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Welcome to Startups Weekly your weekly recap of everything you cant miss from the world of startups. Want it in your inbox every Friday? Sign up here.This week was full of news, likely because it is also the last real week of 2024. Which is another way for us to say goodbye for now, and see you in 2025!Most interesting startup stories from the weekImage Credits:We Are / Getty ImagesThis week brought us some M&As, but also some reminders that its always worth looking closer at things, whether thats prospective LPs or shiny announcements.Clean capital: More than 20 VC firms, many of which invest in defense tech, signed the Clean Capital Certification, self-attesting that they have not and will not take money from U.S. geopolitical adversaries such as China and Russia.Have-nots: The AI hype is distorting aggregate VC data. Digging deeper, the fundraising landscape is radically different for non-AI startups, and many that raised a Series A round 18 months ago are likely facing challenges in raising Series B funding, Tribeca Venture Partners co-founder Brian Hirsch told TechCrunch.Big deal with caveats: Nuclear startup Oklo, which is backed by Sam Altman, signed a massive but nonbinding agreement with data center operator Switch. The deal is also subject to the startup receiving approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission after having its previous application denied in 2022.AI productivity: Grammarly is acquiring productivity startup Coda to expand its scope. In an unusual move, Coda CEO and co-founder Shishir Mehrotra will become the new CEO of Grammarly, replacing Rahul Roy-Chowdhury, who will move on to an adviser role.Informed answers: Perplexity acquired Carbon, a Seattle-based startup that connects LLMs to external data before they generate an answer. This could help Perplexity tap into internal databases, cloud storage, or document repositories, the company said.Most interesting fundraises this weekImage Credits:Agave Games (opens in a new window)As startups rushed to disclose their latest fundraising news before the holidays, there were plenty of deal announcements this week.Mammoth pre-IPO round: Databricks raised $10 billion in one of the largest rounds in VC history. The mammoth Series J might be its last fundraiser before its highly anticipated IPO; but while its CEO isnt ruling it out for 2025, it could also be in 2026, he said.Africas latest unicorn: South African fintech Tyme Group raised a $250 million Series D round. Led by Nu Holdings, the parent company of Latin American fintech Nubank, it put Tymes valuation at $1.5 billion.Ring maker: Finnish wearable startup Oura raised a $200 million Series D funding round at a $5.2 billion valuation. It included participation from Fidelity Management and glucose device makerDexcom, with which Oura recently entered a partnership.Travel is back: Canadian travel startup Hostaway, which makes software for vacation rental operators, raised $365 million at a $925 million valuation. The round was led by General Atlantic and will help the company double down on growth.Momentum for accessibility: Evinced, which helps companies comply with online accessibility requirements, raised a $55 million Series C round to expand into Europe, where new regulations will take effect in June.Fast funding: AI startup Decart, which is based in San Francisco but with operations in Israel, secured $32 million in fresh funding at a $500 million valuation, a mere two months after coming out of stealth.Find the money: Agave Games, the Turkish startup behind highly entertaining mobile game Find the Cat, raised an $18 million Series A round of funding it will use to build out its team and work on upcoming titles.Most interesting VC and fund news this weekImage Credits:Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic / Getty ImagesPendulum swing: Marcy Venture Partners, Jay-Zs VC firm, merged with Pendulum Opportunities to form MarcyPen Capital Partners, which now has $900 million in assets under management.Going backstage: Backstage Capital founder Arlan Hamilton announced that shes moving on to an advisory role; 360 Venture Collective will be acquiring a significant stake in Backstages management entity and joining in co-managing operators and providing capital for the firm, which previously faced criticism and struggles.Vote of confidence: G2 Venture Partners, a spinout of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers investing in climate and sustainability startups, is raising $750 million for a third fund that would confirm LP bullishness for its thesis.Last but not leastImage Credits:Bryce Durbin / TechCrunchWere leaving you with a list of the 51 most disruptive startups of 2024 a collective effort with contributions from several members of the TechCrunch team. Go read it, and happy holidays!

