London Aerial View | Benjamin Davies via UnsplashNumerous factors influence property value appreciation, including location, economic conditions, infrastructure, and housing demand. However, according to experts like estate agents in Putney, an often overlooked yet equally important driver of property values is the community and social factors that shape neighborhoods and how people live in them. Strong social ties, good schools, low crime rates, access to amenities, and a sense of community are all intangible elements that can significantly impact the desirability of a property and, consequently, its value over time.This article examines the community and social factors influencing property value appreciation in the UK, highlighting why they are essential considerations for buyers and investors when deciding to book a property valuation.1. Good Schools and Educational FacilitiesAccess to high-quality schools is among the most influential factors in property value appreciation, particularly for families. Properties located within the catchment areas of well-regarded schools tend to see higher demand and stronger price growth, as parents are often willing to pay a premium to ensure their children receive the best possible education.a. School Catchment AreasThe boundaries of school catchment areas can significantly influence property values. Homes located within the catchment area of an Ofsted-rated Outstanding school are particularly sought after, often commanding higher prices than those outside the catchment.Impact on Buyers: Families with school-aged children prioritize proximity to good schools, driving up demand for properties in those areas. Even childless buyers and investors often seek homes in these catchment areas because of their strong potential for long-term appreciation.Investment Potential: Properties in strong school catchment areas typically maintain value during market downturns and can appreciate faster during growth periods. Investing in areas near top-performing schools is a sound long-term strategy for capital growth.Example: Areas like Richmond in London, known for its outstanding schools, have seen steady property price increases over the years due partly to strong demand from families.2. Low Crime Rates and SafetyA sense of safety is a fundamental aspect of a desirable community. Low crime rates contribute significantly to property values because they make neighborhoods more attractive to both buyers and renters. Safety is especially important for families and professionals, who often look for homes in secure environments.a. Crime Statistics and Perception of SafetyBuyers are increasingly aware of crime statistics when choosing where to live. Property portals such as Rightmove and Zoopla now often include crime statistics alongside listings to help potential buyers assess the safety of an area. Low crime rates enhance a communitys reputation and lead to increased demand for housing, thus driving property appreciation.Impact on Property Values: Neighbourhoods with low crime rates tend to see higher property values, as buyers are willing to pay more for the peace of mind that comes with living in a safe area. Conversely, areas with rising crime levels may experience slower appreciation or even price drops as demand declines.Tip: Investors should research crime rates and local policing initiatives when assessing the long-term viability of an area. Properties in areas with falling crime rates can offer good appreciation potential as perceptions of safety improve.3. Access to Amenities and Green SpacesProximity to amenities such as parks, shops, cafes, restaurants, and leisure facilities significantly enhances the appeal of a neighborhood. Buyers are increasingly looking for communities that offer a convenient and enjoyable lifestyle with easy access to essential services and recreational activities.a. Green Spaces and ParksHomebuyers, particularly in urban areas, highly value parks and green spaces. Access to outdoor spaces is associated with better physical and mental health, and it is a key factor in the desirability of a neighborhood. Properties near parks or nature reserves tend to command higher prices than those without such access.Impact on Property Values: Studies have shown that homes near parks and green spaces often experience faster property value appreciation. This trend became even more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic as people sought homes with better access to outdoor areas.Example: In London, properties near Hampstead Heath or Richmond Park are more expensive and have appreciated at a faster rate than similar properties farther from green spaces.b. Retail and Leisure FacilitiesThe availability of shops, cafes, restaurants, and leisure facilities also plays a crucial role in determining property value. A vibrant high street with a mix of independent retailers, restaurants, and cultural attractions can make a neighborhood more desirable, attracting homebuyers who value convenience and quality of life.Impact on Property Values: Neighbourhoods with a good selection of retail and leisure facilities tend to experience stronger property price growth, as these amenities enhance the quality of life for residents. Areas with trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops are particularly popular among young professionals, who are willing to pay more for a vibrant lifestyle.Example: The regeneration of Kings Cross in London, which brought new restaurants, shops, and cultural facilities, has significantly boosted property prices in the area, transforming it into one of the most desirable places to live in the city. Gavin Wilson via Unsplash David Wilson via Unsplash4. Strong Sense of Community and Neighbourhood EngagementA strong sense of community and neighborhood engagement can profoundly impact the desirability and value of properties. When residents feel connected to their neighbors and take pride in their local area, it creates a positive living environment that attracts potential buyers.a. Community Events and Social TiesCommunities that organize events and offer opportunities for residents to engage with one another are more likely to see property values appreciated. These events, whether they are local markets, festivals, or community clean-up days, foster a sense of belonging and pride in the neighborhood.Impact on Buyers: Buyers are often drawn to areas with strong community engagement because it enhances the quality of life and promotes a sense of security. Communities with active residents associations, neighborhood watch programs, and regular social events tend to have higher property values and greater demand.Long-Term Stability: Neighbourhoods with strong social ties are often more resilient during economic downturns, as residents work together to maintain the quality and desirability of the area. This stability contributes to long-term property value growth.Example: Areas like Crouch End in North London are known for their vibrant community spirit, with regular local events, markets, and active community groups. This has contributed to the areas steady property price growth.5. Transport Links and ConnectivityGood transport links are a major factor in determining property value appreciation. Areas with easy access to public transportation, major roads, and airports are highly desirable, particularly for professionals who need to commute to work or travel frequently.a. Proximity to Train Stations