Ancient Romans Breathed in Enough Lead to Lower Their IQs, Study Finds. Did That Toxin Contribute to the Empires Fall?Using Arctic ice core samples, researchers estimate silver mining and smelting released enough lead during the Pax Romana to cause a 2.5- to 3-point drop in IQ At the same time as the Romans were building the Colosseum, they were also breathing in high amounts of toxic lead from silver mining and smelting operations. Hussain Didi via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 3.0Did lead poisoning contribute to the fall of the Roman Empire? Its a question historians have long debated, since the Romans sweetened their wine with lead acetate and sipped tap water that flowed through lead pipes.Now, new research suggests the Romans were also breathing in large amounts of lead from silver mining and smelting operations.The toxic metal polluting the air likely got into childrens blood, leading to widespread cognitive decline, researchers write in a new paper published Monday in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Lead in the air might have caused an estimated 2.5- to 3-point drop in IQs throughout the Roman Empire, per the research.The new paper doesnt solve the mystery of whether lead poisoning played a role in Romes downfall. But it does add new evidence to the debate.Im quite convinced lead was one of the factors that contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire, but it was only one factor, says Bruce Lanphear, a health scientist at Simon Fraser University in Canada who was not involved with the study, to NBC News Evan Bush. Its never just one thing.Researchers say their findings also represent the first documented example of human-caused industrial pollution in history.To estimate lead pollution levels in ancient Rome, researchers turned to ice core samples taken from Greenland and Russia. For decades, scientists have been using large drills to penetrate Arctic ice sheets and extract columns of ice up to 11,000 feet long.These columns function like frigid time machines: As snowflakes fall, they capture chemicals and particles from the air. When the snow touches down in the Arctic, it compresses and solidifies into thin layers of icewith those chemicals and particles still trapped inside. By studying these layers, scientists can effectively peer back in time.You built up this layer cake year after year of environmental history, study co-author Joe McConnell, a climate and environmental scientist at the nonprofit Desert Research Institute in Nevada, tells NBC News.The team looked at layers of Arctic ice that corresponded to the period between 500 B.C.E and 600 C.E. They saw an increase in lead pollution around the year 15 B.C.E., which lines up with the early years of the Roman Empire. Lead levels remained high until 180 C.E., which marks the end of a period of relative peace known as the Pax Romana.During the roughly 200-year stretch of the Pax Romana, the Romans were extracting and smelting a lot of silver to make coins. These processes are known to emit large amounts of lead into the atmosphere.If you produce an ounce of silver, youd have produced something like 10,000 ounces of lead, McConnell tells the New York Times Katherine Kornei.Using the lead levels they found in the ice samples, the researchers were able to work backward and estimate how much lead the Romans must have been spewing into the air. Atmospheric modeling suggests between 3,300 and 4,600 tons of lead were released each year during the Pax Romana, per the New York Times.The scientists estimate that lead pollution was the worst in areas next to mining and smelting operations, reaching concentrations of at least 150 nanograms per cubic meter of air. The toxins would have also spread across Europethey estimate average concentrations of lead air pollution were greater than 1 nanogram per cubic meter over the continent.Next, they used modern data to estimate how much lead would have built up in the blood of ancient Roman children. They were then able to extrapolate how these accumulations might have affected their IQ.The researchers focused on children in particular, because kids are especially vulnerable to the health consequences of lead exposure. Today, global health experts agree that no amount of lead is safe for kids. The heavy metal can build up in the body and cause health problems. In addition to lowering IQ, lead accumulation in children can lead to slowed growth, anemia, hearing problems, hyperactivity and behavior and learning problems.We have actual data on IQ scores in kids with different blood-lead concentrations, Deborah Cory-Slechta, a neurotoxicologist at the University of Rochester Medical Center who was not involved with the paper, tells the New York Times.Roman children likely had an extra 2.4 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood from the empires air pollution. That correlates to a drop in IQ of between 2.5 and 3 points.Factoring in background lead exposure, their blood levels of lead may have been as high