In BriefPosted:10:54 AM PST December 20, 2024Image Credits:Akio Kon/Bloomberg / Getty ImagesNvidia clears regulatory hurdle to acquire Run:aiChip company Nvidia gets the green light from the European Union to complete its acquisition of Run:ai.The EU came to a unanimous decision today that Nvidia could go ahead with its acquisition of Israeli GPU orchestration platform Run:ai, according to reporting from Bloomberg. The European Commission determined that if the merger went through, other hardware options compatible with Nvidia would still be available on the market and thus this company combination would not create a monopoly.Despite the EU approval, though, the deal is still being held up by the Department of Justice in the U.S. and its unclear when/if it will be approved.Still, this is likely welcome news to other AI startups with acquisition and acqui-hire aspirations, as it shows consolidation is welcome in the AI market at least for now.While the deal terms werent disclosed, the purchase price is estimated to be around $700 million, according to Bloombergs reporting that cites local Israeli media. The deal was originally announced in April.Topics

Google said Friday that the company is expanding Geminis latest in-depth research mode to 40 more languages.The company launched the in-depth research mode earlier this month, allowing Google One AI premium plan users to unlock an AI-powered research assistant of sorts. The in-depth function works in a multi-step method, from creating a research plan to finding relevant information. Then, based on that information, the tool performs a search again to extract knowledge. After repeating that process a few times, it creates a report.Geminis supported languages include Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Danish, French, German, Gujarati, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Kannada, Korean, Malayalam, Marathi, Polish, Portuguese, Swahili, Spanish, Tamil, Telugu, Thani, Ukrainian, and Urdu. The challenge for Google is to find reliable sources in a particular language, and then summarize it in the native language without messing up the grammar.In conversation with TechCrunch in early December, HyunJeong Choe, director of engineering for the Gemini app, said that while the company trains the model using clean data and trustworthy sources, Googles AI overviews in native languages like Hindi tend to have inaccuracies in summaries.We generally rely on native sources of the data, and we also use Google search on the back end to ground that information. Additionally, we run evaluations and fact-checks in native language data before rolling out the model, Choe said.Factuality or getting correct information is a well-known research problem for generative AI in general. While the model has a lot of information in the pre-training mode already, we are focusing on training the model to use the information in the right way, Choe said.Jules Walter, product lead for international markets for the Gemini app, said that the company has testing programs to get quality checks from native perspectives. He mentioned that the company generates data to train models. Plus, local teams review those datasets too.Earlier this week, TechCrunch reported that a contracting firm working to improve Gemini by rating responses passed down guidelines from Google that contractors were no longer allowed to skip prompt responses, irrespective of their expertise.After that report was published, a Google spokesperson said that contractors not only rate answers for content but also look at style, format, and other factors.TechCrunch has an AI-focused newsletter!Sign up hereto get it in your inbox every Wednesday.

Autodesk Universitys annual Autodesk Design & Make Platform conference in San Diego boasted plenty of new tech and software updates for animators, modelers and other digital artists and technologists to get excited about. From the buildings we live in to the products we use and the movies that inspire us, Autodesk has always been at the forefront of infrastructure and creativity for entertainment as well as the economy.While the conference hosted in-person and virtual panel sessions focused on preserving history with VR, the future of manufacturing and the frontier of film, TV and design, their Media & Entertainment Industry Keynote invited head of characters for Mikros Animations Mutant Mayhem Gespard Roch, Wonder Studio co-founder Nikola Todorovic, Digital Fish CEO Dan Herman, and others to discuss new creative solutions to animation work pipelines and how AI can be a valuable asset to a production, rather than an unwanted threat.Leona Frank, director of Media & Entertainment marketing at Autodesk, opened the hour-long panel with how story, more than any technology, is pivotal in making sure any project is successful. In her words, Storytelling is the uniquely human aspect that each of us brings to our work. It will never be replaced by any technology. But we use technology to help us release the stories from our imagination into the world. Productions like Inside Out 2 and Shgun are raising the bar. It's quality over quantity. It's visual effects that let the story take center stage. Today, we'll share with you how Autodesk is meeting the moment. We're lowering the barriers to good storytelling. For modelers, the storytellers behind the scenes responsible for