and Public TransportLiving near a train station or a major public transport hub significantly increases the value of a property. Easy access to public transport is crucial for commuters when choosing where to live. Properties within walking distance of stations often command a premium due to their convenience.Impact on Property Values: Transport improvements, such as introducing new train or tube lines, often lead to a sharp increase in property values in nearby areas. For example, the Crossrail (Elizabeth Line) has led to price increases in many of the neighborhoods it serves.b. Future Infrastructure DevelopmentsAreas set to benefit from future infrastructure improvements or new transport links often experience speculative price growth. Investors who buy in these areas ahead of the completion of transport projects can benefit from significant capital appreciation once the improvements are in place.Example: The planned HS2 high-speed rail is expected to boost property values in areas such as Birmingham and surrounding regions, as improved connectivity to London will make these areas more attractive to commuters.6. Cultural and Historical SignificanceProperties in areas with cultural or historical significance often hold or appreciate in value due to their unique charm and character. Buyers are usually willing to pay more to live in neighborhoods with a rich cultural heritage or historical landmarks.a. Conservation AreasLiving in a conservation area or near historically significant buildings can increase a propertys value, as these areas are often protected from overdevelopment and retain their unique architectural features.Impact on Property Values: Conservation areas tend to have stricter planning regulations, preserving their aesthetic appeal and preventing large-scale developments that could detract from the neighborhoods character. This limited supply of housing can drive up demand and property values.b. Cultural HotspotsNeighborhoods with cultural significance, such as areas known for art galleries, theatres, or music venues, are often highly desirable. These cultural attractions create vibrant, dynamic communities that appeal to buyers seeking a rich social and cultural life.Example: Areas like Notting Hill in London, famous for its cultural festivals and creative community, have seen significant property value growth due to their cultural appeal and historical significance.Final ThoughtsCommunity and social factors play a crucial role in property value appreciation. Neighborhoods with good schools, low crime rates, access to amenities, and a strong sense of community tend to experience higher demand, leading to property price increases. Factors like proximity to transport links, green spaces, and cultural attractions can further boost property values.For both buyers and investors, understanding the impact of these social and community factors is key to making informed decisions. Investing in areas with strong community engagement, good infrastructure, and a high quality of life is a solid strategy for ensuring long-term property value appreciation.Leave a comment

Ruby City Dror BaldingerRuby City is a striking example to the power of architecture to inspire and engage a community. This 14,000-square-foot contemporary art center, located in San Antonio, Texas, serves as a dedicated space for the citys creative community to experience works from both local and internationally acclaimed artists. Envisioned in 2007 by the late philanthropist and artist Linda Pace, Ruby City was designed to house Paces collection of more than 800 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, installations, and video pieces.Ruby City Technical InformationArchitects1-11: Adjaye AssociatesLocation: 150 Camp Street, San Antonio, Texas 78204, USAArea: 1,300m2 | 14,000Sq. Ft.Project Year: 2007-2019Photographs: Dror Baldinger, Mark MenjivarThe exterior form consists of a heavier top with sloping soffits, emphasizing its upward lift, topped with two crowning lanterns that create an animated roofline. The lanterns, in turn, bring natural light into gallery spaces, when desired, and coupled with the two lenses facing Chris Park and San Pedro Creek, respectively, reintroduce views back to the exterior and San Antonio at large. Adjaye AssociatesRuby City Photographs Dror Baldinger Dror Baldinger Dror Baldinger Dror Baldinger Dror Baldinger Dror Baldinger Dror Baldinger Dror Baldinger Mark Menjivar Mark Menjivar Mark Menjivar Mark MenjivarArchitectural Concept and FormDesigned by renowned architect Sir David Adjaye, the building is part of a growing cultural campus that includes Chris Park, a serene public green space named in memory of Paces son, and Studio, an auxiliary exhibition venue. Ruby Citys completion marks a significant moment in San Antonios cultural and architectural landscape, providing a physical and symbolic home for the arts.Ruby City is as much a work of art as the pieces it houses. Adjayes design centers on the concept of an ambulatory loop, encouraging visitors to journey seamlessly through the building. This loop starts at the ground level, winds through the independent gallery spaces, and culminates with a return to the lobby and outdoor plaza. The design fosters an intuitive flow, blending discovery with a sense of unity.The buildings exterior is a bold declaration of materiality and symbolism. Its angular form is clad in precast concrete panels fabricated in Mexico City, imbued with rich red hues. The base of the structure features a polished finish, inviting touch and interaction, while the upper portions are rough and encrusted with fragments of red glass, creating a tactile contrast. This dualitysmooth at the human scale and rough abovesuggests a dialogue between accessibility and raw creativity, making the building itself a sensory experience.Two lantern-like structures crown the roof, animating the skyline while bringing natural light into the gallery spaces below. These lanterns, along with strategically placed windows, reconnect visitors with the surrounding cityscape, including views of Chris Park and San Pedro Creek. This interplay of light and perspective reinforces the buildings connection to its context.Key Design Features and SpacesLobby:The lobby embodies the continuity of material and color that defines Ruby City. The ruby-red plaza outside flows seamlessly into the lobby, creating a visual and physical connection between interior and exterior. The polished red concrete floor, ground to reveal its aggregate texture, contrasts with a reception desk crafted from roughly cut Lueders limestone, accented with blackened metal. This juxtaposition of finishes highlights the tactile richness of the space.Sculpture Garden:The sculpture garden is more than an outdoor extension; it is a carefully curated environment in its own right. Defined by an oval-shaped walking path of decomposed granite, the garden features a central mounded green lawn flanked by a crushed basalt field. Regional materials root the design in its local context, while the placement of artworks by Nancy Rubins and Marina Abramovic elevates the gardens status as a formalized art space. The perimeter walls, constructed from red acid-washed precast concrete, frame the garden with a sense of enclosure and intimacy.The Jewel Box:Perhaps the most intimate space within Ruby City is the Jewel Box, a hidden room accessed through Jorge Pardo-designed doors. This space is clad in locally sourced Long Leaf