received more than 70 photos of the frustrating, everyday ‘built barriers’ that women and girls face. Launched on International Women’s Day last month (8 March), the Built Barriers awareness campaign’s initial phase will create a visual archive of real-life examples, documenting how those who identify and live as women are affected by spaces ‘that weren’t designed with them or their safety in mind’. Submissions range from transport hubs lacking step-free access for parents to travel with a pram, to routes that feel unsafe, overly glazed façades which overheat internal spaces, making them uncomfortable for those experiencing the menopause, to the poor design, or total lack, of breastfeeding spaces.Advertisement This first-phase call-out for evidence runs until June, when the images will form the basis for a discussion at the London Festival of Architecture. The photos will also inform the group’s next stage, which will explore best-practice design from around the world, spotlighting gender-inclusive projects to show how ‘thoughtful design can create spaces where all people of all genders can thrive’. Zoë Berman, founder of Part W, told the AJ: ‘This is about gathering evidence. Then, we want to look at solutions – including shining light on exemplar projects – and from there we hope to scrutinise design policy which doesn’t include gender as a factor that should be considered in planning and placemaking.’  She added: ‘We need those who identify as men and people of all genders to submit Built Barriers photos. When the built environment is realised in a way that makes it hard for women and girls to navigate spaces safely and accessibly, that impacts all those at risk of violence and people of all genders, those of all ages who are caregivers, have a history of trauma and those who have mobility challenges.  ‘We’re calling on everyone – all those who use built space – to get involved in making these problems visible by sharing their Built Barrier photos with us.’  To take part, the group is asking for photos of design barriers in the built environment to be shared on Instagram or LinkedIn by tagging @PartW and using #BuiltBarriers.Advertisement Source:Claire CurticeEssex Road station, north London I took this photo in 2019 on the underground platform of Essex Road station. It was late at night and I was the only one there. Having taken a rickety industrial lift down to the depths of the underground, I found myself waiting on the dishevelled platform staring into the darkness of the tunnel listening to an echoing dripping pipe, conscious that if anything happened no one would hear me scream. It was one of the few occasions in the city that I felt completely unsafe. Six years on and I wouldn’t feel any safer today. With violent acts against women and girls on the rise by 37 per cent between 2018 and 2023, I’ll choose a different route home next time. Claire Curtice, communications consultant, Zetteler Source:Fiona MacDonald There is a huge lack of investment in basic infrastructure. This results in makeshift, temporary and inaccessible workarounds. In this instance, what should be a short, car-free route to the park is an assault course – trying to wheel a double buggy over wooden pallets to avoid deep overflow water. It would have been completely impassable for a wheelchair user. It makes you realise you’re the afterthought. It can get to the point you have to psych yourself up to leave your home. Since having two babies, I often only go out with another adult with us so we can together navigate the obstacles of the city. These built barriers exist in plain sight and represent a society that believes it’s OK to exclude those who don’t fit an able-bodied, non-care-giving mould. Fiona MacDonald, co-founder and director, MATT+FIONA Source:Tom Fotheringham This is an access route to my son’s nursery on a newly built estate in Hornsey, North London. Some basic changes to the road layout could have made this much more equitable and safer for those walking down it – especially given the number of people walking with pushchairs. For instance: there is no pavement on one side and the other is blocked by bollards; there is a bin store in front of the dropped kerb, so it is also often blocked; there is minimal street lighting, making it feel doubly dangerous in the dark. Tom Fotheringham, associate, Stanton Williams Source:Sarah Wigglesworth This is a private estate isolated from its surroundings by a ring road (the A21 Farnborough Way in Orpington). The space in between is taken up by a car park – a no-man’s land. So, to walk from the bus stop, you have to navigate through the unlit car park and then through this gap between two houses and the passage flanked by paling fences. Navigating these spaces, especially when full of cars, feels dangerous. Anyone could be lurking in the shadows or behind a vehicle and you could be trapped. Sarah Wigglesworth