defining each narrative and making them memorable, Autodesk has rolled out significant performance updates in 3ds Max.The Boolean Modifier, which combines objects into a single mesh, is now 50 percent faster, and the expansive Array Modifier, which lets you create arrays using multiple distribution methods, is now 200% faster.So, no matter if you're crafting the busy streets of the cyberpunk city or the desert landscape of your next big racing game, you can achieve more in less time, says Frank. And our efficiency updates arent just for modelers. For all the motion graphics or visualization artists out there, we've added support for SVG files in 3ds Max. This means no more manual, time consuming conversion of vector graphics. Now, if you're importing designs, like a logo or 2D illustrations, they'll be ready for use in your scene the second they're loaded, freeing you up on valuable time.Autodesk also continues to invest in open standards like OpenUSD by integrating them across their tools so you can collaborate and manage productions more easily. Universal Scene Description (commonly referred to as OpenUSD), is the most robust open-source software for data interchange within 3D scenes. This highly collaborative system can contain many different asset sources and is becoming the standard for 3D visual media production, architecture, design, manufacturing (US site) and other industries. With the latest update, users can now use USD cameras in the 3ds Max viewport box, select and edit prints in the USD Explorer and manage USD data with new controllers. One of the features of 3ds Max that makes it so popular with creatives is the flexible plugin architecture that allows users to create their own customizations and share them with the rest of the community. One example Frank referenced is tyFlows tyDiffusion, which brings Stable Diffusion right inside 3ds Max so different moods and artistic styles can be explored and then applied directly to 3D objects. It can be used to generate AI images and animations using a variety of ControlNets, LoRAs, prompt styles and other techniques, right in the viewport.Eloi Andaluz Fulla, a professional VFX artist, has been a beta tester for this tech and recently shared his experiences using not only tyFlow, but also the new 3ds Max update, Max 2025.3. The update includes bug fixes and the introduction to OpenPBR, the new material standard developed between Autodesk and Adobe, that will, in Fullas opinion, help compatibility between all Autodesk and Adobe software, making it easier to move materials around looking exactly the same.For animators using Maya, Frank announced Autodesks redesigned Dope Sheet in Maya, complementing the Graph Editor by letting animators make large scale timing adjustments to scenes. The hope is this, in turn, makes refining those moments faster and more intuitive. And Position Mode lets users post characters in just a few clicks while Channel Sets brings customizable color palettes and visual indicators to help you organize animation changes more easily.We know that animation is all in the details and that subtle change in a character's expression, like a slight eyebrow raise, can convey 1,000 words, says Frank. So, we are introducing powerful features to help elevate your craft and save time along the way. And yes, its dope. Another time saving improvement is Maya's advanced Motion Trails, which now support moving cameras and include new draw styles to visualize things, like velocity, in a scene. These Motion Trails are also now up to 100 times faster.The French studio Mikros Animation, known for the most recent Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movie and Paw Patrol film series, is using Autodesk Maya across their character pipeline, especially in character modeling, grooming and rigging.It's a software that is simple to use and very customizable, shares Mikros Animations Gespar Roch. It actually allows us to have that creativity in our films and with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, we were easily able to create set animation to create those lines, to create hand drawn lines, and then lines that were projected in the CG space. Maya allowed us to really go beyond what we've done before, to actually create diverse projects and unleash our creativity through all the different creative styles that we have in our studio.For productions with teams spread across various time zones, that's where Autodesks production management tools come in. With efficient collaboration at the center of its inspiration, Flow Production Tracking is designed to help dispersed teams effectively track projects and optimize resources. And Flow Generative Scheduling, powered by Autodesk AI and connected with Flow Production Tracking, teams can automate the creation of different scheduling scenarios and explore how they impact production.It lets you make critical decisions in minutes, notes Frank. Where Flow Production Tracking connects production and creative teams in post, Flow Capture bridges the gap between production and post production, helping teams review footage seconds after capture and allowing them to get feedback from stakeholders during production.This year, we reimagined Flow Captures user experience, putting your media assets right where you need them, says Frank. It is now much simpler to find, access and review media all from one