Pine, creating a warm and textured environment. A large window frames a view of the sculpture garden, offering a moment of contemplation while highlighting the red concrete walls outside. The Jewel Box embodies a balance of privacy and openness, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.Ruby City Critique and ConclusionRuby City is a triumph of architectures ability to merge bold materiality with intimate human experience. Adjayes design successfully balances the buildings iconic presence with its role as a functional and welcoming space for the arts. The interplay between the rough and smooth textures, the bold red hues, and the carefully choreographed lighting exemplifies a thoughtful approach to architectural storytelling.The buildings integration with art and nature is particularly compelling. The dialogue between the sculpture garden, the gallery spaces, and the surrounding cityscape creates a holistic experience that elevates Ruby City beyond a mere exhibition space. It becomes a cultural landmark that reflects the vision and legacy of Linda Pace while anchoring itself firmly in the fabric of San Antonio.As an architectural work, Ruby City achieves timelessness. Its bold yet thoughtful design ensures that it will remain a source of inspiration for years to come. Adjayes vision, realized with the collaboration of local and international experts, is a testament to the transformative power of architecture as a medium for cultural expression. Ruby City is not just a home for art; it is itself a masterpiece.Ruby City Plans Adjaye AssociatesFloor Plan | Adjaye Associates Adjaye AssociatesRuby City Image GalleryAbout Adjaye AssociatesSir David Adjaye OBE is a globally acclaimed Ghanaian-British architect known for his innovative and culturally resonant designs. Born in 1966 in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Adjaye is the founder and principal of Adjaye Associates, established in 2000. His work spans continents and typologies, blending a deep sensitivity to cultural heritage with modernist principles. Notable projects include the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., the UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre, and Ruby City in San Antonio, Texas. Adjayes designs are celebrated for their poetic integration of form, material, and context, often addressing social and historical narratives. He has been recognized with numerous awards, including a knighthood in 2017 for his contributions to architecture.Notes & Additional CreditsDesign Architect: Adjaye AssociatesArchitect of Record: Alamo ArchitectsLandscape Architect: Madrone LandscapeStructural Engineer: Guy Nordenson and AssociatesMechanical Engineer: WSPLighting Consultant: Tillotson Design AssociatesFaade Consultant: Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.Project Manager: Norton CompanyCost Consultant: Whiting-TurnerClient: Linda Pace FoundationConstruction Cost: $16 million

Join Fox News for access to this content You have reached your maximum number of articles. Log in or create an account FREE of charge to continue reading. By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News' Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive. Please enter a valid email address. Ready to make your iPhone even smarter? With the latest iOS 18.1 update, Apple Intelligence brings many powerful new features to your fingertips.Before you dive into these exciting tools, lets get your device updated and set up.Dont worry it's a quick and easy process. And once you're all set, you'll be amazed at how these features can transform your day-to-day interactions with your phone. Let's get started. Apple Intelligence and Siri on iPhone in iOS 18.1. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to update your iPhone's softwareFirst things first, you'll need to update your iPhone to iOS 18.1 or later. Here's how:Open the Settings app.Tap General.Select Software Update.If iOS 18.1 or later is available, tap "Download and Install." Steps to update iPhones software. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)How to enable Apple IntelligenceOnce you're on iOS 18.1 or later, enabling Apple Intelligence is a breeze:Go to Settings.Tap Apple Intelligence & Siri.Toggle on Apple Intelligence. Steps to enable Apple Intelligence. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Your iPhone will then download the necessary AI models. You'll get a notification when it's ready to roll. Currently, Apple Intelligence is only available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and newer iPads and Macs with M1 chips or later.Exploring Apple Intelligence featuresNow for the fun part. Let's check out some of the coolest new features:Summarize an email with Apple IntelligenceYou can use Apple Intelligence to summarize messages and mail and get the key details at a glance. Here's how it works:In your mail app, tap an email message or thread.Now, tap the summarize button in the top right corner.An animation appears as Apple Intelligence analyzes the text, and a summary will appear above the email. Steps to summarize an email using Apple Intelligence. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Supercharged SiriSiri's gotten a major upgrade and is now supercharged by Apple Intelligence. When you talk to Siri, you'll notice an elegant glowing light around the edge of your screen that shows that Apple Intelligence is working for you.It now can handle those "umm" moments we all have. For example, try saying, "Hey Siri, set a 10-minute, no, 15-minute timer." Siri will understand and set the 15-minute timer.If you don't want to ask Siri out loud, you can now type to Siri. Just double-tap at the bottom of the screen, and you can quickly and quietly type your Siri request. Image of Siri using Apple Intelligence. (Apple)Writing toolsApple Intelligence has your back when it comes to writing. Here's how to use it:Select any text in an email or document by double-tapping on the text and dragging the cursor over the text you want help with.Then, the selection handles will appear. Tap the Writing Tools icon that appears above the selected text.Choose from options like "Proofread," "Rewrite," "Friendly," "Professional," "Concise," "Summary," "Key Points," "List" or "Table."Here's what each does specifically:Proofread: Checks for grammar and spelling errors.Rewrite: Offers alternative phrasing for the selected text.Friendly: Makes the text more casual and approachable.Professional: Adjusts the tone to be more formal and polished.Concise: Shortens the text to be more direct.Summary: Provides a brief overview of the selected text.Key Points: Highlights the main ideas.List: Converts the text into a list format.Table: Organizes the text into a table.Once you've made your selection, you can either tap Done or Revert to what you had. Steps to use Apple Intelligence when using Writing Tools on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Smarter photosYour photo library just got a lot more searchable:Open the Photos app.Tap the search icon at the top of the screen.Try natural language queries like "dog sitting on the couch."Click Search, and you'll be amazed at how accurately it finds your photos.Tap Done Steps to search photos using Apple Intelligence. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Clean up those picsWant to remove unwanted objects from your photos? Here's how:Open a photo in the Photos app.Tap the Edit button below the picture.Select the Clean Up tool in the bottom right of the screen.Circle or tap the object you want to remove.Apple Intelligence will work its magic to erase it seamlessly.Then, click either done or cancel. Steps to remove unwanted objects from photos on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Memory movie creationCreate custom photo slideshows using natural language prompts. Here's how to use this feature:Open the Photos app.Scroll down to where it says Memories.Click where it says Create to Create a Memory Movie.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Enter a text prompt describing the theme or content you want and then tap the up arrow.Apple Intelligence will work its magic to Create a Memory Movie seamlessly.Tap the three horizontal dots at the top of the screen to Edit Move Timeline, or you can tap Share Movie to share it via Messages, Mail or Social Media. Steps to create a Memory Movie on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Intelligent notificationsTired of notification overload? Apple Intelligence now provides smart summaries for your emails and messages. Just swipe down from the top of your screen to see condensed versions of your notifications.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Apple Intelligence creates smart summaries on iPhone. (Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson)Remember, to access these features, you'll need a compatible device (iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 16 series or newer iPads/Macs with M1 chips or later) running iOS 18.1 or later. You'll also need to enable Apple Intelligence in your device settings.Kurt's key takeawaysWhile these features are exciting, Apple has even more in store. We're still waiting on some promised capabilities like emoji creation, image playground and ChatGPT integration. Apple hasn't given us a firm timeline, but stay tuned the AI revolution on your iPhone is just getting started.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhat feature of Apple Intelligence are you most excited to try out on your device, and why? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Try CyberGuy's new games (crosswords, word searches, trivia and more!)Enter Cyberguys $500 Holiday Gift Card SweepstakesBest gifts for: Men | Women | Kids | Teens | Pet loversFor those who love: Cooking | Coffee | Tools | Travel | WineAccessories: Car |Kitchen | Laptop | Keyboards | Phone | Travel | Keep It CozyCant go wrong with these: Gift Cards | Money-saving apps | Amazon Black Friday insider tipsCopyright 2024CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Tech Robots perform like human surgeons by just watching videos How AI and imitation learning are shaping the future of robotic medical operations Published November 30, 2024 6:00am EST close Robots outperform human surgeons by just watching videos It's a significant step toward autonomous robotic surgery. In a groundbreaking development, researchers at Johns Hopkins University (JHU) and Stanford University have successfully trained a robotic surgical system to perform complex tasks with the skill of human doctors.This achievement marks a significant step toward autonomous robotic surgery, potentially transforming the future of medical procedures. Robotic surgical system. (Johns Hopkins University)Robots learn from watching surgical videosThe team utilized a da Vinci Surgical System, a robotic platform typically controlled remotely by surgeons. Using a machine learning technique called imitation learning, they trained the system to perform three critical surgical tasks: manipulating a needle, lifting body tissue and suturing.What sets this approach apart is the training method. Instead of painstakingly programming each movement, the robot learned by watching hundreds of videos recorded from wrist-mounted cameras on da Vinci robots during actual surgical procedures. This method allows the robot to learn from the collective experience of numerous skilled surgeons, potentially surpassing the capabilities of any single human operator. Da Vinci surgical system. (Intuitive)AI combines imitation learning with robotics for surgical precisionThe researchers developed an AI model that merges imitation learning with the machine learning architecture used in popular language models like ChatGPT. However, this model operates in the language of robotics kinematics translating visual input into precise robotic movements. This sophisticated approach allows the system to understand and replicate complex surgical maneuvers with remarkable accuracy. Da Vinci surgical system. (Intuitive)Impressive results and self-correctionThe surgical system not only executed tasks as proficiently as human surgeons but also demonstrated the ability to correct its own mistakes. As Axel Krieger, assistant professor at JHU, noted, "Like if it drops the needle, it will automatically pick it up and continue. This isn't something I taught it to do." This level of autonomy and adaptability is crucial in surgical settings where unexpected situations can arise. The robot's ability to problem-solve and adjust its actions in real time could potentially reduce complications and improve patient outcomes. Da Vinci surgical system. (Intuitive)Accelerating the path to autonomous surgeryThis breakthrough could significantly speed up the development of autonomous surgical robots. Traditional methods of programming robots for surgery are time-consuming and limited in scope. With this new approach, Krieger explains, "We only have to collect imitation learning of different procedures, and we can train a robot to learn it in a couple days." This rapid learning capability opens up possibilities for quickly adapting surgical robots to new procedures or techniques, potentially revolutionizing the field of robotic surgery.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Robotic surgical system. (Johns Hopkins University)Looking ahead: Full surgical proceduresThe JHU team is now working on expanding this technology to train robots to perform complete surgical procedures. While fully autonomous robotic surgery may still be years away, this innovation paves the way for safer and more accessible complex treatments worldwide. The ability to train robots on entire surgical procedures could lead to standardized, high-quality surgical care even in areas lacking specialized surgeons.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Robotic surgical system. (Johns Hopkins University)Kurts key takeawaysBy harnessing the power of AI and imitation learning, we're witnessing the birth of surgical robots that can learn and adapt much like human surgeons. As this technology continues to evolve, it holds the promise of reducing medical errors, increasing surgical precision, and potentially making advanced surgical procedures available to more patients globally. While there are still challenges to overcome, including ethical considerations and regulatory approvals, the future of AI-assisted and autonomous robotic surgery looks increasingly promising.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWould you feel comfortable undergoing surgery performed by a robotic system trained using AI and imitation learning? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/ContactFor more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading toCyberguy.com/NewsletterFollow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2024 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.

