From Chinese cyberspies breaching US telecoms to ruthless ransomware gangs disrupting health care for millions of people, 2024 saw some of the worst hacks, breaches, and data leaks ever.

Unless you've gone looking in System Settings, you may not be aware that the Camera Control button on the iPhone 16 models can be set to do other functions besides set up and take a picture. Here's how to change it.The Camera Control button is currently unique to the iPhone 16 lineup.By default, pressing the Camera Control button launches the Camera app on the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Once open, pressing the button again will take a picture, or pressing and holding will shoot video.A light press on the Camera Control button once the Camera app is open gives users a haptic click and the ability to adjust settings like zoom level or exposure. It operates sort of like the dials or on-screen controls in DSLR cameras. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!When people hear the term social housing, they often think of dilapidated high-rises, crime and neglect the kinds of places more likely to appear in crime dramas (think the projects in The Wire) rather than urban planning success stories. Unfortunately, these stereotypes didnt come from nowhere. For decades, poorly maintained projects, flawed planning and chronic underfunding turned many of these developments into cautionary tales.Thankfully, social housing today is not what it once was (despite the stereotypes). Around the world, architects and planners are reimagining what social housing can and should be, creating spaces that are sustainable, inclusive and deeply community-focused. Yet the shadow of past failures still looms large, fueling prejudice and resistance.Why did so many of these projects fail and why do those failures still shape perceptions? Understanding where social housing falteredand how its being transformed todayis key to making it work for the future. With that in mind, lets take a closer look at this unique typologys past, present and future.A (Somewhat) Brief History of Social HousingIn case you are only vaguely familiar with the typology, social housing, broadly defined, refers to subsidized or government-controlled housing designed to ensure affordability for low- and moderate-income residents. Unlike market-rate housing, it addresses a social need, often through capped rents or mixed-income models that promote inclusivity.19th-century London, View of Whitehall from Trafalgar Square which is blurred with pedestrian and carriage traffic, 1839, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsSocial housing was born out of necessity. In the late 19th century, rapid industrialization in Europe brought waves of people to cities, overwhelming existing housing stock and creating overcrowded slums. Governments, alarmed by the public health crises and growing unrest, began experimenting with housing solutions that prioritized affordability and sanitation. This early wave of housing projects aimed to provide workers and their families with a basic level of dignitysmall, functional homes with access to light, air and clean water.By the mid-20th century, social housing evolved into something far more ambitious. After World War II, the massive destruction of urban centers spurred governments across Europe and North America to rebuild quickly. Architects and urban planners embraced modernist ideals, envisioning high-rise developments as efficient, utopian answers to housing shortages. Le Corbusiers vision of the machine for living and similar ideas deeply influenced the typology, favoring dense, uniform structures over traditional streetscapes.Pruitt Igoe 1968, Aerial shot,marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsThe scale was unprecedented. In Britain alone, more than a million council homes were built in the decade after the war. In the United States, federal housing programs expanded, culminating in large-scale projects like Pruitt-Igoe in St. Louis, which opened in the 1950s as a symbol of optimism and progress.Yet, as lofty as the goals were, cracks began to show almost immediately. While these projects were designed to address housing shortages, they often failed to account for the social and economic complexities of the communities they aimed to serve. Many of these early developments became isolated, stigmatized and difficult to maintain.Understanding this history sets the stage for exploring the failures and successes of social housing in the modern era. What started as a noble idea eventually became synonymous with decline in many places, but that wasnt the whole story and it isnt the story today.Why Social Housing Fails and Architectures Role In ItThe optimism that fueled early social housing projects quickly collided with complex realities. One of the most well-known examples practically a cautionary tale taught in architecture schools is Pruitt-Igoe in St. Louis. Completed in 1954, the project consisted of 33 high-rise buildings designed by Minoru Yamasaki, who would later design the World Trade Center. Pruitt-Igoe was initially seen as a modernist triumph: sleek, efficient and ready to provide affordable housing for low-income residents. But less than 20 years later, it was demolished.Pruitt-Igoe , marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsSo, what went wrong? Economically, the project was doomed by systemic underfunding, segregation policies and the citys economic decline. As industry jobs left St. Louis, the tax base eroded, leaving little funding for maintenance. Buildings deteriorated, vacancy rates skyrocketed and crime became rampant.Architecture, however, played a significant role in amplifying these problems. The design prioritized efficiency and density over human needs, creating towering, uniform blocks that felt impersonal and dehumanizing. The sheer scale of Pruitt-Igoe made it difficult for residents to develop a sense of ownership or community. Shared corridors and stairwellsintended as spaces for interactionwere long, poorly lit and lacked natural surveillance, making them feel unsafe and unwelcoming. Combined with the projects isolation from surrounding neighborhoods, residents were left disconnected not just socially, but physically, from jobs, amenities and