central place, and we'll be taking things a step further by building integrations to streamline the editing process. Editors will find a Flow Capture panel directly in Avid, making importing dailies faster. No more dealing with servers or hard drives slowing you down. With a simple drag and drop, you'll be able to bring footage into Avid and easily pull cuts and timelines back into Flow Capture. This is something many of you have been asking for, so we are so excited to be bringing it to you soon.Earlier this year, Autodesk acquired PIX, a leading collaboration and asset sharing service, and the partnership has already garnered a first integration with Flow Capture.At its heart, Flow is a data model, one that can represent all of your data and in a consistent way so that can be shared throughout the entire production process, from onset to editorial to post, and all between applications, whether they are Autodesks or from third parties, says Maurice Patel, VP of M&E Strategy at Autodesk. On top of that data model is an asset management system, one that keeps track of your data, no matter where it is or who is using it. Now, as productions get bigger and more complex, it becomes harder for one part of the production to know what the other part is doing.Connecting different teams and artists from around the world is becoming a more mainstream part of production. Enter Animating in Context, a new Flow capability coming to Maya. Today, when animating in Maya, you can only see the shot you're working on, says Patel. Wouldn't it be great if you could actually see what was happening before and after the shot you were working on and had more context? By connecting data from Avid to Maya using Flow, with Flow Production Tracking as the go-between, Maya users will see a timeline with the shots occurring before and after the one they are working on. With this context, you can better fine tune your animation and keep it in sync with the surrounding shots. This will help avoid continuity errors in the scene. By helping artists better understand the editor's creative intent, we make it easier for them to deliver higher quality content.Providing more context isnt just important for animators, its also vital for live-action filmmakers and VFX artists. Digital Fish, an innovative technology company focused on digital media and building immersive content for companies like Pixar, Disney, LEGP and NASA, is working on bringing previsualization and vision OS on top of the Flow graph right into the hands of the director.With a laser scanner in their hands, GPS, spatial video and an augmented reality lens, we wanted to see what we could do with the device in your hand and the power of the cloud, says Digital Fishs Herman. What they ended up with was On Site, a service for streamlined VFX production that connects AR capable mobile devices with Flow, enabling live-action virtual production in the field with minimal infrastructure. Filmmakers can simulate what a scene will look like and make adjustments as they film.It offers to all content creators the high end VFX simulation and compute capabilities previously available only to the larger studios, says Herman, who says it took five months to develop the tech, now ready to use. Patel adds, There's so much to be excited about, whether it's connecting workflows or teams or building new capabilities. Flow will enhance your pipeline, making production more efficient and more collaborative. Our goal is to make your life just a little bit, if not a lot easier by empowering you as storytellers.Another technology that will do just that is AI.Wonder Dynamics (an Autodesk company) just recently announced the beta launch of Wonder Animation, which is powered by Video to 3D Scene technology that enables artists to shoot a scene with any camera, in any location, and turn the sequence into an animated scene with CG characters in a 3D environment with fully editable elements (animation, character, environment, lighting, and camera tracking data) in their preferred software, such as Maya, Blender or Unreal.Wonder Animation, now available to all Wonder Studio users, aims to bring artists closer to producing fully animated films, while enabling the artist to retain full creative control unlike other generative AI tools that rely on automated outputs.See the demo here: https://youtu.be/xad1ajxln28Its been five months since we joined Autodesk, and the time spent has only reinforced that the foundational Wonder Dynamics vision aligns perfectly with Autodesk's longstanding commitment to advancing the Media & Entertainment industry through innovation, says Wonder Dynamics co-founder Todorovic. Together, we believe in using artificial intelligence (AI) more intentionally to enhance creativity and efficiency, so artists can spend more time on the creative aspects of storytelling. Rachael Appleton, Sr. Director for M&E Business Strategy at Autodesk, adds, The team is about to release a beta showcasing new underlying technology that will show how new models like motion prediction enable entirely new workflows in Wonder Studio. So, stay tuned for more announcements after AU. Victoria Davis is a full-time, freelance journalist and part-time Otaku with an affinity for all things anime. She's reported on numerous stories from activist news to entertainment. Find more about her work at victoriadavisdepiction.com.

