• TECHCRUNCH.COM
    Electra found a cheap, clean way to purify iron, and its raising $257M to make it happen
    Electra has raised $76.3 million to clean up the dirty ironmaking industry, TechCrunch has learned.The startup has developed a novel method of using electricity to coax pure iron out of low-grade ores, opening the door to cleaner steel. The new funding round, which was disclosed in a regulatory filing, seeks to raise a total of $256.7 million.Iron production today is highly polluting. Its responsible for the vast majority of emissions for steelmaking, which itself generates 7% of the worlds carbon emissions. The main process used to make iron today melting ore in searing-hot blast furnaces driven by burning fossil fuels has remained largely unchanged for centuries.As the industry has sought to clean up its act, it has started looking for alternatives. Electras solution, known as electrowinning, is already used to produce other metals like copper and nickel. Electrowinning uses an electric current to draw a metal out of a liquid solution. The metal gets plated onto an electrode while impurities drop to the bottom of the tank.But adapting electrowinning to iron has been challenging, in part because it usually requires higher-grade ores, making the end product too expensive to compete with blast furnaces.Electra claims that its acid-based process can handle lower-grade ores. It heats up the solution to about 60 degrees C, which is below the boiling point of water, and then sends a current through it. The resulting plates are ideal feedstock for electric-arc furnaces, which can also run on renewable energy.When combined, electrowinning and electric-arc furnaces have the potential to eliminate the majority of steelmakings carbon emissions.Electra last raised $85 million in 2022 from investors including Amazon, Breakthrough Energy Ventures, BHP Ventures, and Nucor.The company did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
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  • TECHCRUNCH.COM
    Online gift card store exposed hundreds of thousands of peoples identity documents
    A U.S. online gift card store has secured an online storage server that was publicly exposing hundreds of thousands of customer government-issued identity documents to the internet.A security researcher, who goes by the online handle JayeLTee, found the publicly exposed storage server late last year containing driving licenses, passports and other identity documents belonging to MyGiftCardSupply, a company that sells digital gift cards for customers to redeem at popular brands and online services.MyGiftCardSupplys website says it requires customers to upload a copy of their identity documents as part of its compliance efforts with U.S. anti-money laundering rules, often known as know your customer checks, or KYC.But the storage server containing the files had no password, allowing anyone on the internet to access the data stored inside.JayeLTee alerted TechCrunch to the exposure last week after MyGiftCardSupply did not respond to the researchers email about the exposed data.When reached by TechCrunch, MyGiftCardSupply founder Sam Gastro confirmed the security lapse. The files are now secure, and we are doing a full audit of the KYC verification procedure, said Gastro. Going forward, we are going to delete the files promptly after doing the identity verification.Gastro would not say how long the data was exposed to the internet, nor would the company commit to notifying affected individuals whose information was left public. Gastro also did not address why MyGiftCardSupply did not reply to the researchers email or remediate the security lapse at the time.According to JayeLTee, the exposed data hosted on Microsofts Azure cloud contained over 600,000 front and back images of identity documents and selfie photos of around 200,000 customers. Its not uncommon for companies subject to KYC checks to ask their customers to take a selfie while holding a copy of their identity documents to verify that the customer is who they say they are, and to weed out forgeries.The most recent uploaded document on the server was dated December 31, 2024, a day before MyGiftCardSupply secured the exposed server. Thousands of customers uploaded their identity documents in the preceding weeks, suggesting the storage server was actively used.This is the latest in a long list of incidents and data breaches in recent years involving identity documents for KYC checks, which remains one of the most relied-upon techniques for verifying a customers identity.Last April, a hacker claimed to have stolen a massive screening database called World-Check, a database used by companies to determine if customers are high risk or involved in potential criminality. A copy of the leaked data showed the database contained names, dates of birth, passport and Social Security numbers, and bank account numbers.JayeLTee separately reported on Thursday finding another cache of exposed KYC documents, including around 320,000 passports and drivers licenses, from roommate finding site Roomster. In a blog post, JayeLTee said it was not clear exactly how many individuals were affected by the security lapse at Roomster, and its CEO John Shriber did not return TechCrunchs email requesting comment. Roomster was in 2023 ordered to pay $1.6 million following a Federal Trade Commission complaint for allegedly defrauding millions of its users by posting unverified listings and fake reviews.
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  • WWW.ARCHPAPER.COM
    In Toronto, Pink House by SHEEEP Studio captures the personality of its homeowners
    My House is MeIn Toronto, Pink House by SHEEEP Studio captures the personality of its homeownersByPaige Davidson January 3, 2025Architecture, International (James Morley/doublespace photography)SHAREMy house is me and I am it, this stately quote from Daniel Manus Pinkwaters 1977 childrens book,The Big Orange Splot,refers to the main characters home that, with its bold shapes and fun colors, is reflective of his persona. For a project in Torontos Little Portugal, aptly titled Pink House,SHEEEP Studiosfounding director Reza Nik, interdisciplinary designer Connor Stevens, and the homeowners were given the book by the contractor,Renovations Ruth, who felt the project embodiedThe Big Orange Splot. The Pink House stands out in the crowd of row houses to complement those who occupy the space while offering inspiration to those who encounter it. Originally built in the late 1800s, the 2,000-square-foot townhouse screams with individuality through its grand transformation. Zoe Hanneman assisted with the alteration as structural engineer.The back of the house is covered in a playful assortment of triangular and scallop-shaped shingles, cascading colors of pink, green, teal, and soft ochre. The front facade is equally bold as it is brick doused in light pink with dark green and red framing on the windows and door. The front exteriors color scheme was inspired by a poster from 1950sBonjour Tristessewhich features pink and dark green. The homeowners Nick Shaw and Chris Sanchez provided it to the architects. One of the things I do for every project is to ask clients to share things theyre into (music, films, art, food etc.) to get a sense of the feelings and vibes, explained Nik.Read more about the house on aninteriormag.com.
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  • WWW.THISISCOLOSSAL.COM
    January 2025 Opportunities: Open Calls, Residencies, and Grants for Artists
    Bearings. Image Thomas AllenJanuary 2025 Opportunities: Open Calls, Residencies, and Grants for ArtistsJanuary 3, 2025OpportunitiesColossalEvery month, we share opportunities for artists and designers, including open calls, grants, fellowships, and residencies. Make sure you never miss out by joining our monthlyOpportunities Newsletter.Join pioneering artists exploring cosmic wonder and natural interconnectedness in SNAP Collectives curated collection,Universe in Perspective. Their editorial team will transform your work into a museum-quality art book, cover all publishing costs, and create a premium book that honors your work. Deadline: January 31, 2025.Focus on creating work using industrial materials and processes in studios at Kohler Co.s factory in Wisconsin. Experience in clay and metal is not required. Twelve three-month residencies are open for 2026. Read more on Colossal.Deadline: February 28, 2025.Create! Magazine Womens Issue 2025FeaturedPrizes include published interviews and features, membership to AQ Society, and special discounts for partner organizations. The call is open to women artists (female-identifying and gender non-conforming artists) worldwide, working in any media and style. There is a $40 application fee.Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EST on February 1, 2025.Open CallsFilter Photo Context 2025(International)All types of photographic work will be considered for this annual survey exhibition, which has an open theme. Context 2025will run from March 7 to April 19. A jurors choice award, which includes a $500 cash prize, and an honorable mention will be awarded. There is a $35 application fee.Deadline: January 5, 2025.Royal Society of British Artists 2025 Exhibition(International)The RBA Annual Exhibition brings together the societys members to showcase their work alongside a selection of works by non-members. The exhibition offers major accolades, including The Huaicun Zhang Award, which offers two 5,000 awards, one for a member and the other for a non-member. Numerous other prizes are also offered. The application fee is 20 per work or 14 per work for artists aged 35 or under.Deadline: January 8, 2025.2025 Aperture Portfolio Prize(International)This competition aims to identify trends in contemporary photography and highlight artists whose work deserves greater recognition. The prize is open exclusively to Aperture magazine print subscribers. The first prize winner will be published in themagazine and receive $5,000, a $1,000 gift card to shop for gear atMpb.com, and a presentation in New York City. The four artists chosen for the shortlist will each receive $1,000 and an editorial feature on the website.Deadline: January 10, 2025.2024 Booooooom Photo Awards(International)Boooooooms annual photo awards is accepting submissions in five categories: portrait, nature, street, color, and fashion. Each category winner receives $1,000, editorial and social coverage, a feature in a printed publication, and some goodies from partners including gift cards, bags, slings, and cases.Deadline: 11:59 p.m. PST on January 10, 2025.Sony World Photography Awards 2025(International)Open to photographers shooting on any device, this contest includes top prizes of $25,000, a solo exhibition in London, Sony digital imaging equipment, press and media coverage, and more.Deadline: January 10, 2025.NSMA International Painting Competition(International)Open to professionals and students, this competition focuses on contemporary realism in painting, and all subject matter is welcome. One winner will receive $25,000, and finalists will be exhibited at the New Salem Museum and Academy of Fine Art.Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EST on January 15, 2025.Begin AgainGroup Spring Exhibition(International)Artists are invited to share their freshest work from 2024 and set the stage for their direction in 2025 for a group exhibition in the Supporter Gallery at ARTS Southeast. All mediums are welcome.Deadline: 11:59 p.m. EST on January 18, 2025.The iconic observation deck on the 94thfloor of 875 N. Michigan Avenue (the former John Hancock Center), is launching a call for Chicago-based artists to submit installation concepts forCloudWalk, the citys highest open-air terrace.The top-reviewed proposal will be awarded a $10,000 commission fee.Deadline: January 24, 2025.Artadia Awards(Los Angeles)Artists receive unrestricted funds of $15,000, and honorariums will also be provided to finalists.Deadline: February 1, 2025.The Other Art Fair(Brooklyn)Applications are now open for the 2025 season of The Other Art Fair. Submit your work to show at one of the fairs, expand your collector base, and join a global network.Deadline: February 2, 2025.Bosch Parade 2026(International)Nothing and nobody is perfect, and defects are everywhere. The Bosch Parade 2026 pays tribute to all these imperfections, sailing under the titlePowered by defectfrom June 18 to 21, 2026. Artists and collectives of all disciplines are eligible to submit their proposals for the bi-annual floating parade.Deadline: 12 CET on February 19, 2025.World of Wearable Art Competition(International)WOW is a world-renowned wearable art experience, where an annual design competition culminates in a spectacular show combining theatre, art, fashion, music, and performance. The event offers 25 winners $200,000 in total prizes.Deadline: 11:59 p.m. NZDT on February 20, 2025.GrantsPowerhouse Arts Artist Subsidy Program (New York City)This program is designed to subsidize fabrication for artists facing financial barriers in realizing their projects, with an emphasis on supporting low-income artists with other marginalized identities, specifically Black, Indigenous, artists of color, LGBTQIA+, disabled, and refugee artists. Artists receive up to $6,250 for fabrication services, including materials, in one of the Powerhouse Arts shops.Deadline: January 8, 2025.South Arts Southern Prize for Visual Artists (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee)This program is open to individual artists living in the South Arts region. The cohort of nine-state fellows, who receive fellowships of $5,000 will be selected by a national jury and compete for the $25,000 Southern Prize.Deadline: January 15, 2025.Culture & Animals Foundation Grant (International)TheCulture & Animals Foundation invitesapplications fromartists exploringnew visions of nonhuman animals andourimpacts on andobligations to them.Artists, photographers, and musicians working in all media are invited to apply.Deadline: January 31, 2025.The Adolf and Esther Gottlieb Emergency Grant (International)This program provides one-time financial assistance to qualified painters, printmakers, and sculptors whose needs resulted from an unforeseen catastrophic incident and who lack the resources to meet that situation. Awardees typically receive $5,000, up to $15,000.Deadline: Rolling.This fund commissions visual artists to create company projects on a rolling basis. Awardees will receive between $500 and $5,000.Deadline: Rolling.Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant (International)The foundation welcomes applications from painters, sculptors, and artists working on paper, including printmakers. Grants are intended for one year and range up to $50,000. The artists circumstances determine the size of the grant, and professional exhibition history will be considered.Deadline: Rolling.Residencies, Fellowships, & More McColl Centers Artist-in-Residence Program (International)Open to emerging and mid-career artists across disciplines, this 10-week program offers a $6,000 stipend, housing, studio space, curatorial guidance, and more.Deadline: January 3, 2025.Larry Lederman Photography Fellowship at NYBG(International)This fellowship is awarded to an outstanding photographer whose work focuses on gardens or landscapes. The selected fellow will receive a $20,000 grant disbursed in two installments for a nine-month term, March 15 through December 15, 2025, when they will have complimentary access to NYBGs 250-acre landscape and historic collections.Deadline: January 6, 2025.The Artists Book Grant is a six- to eight-week residency for artists to produce a limited edition book work. Working intensively in WSWs studios, artists print and bind their own books. The grant includes a stipend of $350 per week, up to $1,000 for materials, up to $250 for travel within the Continental U.S., free onsite housing, and 24/7 studio access. Deadline: January 15, 2025.NYLAAT Artists-in-Residence Program 2025 (International)Artists from Latin America or a Latin American background can applyfor a two-month residency on Governors Island. Participants receive access to workspace in semi-private studios and opportunities for professional development, group sharing, and peer critique. There is a $40 application fee.Deadline: January 15, 2025.Watermill Center Artist Residency Program (International)Solo artists or collaborative groups working in a wide range of disciplines are invited to apply. The program is process-based, without the expectation or promise of a final exhibition of the work. Participants have access to 20,000 square feet of rehearsal/design spaces and outdoor stages, a theater production archive, a study library, and ten-acre landscaped grounds and gardens. There is a $12 application fee.Deadline: January 15, 2025.Women@MIT Fellowship (International)MIT Libraries Department of Distinctive Collections (DDC) is seeking applicants for its 2025 Women@MIT Fellowship.Artists, activists, musicians, writers, and scholars are invited to apply. The selected fellow(s) will work with the Women@MIT project archivist and other staff within the DDC. The fellowship is supported by a stipend of $5,000 for each project, and up to two projects will be selected per year.Deadline: January 17, 2025.Montello Foundation Residency (International)This two-week program is meant to be a retreat from the urban environment. It will provide a new perspective for residents work and give residents space and time for undisturbed experimentation and reflection. There is a $20 application fee.Deadline: January 19, 2025.Woodstock AIR (International)One-month residencies allow photographers the time and space to break new ground, complete ongoing projects, and advance their artistic vision within an environment that has inspired artists for more than a century. Residencies include a $2,000 honorarium, a $250 travel stipend, and living accommodations in a house with a fully equipped artist studio.Deadline: January 31, 2025.If youd like to list an opportunity, please contact[emailprotected].Next article
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    This ultra-thin battery pack is my must-have travel accessory - and it's on sale right now
    The Torras MiniMag Power Bank has the thinnest profile of any battery pack I've tested, and it charges surprisingly fast.
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    Samsung's upcoming Galaxy phone and fitness tracker may be the best deals in tech
    The popular $200 Galaxy A16 5G and $60 Fit3 deliver impressive value and will be available in the US market next week.
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  • WWW.ZDNET.COM
    These Google Pixel buds have replaced over-ear headphones for me when traveling - here's why
    The latest noise-canceling earbuds have helped me save space when traveling while delivering great sound and ANC performance for the size.
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  • WWW.FORBES.COM
    Later Bets Big On 'Everyday Influencers' With $250M Mavely Acquisition
    Influencer applying mascara at home studiogettyThe creator economy is growing up. As brands shift billions in marketing dollars toward influencer partnerships, the industry is rapidly evolving from its roots in viral dance videos and product unboxings to a sophisticated, data-driven marketing channel, underscored today by Laters $250 million acquisition of Mavely.The acquisition, backed by growth equity investor Summit Partners, merges Later's AI-powered marketing platform with Mavely's vast network of over 120,000 creators, who have already proven their worth by driving more than $1 billion in sales for major brands including Nike, Anthropologie, and Lululemon."As influencer marketing and the creator economy mature, marketers will continue to demand measurable results - not only in consideration and brand awareness but in sales," explains Scott Sutton, CEO of Later, in an exclusive interview. "Those best positioned for the future will combine first party data, world class software and services to deliver results for marketers."The acquisition comes at a pivotal moment in the evolution of the creator economy, where the focus is increasingly shifting from mere reach and engagement to tangible business outcomes. This transformation reflects a growing sophistication in how brands view and utilize creator partnerships.MORE FOR YOUOne of the most significant implications of this investment is its potential impact on creator monetization. The combined platform aims to democratize earning opportunities for creators of all sizes, not just those with massive followings.When asked about how this acquisition might change the earning potential for creators, Sutton detailed the expanded opportunities to me: "Creators can drive multiple income streams through brand partnerships as well as commerce. By leveraging Mavely creators, creators will be able to earn commission from over 1,400 brands and retailers and land brand deals with some of the world's best brands."This focus on "everyday influencers" represents a significant shift in how the industry views creator partnerships. "Everyday influencers and creators are the future of commerce," Sutton emphasizes. "Real people have real influence. Mavely and Later will continue to unlock this at scale to drive real, tangible business outcomes."The investment brings together complementary strengths: Later's AI predictive analytics will now incorporate Mavely's first-party performance data, creating a more sophisticated approach to matching creators with brands and predicting campaign success."We've always believed in the power of creators to drive authentic engagement and real business outcomes, at scale," says Evan Wray, CEO of Mavely, who will be joining Later's leadership team along with CTO Sean O'Brien and CFO Kevin Kenefick. "Joining forces with Later allows us to take this to the next level, creating a more comprehensive platform that delivers value to both creators and marketers."The combined entity aims to address one of the most persistent challenges in influencer marketing: measuring and proving return on investment. By integrating Mavely's attribution capabilities with Later's campaign management tools, the platform promises to provide more transparent and comprehensive performance metrics from awareness through to conversion.This acquisition signals several important trends in the creator economy:The industry is moving beyond vanity metrics to focus on attributable sales and measurable business outcomesThere's growing recognition of the value of "everyday influencers" who may have smaller but more engaged audiencesFirst-party data and AI analytics are becoming increasingly crucial for successful influencer marketingLooking ahead, the investment positions Later to become a more significant player in the creator economy ecosystem. The company plans to continue operating Mavely's platform while working to integrate the technologies to provide enhanced services for both marketers and creators.For creators, this could mean access to more brand opportunities and better tools for monetization. For brands, it promises more predictable and measurable results from their influencer marketing investments.
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  • WWW.FORBES.COM
    I Already Hate The New League Of Legends Seasons And Patch Format
    The new LoL season isn't filling me with hope. Credit: Riot GamesLeague of Legends has had roughly the same patch and season structure for years, and changing that was never going to be a particularly popular move. But three days into the new format for 2025, which includes multiple seasons across the year, and I already hate the new system and the first patch hasnt even launched yet.As announced last year, in 2025 League of Legends will have a somewhat different look when it comes to major updates and patches. Instead of there being one big season launch at the start of the year and then a few slightly smaller updates that add new systems throughout the year, usually around mid-season, there will now be three distinct seasons throughout 2025, all of which will be smaller than previous seasons but still include some major updates at the start of each.This means that, for the first time in years, we are heading into a new year with a reasonably small list of changes for League of Legends. This time last year I was writing about major map changes, two new types of Barons and even more item reworks. This year theres a new monster in the form of Atakhan, who does look quite cool, some changes to the early game objectives and some new boot upgrades, but thats pretty much it. Compared to even weaker new season launches, this feels underwhelming.As someone who doesnt play LoL every week, instead jumping in for a week or two a couple of times throughout the year, the start of a new season is perhaps the most exciting time of the year when it comes to LoL. Everyone is still figuring out what is going on, what works and what doesn't, which champs are strong, and just what the hell all the cool new toys do. But there seems to be so little in the way of changes this time around that I havent had much want to play LoL, as it all seems very similar to last season.Im hoping we get some more impactful changes throughout the year that will tempt me back onto the Rift and show that this new multi-season layout for LoL can keep me coming back multiple times throughout the year. But, right now I have little interest in booting up LoL.MORE FOR YOUThe other factor that has made me unreasonably annoyed by this new system is how the new patches will be named going forward. Instead of just sticking with the format of the number of the season and the number of the patch for that season, so patch 15.2 would be the second patch of season 15, it now has a horrible new naming convention. According to the patch schedule released by Riot, that same patch, 15.2, is now called 25.S1.2, which is a hell of a lot more confusing than the previous system.I appreciate this is a fairly small detail, but after years of the previous League of Legends patch system, which was very easy to understand and would still work with the new format, it seems like a needless change that makes things more complicated.
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  • WWW.TECHSPOT.COM
    Sip and shoot: Tea brand unveils Bluetooth gaming mug with integrated trigger and motion sensors
    WTF?! Tea may not be the go-to beverage for Western gamers, but many people around the world swear by it, including the Saudis. Rabea, a heritage Saudi tea brand, promises mobile gamers who love sipping tea during intense sessions a more seamless experience. Sip breaks while gaming often lead to eliminations, but Rabea's new limited-edition Rabea Trigger Mug aims to change that. The device has a clever solution: it integrates mobile gaming controls right into the mug itself.First off, let's talk about the aesthetics. Images show the mug with a sleek matte black design with red accents, giving it a distinctly gamer-oriented vibe. It does a pretty great job of convincing you that it's made of the same material as an actual firearm. But hidden under that seemingly durable exterior that Rabea likes to call "anti-impact polymer" is some smart technology.This mug is powered by a "nano chipset" and packs an accelerometer and gyroscope that can track motion controls with precision and accuracy. Combined with the ergonomic trigger, you can aim, shoot, and frag your opponents, all without taking your lips off your steamy beverage. From what we can gather, you'll aim your in-game reticle just by moving the mug itself, thanks to the accelerometer and gyro sensors.You're probably wondering how you can aim accurately and fire while trying to slurp down some piping hot Earl Grey? Wouldn't the jolting movements splash the burning-hot liquid all over? Well, Rabea has got this covered with a "retractable anti-leak physical seal" that locks your tea inside until you actually want to take a sip.The controller will also keep the drink warm thanks to what Rabea calls the "vacuum thermal insulation system." We imagine this would work just as well for keeping energy drinks cool too, in case you feel tea is overrated. // Related StoriesThe promo materials show dramatic slow-motion clips of the mug rotating. It looks so sleek and chiseled, you'll probably want to caress it lovingly even when it's not helping you decimate your opponents in the game.As for connectivity, the product website says that this "mobile Bluetooth operated machine mug" pairs wirelessly to your smartphone or tablet. Sadly, no PC support is mentioned yet, even though PC gamers would certainly benefit more than mobile gamers.It's not easy to get your hands on this gadget, though. Rabea says it is a "super limited edition" release that will only be handed out to their "most hardcore followers."
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