as 3.5 micrograms per deciliter, the researchers estimate. And that doesnt take into account other sources of lead exposure, so the teams findings are probably an underestimate, reports NBC News.For reference, American children had around 15 micrograms of lead per deciliter of blood during the 1970s, before lead paint and leaded gasoline were banned. Those levels likely resulted in a 9-point drop in IQ, per the New York Times.A 2.5- to 3-point reduction in IQ may not sound like much but it was across the entire population and would have persisted for the nearly 180 years of the Pax Romana, McConnell tells the Guardians Ian Sample. I leave it to epidemiologists, ancient historians and archaeologists to determine if the levels of background atmospheric lead pollution and health impacts we have identified were sufficient to change history.But even factoring in these new findings, some experts remain skeptical that lead poisoning caused the Roman civilization to collapse around 476 C.E.While the magnitude of exposure and the correlated blood lead levels were enough to negatively affect the cognitive function of that population, this is still a far cry from causing the downfall of the Roman Empire, says Amy L. Pyle-Eilola, a pathologist at the Ohio State University who was not involved with the research, to New Scientists Christa Lest-Lasserre.Caleb Finch, a neurobiologist at the University of Southern California who was not involved with the research, remains similarly unconvinced.The conclusion of widespread cognitive decline from an estimated three-IQ point decrease does not match the huge productivity of the Roman Empire, when lead production was maximal, he tells Sciences Taylor Mitchell Brown.Get the latest stories in your inbox every weekday.Filed Under: Ancient Rome, Brain, European History, Health, History, Medicine, Neuroscience, New Research, Pollution, Roman Empire

Lotte Group, a big five conglomerate in South Korea, said at CES 2025 that it has picked the Arbitrum blockchain for its Lotte Caliverse.Read More

Former Annapurna Interactive staff reportedly form company and acquire Private Division's portfolioNew report states the purchase may result in further job losses News by Vikki Blake Contributor Published on Jan. 7, 2025 Former Annapurna Interactive staff have reportedly acquired indie label Private Division's portfolio after forming a new company.As reported by Bloomberg, the unnamed entity has purportedly acquired franchises like Kerbal Space Program from Haveli Investments, a private equity firm from Austin, Texas that bought Private Division from Take-Two at the end of last year.The firm will also assume distribution rights of Game Freak's upcoming, unannounced title, and Lord of the Rings farming game, Tales of the Shire, which is scheduled to release in March.Bloomberg added that as a result of the buyout, there will be layoffs amongst the 20 or so Private Division staff who joined Haveli, but it's unclear how many people may be impacted at this time.The majority of the Annapurna Interactive team walked out after talks with its parent company collapsed back in September.As negotiations were underway, the team reportedly discovered that Annapurna Interactive co-founder Hector Sanchez had been "quietly rehired" as president of interactive and new media by Annapurna Pictures CEO Megan Ellison, and was working on "gaming projects without the knowledge of the rest of the Interactive staff," leaving the team "confused, concerned, and frustrated" by the direction of the company.Take-Two relinquished Private Division back in November 2024. At the time, CEO Strauss Zelnick told GamesIndustry.biz that the sale came as part of broader plans to focus on the publisher's strengths in AAA and mobile.

Justin Carter, Contributing EditorJanuary 7, 20251 Min ReadImage via Rocksteady/WB Games/DC.At a GlanceThe UK studio previously eliminated roles in September 2024, months after releasing its live-service Suicide Squad game.Eurogamer reports Rocksteady quietly laid off staff towards the end of 2024. This was the second known round of layoffs following the release of its co-op shooter Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.Anonymous developers impacted by the reductions told the outlet departments such as art and programming were affected. The QA team was also impacted, and had previously been hit hardest by the studio's reductions back in September.Suicide Squad's rocky pathSuicide Squad faced a troubled development environment and frigid reception from critics and audiences. Shortly after its release, WB Games revealed the game had commercially underperformed, and Rocksteady started laying off workers while completing the game's Year One roadmap.As 2024 wound down, Rocksteady announced it would be ending support for Suicide Squad after next Tuesday, January 14. The game's final major update provided an offline mode so it can be played for the foreseeable future.Not long after that announcement, it was reported WB Games Montreal laid off 99 developers. The studio, which itself previously made 2022's Gotham Knights, provided support work on Squad.Read more about:LayoffsWarner Bros DiscoveryAbout the AuthorJustin CarterContributing Editor, GameDeveloper.comA Kansas City, MO native, Justin Carter has written for numerous sites including IGN, Polygon, and SyFy Wire. In addition to Game Developer, his writing can be found at io9 over on Gizmodo. Don't ask him about how much gum he's had, because the answer will be more than he's willing to admit.See more from Justin CarterDaily news, dev blogs, and stories from Game Developer straight to your inboxStay UpdatedYou May Also Like

Multimodal foundation models are becoming increasingly relevant in artificial intelligence, enabling systems to process and integrate multiple forms of datasuch as images, text, and audioto address diverse tasks. However, these systems face significant challenges. Existing models often struggle to generalize across a wide variety of modalities and tasks due to their reliance on limited datasets and modalities. Additionally, the architecture of many current models suffers from negative transfer, where performance on certain tasks deteriorates as new modalities are added. These challenges hinder scalability and the ability to deliver consistent results, underscoring the need for frameworks that can unify diverse data representations while preserving task performance.Researchers at EPFL have introduced 4M, an open-source framework designed to train versatile and scalable multimodal foundation models that extend beyond language. 4M addresses the limitations of existing approaches by enabling predictions across diverse modalities, integrating data from sources such as images, text, semantic features, and geometric metadata. Unlike traditional frameworks that cater to a narrow set of tasks, 4M expands to support 21 modalities, three times more than many of its predecessors.A core innovation of 4M is its use of discrete tokenization, which converts diverse modalities into a unified sequence of tokens. This unified representation allows the model to leverage a Transformer-based architecture for joint training across multiple data types. By simplifying the training process and removing the need for task-specific components, 4M achieves a balance between scalability and efficiency. As an open-source project, it is accessible to the broader research community, fostering collaboration and further development.Technical Details and AdvantagesThe 4M framework utilizes an encoder-decoder Transformer architecture tailored for multimodal masked modeling. During training, modalities are tokenized using specialized encoders suited to their data types. For instance, image data employs spatial discrete VAEs, while text and structured metadata are processed using a WordPiece tokenizer. This consistent approach to tokenization ensures seamless integration of diverse data types.One notable feature of 4M is its capability for fine-grained and controllable data generation. By conditioning outputs on specific modalities, such as human poses or metadata, the model provides a high degree of control over the generated content. Additionally, 4Ms cross-modal retrieval capabilities allow for queries in one modality (e.g., text) to retrieve relevant information in another (e.g., images).The frameworks scalability is another strength. Trained on large datasets like COYO700M and CC12M, 4M incorporates over 0.5 billion samples and scales up to three billion parameters. By compressing dense data into sparse token sequences, it optimizes memory and computational efficiency, making it a practical choice for complex multimodal tasks.Results and InsightsThe capabilities of 4M are evident in its performance across various tasks. In evaluations, it demonstrated robust performance across 21 modalities without compromising results compared to specialized models. For instance, 4Ms XL model achieved a semantic segmentation mIoU score of 48.1, matching or exceeding benchmarks while handling three times as many tasks as earlier models.The framework also excels in transfer learning. Tests on downstream tasks, such as 3D object detection and multimodal semantic segmentation, show that 4Ms pretrained encoders maintain high accuracy across both familiar and novel tasks. These results highlight its potential for applications in areas like autonomous systems and healthcare, where integrating multimodal data is critical.ConclusionThe 4M framework marks a significant step forward in the development of multimodal foundation models. By tackling scalability and cross-modal integration challenges, EPFLs contribution sets the stage for more flexible and efficient AI systems. Its open-source release encourages the research community to build on this work, pushing the boundaries of what multimodal AI can achieve. As the field evolves, frameworks like 4M will play a crucial role in enabling new applications and advancing the capabilities of AI.Check out the Paper, Project Page, GitHub Page, Demo, and Blog. All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitter and join ourTelegram Channel andLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our60k+ ML SubReddit. Asif RazzaqAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences. [Recommended Read] Nebius AI Studio expands with vision models, new language models, embeddings and LoRA (Promoted)

