The formal method of verifying the currency of licensed architects through continuing education requirements has been in place in most provincial associations since the turn of the millennium. The introduction of these requirements parallels the revision of educational requirements for licensure, from professionally focussed five-year undergraduate university programs to diverse graduate programs. The task of determining what is germane to professional competence is a notable regulatory challenge, but the fact that all our professional associations have resorted to finesin excess of registration feesto leverage compliance with continuing education requirements suggests that something is amiss, and worthy of rigorous and objective review.The original intent of continuing education as a non-profit, low-cost-to-architects way to keep practitioners up to date is not immediately obvious. The AIBC states the purpose of required continuing education as a response to the publics increasing expectation that architects remain current with contemporary technology, business practices, methods, and materials. But in other cases, there has been noticeable mission-creep. The OAA describes the intent of continuing education as part of the organizations dedication to promoting and increasing the knowledge, skill, and proficiency of its members, and administering the Architects Act to serve and protect the public interest. One large association thus defines their mission as keeping members up to date. The other offers a broader and more open-ended mission statement that extends well beyond the issue of currency. This reflects two quite different paths.Regulating educational requirements is a tough challenge, certainly, for any organization. The broader the range of issues to be accommodated, the greater the difficulty to regulate is a familiar axiom. In our profession, regulating education should be premised on the fact that architects process information and come to understand their craft in unique ways. Visual literacy, for instance, is core to an architects formal education and professional skill set. The accreditation process for evaluating architecture university programs in Canada, as one example, requires an exhibition of ideas and concepts as a principal component. This is how we communicate, learn, and grow as architects. Yet, ironically, attendance at such an exhibition would be ruled invalid as counting towards provincial continuing education requirements, because its inherent value cannot be readily quantified.A sizable amount of regulation focusing on professional development is also premised on the notion that one can somehow quantify reading, and accurately corroborate the time taken to research a topic, author a book, or publish an article. In contrast, travelwhich for most architects is acknowledged as an important way of coming to understand architectureis only deemed valid by regulators if it can be corroborated by a tour guide receipt. A mode of regulation that would more accurately reflect lived experience would not be driven by administrative expediency, and would assign value beyond that which can be easily quantified.Activities cited in the unstructured learning categoryaside from association meetings and committee workare, on the whole, largely impossible to regulate with specificity, and in most cases, fail to credibly validate either currency or knowledge. Elimination of these activities would be a positive first step, and serve to focus attention on legitimate profession-specific requirements. A compelling argument can be made that compliance with unstructured continuing education requirements achieves nothing but increased workloads for regulators, ill will of individual members, and no credible validation of whether the individual in question is up-to-date or not.Structured professional development, on the other hand, can and should be monitored in a comprehensive and straightforward manner. The profession of architecture, while complex and ubiquitous in comparison to other professions, is not so complicated when it comes down to what we actually do. All North American schools of architecture seeking accreditation, for instance, are presently required to meet student and program performance criteria that are specific, quantifiable, and accepted by 185 post-secondary institutions with widely differing missions and geographic settings. Consensus on this kind of complex and diverse subject matter has thus proven to be possible. The professionally specific Internship Architecture Program (IAP) provides another example of how the scope of professional activity can be defined in 15 rationally weighted categories that all associations agree on. The referencing of continuing education activity to any of these 15 categories could serve to ameliorate concerns of whether subject matter is profession-specific.The question arises of whether verifying compliance with continuing education requirements is fair to all associations. Smaller provincial associations with limited resources, in particular, are not well positioned to credibly monitor professional development activity, or to deal with clarification and interpretation of regulations. Most associations rely entirely on computerized transcripts to record and tally up activity hours in each category, and restrict entries beyond the deadline of each cycle. The few unfortunate individuals targeted for audit rely on local interpretation, which can vary significantly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction.The concept of a national organization such as the RAIC as a central repository for course material and records has obvious merit. The RAIC already offers mostly online courses. Professionally qualified staff could efficiently manage queries on regulatory requirements. Local jurisdictions could then, as most already do, focus on continuing education related to regional issues, such as changes to legislation, building codes, construction documents, and bidding and contract negotiation.Updating continuing education requirements first requires acknowledgement that the existing system appears to be falling short of its intended mission. A quarter century of experience should provide hard evidence that we are failing to reach the desired results. The autonomy of provincial associations should be prepared to yield to a greater need for consistency, fairness, and objectivity across jurisdictional boundaries. Well-crafted and intelligent regulation canand shouldeliminate any question of competence and currency from public concern.Robert Ian Macdonald, FRAIC, is Professor Emeritus at the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Manitoba.The post Op-ed: Reimagining Continuing Education appeared first on Canadian Architect.

Intuition Robotics, creators of the award-winning ElliQ AI companion robot, announced a new ElliQ solution to help caregivers.Read More

Resident Evil 4 Remake sells 9m copies | News-in-briefCapcom's 2023 survival horror surpassed 8 million copies last OctoberImage credit: Capcom News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on Jan. 6, 2025 This is a News-in-brief article, our short format linking to an official source for more information. Read more about this story by following the link below:Resident Evil 4 Remake sells 9m copies

Chris Kerr, News EditorJanuary 6, 20251 Min ReadImage via Paramount PicturesThe Sonic the Hedgehog movie franchise has surpassed $1 billion in worldwide box office receipts.Paramount Pictures confirmed the news in a press release and said the third entry in the film series, Sonic the Hedgehog 3, has earned over $187 million domestically and more than $100 million internationally to deliver cumulative worldwide gross of over $312 million.Sonic the Hedgehog and its sequel Sonic the Hedgehog 2 earned a combined $725.2 million globally and generated $181 million in consumer spending from home rentals and purchases.Knuckles, the television spinoff that debuted on Paramount Plus, generated over 11 million total global viewing hours during its first 28 days on the streaming platform.Paramount Pictures CEO Brian Robbins described the video-game-turned-movie-franchise as an "unstoppable cultural force with limitless potential.""Congratulations to our partners at SEGA, our filmmaking team, including Neal, Toby, and Jeff, who have revolutionized the heights that Sonic can reach, and the legions of loyal and devoted fans who have helped guide us every step of the way," he added."As each chapter of Sonic's adventures continues to raise the bar, we're incredibly proud and excited to continue delivering stories and characters that resonate with audiences around the world."Paramount has confirmed it intends to develop a fourth instalment in the movie franchise.Read more about:TransmediaAbout the AuthorChris KerrNews Editor, GameDeveloper.comGame Developer news editor Chris Kerr is an award-winning journalist and reporter with over a decade of experience in the game industry. His byline has appeared in notable print and digital publications including Edge, Stuff, Wireframe, International Business Times, andPocketGamer.biz. Throughout his career, Chris has covered major industry events including GDC, PAX Australia, Gamescom, Paris Games Week, and Develop Brighton. He has featured on the judging panel at The Develop Star Awards on multiple occasions and appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to discuss breaking news.See more from Chris KerrDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

With Dragon Age: The Veilguard out the door, BioWare fans have turned their attention to Mass Effect 5 and are trying to piece together a picture of what sort of game it will be. One of the big questions about Mass Effect 5 is whether its famous Paragon / Renegade morality system will return. Now, the games lead developer has teased fans with a cryptic response.For the uninitiated, Mass Effect games let you pick from various dialogue options, some of which are on the Paragon (good) side of its morality system, some on the Renegade (bad) side. Not only do your dialogue choices affect the outcome of quests, the main story, and your relationship with the various characters in the game, but the way your Commander Shepard looks. Go all in on Renegade, for example, and your Shepard starts to look evil in a Jedi, dark side of the Force, kind of way.Mike Gamble, project director of Mass Effect 5 and executive producer at BioWare, took to X/Twitter to discuss the original trilogys Paragon / Renegade system following questions from fans about whether or not having all this Renegade content was worth it given most people played Paragon.Gamble acknowledged most people played Paragon in Mass Effect, but pointed out, it would have been meaningless if Renegade had not existed.He added: The ability to choose is stronger than the number of people playing any option, in my opinion.IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!IGN's Twenty Questions - Guess the game!To start:...try asking a question that can be answered with a "Yes" or "No".000/250This taps into one of the key appeals of role-playing games: that they react to your choices in meaningful ways whether