support systems.A 1999 photograph looking northeast at the William Green Homes of the CabriniGreen housing project, with visible former right-of-way of Ogden Avenue, marked as public domain, more details on Wikimedia CommonsThis isnt an isolated story. Similar trajectories unfolded in other high-profile developments. Cabrini-Green in Chicago, another infamous example, followed a comparable path of initial optimism, economic neglect and eventual demolition. In London, Robin Hood Gardens designed by celebrated architects Alison and Peter Smithson attempted to create community with streets in the sky.stevecadman, RobinHoodgardens, CC BY-SA 2.0Again, poor visibility and insufficient upkeep turned these communal areas into neglected, underused zones. The raw concrete brutalism of the buildings, while architecturally significant, required high maintenance that was rarely provided, accelerating their decline.Among architects and urban planners, these projects are now looked at as case studies of what happens when design prioritizes abstract ideals over the lived realities of residents. The lesson is clear: architecture is not neutral. When it fails to center peoples needs, it risks creating environments that exacerbate social and economic challenges.Whats Working in Social Housing TodayToday, successful social housing projects look very different from their predecessors. They are integrated into neighborhoods, human-centered in design and built with sustainability in mind. In many cases, they are indistinguishable from market-rate development, which definitely serves as proof of how far the typology has evolved.Human-Scaled DesignOne of the biggest shifts in social housing design is the emphasis on human scale. Large, imposing structures of the past often felt impersonal, alienating their residents. Human-scaled design counters this by creating spaces that feel approachable, livable and connected to the community.71 Social Housing Units by Mobile Architectural Office and JTB. architecture, La Courneuve, France71 Social Housing Units by Mobile Architectural Office and JTB. architecture, La Courneuve, FranceThe 71-unit social housing project in La Courneuve, Paris, illustrates this approach. The development breaks up what could have been a monolithic block into smaller, distinct volumes, giving residents access to light, air and shared spaces like patios and community gardens. These thoughtful design choices promote a sense of identity and connection while fostering interaction among neighbors.Mixed-Income ModelsThe importance of mixed-income models lies in their ability to reduce stigma and create more inclusive communities. Housing developments that combine subsidized and market-rate units provide a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities. This approach also helps to avoid the segregation and isolation that once defined social housing.ParkLife by Austin Maynard Architects, Melbourne, AustraliaParkLife by Austin Maynard Architects, Melbourne, AustraliaParkLife in Melbourne is a clear example of this model in action. With five of its 37 units designated as social housing, the development integrates a range of income levels within a community-focused environment. Its shared rooftop gardens, amphitheater and other communal spaces encourage all residents to interact, creating a sense of belonging that benefits everyone involved.Sustainability and Passive Design54 social housing in Inca, Mallorca, Balearic Islands by Fortuny-Alventosa Morell Arquitectes, Jury Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential Building54 social housing in Inca, Mallorca, Balearic Islands by Fortuny-Alventosa Morell Arquitectes, Jury Winner, 12th Annual A+Awards, Sustainable Multi-Unit Residential BuildingSustainability in social housing is essential, not just for environmental reasons but also for long-term livability and affordability. Passive design strategiessuch as optimizing natural light, ventilation and thermal efficiencyreduce energy consumption and maintenance costs, ensuring these buildings remain viable over time.The Inca Social Housing project in Mallorca exemplifies this principle. Its passive strategies, including cross-ventilation, solar panels and thermal inertia, result in nearly net-zero energy use. By employing locally sourced, low-impact materials, the development is both environmentally responsible and cost-effective, setting a new standard for durable, sustainable social housing.Integration with Urban Life26 housing units in Aubervilliers by Benjamin Fleury Architecte-Urbaniste, Aubervilliers, France26 housing units in Aubervilliers by Benjamin Fleury Architecte-Urbaniste, Aubervilliers, FranceIntegration with urban life ensures that social housing is not isolated from the surrounding city. Well-designed projects connect residents to public transport, amenities and green spaces, fostering a sense of inclusion and opportunity.In Aubervilliers, France, a 26-unit social housing project showcases this integration. Located near a park and commercial areas, the development links residents to the broader community through communal gardens, thoughtfully designed pathways and accessible green spaces. Its modern yet context-sensitive design respects the local heritage while creating a bridge between the past and the future.Reframing Social Housing: The Future of the TypologyTrudo Vertical Forest by Stefano Boeri Architetti, Eindhoven, NetherlandsPerhaps the most significant change is how we perceive social housing today. When done well, these projects dont announce themselves as affordable or subsidized they are simply good housing. This shift in design and policy has blurred the lines between social and market-rate developments, challenging stereotypes and creating environments that truly support their residents.By embracing these new principles, architects and planners are proving that social housing can be as innovative and desirable as any other form of housing. From Melbourne to Paris, the best examples remind us that thoughtful design and policy can transform even the most stigmatized typology into a foundation for thriving, equitable communities.Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!The post Is Social Housing Designed to Fail? (And How We Can Make It Work) appeared first on Journal.