LatestMachine LearningHow to Utilize Random Forest for Geospatial Precision Agriculture, Step-by-Step Guide 0 like January 7, 2025Share this postAuthor(s): Stephen Chege Originally published on Towards AI. This member-only story is on us. Upgrade to access all of Medium.Create by authorFollowing up on my previous topic on 4 algorithms for precision agriculture, I want to narrow it down and focus on how to utilize random forest algorithm for precision agriculture, this topic is timely as random forest seems to be the most ideal algorithm for precision agriculture. Random Forest offers actionable insights that can transform agricultural practices.As farmers and other stakeholders search for ways to maximize resource allocation, increase crop yields, and reduce environmental impacts, the stakes in geospatial precision agriculture are high. Random Forests ensemble approach, which uses numerous decision trees, offers accurate and dependable forecasts even when working with heterogeneous data, such as crop health indicators, weather patterns, and soil quality.Because of its adaptability and interpretability, it is perfect for addressing practical issues in precision agriculture, where decision-making effectiveness depends on knowing the main factors influencing agricultural results.In this article, I will take you through a step by step guide on how to utilize random for algorithm for precision agriculture, this will be done via python and google earth engine.Precision agriculture leverages cutting-edge machine learning algorithms to transform farming, boosting productivitypub.towardsai.netRandom Forest: A Game-Changer for Read the full blog for free on Medium.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post

One of the best premium phone controllers is on sale today at Best Buy. Right now you can get a Backbone One USB Type-C mobile gaming controller, compatible with Android and iPhone 16 smartphones, for only $49.99 after a savings of 50%. This is the lowest price we've seen for a Backbone controller and as a bonus, if you play Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, you'll appreciate the 30-minute 2XP token that's included. This is the black color variant with Xbox style buttons.50% Off the Backbone One Controller (USB-C)Black with Xbox Style ControlsBackbone One (USB Type-C)The Backbone One turns your iPhone into a gaming handheld with an integrated gamepad much like the ones found on the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch, or ASUS ROG Ally. You simply snap your phone into the controller and you're ready to go. Instead of using your phone's touchscreen, you can now use actual physical controls which includes dual joysticks, a D-pad, and programmable buttons. It makes for a more intuitive, more precise, and more enjoyable gaming experience. In our Backbone One review, Matthew Adler wrote that "the Backbone Ones unique expanding controller connects directly to your iPhone for a low-latency gaming experience that feels great to use. Despite some lackluster buttons on the controller itself, it manages to create a seamless experience that blurs the lines between console and mobile gaming by producing a true home screen experience in the Backbone app. The tight integration between hardware and software makes it feel like a real platform, and one that will only continue to evolve through updates as time goes on."The Backbone One is compatible with hundreds games (including Call of Duty Warzone Mobile, of course) from Apple Arcade, Xbox Cloud, PlayStation Remote Play, and Steam Remote Play, as well as any mobile game that already supports other standalone controllers. Not every game is compatible, however, so if you have a particular game that you play religiously, you'll want to confirm that it's supported before you jump on this deal.Check out more of the best iPhone accessories to buy in 2025.Why Should You Trust IGN's Deals Team?IGN's deals team has a combined 30+ years of experience finding the best discounts in gaming, tech, and just about every other category. We don't try to trick our readers into buying things they don't need at prices that aren't worth buying something at. Our ultimate goal is to surface the best possible deals from brands we trust and our editorial team has personal experience with. You can check out our deals standards here for more information on our process, or keep up with the latest deals we find on IGN's Deals account on Twitter.Eric Song is the IGN commerce manager in charge of finding the best gaming and tech deals every day. When Eric isn't hunting for deals for other people at work, he's hunting for deals for himself during his free time.

Above: A recent project by Electric Bowery features a undulating rattan light fixture. Lighting is like the jewelry of home decorit can add the perfect finishing touch to your space and instantly take it to a whole new level. In case you need some redecorating inspiration, we tapped interior designers to share the biggest lighting trends set to shine in 2025so you can easily revamp your living areas even if you aren't ready for a full remodel.From sculptural floor lamps and mid-century-inspired options to artful, iridescent sconces, there's a little something for every room and style. Below, discover 13 standout lighting styles experts expect to see everywhere in 2025. And while you're at it, make sure to check out their top predictions for this year's sofa and living room trends, too.Statement Floor Lamps"The resurgence of bold, vintage-inspired designs might well steal the show, and floor lamps will be the lead fixture," says Pascale de Fouchier. "I have a crush on the Romani floor lamp, which embodies this [aesthetic]. I love that its classical shape is oversized, and its finish brings a touch of modern whimsy."Four Hands Romani Floor Lamp$1,599 at LumensStained GlassStudio Dorion's Michelle Ficker is also noticing the return of stained glass lighting (the auction market shows no sign of cooling down either). "Louis Comfort Tiffany is one of the great American designers, and his sensibilities align with the broader trend toward opulent decorating and eclectic charm," Ficker explains. She's eyeing an original 1950s table lamp, but for an under-$100 option, this pretty leafy one offers a warm glow.Dale Tiffany Cape Reinga Lamp$98 at lampsplus.com Monopoint LightingStep aside, recessed lighting2025 is all about monopoint lights. Allison Handler likes to cluster hers in groups, or a use single fixture to highlight a hero piece of art or furniture. "It's an easy way to add decorative lighting and create a moment in spaces that may not have the ceiling height or room for a larger piece."Troy Lighting Caleb Semi Flush Mount$190 at 2ModernSoft MaterialsAccording to Chango creative director Susana Simonpietri, softer accents like paper globes, fabric sconces, and ribbon appliqus will continue to be in the spotlight this year. "They're not new mediums, but we're seeing unique ways to apply them within lighting," she says. "Fabrics can be layered or ruched, which gives off a soft and interesting light. A go-to for us are Japanese paper globes; they're classic, sculptural, and always create interest in a space without trying too hard."Lia Pendant Light with Shade$369 at Crate & BarrelLayers of ivory faux silk shades appear suspended in mid-flutter, shaping our graceful pendant light. Lightly pleated with countless slender folds that add to the dynamic look, the shade calls to mind a blooming flower or the swirling skirts of a dancer. Light filters softly through the pendant's layered shades, highlighting the gleam of the pendant's burnished brass hardware. With an ivory cloth cord that completes the airy, ethereal look, Lia floats beautifully above a dining table or in a living room or bedroom.Lia Pendant Light with Shade21.5"Hheight30"dia.diameterMeasurements are in inches.Poly-blend faux silk and iron shadeIron finial and ceiling plate with burnished brass finishAdjustable 6' ivory cloth cord5.5"-dia. ceiling plateE26 bulb typeAccommodates one bulb up to 60W incandescent or 8.5W LED (not included)Suitable for slanted ceilingsHardwire (professional installation recommended)Can be installed on slanted ceilingsNot suitable for bathroom useDust with soft, dry clothImportedSwag LightingIn 2025, Noz Nozawa is prioritizing swag lighting. "From pendant lights on hooks to multi-swag chandeliers, there is something so special about being able to make your light fixture bespoke by customizing exactly where you hang each point of light," she says. Trueing's Cerine Triple Pendant is currently at the top of her wishlist, but we'd say Nozawa's own chain link design is equally eye-catching.Noz Nozawa for Corbett Lighting Daith Chandelier$1,751 at LumensArty Sconces "We love incorporating lighting that doubles as art into our projects, and we've recently been drawn to sculptural designs," say Jesse Rudolph and Joelle Kutner, principal designers at Ome Dezin. Their current pick is Blue Green Works' colored glass Palm Sconce, but if you're not ready to splurge on a price-upon-request option, Lulu and Georgia also offers an impressive array of artful styles. Lulu and Georgia Sundby Sconce$498 at Lulu and Georgia Perimeter Lighting"Over-lighting has been happening for nearly forty yearswe're so scared to under-light that we create kitchens you could perform surgeries in," says Toronto-based designer Sam Sacks. "I am excited to see an increase in perimeter lighting being used instead of relying on recessed coves or decorative surface mounts." She suggests placing a few flush or semi-flush mounts along the edges of a room for softer, easy customizable lighting.Rejuvenation Paige Cylinder Semi-Flush Mount$399 at Rejuvenation Pop of Color Don't be afraid to play with colorful lighting choices. "I specifically see this trend happening in the kitchen space, where lighting can be so prominent in a design," says Hilary Matt. "Look for bold hues being introduced via pendant lighting over the island or even a funky table lamp that's styled on a countertop."Schoolhouse Dolores Table Lamp$299 at schoolhouse.com Organic Showstoppers"We're predicting a rise in sculptural lighting that feels grounded and organic," says Electric Bowery co-founder Lucia Bartholomew. Think: bold shapes in natural textures that add intrigue without overpowering a room. "We like to pair these fixtures with materials like wood, stone, or textured plaster," she continues. "In dining spaces, we often position a statement chandelier as the anchor above the tablefor corners or nooks, a sculptural pendant can create an intimate moment."Arturo lvarez Tempo Vivace Pendant $1,052 at Anthropologie Playing with Scale"Using scale to create interest is here to stay," says designer Zo Feldman. "It's all about mixing big and small, playing with unconventional proportions, and using lighting as a sculptural statement." For example, she likes placing a large pendant in a smaller room, and prefers to use smaller, delicate piece to add subtle detail in a larger space.Mitzi Davida Pendant$550 at mitzi.com Ethereal FormsNick Ozemba, co-founder of design studio In Common With and concept shop Quarters, is loving ethereal lighting, "where sculptural forms and the emotive qualities of light come together," he explains. Key styles include whimsical silhouettes and options with frosted shades that create a soft ambiance. Soho Home Estelle Wall Light$595 at sohohome.com Sculpted Ceramics"Ceramics are a trend that are emerging through artisan-crafted pendants and sconces," says Erin Lamey at LoBello Designs, who suggests shopping via local artisans to find one-of-a-kind pieces. "I love how these bring an earthy, personal touch, softening modern designs." One of her favorite ways to style the aesthetic? Pitting a handmade ceramic pedant against a natural stone vanity.Mullan Lighting Rivale Pendant Light $240 at EtsyMid-Century RebootLindsey Colhoun notes mid-century style pieces will be another major statement lighting, or "functional art," trend this year. "We're seeing a move toward lighting that's as much about sculpture as it is illumination," she says. ""I love how they effortlessly blend style and function, making them ideal for desks, side tables, or even entryways where a touch of artistry can transform the space."Isabel Moncada Modern Fluted Table Lamp $1,350 at 1stDibsElly LeavittFashion & Luxury Commerce EditorElly Leavitt is a fashion and luxury commerce editor with over seven years of experience covering fashion and design. Her writing can be found in Harpers BAZAAR, ELLE, Town & Country, Esquire, ELLE Decor, and more. Previously, she was an editor at Domino magazine. You can probably find her in line at Trader Joe's. You will never find her at SoulCycle.

For her family's mountain house in Stone Ridge, New York, Mimi & Hill cofounder Hillary Kaplan strayed from the grown up, colonial-influenced interiors her design studio is known for. Instead, she blended minimalist architecture with natural materials to create a serene retreat that feels deeply connected to the surrounding Hudson Valley. But more striking than the deviation from Kaplan's signature style is the fact that she did it all in a spec house.Not that she just took the out-of-the-box configuration that came standard. Kaplan worked with developer NevelHaus and INC Architecture & Design to customize the floor plan to better fit her familys lifestyle. She started by reconfiguring the main floor of the five-bedroom, five-bathroom home, flipping the proposed dining and living rooms. This allowed ample wall space for a Samsung Frame TV and a prominent corner spot for a wood-burning stove in the living area, where her family enjoys cozy moments together. Another major upgrade to the 4,400-square-foot house involved increasing the number of recessed lights. Sconces and pendants were also put in for variety. "This layering approach added warmth and character, transforming the space from a typical new build into a more inviting and cozy environment," Kaplan says.In the basement, Kaplan divided what originally was an open layout into a shared bedroom and big family room. The latter doubles as a movie night hangout and pool house. In the home's two lofted areas, Kaplan also did some reimagining. She left part of it open for a reading nook, where her family also avidly plays backgammon. The other part of it was enclosed and functions as an additional bedroom with a pullout daybed that converts into a king-size bed.All of these careful adjustments turned the house into a personalized haven. And better yet, "by not moving any major wall placement from the original spec-house plans, we were able to not have to spend any extra cost on construction," Kaplan adds. Related StoriesLiving RoomNicole CohenTo play up the home's scenic mountain setting, visible through tall windows, Kaplan maintained a muted, earthy color palette. She filled the house with local pottery and midcentury art, which "lends a feeling of established architecture to a newer home." Vintage furnishings made of natural materials and textured accents help ground the space, giving it soul."The home was envisioned as a true mountain retreat, and we leaned into that aesthetic," Kaplan says. "The scale of the main living area was central to achieving this, evoking the open, airy feel of mountain spaces and reflecting the expansive natural surroundings."Sofa: Lee Industries. Chairs: Mazo Design. Coffee table: Lock & Mortice. Rug: Orientalist Home. Wall art: vintage.KitchenNicole Cohen"The beauty of the waterfall edge of the silver wave marble is the true eye catching element in this kitchen," Kaplan says. "It almost appears to be petrified wood merging the organic feel with the function of the kitchen."Wall paint: Cloud Cover, Benjamin Moore. Counter: Peter Brooks Stone Works Inc. Pendants: Allied Maker. Chairs: Lee Industries. Cabinetry: Form.Nicole CohenA small patterned Peter Fasano wallpaper adds elegance to the small pantry tucked behind a glass door. Cerused black oak cabinets hide the large family's everyday needs.NookNicole CohenA nook outfitted with bench seating and a stone top table, both from Four Hands, along with reupholstered chairs from the '70s make the perfect setup for family game nights.Pendant: Arteriors. Dining AreaNicole CohenA vintage cabinet from Hollywood at Home nods to the warm, earthy colors of the Hudson Valley landscape. Light fixture: Bone Simple Design. Table: Four Hands. Chairs: Lee Industries. Candlesticks: Lostine.Primary BedroomNicole CohenRoman Clay walls and handwoven window shades from Hartmann & Forbes make for a truly calm setting.BedVanguard Furniture. Bedding: RH and Parachute. Bedside table: Soho Home. Wall paint: Kerri Walsh Faux Finishing. Table lamp: vintage.Kids' RoomNicole CohenThe row of beds in this guest room are ideal for sleepovers, while the neutral color palette suits the home's serene style. Headboard: Norwegian Wood. Sconces: Lostine. Shades: Hartmann & Forbes. Wardrobes: Four Hands. Wallpaper: Cole & Son. Primary BathroomNicole Cohen"The primary bathroom plays with soft marble tones and light woods to create a spa like environment," Kaplan says.Mirror: Arteriors. Sconces: Allied Maker. Vanity: Vanguard Furniture.Guest BedroomNicole CohenNicole CohenA textured wallpaper by Phillip Jeffries and organic linen bedding make guests never want to leave the cozy, cocooning space.Bed and seating: Lee Industries.Sconce: Hector Finch. Nightstand: Soho Home. Wall art: vintage. Table: Four Hands. Rug: Lulu and Georgia.BathroomNicole CohenNicole CohenThe lower level bathroom is clad in handmade green glazed Fireclay tiles and white oak paneled walls.Wallpaper: Fayce Textiles. Rug: vintage.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.

Apple in 2022 announced a new CarPlay experience that became known as CarPlay 2.0. However, this new version of CarPlay has yet to see the light of day and many wonder if Apple quietly scrapped the project as the company missed the deadline twice. But 9to5Mac has found evidence that Apple is still working on it.CarPlay 2.0 is still in the worksBased on the code of iOS 18.3 beta 2, which was released to developers on Tuesday, the company is still working on the CarPlay 2.0 project. Todays beta adds multiple references to CarPlayHybridInstrument in the Maps app. This integration was shown by Apple in the marketing images for the new CarPlay, which can display map directions alongside the speedometer and other car instruments.To corroborate the idea that the project hasnt been abandoned (yet), we also found in todays beta multiple new codes related to controlling the cars air conditioning with CarPlay, something that is also expected to come with CarPlay 2.0.To recap, CarPlay is the iOS interface specifically designed to be displayed on the cars built-in screen when an iPhone is connected. In June 2022, Apple announced that it was working with automakers to integrate CarPlay even more deeply into cars. This would allow drivers to control not only media, but also key vehicle functions right from CarPlay.At first, Apple said that the first cars with the new CarPlay experience would be launched in 2023, but that didnt happen. The company then set a new deadline for the end of 2024, but again, nothing happened. Apple is yet to set a new date for the launch of the first cars with the next generation of CarPlay.Its hard to say what exactly happened. While theres a theory that automakers didnt like the idea of giving Apple total control over their cars (like GM, which decided to ditch CarPlay from its EVs), theres also a chance that CarPlay 2.0 simply isnt ready yet as the company continues to add related features to iOS 18.Well have to wait until Apple officially announces something, but knowing that the company is still internally working on the project is certainly a relief for those who really want to see the new CarPlay experience in action someday.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel