This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.How this grassroots effort could make AI voices more diverseWe are on the cusp of a voice AI boom, as tech companies roll out the next generation of artificial-intelligence-powered assistants. But the default voices for these assistants are often white AmericanBritish, if youre luckyand most definitely speak English. And if youre one of the billions of people who dont speak English, bad luck: These tools dont sound nearly as good in other languages.This is because the data that has gone into training these models is limited. In AI research, most data used to train models is extracted from the English-language internet, which reflects Anglo-American culture. But there is a massive grassroots effort underway to change this status quo and bring more transparency and diversity to what AI sounds like. Read the full story.Melissa HeikkilAzalea: a science-fiction storyFancy something fiction to read this weekend? If you enjoy Sci-Fi, check out this story written by Paolo Bacigalupi, featured in the latest edition of our print magazine. It imagines a future shaped by climate changeread it for yourself here.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 Cruise has admitted to falsifying a crash reportThe report failed to mention that its robotaxi dragged a pedestrian after striking her. (San Francisco Chronicle)+ The firm has been fined $500,000 to resolve the criminal charges. (WP $)2 The US plans to investigate Microsofts cloud businessAs the Biden administration prepares to hand over power to Donald Trumps team. (FT $)3 Silicon Valley hates regulation. So does Trump.AI and energy ventures could be the first to prosper under lighter-touch governance. (WP $)+ Peter Thiel claims the tech industry is fed up with wokeness. (Insider $)4 Elon Musks cost-cutting team will be working 80+ hours a weekAnd youll need to subscribe to X to apply. (WSJ $)+ As if that wasnt appealing enough, the positions are also unpaid. (NBC News)+ The lucky workers can expect a whole lot of meetings. (Bloomberg $)5 The trolls are in charge nowAnd its increasingly unclear whats a joke and whats an actual threat. (The Atlantic $)+ Its possible, but not guaranteed, that Trumps more controversial cabinet picks will be defeated in the Senate. (New Yorker $)6 How to keep abortion plans private in the age of TrumpReproductive rights are under threat. Heres how to protect them. (The Markup)7 The first mechanical Qubit is hereAnd mechanical quantum computers could be the first to benefit. (IEEE Spectrum)+ Quantum computing is taking on its biggest challenge: noise. (MIT Technology Review)8 Can Bluesky recapture the old Twitters magic?No algorithms, no interfering billionaires. (Vox)+ More than one million new users joined the platform earlier this week. (TechCrunch)9 Weight-loss drugs could help to treat chronic painAnd could present a safer alternative to opioids. (New Scientist $)+ Weight-loss injections have taken over the internet. But what does this mean for people IRL? (MIT Technology Review)10 These are the most expensive photographs ever takenThe first human-taken pictures from space are truly awe-inspiring. (The Guardian)Quote of the dayIt feels like its a platform for and by real people.US politician Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez tells the Washington Post about the appeal of Bluesky as users join the social network after abandoning X.The big storyHow environmental DNA is giving scientists a new way to understand our worldFebruary 2024Environmental DNA is a relatively inexpensive, widespread, potentially automated way to observe the diversity and distribution of life.Unlike previous techniques, which could identify DNA from, say, a single organism, the method also collects the swirling cloud of other genetic material that surrounds it. It can serve as a surveillance tool, offering researchers a means of detecting the seemingly undetectable.By sampling eDNA, or mixtures of genetic material in water, soil, ice cores, cotton swabs, or practically any environment imaginable, even thin air, it is now possible to search for a specific organism or assemble a snapshot of all the organisms in a given place.It offers a thrilling and potentially chilling way to collect information about organisms, including humans, as they go about their everyday business. Read the full story.Peter Andrey SmithWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or tweet em at me.)+ Smells like punk spirit.+ If youve been feeling creaky lately (and who hasnt), give these mobility exercises a go.+ Talk about a glow upthese beautiful locations really do emanate light.+ Its the truly chilling collab we never knew we needed: Bon Jovi has joined forces with Mr Worldwide himself, Pitbull.