Winter is a season dominated by muted tones and white landscapes, making it an ideal backdrop for experimenting with color contrast. By highlighting bold colors against the winter backdrop, you can create striking images that convey both the chill of the season and the warmth of vibrant hues. Heres how to make the most of color contrast in winter to bring your photographs to life.Understanding winter color dynamicsWinter landscapes often appear monochromatic, with whites, greys, and shades of blue dominating the scene. This natural palette offers a unique opportunity to make colors pop, whether its the warmth of a sunset or a subject wearing a bright jacket. Look for natural contrastsLook for natural color contrasts such as the deep green of evergreens against the snow or the orange glow of a winter sunrise over a frosty landscape. These natural hues can add a powerful, atmospheric quality to your images, creating a dynamic interplay between warm and cool tones.Add a pop of color through wardrobe or propsIf your subject is a person or pet, encourage them to wear colors that contrast with their surroundings, like a red scarf or bright yellow hat. Small details like this draw the viewers eye and add an inviting warmth to the image without overwhelming the winter atmosphere.Timing and lighting for optimal color contrastWinter light changes throughout the day and can affect how colors appear in your images. Use these lighting tips to enhance color contrasts naturally.Capture colors during golden and blue hoursThe golden hour, with its warm tones, provides a beautiful contrast to the cool winter environment, highlighting textures in snow and ice. The blue hour, just before sunrise or after sunset, emphasizes cooler shades and creates a serene, almost magical quality. Experiment with both times of day to see how the colors in your scene transform. Adjust exposure to balance colorsWinters bright snow can sometimes wash out colors, so its crucial to manage your exposure carefully. Underexposing slightly can help deepen colors, especially in the sky, and bring out the rich contrast between snowy landscapes and other tones. A polarizing filter can also help by enhancing the skys blue tones, creating a more vivid background. Creative composition with color contrastIncorporate color contrast into your composition to make your images more engaging and visually balanced.Frame with foreground elementsUse naturally colorful foreground elements, such as pine trees, fallen leaves, or rocks, to introduce color contrast and guide the viewers eye through the frame. This layering technique helps add depth, making the image feel immersive and balanced. Place subjects against blank spacesIsolate your subject by placing it against snow-covered areas. A person, animal, or brightly colored object against a white or grey backdrop stands out beautifully, allowing the viewer to focus on the subject and color contrast without distractions.Additional tips for enhancing color contrast in winterColor contrast in winter isnt only about composition and timing; its also about using techniques that bring out the richness and depth of each hue.Use reflections for double impactIf youre near water, take advantage of reflections to double the impact of the color contrast. The reflection of a colorful sunset or trees in a partially frozen lake can enhance the colors in your composition and add visual interest.Try monochromatic scenes with a color accentFor a minimalist yet impactful look, capture mostly monochromatic winter scenes with one colorful accent, like a red berry bush in a snow-covered field. This approach emphasizes the starkness of winter while drawing attention to the single vibrant element. By mastering color contrast in winter photography, you can create images that are visually arresting and emotionally resonant. Experiment with timing, composition, and thoughtful use of color accents to add richness to your winter portfolio. With these techniques, your photos will reflect both the tranquility and the vibrancy that winter landscapes have to offer. Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.The post Using color contrast to elevate winter photography appeared first on 500px.

