Traditional data protection methods often fail to provide effective cyber resiliency. Here are 5 questions to ask to allay the impact of evolving ransomware variants.

Apple is exploring new headsets and smart-home devices to expand its lineup.Its plans don't always work out;it scrapped a car project and faces weak demand for the Vision Pro.Apple's future profits depend on the success of devices other than the iPhone.Apple's possible future product lineup suggests the giant is entering a new era.Many devices are reportedly in the works at the tech giant, and many of them are very different from its golden child, the iPhone. Apple followers including the Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman and the Taiwan-based supply-chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo have said it's exploring new headsets, smart-home devices, and more.The tech industry has long speculated about Apple's next big thing. The answer may lie in the slate that people have been reporting on for the past several months.Creating a hit product isn't easy. The company in February scrapped plans for a car, and its $3,500 Vision Pro has gotten mixed reviews in the months since its release. On November 10, Gurman said Apple was focusing on smaller wins that could generate revenue on the same level as its iPads or wearable tech.That requires Apple to tiptoe into new territory where competitors may already be making strides.Bloomberg, also in November, reported on a wall-mounted smart-home tablet in Apple's production lineup that could operate home appliances, use Apple Intelligence, and access Apple apps.The report said the project, code-named J490, could come as early as March, a month before new Apple Intelligence features are expected to roll out.Though smart-home tech isn't a cash cow for Big Tech, another futuristic smart-home device is said to be on Apple's radar: a tabletop robot with an iPad-like display and a robotic arm.Analysts from Morningstar, Deepwater Asset Management, and EMARKETER were skeptical about the device's profitability or the probability of its existence when Business Insider asked them about it in August.Apple is also reportedly developing a smart lock and doorbell system, Bloomberg reported on Sunday. The device would allow a person to open their home's door by scanning their face, the report said. It's unclear whether the doorbell system would work with existing third-party locks or if the company would partner with a lock maker.The technology could certainly introduce competition to Amazon's Ring and Google Nest. However, the report said it's unlikely the product would launch until the end of 2025 at the earliest.Meanwhile, Kuo, known for his often accurate Apple product predictions, said in early November that the tech giant had delayed production of a cheaper Vision Pro to "beyond 2027" and would move ahead with a Vision Pro with its M5 processor and Apple Intelligence for 2025.In the wearables category, Apple is said to be exploring AR glasses perhaps inspired by the prototype Orion glasses Meta showed off in September though they're far from production stages. The Morningstar analyst William Kerwin previously suggested that smart glasses are likely Apple's ultimate eyewear goal.CEO Tim Cook, who's been in the role for 13 years, is guiding the company into a new future. The next line of products Apple launches could solidify his legacy.

Paul Ollinger was Facebook's vice president of sales before he left the company.He grew up middle class with a scarcity mindset, he said.Today, he wants to teach his own kids about priorities and gratitude.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Paul Ollinger, author of "Reasonably Happy: The Skeptics Guide to Achievable Contentment." It has been edited for length and clarity.I grew up one of six kids in Atlanta. When I was around 11, my dad was taking me to get my first cavity filled. I was super nervous, but my dad, it turns out, was thinking about money. As we walked in, he said, "Don't get the novocaine. It's $20."That anecdote sums up everything about finances in my childhood home. My father worked for the power company, so he always had a job, but he was never rich. I had everything I needed, but scarcity was the subtext of our economic reality.That's very different from how my own kids, who are 13 and 15, are being raised. I was one of the first 250 employees at Facebook. I left the company about 13 years ago, but due to good pay and stock options, I'll likely never need to work again as long as I make smart choices.My son asked if we were hiring a private chefThat means my kids are growing up in a very different financial reality. When my son was 7, he came home from one of his even richer friend's house. He said, "When are we going to hire a chef?"The reaction in my head is one I can't repeat here. I wanted to yell, "A chef? The only chef I grew up with was Chef Boyardee!" But I realized my son only knew what he sees.I joked about sending my kids to middle-class camp at Grandpa's, where they had to face horrors like having a fan instead of air conditioning. I approach the difference between my upbringing and theirs with humor, but the truth is no one imagines raising kids in an economic situation that's so vastly different from how they were raised.I want my kids to learn to prioritize financial decisionsOne book that's helped me greatly is "The Opposite of Spoiled" by Ron Lieber. He talks about the importance of giving kids allowance, because that allows them to make mistakes with small amounts of money.My wife and I give the kids a modest monthly allowance. That means we don't have to talk with them about money every day, and they weigh up whether they really want something, like a new soccer ball.It's important to me that the kids know that money isn't in endless supply. If they buy X, they might not have enough money to buy Y. Although I have substantial wealth, I still prioritize my financial decisions.For example, I could fly private, but that would require me to work in a traditional job to have more income coming in. Yet, it's more important to me to be able to do the type of work I enjoy, comedy, which happens to pay less. I value professional flexibility more than the status of flying private or the joys of getting to skip TSA, so I prioritize that.Financial security has let me chase my dreamI've loved comedy since I first got onstage at Dartmouth College during grad school. My parents paid for college, but I had $80,000 in student loans for graduate school back in 1997. That financial reality meant that I had to take a traditional job in the tech world rather than chase my dream of being a comedian.After working in tech for a few years and paying off my student loans, I quit to pursue comedy full time for two years. My standard of living was still good because I had a lot saved. But when I met my wife and knew we wanted kids, I returned to the tech world because I wanted more financial security than life as a standup comedian could give me.Working at Facebook ended up being a bigger home run than I could have ever imagined. I remember saying to my wife, "This might be as big as MySpace one day." I couldn't even imagine how big Facebook would become or the changes it would bring to my life.Now that I spend time writing jokes about my financial situation and talking about money on my podcast, I've realized that happiness comes from making a choice to be grateful, not from a number in your accounts.