Apple's iOS 18 update includes a Maps Library feature for all of your saved and pinned locations to live, making them easier to find later. Here's how to use it on your iPhone.iOS 18 adds a new Library feature to the iPhone's Apple Maps app.Adding new locations to the new iOS 18 Apple Maps library is easy and iPhone owners will be able to do so in a couple of different ways. We're going to run you through both so that you can make the most out of an Apple Maps feature that will make it easier and quicker than ever to get to where you want to go. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty news app has been removed from the App Store in Russia, in another case of the state mandating what apps are allowed.The App Store is a powerful digital ecosystem.The move comes less than a month after the Russian authorities had Apple remove Current Time, the independent media service and website run by the same Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) organization. According to RFE/RL, Apple notified the organization of the app's removal following a request by Russian media regulator Roskomnadzor.In that previous case, Roskomnadzor is reported to have told Apple that the app contained "undesirable" material. This time, the regulator is said to have used the same word to describe RFE/RL's overall activities within Russia. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Designed by Arroyo Solis Agraz in Mexico City, the Brutalist House is a bold composition, creating strong contrast of light and shadow in its interior and exterior spaceshttps://www.e-architect.com/mexico/brutalist-house-mexico-city-property#mexicocity #brutalistarchitecture #brutalistdesign #houseDesigned by Arroyo Solis Agraz in Mexico City, the Brutalist House is a bold composition, creating strong contrast of light and shadow

Casa de Zanotta, by HAS in Hefei, China, has great emphasis placed upon calm, soothing interior spaces which contrast the citys busy streetshttps://www.e-architect.com/china/casa-de-zanotta-hefei-china-property#China #calming #soothing #interiorspaces #architectureCasa de Zanotta, by HAS in Hefei, China, has great emphasis placed upon calm, soothing interior spaces which contrast the city's busy streets

Exciting News! ARCHITECT Magazines 2024 Residential Architect Design Awards are now accepting submissions. Showcase your talent and creativity in residential design by entering your project before January 7, 2025! This year's categories include custom homes, affordable housing, and a unique "Fireplace" category, sponsored by Hearth & Home. Winners in this category will receive a trip to the International Builders Show in Las Vegas! Don't miss this chance to elevate your work and gain industry recognition. Early entry deadline: December 1, 2024. Visit https://bit.ly/4fvgo64 to learn more and submit your entry! #RADA2024 #Architecture #DesignAwards #ResidentialDesignhttps://bit.ly/40KrFuXARCHITECT's annual program celebrating the best residential designs will now accept entries through Tuesday, January 7, 2025.

Journey to the Edge of Art in Tasmania! If youre looking for an unforgettable art experience, MONA in Tasmania is the place. Created by David Walsh, this museum offers a surreal journey blending ancient artifacts with modern art installations, all set in an underground cliffside labyrinth. From breathtaking light shows to provocative installations, MONA is like nothing else. Whos ready for an adventure?#MONA #ArtMuseum #TasmaniaTravel #DavidWalsh #ArtLovers #ExploreTasmania #BucketListArtIn Tasmanias surreal art haven, MONA redefines the museum experience, blending ancient echoes with avant-garde creations in a labyrinth of raw stone and vivid dreams.

Bjarke Ingels recently divulged his intentions to build on the moon by 2032. In a new interview withForbes, Ingels talked about his firms involvement with ICONon the NASA-fundedProject Olympus, saying "solar-powered lasers" will be used to "essentially melt moon dust into a sort of lunar obsidian" for later use as a 3D printed building material.This is seemingly in reference to the next generation of 3D printers made by ICON, which Ingels discussed as part of our in-depth conversation on the topic in March. (He also said: "Technologies that are developed for the difficulty of building on the Moon and Mars actually end up necessitating innovations that are useful here on Earth.")BIG is using a similar process for the astronaut base in the Mars Dune Alphaanother project partner Jakob Langetalked about with Archinect in detail in December of 2021.

With the final stage of a multiyear revitalization now completed, Pennsylvanias Longwood Gardens horticultural center has announced its official reopening date will be November 22nd, 2024. This concludes the work performed by Weiss/Manfredi in collaboration withReed Hilderbrand. The project cost for Longwood Reimagined was approximately $250 million.Interior View, West Conservatory. mage by Sahar Coston-Hardy/Esto. Courtesy of Longwood Gardens.Work on the 17-acre expansion culminated with the addition of a new 32,000-square-foot glass greenhouse designed by Weiss/Manfredi that houses the immersive Mediterranean garden creation from Reed Hilderbrand, serviced by a network of 128 geothermal wells which are connected to a ground-level heat exchanger.nterior View, West Conservatory. Image by Ngoc Minh Ngo. Courtesy of Reed Hilderbrand.Beyond that is a brand new structure calledThe Grove that was made to host Longwood Gardens' education and administrative operations. Another impor...

At its heart, Architizers A+Product Awards celebrates products and materials that redefine the possibilities of design, technology and sustainability within architecture. For brands entering this seasons program, the ultimate goal is to follow in the footsteps of last seasons celebrated winners and have their work recognized by some of the most influential voices in the industry.Enter the A+Product AwardsCurrently open for entries, the 2025 A+Product Awards places innovative work in front of a jury of top architects and designers who are shaping the future of the built environment. Many of these thought leaders recently shared their thoughts on last years pioneering products as a precursor to this years celebration and reflected on the power of this unique industry program to champion good design.CUPACLAD by Cupa Pizarras, A+Product Awards Popular Choice Winner in the Building Envelopes, Cladding & Roofing category.Reflecting on the programs mission, Mecanoo Founding Partner and A+Product Awards JurorFrancine Houben described the judging experience as an inspiring exploration of innovation and excellence in design, enriching our built environment. With Mecanoo winning this years Firm of the Year Award, Houbens perspective carries great weight, underscoring how the A+Product Awards contributes to a larger goal: celebrating products that match up to the exacting demands of the worlds best architecture firms.Among the defining themes in last seasons winning entries was sustainability. As Stantecs Hamidreza Khademi noted, The finalists and winners embody sophisticated design, blending ingenuity, aesthetic appeal, and tangible impact. Notably, sustainability is a prevalent theme, with many products incorporating recycled materials and strategies to reduce environmental impact. Last seasons jurors were frequently impressed with how sustainable practices were rigorously integrated into high-performance, visually compelling products a vision that 2025 entrants can aspire to emulate.DEKTON Pietra Kode by Cosentino Group, A+Product Awards Jury Winner in the Hard Surfacing, Tiles & Stone category.The craftsmanship and materiality of last years winning products also left a lasting impression on the jurors. As Architectural Engineering Consultants Alessandro Mangano shared, I was impressed with the quality of craftsmanship, the use of color and composition displayed. The use of texture in many products was beautifully done. Manganos remarks underscore the commitment to quality and artistry that distinguished these entries, creating a standard for future entries to meet.Enter a ProductIn a rapidly changing design landscape, flexibility and adaptability were also key strengths recognized in last years winners. Juror Grace Eun, Senior Designer at Studio O+A, praised the trend toward solutions with flexibility and adaptability, while Gary A. Li, Principal at Kostow Greenwood Architects, highlighted the technological advances within various industries and sectors from the integration of multifunctional fixtures, accessories, products to the ability to meet many technical and sustainable goals with new materials. Entrants in the 2025 A+Product Awards will have the chance to showcase their own versatile, resilient designs in front of a jury eager to champion innovation once again.Obi by Expormim, A+Product Awards Jury Winner in the Outdoor Furniture category.Juror Louise Braverman, Founding Principal of Louise Braverman Architect, celebrated the impact of the multi-faceted qualities of the winning products, noting: Many of these products aesthetically amplify and simultaneously de-carbonize our physical world. This is good news! Her reflections capture how winning entries can go beyond functional success to make a profound impact on our world a goal that jurors will hope is carried forward in this years program.Whether exploring new sustainable materials or modular systems that enhance functionality, the A+Product Awards honor work that enriches both people and planet. As juror Gavin Leung, Founder and Chief Designer at Bagua+Bhava, summarized: The quality of work showcased this year was exceptionally high. Each product demonstrated meticulous attention to detail, innovative design, and a commitment to excellence. For 2025 entrants, this is an inspiring standard to meet, demonstrating that thoughtful design and innovation can make a lasting difference.Tantimber Thermowood by Tantimber, A+Product Awards Finalist in the Sustainable Design category.With the 2025 A+Product Awards currently accepting entries, brands worldwide are invited to join this legacy of impactful design and innovation. This is your chance to showcase work that could become the next benchmark for excellence, inspiring jurors and architects alike as they continue to shape the future of architecture. Click the button below to get started:Start SubmissionThe post An Inspiring Exploration of Innovation: Jurors Reflect on the Power of the A+Product Awards appeared first on Journal.