Apples Vision Pro headset is an incredible piece of technology, but even Apples design and marketing magic hasnt been enough to convince many people to don a VR headset for an entire day. Instead, people seem more willing to use discreet wearables like Bluetooth headphones, smartwatches, and products like the Ray-Ban Meta glasses so Apples headset isnt making the waves the company would have wanted.Of course, an instant transformation of the computing landscape wasnt exactly the point of the Vision Pro. Apple was clearly launching its headset for Apple enthusiasts, first adopters, and people who love VR. At a starting price of $3,499, the barrier of entry was just too high to expect the device to be a hit from the jump. Even CEO Tim Cook called it an early-adopter product.Would you really want to wear this all day?Nearly a year from launch, though, Apple hasnt done enough to demonstrate why the Vision Pro should be a potential showcase of the future of computing. Its taking a long time to put together its immersive content library, and while those are great demonstrations of whats possible, the videos have been short and isolating. There arent many great games, either.Yes, Apple keeps adding cool new software features. The wide and ultra widescreen settings for using a Mac display seem exceptionally useful. But those are pretty specific options for pretty specific use cases. There still isnt an immediate, obvious reason to buy a Vision Pro the way there usually is with the companys newest iPhones and Macs. If I bought a Vision Pro today, I wouldnt know what to do with it besides give myself a bigger Mac screen or watch movies, and I dont think either of those are worth the exorbitant price.It seems Apple may have already acknowledged that the Vision Pro might not be the future, either. The company has reportedly scaled back production and focused efforts on a cheaper version of the headset (perhaps just called Apple Vision?).If Apple still wants to make a splash in VR, the company might need to race to get its next product out the door. It can be argued that Meta has the best VR headsets and ecosystem on the market right now and a very clear lineup for consumers to consider. Its most affordable offering is the $299 Quest 3S, which has the same chip as the $499 Quest 3, meaning you can access the same experiences across both headsets. The price difference between the two largely comes down to displays and storage, and Id argue that the cheaper Quest 3S is an excellent VR headset for most people.The Meta Quest Pro, which launched at $1,499, was a flop.But like the Vision Pro, Meta hasnt really found a way to make its headsets much more than a great way to play VR games. The Quest Pro, which Meta pitched in part as a headset for work, was such a flop that the company discontinued it only two years after it launched. Horizon Worlds, the companys 3D social network, still feels amateur and barren, despite the companys efforts to make it a better place to hang out.When I put on a Meta headset, I find that I just want to play games, either serious titles like Batman: Arkham Shadow or lighter fare like Maestro, where you conduct a virtual orchestra. I dont care about the mixed reality features except to glance at my phone or computer screen to make a note or check notifications. You can make a pretty solid living selling game consoles, as Sony and Nintendo know very well, but its a far cry from the full-fledged computing platform Mark Zuckerberg once promised.I just dont know if any tech company is going to crack the code on how to make VR headsets anything but solo technology. Yes, you can use VR headsets to interact with other people over the internet. But putting on a VR headset at home means I cant look my wife in the eye; if Im going to look at a screen, Id prefer to look at one that we can share or that I can easily put off to the side. And even if youre fine with VR being mostly a solo thing, VR headsets dont fit neatly into everyday life unless you have a good amount of space in your home for them. (And hopefully your controllers havent run out of battery power!)Maybe AR glasses are the way to go.Perhaps thats why glasses seem like a much more promising option for computers that you wear on your face. Augmented reality glasses have been an aspirational goal for a long time, and you can see why. Its much easier to make eye contact with somebody while youre wearing glasses. Meta may have already proved that the glasses form factor works: its relatively simple Ray-Ban Meta glasses, which have a camera, speakers, and look fashionable, are already a huge hit.If glasses-equipped cameras do truly go mainstream, I have some concerns that Ive already written about. But I also wrote about the immediate appeal of the tech: whenever I wear the Ray-Ban Meta glasses, I find myself snapping tons of photos because its so much fun to capture my point of view without holding up a phone. And because they look like regular glasses, I can walk around and most people will think that theyre glasses, unlike a VR headset, which just looks silly in public.It seems that Apple might be eyeing computer glasses as well; the company reportedly launched an internal study about the market. I think even glasses with some basic tech would make way more sense for Apple than a VR headset, especially if they let you easily snap photos and listen to podcasts. These devices could be years off, though, meaning that, right now, Apple is stuck selling VR headsets that barely anyone wants.

As a special holiday treat, on December 25th, the social media app Bluesky announced that it has added a new feature to its mobile app: a list of Trending topics that lets you know what subjects are popular among its users. Bluesky now shows you its current Trends below the search bar. Screenshot: BlueskyThe new feature can be found by selecting the search icon (the magnifying glass), which appears at the bottom of the screen on the mobile app and on the left sidebar on the web. Lists of Trending and Recommended subjects now appear below the search bar. Tap on any topic, and you will be able to access the associated posts. When I tried it, choices among the top five included Christmas and Nosferatu (not an unexpected selection of topics but an interesting juxtaposition).If youd rather not see the list, you can get rid of it via a small x in the upper right corner, or go to Settings > Content & Media and toggle off Enable trending topics.According to the announcement, the new feature is V1 (it is marked as a Beta on the app) and we will be iterating with your feedback. So if you have any objections to Trends appearing under your Bluesky search bar, let them know.

