With an annual toll of 40,000 American lives, the deadliness of secondhand smoke is now common knowledge. But it was only a few decades ago that puffing on a cigarette was defended as an act that affected only the smoker.In the 1980s, researchers for the first time demonstrated that smoking can kill people who never themselves lit a cigarette. Those findings undercut tobacco industry claims that smoking need not be restricted, because smokers had accepted any health risk arising from their habit. Even if that was true, it certainly wasnt for others forced to breathe polluted air.Secondhand smoke galvanized the anti-smoking movement. Youre suddenly not talking about suicide, said Robert Proctor, a history professor at Stanford University. Youre talking about homicide.By the end of the 1990s, smoking was banned on domestic flights as well as across an expanding number of bars, restaurants, and workplaces. Tobacco use tumbled: In 2000, 25 percent of Americans said they smoked a cigarette during the prior week, down from 38 percent in 1983.Secondhand smoke is a textbook example of a negative externality: a products costs that are paid by society instead of its users. Its a framework that helped turn the public against tobacco, and it carries lessons for another product that is as ubiquitous today as cigarettes were 50 years ago. And like tobacco, its use can and often does kill innocent bystanders. Im talking about oversized cars.Over the last half-century, American sedans and station wagons have been replaced by increasingly enormous SUVs and pickup trucks that now comprise 80 percent of new car sales, a phenomenon known as car bloat. Much like secondhand smoke, driving a gigantic vehicle endangers those who never consented to the danger they face walking, biking, or sitting inside smaller cars. Although not widely known, car bloats harms are well-documented. Heavier vehicles can pulverize modest-sized ones, and tall front ends obscure a drivers vision, putting pedestrians and cyclists at particular risk. Deaths among both groups recently hit 40-year highs in the US. The threat of hulking vehicles could even deter people from riding a bike or taking a stroll, a loss of public space akin to avoiding places shrouded in tobacco smoke.Despite ample research demonstrating car bloats harms, American policymakers have done virtually nothing to counteract them. The political headwinds are powerful: Encouraged by carmaker ads depicting SUVs traversing rugged terrain, millions of Americans use oversized vehicles daily simply to get to an office, store, or school.Convincing policymakers to regulate the size of automobiles would require a broad base of public support. The story of secondhand smoke shows how reformers could build it.How the anti-smoking movement won over the publicTobacco use was ubiquitous during the mid-20th century, even though scientists had started to link smoking and cancer before World War II. During the 1940s and 1950s, over 40 percent of Americans smoked cigarettes regularly, with most of them going through at least a pack a day. The cigarette industry was a political powerhouse, with many of its closest allies hailing from North Carolina, then home to more than a fourth of American tobacco farms.In the postwar years, medical researchers produced a growing pile of studies concluding that tobacco damages smokers health. In 1964, the Office of the Surgeon General spurred a national conversation with a historic report linking smoking to lung cancer and heart disease. In 1967, the lawyer John Banzhaf, dubbed the Ralph Nader of the tobacco industry, cited that report when he convinced the Federal Communications Commission to require that TV networks broadcast anti-smoking ads that would counterbalance tobacco commercials. During the 1970s, a grassroots nonsmokers rights movement began to emerge by appealing to Americans who found smoking unpleasant. They were mostly women who fastened on to the idea that somebody elses use of space shouldnt preclude my enjoyment of that space, said Sarah Milov, a historian at the University of Virginia who wrote The Cigarette: A Political History. Clara Gouin was a Maryland housewife who founded Group Against Smoking Pollution, published its newsletter, and mailed policymakers signs with a catchy phrase: Thank you for not smoking.At the time, smoking was seen as annoying to nonsmokers but not necessarily hazardous to them. Still, there were ominous signs. In 1975, researchers found that carbon monoxide levels within the Detroit Lions football stadium surged during games by a factor of 10 exceeding federal air pollution guidelines when thousands of fans congregated and lit up at the same time.Tobacco companies defended their products by invoking ideals of liberty and independence. For decades, the industry had trumpeted the cause of free choice for smokers, wrote former Food and Drug Administration head David Kessler in his memoir, A Question of Intent. The concept had struck a chord with the public by tapping into a libertarian instinct in American society.Finally, in the 1980s, scientists demonstrated that secondhand smoke was more than a nuisance; it could kill you. In 1981, Takeshi Hirayama, a Japanese epidemiologist, published a landmark study whose title neatly summarized its conclusion: Non-Smoking Wives of Heavy Smokers Have a Higher Risk of Lung Cancer. Hirayama had pored over 14 years of health and smoking data collected from tens of thousands of Japanese citizens, finding that non-smoking women were more likely to get lung cancer if their husbands smoked.Hirayamas study was a sensation, getting front-page treatment in the New York Times. People without scientific training still grasped its warning. If secondhand smoking harmed spouses, it likely harmed anyone else who shared a room with a smoker be they a coworker, friend, or stranger.Secondhand smoke captured more attention in 1986, when the Surgeon General released another blockbuster report, this one detailing the dangers of involuntary smoking. Its Reagan-appointed author, C. Everett Koop, pleaded for policymakers to act: As both a physician and a public health official, it is my judgment that the time for delay is past; measures to protect the public health are required now. Koop was looking beyond Congress when he wrote that, Milov said, targeting lower-level officials.Koop got his wish when local communities nationwide soon restricted public smoking. In 1987, Aspen, Colorado, became the first city in the United States to end smoking in restaurants, and in 1990 San Luis Obispo, California, did the same for all public buildings. Employers, too, began to restrict smoking within their facilities. Banning smoking in public places doesnt stop anyone from smoking, Banzhaf told me in an interview, but it does make it far more inconvenient to smoke. After barely budging for years, in the 1980s adult smoking rates began a prolonged decline: Eleven percent of Americans now use cigarettes, an all-time low.America is now ignoring its car bloat crisisIn a 2020 article, The Onion described a conscientious SUV shopper who just wanted something that would kill the family in the other car if she got into an accident. That story was satirical, but it exposed the underlying ethical tension of products that can be deadly for non-users.In a recent exploration of car bloat, The Economist found that the extra heft of the very heaviest US cars do make their occupants marginally safer, but every life saved corresponds with more than a dozen lost among those inside smaller vehicles that collide with the larger ones. People on foot are at even greater risk. Large vehicles height can conceal pedestrians at intersections, as well as children sitting in front of them. Tall, flat front ends are also more likely to strike a pedestrians head or torso instead of their legs: One study found that limiting vehicles hood height to 1.25 meters 15 cm shorter than the Ford F-250 would save over 500 lives annually. Americans are catching on. A YouGov poll published in February found that 41 percent of respondents believe that cars are too big, and around half think they endanger pedestrians and occupants of smaller cars. Their awareness is particularly striking because federal officials have done little to bring it about. In 2023, Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg dodged a direct question about the role that SUVs play in pedestrian deaths, and in 2021 President Joe Biden sat for a photo op behind the wheel of a GMC Hummer EV that weighs as much as three Toyota Corollas.In the fall, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration did suggest an overdue if narrowly designed rule to mitigate the risk of a pedestrians head striking a vehicles hood. But even that proposal which did not address other car bloat dangers like blind zones and torso strikes is likely to be cast aside by incoming Trump appointees who are disinclined toward new business regulations. Congress, for its part, has shown no desire to address vehicle size itself.As neglectful as it is, the bipartisan federal foot-dragging reflects a certain political logic. Constraining vehicle size would threaten car companies that collect disproportionate profits from large vehicles, and any perceived criticism of large SUVs and pickups risks launching a culture war that could make the tobacco battles of the 1980s seem like schoolyard tiffs.For the people who love big cars, owning one can be integral to their identity, reflecting very specific ideas about American individualism.Cigarette smokers didnt really have an identity built up around being smokers, Milov, the historian, said. But its very easy to see how having a big SUV or truck is a marker of a whole host of other ideological associations. A majority of truck owners go off-roading at most once per year; they didnt buy their pickup for practical reasons. Image is intrinsic to its appeal.Despite growing unease about oversized vehicles, grassroots opposition has been muted, largely confined to road safety and urbanist advocates scattered across the country. It does not appear anyone is lobbying members of Congress to restrain vehicle size.Public officials hoping to remain in their job can only move so far ahead of popular sentiment. Beyond the logic and justice of the cause, curtailing car size requires an energized public demanding it much like tobacco reforms 40 years ago.The anti-smoking playbook could turn the public against oversized carsAs with tobacco use in the 1970s, the most common defense of oversized cars invokes the need to give consumers freedom to make their own choices. Researchers like Hirayama demolished that argument for smoking when they showed that it affects the health of those who never took a puff or consented to inhale smoke. Restricting public smoking became a logical way to protect nonsmokers from being harmed in ways that they could not control.An abundance of research now shows that oversized cars increase the risk of injury or death among other road users, a negative externality akin to secondhand smoke. The problem is that most Americans dont yet see oversized cars as the hazards that they are.We tend to treat the car as a closed thing, ignoring its impact on the environment, the climate, and the pedestrian, said Proctor, the Stanford professor. We need to think about big cars in the same way that we think about cigarettes: Affecting not just the user, but everyone around the user.The history of tobacco, in which Surgeon General reports brought attention to cigarettes harms and provided ammunition for reformers, shows the power of a federal megaphone. National Transportation Safety Board chair Jennifer Homendy has warned about the threat of oversized cars, but others with broad reach, such as US Surgeons General as well as transportation secretaries, have remained silent. Still, public pronouncements alone only go so far.Enlightenment alone cannot effect a widespread change in behavior, Milov wrote in the Cigarette. Laws and institutions must change as well. People must be compelled. The question is how.The history of tobacco regulations warns against counting on Congress to penalize big cars. A powerful industry like cigarettes or auto manufacturing can rely on support from home state lawmakers North Carolina for tobacco and Michigan for automobiles as well as an army of lobbyists to defend itself in the insular confines of Capitol Hill. For reformers, a wiser approach is to demand change at the state and local level, overwhelming industry lobbyists with proposals mushrooming across the country.That strategy was hugely successful during tobacco battles two generations ago, Proctor said, and its lessons are universal. If the mouse hole is small, one cat can control 1,000 mice, he told me. But if 1,000 mice attack a cat, they might well win. To fight car bloat, local activists must first expand the ranks of people who see big vehicles as a danger to themselves and their loved ones. Part of the genius of the nonsmokers rights movement was to point out that what we have taken for granted as the social default shouldnt be the social default, Milov said. Perhaps a new generation of community groups could devise a slogan akin to Thank you for not smoking. (SUV is not for me?)Although car safety rules are a federal responsibility, state and local officials have numerous mechanisms to counteract vehicle size. Cities could follow Montreals lead and increase parking fees for owners of the biggest cars. Local and state governments can replace the SUVs and pickups in their vehicle fleets with sedans. States, which register cars, could emulate the District of Columbia and scale fees to vehicle weight. They can also ban aftermarket lifts, which expand the blind spots of already towering trucks. Local leaders in Paris have even discussed prohibiting SUVs entirely from downtown areas.The private sector, a frequent target of anti-smoking activism, could also encourage reasonably sized automobiles. Real estate developers, for instance, can install compact car parking spots proximate to entrances, providing a convenience to their owners while also expanding total parking capacity. When local activists secure a win against car bloat, Milov suggests they throw themselves a party. The nonsmokers rights movement gave people a sense of efficacy a sense that they participated in something and saw the change pretty quickly, she said. City council did X or Y, and you experience it and see that the sky is not falling. Then more people become mobilized around the issue.Still, even a wildly successful movement against gigantic trucks and SUVs will require patience. While many smokers were willing, even eager, to quit their addiction several decades ago, the same cannot be said about people who now own oversized cars and trucks. They and automakers will almost certainly rally around the status quo much like the tobacco industry did decades ago. But their defenses are not impregnable. The movement against car bloat is nascent, but it has righteousness on its side. Like cigarettes, enormous vehicles can kill those who never used the product, which calls for regulation. Forty years ago, the intuitive outrage of secondhand smoke was an eye-opener for many Americans. A similar narrative could help people recognize the havoc that four-wheeled behemoths now wreak on the nations streets.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:

One in three Americans has resolved to make 2025 the year they get therapy. If youre one of them, brace yourself: Figuring out how to get your insurance benefits to cover therapy can take some legwork. The drudgery of figuring out whether and how your insurance plan covers therapy or choosing between plans in the hope of getting therapy covered can feel overwhelming. In a recent poll, more than half of Americans surveyed said mental health treatment costs were a major barrier to care, while four in 10 people said the scarcity of providers was a big obstacle. A third of psychologists dont take insurance at all, and even people who get health insurance through their jobs often have to go out of network for their mental health care. As complicated as it is for Americans to get physical health care covered by insurance, people with mental health conditions get the short end of the stick, wrote Hannah Wesolowski, chief advocacy officer at the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), in an email to Vox. We wait longer, we pay more, and we have less choice for providers. That makes it especially important to understand how to navigate the mental health benefits insurance plans offer. Heres what you need to know.Do most insurance plans cover therapy? For more than 15 years, the US has had a law the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act that requires most health insurance plans to provide mental health coverage thats as good as their physical health coverage. In particular, the law forbids insurance companies from charging more for visits to a mental health care provider than for other visits, or from limiting the number of those visits its plans cover.However, this regulation hasnt exactly created a consumer utopia. Insurance companies often pay super low rates to mental health providers in their networks, so many therapists simply opt out of partnering with insurance plans. People seeking in-network care are also often faced with ghost networks, provider directories that seem robust at first before you find out that many of the providers arent actually taking new patients, says Wesolowski. That means many people often end up having to contact four or more providers before finding an in-network therapist. People who struggle to find a covered therapist often end up going without. A new law passed in September takes aim at the sparse network problem, and may force health insurance companies to expand their provider networks in the next few years. What do all these insurance terms mean? People trying to get therapy covered by their insurance typically run into a few different types of charges that its helpful to understand:Co-pays and co-insurance. These are out-of-pocket payments you make when you visit a therapist or buy medication. Co-pays are a set amount you might get charged a $30 co-pay for each therapy visit while co-insurance payments charge you a proportion of the price tag; for example, 30 percent of each visits cost. With co-insurance, the discounted price doesnt usually apply until youve already spent a certain amount of money on your health care. That spending threshold is known as aDeductible. This is the amount you have to pay out of pocket each year before your insurance plan starts kicking in its share of costs. For example, if your deductible is $2,000, youll pay the full cost of all of your physical and mental health care until youve hit that threshold; afterward, youll only pay a portion of the cost (e.g. co-insurance or your regular co-pays).Out-of-pocket maximum. This is the most youd have to spend on all the services your insurance plan covers in a year, including your deductible and any co-pays or co-insurances. If youre evaluating a health plan to determine how it covers therapy, look at the section of the plan document on mental health, under the outpatient subsection. Look for language describing visits to a therapist: This might include language like office visits, individual, family, or group psychotherapy, medication management, and virtual care or telehealth. Some plans may require you to pay full price for therapy visits until you reach your deductible, then kick in some percentage of the visits cost until the end of the year. Alternately, you might have to pay a co-pay for every visit, while the plan covers the rest. Still other plans may fully cover a certain number of visits before you start paying out of pocket.In most insurance plans, getting care from the plans network of providers will likely cost you less than care from out-of-network providers. Many plans will pay some percentage of the total cost for providers in their network, and a lower percentage (or nothing) for providers out of network. Read through the plan carefully and call your insurance company (the 800 number on your insurance card) if you have questions.Lastly, the plan should also note the number of visits it will cover in one year, something like the calendar year maximum. Most plans are now required to cover unlimited visits, but there are a few exceptions. Once you start therapy, many therapists will give you the bill directly, which you pay and then submit to your insurer for reimbursement.Should you find a therapist first, or choose an insurance plan first?One of the key predictors of how helpful therapy will be is whether you click with your therapist so having a range of personality types and approaches to choose from is good for consumers. But, insurance companies limit the number of therapists you can access at a lower cost. If you want to start therapy, it can be challenging to figure out whether to choose a therapist first and then see if they fall under an insurance plan, or choose an insurance plan first, then find a therapist from the plans list of in-network providers.Theres no wrong choice here how you approach this really depends on what you value most and the resources you have at hand. If its most important to you to keep costs down, it makes sense to find an insurance plan with decent therapy coverage first, and steel yourself to do some digging for a therapist match once youre covered. (Weve got some tips on finding a provider thats a good fit here.) However, if youre set on working with a particular mental health practitioner, it might make more sense to ask the provider which insurance plans they work with. (If you choose this route, make sure you know exactly which plans the provider accepts its not enough to know the insurance companys name.)What if I dont have insurance? Or cant afford therapy? If youre uninsured, its worth checking whether you qualify for government-sponsored insurance programs like Medicaid or Medicare or can afford to buy your own insurance, either through your job, from your states Affordable Care Act exchange (also known as the ACA, or Obamacare), or from an insurance broker.If you cant get health insurance, you still have options. If you want therapy, paying full price out of pocket may be an option. Its costly, typically ranging from $100 to $200 for a session. Some providers offer therapy on a sliding scale which means lower costs for people with less ability to pay so its worth asking.Many online-only providers provide services to people paying out of pocket (some also accept certain insurance plans) and can be very effective. The pandemic changed the way we thought about telehealth, says Jeff Ashby, a psychologist and professor at Georgia State University who researches stress and trauma. What we discovered consistent with previous research is that a whole lot of issues can be treated using telehealth.There are also low- and no-cost therapy options out there. Megan Rochford, who oversees NAMIs national helpline, suggests looking for universities with graduate programs training people to provide psychotherapy; these often offer treatment for free. Although many people may think of talk therapy and medications as the cornerstones of care, there are other ways to get help and support from other people. Group therapy is typically less expensive than individual therapy, and for some people, is just as effective. The American Group Psychotherapy Association has a website where you can search for certified group therapists near you.Self-help and support groups can also be helpful in lots of situations; you can find a few lists of support groups here and here. Some people may also find peer support, healing circles, and other community care approaches very useful. In addition, there are lots of free and confidential mental health warmlines that provide help over the phone: The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) runs a national helpline, and many states run their own warmlines. These are different from hotlines like 988 in that theyre geared less toward supporting people through a crisis and more toward connecting people with resources for future care.NAMI and Mental Health America have websites with troves of resources for people seeking low-cost support for mental health concerns: Check out their page on community care, their directory of helplines, and other resources.However you choose to get help, its worth remembering that youre not walking alone.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:

The only Prime we care about is Optimus (Microsoft)Microsofts next gen plans remain elusive, but the latest rumours suggest theyll be unveiled sooner rather than later.While Microsoft is keen to advertise how you can play Xbox games without an Xbox console, its also promised its not dropping out of the hardware race any time soon.Last year, the company said it was invested in the next generation roadmap, repeatedly boasting it would deliver the biggest technological leap ever in a generation. And after months of blatant teasing, Xbox boss Phil Spencer finally admitted a dedicated handheld device was being prototyped.Theres currently no telling when any of this new hardware is expected to launch, but while Microsoft last year seemed to imply somewhere around 2028 a prominent Call Of Duty leaker claims to know otherwise.In the early hours of January 6, TheGhostOfHope took to their X account to say theyve heard that Microsoft is aiming to have a new console, dubbed the Xbox Prime, out in 2026.They added that 2026s Call Of Duty game (which is rumoured to be a Call Of Duty: Ghosts reboot by Infinity Ward) is being considered as a launch title for the new console.TheGhostOfHope previously said the next Xbox console would launch in late 2026 last year, based on what they heard from trusted sources. However, they admitted its unclear if Xbox Prime is the final name for the console or a temporary codename. Although given the terrible names Xbox consoles have traditionally been lumbered with, this one which also makes for a cool acronym would be a significant step up.They even directly asked Jez Corden, a reliable Xbox insider, about it, but Corden apparently lacked the sources to confirm or deny the rumour.While there has been chatter of new Xbox hardware arriving in 2026 before, its currently unclear if the Xbox handheld is also a next gen device. Having it be a hybrid home console would make sense given the success of the Nintendo Switch but that would suggest a less powerful device than the current Xbox Series X, given the restrictions inherent in making a portable.If the handheld is meant to be next gen though, a 2026 launch might be too optimistic since Phil Spencer recently said that any Xbox handheld is a few years out, implying a 2027 or 2028 release window.However, TheGhostOfHope remains confident that Microsoft will have a console ready for next year, calling it an open secret within the industry and saying such a release will give Microsoft a head start on the eventual PlayStation 6, which isnt expected to arrive until 2028.Such a plan is reminiscent of what happened with the original Xbox in the mid-2000s, which was quickly ditched in favour of the Xbox 360. That gave it a year head start on the PlayStation 3 and it remains to this day Microsofts most successful console, in terms of both sales and industry influence.Given the declining sales of Xbox consoles since the Xbox 360 era, its difficult to imagine how Microsoft could turn this trend around but then theres still no clue as to what their great technological leap could be, with something relating to AI being the only obvious guess.More TrendingSony is also reportedly working on a new handheld device of its own. So, any new hardware announcement from Microsoft would invite Sony to do the same.Another rumour has claimed that PlayStation 6 could launch as early as late 2026. Ultimately, Microsoft and Sony will be playing chicken with each other, since neither will want to be the first to announce a new console and give the other the chance to adapt their plans accordingly.It might feel too early to be discussing the next generation, but the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X launched in 2020, so 2028 is roughly when a new generation would be expected, under normal circumstances. Although between the pandemic and the cost of living crisis its easy to argue these are not normal circumstances.Nevertheless, falling sales for both the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 are likely all the incentive Microsoft and Sony feel they need for the next generation, with both consoles having peaked during Christmas 2023. Even if a new Call Of Duty launches alongside a new Xbox, itll release for PlayStation on the same day (Activision)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Bayonettas big birthday is here (PlatinumGames)The developer behind Bayonetta has promised to create games that will surprise and delight following the departure of key staff members.PlatinumGames were once one of the most exciting developers in the games industry, releasing titles like Bayonetta, Vanquish, and Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance.While the studio has still produced some great games in recent years, like 2019s Astral Chain and Bayonetta 3, there has been concern around its future following the failure of 2022s Babylons Fall and the departure of co-founder Hideki Kamiya in 2023.Kamiya, who directed the original Bayonetta, has since set up new studio Clover, which is working on a sequel to kami. The majority of around 25 staff at Clover are comprised of his former colleagues from Platinum, who decided to leave the studio to join his new venture.The exit of key staff members led to some concern around Platinums future, but the studio has now posted a statement to announce plans for Bayonettas 15th anniversary.In a post on X, Platinum stated it had a few things in store to celebrate the games 15th anniversary so keep your eyes peeled. A post on the studios website states the celebration will last for one full year.Therere no details on what this will involve but theyve already released the first of a series of monthly calendar images, that are intended to be used as smartphone wallpaper.The studio also appeared to address concerns surrounding Platinum, adding: Moving forward, we will continue to take on new challenges to create games that surprise and delight our fans. We look forward to your continued support of Bayonetta and PlatinumGames!The first Bayonetta was released in October 2009 in Japan, so technically its already had its 15th anniversary. Although the game didnt launch in the West until January 2010.It has spawned two sequels and spin-off Bayonetta Origins: Cereza And The Lost Demon, which came out on Nintendo Switch in 2023.Fans are already hoping that a fourth mainline Bayonetta game will be announced as part of these celebrations. Kamiya has previously talked about Bayonetta 4 being in the works, but this was before he left the studio, so its unclear if plans at Platinum have shifted since then.Although its worth noting that while Kamiya oversaw the whole series he was only director on the first entry, with each of the other games having a different director.At the very least, this anniversary statement confirms Bayonetta will have some sort of future at Platinum but well just have to wait and see what form that takes.Another big question is whether Kamiyas previously announced game, Project G.G., is still in development. When asked about the titles future following his exit, Kamiya told a fan on X to ask Platinum about Platinum, so it seems like hes no longer involved. The studio has not said anything about the project since it was revealed in 2020.Aside from Kamiyas new studio, some former Platinum developers have also left for jobs elsewhere. Abebe Tinari, who directed Bayonetta Origins, has confirmed he has joined Returnal studio Housemarque.According to his LinkedIn profile, Tinari has joined Housemarque as a Lead Game Designer specialising in enemy and boss design. Theres no indication, however, what game he is working on.More TrendingIn fact, theres no information at all about Housemarques next project, although it is expected to be a new IP. Its unclear if well ever see a sequel to Returnal, but the studio has continued to support the title through updates and special anniversary art books. Housemarque is now in the house of Sony (Sony Interactive Entertainment)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

Maybe 2025 is your get organized year, especially when it comes to all the digital files that live on your computer or even across a collection of little thumb drives. Its time to consolidate all of those photos, videos, and more onto one huge, reliable USB drive thats compatible with all of your devices the Samsung T7 Shield SSD, which Amazon has just slashed the price on by 45%.See at AmazonThe best feature of the Samsung T7 Shield, though, isnt its enormous capacity, exceptional file-transfer speed, or compact size for easy portability. Its the rugged design that stands up to dust and water and has a drop resistance of nearly 10 feet, which makes it the ideal partner for travel or creative work in outdoor locations.Perfect for Photo and Video ShootsContent creators know that doing outdoor shoots presents numerous potential hazards, from bad weather to accidental equipment drops. Another challenge is finding a external solid-state drive thats large enough to carry huge files and fast enough to be written to directly from a professional-quality still or video camera, while still being small enough to be easily transported.The Samsung T7 Shield SSD is a favorite of professional photographers and videographers because it checks off all of those boxes. Its available in 1, 2, and 4TB capacities, and the USB 3.2 Gen 2 connection allows sequential read-write speeds of up to 1,050/1,000 MB per second, so those high-def videos and burst photography shoots can be written directly to and edited on the drive. And even with all of that speed and power enclosed within an ultra-compact body that measures only 3.4 x 2.2 x 0.5 inches and weighs use 3.4 ounces, Samsungs Dynamic Thermal Guard technology keeps the drive from overheating and cooking your valuable content.Tough and VersatileWe also love the nearly universal compatibility of the Samsung T7 Shield SSD. It comes with both USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables, and its able to serve as a backup drive or added storage for both Mac and PC laptops and desktops, Android devices, gaming consoles, iPads and iPhones, and more. Its USB 3.2 but able to work retroactively with USB 2.0 devices.The T7 Shields calling card, though, is its ability to take a licking and keep on ticking. The exterior is covered with a rubberized grip material to help you keep from dropping it, but if it does slip out of your hand, the 10-foot drop resistance is there to save your data. The drive is built with IP65 rated resistance to dust and water, and the built-in Samsung Magician Software lets you monitor the drives health and automatically download and install firmware updates.Amazons 45% price drop on the 2TB version of the Samsung T7 Shield SSD brings the price down to just over $158, making it a terrific deal on a big, sturdy, and versatile external hard drive to help you get organized.See at Amazon

I Saw the TV Glows Jane Schoenbruns next film gets meta with horror. Josh Gad discusses the unenviable task of catching Mel Brooks up on 40 years ofStar Wars movies forSpaceballs 2. Plus, Kathryn Hahn wants to keep playing Agatha Harkness all along. To me, my spoilers! Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma According to The New Yorker,I Saw the TV Glow director Jane Schoenbruns next film is titled Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, and follows a queer filmmaker hired to direct a new installment of a long-running slasher franchise. The director fixates on the prospect of casting the final girl from the original movie, and the two women descend into a frenzy of psychosexual mania. In the article, the project is described asPortrait of a Lady on Fire set in a Friday the 13th sequel. Spaceballs 2 Appearing as a guest on the Lets Talk Off Camera podcast with Kelly Ripa (via Variety), Josh Gad revealed he had to clue in Mel Brooks on the last 40 years of Star Wars movies before pitching Spaceballs 2. Mel is incredibly involved. Ill share a funny story that I havent yet shared. When we were pitching him the original conceit for what we wanted to do with the film, at the beginning he goes, Im just telling you now, I want you to really go into detail because I dont know a lot about the new Star Wars films. And I said, Okay. Its literally like, I am a combat vet just going to war in front of one person. Im sweating, I am getting into every line and every beat and every comedic set piece, every reveal. Im painting all of it, and Im speaking to how this speaks to a certain Star Wars moment. In response, Brooks told Gad it really sounds like youve got your finger on the pulse [of Star Wars], which the actor stated was the greatest compliment I could have ever gotten, even though theres no context for it for Mel. The Batman, Part II During a recent interview with Deadline at The Golden Globes, Matt Reeves stated hes really excited to get new people involved in The Batman, Part II which he feels people are going to be really surprised by. Additionally, filming is expected to begin later this year. Im really excited to be making it, and to get our cast back together, and to get new people involved I think, what Im excited about is I feel like were doing something that absolutely continues where the story came from, but is something that I hope that people are going to be really surprised by. The Substance 2 Meanwhile,Coralie Fargeat told Variety at the Golden Globes she doesnt see the need for a sequel to The Substance.No, the point of this movie is to bring fresh things to the world. No sequels, no prequels Im going to be so happy to bring something fresh to the world in a bit. Peter Pans Neverland Nightmare Peter Pan introduces himself in a new clip from Peter Pans Neverland Nightmare. Agatha All Along In conversation with TV Line, Kathryn Hahn stated she isnt personally done playing Agatha Harkness, but has no idea if Disney has additional plans for the character. Am I personally done with playing this witch? No. [However] Wed have to let the powers that be make those decisions.I am as in-the-dark as you are. Theres going to be a Vision show, so that could be of a trilogy [with WandaVision and Agatha All Along]. But who knows? The Penguin Finally, co-executive producer Dylan Clark confirmed there have been quiet conversations about a potential second season of The Penguin during a recent interview with TV Line. If we could come up with an idea for what a second season might be, theres a chance that [HBO CEO] Casey Bloys and the HBO team would want to pursue that. There have been quiet conversations about that. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, whats next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

Rev up your building experience with Legos latest masterpiece the Technic Bugatti Racing Car Set. This isnt just another brick in the wall; its a meticulously designed replica that captures the essence of one of the worlds most iconic hypercars, the Bugatti Bolide.Right now, you can grab this engineering marvel for $40, down from its regular price of $50. Thats a solid 20% off, saving you $10 on a set thats bound to provide hours of engaging building fun.See at AmazonWake up in a (Lego) BugattiThe yellow and black color scheme isnt just eye-catching. Its a faithful recreation of the Bolides iconic appearance. But what really sets this set apart is the fact that it has multiple working features. Young builders get to assemble a functioning W16 engine, complete with moving pistons that mirror the real thing. The steering system actually works, and those signature scissor doors? They open and close just like the real supercar.Perfect for budding engineers aged 9 and up, this set does more than just look good on a shelf (though it certainly does that too). Its a hands-on introduction to automotive engineering, teaching kids about mechanics and construction while they build. The attention to detail is impressive from the aerodynamic body design to the authentic sticker details that bring the model to life.The best part may very well be that this isnt just a toy. Its an educational tool disguised as a super cool car. Whether its destined for proud display in a kids room or hours of imaginative play, this Bugatti set delivers both style and substance. And at this price point, its an accessible way to own a piece of automotive history even if it is brick by brick.For any young gearhead or Lego enthusiast, this set offers the perfect blend of challenge and reward. Its detailed enough to engage experienced builders but not so complex that itll frustrate newcomers to the Technic line. And once its built? Youve got a stunning display piece thats sure to spark conversations and inspire future engineering dreams.So be sure to pop out and grab this Lego set while you still can, because at this new years lowest price, you can bet itll go out of style extremely quickly. Everyone loves being able to build small versions of things like cars, buildings, and setpieces from their favorite pop culture setpieces, and a Bugatti is a status symbol just about anyone can recognize.See at Amazon

The Price of Growth: Urban Sprawl and Sustainability in South Asian CitiesSave this picture!Dhaka, Bangladesh. Image UN Photo/Kibae ParkWith millions of residents flocking to metropolitans each year, South Asia is witnessing staggering levels of urban development. Growth brings economic prosperity and ecological strain as concrete jungles replace natural habitats. The region, home to countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, the Maldives, and Nepal, is faced with addressing contextual challenges when it comes to balancing urbanization with environmental sustainability. These negotiations are fairly nuanced, with a need to understand the economic, social, and political scenarios systematically in each country.Urban Sprawl in South AsiaSave this picture!South Asia's urbanization is a multifaceted phenomenon. Rural-to-urban migration, the primary driver for urbanization, has positively influenced economic opportunities, fast-paced industrialization, better standards of living, urban expansion and domestic and international investment. The influx has further led to a boom in construction activity. On the flip side of these benefits are the byproducts of urban sprawl. Related Article How to Plan and Manage Sustainable Urbanization in Fast-Growing Cities? The Global Future Cities Program In most South Asian cities, the demand for housing and infrastructure outpaces their capacity to plan and manage growth. Here, it is identified by low-density development, increased car dependency, and a gradual encroachment on natural ecosystems. Urban sprawl is a global concern; however, most developing countries struggle to productively deal with it. For instance, in Pakistan, urban development policies are tenuous and urban areas remain without certified boundaries, causing an unrestricted sprawl in major cities of the country. Surprisingly most of the urban sprawl has consistently taken place on fertile agricultural land in the peripheries of cities. Save this picture!In coastal metros like Mumbai, India, land reclamation projects that are aimed at expanding city boundaries have aggravated environmental degradation. These projects usually involve filling in wetlands and mangroves that lead to the loss of biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems and their functions. Loss of natural barriers along the coast affects the vulnerability of coastal cities and their communities to sea-level rise.Save this picture!The Mumbai Coastal Road project has received criticism for its detrimental impact on coastal regions of the city. Disruption of natural drainage systems leads to increased flooding and impacts of extreme weather events which presents risks to both human life and property. The project also disproportionately affects indigenous fishing communities, displacing them from their traditional livelihoods and altering their quality of life. Save this picture!Though one of the least populated countries in South Asia, Bhutan has seen compromised forest and agricultural land in the pursuit of constructing more hotels, buildings, and towns. The lack of agriculture is detrimental for the Bhutanese as it is their primary source for food, income, and jobs. However, only a small portion of Bhutan's land is suitable for productive progress due to heavy regulation on industrial resource extraction. Therefore, as urbanization increases, there is a risk of available land which leads to other issues such as sanitation, waste disposal, and clean water.The Green Ghettos of South AsiaSave this picture!South Asia's era of progress and urbanization is clearly resulting in unchecked expansion. Exemplified by cities like Dhaka, Bangladesh, urban growth has often prioritized the needs of the wealthy, resulting in a "green divide" where the benefits of sustainable development are unequally realized. In Delhi, India, high-rise apartments and luxury housing complexes often incorporate "green" features, but primarily serve the affluent, while the majority of the population is challenged with meeting basic needs like clean air and water. As renowned Bangladeshi architect Muzharul Islam observed, Dhaka's development has been "chaotic, inefficient, and visually ugly" primarily catering to the elite with areas like Gulshan and Dhanmandi showcasing this disparity. This exclusive development, encouraged by profit, neglects the needs of the vast majority of the population. This restriction negates the very essence of sustainable development, which must be inclusive and equitable.Save this picture!South Asia finds itself in the paradox of urbanization, balancing the weights of equitable and economic development. As cities like Bengaluru, Dhaka, and Colombo expand in size and population, the moment has arrived for a departure from profit-driven models of growth that prioritize corporations and the wealthy. Sustainable development, equitably distributed across all segments of society, is a goal that South Asia can pursue and set as a model for the world to follow.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorAnkitha GattupalliAuthorCite: Ankitha Gattupalli. "The Price of Growth: Urban Sprawl and Sustainability in South Asian Cities" 06 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025347/the-price-of-growth-urban-sprawl-and-sustainability-in-south-asian-cities&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

Simple Design Archive Gallery / HAS design and researchSave this picture! W WorkspaceGalleryHefei, ChinaArchitects: HAS design and researchAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:440 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:W Workspace Lead Architects: Jenchieh Hung, Kulthida Songkittipakdee More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. Simple Design Archive is a composite museum that collects contemporary Asian artworks and modern Northern European furniture. Located in Anhui, China, it is widely known for the famous Huangshan Mountain, whose picturesque mountain scenery leaves an impression as poetic as a painting, bringing people a sense of eternity and endless spiritual perception. This unique natural beauty has also influenced HAS Design and Research founders and architects, Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee, prompting them to create an infinite natural flow experience in this museum and art spaces.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The entrance of Simple Design Archive is different from conventional museums, which usually open directly to the outside. Due to the busy and noisy surrounding environment, Hung And Songkittipakdee (HAS) have set up nearly ten curved walls at the entrance, resembling landscape caves facing the sky. These walls not only block the noise from the external roads but also create an "echo chamber" courtyard inside the cave by gradually changing the height of the wall openings, becoming a poetic sound sanctuary.Save this picture!The echo chamber courtyard in front of the museum attracts insects and animals such as cicadas and birds from the natural environment during the day through the fragrant landscape greenery. This brings visitors a rich and diverse auditory feast and introduces a refreshing and natural micro-ecosystem to the noisy surroundings, providing city residents with a different sense of relaxation. In the afternoon, the curved walls block the harsh western sunlight, allowing partial sunlight to filter into the echo chamber courtyard, creating a sacred space reminiscent of a church. This adds a sense of extraordinary ritual to the otherwise mundane city life.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The internal space is influenced by the external architecture, with its curved walls extending from the outside to the inside, creating a dynamic and flowing effect that subtly merges the interior and exterior spaces. Visitors pass through the foyer to reach the curvy gallery, where the towering walls of the exterior seasonal skylight forest garden have no openings, except for a five-meter-high skylight. This forest area, in coordination with the movement of the sun, casts unique light and shadows on the seasonal trees below, giving the space a timeless and eternal feeling. On the other side, the art and materials library features continuous and unending walls that combine art collections with handcrafted wooden furniture, providing visitors with a relaxed and unpressured viewing experience.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Simple Design Archive uses continuous walls to distinguish between interior and exterior spaces, while also utilizing these walls as architectural elements for guiding, displaying, and storage functions. In this project, architects Jenchieh Hung and Kulthida Songkittipakdee strive to create a poetic sanctuary that seamlessly blends both exterior and interior spaces. It serves not only as a museum and collection space but also offers deeper spiritual healing and a sense of spatial belonging to people in the densely populated and busy city. This approach transcends the limitations of the architectural site, bringing a fresh impression of life to both the city and its users.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessProject locationAddress:Hefei, ChinaLocation to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.About this officePublished on January 06, 2025Cite: "Simple Design Archive Gallery / HAS design and research" 06 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025279/simple-design-archive-gallery-has-design-and-research&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

Quantum Computing Remains Experimental Despite 2024 Advances: ForresterBy John P. Mello Jr.January 6, 2025 5:00 AM PT ADVERTISEMENTQuality Leads That Turn Into DealsFull-service marketing programs from TechNewsWorld deliver sales-ready leads. Segment by geography, industry, company size, job title, and more. Get Started Now. Quantum computing made significant strides in 2024, but its yet to demonstrate a practical advantage over classical digital computers, according to a recent trends report released by Forrester Research.Despite improvements in qubit count, coherence time, and gate fidelity, the technology remains experimental, with broad-scale applications likely still a decade away, maintained the report written by Forrester Vice President for Emerging Technologies Brian Hopkins and Principal Analyst David Mooter, with Stephanie Balaouras, Mike Gualtieri, Charlie Dai, James McGlynn, and Jen Barton.Key developments in optimization, quantum simulation, and quantum machine learning show promise for specific industries like finance and pharmaceuticals, yet challenges such as high error rates and scalability persist, the analysts added.Roger A. Grimes, author of Cryptography Apocalypse: Preparing for the Day When Quantum Computing Breaks Todays Crypto, published by Wiley, acknowledged that practical, usable quantum computers havent made a public appearance yet, but some useful applications of quantum have been deployed, such as quantum random number generators, networks, sensors, and all sorts of other devices.No one has publicly shown a problem solved by a quantum computer that is super usable in the real world, he told TechNewsWorld. Today, your wristwatch has more power than what we have in quantum computers. But that is changing. We are making steady progress, and the day when quantum computers turn into sufficiently-capable quantum computers is not far away.Quantum Solving Problems NowTrevor Lanting, chief development officer at D-Wave Systems in Vancouver, B.C., Canada, agreed that gate-model quantum computing has not yet demonstrated a practical quantum advantage but pointed out that annealing quantum computing is delivering value over classical computing today.Gate-model quantum computers use quantum logic gates to perform operations on qubits, similar to how classical computers use logic gates to perform operations with digital bits. The gate model is more suitable for general-purpose computing, while annealing quantum computing is more narrowly focused on optimization problems, such as workforce scheduling and portfolio optimization.D-Wave has been using annealing quantum technology in a hybrid solution to solve complex optimization problems. For example, it was able to optimize the mobile network resources of Japans largest telecom provider, NTT Docomo, in 40 seconds, compared to 27 hours using classical methods.Forresters report predicted that gate-based quantum computing platforms will likely remain experimental for 10 to 15 years, a prediction that Lanting agrees with. However, annealing quantum computing which is uniquely suited for solving complex optimization problems is here now, he told TechNewsWorld.Optimization problems are everywhere from workforce scheduling to vehicle routing and D-Waves annealing quantum computers are already delivering measurable results for customers, he said.Lanting maintained that D-Waves technology helped Pattison Food Group, a Canadian grocery chain, reduce an 80-hour scheduling task to just 15 hours an 80% time savings and at the Port of Los Angeles, working with SavantX, cargo handling efficiency was improved by 60%.These arent theoretical use cases, he said. Theyre real businesses solving real problems right now with quantum and hybrid quantum computing.Optimization Apps Will Lead WayWhile D-Waves annealing platform has been touted by the company for years as superior to gate-based solutions for optimization problems, Forrester pointed out that those claims were challenged in 2024.Q-CTRL has challenged D-Waves claim by using IBMs gate-based quantum computers to outperform D-Wave for an optimization problem, the analysts wrote. Gate-based algorithms offer the potential for greater solution speedups as qubit counts and quality increase.This makes Q-CTRLs claim an interesting challenge to D-Waves self-proclaimed lead in optimization, they continued.Optimization is an important application for quantum computing because it matters to most industries, Forrester noted. For finance, representative areas include risk modeling, trading strategy optimization, asset pricing optimization, and portfolio optimization, it explained. Health care use cases include optimizing radiotherapy treatments, generating targeted cancer drug therapies, and creating protein models, it added. And for energy, use cases include energy exploration, seismic survey optimization, reserve and spot trading optimization, and reservoir optimization.In the near term, if quantum is going to go beyond experimentation and generate a return on investment for users, its going to be through optimization tools, explained Erik Garcell, director of quantum enterprise development for North America for Classiq, a global quantum computer software maker.Optimization offers more near-term benefits because it scales so well on quantum computers, he told TechNewsWorld. Even having a few quantum resources, you know, 100 qubits on your quantum chip, means a lot for that kind of problem.The bigger the problem, the harder it is for a classical computer to solve, he continued, but that many more resources arent needed for a quantum computer because of how it scales. So, youre going to actually see applications in quantum for very large optimization problems that are causing classical computers to chug.Quantum Machine Learning Shows Signs of LifeGrimes, though, contends focusing on optimization can be too limiting for quantum. Optimization completely rules out the chances of brand-new advancements, he said. Im not sure if quantum is like the AI world, but it is getting the same sort of feel.It really feels like we are possibly on the cusp of tremendous, sudden improvement, he continued. There are so many organizations making steady improvement. It seems strange to me to think that not one of those vendors out of the thousands wouldnt make a substantial breakthrough.Another 2024 quantum breakthrough cited by the Forrester analysts is the emergence of quantum machine learning. They explained that quantum-as-a-service (QaaS) has expanded access to quantum computing, enabling breakthroughs in quantum machine learning. Researchers are now developing quantum neural networks, quantum support vector machines, and quantum algorithms for complex tasks like image and natural language processing.These advancements are pushing the boundaries of what machine learning can achieve, making it a critical area of growth, they wrote. Training AI models on classical computers is time-intensive and computationally expensive, especially with deep learning networks, observed Skip Sanzeri, co-founder and COO of QuSecure, a maker of quantum-safe security solutions, in San Mateo, Calif.Using an algorithm like the Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm, along with other quantum enhancements like gradient descent, could speed up the training of machine learning models by orders of magnitude, he told TechNewsWorld.Sanzeri also pointed out that AI on classical systems is not exponentially scalable, so classical machines tend to struggle with combinatorial problems like optimization. Since quantum computers are exponential in nature, they will be able to handle these combinatorial problems much better, he explained.Quantum algorithms can also be used to process and analyze large data sets more efficiently using the Quantum Fourier Transform, leading to faster insights and real-time decision-making, he noted.Generative AI models, too, can be challenging for classical computing systems, he added. Superposition and entanglement quantum properties can be used to generate data distributions more efficiently and accurately, he said.Preparation for Quantum Threats Becoming UrgentAs quantum advances push the boundaries of what machine learning can achieve, theyre also driving a focus on quantum security. With NIST [the U.S. Department of Commerces National Institute of Standards and Technology] setting standards for quantum-resistant algorithms, the need to safeguard data against future quantum threats is becoming more urgent, the Forrester analysts wrote.They added that cryptography and machine learning hold substantial potential, but their benefits remain years away. Shors algorithm could one day break todays PKI cryptography, they noted, although this is likely a decade or more in the future.Sanzeri disagreed with Forrester. With the use of ever increasingly powerful AI, combined with other breakthroughs in the quantum computing industry like Googles Willow chip we could see that 10-year time frame getting cut in half, he argued.Meanwhile, Grimes cautioned that government intelligence agencies working to break quantum-susceptible encryption dont need a fully-capable quantum computer to break todays cryptography. They will make quantum devices that are specialized in breaking encryption, just like they do with todays regular non-quantum encryption breaking, he said.The NSA isnt using laptops, servers, and regular cloud computing to break crypto, he continued. They use specialized crypto-devices, maximized for crypto-breaking efficiency. Certainly, they are doing the exact same thing with quantum cracking. It would be insane to do anything else if I was in their shoes. He also warned about using Shors algorithm, created in 1994, as a benchmark for what kind of quantum power is needed to crack PKI cryptography. I think there is a good chance that the U.S. government has access to another algorithm that is far more efficient than Shors, he contended. If youre fixated on Shor as the standard to meet, youre probably not focused on the right algorithm.Even if a quantum solution that can crack PKI is 10 years away, the time to act on that possibility is now, declared Tomas Gustavsson, chief PKI officer at Keyfactor, a digital identity management company, in Cleveland. A decade is a short time for this type of migration, as it is an immense undertaking, he told TechNewsWorld.We need to act now for the migration to be completed in a decade. Organizations must not start in a decade, Gustavsson said. So, when saying that a practical Shors algorithm is at least a decade away, Forrester is reiterating what NIST and others are saying. I also hope its at least a decade away. If not, we are in trouble.Winter of Quantum Investor Discontent?Despite quantums promise, Forrester predicts a winter setting in on investment in the technology. Although the number of quantum computing deals hit a record in 2023, investment dollar totals peaked in 2021 and have declined sharply since as generative AI excitement has claimed investor funding, Forresters analysts wrote.They added that geopolitical pressures, like vendors in China transferring their IP to academia, are also at play. This will put pressure on startups, causing many to seek exits with little to show, they noted.On the plus side, the investment winter will delay the time when quantum computing platforms become powerful enough for mainstream use, which means a delay of Y2Q: the day when quantum computers break state-of-the-art asymmetric cryptography, the analysts reasoned.However, they warned about procrastinating about Y2Q. Although this development may buy more time to implement post-quantum encryption, they urged security leaders to begin planning now on how to protect against harvest now, decrypt later vulnerabilities, where encrypted data is gobbled up by adversaries now with an eye on decrypting it later with a quantum computer. Forresters glum weather forecast isnt shared by everyone. Growth estimates for the quantum computing market by industry forecasters range from a low CAGR of 27.04% over the next eight years to a high CAGR of 32.7% over the next five years, growing from slightly over a billion dollar market in 2024 to US$6.95 billion to $16.22 billion market in the early 2030s.We would not expect a quantum winter but may see the same level of investment or increased investment in 2025, Sanzeri predicted. There has been significant progress in quantum computing in 2024 with some breakthroughs that are fundamental. We cannot find a reason why there would be at least the same level of investment in 2025 as in 2024.The recent relative downturn in quantum investment is really just a factor of the original, overstated quantum hype dying down at the same time as AI took off, added Grimes. Quantum will have plenty of investment, and as the steady improvements turn into sufficiently-capable quantum computers, the needed investment will flood back. Im not concerned.John P. Mello Jr. has been an ECT News Network reporter since 2003. His areas of focus include cybersecurity, IT issues, privacy, e-commerce, social media, artificial intelligence, big data and consumer electronics. He has written and edited for numerous publications, including the Boston Business Journal, the Boston Phoenix, Megapixel.Net and Government Security News. Email John.Leave a CommentClick here to cancel reply. Please sign in to post or reply to a comment. New users create a free account.More by John P. 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