Many enterprises are moving towards use of data lakes to help in managing increasing amounts of information.Such large repositories allow organisations to gather and store structured and unstructured data before handing it off for further data management and processing in a data warehouse, database, enterprise application, or to data scientists and analytics andartificial intelligence (AI) tools.And, given the potentially vast volumes of data at play and the need to scale as the business grows, more organisations are looking at the cloud as a data lake location.Data lakes hold raw data. From the data lake, data travels downstream - generally for further processing or to a database or enterprise application. The data lake is where the businesss various data streams are gathered, whether from supply chain, customers, marketing, inventory or sensor data from plant or machinery.Data in a data lake can be structured, unstructured or semi-structured. Firms can use metadata tagging to help find assets, but the assumption is the data will flow onwards into specialist applications, or be worked on by data scientists and developers.Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a good working definition - a data lake is a centralised repository that allows you to store all your structured and unstructured data at any scale. You can store your data as-is, without having to first structure the data.This contrasts with a data warehouse, where information is stored in databases, which employees and enterprise applications can access.The key feature of a cloud data lake is its scale, followed closely by ease of management. The hyperscale cloud providers data lakes run on object storage, and these offer practically limitless capacity. The only constraint is likely to be the enterprises data storage budget.As with other cloud storage technologies, cloud data lakes can scale up and down, to allow customers to adjust capacity and therefore cost, according to business requirements. The hyperscaler is responsible for adding capacity, hardware and software maintenance, redundancy and security, and so takes that burden off the data science team.Managed data lake services from cloud hyperscalers allow data engineering teams to focus on business analytics, freeing them from the time-consuming tasks of maintaining on-site data lake infrastructure, says Srivatsa Nori, a data expert at PA Consulting.The high reliability, availability and up-to-date technology offered by cloud hyperscalers make managed data lake infrastructures increasingly popular, as they ensure robust performance and minimal downtime.Cloud providers also offer sophisticated access controls and auditing, he adds, as well as streamlined billing through tools such as resource tagging.And, although data lakes and data warehouses have so far been largely separate, they are moving closer together, either running on a single platform or as data lakehouses.In a modern data architecture, there is a place for the data lake and data warehouse as they serve complimentary purposes, says Nori. The cloud provides a powerful environment to unify both approaches.Most of the benefits of hyperscale cloud storage apply equally to cloud data lakes, including scale, flexibility and ease of management.Organisations also avoid the need for upfront capital expenditure, and the long lead times that come from datacentre construction and hardware installation.Against this, organisations need to consider potential loss of control, especially over cost. The flexible nature of cloud storage can mean costs rise if a data lake is used more than was expected. Data teams also need to consider egress and possible bandwidth costs, especially as they move data downstream into databases and other applications.Security, confidentiality and data sovereignty remain barriers for some organisations. Regulations can put limits on where organisations hold data, and raw unprocessed data can be highly sensitive. The hyperscalers now offer availability zones and geographical limits on where they hold customers data. CIOs and CDOs need to ensure those limits meet business requirements.Performance, though is not usually a barrier for large-scale data lake projects because heavy duty processing takes place further downstream. Performance matters more at the data warehouse level, where block storage either in the cloud or on premises is used for database storage.For enterprises building data lakes in the cloud, Microsoft offers Azure Data Lake Storage (ADLS), as well as Azure Synapse for analytics, and Azure Purview for data governance. ADLS Gen2 combines ADLS Gen1 with Azure Blob storage, while Synapse works with structured and unstructured data, for data lakehouses.AWS provides AWS Lake Formation, to build data lakes on S3 storage. This combines with Athena, Redshift Spectrum and SageMaker for data access, analytics and machine learning.Google takes a slightly different approach, combining Google Cloud Storage with open source tools, BigQuery and VertexAI. Google also offers BigLake, which can combine storage across GCP, S3 and Azure as well as creating a unified architecture for data lakes and data warehouses, and what Google calls an open format data lakehouse.Read more about cloud data managementLakehouse concept aims to merge data lake and data warehouse. Data lakes are big, amorphous and difficult to access, while data warehouses are costly and aimed at structured data. The data lakehouse aims at analytics in an age of unstructured data.Data warehouse storage: Has cloud made on-premise obsolete? There once was no alternative to building a data warehouse on-premise, but with cloud providers targeting analytics, building data warehouses on-site is looking obsolete.Data lake storage: Cloud vs on-premise data lakes - The data lake is a fundamental concept of data management. But what type of storage do you need to build a data lake on and what are the pros and cons of on-premise vs the cloud?

It has been two years since OpenAIs generative AI (GenAI) tool ChatGPT was launched, and with many rivals emerging on the market since, GenAI technology is beginning to be deployed in many industries, including the engineering sector, but concerns remain as to its viability and appropriateness.The engineering sector accounts for nearly a fifth of the UKs total workforce and in 2022 generated 646bn for the UK economy. Engineering is experiencing a surge following a slump during the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic.But there are concerns that the number of experienced engineers taking early retirement could lead to critical skills being lost. Larger engineering companies, such as Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems, are using skills academies to train new staff and the government is promoting apprenticeships.However, some companies are considering using artificial intelligence (AI) to help bridge the skills shortage by enabling experienced engineers to use their time more effectively.During the summer of 2024, Professional Engineering, the magazine of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), conducted a survey on the use and challenges of AI within the sector.Naturally, given the IMechEs focus on mechanical engineering, it concentrated on that specific discipline, but its report on the findings offers insight into the engineering sector as a whole.Although fewer than hoped for, 125 members of the IMechE responded to the survey. Over 40% of respondents said the companies they worked for were using AI tools, with over 20% indicating they were planning to do so.One of the reasons for the comparatively swift deployment of generative AI in the past two years is that some of the tools are relatively easy to access and do not require specialist hardware. For example, all that is needed to access ChatGPT is an internet browser.There's a huge opportunity to utilise this technology in engineering, but it also comes with some considerable risks, says Alan King, head of global membership development strategy at the IMechE.There will need to be safeguards put in place, because the potential for things to go wrong is magnified in a profession like engineering.Engineering is well-regulated, with various rules, standards and regulations that need to be followed. These include government legislation, guidance documents published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), standards (such as the British Standards) and various good practice guidelines. All of these could act as guiderails for AI.According to the survey, 58% of companies have introduced AI tools into engineering teams and 42% of them only use AI tools in different parts of the business. The most common AI tool used is a large language model (LLM), with nearly 60% of businesses using this.Meanwhile, nearly a third of companies use machine learning and productivity tools, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, to assist in their work.Generative design tools, such as those used in simulations to optimise designs or identify potential faults, are less common, with less than a fifth of organisations using them. Computer vision and neural networks are even fewer, with just over a tenth using them.Nearly a third of the surveys respondents use AI tools for written tasks, such as emails and pitches. Meanwhile, approximately a quarter of respondents use AI for data analysis. However, AIs use in data analysis is expected to grow, as nearly 60% indicated they would accept AI assistance.The tasks that engineers would most like AI to be used for are those for simulation and tools that can improve productivity. AI tools for design optimisation, predictive maintenance and research followed close behind. It is worth noting that nearly two-thirds of the respondents believe that AI tools will automate mundane and repetitive tasks, which will make engineers more productive and enable them to focus on complex or creative tasks.In the short term, AI is going to be operating mostly as a co-pilot for engineers. What well see with AI is the ability to start utilising this technology to automate mundane tasks that might have been time-consuming, allowing engineers to move on to more interesting activities, says King. There is a big opportunity here, but we have to be careful so that we don't lose the human-based knowledge.There is concern (37%) that widespread adoption of AI will result in engineering roles being replaced with AI tools. Just over a quarter believe that engineers would be replaced. Likewise, over 40% of respondents do not feel that AI tools would result in maintaining the same level of engineers.There is also the concern (66% of respondents) that widespread adoption of AI tools will lead to reduced project oversight. This is partly due to AI tools being akin to a black box, where there is insufficient transparency to understand how AI derived a solution.The AI world can be a bit like the Wild West, but in an engineering context, that doesn't work. You've got to have systems that are reliable, provide the right answers, are safe, and behave in an ethical way, says King.If we look at the sort of framework that we've used for years, especially in areas like aerospace or nuclear engineering, there are very strict rules and guidance. We almost have to take some of that learning and apply it as safeguarding principles to any AI systems that we're introducing.The lack of understanding behind an AIs design methodology, together with being unable to properly interrogate the solution, could cause problems with the verification of designs. With a growing number of solutions generated by AI systems, it will become even more vital for skilled engineers to interrogate these designs to ensure they are suitable and appropriate.Over a half of respondents also raised concerns about the potential security risks of AI tools, as well as nearly 50% being concerned about potential historical bias in the data. Overall, nearly 55% of respondents are not comfortable with AI being used to make critical decisions in engineering.Companies using publicly accessible LLMs, such as ChatGPT, are especially at risk. Not only could they be exposing themselves to poor datasets and misinformation when importing AI generated content into their networks, they are also potentially leaking sensitive information.There is a strong feeling among the respondents that regulatory oversight is needed to ensure AI is deployed and used appropriately in engineering. However, given the speed of technological development in AI tools and the comparatively slow legislative processes, this is easier said than done.Some AI regulations are being developed, such as the European Unions Artificial Intelligence Act, but there is a significant risk that legislation could rapidly become obsolete.AI developers are applying reinforcement learning with human feedback - when they see the models do something, they'll say whether or not they think the models behaved in the right way. That's based on their perceptions and biases, but somebody who is sitting in the Middle East or Russia might have a very different view about how the model should have responded, says King.You've also got to look at the data they're training the LLM on, which is usually scraped off the internet and often in English. If you're only training on English-language websites, there's a chance that it's biased towards Western cultures.The roll-out of AI tools in engineering is already well underway, but carries potential pitfalls.This thinking was clearly articulated by one survey respondent, who noted: A computer should be able to more easily and more quickly identify patterns and check against known problems. On the other hand, human nature will encourage people to believe blindly the results of any AI task, which could be a problem.Companies can also learn from the previous deployment of new technologies to identify potential risks. A key element is that different countries have different engineering regulations and guidance documents.As such, an AI tool developed for one region may be incompatible, or least require re-learning, before it can be deployed in a different region.My one hope for engineering is that it doesnt try to use AI as a way to save money, but as a way to accelerate performance, says King. In the long term, AI creates an inflection point for us all, because were able to develop systems and products faster and better, you should then see an acceleration of that technology like we never have before. It should open up huge breakthroughs.Although AI tools have clear benefits for the automation of mundane and repetitive tasks, engineers will still need to learn new skills to fully engage with AI, ensure safety and maximise the benefits.There will be a need for engineers that have training in coding and prompt engineering to work with AI systems, while critical thinking will become an essential skill for interrogating AI-generated solutions.Read more about generative AI in actionAI: From exploration to production five case studies on GenAI in action - Many organisations are testing out uses for generative AI, but how are they getting on? We speak to five early adopters to find out the lessons learned so far.BT is rolling outAmazons generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) coding toolto 1,200 developers and said it has now helped write 200,000 lines of code.Insurance giant Prudential teams up with Google Cloud to streamline claims processing, personalise healthcare journeys and improve health outcomes.

Black Friday was incredible this year. We saw some of the best deals ever on iPads. The good news is many of these deals continue as we head towards Cyber Monday, so be sure to jump on incredible savings while they last. Also:The best Black Friday deals: Live updatesShop deals at AmazonOur favorite Black Friday iPad dealsApple iPad Pro 11-inch (7th gen): $1,549 (save $150 at Amazon): Apple's newest iPad Prois faster than ever, thanks to the new M4 chip that can handle a diverse range of tasks, making it our top pick for thebest large tabletyou can buy.Apple iPad Mini (7th gen): $459 (save $40 at B&H Photo): Apple's newest tablet was released at the end of last month. It features an A17 Pro chip for Apple Intelligence compatibility and even works with the new Apple Pencil Pro.Apple iPad (10th gen): $279 (save $75 at Amazon): Apple's base-line iPad is a formidable tablet for browsing, playing games, streaming shows and movies, note-taking, and more. It's our pick for the best tablet for most people.Apple iPad Air 13-inch (6th gen): $499 (save $100 at Best Buy): The newest iPad Air has the M2 chip, which allows for Apple Intelligence capabilities and all-day battery life in a lightweight size.Apple iPad (9th gen): $200 (save $130 at Best Buy): Although not the most recent model, this iPad is our top pick for thebest cheap tablet, since it has a 10.2-inch Retina display, a powerful A13 Bionic chip, and an Ultra Wide front camera with Center Stage.Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (7th gen): $1,199 (save $100 at B&H Photo): The 13-inch iPad Pro is also on sale and features the same M4 chip in a slightly bigger package. Kerry Wan/ZDNET Current price: $1,899 with couponOriginal price: $2,099Even though it was recently released, you can already save on the new iPad Pro with the M4 chip. This chip consists of a new 10-core GPU, next-generation machine learning accelerators to handle a diverse range of tasks, and ProMotion technology, enabling variable screen refresh rates ranging from 10 to 120Hz.Review:M4 iPad Pro View now at Amazon Maria Diaz/ZDNET Current price: $459Original price: $499Apple's smallest tablet was just updated to include a new A17 Pro chip which has a 30% boost in CPU performance and a 25% increase in GPU performance compared to the Mini 6.For students, the iPad Mini 7 offers portability, Apple Pencil Pro support, and all-day battery life, making it an ideal companion for note-taking, content creation, and multitasking on the go. View now at B&H Photo June Wan/ZDNET Current price: $279Original price: $349When it comes to features, you essentially get the same suite as the more expensive iPad Pro and iPad Air models, but in a lighter form factor and a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina, True Tone display. Additionally, this model breaks out of the iPad's traditional space gray and silver color palette, adding pink, blue, and yellow in addition to sleek silver.Review:iPad 2022 (10th Gen) View now at Amazon Best Black Friday iPad accessory dealsApple Pencil (1st gen): $59 (save $40 at Walmart): The first-generation Apple Pencil is compatible with most models and is great for note-taking, sketching, and more.Logitech Crayon: $50 (save $20 at Walmart): The Logitech Crayon works with all iPad models and is powered by Apple Pencil technology, so you're getting the same experience for less money.Apple Magic Keyboard: $240 (save $109 at Walmart): This detachable keyboard is built for certain iPad Pro and iPad Air models.ZUGU Case: $32 (save $18 at Amazon): This case is compatible with certain base-model iPads, comes in various colors, and has a five-foot drop protection.Logitech Combo Touch for iPad Air: $160 (save $40 at Amazon): If you opt for the new iPad Air with the M2 chip, this keyboard case is compatible and has a large, multi-touch trackpad.Apple Pencil Pro: $99 (save $30 at Best Buy): Apple's newest stylus incorporates advanced features like squeeze, barrel roll, and haptic feedback to make marking up, taking notes, and creating a masterpiece more intuitive and valuable.ZAGG Pro Keys Wireless Keyboard Case: $135 (save $35 at Best Buy): This case is compatible with most iPad Pro models and has multi-device pairing, a stylus holder, and a lightweight design.Best Black Friday renewed iPad dealsApple iPad (8th gen): $160 (save $148 at Amazon): This refurbished iPad is listed in excellent condition and comes with Wi-Fi 5, the A12 Bionic chip, and support for the Apple Pencil (1st gen).Apple iPad Air (5th gen): $380 (save $220 at Best Buy): This Geek Squad-certified iPad has Wi-Fi, 64GB of storage, and comes with the M1 chip.Apple iPad (9th gen): $239 (save $199 at Amazon): Snag this renewed base-model iPad with Wi-Fi and cellular, 64GB, and is listed in excellent condition.Apple iPad Mini (6th gen): $430 (save $220 at Best Buy): This previous generation of the iPad mini is refurbished by Best Buy's Geek Squad and has the A15 Bionic chip and 256GB of storage capacity.FAQsWhen is Cyber Monday?Cyber Monday is the Monday following the Thanksgiving holiday and only applies to online deals. This year, it falls on Monday, Dec. 2.Are iPad deals really better on Black Friday?Apple devices go on sale periodically throughout the year, but historically, you'll see the biggest discounts during the Black Friday/Cyber Monday weekend--especially when it comes to the newer models like the new iPad Pro, iPad Air, and iPad Mini. We expect to see deals of up to 20% off on iPad models this Black Friday and Cyber Monday.What's the difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday?The main difference between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is that historically, Black Friday deals can be found both in-store and online, while Cyber Monday deals are almost exclusively online that Monday. However, both days are now popular for both online and in-store shopping.How did we choose these Black Friday deals?ZDNET only writes about deals we want to buy -- devices and products we desire, need or would recommend. Our experts looked for deals that were at least 20% off (or are hardly ever on sale), using established price comparison tools and trackers to determine whether the deal is actually on sale and how frequently it drops.We also looked over customer reviews to find out what matters to real people who already own and use the deals we're recommending. Our recommendations may also be based on our own testing -- in addition to extensive research and comparison shopping. The goal is to deliver the most accurate advice to help you shop smarter.Where can you shop the best Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals?All major retailers should have sales and discounts leading up to and during Black Friday/Cyber Monday. Expect deals from Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Target, B&H Photo, and more. If you prefer to shop in person, there will be plenty of in-store deals as well, but we've also found that some of the best deals are exclusive to online.What are the best Black Friday 2024 deals?ZDNET's experts have been searching through Black Friday sales live now to find the best discounts by category. These are the best Black Friday deals so far, by category:And more Black Friday deals:Top holiday deals

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HAMBURG, GERMANY - DECEMBER 28: Participant hold their laptops in front of an illuminated wall at ... [+] the annual Chaos Computer Club (CCC) computer hackers' congress, called 29C3, on December 28, 2012 in Hamburg, Germany. The 29th Chaos Communication Congress (29C3) attracts hundreds of participants worldwide annually to engage in workshops and lectures discussing the role of technology in society and its future. (Photo by Patrick Lux/Getty Images)Getty ImagesA few weeks ago brought an announcement from Google that over 25% of all new code created within the company is generated by AI. This is a notable statement from a company that creates some of the most advanced software on the planet - suggesting that AI has much to add to streamlining and accelerating code written by career professionals. But what does this mean for the student in school today (whether it is K-12 or university)? What will the landscape look like when they look for a job? Should they learn to code? If not, then what should they learn? What does it mean for Computer Science education in the age of AI?Differentiating Code And SoftwareI believe the key lies in the difference between code and software. Till now, the distinction between these was not always explicit, largely because it did not need to be. However, with the current developments of AI, this distinction is becoming more critical. So what is the difference?Code is the artifact of a computer program. Residing in one or more files, with some number of lines per file, the code is the set of instructions that the program executes.Software, usually made up of code, is the end product that is used for some purpose.Why is the distinction important? Dont they sound basically the same? The distinction is the difference between the steps needed to execute some function and all the work that goes into making the set of steps a usable product.Common software packages such as word processing, mobile applications, or databases, contain thousands to millions of lines of code, often written by hundreds of programmers. Each unit is code. The product we use is the software that gets created when all that code is integrated, often with older code or with other services, tested, packaged, and delivered to us in some form. The process that creates such software products is called software engineering. Software engineering contains many practices and skills beyond code writing. For example, integrations, release management, updates, system level tests, etc.are all part of software engineering.Why Does This Matter For Computer Science Education?K-12 education in computer science almost always focuses on coding (that is the syntax, language structure and other details that are required to create correct computer programs). This type of knowledge is reinforced in standardized tests (such as AP Computer Science A) which assesses a students rigorous understanding of these details. In universities, and in some high schools, one can find courses on applied topics of how coding is used to create systems - courses like bioinformatics (applying software and algorithms to understand biological systems), compilers (the structure of complex programs whose task is to process other programs to be ready for hardware) and so on.MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDAs AI tools become proficient in the details of code generation (creating often syntax-perfect and logically acceptable code to implement a well defined task), the first set of courses becomes less critical than the second (in my opinion). Students need to be able to read, update, modify, and extend code, but it may no longer be so important that they can write it from scratch with perfect correctness.Why Do They Even Need To Read Code?Experts who have used AI coding have commented that their development cycle is now about prompting and editing, with 80% of the code generated by AI. This form of prompt driven programming leverages a combination of human skill to read, understand and improve code, and the AI to generate syntax correct code for specific tasks. Being productive in this style of software development requires human proficiency in reading and understanding code, as well as sufficient knowledge to assess and request corrections (or make them directly if necessary).How Can You Learn To Read Code If You Cannot Write It?This is in my view a key element and challenge of this new process. I have personally found the prompt-driven programming model to be very effective. That said, I learned to code by writing code from scratch in many languages. It is hard to assess how well I would be able to read code today if I had not been forced to write code with no assistance. There are no simple answers here. Some amount of code writing is required to develop the necessary software development skills and work effectively with AI code generators. However, the previous model of heavy focus on code creation skills is no longer a good fit for the current landscape. While the calculator analogy to AI is both liked and derided depending on who you ask, there may be a parallel here. We now teach students how to solve higher level problems using calculators, but also have exam sections where calculators are not allowed. A similar kind of balance may need to be struck here.What Does This Mean For Computer Science Education And AI Education?At a base level, the trends suggest that students should be learning a collaborative model of software development where a human and an AI assistant work together to generate code. However, there is a larger issue of whether computer science skills as we define them today are even suitable for the future workforce. Evidence is growing of fresh tech graduates struggling to find entry level jobs. A larger shift within computer science and computer science education may be to move from a heavy focus on coding to skills that are required in corporate software engineering, such as quality assurance mechanisms, continuous integration, collaborative work on large codebases, and so on. In any case, indications are that AI could (and should) drive fundamental changes in computer science education as we seek to empower the next generation of the human workforce.

Journalist and broadcast Adam Boulton speaking to Zoom Rockman, the director of the animated short ... [+] film Survivor, and its real life protagonist, Ivor Perl at the Curzon Bloomsbury.BHEA few months back, the BFI presented a series of events to celebrate hand-drawn animation, with an exhibition on the works of animation studio Laika, director talks from the likes of Henry Selick and Guillermo del Toro, and showings of films such as Coraline and Pinocchio.As film critic Mark Kermode recently commented, this BFI series demonstrated that animation is enjoying something of a golden age and this thought resonated with me after seeing a short-film earlier this week on the most difficult of subjects.Survivor uses simple hand-drawn puppet animation techniques to depict the true story of 92-year-old Holocaust survivor Ivor Perl. It tells the story of how in 1944, a 12-year-old Perl and his family were taken by the Nazis from their home village in Hungary to forced labor camps and a ghetto. Eventually, brought to the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, the film depicts the horrors of what Ivor and his brother experienced in the camp and how, unlike most, they were able to survive and come to England.Directed by Zoom Rockman, an award-winning cartoonist and puppeteer, the almost entirely handmade film was completed in less than a year and features music by composer Eran Baron Cohen.Even if less sophisticated than major animated feature films, Survivor emphasizes how effective animation is as a story-telling medium for even the most difficult of subjects.Following the screening, the journalist and broadcaster Adam Boulton led a Q&A with Rockman and 92-year-old Ivor Perl. Rockman told Boulton that he hand-drew all the characters, which were then animated as puppets and then captured in-camera as live action. (Disclaimer: this writers son worked as a camera assistant on the film for one day).MORE FROMFORBES VETTEDRockman explained that as well as Perls book, he researched the events to ensure their accuracy by cross-referencing with descriptions by other sources such as Elie Wiesel and Primo Levi. Rockman also made research trips to the camp at Auschwitz to ensure that the depictions of the buildings represented in the film were spatially accurate.Watching the child-like animation in Survivor made me recall the sweet, simple style of the TV show Ivor the Engine that I watched as a child: a comparison that made the terrible setting of Survivor even more brutal.However, that very same simplicity demonstrated how animation can be so effective in presenting terrible events in a way that makes it resonate even more powerfully than even live action, and that can only inspire artists to do similar work and ensure that the medium continues to thrive.