Sometimes its okay to buy a speaker mostly for the aesthetic. And from the moment it was first announced, Boses $219 SoundLink Home stood out from the pack (and Boses own other efforts) with a mid-modern style that bears little resemblance to most competitors. Its the kind of gadget that people are likely to notice and comment on. No one says a word about boring, ho-hum cylindrical speakers.But this thing, with its fabric housing wrapped in a brushed aluminum band, feels like vintage Bose. The company doesnt always show this much attention to detail in design and materials, so Im encouraged by the Homes unique vibe.7Verge ScoreBose SoundLink Home$219The GoodUnique, stylish designGood sound for its sizeUSB-C audio inputSpeakerphone functionalityThe BadNo water or dust resistanceYou cant adjust the EQBattery life is unimpressive$219 at BoseHow we rate and review productsIf youve used or heard Boses SoundLink Flex, then youve already got a good understanding of what the Home speaker will sound like in your living room. Their tuning is quite similar. Like the Flex, the Home outputs mixed-down mono audio. Ill always take stereo speakers when given the choice, but mono is common for the portable speaker category though Bose is pushing it with the price here and especially at this size.With that in mind, the SoundLink Home sounds quite detailed and clear. Vocals are crisp. Acoustic instruments have a touch of warmth. And even if you dial the volume up to extremes, theres little distortion. Thats partially because this speaker is no bass champ; the SoundLink Max wipes the floor with it in that regard, but is bulkier and nearly twice the price. The Home only supports your standard AAC and SBC Bluetooth codecs, whereas the Flex (second-gen) and Max both throw in aptX Adaptive compatibility for devices that offer it.The controls are fairly straightforward. The multi-function button (at right) handles playback controls and activating your phones voice assistant.The thing is, youre going to have to really like the Homes out-of-the-box sound, because theres no changing it. In another departure from other Bose speakers, the SoundLink Home lacks any kind of mobile companion app. As a result, youre unable to customize its EQ at all. Thats a disappointing omission that would be easier to forgive from a cheaper speaker, but not this one. You can at least pair two units together to create a stereo pair. If youre willing to drop the money on that, youll be rewarded with noticeably richer sound.Theres not much to see around back besides more fabric and a small indentation.Another important thing to be aware of with the SoundLink Home is that theres no water resistance to speak of. The same goes for dust resistance. This is not meant to be a poolside or outdoor speaker. Its right there in the name, I suppose. Youll want to put the speaker somewhere safe (and dry). A covered patio is about as far as youll want to take it. Bose doesnt even recommend taking it into the bathroom. The ruggedized Flex is a better choice for those who need a road warrior that can withstand the elements. Durability is one area where the Home falls short of Ultimate Ears, JBL, Soundcore, and other brands that have Bluetooth speakers at similar prices.Books for scale. This is a pretty small speaker.So far Ive discussed a lot of whats missing, but one advantage over the SoundLink Flex is that the Home supports USB-C audio in. And you can take advantage of that at the same time that youre paired over Bluetooth. So you could theoretically listen to wired audio from your laptop while using the speaker for phone calls or interacting with Siri or Google Assistant. (You can hold down the multi-function button up top to activate your phones voice assistant.) Calls and other Bluetooth activity will override the USB-C connection.That USB-C port is on the speakers left side, which makes some cables look a bit inelegant when theyre plugged in. Bose at least includes a 90-degree USB-C cable to keep it as subtle as possible. Battery life is rated at up to 9 hours of playback, and my tests have shown that number to be mostly accurate. If youre listening at or above 70 percent volume, expect to lose a couple hours. Its not impressive endurance, but for a speaker thatll only be traveling around your house, its sufficient. It takes between three and four hours to fully recharge the speaker over USB-C, which seems rather long for the passable battery life youre getting.Its got style, but is there enough substance?Theres really not much else to cover with the SoundLink Home. It bets a whole lot on looks and feel and clears the bar on sound quality without any glaring tonal weaknesses. The absence of any EQ settings will inevitably disappoint those of you who like to tinker, and I think any $200-plus Bluetooth speaker should have some measure of weatherproofing. But Bose went in a different direction with the SoundLink Home. If youre looking to buy (or gift) a speaker thats off the beaten path, I wouldnt fault you for choosing this one.Photography by Chris Welch / The Verge

One of the most critical challenges in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and machine learning (ML) is that high-resolution, 3D datasets specifically designed for automotive aerodynamics are very hard to find in the public domain. Resources used often are of low fidelity, not to mention the conditions, making it impossible to create scalable and accurate ML models. Furthermore, the available datasets for geometric variation diversity are limited, severely limiting improvements in aerodynamic design optimization. Filling these gaps is critical for speeding up innovation in predictive aerodynamic tools and design processes for modern road vehicles.The classical methods for the generation of aerodynamic data have mostly relied on low-resolution or simplified 3D geometries, which cannot support the requirements of high-performance ML models. For example, datasets like AhmedML, although novel, use grid dimensions of about 20 million cells, which is much less than the industry benchmark of over 100 million cells. This limits scalability and makes the relevance of machine learning models to practical applications less meaningful. Additionally, existing datasets often suffer from poor geometric diversity and rely on less accurate computational fluid dynamics techniques, which means that there is a very limited scope for addressing the complex aerodynamic phenomena found in actual designs.Researchers from Amazon Web Services, Volcano Platforms Inc., Siemens Energy, and Loughborough University introduced WindsorML to address these limitations. This high-fidelity, open-source CFD dataset contains 355 geometric variations of the Windsor body configuration, typical for modern vehicles. With the use of WMLES containing more than 280 million cells, WindsorML brings outstanding detail and resolution. The dataset is comprised of diverse geometry configurations generated with deterministic Halton sampling for comprehensive coverage of aerodynamic scenarios. Advanced CFD methods and GPU-accelerated solvers enable accurate simulation of flow fields, surface pressures, and aerodynamic forces, thus setting a new benchmark for high-resolution aerodynamic datasets.The Volcano ScaLES solver generated the dataset by employing a Cartesian grid with focused refinement in areas of interest, such as boundary layers and wakes. Every simulation captures time-averaged information related to surface and volumetric flow fields, aerodynamic force coefficients, and geometric parameters, all of which are provided in widely accepted open-source formats like `.vtu` and `.stl`. The systematic variation of seven geometric parameters, including clearance and taper angles, produces a wide range of aerodynamic behaviors within a comprehensive dataset. The accuracy of this dataset is further validated through a grid refinement analysis, which ensures strong and reliable results that agree with experimental benchmarks.WindsorML demonstrates outstanding performance and versatility, which is validated through its consistency with experimental aerodynamic data. The dataset offers deep insights into flow behaviors and force coefficients, including both drag and lift, with a wide range of configurations, thus underlining its value for practical applications. Preliminary assessments based on machine learning models, such as Graph Neural Networks, show good promise for predictive aerodynamic modeling. These models also exhibit good accuracy in predictions of aerodynamic coefficients to illustrate the effectiveness of this dataset in efficiently training systems of machine learning. WindsorMLs comprehensive outputs and high resolution make it an invaluable resource for advancing both CFD and ML methodologies in automotive aerodynamics.By overcoming the limitations of existing datasets, WindsorML offers a transformative resource for the CFD and ML communities. It helps in developing scalable, yet accurate predictive models, for aerodynamic evaluations. With high-fidelity simulations and diverse geometric configurations, it is well poised to help accelerate innovation in vehicle design and provide a robust basis for integrating AI into workflows for aerodynamic analysis.Check out the Paper. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. Aswin Ak+ postsAswin AK is a consulting intern at MarkTechPost. He is pursuing his Dual Degree at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur. He is passionate about data science and machine learning, bringing a strong academic background and hands-on experience in solving real-life cross-domain challenges. [Download] Evaluation of Large Language Model Vulnerabilities Report (Promoted)

This article contains spoilers for Nosferatu.Anyone who sees Willem Dafoes name in the cast list for Robert Eggerss Nosferatu thinks they know what to expect. Dafoe has worked with Eggers in the directors two most recent films, giving gonzo performances in each. In The Lighthouse, Dafoe channels Patchy the Pirate to deliver ornate curses when his fellow lighthouse keeper insults his lobster. Dafoe plays a Norse magician in The Northman, urging the king and the prince to act like dogs, scrambling around on all fours and farting wildly.Given that his character in Nosferatu, Professor Albin Eberhart Von Franz, is based on Abraham Van Helsing, its fair to expect that Eggerss long-in-development vampire film will call for plenty of Dafoe wackiness. And it is a wacky performance, to be sure. But wacky doesnt quite explain Von Franzs reaction to seeing his patient Ellen Hutter (Lily-Rose Depp) strapped to the bed by her well-meaning physician Dr. Sievers (Ralph Ineson).Release this child, immediately, says a horrified Von Franz, even as Sievers, his former student, protests. Von Franz then sits next to Ellen and offers the best possible medicine: an open ear and an acknowledging eye.Its that mix of empathy and eccentricity that makes Dafoes Von Franz the best take on Van Helsing ever seen outside of the original Bram Stoker book.Van Helsing By Any Other NameBefore we go much further, a little clarification is in order. We call Albin Eberhart Von Franz the best version of Abraham Van Helsing because theyre pretty much the same character. Eggerss film is an update of the 1922 silent horror movie Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror, directed by F. W. Murnau. Although the film adapts Bram Stokers 1897 novel Dracula, writer Henrik Galeen changed some of the names to avoid legal entanglements. Thus, the story is more or less the same as Dracula, just the characters have different names.Count Dracula becomes Count Orlok. Jonathan Harker becomes Thomas Hutter. Mina Harker becomes Ellen Hutter. And Abraham Van Helsing becomes Well, heres where it gets tricky. Because Galeen cut Van Helsing entirely out of Nosferatu, making Ellens sacrifice the primary driver of the vampires defeat. Werner Herzogs 1979 pseudo-remake Nosferatu the Vampyre restores Van Helsing to the story, mostly because that version retains (most of) the official names from Stokers novel, even if keeps the look and tone of 1922 film.Played by Walter Ladengast, the Van Helsing of Nosferatu the Vampyre has a kindness behind his odd behavior, the latter signified by his unkempt silver hair and worried expression. But it often plays as condescension, an unwillingness to believe Jonathan Harkers wife (Isabelle Adjani). Ladengasts skepticism falls in line with classical performances of Van Helsing. Eduardo Arozamena has more intellectual curiosity in the Spanish-language Dracula than the severe Edward Van Sloan in the English-language version, both released by Universal Pictures in 1931, but he has no problem bullying patients in pursuit of the truth.In the 1992 Dracula by Francis Ford Coppola, Anthony Hopkins translates Van Helsings scientific interest into distain for his subjects that borders on cruel. When he emerges onto the scene to introduce himself to Mina (Winona Ryder), he gives her a fright on par with those from the Count himself (Gary Oldman). He grabs her and forces her to dance a waltz, his cold eyes never supporting the playfulness he tries to enact.Even Peter Cushing, who heretofore played the most compelling version of Van Helsing against Christopher Lees Count Dracula for Hammer, sometimes lost his sense of kindness. Cushings dashing vampire hunter take on the Professor certainly had time for moments of empathy, as when he drapes a cloak over a child almost consumed by the vampiric Lucy (Carol Marsh) in 1958s Horror of Dracula. But he stops Lucy not just by wielding a cross, but pressing it into her flesh, leaving a (really cool looking) burn on her forehead.Join our mailing listGet the best of Den of Geek delivered right to your inbox!To be sure, all of these takes have validity and their charms. Heck, you can even make an argument for Hugh Jackmans huge action Van Helsing in the Stephen Sommers movie by that name or Mel Brookss Borscht Belt joker in Dracula: Dead and Loving It. But only Dafoe grounds the characters oddities in a deep love for humanity, making him the perfect counter to the Count and support to the storys true hero, Mina/Ellen.Van Helsings Humanitarian SoulAs in most versions of Dracula, Von Franz enters Nosferatu relatively late in the story, when a desperate Sievers turns to his old doctor. And, as in most versions, Nosferatu primes viewers to expect an idiosyncratic scientist, a feeling only heightened as we follow Sievers through a maze of stairs and streets into the Professors cramped and dusty room. Engrossed in a book on alchemy, Von Franz doesnt even have time to look up at his visitors; he just barks Go away!But as soon as Von Franz recognizes his old student, his demeanor changes and softens. He embraces the younger man, not even acknowledging the plumes of dust coming from his jacket. As Eggers recently told Den of Geek, he based Von Franz not just on Van Helsing, but the real life occultist Albin Grau, who truly believed in vampires and other supernatural forces.More than just a different spin on a character portrayed by many different actors over more than a century, Dafoes humanist approach underscores a key element of the Dracula story. As much as Dracula is a sensual monster, and there is something seductive to his methods, he is fundamentally undead. Dracula steals life and returns a grotesque perversion of living, an unending existence based in servitude and insatiable hungers.As Draculas counter, Van Helsing must be more human, in all of its varieties, which is exactly what Dafoe portrays as Von Franz. As a learned man in 19th century Germany, Von Franz respects reason and the new scientific arts, as demonstrated by his tools problem-solving process. But where so much of the Enlightenment dismissed the passions and beliefs as superstitions to be purged in favor of logic, Von Franz remembers that our feelings and faith are just as much of our human experience as our rational mind.With Nosferatu, Eggers and Dafoe return Van Helsing to the story. But their humanist and kind professor helps build the empathy driving the movie, making Von Franz the best Van Helsing weve ever seen.Nosferatu opens in theaters in the US on December 25, 2024 and on January 1 2025 in the UK.

This article originally appeared in the April/May 1997 issue of ELLE DECOR. For more stories from our archive, subscribe to ELLE DECOR All Access.The old boy's shedding, Bill Blass says, fondly stroking the head of Barnaby, his patently spoiled Labrador, as the dogs golden fleece wafts down to the handsome broad floorboards of his Connecticut stone country house. The celebrated fashion designer has been doing quite a bit of shedding himself lately: a master of restraint in the decoration of both his city and country domicile, he has recently banished many of his possession, having come to regard them as superfluous as the simplicity he exults in.Fernando BengoecheaFashion designer Bill Blass with his dogs, Shelby, a 12-year-old golden retriever, and Barnaby, a six-year-old yellow Lab, outside his country home in Connecticut.At once brash and charming, Blasswho, incidentally, refers to himself as the old boy may best be described a jovially gruff. Its all about editing one's liferefining, simplifying, constantly editing," he says, casting an appraising eye around his splendidly austere drawing room, which is filled primarily with English and American antiques arranged with an unmistakably masculine assurance. Mostly its a matter of eliminating. Ive put away 37 pictures, some of them rather good. And having had gray walls, I decided to have them painted white. Im definitely influenced by the way Swedish houses look. Theyre quiet and refined.Whats remarkable is that white walls give these rooms a certain warmth, in both summer and winter.Ridding the walls of color inspired further paring. "Once they became white, I discovered that I preferred the cleanness of unadorned walls," he says. So I took down all the paintings and hung only prints and drawings. Whats remarkable is that white walls give these rooms a certain warmth, in both summer and winter. Fernando BengoecheaA Swedish wall relief hangs above the mantel. Most Scandinavian in feeling is the front hall, where a recently purchased Gustavian bed serves as a banquette. Here the floorboards have been stripped and rubbed with white paint, giving the room an almost mythical glow. Also new is an 18th-century Belgian desk from the dealer Axel Vervoordt and a suite of 19th-century pastel drawings in gray and white by Walter Gay. Tour Fashion Icon Bill Blass's Rustic RetreatBills always had the best taste in the world, declares Nancy Kissinger, a close friend, but now I think the house is perfect. Its become fulfilled in a wayyou can tell its the home of someone who loves it and cares about its integrity. It's spare but complete, without the kind of spareness that looks starved. Built in 1770, the house was originally a tavern on the old Albany Post Road, where General Washington is said to have conferred with French generals. Blass recalls seeing it for the first time 20 years ago while staying with the late Slim Keith and Billy Baldwin. Id been renting for years in Southampton, he says, but Id come to realize that I find the country much more appealing than the beach. Having been shown around by a Realtor, he sought Baldwin's opinion. Billy said, It's a great house. Get it, he recalls. Fernando BengoecheaThe glassed-in porch features a French country table with early 20th-century chairs from Santa Fe. An antique milk strainer hangs above a bench from Nantucket.Blass talks about the legendary decorator with affection. Everything I do is influenced by him, he says, which comes from knowing him for 25 years. There was always a sense of neatness about his interiors, even when he decorated for the very rich. Ive always had enormous admiration for people like Billy who know how to live well, who accomplish that rare thing of creating houses that perfectly reflect their personality and character. Blass also praise Chessy Rayner, a partner in the decorating firm MAC II, who worked with him on the house and helped him with his superbly elegant apartment on New York's Sutton Place. Shes the best, he says. We have a very similar wavelength, but we can never second-guess each other. Bills always had the best taste in the world. Blass enjoy the house so much that he is reluctant to ever leave it. I never go anywhere if I can help it, he says, admitting that weekends away from his fashion licensing business in Manhattan now tend to stretch from Thursday to Monday. Bill prefers the company of his dog to anybody else, says John Richard on the Picasso biographer and a country neighbor. People who know him well dont bother him too much because they realize hes happiest being there alone with the dog. Hes a happy recluse, which is surprising because he's so genial. Fernando BengoecheaA Regency library table is matched with antique chairs. Richardson notes that collecting objects and rearranging the house seem to give Blass ceaseless joy, which explains why the designer makes several buying trip to London each year. The second he hits Pimlico Road, every dealer on the street knows hes there, says Nina Griscom, another close friend. Its wonderful to watch him because hes got such a hawkeye. He's quick and never waffles. He shops like a man.Carleton Hobb, one of Londons leading dealers, agrees, confessing that he covets Blasss remarkable collection and taste. Bill has one of the finest eyes Ive ever known, he says. Believe me, Im very relieved that hes never wanted to be a dealer.