My mom and I have always been close.However, I didn't realize how much I still needed her until I had my own kids.Becoming a mother helped me understand her unconditional love for me.I've always loved my mom dearly, but after I had kids, I found I felt even closer to her. I never thought that having a baby would change my relationship with my own mother, but it did.Growing up, my mom was the warm, fun, cuddly sort of mom who was always heavily interested in us four kids. We always knew we were loved fiercely and unconditionally.I vividly recall lying in bed as a child, waiting for her to come and say goodnight. She would appear at my bedside and smother me in hundreds of kisses while I giggled and said, "Stop, Momma."When I was little, life was always a great adventure with my mom. There were spontaneous trips to the drive-in movies. Fun family barbecues and mud flights at the local lake.I didn't realize how much I still needed my momIn my 20s, I wanted to stretch my wings, so I moved overseas from Australia to Canada, and then to London. I didn't see my mom for several years, and while I missed her, I was busy doing my own thing and seeing the world.When I returned to Australia at 29 and had my first child at age 30, she offered to come and help. I was living in Melbourne then, so she flew down from the Gold Coast, where I grew up, and stayed with my husband and me for seven weeks.I realized during that time just how much I still needed her. Navigating parenthood for the first time really does rock your world, but having someone to support you who has walked that road before makes a world of difference.In those first few weeks after our son was born, mom was a powerhouse of energy. She cooked us meals, rocked my son to sleep, and counseled me when I cried about my post-childbirth body.When I felt completely shattered from sleep deprivation and like I couldn't cope, she would take the baby out for a walk and tell me to catch up on some sleep. On days that I needed cheering up, she'd say, "Get dressed, honey. I'm taking you to lunch."I remember watching her burping my son over her knee one morning in our little flat, and feeling like I was seeing her through fresh eyes, almost as if for the first time. Suddenly, I felt like I understood her better.Having my own child helped me understood her unconditional love for meI could finally relate to the boundless love that comes with becoming a parent. My husband always says my mom is my greatest ally and will defend me to the death, even when I'm clearly in the wrong. Finally, I got it. She loved me unconditionally, just like I loved my son.I thought about the many sacrifices mom had made for me and my siblings so that we could have a better life. Growing up, she never blew money on herself. She didn't wear name-brand clothes or have the flashiest furniture or cars. But somehow, she and my dad always found money for us kids, whether we needed it for orthodontics, acne treatments, or our many hobbies.When it was finally time for Mom to head home and I was driving her to the airport, I felt terrified. I didn't know how I would manage without her."I don't want you to go," I said, tears streaming down my cheeks as I hugged her goodbye. "It's time, honey. I'm only a phone call away. You'll be OK," she said, and then she was gone.Mom was right, of course. I was OK in the end. She'd held my hand through one of the most life-changing experiences there is, and she'd helped me find my way. Just as she did when I was a child.

While he may be known for being an iconoclast, Bob Dylan has a public persona aloof, remote, borderline misanthropic that doesnt exactly lend itself to the typical Hollywood treatment. That hasnt stopped the new Dylan biopic, A Complete Unknown, from trying. Based on the book Dylan Goes Electric and starring Timothe Chalamet doing his own live singing and performing as Dylan, the film has picked up rave reviews for its performances. But some critics have had misgivings about the films many fictional liberties as well as the relatively little context were given for the beats of his life not enough to either satisfy Dylanites or explain whats happening for Dylan newbs.Why exactly was it such a big deal when Dylan went electric plugging in his guitar and moving away from the folk music he made when he started out? What does his musical and personal legacy mean, and why should audiences care?Fortunately, I found a longtime Dylanhead who was able to fill in many of the gaps for me. Bill DeVille, a 40-year radio industry veteran, DJs near-nightly for Minneapolis public radio station The Current, in the city where Dylan first got his early start before traveling to New York. DeVille walked me through the context I was missing, and waxed rhapsodic about the experience of seeing the film as A Dylan Guy. I may be a Dylan fan now through sheer osmosis.Aja Romano: One of the central tensions of the film is this supposed tension between folk and rock. I know thats part of the longstanding narrative around Bob Dylan, but when you were watching the film, did you feel like its an authentic narrative? Bill DeVille: I think it is. I think his musical love wasnt necessarily folk music right out of the gate. I think it was blues and rock n roll. I dont want to say rock, because to me, rock is Journey. Rock n roll is the real stuff. Fats Domino, Little Richard, Buddy Holly I think that was the music that he really loved. He discovered Lead Belly and Woody Guthrie and stuff like that, and it took him toward folk. Plus, he didnt have a band at the time, so it was easy to go out and just busk with your acoustic guitar at the coffee houses in New York.So folk was more of a detour for him.I get that impression. The first gigs he had were under the name Elston Gunn back in the latter 50s. He was playing in Bobby Vees band he was the piano player. Hes always talked about his love for Little Richard, too. That was his hero, more so or as much as Woody, I would imagine.It sounds as though it was the culture of folk, more than the music itself, that took him on his way.I think theres some truth to that, but youre constricted by this timeline. Its a nifty timeframe, when he rolls out of Minneapolis in 1961 and immediately heads to the Big Apple. In the movie, they said he did it solo, but apparently he did it with a friend.That gets into the tropes the movies playing with a small-town boy goes to the big city, right? Can you set the stage for us in terms of what the actual New York scene was at the time?Well, it was the coffee house scene. It was Dave Van Ronk and Pete Seeger. And Joan Baez was around in that scene, too, and Cisco Houston and some of the old folk guys and Dylan in the film, it shows him just knocking em dead right out of the gate. And Joan Baez saw something they saw something special in each other, which was pretty cool to see. It just seems like Bob had a handful of songs he was already working on at that point. Plus he was doing a lot of covers back then, too. The first album came out and it was pretty much all covers except for Song to Woody. The first time I heard that Bob Dylan song, Song to Woody, it made me cry. And man, in that movie, when its performed by Timothe, believe it or not, when he sang the song, it was just like, oh my God, this is so good. It sounds so much like Bob. He was very believable.I think people have been really surprised at the authenticity of that performance. I dont think its something people wouldve expected from him.Hes gone the extra mile. At the big rollout red carpet deal, he shows up as Bob Dylan incognito.Yes! That was the New York premiere of A Complete Unknown, where Chalamet cosplayed Dylans notorious 2003 fashion at the Sundance premiere of his then-panned movie Masked and Anonymous. He had bangs and a stocking cap on and a scarf and a leather jacket that was pulled straight from Dylan. It was hysterical. He apparently had five and a half years to study the role, because of the pandemic and the strike. I dont know that he was ever even any kind of a musician, but he sings with authenticity and plays the harmonica and the guitar. All the songs were performed live in the movie, which is pretty incredible too.Thats the draw. Most people are not going to go to this film being like, I want to know all about this Pete Seeger dynamic. I want to know all about the Newport Folk Festival. Most people are going to come for the music, and for them to nail that really shows a level of respect. Were there some moments that threw you? Too much fan service? I do feel like you have to approach this film with several layers of Dylan knowledge. I saw it maybe as a bit too much of a fanboy. I was in love with the film. Some of the younger generation, I dont think, got it. But so much of it is based on things that really did happen. Like Newport Folk, when Pete they didnt really get into the cutting of the power too much, but Pete really thought about doing it. He didnt, obviously, but he considered it. That moment when Edward Norton as Pete Seeger looks pointedly at an axe during Dylans electric set at the Newport Folk Festival did baffle people. And especially when you look at the commentary for the time, historians are divided on whether his decision to play electric at the 1965 Newport Folk Festival was actually the controversial thing. When you look at primary sources, some people said that they were booing because the sound was bad and they just couldnt hear what was happening. That it was not actually about him playing electric. I do think there was a pretty good round [of controversy]. That whole tour of 65, it seemed in particular like the person yelling, Judas! that actually happened in [Manchester], England. And they put that in the film too, even though it happened across the pond, not Newport, Rhode Island. But I think there was some truth to the idea that people wanted him to be this folk purist. I think for Dylan that whole thing was a little too precious. He just wanted to rock. Why do you think the film ended on that particular note?I dont know, but I think it was important. It could have gone either way. I mean, think about it: Bob could have been this legendary folk musician, purist guy, and he could have been twice as popular as Pete Seeger, but he chose not to. I dont think he wanted to be constrained by the folk thing. The folk canon is good enough, but Bob had all these songs. He wanted to do it his way. He didnt want to be manipulated, and his way was to play rock n roll, I think. He wasnt an old guy. He was in his really low 20s when he first started busking with his acoustic guitar. And the British invasion was just happening too. I think he saw that rock n roll was what was going on, and he wanted to be a part of it. Nobody wants to be pigeonholed or typecast, and he was more than a folk traditionalist.I think the fact people didnt want him to do it made him want to [play rock music] even more. It spurred him on. And he still continued to play some folk songs, so it wasnt as bad as it was made out to be. Maybe it was back then, but I never found it to be that big of a deal. It was, there are two kinds of music, good and bad.The film positions Pete Seeger in this role of mentor-doppelgnger, almost. When the film opens, Seeger is appearing in court on contempt charges for his conduct before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Then we see Dylan meeting Guthrie and Seeger at Guthries hospital bedside. Though he did meet both artists soon after his arrival in New York, neither of these details is true. I guess its about setting Pete Seeger up as a kind of rebel in his own way. He was like the kingpin at the time. Woody was laid up with Huntingtons disease, so he wasnt well. I think Woody was more of a mentor to him than Pete was, although the film doesnt necessarily show it like that. Obviously he idolized Woody, but in the film, Pete took care of him, and he stayed at his house a few different nights. Pete didnt really write songs like Bob Dylan did that wasnt his thing. He maintained the folk canon. But I do think that Seeger had a huge admiration for and was sort of a hero to Dylan.Folk was a vital form of resistance at that time, so it makes sense that, character-wise, Dylan would be drawn to that. Yeah and the [1963 March on] Washington with Joan Baez, that was huge. But you see in [Martin Scorseses Dylan documentary] No Direction Home that the press were questioning him like he was some sort of radical, and he really wasnt very radical.The film treated Johnny Cash as a giant Easter Egg, with Boyd Holbrook playing him as Dylans penpal. What did you make of their relationship? [Cash] just spurred him on. He loved it. And that is kind of true, because he took [Dylan] under his wing when he had The Johnny Cash Show back in the late 60s, after Dylan made the Nashville Skyline album. I think that Johnny Cash had a great, great respect for Bob, and it was mutual. They wrote letters back and forth over the years.I do think that relationship contributed to the films commentary about the genre mixing. Especially to younger generations who are coming to see the film they may not be as familiar with Dylan, but theyre definitely familiar with Johnny Cashs many rock covers and other genre-mixing, and theyre bringing that context with them into the film. If Im coming into this film for the first time, what should I know about Dylans legacy and influence?You should know that hes one of the most important songwriters ever. Id listen to The Freewheelin Bob Dylan and Highway 61 Revisited and Bringing It All Back Home. Those are the three albums that are focused on most in the movie. I couldnt believe how blown away I was when he sat down in the care center, in front of Woody and Pete, and he did Song to Woody. And you realize the importance and significance of him meeting his hero, and how important it was that he found him and was able to play a song for him.I didnt really expect that. I expected the big moments of the electrified stuff at the end of the film, but it was a touching sweet little moment. I was just so captivated after seeing that that I just loved the whole experience of seeing the film. It didnt strike you as cocky?It probably was cocky. But I think it took everything he had to muster to do it. And he did it.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

This story was originally published in The Highlight, Voxs member-exclusive magazine. To get early access to member-exclusive stories every month, join the Vox Membership program today.One of the earliest declarations of love were exposed to is the classic childhood best friend pact. Though we arent old enough to sign legally binding documents, a pinky promise is enough of a covenant to stay in each others lives, come hell or high water. My grade-school BFF and my promise to each other involved sticking together even in the face of a vicious natural calamity, a flesh-eating virus, or some sort of astronomical phenomenon that wipes out the planet.Although our younger selves foresaw the most ridiculous worst-case scenarios, we failed to take into account the natural ebbs and flows of life. Even the strongest friendships can fall through the cracks due to very normal life transitions, like moving across the country, getting married, or having kids. Its a common experience for many once-sure-to-be-lifelong friends. Every seven years, we lose about half our friends. So our friends are really fragile to loss when we enter these different life stages, says Marisa Franco, professor, speaker, and author of Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends. This is primarily because friendships are established on the basis of commonality: shared experiences, values, or contexts. Its why our closest ties stay relatively stable through our elementary school years, then start to fissure as we hit early adolescence a pattern that continues well into young adulthood. As stated in psychoanalyst Erik Eriksons theory of human development, this psychosocial stage can trigger feelings of isolation and tear apart even our oldest friendships. Sometimes, these end in messy feuds, others in devastatingly quiet fallouts.It can be easy to compare ourselves to friends who might be in a different life stage than us, especially if theyre the ones reaching traditional life milestones at the age theyre expected to. Female friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson says that one of the three main sources of conflict shes observed in other people is a lack of symmetry. Symmetry is feelings of reciprocity, balance, and egalitarianism, meaning that were equals and were both contributing equally [to the relationship], she says. But as soon as one party believes that the other person is ... totally absent or theres an imbalance, thats going to be an issue. As a result, we might feel estranged from or even resentful of those who graduate with no delays, easily buy a place of their own, or even get to retire on time when we arent at that point yet.But if were lucky enough to find our people in a world plagued by loneliness, we should be more inclined than ever to keep them. Friendship isnt a static thing, but it can survive various life stages if we remain committed to mutual love and respect.Recognize what has changed in the relationshipThe process of getting older has been psychologically proven to alter our behavior, with adults having higher rates of willpower, altruism, and trust. But this doesnt automatically render us incompatible with people from previous stages of our life. Before questioning the very foundation of your relationship, pause and reflect on whether its your friends circumstances (e.g., you no longer stan the same celebrity that brought you together) or their character (e.g., they constantly look down on you after entering into a relationship) that has changed. If they are still the same person at their core that you originally befriended, theres no reason to believe that the damage is irreparable.And while life might look different for both parties over time, there may still be common ground worth saving. Often, were getting along with someone because of things that transcend life stage, Franco says. Like, I can be really vulnerable with this person. They make me feel, seen, heard, validated. Be interested in new differencesOnce weve established that our friends are essentially the evolved versions of who we first met and loved, its time to reframe how we think of the changes in their lives.Another thing I would suggest is just really being open to being welcomed into each others different worlds and even inviting each other into them, Franco advises. This could look like hearing about their childs latest achievement, attending a work event thats really important to them, or simply being present during the first stages of a new relationship. Seeing this as an opportunity for each of you to kind of expand and understand each other more deeply, instead of seeing these differences as a threat to your relationship, I think can be really important, Franco says.RelatedAshlee Baritugo, a 24-year-old marketing associate, is the only person in her friend group who isnt in a long-term relationship. Theyre couples but not in a way that makes me feel pathetic around them. [In our group], its really about making sure that we never make anyone feel better or worse for where they are, she says.Aside from deepening our existing relationships, constantly interacting with those whose circles dont intersect with ours opens us up to new knowledge, perspectives, and opportunities we might not have been exposed to otherwise. This phenomenon is referred to as relational diversity in our social portfolios, which has been linked to higher levels of well-being.When I was going through my dating phase earlier this year, [my friends] were really there to listen and they would ask me [questions], entertain me, Baritugo says. Its also interesting to have another perspective on the issue: Taken people will view some things differently.Communicate expectationsOne of the most jarring changes faced by those in mixed-stage friendships is not having the same access to each other as before. When a friend achieves a certain milestone, Jackson says, Sometimes, were so scared of looking like were jealous, insecure, or envious that were dishonest about how we really feel about things changing.Tamika Smith, a 39-year-old public speaker and entrepreneur, faced this dilemma when she became a mother at 17. Everything I did from that point on was focused on my baby. I was navigating motherhood, adjusting to this new chapter, forgiving myself, and trying to rediscover who I was, she tells Vox. I can count on one hand how many times I let this friend be part of my journey. I shut down and didnt communicate.Both parties should be willing to articulate and specify what their preferred form of support looks like. Maybe its setting aside the last Saturday of the month for brunch, or FaceTiming first thing in the morning. Just because youve been friends for a long time doesnt mean they can read your mind. Ask each other what it might look like to stay close even through a particular change. As an adult, I manage relationships by being open and communicating my feelings, Smith says. For example, if Im overwhelmed, Ill let my friends know that I might get a bit quiet to focus, but Im still here if they need me. I support my friends wholeheartedly.Work on writing a new chapter togetherUltimately, some friendships will never go back to the way they were before your paths diverged. People get discouraged because things arent like they used to be. So all we have is the present, and were comparing it to the past. Jackson says. [You might think] We used to do road trips. We used to stay out on Friday nights. We used to and we cant do that anymore. I guess this is the end of the friendship.However, the present is the perfect canvas to create new memories. These can be activities you wanted to do in the past that you never had the time or resources for, or bonding opportunities that could help you either see each other in a new light or remind yourselves of why youre chosen family. Remember, these need not be expensive plans, just expansive for your relationship.Regardless of your best efforts, schedules may still shift. If I value the relationship, Id have to give us a little bit of grace. How are we going to do our friendship like this? How can I give grace for the fact that she or her rhythm might change? Jackson says. And how can I find security in knowing shell come back to me? For those who are experiencing a life change, how can I verbalize that as much as possible? If only one side is exerting all the effort for prolonged periods of time, theres no shame in reassessing whether the relationship is worth keeping. Something that once came with ease now requires mental labor, and that is uncomfortable. The terms and conditions of a friendship have changed, and I have to figure out if I want to adapt, says Jackson. Its make-or-break situations like this that allow us to distinguish the purely circumstantial ties from the ones that will stand the test of time.Given our callous culture of hyperindividualism, though, this is much easier said than done. We are often encouraged to cut our losses immediately and are constantly reminded that we dont owe anything to anyone. But Franco stresses that longstanding friendships are hard to come by. Every chance to save them is worth taking. I think there is an importance to staying friends with people that know your history, that know sides of you youll never have back, that youll only be able to access when youre around them, she says. Even as these shifts happen in our life, its really important to try and maintain these connections.Youve read 1 article in the last monthHere at Vox, we're unwavering in our commitment to covering the issues that matter most to you threats to democracy, immigration, reproductive rights, the environment, and the rising polarization across this country.Our mission is to provide clear, accessible journalism that empowers you to stay informed and engaged in shaping our world. By becoming a Vox Member, you directly strengthen our ability to deliver in-depth, independent reporting that drives meaningful change.We rely on readers like you join us.Swati SharmaVox Editor-in-ChiefSee More:

By Todd Feathers Published December 25, 2024 | Comments (0) | The AI executive order Joe Biden signed in 2023 paved the way for much of the federal government's work in 2024. Bloomberg via Getty Images Nearly all the big AI news this year was about how fast the technology is progressing, the harms its causing, and speculation about how soon it will grow past the point where humans can control it. But 2024 also saw governments make significant inroads into regulating algorithmic systems. Here is a breakdown of the most important AI legislation and regulatory efforts from the past year at the state, federal, and international levels. State U.S. state lawmakers took the lead on AI regulation in 2024, introducing hundreds of billssome had modest goals like creating study committees, while others would have imposed serious civil liability on AI developers in the event their creations cause catastrophic harm to society. The vast majority of the bills failed to pass, but several states enacted meaningful legislation that could serve as models for other states or Congress (assuming Congress ever starts functioning again).As AI slop flooded social media ahead of the election, politicians in both parties got behind anti-deepfake laws. More than 20 states now have prohibitions against deceptive AI-generated political advertisements in the weeks immediately before an election. Bills aimed at curbing AI-generated pornography, particularly images of minors, also received strong bipartisan support in states including Alabama, California, Indiana, North Carolina, and South Dakota. Unsurprisingly, given that its the backyard of the tech industry, some of the most ambitious AI proposals came out of California. One high-profile bill would have forced AI developers to take safety precautions and held companies liable for catastrophic damages caused by their systems. That bill passed both bodies of the legislature amid a fierce lobbying effort but was ultimately vetoed by Governor Gavin Newsom.Newsom did, however, sign more than a dozen other bills aimed at less apocalyptic but more immediate AI harms. One new California law requires health insurers to ensure that the the AI systems they use to make coverage determinations are fair and equitable. Another requires generative AI developers to create tools that label content as AI-generated. And a pair of bills prohibits the distribution of a dead persons AI-generated likeness without prior consent and mandates that agreements for living peoples AI-generated likenesses must clearly specify how the content will be used. Colorado passed a first-of-its-kind in the U.S. law requiring companies that develop and use AI systems to take reasonable steps to ensure the tools arent discriminatory. Consumer advocates called the legislation an important baseline. Its likely that similar bills will be hotly debated in other states in 2025.And, in a middle finger to both our future robot overlords and the planet, Utah enacted a law that prohibits any governmental entity from granting legal personhood to artificial intelligence, inanimate objects, bodies of water, atmospheric gases, weather, plants, and other non-human things. Federal Congress talked a lot about AI in 2024, and the House ended the year by releasing a 273-page bipartisan report outlining guiding principles and recommendations for future regulation. But when it came to actually passing legislation, federal lawmakers did very little.Federal agencies, on the other hand, were busy all year trying to meet the goals set out in President Joe Bidens 2023 executive order on AI. And several regulators, particularly the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice, cracked down on misleading and harmful AI systems. The work agencies did to comply with the AI executive order wasnt particularly sexy or headline grabbing, but it laid important foundations for the governance of public and private AI systems in the future. For example, federal agencies embarked on an AI-talent hiring spree and created standards for responsible model development and harm mitigation.And, in a big step toward increasing the publics understanding of how the government uses AI, the Office of Management and Budget wrangled (most of) its fellow agencies into disclosing critical information about the AI systems they use that may impact peoples rights and safety. On the enforcement side, the FTCs Operation AI Comply targeted companies using AI in deceptive ways, such as to write fake reviews or provide legal advice, and it sanctioned AI-gun detection company Evolv for making misleading claims about what its product could do. The agency also settled an investigation with facial recognition company IntelliVision, which it accused of falsely saying its technology was free of racial and gender bias, and banned the pharmacy chain Rite Aid from using facial recognition for five years after an investigation determined the company was using the tools to discriminate against shoppers.The DOJ, meanwhile, joined state attorneys general in a lawsuit accusing the real estate software company RealPage of a massive algorithmic price-fixing scheme that raised rents across the nation. It also won several anti-trust lawsuits against Google, including one involving the companys monopoly over internet searchesthat could significantly shift the balance of power in the burgeoning AI search industry. Global In August, the European Unions AI Act went into effect. The law, which is already serving as a model for other jurisdictions, requires AI systems that perform high-risk functions, such as assisting with hiring or medical decisions, to undergo risk mitigation and meet certain standards around training data quality and human oversight. It also bans the use of other AI systems, such as algorithms that could be used to assign a countrys residents social scores that are then used to deny rights and privileges. In September, China issued a major AI safety governance framework. Like similar frameworks published by the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology, its non-binding but creates a common set of standards for AI developers to follow when identifying and mitigating risks in their systems.One of the most interesting pieces of AI policy legislation comes from Brazil. In late 2024, the countrys senate passed a comprehensive AI safety bill. It faces a challenging road forward, but if passed, it would create an unprecedented set of protections for the kinds of copyrighted material commonly used to train generative AI systems. Developers would have to disclose which copyrighted material was included in their training data, and creators would have the power to prohibit the use of their work for training AI systems or negotiate compensation agreements that would be based, in part, on the size of the AI developer and how the material would be used. Like the EUs AI Act, the proposed Brazilian law would also require high-risk AI systems to follow certain safety protocols.Daily NewsletterYou May Also Like By Matt Novak Published December 23, 2024 By Kyle Barr Published December 18, 2024 By Florence Ion Published December 16, 2024 By Matthew Gault Published December 16, 2024 By Kyle Barr Published December 16, 2024 By Todd Feathers Published December 15, 2024

As much as we love celebrating the products that improved our lives in 2024, not every release lived up to its potential. Some products we were excited about stumbled due to lackluster performance, questionable design choices, or an inability to meet the lofty expectations they set. A product doesnt have to crash and burn to be a letdown. Sometimes, simply failing to live up to the hype is enough. As we say every year, were not mad at these productsjust disappointed. Sony Bravia Theater U Neck speakers have always been a niche alternative to traditional headphones. The idea is to wear them around your neck so those nearby cant hear what youre listening to. The unfortunate thing about the Sony Bravia Theater U is that it sounds greatunder the right, limited conditions. Those conditions require you to sit perfectly still like a statue, which doesnt align with how most people naturally hang out and watch TV on their couch. At $300, youre better off buying a pair of noise-canceling headphones for your roommate, ensuring you can watch TV in peace. Dell XPS 13 (2024) The years Dell XPS lineup should have been a great series of laptops, whether at 13, 14, or 16 inches. The thin yet sturdy frame remains impressively quiet even under stress, and several models feature bright, vibrant OLED displays. So, whats the problem? The light-up, touch-sensitive function row. While we might learn to live withor even lovethe invisible trackpad, its hard to appreciate an ESC key that disappears when the laptop is off. Worse, the touch-sensitive keys can fade in direct light, making locating essential controls like brightness or volume adjustment nearly impossible.Apple Vision Pro The Apple Vision Pro is the most technologically advanced VR headset you can buy right now. It features some of the best displays available, making watching movies or experiencing the new spatial content feel truly unique. However, the device is uncomfortable to use without third-party straps or headrests, primarily due to its metal and glass front plate. Slipping the power bank into your pocket adds to its inconvenience, especially if you just want to use it for a quick spatial work session. The biggest drawback, however, is the lack of apps that fully utilize its external sensors. While improvements are expected over time, its hard to overlook these shortcomingsparticularly at a $3,500 price point, where youd expect Apple to prioritize usability. Razer Freyja Weve been captivated by the Razer Freyja ever since we first saw it at CES last January. This sound-activated haptic chair promises truly immersive spine-tingling rumbles, and it deliversthough perhaps too well, as it also reacts to the low rumble of a deep-voiced NPC. While it includes several game-specific haptic features, these effects only activate sporadically in some games, making it feel more like a novelty than a genuine tool for enhancing immersion. Another drawback is its reliance on a power outlet for the seat cushion, leaving a cable thats all too easy for your chairs rolling wheels to snag. Overall, its a fascinating device, but its still a generation (and a few refinements) away from greatness.Rabbit R1 Like the rest of the internet, we were charmed by the adorably orange and square Rabbit R1 when it was announced at the start of the year. The AI-powered companion device promised to do it all. However, once we got one, the $200 AI assistant struggled with even the most basic tasks. Its image recognition was wrong so often it made me question if it even had a camera, and its all-day battery barely lasted a few hours. To Rabbits credit, the company has been rolling out regular software updates for the R1 since its launch, but theres still a long way to go.AirPods 4 With ANC Florence Ion / Gizmodo The AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation (ANC) should have been a slam dunk, but the short battery life and loose fit make it hard to recommend them over previous-generation AirPods. While adding ANC is a welcome upgrade, it struggles to block out louder city sounds like horns and sirens. If ANC is a top priority, the AirPods Pro 2 are a much better option for those committed to the Apple ecosystem. The AirPods 4s battery life is even more disappointing; it falls short of lasting an entire workday before needing a recharge.MSI Claw The MSI Claw launched at an unfortunate time, entering a market crowded with impressive handhelds. Its design was reminiscent of the Asus ROG Ally, but its ergonomics were awkward, and the shoulder buttons were disappointingly spongy. While the handheld received several updates to improve its performance, it still fell short of competing with AMD handhelds powered by the Z1 Extreme. To make matters worse, the $800 price tag felt steep for what it offered.Roto VR Explorer Chair Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo The $800 Roto VR Explorer chair is a perfect example of a great concept let down by poor execution. Its a VR gaming chair designed to rotate in the direction your head turns. In theory, this sounds immersive and exciting, but in practice, it feels more like a clunky carnival ride, constantly stopping and starting. The biggest drawback is that the Explorer doesnt perform well in games requiring more dynamic movement than simply turning your head. While there are some interesting experiences with the VR Explorer, it ultimately undermines what we love most about VR: the freedom of movement. Meta Ray-Bans Photo: Kyle Barr / Gizmodo Dont get me wrongI really enjoy wearing my Meta Ray-Bans. Not only are they stylish, but theyre also perfect for capturing high-quality first-person videos and photos. Plus, theyre a convenient way to listen to music or hear your messages without grabbing your phone. However, the big issue with the Meta Ray-Bans is the AI features, which are hit-or-miss. They frequently provide inaccurate or irrelevant answers to your questions or requests. We joked that smart glasses have a bit of a dad-brain because of how confidently they deliver the wrong answer. Recently, Meta added a live translation feature, which is a nice addition, but it struggles to keep up when the speaker talks too quickly in another language.

Unforgiving and Tough: David Chipperfield on Living by the Sea in Louisiana Channel InterviewIn this short video interview from the Louisiana Channel, Marc-Christoph Wagner interviews architect David Chipperfield in Galicia in April 2024, exploring his connection to the sea. The 2023 Pritzker Prize laureate speaks of his experience living for 30 years in a fishing village in Spain, delving into his connection to the place and the people's attitude towards the strength of the natural elements surrounding them.Save this picture!David Chipperfield's deep connection to nature, particularly the sea, is rooted in both his personal experiences and his professional endeavors. In an interview, Chipperfield reflects on his time spent in a small fishing village along the rugged coast of Galicia, Spain. His fascination with the sea is not merely an abstract concept but a lived reality shaped by the unforgiving nature of the ocean and its profound impact on the local culture. The sea, for Chipperfield, is not just a picturesque element of the landscape but a powerful force that shapes the lives and identities of those who live by it.Save this picture!The Hepworth Wakefield / David Chipperfield. Image Iwan BaanChipperfield's personal connection to the Galician coast has also influenced his professional work, particularly in his efforts to preserve and celebrate the local culture. In 2017, he founded the Fundacin RIA, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the sustainable development of Galicia's Atlantic estuaries. Through this foundation, he seeks to protect the delicate balance between the natural environment and the cultural and economic practices that define the region. His initiatives in Galicia, such as the opening of Bar do Porto in Corrubedo, a coastal town where he and his wife reside, are part of a broader commitment to preserving the local way of life while fostering a deep respect for the natural landscape. Related Article Pritzker Architecture Prize Ceremony Video Honors Sir David Chipperfield, the 2023 Laureate Clearly, having spent 30 years in this little fishing village, you see the sea not only as a physical thing but nearly as a cultural thing. The people here are shaped by their relationship to the sea. - David Chipperfield Save this picture!Chipperfield's architectural practice reflects this appreciation of nature, particularly the sea. Notable projects such as the Turner Contemporary in the seaside town of Margate, United Kingdom, the Hepworth Wakefield in West Yorkshire, and the America's Cup Building. Valencia, Spain, demonstrates this sensitivity to the environment, where the built form coexists harmoniously with the natural world.Save this picture!Editor's Note: This article was originally published on August 14, 2024. To see more architecture videos, check ArchDaily's full coverage of Louisiana Channel's series of interviews.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCite: Maria-Cristina Florian. "Unforgiving and Tough: David Chipperfield on Living by the Sea in Louisiana Channel Interview" 25 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1019904/unforgiving-and-tough-david-chipperfield-on-living-by-the-sea-in-louisiana-channel-interview&gt ISSN 0719-8884More interviews from ourYouTube ChannelSave!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

House WADD / BASIL architectureSave this picture! Johnny UmansArchitects: BASIL architectureAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:150 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2022 PhotographsPhotographs:Johnny UmansManufacturersBrands with products used in this architecture project Manufacturers: JUNG, Reynaers Aluminium, Davide Groppi, Oty Light, Pedrali, Valerie objects, Vola Lead Architects: Robin Van Beveren, Lorenzo Deceuninck Productstranslation missing: en-US.post.svg.material_descriptionMore SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. The extension for this house located in the countryside of Aalter (Flanders) was conceived as a pavilion, connected as an appendix to the existing house. The very dark and closed rooms of the existing house are reduced to secondary functions such as storage rooms, TV corner, and home office. The living spaces in the new section are developed in contrast to the existing house as very light-rich spaces, nestled in the green character of the surrounding garden and vast landscape. The fragile appearance of the extension should underscore the pavilion feel, splitting the walkways into an indoor and outdoor course created by airy canopies acting as sunshades and covered terrace areas. Resulting in the Holiday feeling envisioned by the client.Save this picture!Save this picture!By way of investment, the client, a family of 5, had purchased the adjacent lot, with the idea of creating an expansion volume on it that would accommodate the family's growing need for extra space, but which could just as easily later be separated again from the existing home, as an independent entity. The client also had an explicit desire to create a home with a high Holiday appeal. The lack of daylight and views of the landscape environment in the existing house was the driving force to create a volume as a kind of appendix to the main volume, and with maximum interaction with the garden. The new volume had to meet the need for a more spacious and airy living space, a multipurpose room for hobbies, 2 additional bedrooms, and a bathroom. Preferably also a place for the youngest son's noisy drums.Save this picture!Save this picture!As this was a separate building plot, the planning regulations were quite flexible, just the prescribed building depths and heights had to be respected. The biggest challenge was to get an agreement to realize an attached volume. The main structure consists of a few concrete slabs on which the zigzag plan is projected. The interaction between incisions and cantilevers ensures that the building's stability is technically balanced. A secondary visible aluminum structure supplemented by perforated panels was employed for the faade finish. Natural-colored anodized aluminum is not only used for the facade finish and secondary structure but is also continued in the exterior joinery and interior, including the kitchen island. The sober aluminum gray color palette is continued in the concrete flooring, as well as on the textured wall and ceiling finishes. Warm accents are created by the core-smoked eucalyptus-finished furniture volumes of the sitting area and kitchen.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The greatest challenge was to create a new volumetry that creates a fascinating field of tension with the existing classical house appearance. Especially since the existing house, which had already been renovated in the past, is a collection of various architectural styles and formal languages. Another challenge was to find a new neutral, yet contemporary radiating materialization for the expansion pavilion. From there, the concept was formed to conceive the extension as a transparent pavilion, put in maximum dialogue with the surrounding garden. As an appendix to the existing house. The zigzag shape in the ground plan forms a kind of parody of the multitude of shapes and styles of the main volume. The used materialization in anodized aluminum was chosen as a kind of neutral contemporary answer which dialogues with the many materials of the classical house volume.Save this picture!The architectural formal language of canopies, pleated facades, and cantilevered volumes attempts to provide a natural response to aspects of shading, indoor-outdoor space, and privacy, without the need for additional external additions. A functional building envelope and volumetrics.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeBASIL architectureOfficeMaterialsGlassConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on December 25, 2024Cite: "House WADD / BASIL architecture" 25 Dec 2024. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1002301/house-wadd-basil-architecture&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream