$95 million is a headline-making number, especially when it comes as a result of a proposed class action lawsuit settlement in which claimants accused Apple of unlawfully surveilling them through Siri and other Apple devices. If the settlement is approved by the district court in Oakland, California, overseeing the case, people who owned a Siri between September 17, 2014, and December 31, 2024, and who believe they experienced an unintended Siri activation, will be able to file a claim for $20 as compensation. The lawsuit began in 2019 after a Guardian investigation in which a whistleblower came forward to allege countless instances in which Apple devices, including Siri and the Apple Watch, had inadvertently listened in on users. At the time, Apple had staffed numerous third-party contractors to listen to the devices, which included the inadvertently obtained data though it claimed this was only for purposes of improving them, not, as many litigants alleged, selling the data to advertisers. The company quickly stopped the practice, though not before public debate about whether Siri was really spying on its users became widespread. After all, this wouldnt be the first time a tech company had been accused of audio surveilling its users without their knowledge or consent. Not only that, but a nearly identical lawsuit concerning Googles Voice Assistant, filed in the same court and likely to result in a similar settlement, is waiting in the wings. Whats happening with all of these audio devices? Are Amazon and Microsoft listening in as well? And does this all actually constitute a serious breach of privacy?The answers to these questions are simultaneously simple and complicated. The experts Vox spoke with to find out more told us that the public outcry over Siris data collection may all be much ado about, relatively, nothing. Ah, but its the relativity thats the concerning part. The reason Siris data collection may not matter in the bigger picture isnt because its not potentially harmful or unethical.Its because its just a drop in the bucket.We probably wont know the extent of Apples audio surveillanceThe ongoing anxiety over the potentially invasive practices of large tech companies like Apple and Google may have distorted our understanding of what the Apple lawsuit is about. Alex Hamerstone, a cybersecurity consultant for the security consultancy TrustedSec, told Vox that the lawsuit may be projecting a lot of peoples concerns about the overall surveillance state.In other words, what feels like its a major referendum a chance to hold major tech companies accountable for a major privacy violation is really what Hamerstone described as a niche case.The way Siri and similar smart assistant devices are supposed to work is that you use a wake phrase to activate them like, Hey, Siri. The problem is that Apple devices (and, allegedly, those of other tech companies including Google and Amazon) can be activated inadvertently in any number of ways, and users havent always known when those activations have occurred. The lawsuit against Apple alleges that not only was its unauthorized listening a deceptive business practice, the impact involved multiple instances in which Apple violated confidentiality laws as well as the privacy of minors. The Guardians 2019 investigation reported that Siri had allegedly unlawfully recorded everything from confidential doctors visits to illegal drug deals to couples having sex. In the Apple lawsuit, claimants point out that Apple, in a 2018 letter to Congress, had stated in no uncertain terms that Siri would never be activated without users express consent arguably a boldfaced lie. But Apple continued to protest that it hadnt violated the letter of its privacy contract with consumers. While Apple did acknowledge to the Guardian that it made inadvertent recordings and passed a small portion of these unauthorized recordings on to its third-party contractors, it never clarified whether it sold any of that data to advertisers, which was one of the biggest allegations made by consumers in the class action lawsuit. There is a widespread belief that these devices are listening to you, Cindy Cohn, executive director of the Electronic Frontiers Foundation, told Vox. People think Facebooks listening to you, all sorts of things are listening to you, and theyre placing ads based upon what they hear.As it stands, were not likely to find out if thats true. As the lawsuit against Apple moved forward, it seemed possible that we would; the court had found as recently as 2021 that the targeted advertising claims ... are rendered plausible by the unique nature of oral communications. In other words, the court was sympathetic to the view that the private conversations you have are unique; it shouldnt be possible for you to receive advertising based on those conversations unless your privacy has been violated in a major way.Under the terms of the proposed settlement, however, Apple doesnt admit liability not for recording users without their explicit consent to begin with, nor for any potential misuse of those recordings. And without a trial to force its hand, the company most likely wont have