those choices are good, bad, or ugly. This is something Baldurs Gate 3 does tremendously well. Larians RPG contains a huge amount of content most players will never see because their choices take the game in a certain direction, but the experience is all the richer for it. It's also something some BioWare fans critisized Dragon Age: The Veilguard for not doing.Now we come to Mass Effect 5 itself, and one fans observation that it is likely to see the return of the Paragon / Renegade system because of hints hidden in a Mass Effect image BioWare released back in 2023.Gambles response: I was talking about the trilogy. Youll just have to wait and seeIt may be some time before we find out. Things have been quiet on Mass Effect ever since BioWare revealed a 30-second trailer for Mass Effect 5 on the occasion of N7 Day 2023, leading fans to once again hunt for fresh info.The biggest revelation was that the long-awaited sequel would indeed tie into Mass Effect: Andromeda in some way. There had been questions about whether BioWare would quietly drop any references to its ill-fated spin-off, but it seems still fully part of the canon, with Mass Effect 5 potentially set long after the events of the original trilogy.Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

Kick off the new year with a bangand some serious savings. Whether you're looking to stock up on essentials, upgrade your kitchen gadgets, or dive into some epic gaming, there are some incredible deals in the UK right now. From discounted Coke cans and Star Wars PC bundles to must-have air fryers and streaming offers, there's something for everyone. Here are the best deals to check out today.72 Cans of Coke Zero for 18It's a deal worth celebrating. Right now, you can grab 72 cans of Coke Zero for just 18 at Amazon. Simply add three 24-packs to your basket, and the discount will automatically apply at checkout, slashing your total from 52.50. That's an impressive 34.50 in savingsperfect for stocking up while this deal lasts, as its likely to expire today.72 Cans for 18Coca Cola Zero Sugar 330ml CansStar Wars Collection Bundle (PC)Calling all Star Wars fans! For a limited time, the Star Wars Collection Bundle is down from 75 to just 9.87. This massive discount gets you 14 iconic Star Wars games as a single Steam key, making it an unmissable deal for any fan of a galaxy far, far away. As Yoda says, "The Force is strong with this one!" Heres whats included in the bundle:Star Wars Jedi Knight II: Jedi OutcastStar Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces IIStar Wars Jedi Knight: Jedi AcademyStar Wars Jedi Knight: Mysteries of the SithStar Wars Republic CommandoStar Wars StarfighterStar Wars The Clone Wars: Republic HeroesStar Wars The Force Unleashed: Ultimate Sith EditionStar Wars The Force Unleashed IIStar Wars: Dark ForcesStar Wars: Knights of the Old RepublicStar Wars Empire at War: Gold PackStar Wars: Knights of the Old Republic IIStar Wars Battlefront II (Classic)Limited TimeStar Wars Collection Bundle (PC)Xbox Series X Mini FridgeStay cool in style with the Xbox Series X Mini Fridge. Currently 49.99 at Currys, this exclusive item is 20 off its original price of 69.99. Its the ultimate accessory for keeping drinks chilled while gaming or as a unique gift for any Xbox enthusiast. Available for a limited time only, so dont wait too long!Currys ExclusiveXbox Series X Mini FridgeNinja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air FryerUpgrade your kitchen game with the Ninja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air Fryer, now 179.99 at Amazon. Thats a 60 discount from its original price of 239.99. This versatile air fryer features a dual-zone design, allowing you to cook two different dishes simultaneously with ease. Its perfect for meal prep or whipping up family dinners quickly, but this deal wont last forever.Amazon ExclusiveNinja Foodi MAX Dual Zone Air FryerDisney+ With Ads (3-Months)If youre thinking of canceling your Disney+ subscription, dont hit that button just yet. Disney is offering a special deal for current usersthree months of Disney+ with Ads for only 2.99/month. Thats a 40% discount from the usual 4.99/month price. Check your account to see if youre eligible and enjoy access to your favorite shows and movies at a bargain price.Current Users OnlyDisney+ With Ads (3-Months)Robert Anderson is a deals expert and Commerce Editor for IGN. You can follow him @robertliam21 on Twitter.

Put down the stilton! Step away from that tub of Cadburys Celebrations and refrain from pouring yourself a lunchtime Snowball Christmas is over, people. Its time to get serious. The UK TV schedules have got the memo at least; theyve stopped airing tinselly specials and getting dewy-eyed over Gavin & Stacey, and started airing crime shows again just the thing to toughen us up so we can face down 2025 with a steely glare. Grantchester series nines finally airing in the UK after its 2024 US debut, theres new Silent Witness, NCIS, Father Brown and all kinds of police-based business with Patience, Playing Nice and more.If crimes not your bag, then look forward to Western American Primeval on Netflix, the second series of mind-bending sci-fi Severance on Apple TV+, the second and final series of sci-fi Beacon 23, the Star Trek: Section 31 movie, plus a new run of From, all coming in January. Beyond that, we have more Yellowjackets, Reacher, Cobra Kai and The White Lotus, arriving on streaming in Feb, along with new six-part UK drama A Thousand Blows, from the creator of Peaky Blinders.As well as all that, heres a big look ahead to the new British drama coming up, all the big returning British series this year, and for crime fans, a list of the new UK crime dramas to anticipate in 2025.Well update this list of TV highlights weekly with more shows, dates and times as the release announcements arrive. If youre based in the US, heres where to look for the relevant info.

Today at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Schlage unveiled its new Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt, marking the companys first Ultra Wideband-enabled smart lock, complete with support for Matter-over-Thread.Schlage has consistently been at the forefront of connected home smart locks. In March 2022, it made history as the first company to launch an NFC-assisted Apple Home Keys-enabled smart lock solution, the popular Schlage Encode Plus. Now, lets take a closer look at the features and capabilities of the upcoming Schlage Sense Pro Smart Deadbolt.Schlage Sense Pro Smart DeadboltThe Schlage Sense Pro will feature Matter-over-Thread support and deliver hands-free unlocking. Thread is, of course, the power-efficient, low-bandwidth, and low-latency communication protocol for IoT devices. Its more efficient than Wi-Fi, which prolongs battery life in connected devices, and because theres lower latency, theres less delay between issuing commands. Another advantage of Thread is that it eliminates the requirement for a separate hub for each brand or device. All you need is a thread-enabled border router, and the good news is that you might already have one. The HomePod (2nd-generation), HomePod mini, and the 3rd-generation Apple TV 4K with Ethernet all sport Thread radios and serve as border routers. There are quite a few non-Apple Thread border routers as well.The Schlage Sense Pro, with Matter support over Thread, is poised to become a versatile smart lock. It can be easily controlled through various platforms like Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google. Additionally, it leverages the efficiency, bandwidth, and latency advantages of Thread.But thats not all the Sense Pro aims to deliver. Schlages flagship lock boasts the latest version of its Converge technology, which introduces support for Ultra Wideband between the lock and the users paired and authorized device.Ultra Wideband technology intelligently calculates speed, trajectory, and motion, enabling the lock to better comprehend the users positioning and intent to enter. In essence, it will unlock the door precisely at the moment the user reaches it. The Sense Pro offers various convenient features, including hands-free unlocking, keypad access code entry, and tap-to-unlock using NFC, among others.The Schlage Sense Pro, similar to the Encode Plus (review) before it, is poised to become a compelling addition to connected homes. What are your thoughts on it? Schlage has announced that we can expect its new flagship smart lock to arrive later this year. Well provide more details, including a comprehensive review and hands-on experience, once its released!Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

We may be just a few days into 2025, but Apple thinks it can already tell which upcoming music artists are set to make a breakthrough this year. The company shared its predictions as the Shazam Fast Forward 2025.Apple looked at the trending artists in the first five days of music Shazammed by users, and had its own music editors review them The company said the method has a proven track record, though its perhaps hard to separate cause from effect when Apple highlights a musician.With more than 300 million global monthly users and over 100 billion global song recognitions since its launch, Shazams unique ability to accurately predict the next breaking artist is unparalleled and has become a reliable and invaluable tool for both artists and fans over the years.Last years predictions list proved to be another great batch of talent, with two-thirds of the artists reaching Apple Musics Daily Top 100 in 150 countries, and a third entering Shazam National charts in 46 countries. On average compared to the year prior, Shazams class of 2024 Predictions artists saw a +34% increase in Shazam song matches, a +146% increase in Apple Music streams, and a +269% increase in radio spins.Apple shared the first 10 of 50 artists, with the first day focused on dance music.Today, Shazam unveiled Shazam Fast Forward 2025, its revamped list of yearly predictions, spotlighting 50 artists that are perfectly poised to have a breakthrough year.Starting today and continuing through Friday, Shazam will unveil 10 artists per day, broken down into broader genres spanning Dance; Latin; Alternative, Rock, and Country; Pop; and Hip-Hop and R&B. To discover each batch of daily predictions, music fans can now explore an all-newmicrositeto get to know these emerging artists, discover their bios, and access playlists, or check outShazams curator pageon Apple Music.Apple says there are multiple indicators of success for each artist.Each artist featured has shown early indicators of future growth, including early and consistent momentum in Shazam activity, as well as discovery trends in more than one country. You can find the 10 dance artists below.ProphecyThe Spanish DJ duo first gained traction on Shazam in May 2023, with early popularity in Romania and Argentina. Collaborations with David Guetta on Kill The Vibe (their top song on Shazam) and Tisto on My City saw Prophecy enter charts in Denmark, Hungary, and Croatia. Their top countries for Shazam activity are the US, Germany, and Mexico. Prophecy have also reached Apple Musics Top Dance Songs chart in more than 50 countries worldwide, including nine where theyve reached the top 10.KhathapillarThe South African Amapiano DJ first appeared on Shazams radar in May 2024 in South Africa. His top track, Diqabang, saw him collaborating with Sol Phenduka, Smash SA, and Kamoh Xaba, and it would spend over five months on the South African Shazam chart in 2024.ALSO ASTIRThe North Macedonia Electronic artist first popped on Shazam in October 2022 in Greece. His top track, Forget, drove a peak in song recognitions for him in July 2024. His top countries for Shazam activity are the US, Germany, and Brazil.Joe HuntThe British Garage DJ first gained traction on Shazam in August 2024 in New Zealand. His top track, Up To No Good (Extended), landed him on the Shazam charts for the first time, enjoying Shazam chart runs in New Zealand as well as his home country of Great Britain.MarasiThe Greek DJ first popped on Shazam in March 2023 in the United Arab Emirates. His top track Opera earned him a spot on the Greek Shazam chart, spending over 6 months on the chart and peaking at No. 64. His top countries for Shazam activity are his home country of Greece, followed by the US and France.Nu-LaThe British dance singer-songwriter first appeared on Shazams radar in January 2023. Her top track on Shazam is a collaboration with British DJ CHANEY, Out of My Depth (feat. Nu-La).QuentroThe Turkish DJ first showed up on Shazams radar in June 2024 in Greece. As Quentro geared up to debut his top track Perreo, song recognitions for Quentro on Shazam hit its peak.TR3NACRIAThe Italian DJ trio first gained traction on Shazam in April 2023 in the Netherlands. The trio enjoyed massive chart success this year with their top song La Foule (feat. StereoKilla) [Le Monde Mix] spending more than four months on the French Shazam chart, peaking at No. 36 in March. Their tracks Le Vent Nous Portera and Intro also hit the French chart this year. Previously, TR3NACRIA spent more than 5 weeks on the Greek Shazam chart with their song Sikulambele (feat. Lizwi) in 