Automakers are opening their wallets for President-elect Donald Trumps inauguration. On Monday, Ford and General Motors each pledged $1 million, with Ford also offering a fleet of vehicles for the event. Not long after, Toyota announced its own $1 million donation.The businesses donations appear to be a tactical show of support for the incoming president, who repeatedly has been vocal about imposing tariffs on goods coming from Canada, Mexico, and China. Those tariffs, which may add up to 25% on vehicles, could have big consequences for automakers, and are therefore top of mind going into the new year.The biggest consequences may impact the producers of the most affordable cars. According to data from Edmunds, about a third of vehicles sold in the U.S. for under $30,000 are built in Mexico. Therefore, hefty new tariffs could majorly decrease profits for car companies, who have already been struggling against inflation, high interest rates, supply issues, as well as competition from China. Trumps tariffs could also change free-trade negotiations laid out in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) which the president-elect enacted in 2020, replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Currently, USMCA requires 75% of a vehicles parts be made in the U.S., Mexico, or Canada in order to be free from tariffs.Its not just automakers who seem ready to cozy up to the incoming president with legal, yet potentially influential, donations. Major tech companies have recently pledged their own million-dollar donations. Both Meta and Amazon donated $1 million, just before OpenAI CEO Sam Altman pledged to do the same. In a statement, first reported by Fox News, Altman said, President Trump will lead our country into the age of AI, and I am eager to support his efforts to ensure America stays ahead. In the past, Altman has donated to Democratic candidates. The notable switch seems to showcase that some business leaders, even those who arent looking forward to Trumps second term, may find it easier to appear to work with the administration.Its just a recognition that theres not much to be gained in outspoken opposition, but perhaps there is something to be gained by being very clear about your support and hope that Trump does well, Margaret OMara, a Silicon Valley historian at the University of Washington, told NPR this month.Trump, who has a well-documented history of responding well to favors or offerings that may help his agenda, bragged about the uptick in donations to his inauguration in a December 19 Truth Social post: EVERYBODY WANTS TO BE MY FRIEND!!!The upcoming inauguration is expected to break the previous record of $106.7 million in donations set in 2017, the first time Trump took office.

A government-commissioned panel of experts on Wednesday largely supported Japans new energy policy for the next few years that calls for bolstering renewables up to half of electricity needs by 2040 while maximizing the use of nuclear power as the country seeks to accommodate the growing power demand in the era of AI while meeting decarbonization targets.The Industry Ministry presented the draft plan for final review by the panel of 16 mostly pro-nuclear members from business, academia and civil groups. It calls for maximizing the use of nuclear energy, reversing a phaseout policy adopted after the meltdown crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in 2011 that led to extensive displacement of residents and lingering anti-nuclear sentiment.The plan is due to receive Cabinet approval by March after a period of consultation and will then replace the current energy policy, which dates from 2021. The new proposal says nuclear energy should account for 20% of Japans energy supply in 2040, up from just 8.5% last year, while expanding renewables to 40-50% from 22.9% and reducing coal-fired power to 30-40% from nearly 70% last year.The current plan set a 20-22% target for nuclear energy, 36-38% for renewables and 41% for fossil fuel, for 2030.Demand for low-carbon energy, such as renewables and nuclear, is growing because of the demand from data centers using AI and semiconductor factories around the country.Industry Minister Yoji Muto, who attended Wednesdays panel meeting, said Japan must strengthen its energy security by not relying too much on a single source.How we can secure decarbonized energy determines Japans future growth, Muto said. Its time to stop discussing a choice between renewable energy and nuclear power. We should maximize the use of both renewables and nuclear.Japan has set a goal of achieving net zero emissions of climate-warming gases by 2050, and a 73% reduction by 2040 compared to 2013 levels.The draft energy plan places renewables as the main power source and calls for development of next-generation energy source, such as solar batteries and portable solar panels.It outlines a number of risk scenarios, including a possibility of less-than-expected investment and cost reduction in renewables. However, some experts said the plan lacked a feasibility outlook for 2040 or a roadmap for the phaseout of fossil fuels.The plan also calls for acceleration of the restarts of reactors that meet the post-Fukushima safety standards, and proposes construction of next-generation reactors at plants where existing reactors are being decommissioned.Still, to achieve the 20% target, all 33 workable reactors in Japan must be back online, with only 14 back in service after the Fukushima disaster. Given the current pace of safety checks by the nuclear regulation authority, experts say meeting the target would be difficult.Despite criticisms and skepticism about its feasibility, Japan still sticks to its pursuit of developing advanced reactors and a struggling spent fuel reprocessing program to achieve a complete nuclear fuel cycle.Mari Yamaguchi, Associated Press

Augmented Reality (AR) glasses or Mixed Reality headset as Apple chooses to call its AR/VR device represent a leap forward in wearable technology which thrives on the possibility of endless expandability. The best thing about these devices is that they are controlled by gesture and voice-based interactions through onboard sensors and cameras.Despite their promise, AR glasses remain a niche product, while smartphones, laptops, and game consoles still remain daily drivers. A South Korean designer believes unintuitive gestures and voice commands can be awkward in public settings and since the AR glasses lack physical controls, they are not finding wide adoption. As a solution, he has come up with Cylin, a cylindrical portable PC comprising AR glasses and a controller.Designer: Sun-il KimCurrently, AR glasses interaction methods feel clunky, especially in a public setting or when you want to get some instant text written. To make the computing glasses a practical tool for all types of environmentswhether enjoying videos sitting in a caf or writing a column for a magazine in a shared public space. Sun-il Kim has designed Cylin, which functions like a scroll.It has that slot for the glasses, a scroll-like opening keyboard interface for text input, and puts a mouse in there for precise control. Tying over a virtual keyboard or through gestures is cumbersome and adding a physical keyboard onboard would increase the weight and cost of the AR glasses. The Cylin is thus a handy solution that doesnt take away the fun but adds required function making it convenient for everyday use in various environments.As a compact PC in the shape of a small cylindrical body integrating a mouse, keyboard, and AR glasses, the Cylin may seem like a product too much. But given the problem it is trying to address; it may be a viable option. If it does get some heads like us interested, it can definitely start a product category of its own.The post This Ultra-compact Portable PC Concept Comes With a Mouse, Keyboard, and AR Glasses first appeared on Yanko Design.

Concrete doesnt usually conjure up thoughts of artistry or adaptabilityits solid, gray, and static. But Amorphous Concrete flips that notion on its head, proving that even the sturdiest materials can grow and evolve. This award-winning project merges high-tech algorithms with timeless materials, creating a system thats as much about beauty as it is about practicality.Amorphous Concrete utilizes a Differential Growth algorithm a process that mimics the organic growth patterns you might find in coral reefs or tree branches. The result? Stunningly intricate forms that are as structurally sound as they are visually captivating. These shapes are then 3D-printed into modular concrete units, each one unique, customizable, and ready to take on tasks ranging from outdoor seating to functional art installations. Think of it as nature-inspired design, but with the precision of advanced engineering.Designer: SA-MathAmorphous Concrete owes its brilliance to the collaboration between SA-Math, a Shanghai-based digital fabrication studio, and Xiamen Zhichuangchi Technology Co., Ltd. With designers like Cai Chengzhi and Chen Rongsheng at the helm, the project blends computational wizardry with hands-on expertise. The teams vision goes beyond aesthetics; theyve crafted a system that embraces sustainability, reducing material waste while maximizing creativity.A notable implementation of this technology is a nine-unit demonstration product installed as an outdoor landscape sculpture at Shanghais Xinyangwan Technology Venture Park. Here, nine interconnected concrete modules come together as a sculptural centerpiece, serving as both art and utility. The adaptability of these modules means they can be reconfigured, extended, or even replaced without waste, making them ideal for evolving public spaces.By integrating computational modeling and digital fabrication, Amorphous Concrete offers a sustainable and efficient approach to modern construction challenges. Its ability to produce unique, reconfigurable systems positions it as a forward-thinking solution in the field of modular design. It even secured a Red Dot Award: Design Concept this year, validating it as a proof-of-concept that can be applied at scale.The beauty of Amorphous Concrete lies in its ability to merge the organic with the industrial. Its a playful contradictionrugged yet elegant, adaptable yet enduring. It invites cities, architects, and designers to think differently about the spaces we inhabit. After all, if concrete can grow and evolve, why shouldnt our cities do the same?The post Nature Meets Concrete: How AI is Reshaping Urban Landscapes in 2024 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The $1,699 M4 Pro MacBook Pro special price is now available at B&H Photo, with free next day delivery.Snap up a 14-inch MacBook Pro at a record low price.After a price war broke out on Apple's M4 Pro MacBook Pro 14-inch during Christmas Eve, several retailers sold out or ended the $300 discount soon thereafter. But the $1,699 price is still available at Apple Authorized Reseller B&H Photo, with free next business day delivery available in the contiguous U.S. on the standard M4 Pro configuration in Space Black or Silver.Buy for $1,699 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

A new report produced by Realtor.com has shown homes in the United States to now have the highest number of extra bedrooms in the recorded history of the U.S. Census.The record-high amount of excess bedrooms is likely driven by both an increase in the number of bedrooms per home and a simultaneousdecline in the number of persons per household, the report states. In 2023, that number equaled31.9 million nationwide.There has been no change, however, in the average number of rooms per home (2.8 nationwide) recorded since 2013. Danielle Hale, the chief economist for Realtor.com, stated that the trend began in the 1980s.The trend is said to be most pronounced in the Mountain West and South regions.

Archinect has received images of a new private residential design in the coastal city of Guaruj, Brazil. Studio MK27s Canopy House was completed in July of 2023 under the direction of architect Marcio Kogan and co-designers Regiane Leo and Marcio Tanaka.Photo credit: Fernando GuerraA blend of references to forestry and Brazilian culture, the suspended white prism design is supported by a sequence of concrete stilts. Above the main volume, an elevated platform was constructed that blurs the line between interior and exterior spaces and establishes a living area that "fosters a sense of immersion in the vibrant canopy of the Atlantic Forest."Photo credit: Fernando GuerraPhoto credit: Fernando GuerraInside, subtle transitions between the living and social spaces emphasize a "fluid interplay between architecture and nature." The architects say: "The strategy leaves no indoor alternative for the connection of spaces; it is a radical experience of the weather, the winds, the smells...

The latest edition ofourcurated jobs roundupfrom theArchinect Job boardhighlights 10 architecture schools seeking additional faculty, academic leaders, staff, and fellows to their institutions.To explore specific job titles from the architectural profession, consultArchinect's Guide to Job Titlesseries. Also, follow ourArchinect Tipsseries to improve your portfolio, resume, and interviewing skills, to increase your overall chances of getting that next job.Teaching PositionsImage courtesy Virginia Tech College of Architecture, Arts, and Design/FacebookVirginia Techseeks an Open Rank - Assistant/Associate/Full Professor, Architecture in Alexandria, VA"The successful candidate will be capable of connecting theory and innovative practice through teaching, scholarship, creative practice, and engagement with the city. Candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to architecture and human well-being at multiple scales across the built environment. Qualified candidates wi...

Microsoft is warning users that some manually made Windows 11 installer media could contain a bug where new PC installs may not get future security updates. It affects USB and CD installers made with October and November release patches, which may be relevant to professional users who set up PCs within business or education environments, or enthusiasts who recently built their own PCs.Microsoft published the bug in its known issues page for Windows 11 (version 24H2):When using media to install Windows 11, version 24H2, the device might remain in a state where it cannot accept further Windows security updates. This occurs only when the media is created to include the October 2024, or November 2024, security updates as part of the installation (these updates were released between October 8, 2024 and November 12, 2024).This does not affect PCs that received the October or November patches through Windows Update or the Microsoft Update Catalog website. Mitigating the problem will require you to rebuild your Windows 11 media installers with the December 2024 patch update included (released on December 10th) and reinstall Windows. (To avoid it altogether, Microsoft suggests that that media used to install Windows 11, version 24H2, includes the December 2024 monthly security update.) Microsoft says its working on a permanent fix.Bleeping Computer reported that Windows 11 24H2 also had other bugs in tow, including problems with specific audio devices,issues launching Outlook with an outdated Google Workspace Sync, and others. There was also that weird 24H2 compatibility issue with some Ubisoft games, which are slowly receiving fixes.

LatestMachine LearningModeling Digital Coin Trends 0 like December 26, 2024Share this postAuthor(s): Shenggang Li Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.Leveraging Attention Neural Networks to Analyze Competition, Regulation, and Market TrendsPhoto by Traxer on UnsplashAre you curious about digital coins where they come from and where theyre headed? Are they set to grow forever, or could the hype around Bitcoin fizzle out? And what about investing in digital coins is it a golden opportunity or a high-stakes gamble? I tackle these questions using AI to uncover insights.Originally designed for transformers in AI, attention-based neural networks are powerful tools for understanding the evolution of digital currencies in competitive markets. These models can simulate the interplay of key factors, such as user adoption, transaction costs, government regulations, and market disruptions. They also uncover hidden drivers influencing a coins dominance and stability over time, offering a unique perspective on this fast-changing space.This research combines attention mechanisms from neural networks with economic principles to analyze competition among digital coins, assess the impact of regulations, and predict market trends. It also incorporates stochastic processes to reflect real-world uncertainties in the digital coin ecosystem.By digging into these dynamics, this research opens up new possibilities for future studies to:Use AI to explore how things Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post