to disclose what it did with all that data. The upshot for all of us is that Apple claims that they did get these accidental recordings, and they used them to make the system better, but that they didnt use it for other things, Cohn told Vox. And we arent going to know the answer to that ... I would say at the end of this case, were no closer to learning whether thats true than we were at the beginning.Its worth noting that existing US surveillance and technology laws havent always kept up with the emergence of smart devices. When a similar lawsuit was brought against Samsung and others in 2017 for unlawfully recording its users on its smart TVs, a New Jersey federal court ultimately dismissed it on a technicality though the court also seemed skeptical of the ephemeral nature of the suits allegations. After the lawsuit was dismissed in 2018, a new civil suit was brought against it; that case is still making its convoluted way through the courts. As for the forthcoming Google lawsuit, its so similar to the Apple one that it will likely have a similar outcome.One reason its hard to pin down tech companies for these types of violations in the legal system is that the nature of laws against, for example, wiretapping rely on an outdated understanding of the tech in question. So much information security these days is contractual and regulatory, Hamerstone told Vox. The legislation has not kept up with the speed of technology.Another reason is that its hard to know whats been taken from you in this situation; since (as the court noted) Apple was the one in possession of the intercepted recordings, the claimants struggled to articulate what exactly had been intercepted. Cohn noted that Apple had deleted many of the recordings in question, which made it even harder for the lawsuit to move forward effectively.Another reason the lawsuit may have faced difficulty is that its hard to claim you havent consented to having your data collected in one way when youve likely unwittingly consented to having it collected in so many others. Your phone doesnt need to listen to youCohn emphasized to Vox that Apples insistence that it wasnt intentionally illegally surveilling users was probably true because, after all, why would it need to?Thats a labor-intensive, compute-expensive thing to do to track us when theyve got this cornucopia of completely legal, easy to do, low-computational ways of surveilling all of us, she said.I think people are just unaware of how much of a profile marketers and companies have on each of us and how much data were sharing, Hamerstone told Vox. Generally we agree to do it through these end user license agreements ... even if you could get through the legalese, its just impossible to read that many words. Through the use of metadata like cookies on websites, and your daily purchases, media consumption, and behaviors, companies can find out more about you than you ever realized. They can engage in highly complex predictive algorithmic marketing that makes you feel spied upon. Even when you might think youre just sharing that information in a private conversation that your Alexa just happened to overhear, you could be sharing it in numerous other ways without realizing it.Everything is just constantly being collected about us and put in databases, Hamerstone said. Your phone doesnt need to listen to you. It knows what youre likely to buy and all these other things because of all the other data that we have about everybody.The good news is your phone probably isnt listening to you in the way that youre afraid it is, Cohn said. The bad news is that doesnt really matter in terms of [marketers] ability to place these uncanny ads and make you feel like youre being watched all the time.In case this all makes you feel a bit hunted, youre not alone; browsers that emphasize privacy control have grown in popularity in recent years. Cohn was adamant that we need legal protection and that the onus shouldnt be on individuals to try to protect themselves from the ever-encroaching reach of data collection into our lives. All your devices should come with privacy protections that just work and you dont have to think about it, Cohn said.Cohn also stressed the need for increased privacy laws, more protections for consumers, and an updated legal system that can more readily handle these types of lawsuits. She pointed out that the Apple lawsuit had to go through a lot of hoops that it shouldnt have had to go through and shouldnt have taken four years just to result in a settlement. We need a comprehensive privacy law thats got real teeth that empowers people to sue, she said. The important next step, she said, is to create laws that address not only what the tech companies could be doing with our data, but the invasive things theyre doing already. We need to simplify things for these privacy cases and we need to expand the reach of [the law] to include metadata ... rather than just having these cases where were trying to push the edge.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:

Nintendo Switch 2 leaks continue, and this time it's case manufacturer Genki which has seemingly revealed when the console will launch here's all we know so farTech13:39, 08 Jan 2025Updated 13:41, 08 Jan 2025Nintendo Switch 2 is coming, but when?We're starting to feel for Nintendo at this point. The Switch 2 is one of our most anticipated gaming releases for 2025, but while the company has promised an announcement is coming, leaks have been stealing its thunder.We're expecting a reveal before the end of March, but recent weeks have revealed it'll likely use AI upscaling for 4K visuals, have new magnetic Joy-Con controllers, and we may even know one of the launch games.Now, one case manufacturer may have accidently revealed when the Switch 2 will launch, too. Honestly, we're ready for the full reveal from Nintendo now.Content cannot be displayed without consentOver on X (formerly Twitter), Nicolas Lellouche of French outlet Numerama has shared what appears to be a 'dummy unit' of a Switch 2, and says Genki claims to have a Switch 2 already.It's not often a manufacturer is so verbose in their discussions about a product that's still not been revealed, but Genki has apparently tipped the new console for an April 2025 release.As always, a pinch of salt is required if Nintendo has given Genki information about the Switch 2, there's every chance they shouldn't be telling the world about it, let alone that they have the console, but stranger things have happened.While gamers are desperate for news on the latest console, it's clear that messaging around the system could be starting to get away from Nintendo. Here's hoping the House of Mario is able to officially pull back the curtain soon to show the Switch 2 in the best possible light.Article continues belowFor more on handheld consoles, be sure to check out why your next system should be a Steam Deck OLED.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.RECOMMENDED

UK physical game sales plummet in 2024 as EA Sports FC 25 tops chartsAdam StarkeyPublished January 8, 2025 1:25pmUpdated January 8, 2025 1:26pm The UK still loves football, it turns out (EA)The demise of physical games accelerated significantly last year in the UK, as overall game revenue also took a hit.Physical game sales have been on a steady decline over the past decade, with some high-profile games like Hellblade 2 and Alan Wake 2 having ditched boxed copies altogether.The growing dominance of digital can also be seen with the digital-only versions of the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X consoles, and while there has been some pushback against an all-digital future with specialist sites like Limited Run, the demise of physical games now feels inevitable.This tracks with new UK sales data, which shows 2024 was a significant turning point in the decline of physical sales.According to data from the Entertainment Retailers Association, which is based on figures from Nielsen, India, and GSD, video game revenue in the UK dropped 4.4% last year, to 4.6 billion.As reported by Chris Dring, this drop primarily stems from a collapse in physical game revenue in the country, with only 324.4 million generated by sales of boxed games in 2024. This is a drop of nearly 35% when compared to 2023.When you compare these numbers with digital, the difference is massive. In 2024, the digital market generated 4.29 billion through console, PC, mobile, and tablet game sales, which was only a 1% drop year-over-year. The PS5 Pro is digital-only too (Sony Interactive Entertainment)Among these digital figures, PC download sales were down 5%, console downloads were down 15%, while mobile and tablet gaming rose by 2.6%.Interestingly, subscription revenue went up 12%, which could be due to a boost in subscriber numbers, or simply because services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass bumped up their prices over the past year.Overall, this means the video game market will place behind film and video in the UK for the second consecutive year, when previously it used to be out in front.The decline of physical is best reflected in the UKs best-selling game for 2024, EA Sports FC 25, which sold 2.9 million copies. According to the data, 80% of the games sales were via digital stores.While this paints a bleak picture for the future of physical games, ERA boss Kim Bayley suggests the format will still be significant moving forward, stating: After the breakneck growth of recent years, it is no surprise that the market has slowed down, but it remains a giant.Despite the attractions of digital business models to developers, we believe physical still has a role to play.More TrendingPart of the problem with sales in 2024 is that there simply werent very many big name games, particularly in the normally busy autumn period. 2025 shouldnt have that problem though, with GTA 6 and Nintendos next console both expected to launch later this year. Can GTA 6 turn the tide? (Rockstar)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

Attention all Android-heads. The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is on sale. Right now, you can get the sixth generation flippable smartphone for $150 off. The online exclusive colors of crafted black, peach, and white along with yellow are all also going for an extra $100 off. That means you can get one for as low as $900. And on top of that, Samsung is running a trade-in promotion in which if you hand over your old phone, you can put that credit toward your purchase of the Galaxy Flip 6. That credit can go as high as $700, so technically, you can get the Flip 6 for as low as $200.See at SamsungThese foldable phones are on their sixth generation now, so if youve been holding out not wanting to be an early adopter until a few updates have come, well then now is a good time to dip in.Better with Galaxy AIThe Samsung Galaxy Flip 6 now has an integrated Galaxy AI to help complete simple tasks and send texts without even opening your phone. The Galaxy AI also works to power FlexCam, a camera feature that helps you perfectly frame stunning photos before capturing. If youre standing in front of a huge famous landmark like the Eiffel Tower, just yourself or with a group of friends, you phone can intuitively crop and shift to keep the whole group and the landscape in the shot.Note Assist, also powered by Galaxy AI, can summarize audio files in the blink of an eye to help you quickly get the gist without spending time you do not have.The phone is also equipped with a hand translator. Because of Galaxy AI, you can talk to someone in another language and have fluent conversations with them face-to-face with the help of live translations both of you can see.Hows the Camera and Other Specs?The Flip 6 phone makes use of a 10 MP front and cover camera, as well as a 50 MP wide-angle and 10 MP telephoto lens on the back.The Galaxy Z Flip 6 comes in with a battery capacity of 4,000 mAh. With that, youll get approximately 68 hours of listening time and still up to 23 hours of watching time.The outside screen is fully customizable, as is the inside screen. Personalize your cover to your liking with wallpapers than change based on time and weather.Right now, you can grab the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 for $1,000, or $900 in the online exclusive colors. You can also save another $700 on top of that when trading in your old phone. That means you can get the Flip 6 for as low as $200.See at Samsung

Coralie Fargeat teases whats next for her afterThe Substance.Scream 7 starts production. Plus, whats coming on the nextGhosts, and get a look at a creepy new killer smart house series coming to Netflix,Cassandra. Spoilers, away! Star Wars: Dawn of the Jedi In conversation with MovieWeb, James Mangold discussed why he wanted to set hisStar Wars movie tens of thousands of years before the Skywalker Saga.The Star Wars movie would be taking place 25,000 years before any known Star Wars movies takes place. Its an area and a playground that Ive always [wanted to explore] and that I was inspired by as a teenager. Im not that interested in being handcuffed by so much lore at this point that its almost immovable, and you cant please anybody. Untitled Coralie Fargeat Project Speaking with Variety, Coralie Fargeat stated her next movie will be totally different from The Substance, but with a lot of similarities, too.For now Im not discussing anything. Im just enjoying the moment and taking some time as I really want to write my next project, she told Variety. Its slowly starting to be put in motion in the back of my brain and when things calm down Ill take it from there. Its going to be totally different [than The Substance] but with a lot of similarities. I love to make bold and surprising films with things that you dont expect, so definitely thats what I want to do. And I love the freedom that I gave myself for this film and thats certainly something I want to keep doing. Scream 7 Filming is officially underway on Scream 7, according to Kevin Williamson on Instagram. Dog Man Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, and Pete Davidson discuss voicing their Dog Man characters in a new featurette. House of the Dragon During a recent interview with CBS,Tom Glynn-Carney stated well see a different version of King Aegon when House of the Dragon returns for a third season. Hes on a new chapter. I think hes a way more focused, driven version of Aegon that weve seen. I havent yet read the season 3 scripts, so its difficult to say what the writers have discussed, what theyve decided on. Im assured theres a lot to come. Ive had a little chat about the arc and how excited I should be about taking it on. I think well see a different version of him, which is quite exciting. Ghosts Spoiler TV has a synopsis for The Not-So-Silent Partner, the January 30 episode of Ghosts. Click through for images. Sam and Jay are forced to cover when Mark demands to meet the silent investor in Jays restaurant who has been holding up construction, on the CBS Original series GHOSTS, Thursday, Jan. 30 (8:30-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs)*. Cassandra A smart home from the 1970s is reactivated after a new family moves inhowever, this seemingly harmless household robot combines an antiquated worldview with dark intentions in the trailer for Cassandra, a German Sci-fi series coming to Netflix this February 6. 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.

The Anker Solix C200 Power Bank Station is all about easy, reliable, portable power. This compact powerhouse packs a massive 60,000mAh (192Wh) capacity into a design thats 39% smaller than comparable units, making it a great companion for everything from outdoor adventures to emergency backup power. You can rest easy knowing it has your back throughout any situation, and it wont cost you an arm and a leg.See at AmazonFor a limited time, you can grab this versatile power station for just $100, down from its original price of $170 at Amazon. Thats a substantial 41% discount, putting $70 back in your pocket. Its really exceptional value for a power station that offers high-capacity storage as well as fast-charging capabilities.Substantial portable power for a small priceRight now, theres a winter storm hammering the midwest, and its left many without power. This portable unit could be a game-changer if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, and you very well could. Thats one huge reason we cant help but suggest you get one to be ready.This power station has five charging ports, including a powerful 140W two-way USB-C port that can fast-charge laptops and other demanding devices. The LiFePO4 battery has a 3,000-cycle lifespan too, so you can be sure youll be able to use this bad boy for at least a couple of years to come. It can power your computer, phone, appliances, and much more in case you find that youre needing them.The C200s rapid charging capability is useful, too. It can reach 80% capacity in just 1.3 hours using the PD 3.1 USB-C port. For extended off-grid use, its compatible with 100W solar panels (sold separately), offering sustainable power wherever your adventures take you. The comprehensive 3-year warranty provides peace of mind for this investment in portable power.Whether youre a digital nomad needing reliable power for your devices, an outdoor enthusiast planning extended trips, or someone who wants a robust backup power solution, the Solix C200 serves up professional-grade power in a travel-friendly package.Your job? Be sure to grab yours before its no longer on sale. At this lowest price, you can bet it wont stick around for long. You want to make sure you and your family have electricity and warmth this winter, so dont sleep on a deal thatll make sure you have just that even in the most dire of situations. You never know when disaster will strike, so its always a good idea to be prepared.See at Amazon

Straw, Earth and Bamboo: Innovative Use of Natural Materials in 2024 Projects from the Global SouthPresented by:Save this picture!Chaki Wasi, Artisanal Center of the Shalal Community / La Cabina de la Curiosidad JAG StudioSustainability has been a central theme in architectural discussions for years, encompassing not only the professions role in combating climate change and transitioning to low-carbon economies but also preserving cultural heritage and celebrating vernacular traditions. In 2024, a wave of projects and studies stood out for their innovative use of natural materials, particularly in the Global South. These initiatives skillfully blend creativity and technology with renewable resources, demonstrating how architecture can deliver high-quality spaces that align with contemporary demands for sustainability and environmental responsibility.In many regions of Asia, Africa, and Latin America, natural materials such as bamboo, earth, wood, and straw play a crucial role in construction, crafts, agriculture, and energy production, seamlessly adapting to local climates and needs. For example, the Berber houses of Morocco, built from earth, demonstrate the versatility and efficiency of these materials in both hot and cold climates. Beyond their practical applications, these resources carry profound cultural significance, reinforcing the identity and autonomy of the communities that use them.Save this picture!However, challenges persist. In 2024, the extraction and use of natural materials are increasingly strained by deforestation, overexploitation of resources, and rapid urbanization. Many communities that produce these materials face barriers such as limited access to technologies and investments that could improve the efficiency and sustainability of their practices. Strengthening public policies to support sustainable resource management and recognizing the value of traditional knowledge are critical steps. Equally important is addressing social biases about natural building materials durability and maintenance needs, as seen in ongoing discussions about practices in India.Natural materials are increasingly recognized as a sustainable and strategic solution for the future. They promote environmental preservation while strengthening local economies and cultures. By combining tradition with innovation, this approach offers creative ways to tackle the challenges of contemporary environmental and social crises, proving that it is possible to achieve development while respecting the environment.Save this picture!Given the complexity of this topic, we have highlighted three natural materials that stood out in 2024 through articles and medium- to large-scale projects built in countries of the Global South.StrawStraw blends tradition and sustainability. It is often used in roofs and insulating walls due to its low cost, abundance, and thermal efficiency. It has long been a staple in traditional buildings, such as those in the African Sahel and the Andes, and continues to play a key role in contemporary bioconstruction projects in Brazil and Southeast Asia. Straw is also valued for supporting a circular economy by repurposing agricultural waste. In 2024, its use expanded into interior design, where its flexibility allows for several decorative patterns that enhance indoor spaces. This modern application of straw reflects a return to past techniques, like those used in African vernacular huts, underscoring its significance in bioclimatic architecture and its social role in weaving.Save this picture!It is also worth noting that technical advancements have significantly expanded the potential of straw in contemporary projects, positioning it as an accessible and sustainable solution for the housing and environmental challenges of 2024. One such example, discussed in the article, highlighted the use of straw wall panels and modular construction. These innovations enhance the material's strength and efficiency, making it suitable for large-scale applications across diverse climatic conditions.Chaki Wasi, Artisanal Center of the Shalal Community / La Cabina de la CuriosidadSave this picture!Wood / BambooWood, traditionally used in structures, walls, and finishes, is prized for its durability and aesthetic appeal, especially in tropical regions of Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. In 2024, discussions focused on industrialized wood construction techniques that enhance its flexibility and adaptability. These innovations not only expand the material's potential but also elevate wood as a central element in decarbonizing the construction industry.Save this picture!Bamboo, often referred to as "vegetable steel," is prized for its lightness, flexibility, and strength, making it especially valuable in earthquake-prone regions like Indonesia and India. Throughout the year, numerous articles focused on its construction techniques, adaptation to contemporary design, and its social role in empowering communities and fostering respect for nature.AYURU the Forest Temple / Atelier Marko BrajovicSave this picture!Luna Beach Club / Inspiral Architecture and Design StudiosSave this picture!The Lovers - Clan Living / Ruang NyamanSave this picture!Center for Inclusive Growth & Competitiveness for Tapmi/ The Purple Ink Studio / The Purple Ink StudioSave this picture!EarthThe use of earth in construction is an ancient practice that remains highly relevant due to its abundance, low cost, and excellent thermal efficiency. Techniques such as adobe, rammed earth, and cob are widely used across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, adapting to diverse climates and cultures. In 2024, articles explored the materials technical qualities and various applications, emphasizing its exceptional thermal insulation and moisture-regulating properties, which make it particularly well-suited for hot and dry climates.Save this picture!Additionally, its use has been redefined by architects and bioconstruction movements that combine this ancient technique with technological innovations, creating materials such as natural clay plaster that prioritize sustainability and minimal environmental impact. In this context, an interview with Worofila, a studio based in Dakar, Senegal, dedicated to bioclimatic and ecological architecture, highlights their exploration of vernacular materials like earth bricks and typha. By applying modern techniques, the studio develops effective and sustainable construction solutions.Interactive Living Museum Yatiyawi / Samuel HilariSave this picture!dot.ateliers | Ogbojo / DeRoch StrohmayerSave this picture!Chonburi Multi-Purpose Building / SUPHASIDHSave this picture!This article is part of the ArchDaily Topics: Year in Review, presented by Gira.Minimalism with character and clear shapes reduced to the essentials. The Gira design lines are suitable for a variety of furnishing styles, in different colours and materials. With the introduction of the Gira E2 light grey recycled material, Gira is setting a strong example for sustainability and innovation in switch design.Every month we explore a topic in-depth through articles, interviews, news, and architecture projects. We invite you to learn more about our ArchDaily Topics. And, as always, at ArchDaily we welcome the contributions of our readers; if you want to submit an article or project, contact us.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorCamilla GhisleniAuthorCite: Ghisleni, Camilla. "Straw, Earth and Bamboo: Innovative Use of Natural Materials in 2024 Projects from the Global South" [Palha, terra e bambu: Uso inovador de materiais naturais em projetos do Sul Global em 2024] 08 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. (Trans. Simes, Diogo) Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025081/straw-earth-and-bamboo-innovative-use-of-natural-materials-in-2024-projects-from-the-global-south&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

Pyramid Hut / IGArchitectsSave this picture! Ooki JinguHousesOkinawa, JapanArchitects: IGArchitectsAreaArea of this architecture projectArea:83 mYearCompletion year of this architecture project Year: 2024 PhotographsPhotographs:Ooki Jingu Lead Architects: IGArchitects, Masato Igarashi Construction: FUN SHARE Ltd., Yukimitsu Shimoji More SpecsLess SpecsSave this picture!Text description provided by the architects. This residence was designed for a married couple. It is on a long, narrow site that slopes gently toward the back, and its three sides are surrounded by apartments and a cemetery, so the location feels like the bottom of a valley. The adjacent cemetery was like a forest, with plants crossing over into the site and blurring the boundary, making the site itself look like part of the cemetery. Having these site features, an "Okinawa-like" building style with large openings seemed somehow inappropriate for this location. Here, we envisioned a bright, open architecture while keeping a distance from its surroundings.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!We envisioned a building with a dignified appearance with a bright and austere interior free from external influences. Such architecture has the power and the quality of space that architecture possesses even after its original purpose ends and can remain there for a long time. For this project too, we wanted to build an architecture that will be loved and used over time, even after the owner or its function changes.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!The gently sloped site was organized into three levels for the living platform, the stepped earth retaining walls were used as two rows of foundation lining, and a square pyramid was placed reminiscent of a portable shrine. The square pyramid lifted from the hard Ryukyu limestone layer has a powerful form that will continue to stand there as if it were perched on clogs, even if the surrounding earth were to erode. The closed pyramid is not only structurally stable but also private and dignified. While providing functional support points in response to the site, opening the foundation and roof surface was to a limited extent, creating a peaceful space without losing the stable form.Save this picture!Save this picture!The interior space has a simple composition. The first level consists of a bathroom and entrance to efficiently gather plumbing, the next level which is stepped 1m down is a living/dining room and a study, and the third level at the back has a bedroom and other private spaces. The house was designed to create a living space within easy reach of wooden material under a skylight inside a concrete mass like a ruin.Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Save this picture!Old tombs in Okinawa are very splendid. They are designed to withstand Okinawa's harsh climate and endure for generations. They provide a function as places of gathering, celebration, and reverence and a "home" for the ancestors, with the ancient wisdom, will and culture to be able to use them for a long time. The building that we designed and completed came out looking somewhat like a pyramid or a tomb. The shape of the building was derived from considerations of Okinawa's climate, wind and rain, the surrounding environment, and the budget. However, when I saw the completed structure, it felt as though it was imbued with the sense of permanence and festivity that Okinawa's ancestors instilled in their tombs. Although the form may seem bizarre, this concrete house resulted in a graceful Okinawan character.Save this picture!Project gallerySee allShow lessAbout this officeIGArchitectsOfficeMaterialsGlassConcreteMaterials and TagsPublished on January 08, 2025Cite: "Pyramid Hut / IGArchitects" 08 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025438/pyramid-hut-igarchitects&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

Meta Scraps Fact-Checkers, Loosens Content RestrictionsBy John P. Mello Jr.January 8, 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. Fact-checkers are headed to the dustbin of history at Meta.We will end the current third-party fact-checking program in the United States and instead begin moving to a Community Notes program, Metas Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan announced in a company blog on Tuesday.Kaplan added that Meta would also be addressing the mission creep that has made the rules governing the companys platforms too restrictive and prone to over-enforcement.Were getting rid of a number of restrictions on topics like immigration, gender identity and gender that are the subject of frequent political discourse and debate, he wrote. Its not right that things can be said on TV or the floor of Congress, but not on our platforms.In addition, Meta will be modifying the automated systems that scan its platforms for policy violations. [T]his has resulted in too many mistakes and too much content being censored that shouldnt have been, Kaplan wrote.Going forward, the systems will focus on illegal and high-severity violations, like terrorism, child sexual exploitation, drugs, fraud, and scams, while less severe policy violations will depend on someone reporting an issue before any action is taken.Meta is also making it harder to remove content from the platforms by requiring multiple reviewers to reach a determination in order to take something down and allowing users to see more civic content posts about elections, politics, or social issues should they desire it.Censorship ToolKaplan explained that when Meta launched its independent fact-checking program in 2016, it didnt want to be the arbiter of truth, so it handed the responsibility of fact-checking content to independent organizations.The intention of the program was to have these independent experts give people more information about the things they see online, particularly viral hoaxes, so they were able to judge for themselves what they saw and read, he wrote.Thats not the way things played out, especially in the United States, he continued. Experts, like everyone else, have their own biases and perspectives. This showed up in the choices some made about what to fact check and how.Over time, we ended up with too much content being fact-checked that people would understand to be legitimate political speech and debate, he noted. Our system then attached real consequences in the form of intrusive labels and reduced distribution. A program intended to inform too often became a tool to censor. David Inserra, a fellow for free expression and technology at the Cato Institute, a Washington, D.C. think tank, served on a Facebook content policy team and said he was bothered by the selection bias of the group. The only people who joined to be fact-checkers wanted to moderate content, he told TechNewsWorld. People who wanted users to make their own decisions about content didnt become fact-checkers.My experience with the effectiveness of Facebooks fact-checking was pretty mixed overall, added Darian Shimy, CEO and founder of FutureFund, a fundraising platform for K-12 schools and PTAs, in Pleasanton, Calif.Its safe to say that it added a layer of accountability, but candidly, I found it was too slow and inconsistent to keep up with the pace of viral misinformation, he told TechNewsWorld. Talking to many people in my circle and researching internally, I found that most people felt that relying on third-party fact-checkers created a perception of bias, which didnt always help build trust with users.Not a Victory for Free SpeechIrina Raicu, director for internet ethics at Santa Clara Universitys Markkula Center for Applied Ethics, noted that there was plenty of disinformation showing up on Facebook under the existing fact-checking regime.Part of the problem was the automation of content moderation, she told TechNewsWorld. The algorithmic tools were pretty blunt and missed the nuances of both language and images. And the problem was even more widespread in posts in languages other than English.With billions of pieces of content posted daily, it was simply impossible for human fact-checkers to keep up, added Paul Benigeri, co-founder and CEO of Archive, a company that develops software to automate e-commerce digital marketing workflows, in New York City.Fact-checking felt more like a PR move, he told TechNewsWorld. Sometimes it worked, but it never came close to catching the full volume of misleading posts.Meta scrapping its fact-checking system was questioned by Tal-Or Cohen Montemayor, founder and executive director of CyberWell, a non-profit organization dedicated to fighting antisemitism on social media, headquartered in San Francisco.While the previous fact-checking system has proven to be an ineffective and unscalable method of combatting misinformation and disinformation during real-time conflicts and emergencies, she told TechNewsWorld, the answer cannot be less accountability and less investment from the side of the platforms.This is not a victory for free speech, she declared. Its an exchange of human bias in a small and contained group of fact-checkers for human bias at scale through Community Notes. The only way to prevent censorship and data manipulation by any government or corporation would be to institute legal requirements and reforms on big tech that enforce social media reform and transparency requirements.Flawed Community SolutionMetas Community Notes replacement for fact-checking is modeled on a similar scheme deployed on X, formerly Twitter. The community-based approach is nice in that it deals partially with the scale issue, said Cody Buntain, an assistant professor at the College of Information at the University of Maryland. It allows many more people to engage with this process and add context.The problem is that community notes, while it can work in the large aggregate scale for occasional pieces of information or the occasional story that goes viral, it is generally not fast enough and gets totally overwhelmed with new major events, he explained.We saw this in the aftermath of the attacks in Israel back in October of 2023, he continued. There were people highly engaged in the community note process, but Twitter as a platform just got swamped and overwhelmed with the amount of misinformation going on around this event. When the platforms say, Were going to wash our hands of this and let the community deal with it, that becomes problematic in these moments where the only people who really can deal with massive influxes of high-velocity, low-quality information are the platforms, he said. Community notes arent really set up to deal with those issues, and those are the moments when you want high-quality information the most.Ive never been a fan of community notes, added Karen Kovacs North, clinical professor of communication at the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California.The type of people who are willing to put notes on something are usually polarized and passionate, she told TechNewsWorld. The middle-of-the-roaders dont take time to put their comments down on a story or a piece of content.Currying Trumps FavorVincent Raynauld, an assistant professor in the Department of Communication Studies at Emerson College, noted that while community moderation sounds great in theory, it has some problems. Even though the content might be flagged as being disinformation or misleading, the content is still available to people to consume, he told TechNewsWorld.So even though some people might see the community note, they might still consume that content, and that content might still have an impact on their attitudes, knowledge, and behavior, he explained.Along with the Kaplan announcement, Meta released a video of CEO Mark Zuckerberg hailing the companys latest moves. Were going to get back to our roots and focus on reducing mistakes, simplifying our policies, and restoring free expression on our platforms, he said.Zuckerbergs announcement has nothing to do with making Metas platforms better and everything to do with currying favor with Donald Trump, asserted Dan Kennedy, a professor of journalism at Northeastern University, in Boston.There was a time when Zuckerberg cared about his products being used to promote dangerous misinformation and disinformation, about the January 6 insurrection and Covid, he told TechNewsWorld. Now Trump is returning to office, and one of Zuckerbergs rivals, Elon Musk, is running amok with Trumps indulgence, so Zuckerberg is just getting with the program.No system of fact-checking and moderation is perfect, he added, but if Zuckerberg really cared, hed work to improve it rather than getting rid of it altogether.Musk as Trend SetterDamian Rollison, director of marketing for SOCi, a comarketing cloud platform headquartered in San Diego, pointed out an irony in Metas latest move. I think its safe to say that no one predicted Elon Musks chaotic takeover of Twitter would become a trend other tech platforms would follow, and yet here we are, he told TechNewsWorld.We can see now, in retrospect, that Musk established a standard for a newly conservative approach to the loosening of online content moderation, one that Meta has now embraced in advance of the incoming Trump administration, he said.What this will likely mean is that Facebook and Instagram will see a spike in political speech and posts on controversial topics, he continued.As with Musks X, where ad revenues are down by half, this change may make the platform less attractive to advertisers, he added. It may also cement a trend whereby Facebook is becoming the social network for older, more conservative users and ceding Gen Z to TikTok, with Instagram occupying a middle ground between them.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.Related StoriesMore by John P. Mello Jr.view allMore in Social Networking

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