Under a groundbreaking new partnership between Los Angeles Television Academy and New Yorks National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), qualifications for membership in their shared peer groups (Childrens Animation, Childrens Live Action, Daytime, and Documentary) will now be identical, granting automatic enrollment to both organizations, according to Variety. The qualifications cover both incoming and preexisting members for both academies.The move is part of NATAS initiative to recruit national members for the first time after a new board of directors appointment this year. The organizations new peer groups are created to mirror the Emmy categories Childrens Animation, Childrens Live Action, Daytime, and Documentary.We share a common goal of ensuring that the Emmy remains our industrys gold standard, said NATAS executive committee chairperson Terry OReilly. While our respective academies recognize different genres of work, we believe that bringing our memberships together in this way will allow us to better recognize the breadth of television professionals working today, and to open doors to even more emerging artists who seek to join their peers and predecessors in the art of compelling storytelling.The Television Academys Board of Governors enthusiastically embraced the creation of dual/national membership, commented TV Academy chair Cris Abrego. This shift enhances the membership experience for Television Academy members whose work is recognized in the NATAS administered Daytime Emmys and Childrens and Family Emmys, and unifies members from both academies who are committed to advancing excellence in documentary programming and promoting the technical and scientific evolution of our field.Although both academies have harbored a rivalry over award jurisdiction spanning nearly 50 years, they have recently begun to heal the rift as they realign Emmy ceremony award categories.Pre-registration for the newly minted peer groups opens this month, with NATAS national membership set to launch in 2025. Journalist, antique shop owner, aspiring gemologistL'Wrenbrings a diverse perspective to animation, where every frame reflects her varied passions.

Breakdown & ShowreelsBetter Man: VFX Featurette by Weta FXBy Vincent Frei - 20/12/2024 Better Man takes an unexpected turn as Robbie Williams transforms into a monkey in this ambitious biopic. Explore how Weta FX brought this unique vision to life with stunning visual effects! The new behind-the-scenes video showcases the VFX team at work, alongside Robbie Williams and director Michael Gracey!WANT TO KNOW MORE?Weta FX: Dedicated page about Better Man on Weta FX website. Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2024

Garage Doors | Krisjanis Kazaks via UnsplashUpgrading your garage allows you to add extra storage space and helps boost your homes value for when its time to sell. Upgrading your garage will enable you to take advantage of technological advancements, which help make life easier. A garage upgrade enhances your homes energy efficiency and lets you implement new safety measures. Discussed below are five ways to upgrade your garage.1. Upgrade to a Modern Garage DoorYour garage door has a significant impact on your homes exterior. It makes a bold statement at first glance and adds curb appeal. If youve had your garage door for several years or its design is outdated, upgrading to a more modern one can give your space an instant facelift. Replacing your old garage with a modern option, including a smart garage door, can result in the following benefits:Enhanced curb appeal: A modern garage door significantly elevates your homes appearance. Whether you opt for a conventional, classic design or a sleek, contemporary look, a garage door replacement will instantly boost your propertys curb appeal and raise its value.Better energy efficiency: A modern garage door is built with better weather stripping and insulation, reducing energy bills while making your home more comfortable.Improved security: An old garage door is a security threat. Newer garage door models have advanced security features like automatic door locks, sensors, and secure locking systems.Consider leveraging garage door sales and installation services when replacing your old or outdated garage door to cut costs.2. Improve Garage FlooringEnhancing garage flooring is an excellent way to upgrade your garage. Updating your garage floor offers multiple advantages, including the following:Improved aesthetics: When it comes to upgrading your garage flooring, there are various colors, finishes, and styles you can leverage to customize your garages look and boost its aesthetics.Enhanced durability and protection: Upgrading your garage floor using robust materials ensures your flooring lasts longer without undergoing a lot of wear and tear.Improved safety: Updating your garage door with slip-resistant materials reduces the possibility of accidents on wet floors.Epoxy coatings, paints, and interlocking floor tiles are common decorative flooring renewal products you can leverage when upgrading your garage flooring.3. Update your Garage Door OpenerGarage Doors | Mr Xerty via UnsplashJakob Rosen via UnsplashInstalling a new garage door opener is one of the best ways to upgrade your garage. Switching to a newer garage door opener model offers numerous benefits, including:Improved security features: A modern garage door opener has state-of-the-art security features that safeguard your property from unauthorized access. Openers with vacation mode settings and automatic door locks ensure your homes security.Better safety standards: An old garage door opener might not have the most recent security features that are now standard. For example, contemporary openers have built-in sensors that identify people or objects in the garage doors path. This automatically reverses the door to avoid accidents4. Add Windows to your GarageAdding windows to your garage is another way to upgrade your garage. It allows you to:Customize your garage: Garage windows are available in different sizes, shapes, and finishes. This lets you decide on the aesthetic suitable for your garages design.Let in more natural light: Windows let in more natural light to enter your garage without needing to turn on the lights or open the door. Besides making your space brighter, it lowers your lighting costs.Improved curb appeal: Garage windows enhance your garages aesthetic appeal by enhancing your garage door. This adds to your homes resale value while making your garage appear more cohesive with the rest of your house.Increased ventilation: Opting for wall windows in your garage means you can open them and create airflow, minimizing the smell of the must even when the door is closed.Increase garage usability: Installing windows in your garage makes the space feel like just another room in your home. This allows you to convert your garage into a gym, home office, study room, and more.5. Install LED Garage LightsLED garage lighting is versatile and can transform and illuminate your garage. LEDs usually provide even brightness, even lighting that enhances safety and visibility in your garage. This is useful when engaging in detail-oriented tasks that require accuracy. If your garage acts as a storage space, LEDs are bright, energy-efficient, and have a longer lifespan, translating to electricity bill savings and fewer changes.EndnoteUpdating your garage can help increase your homes value and curb appeal. Installing a modern garage door, improving garage flooring, updating your garage door opener, adding windows, and installing LEDs are various ways to upgrade your garage.Tips Leave a comment

Therme Suiteroom Vals by Kengo Kuma | Ingo RaspChoosing the right mattress for a double bed can significantly impact your sleep quality and overall well-being. Many people make common mistakes during the selection process, leading to discomfort and dissatisfaction. The most frequent errors include focusing solely on price, ignoring personal sleep preferences, and failing to test the mattress adequately before purchase.Mattress shopping requires careful consideration of various factors beyond cost. Sleep position, body type, and individual comfort preferences are crucial in determining the ideal mattress. Neglecting these aspects often results in selecting a mattress that doesnt provide proper support or alignment, leading to restless nights and potential health issues.Testing a mattress briefly in a showroom may not accurately represent its long-term comfort. Many retailers offer trial periods, allowing customers to sleep on the mattress at home for an extended time. Taking advantage of these opportunities can help avoid costly mistakes and ensure a better match for your sleep needs. As the holiday season approaches, you can discover more Black Friday bed deals to find the perfect mattress at a great price.Key TakeawaysConsider sleep position, body type, and personal preferences when selecting a mattress.Take advantage of trial periods to thoroughly test the mattress at home.Balance price with quality and comfort for the best long-term investment in your sleepUnderstanding Mattress FundamentalsMattress selection involves considering key factors like type and firmness to ensure optimal comfort and support. These elements significantly impact sleep quality and overall well-being.Identifying Different Mattress TypesMattress types vary in construction and materials, each offering unique benefits. Innerspring mattresses use coil systems for support and are often budget-friendly. Memory foam mattresses contour to the body, providing pressure relief. Latex mattresses offer natural bounce and durability. Hybrid mattresses combine coils with foam or latex layers for balanced support and comfort.Foam mattresses, including memory foam, provide excellent pressure relief and motion isolation. Theyre ideal for side sleepers and those with joint pain. Innerspring mattresses offer good airflow and a traditional bouncy feel, suiting back and stomach sleepers. Latex mattresses are naturally hypoallergenic and durable, appealing to eco-conscious consumers.Recognizing the Importance of Mattress FirmnessMattress firmness affects spinal alignment and comfort. Firmness levels range from extra soft to extra firm, with medium-firm often recommended for most sleepers. A firm mattress typically suits back and stomach sleepers, providing necessary support. Side sleepers may prefer softer mattresses to cushion pressure points.Body weight and sleep position influence firmness needs. Heavier individuals might benefit from firmer mattresses to prevent sinking. Lighter sleepers may find comfort on softer surfaces. Medium-firm mattresses often strike a balance, accommodating various sleep positions and body types.Testing different firmness levels is crucial. What feels comfortable in a brief store test may differ after a full nights sleep. Many mattress companies offer trial periods, allowing customers to experience firmness at home before committing.Key Considerations for Selecting the Right Mattress Roberto Nickson via Unsplash Paola Galimberti via UnsplashChoosing the right mattress involves evaluating personal sleep needs, understanding mattress features, and avoiding common selection mistakes. A well-chosen mattress can significantly improve sleep quality and overall health.Assessing Personal Sleep Needs and PreferencesSleep position plays a crucial role in mattress selection. Side sleepers often benefit from softer mattresses that cushion pressure points. Back and stomach sleepers typically need firmer support to maintain proper spinal alignment.Body weight impacts mattress choice. Heavier individuals may require firmer mattresses for adequate support, while lighter people might prefer softer options for comfort.Consider any existing joint pain or allergies. Mattresses with pressure-relief properties can help alleviate discomfort. Hypoallergenic materials are essential for those with sensitivities.Hot sleepers should look for cooling mattresses with breathable materials to prevent overheating during the night.Analyzing Mattress Features for Optimal ComfortMattress types include memory foam, latex, innerspring, and hybrid models. Each offers unique benefits in terms of support, contouring, and durability.Firmness levels range from soft to extra firm. A medium-firm mattress often suits a wide range of sleepers, but personal preference is key.Motion isolation is important for couples, reducing sleep disturbances from a partners movements.Evaluate edge support, especially for those who sit on the beds edge or need the full surface area for sleeping.Consider mattress tension, which affects how the mattress responds to body weight and movement.Avoiding Common Pitfalls in Mattress SelectionDont rely solely on online reviews or others experiences. What works for one person may not suit another due to individual sleep needs.Avoid focusing exclusively on price. While budget matters, the cheapest option may not provide the necessary quality or support.Take advantage of sleep trials offered by many mattress companies. This allows for a real-world test of the mattress in your home environment.Dont overlook the importance of a proper bed base. The right foundation can enhance mattress performance and longevity.Consider additional factors like warranty length and the availability of mattress protectors to safeguard your investment.ConclusionChoosing the right mattress for a double bed requires careful consideration. Avoiding common pitfalls like ignoring sleep positions, relying solely on others opinions, or neglecting trial periods can lead to dissatisfaction. Taking the time to research, test, and evaluate different options is crucial.Couples can find a mattress that provides comfort and support for both sleepers by being mindful of individual needs and preferences. Remember, a well-chosen mattress is an investment in quality sleep and overall well-being.Tips Leave a comment

As we close another year, we find ourselves reflecting on proceedings from the last 12 months: We survived another election, watched hurricanes destroy entire neighborhoods in the southeast, and continued praying for those in war-torn regions.AN editors rounded up the top news stories of 2024 that have shaped architecture and design discourse. This year, we saw follow up on stories weve been tracking for some time now. The year also had its share of new unveilings and scrapped projects. There were stories that made us smile amid a world that sometimes feels chaotic and others that had us grabbing the popcorn bucket to find out what could possibly happen next.ICYMI, check out our controversies roundup for more news from this past year and stay tuned over the next two week as we share the top preservation stories, landscape projects, reviews, and more AN covered in 2024. The Legends Tower (Courtesy AO)Oklahoma City wants to build the tallest building in the U.S.Last year closed out with news that the second tallest tower in the U.S. could be built in, of all places, Oklahoma City. In January the skyscraper from developer Scot Matteson and California architecture firm AO, dubbed Legends Tower, proposed increasing the buildings tall stature to 1,907 feet, making it the tallest building in the U.S. Its height, much like that of New York Citys Freedom Tower, has symbolic significance, as 1907 is the year Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th State of the U.S.This month the tower made headlines again for its exuberant height, with the Federal Aviation Administration claiming it would be a hazard to air navigation. Matheson said in November that construction is planned to start in early 2025.Legends Tower is part of the larger Boardwalk at Bricktown development. Its base will be occupied by a slew of entertainment-focused programming, a hotel, NBA arena, and observation decks.BIG unveiled a megaproject adjacent to the United NationsThe swath of land neighboring the United Nations Headquarters has a history of unrealized architecture visions. In February, Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) unveiled the latest development to be proposed for the site, located between 38th and 41st Streets on 1st Avenue.The megaproject, dubbed Freedom Plaza, posits residential and hotel towers, a museum, and casino. Following the news announcement, AN spoke with Bjarke Ingels about the project, more specifically its Museum of Freedom and Democracy, which could be located atop the casino. Ingels told ANthe museum will be designed like an urban agora. Riken Yamamoto has been named the 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize recipient (Courtesy Tom Welsh)Riken Yamamoto awarded the 2024 Pritzker Architecture PrizeThe architecture community always eagerly awaits the first week of March when the Pritzker Prize Laureate is announced. This year, all bets were lost when little-known Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto was awarded the prize. Yamamotos work is deeply rooted in engaging with community; he defines his design philosophy as a sense of sharing one space.Built works by the architect are located in Japan, China, Korea, and Switzerland and include a range of typologies, among these art museums, housing, and schools.Jersey City said au revoir, but not so fast, to Centre PompidouJersey Citys long-awaited Centre Pompidou may be a long-time coming no more. In July, the arts centerslated to be located within the citys Pathside Building, renovated by OMAcited COVID, supply chain issues, and financial burdens as the reasons why the project would be paused indefinitely.This past fall an abatement deal was proposed to revive the project. Centre Pompidou x Jersey City would be rolled into a development that comprises two 50-story towers on Pavonia Avenue. Renderings show the ulterior Centre Pompidou x Jersey City located at the base of the towers amid a sea of sculpture gardens and art parks. Bernheimer Architecture ratified its collective bargaining agreementFor the last few years, the unionization of architecture firms has been a closely followed news item. In 2022, Bernheimer Architecture, a firm in Brooklyn, formed the first functional union at a private-sector architecture firm in the United States in decades, joining the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) through their Architectural Workers United (AWU) campaign.In July, Bernheimer Architecture ratified its collective bargaining agreement, making history as the first private sector architecture firm to do so. In the agreement there is language about working hours and limits, wages, overtime pay, mentorship, and other employee protections and benefits.Residents of Marshall, North Carolina, gathering just days after Hurricane Helene to discuss reconstruction (Jack Flame Sorokin)Hurricanes Helene nearly decimated entire towns in North Carolina and TennesseeHurricanes wreaked havoc across much of the U.S. southeast this past year. With Hurricane Milton ripping the roof off the Tampa Bay Rays Tropicana Field and Hurricane Helene leaving much of Applachialong considered a climate havenwashed away.After Hurricane Helene, AN spoke with local AIA chapters and businesses about what was lost and what it will take to rebuild and brace the region for the next storm. The devastation left behind by the hurricanes showed that no region of the country is immune from natural disasters. Louis Vuitton store masked as suitcase (Dan Roche/AN)New York City saw a slew of headline-grabbing installationsA dragon wrapped around the tip of the Empire State Building, and scaffolding camouflaged as a building-sized luggage trunk are just two of the installations that had New Yorkers looking up this year.To promote the television show House of Dragons second season, a King Kongstyle homage placed Queen Viseynas dragon, Vhagar, around the tip of the Empire State Building. The inflatable dragon measured 270-feet.Of late, New Yorkers and tourists alike are gawking over the Louis Vuitton flagship currently under construction. The building is masked with a faux facade made of oversized Louis Vuitton trunks. A spokesperson for Louis Vuitton told AN that the installation was designed by the companys in-house team.In other noteworthy New York City news, the Vessel reopened this fall, after four individuals jumped to their deaths from the Heatherwick-designed staircase slash viewing platform. Visitors climbing the structures ziggurat-like steps will now be met with a mesh wrapping that was designed to be as undisruptive to viewing as possible.Stuart Graff, president and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, to step downStuart Graff, president and CEO of the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, announced he plans to step down from his role. He has led the foundation for eight years. During his tenure the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation endured some rocky times. In 2016, students and faculty said Graff created a climate of fear, allegations which Graff denied. There were also tensions between Graff and Aaron Betsky, SoATs former president.The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture almost closed in 2019, but later changed its name to the School of Architecture at Taliesin and relocated to Arcosanti to an arts compound in Scottsdale, Arizona.Following Graffs announcement of his departure, Aaron Betzky wrote an open letter to the foundations board expressing his recommendations for the foundations future and how it could support the legacy of Frank Lloyd Wright.A search for Graffs successor is still underway. We look ahead to the 2025 International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di VeneziaIn 2025, amid the canals of Venice, the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will take hold. At a press conference this spring, this editions curator Carlo Ratti announced the theme for the event: Intelligens, which refers to the word intelligence and gens, the Latin word for people. Ratti said the exhibition will be organized around three central themes: natural intelligence, artificial intelligence, and collective intelligence.At the U.S. Pavilion co-commissioners and curators Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School at University of Arkansas; Susan Chin, founder of DesignConnects; and Rod Bigelow of Crystal Bridges Museum will stage PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity. The commission will deliver a new temporary porch attached to the front of the U.S. Pavilion. An open call for exhibiting porch-related projects at the biennale is open for submissions through January 17, 2025.The 19th International Architecture Exhibition will be held in Venice from May 24 to November 23, 2025.