Ambient lighting brings warmth to a pared-back interior scheme inside the Bar Ton listening bar in Bucharest, Romania, created by local designers Anda Zota and Muromuro Studio.Set on the ground floor of a communist-era apartment block in Bucharest, the space previously functioned as a music shop before being adapted into a hi-fi bar.Bar Ton's interior was intended to be a contemporary reinterpretation of the building's socialist-modernist style, blending its historical context with modern functionality.Bar Ton is a listening bar set on the ground floor of a communist-era apartment block in Bucharest"We wanted to pay homage to the building itself," said Muromuro Studio."It was the first socialist-modernist building from the communist era that originated in Bucharest and not Moscow, so when it was built it was a landmark of Romanian modernism," the studio continued."We tried to keep as much of the building as structurally intact as possible we kept the flooring and the pillars, plus you have the original facade and finishings."Rough, textured materials are contrasted with more refined finishesMateriality was a key focus of the design, with rough, textured elements such as raw concrete walls and marble mosaic floors contrasted against more refined finishes like the polished stainless steel bar and birch plywood detailing.The combination of materials culminates in a minimalist, utilitarian space, that aims to also "evoke a sense of warmth and simplicity".A folding mechanical glass facade opens Bar Ton up to the streetWhile the building's facade walls couldn't be altered, a folding, mechanical glass wall with metal framing was added.This dynamic feature was designed to increase the connection between the inside and outside, encouraging interaction with the surrounding neighbourhood."It became the 'living facade' because whenever you pass by you see people sitting on the bench and moving around it's the first layer of curiosity and makes you want to see what's inside" Zota told Dezeen.Four original structural pillars were incorporated into the designRestrictions caused by existing structural features influenced the interior layout, with four large concrete pillars extending through the centre of the space, as well as a concrete ventilation shaft for the floor below left in place.The designers coated two of the concrete pillars with polyurethane with a timber unit added between them to hold the main DJ booth.The other two were lined with oiled birch plywood and fitted with pockets to display records. Meanwhile, the concrete ventilation shaft was turned into a bench.Read: EBBA and Charlotte Taylor design London listening bar "dedicated to sound"Otherwise, Bar Ton was designed to be a largely open-plan space, with the music program placed at its centre and features such as the stainless steel bar and bathrooms located around the periphery."The point was to create a space that offers a communal listening experience," said Muromuro Studio. "This resulted in us putting the music booth right at the centre of the space so that people are around the point of interest.""The overarching concept was about putting the music at the centre both physically and conceptually," added Zota.A large stainless steel bar runs along the side wall of the spaceAccording to the designers, special attention was paid to the lighting design, which was developed in collaboration with Romanian brand Greentek Lighting.The adaptive lighting system has two different settings for day and night that can be adjusted to suit the mood. A custom-made lamp illuminates the central music program, lit in an orange hue at night.Warm adaptive lighting systems illuminate the spaceZota explained that the aim was to create an inviting atmosphere that prioritises the listening experience, with lighting tailored to illuminate the space itself rather than directly illuminating the people within it."We wanted people to be able to hide and feel out of focus to intimately experience the space without being highlighted," said Zota.Drapes discreetly conceal a "room-within-a-room" of wooden acoustic panellingLarge beige drapesdiscreetly conceal the bar's acoustic systems, with a "room-within-a-room" constructed using a wooden frame. This acoustic panelling serves to reduce the potential echo and ensure a high sound quality, with around 37 cubic metres of sound insulation incorporated in total.Built-in wooden banquette seating wraps around the perimeter of the space, complete with integrated wooden tables.Other listening bars recently featured on Dezeen include a lounge-like hi-fi bar in London by EBBA and Charlotte Taylor and a monochrome pink bar in Sydney by Akin Atelier designed to feel like being "inside a giant speaker".The photography is by Vlad Ptru and Andrei Vintil.The post Bucharest listening bar created in "landmark of Romanian modernism" appeared first on Dezeen.

Promotion: lifestyle brand Cybex has opened a beige, monochrome flagship store in Paris as part of its continuing retail expansion strategy - nearly 20 years after the brand was founded.Located on the prestigious Rue Saint-Honor near the Louvre museum in central Paris, the store has"a unique monochromatic design DNA".Cybex has opened a flagship store in central ParisThe 359-square-metre store, which is spread across two floors, was finished in various muted beige, cream and taupe tones, with cement-finished walls.Within the space Cybex's various child-focused products are arranged on back-lit shelving and low-level plinths. The store showcases the brand's product range, encompassing strollers, car seats, baby carriers, among other related baby-related home products and accessories.The store's interior represents the brand's DNA"This flagship reflects the luxury design aesthetic of our brand values in one unified sophisticated space," said Cybex senior director of corporate architecture, Andreas Skotnik."The muted tones, soft architectural shapes and intimate ambience are designed to reduce any sense of contrast and be the most complimentary in highlighting our products."The store is the brand's first physical location in Paris and follows openings in Prague, Tokyo and Amsterdam as it continues to expand with flagship stores.The Paris store follows openings in Prague, Tokyo and Amsterdam"Paris was a natural next step," said Cybex founder Martin Pos."The French capital is one of the most elegant and dynamic cities in the world, with a target demographic and industry maturity and sophistication which are perfect for us," he continued."Parents and families in Paris are extremely cultured, elevated, and attentive to the highest quality products that can perfectly fit into their lifestyle, which is something I am proud to say we can deliver at best."The Paris store is part of the brands expansion into physical storesFounded by Pos in 2005, the German brand aims to produce comfortable and safe products for the juvenile market.With its move into retail, it is aiming to give its customers an experience aligned with more traditional luxury brands.Parenting should be the most emotionally luxurious experience in life," said Pos. "And we want to give parents the opportunity to experience this with us in a space which not only represents the brand vision, but heightens the sense of luxury and service we provide.""Our mission is to give parents a one-stop solution and be the best concierge possible for them to maintain their lifestyle without compromises," he continued."We do not want to be perceived simply as a juvenile brand and that is also why each store location and most specifically in Paris in in Rue Saint-Honor, we are part of the ecosystem of the most of the luxurious brands on earth."The photography is byIvan Mathie.Partnership contentThis article was written by Dezeen as part of a partnership with Cybex. Find out more about Dezeen partnership content here.The post Cybex unveils Paris flagship store with "unique monochromatic design DNA" appeared first on Dezeen.

The following review contains spoilers for the fifth episode of Dune Prophecy, The High-Handed EnemyMuch like all thats come before in Dune: Prophecy, there are a lot of good ideas in the finale of the first season, The High-Handed Enemy. From Tulas confrontation with her son Desmond and Valyas revelation of their relationship, to it all leading to the fall of Javvico, there is a good skeleton of drama there. But for every step forward, Prophecy always seems to take two steps back. As a fan of the books and movies, its almost more frustrating when they do succeed, when in the end the whole becomes less than the sum of its parts. The story being told just never finds a way to balance the pace of the series with all that needs explaining and expounding upon. And on top of that, The High-Handed Enemy leaves Prophecy with almost every plotline up in the air, looking towards its recently announced second season for any sort of resolution; that causes it to fail on the promise of the premiere, which laid out the various mysteries of the series.In a lot of ways, Prophecy does the best it can with the time its given. This whole first season has bounced back and forth, alternating between feeling too slow and too quickly paced for its own good. The High-Handed Enemy falls into the latter camp, feeling rushed to get everything out despite the extra 20-ish minutes its given on top of the regular hour-long runtime. And it manages to do some good work with Tulas confrontation of Desmond Hart, Valyas realization of their relation, and the Emperors end, but theres just an overwhelming sense that things were cut down for time. Constantine (Josh Heuston) doesnt even show up in the finale, and while there are relatively good story reasons presented for him not to be around, it feels like he was unceremoniously shoved out of the story to make room for the others. Just when he was getting interesting, too.There just wasnt enough time to fully expound on the ideas of Prophecy in six episodes. By the end, many of the younger Sisters feel underbaked, and with their worlds rocked by the revelations of Mother Dorothea, we dont really get to see how they react to the information. Were just left hanging. Even a few of the main cast, from Desmond Hart to Javvico and Natalya, dont feel as fully fleshed out as they needed to be to grasp their motivations or connect with them in any meaningful way. Its one of the many reasons why the royal storyline often feels flat and unexciting.What makes it worse is that so much of the episode is setup for the next season. Im not cliffhanger-shaming here every season finale, if the writers know theyre going to get another season or are at least confident they will, is going to tease something to come in the future to leave us wanting more. But usually there is still some meaningful resolution to the main plotlines and character arcs that have been the focus of this season (Ned Starks story in season 1 of Game of Thrones being the classic example) and The High-Handed Enemy offers very little in that regard. The return of Mother Dorotea and her influence over the young sisters as she reveals to them the literal skeletons in the closet of the Sisterhood left for next season. The fate of Tula and Desmond as the power over the Imperium shifts due to Javvicos death left for next season. And while it makes sense to leave Valyas quest to save Ynez and bring her to Arrakis open, the character arcs of Valya, Ynez, and Keiran have all been left unresolved, leaving them for next season as well. It all compounds into an episode and by extension, an entire season that feels unfinished.Dune Prophecy Episode 6 GalleryThe one area it does leave with some sense of conclusion is in maybe the most ultimate form of it: death. Javvicos fate, as well as Francescas, is handled relatively well, with some proper emotions from the two of them as well as Natalya. But like I mentioned earlier, its just hard to connect with these characters when weve been given so little insight into their motivations it just feels like there was so much more to be said that the shorter season order just couldnt allow for.The most egregious element of its habitual non-resolution, though, is these high-handed enemies themselves. The mystery of the origin and reality behind Desmond Harts abilities are built up throughout the season, only to reveal that that entire plotline leads towards an answer that raises more questions than it answers. That can be a good thing when done right, as Lost proved time and time again, but it doesnt work when its the majority of plot lines being left behind. Who implanted the fake eye and memories into Desmonds head, for instance? And why him? Rather than carefully planting those ideas in our minds over the course of the series and having a big revelation at the end to entice us into season 2, these questions are brought up and left unanswered all in one breath, taking the excitement out of the moment and leaving us unsatisfied.Its just hard to connect with these characters when weve been given so little insight into their motivations.It all comes back, again, to the too-short season, which had no room to fit another storyline to follow this mysterious new faction, whomever they might be (Tap to Reveal), and have the reveal feel more grounded in things we already knew. Now, were just left with a level of anticipation for answers thats aggravating more than it is exciting.

In the latest edition of the Power On newsletter, Bloombergs Mark Gurman laid out a couple updates on Apples developments on health features for AirPods. Weve heard reports on this matter in the past, but this provides a little more insight.According to the newsletter, Apple is working on a wide variety of health features, including a heart-rate monitor, a temperature sensor, and new sensors thatll track a slew of physiological measures. Apples primarily focused on developing the heart rate sensor at the moment.In internal testing, Apple is noticing more accurate heart-rate info off of the Apple Watch, but Gurman reports that AirPods arent too far off. We dont have details on the other health features, nor a precise timeline, though Gurman says well see it roll out over the coming years. The features may debut in AirPods Pro 3.Apple is also working on cameras for AirPods. This project was previously cancelled, but got revived with Apples sudden interest in developing products for the era of AI. Gurman notes that this is a priority project for both AI teams and AirPods teams, but its still a couple years away:In fact, its now seen asa priority for theteams within ApplesAI and AirPods hardware development groups. That said, I wouldnt expect the technology to hit the market for a couple more years assuming it doesnt get canceled again.Apple released a new firmware update for AirPods Pro 2 earlier this year, enabling hearing health features and the ability to use AirPods as an FDA-certified hearing aid. With the release of these features, its obvious that Apple is moving in a more health-oriented direction, so introducing AirPods health features for users without an Apple Watch is a probable move.Follow Michael:X/Twitter,Bluesky,InstagramAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

The recent Forrester Security & Risk Summit in Baltimore featured government cybersecurity officials discussing a newly published guide on zero trust and evaluating the next steps for the security model.In fact, Forrester is known for introducing the zero-trust security model back in 2009. The motto never trust, always verify suggests a least-privilege approach. Former Forrester analyst John Kindervag, now a chief evangelist at Illumio, was an initial champion of zero trust.In a Dec. 10 panel, cybersecurity leaders discussed Navigating the Federal Zero Trust Data Security Guide, which the federal CISO and CDO Councils published on Oct. 31. The guide, developed by 70 people from more than 30 federal agencies and departments, offers a breakdown of how government agencies and organizations should think about data risks. The goal is to provide a practical guide on how to implement zero trust.A Holistic View of Data and SecurityDuring the session, Steven Hernandez, CISO in the US Department of Education and co-chair of the US federal CISO Council, discussed how the guide could teach federal and private cybersecurity professionals think from both a zero-trust and data perspective.Its interesting because we talk about how to harness data, so we use a lot of behavioral analytics and logs from our systems, etc., Hernandez told the audience. Thats one side of the coin, but the other side of the coin is how we protect data using zero trust principles, technologies, and operations, and in the data management section, we're going to have to basically straddle both of those platforms to be successful. Related:Anne Klieve, management analyst in the Office of Enterprise Integration at the US Department of Veterans Affairs, agreed that a goal of the guide was to create a document that both the data and security communities could understand.It was about creating a guide that would be readable to both the cybersecurity and data communities, and specifically looking at how separate even the jargon was for both communities, Klieve said during the session.Massachusetts CIO Jason Snyder said he appreciates how the guide can move federal agencies and organizations past understanding the architecture of zero trust and doing something with it. He also said Massachusetts was at ground zero as far as zero trust.One of the things I really liked about the guide was its primary focus is data, and when you talk about zero trust, I think that is the right area of focus, Snyder said during the panel. So, what were doing within Massachusetts is really driving forward from a data perspective and better understanding our data, better understanding different types of data we have, and then working on ways to protect that data.Related:Heidi Shey, principal analyst at Forrester and co-moderator of the panel, sees the guide as applicable to organizations beyond state and federal government. For example, the panelists plan to add a section on supply chain risk.In an interview following the session, Shey told InformationWeek that the guide can help organizations no longer operate in silos as far as data and security.Were talking about really embedding data security controls throughout that entire life cycle and thinking about how we manage data and how we protect it in a much more holistic way, so that these two functions within organizations are not operating as siloed functions anymore the way they historically have been, Shey said. I think thats one of the big takeaways from this guide that people can use to help bring these two groups together on zero-trust data security.Klieve recommended that organizations use the guide to create a zero-trust data implementation road map based on general program management principles. This would include a maturity analysis and gap assessments. After that, organizations could implement their programs as they planned, including examining finances, examining risks, and managing performance. However, she noted that C-suite leaders such as the CISO and chief data officer would need to be consulted on how the budgets would be allocated.Related:Chapter 4 of the guide has a placeholder for the topic Manage the Data. Klieve would like to see this chapter filled with a discussion of alignment of data management to data security as well as how to use data management to minimize data breaches. In addition, the chapter should cover the interaction between data engines and machine learning as it relates to data security, according to Klieve. That includes preparing data for machine learning models.This will become a key document I just keep on my desk all the time, Klieve said. I really want to see it kept up to date.Hernandez said work on the Zero Trust Data Security Guide is in a holding pattern until late January, but then his team will brief the incoming administration on the overall status of all things cybersecurity. He also said the CISO council could add a zero-trust section to the National Institute of Standards and Technologys Special Publication 800-60, which provides guidelines on how to map data to security systems.The Next Level for Zero TrustMeanwhile, in another Dec. 10 panel, Next-Level Your Zero Trust Initiative panelists from the federal government as well as GE Aerospace addressed how government agencies and the private sector can move forward with zero trust.Eric Poulin, senior director for cybersecurity technology strategy and management at GE Aerospace, told the audience that applying the same zero-trust initiatives to all teams would not work.You can design a master zero-trust plan, but at the end of the day, you just try to put one blanket zero-trust plan, youre going to end up alienating certain individual business lines, Poulin said.At the Department of Interior, its zero-trust program manager, Lou Eichenbaum, has built a zero-trust community of practice, over three years, he told the audience. The department respects the separate missions of areas such as the National Park Service, and they all have input into how the department approaches zero trust.Brandy Sanchez, director of the Zero Trust Initiative at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency in the Department of Homeland Security, stressed the importance of incorporating zero trust in all layers.It needs to be part of every decision and every organization, Sanchez said. Any time you buy software, any time youre procuring something, any time that youre developing a system, all of that has to [incorporate] zero trust as the foundation.The challenge going forward in zero trust will not necessarily be in technology but in people and processes and getting buy-in from leadership and making sure all teams are aligned, according to Carlos Rivera, the panels moderator and a senior analyst at Forrester.Its not just an IT and security initiative; its an organizational initiative, Rivera told InformationWeek following the session. So getting those individuals involved, such as leads from HR, leads from finance, and getting a better understanding of what impacts them and whats important to them, and how do we enable their business and allow them to leverage certain technologies [but] not at the expense of security, thats really where the success will come.Because there are multiple maturity models, Sanchez and her team are working with the Department of Defense on zero-trust guidance.Words are important, and when we say one thing and another agency is interpreting that in a different way, it causes confusion, Sanchez explained during the panel. So anywhere that we can align, and that we can harmonize what we're doing, what others are doing, and get everyone on the same page across the federal government, thats where we want to head.Rivera said organizations have now achieved maturity as far as zero-trust strategy and planning, and now they are moving to implement zero trust into their operations.Sanchez sees the federal government providing more technical deep dives and how-tos around zero trust in the next year or two. Her team will be releasing publications on enterprise mobility and micro-segmentation. Going forward, Sanchez would like to see government agencies focus more on implementing zero-trust strategy based on their risk environment rather than just checking a box.You need to take an adversarial approach where you are looking at zero trust because thats what the bad guys are doing right? They want to get in; they want to get your information, Sanchez said. And so taking a strategic approach based on that view is where you can change the script, and that's really where were trying to push agencies towards, is keeping that in mind and managing at the risk level, versus just checking the box because thats not going to get us near the goal.

Modern materials and energy-efficient upgrades bring fresh life to two rural propertiesRX Architects has completed two rural residential projects Holmwood Farm in Wadhurst, East Sussex, and Meadowgate in Wittersham, Kent. Both schemes involved adapting existing structures into contemporary family homes, with an emphasis on sustainability, energy efficiency, and maximising connections to their surrounding landscapes.Meadowgate, Wittersham, Kent1/11show captionMeadowgate, a four-bedroom, 3,500 sq ft home, adapts a 1970s bungalow originally built as workers accommodation. The property sits within 22 acres of farmland and ancient woodland in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.The original single-storey structure was reconfigured into an upside-down house with the addition of a new first floor. Living spaces were relocated upstairs to maximise previously underutilised views of the countryside, featuring cantilevered terraces and glazed corners on the upper level.A steel frame was inserted into the original structure to support the additional storey, while the existing walls were wrapped in insulation and finished with black render. The upper level was constructed with timber frame panels for a lightweight, highly insulated envelope. Triple glazing was installed throughout, and the roof was finished with a wildflower blanket to support biodiversity.Sustainability measures include a ground source heat loop buried in the surrounding land, providing heating and cooling. This system is supplemented by a solar array with battery storage.The new first floor features black-stained timber cladding with triangulated profiles, designed to blend with the wooded backdrop. The landscape includes gardens for food and flower production, reflecting the owners passion for gardening.Holmwood Farm, Wadhurst, East Sussex1/2show captionHolmwood Farm is a 4,000 sq ft, four-bedroom home situated within the High Weald Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The project involved reworking a deteriorating 1980s red brick bungalow to create a contemporary family residence. The design sought to provide open-plan, flexible spaces that connect the interiors with the surrounding countryside.The existing structure was retained to reduce cost and minimise the environmental impact of the project. The house incorporates a large solar array, heat pumps, natural ventilation, and newly installed insulation wrapped behind its re-clad exterior. These measures aim to reduce the homes long-term running costs and carbon footprint.Externally, the house is clad in charred timber, with a standing seam zinc roof. New large-scale flat-roof dormers were added to the original structure. Internally, polished concrete floors were installed for thermal mass, designed to retain and gradually release heat while remaining cool in summer.The landscape design includes a natural swimming pool and reimagined gardens.

CNET's connectivity experts help you pick out the best internet providers in Murfreesboro, balancing factors like price, coverage, reliability and speed.

Looking forthe most recentMini Crossword answer?Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands and Connections puzzles.I'm writing about today's New York TimesMini Crosswordwhile tolerating some 4 Across, or, the stereotypical weather in the Pacific Northwest. And I also have a cat in this room whose nickname is 9 Across, though she wasn't named for anything relating to British politics. Today's puzzle was a pretty easy one, I thought. But if you're stuck on any of the clues today, we've got the answers. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times' games collection. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections and Strands answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini CrosswordLet's get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers. The complated NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for Dec. 23, 2024. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: Character who's blue in the face?Answer: SMURF6A clue: Mideast country that juts out from Saudi ArabiaAnswer: QATAR7A clue: Loosen, as a knotAnswer: UNTIE8A clue: Author's negotiatorAnswer: AGENT9A clue: Labourite's rival, in British politicsAnswer: TORYMini down clues and answers1A clue: What catchers do behind home plate or an adjective that might describe their physiqueAnswer: SQUAT2A clue: Tropical fruit in a sweet salsaAnswer: MANGO3A clue: Say aloudAnswer: UTTER4A clue: Like stereotypical weather in the Pacific NorthwestAnswer: RAINY5A clue: Bar on a guitar's neckAnswer: FRETHow to play more Mini CrosswordsThe New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day's Mini Crossword for free, but you'll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.

Looking for the most recent Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.What did you think of all those single character options in today'sNew York Times Connections puzzle? I always look upon those as a challenge, and I start with the assumption that none of them are in the same category. That wasn't quite right today, where two of the single letters do end up together in the blue category. (But thanks to one number, each category gets at least one single-letter or single-numeral answer.) Read on for today's Connections hints and answers.Read more:Hints, Tips and Strategies to Help You Win at NYT Connections Every TimeHints for today's Connections groupsHere are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections puzzle, ranked from the easiest, yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.Yellow group hint: They all sound the same.Green group hint: Sabrina is another one.Blue group hint: Ten hundred.Purple group hint: Faster than a speeding bullet.Answers for today's Connections groupsYellow group: Homophones.Green group: Necklines.Blue group: Ways to express 1,000.Purple group: Super ____.Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English WordsWhat are today's Connections answers? The completed NYT Connections puzzle for Dec. 23, 2024. NYT/Screenshot by CNETThe yellow words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is homophones. The four answers are ewe, U, yew and you.The green words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is necklines. The four answers are boat, crew, scoop and V.The blue words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is ways to express 1,000. The four answers are grand, K, M and thou.The purple words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is Super ____. The four answers are 8, Bowl, glue and Tuesday.

TOKYO - Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. have informed the Japanese government of their plan to start talks on a merger, a government official said Monday, in what would create the world's third-largest automaker group to take on U.S. and Chinese rivals in the electric vehicle market.The two companies are set to hold a press conference later in the day. A source familiar with the matter said they aim to conclude the negotiations in June.Sources said earlier that Honda and Nissan, Japan's second- and third-largest automakers by volume, respectively, will operate under a holding company with Mitsubishi Motors Corp., a Nissan partner, considering joining them later.Combined photo shows the logos of Honda Motor Co. (L) and Nissan Motor Co. (Kyodo)Honda and Nissan will look to split hefty development costs and reduce spending on production by sharing components.EVs are one of the most critical segments for growth as electrification reshapes the global auto industry. But Honda, Nissan and other Japanese automakers have lagged behind competitors such as Tesla Inc. of the United States and China's BYD Co.Honda and Nissan agreed in March to launch a feasibility study on a strategic EV production partnership, including related software technology development, to cut costs and improve competitiveness.The Honda-Nissan alliance would be the latest in a series of tie-ups among major automakers, with the group's annual sales reaching around 8 million vehicles if those of Mitsubishi Motors are included.Related coverage:Honda, Nissan to consider building vehicles at each other's plantsFOCUS: Honda-Nissan merger could zero in on EV developmentFoxconn in talks to buy Renault's stake in Nissan