2023.VXSIONThe Brazilian House DJ first popped on Shazam in February 2023 in Romania. Their top song, Amana with Maz, spent more than seven months on the Greek Shazam chart this year, peaking at No. 35. Following the release of his remix of Days Of The Week by Flight Facilities, VXSION saw an uptick in song recognitions in July 2024.WITH UThe German Dance duo first gained traction on Shazam in April 2024 in Israel. Their top song, Karibu, spent nearly five months on the Italian Shazam chart, peaking at No. 33 in June 2024. July 2024 was one of the duos strongest months on Shazam, following the release of their track Alive with Albert Breaker and Mohalizer.Image: AppleAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

Ensuring HomeKit compatibility for smart home products is now very much easier to achieve. Apple has agreed to accept Matter certification for all new devices, without requiring additional testing before granting the Works With Apple Home badge.Although it was always the goal that Matter support meant automatic compatibility with HomeKit, Google Home, Alexa, and Samsung Smart Things, there was previously a difference between theory and practice Theory and practice of the Matter standardPrior to the development of the Matter standard, every smart home device had to achieve separate compatibility with each of the main smart home platforms it wanted to support.Brands would have to submit applications to Apple, Google, Amazon, and Samsung, and then send their products for specific testing by each company. This added both time and expense to the product development process.The Matter standard was intended to change all of this. All the main platforms supported it, which meant that so long as a device was Matter-compatible, it would by definition also be compatible with Apples HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, and Samsung Smart Things.In practice, however, none of the smart home platforms took this for granted. Each still required devices to be subjected to their own tests before they would grant the Works With badge.HomeKit compatibility now assumedHowever, Apple has now agreed to accept Matter certification as proof of HomeKit compatibility, without the need for additional testing. Provided a product passes all the Matter tests, Apple will allow it to use the Works With Apple Home badge. The news was announced by the Connectivity Standards Alliance.A key part of many Matter device makers go-to-market journey is earning major smart home ecosystems Works With certification and badges. These programs often require device makers to complete the Alliances certification process, and then participate in an entirely separate testing process for each Works With ecosystem.Recognizing the need for a more streamlined end-to-end certification process, the Alliance is excited to share that Apple has begun accepting Alliance Interop Lab test results for Matter devices for Works With Apple Home, and that Google and Samsung will be doing the same for their respective Works With Google Home, and Works With SmartThings certifications later this year, underscoring the credibility and reliability of the Alliances testing programs.The Lab is continuing to work with other members [read: Amazon] towards integrating additional Works With programs.Streamlined certification for improved versionsAnother obstacle for smart home products was that a software update for an existing product would need to go through the same certification process as the original, making it slower and more expensive to push over-the-air upgrades.The CSA has now agreed to a streamlined process, merely checking that they still work in the same way.The FastTrack Recertification Program was introduced by the Matter Working Group in November 2024. This new recertification program simplifies the process, significantly reducing costs and administrative overhead for product makers. It ensures product makers can more easily release critical updates to enhance their products and utilize the Interop Lab as a light touch check using the Labs capabilities to check that updates do not unintentionally degrade in functionality or performance when used with other popular devices and systems.Companies can also gain certification for carrying out their own tests using the CSAs test suite.Photo byPatrick CampanaleonUnsplashAdd 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel