Breakdown & ShowreelsSkeleton Crew: Bringing Mama Crab to LifeBy Vincent Frei - 09/01/2025 Last week, we gave you a sneak peek into the making of the incredible Mama Crab from Star Wars: Skeleton Crew. Now, lets dive deeper into the process with this really cool featurette showcasing Tippett Studios artistry and the teams dedication in bringing this remarkable creature to life! Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Alan Reed, president and design principal of GWWO, knows a little bit about a lot. The Baltimore- and West Hartford, Connecticutbased architecture firm he leads found a niche designing interpretive centers across the United States. The practice has worked on national parks, national monuments, and history museums from Floridas southern tip, the top of Pikes Peak, to the grassy plains of Nebraska. Designing interpretive centers is no copy-paste exercise; each is purposefully conceived for the story it was made to tell, and pays heed to environmental and landscape conditions. The firms recently completed welcome center at Niagara Falls State Park exemplifies this ethos. The 28,000-square-foot facility has a low-profile and glass to maximize views and connections to the sites main attraction: the waterfalls.The roofs of the new facilities built for Niagara Falls State Park reference the roof on the historic administration building, also located on the grounds. (Tom Holdsworth)Story-based design is the belief that architecture can and should reference the story being told, Reed told AN. And in doing so, people make more personal and emotional connections to the story. The experience is much more memorable, enjoyable, and I think at the end of the day, timeless. Connecting Environment With HistoryGWWOs first visitor center was a venue, completed in 1995, for the Everglades National Park that replaced a structure destroyed by Hurricane Andrew. This typology has really evolved over the years, Reed observed. It used to be two things: either a nondescript box that just housed exhibits or it was an architectural edifice. But today, as Reed observes at the interpretive centers the firm works on, the content communicated through placards and programming inspires the approach and materials employed in the architecture.At Everglades National Park the Seminole chickee was a point of reference for the design. (Courtesy GWWO)At Everglades National Park, in the visitors center by GWWO, stories explore the Seminole tribe, the early settlers of the region, to convey the full scope of the historic place. The Seminole chickee was a point of reference for the design of the parks visitor center, most notably its pole and truss construction combined with the prominent triangular silhouette of its roofline. The building also magnifies tales of natural disasters, mimicking a hurricane making landfall with a singular wall that cuts through the visitor centers floorplan. An Act of Co-CreationAn important aspect of making interpretive centers today is the research and brainstorming work that takes place even before a workable scheme for the building is established. Reed said, often before GWWO even engages with a client, it investigates the history of a site through books, documentaries, and visits. This preliminary research informs an early design that is then shared with stakeholders and the public.GWWO keeps an open mind during these engagement sessions. We might put up our thoughts about what we think the stories are and where the design might go, but then we sit back , we listen, and we get input again from all those various voices, Reed explained.A restroom facility wrapped in stone was also built at Niagara Falls State Park. (Tom Holdsworth)Reeds team also works with exhibition designers and landscape architects on the projects. Typically the architecture firm takes the lead, but all three entities operate in close collaboration.I always say those three disciplines are critical in telling the story, Reed said, adding that we try to insist that those three are involved from the beginning. Refreshing Niagara FallsBefore GWWO, the Niagara Falls State Park drew criticism for its over-built, asphalt-intensive, and commercial nature of the scenic landscape and location. GWWO was tasked with reconnecting the site with its nature and history, and did so through the construction of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Welcome Center, which opened in December 2023.Theres what we call the essence of the project, which, in Niagara, the essence of that site is nature, Reed said. And so there, unlike some buildings weve done, we wanted a quiet building that sort of goes away.GWWO opted to use glass for the welcome center to make the building disappear. (Tom Holdsworth)To emphasize the waterfalls, GWWO replaced what was a generic, nondescript building with one designed to almost disappear into the sloped site. Nestling the structure into the hilly landscape has sustainable benefits too: it keeps heating and cooling demand to a minimum. The new welcome center and restroom facility were oriented to frame views of the waterfall and skyline. The idea was to draw immediate attention to the cascading water. The dark color and low profile of the roof overhang on the two new buildings was modeled after the one topping the neighboring administration building, which has been on the site since 1902. Solar panels were installed along the buildings perimeter for obvious sustainable reasons, but also to allude to (and interpret) the sites historic connection to power generation, the architects shared.The frit on the glass exterior was conceived to mimic running water. (Tom Holdsworth)At Niagara Falls State Park, interpreted stories include the legacy of Seneca, Haudenosaunee, and others tribes and First Nations that long-inhabited the area; the fall of the city burdened by the collapse of industry; and of course, the nature itself. GWWO selected glass for maximum transparency. A custom frit pattern mimicking running water adorns the panes, which also aids in preventing bird collisions. Local stone, from the Niagara Escarpment, was paired with the glazing as a rugged, earthy offset. When set as the floor of the visitors center, the gray-hued stone was flurry cutmeaning, sliced parallel to its natural plane to reveal patternswhile the walls were vein cut. This arrangement gives the appearance of water flowing over the stone.The stone floors were cut so as to give the appearance water had washed over them. (Tom Holdsworth)A staircase was lined with frosted glass walls that allude to the mist of the nearby waterfalls. (Tom Holdsworth)Inside, the glass affords views out to the verdant landscape. A staircase lined with frosted glass winds through the space programmed with dining, retail, and information desks. As visitors climb the steps they are placed in the midst of the treetops surrounding the site.GWWO worked with trusted partners: Fisher Associates envisioned a landscape with wayfinding and placemaking in mind that supplements GWWOs built contributions and the natural beauty of the state park, and Haley Sharpe Design was responsible for the projects exhibition design. And in the spirit of co-creation, a constant stakeholder in the projects conception were local Indigenous leaders. With work on the welcome center completed, phase two is now underway. Soon, interpretive museum space, immersive experiences, outdoor exhibits, and interpretive signage will be realized on the site.Improvements were also made around the site to improve wayfinding and placemaking. (Tom Holdsworth)Who Speaks?In an op-ed Reed wrote for AN about interpretive centers in 2022, he said its function can be measured by asking: For whom does this building make room? Who does it speak to, and whom does it allow to speak? Reed said the job of an interpretive center is to teach and to piece together history and place. Its goal is to make history and nature accessible and digestible so connections can be made. This process of education, when designed correctly, takes place while on site and lingers in the minds of visitors long after, too.You can never extract the story from the building, from the design, Reed observed. If buildings connect to stories, they become timeless.

Manhattan Community Board 4 has unanimously voted no to a proposal by Related and Wynn Resorts for a casino at Hudson Yards. Plans for the seemingly squashed project were filed with the New York City Department of City Planning (DCP) last year, as reported by AN. Friends of the High Line, a local nonprofit, also came out in opposition to the casino. Related and Wynn Resorts are eying a site between 30th and 33rd streets, and 11th and 12th avenues, for their mixed-use development. For that area, the development team ideated a casino, a commercial/office building, and a residential tower, as well as a new public park and elementary school building.Last August, Related shared that Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) was responsible for the sites master plan, while design work on the public park component was by Hollander Design and Sasaki. An in-house team of designers is working on the resort component of the mixed-use development, while SOM serves as general project architect.Joe Restuccia, a Community Board 4 member, said CB4 rejected the project after Related walked down the amount of housing it initially promised years ago.Negotiations in regard to the casino started in 2009. That year, Related offered to build 5,700 homes at Hudson Yards to complement the gaming and entertainment district. But the latest version now only has 1,500 housing units324 of which would be affordable. High Line at the Railyards, a Friends of the High Line affiliate, started a petition to stop the casino, which has garnered more than 3,000 signatures. Now, the group wants developers to go back to the drawing board, and make something more informed by community input and the original 2009 rezoning agreement.Community Board 4s rejection was a significant blow, but the Hudson Yards casino proposal isnt dead yet. Now, Related and Wynn Resorts are courting Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine, as part of the citys land use review process (ULURP), to get their way.Relateds casino proposal is one of 11 in New York today. Applications for one of three highly sought after gaming licenses are due in June.The New York State Gaming Commission said it expects to issue the three licenses by the end of 2025.

Is Genki's alleged mockup of the upcoming Switch 2 a real leak or a publicity stunt gone awry? Here's what we found.

Whether you're taking algebra, geometry, calculus, or anything in between, a graphing calculator is an essential tool. Plus, if you're in high school (or heading to college soon), you'll need a one handy for standardized tests like the ACT and SAT.While many schools offer graphing calculators for classroom use, having your own at home can give you the edge when it comes to practice and improving test scores. If you're planning to dive into advanced math in high school or pursue a math - or science-heavy degree in college, investing in a quality graphing calculator is a wise step for your academic future.What is the best graphing calculator right now?Our top pick is the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE due to its rechargeable battery, fully backlit color display, and lightweight design, allows students to carry it in their backpacks easily. These high-quality calculators have everything from touchscreens to 3D color displays. If you are or have a student who needs a graphing calculator, here are some of the best options currently available. Sort by All The best graphing calculators of 2024 Show less View now at Amazon Texas Instruments has been making the graphing calculator for decades, and they're still the best of the best. The TI-84 Plus CE, which is the latest version of what millennials probably used in high school, has a fully backlit color display, comes in a variety of colors to choose from, and is lightweight enough to fit into a backpack or purse easily.This calculator has everything students need for class: It's fully loaded with several applications and functions for a variety of math classes and levels. One Amazon reviewer said, "This calculator is great for my grandson that is taking calculus and trig as a freshman in college. Easy to use, understand and easy to graph on."Plus, the battery is rechargeable, so not only are you saving money on constantly replacing batteries, but it's easy enough for students to remember to charge it at the same time as their phones and smartwatches. Best of all, it's PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exam-approved.Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE tech specs:RAM:149KB |Size:7.59 inches|ScreenSize:3.2 inches|Weight:7 oz |Power Source:Rechargeable lithium battery Pros Full-color display It comes in a variety of colors Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams Cons It's on the pricey side Texas Instruments has been making the graphing calculator for decades, and they're still the best of the best. The TI-84 Plus CE, which is the latest version of what millennials probably used in high school, has a fully backlit color display, comes in a variety of colors to choose from, and is lightweight enough to fit into a backpack or purse easily.This calculator has everything students need for class: It's fully loaded with several applications and functions for a variety of math classes and levels. One Amazon reviewer said, "This calculator is great for my grandson that is taking calculus and trig as a freshman in college. Easy to use, understand and easy to graph on."Plus, the battery is rechargeable, so not only are you saving money on constantly replacing batteries, but it's easy enough for students to remember to charge it at the same time as their phones and smartwatches. Best of all, it's PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exam-approved.Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE tech specs:RAM:149KB |Size:7.59 inches|ScreenSize:3.2 inches|Weight:7 oz |Power Source:Rechargeable lithium battery Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon If you're on a tighter budget but still need a graphing calculator, the Catiga CS-121 gets the job done. This calculator is under $50 but still has 280 functions available for various math classes in high school and college. An Amazon reviewer stated "The calculator works for what I need at a decent price. Its buttons are able to be read clearly etc and it gives the correct answers." It's also available in a few different colors if basic black doesn't suit.Though the display isn't in color, it will still give you the functionality of building graphics and crunching numbers. It's also approved for standardized testing, as it's a non-CAS calculator. Though it's classified as a scientific calculator, it has graphing capabilities, which means it doubles as both options.Catiga CS-121tech specs:Size:7 inches |Weight:4.8 oz |Power Source:LR44 battery required Pros Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams Variety of colors available 280 functions available Cons Primitive display If you're on a tighter budget but still need a graphing calculator, the Catiga CS-121 gets the job done. This calculator is under $50 but still has 280 functions available for various math classes in high school and college. An Amazon reviewer stated "The calculator works for what I need at a decent price. Its buttons are able to be read clearly etc and it gives the correct answers." It's also available in a few different colors if basic black doesn't suit.Though the display isn't in color, it will still give you the functionality of building graphics and crunching numbers. It's also approved for standardized testing, as it's a non-CAS calculator. Though it's classified as a scientific calculator, it has graphing capabilities, which means it doubles as both options.Catiga CS-121tech specs:Size:7 inches |Weight:4.8 oz |Power Source:LR44 battery required Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less The Casio Prizm FX-CG50 is small but mighty (and actually a bit on the hefty size for how small it is). This graphing calculator has a precise and stunning color display, so you can really see your graphs in 3D as you're building them. The button display, however, is on the simple side, making this a great entry-level graphing calculator for students who haven't spent a lot of time working with them before.One Amazon reviewer said "I am extremely pleased with this calculator. It was absolutely worth the sale price, and definitely worth its normal price."The price tag puts it in the middle of the pack, making this a good all-around choice, especially for younger students. The battery life on this one, though, isn't great, and it does require four AA batteries that may need to be replaced often. It's not a bad idea to use rechargeable AA batteries to cut down on the cost of replacing them so often.Casio Prizm FX-CG50tech specs:Size:7.2 inches|ScreenSize:3.17 inches|Weight:13 oz |Power Source:4 AA batteries required Pros Approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT, and AP exams Simple to use 3D color display Cons Requires 4 AA batteries, which can get expensive to replace often The Casio Prizm FX-CG50 is small but mighty (and actually a bit on the hefty size for how small it is). This graphing calculator has a precise and stunning color display, so you can really see your graphs in 3D as you're building them. The button display, however, is on the simple side, making this a great entry-level graphing calculator for students who haven't spent a lot of time working with them before.One Amazon reviewer said "I am extremely pleased with this calculator. It was absolutely worth the sale price, and definitely worth its normal price."The price tag puts it in the middle of the pack, making this a good all-around choice, especially for younger students. The battery life on this one, though, isn't great, and it does require four AA batteries that may need to be replaced often. It's not a bad idea to use rechargeable AA batteries to cut down on the cost of replacing them so often.Casio Prizm FX-CG50tech specs:Size:7.2 inches|ScreenSize:3.17 inches|Weight:13 oz |Power Source:4 AA batteries required Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS is one of the most advanced graphing calculators you'll find, so if your student doesn't have a need for advanced functions and geometric animations, go ahead and opt for something simpler.For college students who have those higher-level classes, though, this calculator can handle it all. You'll find six graph styles on here, as well as a full-color screen that you can coordinate with your equations and functions. One Amazon reviewer stated, "I'm a math major in college and if you're planning on going into any math-based field, this is the only calculator that's a reasonable price and does EVERYTHING." The display is also 3D, so your graphs and animations will come to life in front of your eyes while you're doing your homework.Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS tech specs:Size:7.5 inches|Screen size:3.2 inches |Weight:9.12 oz |Power Source:Lithium Ion battery required Pros CAS functions 3D color display Rechargeable battery option Cons Pricey More advanced than most younger students need Not approved for standardized tests The Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS is one of the most advanced graphing calculators you'll find, so if your student doesn't have a need for advanced functions and geometric animations, go ahead and opt for something simpler.For college students who have those higher-level classes, though, this calculator can handle it all. You'll find six graph styles on here, as well as a full-color screen that you can coordinate with your equations and functions. One Amazon reviewer stated, "I'm a math major in college and if you're planning on going into any math-based field, this is the only calculator that's a reasonable price and does EVERYTHING." The display is also 3D, so your graphs and animations will come to life in front of your eyes while you're doing your homework.Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CAS tech specs:Size:7.5 inches|Screen size:3.2 inches |Weight:9.12 oz |Power Source:Lithium Ion battery required Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Amazon What makes the HP Prime Graphing Calculator stand out is its touchscreen. HP is known for its touchscreen electronics; naturally, the brand extended that into the calculator space. This advanced calculator can get students through all their advanced math and science classes (including those that require Computer Algebra Systems).The touchscreen also allows for even more functionality while crunching numbers and watching the shapes unfold on the screen. One Amazon reviewer stated, "It's nice that the screen is a touch screen and the processor keeps up when you pan and pinch to zoom in and out of the graph view. This is a really powerful tool. It's like basically having a baby version of Matlab or Wolfram Mathmatica on you at all times."The HP Prime Graphing Calculator should suit pretty much any student and is a solid investment for high schoolers who will take more advanced college classes.HP Prime Graphing Calculator tech specs:Size:7.3 inches|Screen size:3.5 inches |Weight:8 oz |Power Source:Lithium battery required Pros Touchscreen technology Rechargeable battery option Approved for IB, SAT, AP, ACT, and AP exams Cons Pricey What makes the HP Prime Graphing Calculator stand out is its touchscreen. HP is known for its touchscreen electronics; naturally, the brand extended that into the calculator space. This advanced calculator can get students through all their advanced math and science classes (including those that require Computer Algebra Systems).The touchscreen also allows for even more functionality while crunching numbers and watching the shapes unfold on the screen. One Amazon reviewer stated, "It's nice that the screen is a touch screen and the processor keeps up when you pan and pinch to zoom in and out of the graph view. This is a really powerful tool. It's like basically having a baby version of Matlab or Wolfram Mathmatica on you at all times."The HP Prime Graphing Calculator should suit pretty much any student and is a solid investment for high schoolers who will take more advanced college classes.HP Prime Graphing Calculator tech specs:Size:7.3 inches|Screen size:3.5 inches |Weight:8 oz |Power Source:Lithium battery required Read More Show Expert Take Show less What is the best graphing calculator? The best graphing calculator is the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE based on price, reviews, skill level, and features.Graphing CalculatorPriceSizePower SourceTexas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE$1097.59 inchesRechargeable lithium batteryCatiga CS-121$407 inchesLR44 battery requiredCasio Prizm FX-CG50$797.2 inches4 AA batteries requiredTI-Nspire CX II CAS$1577.5 inchesLithium Ion battery requiredHP Prime Graphing Calculator$1297.3 inchesLithium battery required*Lowest price at the time of writing. Please note that prices may vary based on retailer and available promotions, sales, or discounts. Show more Which graphing calculator is right for you? Graphing calculators, for the most part, are an expensive part of school supply shopping. Because it's a high-priced item, making the right selection for the school year is important. For younger students who may not continue on with advanced math and science classes, a more budget-friendly graphing calculator that gets the job done (with no extra bells and whistles) will do just fine. However, if you're shopping for your high school student who will likely go into college to study a math- or science-based major, investing in a high-quality graphing calculator that can handle advanced math functions is your best option. Since different calculators work best for varying needs, here is a list to help you narrow down your choices. Choose this graphing calculator...If you want...Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CEThe best overall option.Catiga CS-121A budget-friendly graphing calculator for school.Casio Prizm FX-CG50A graphing calculator with a 3D color display.Texas Instruments TI-Nspire CX II CASA graphing calculator for college students.HP Prime Graphing CalculatorA graphing calculator with a touchscreen. Show more Factors to consider when choosing a graphing calculator: The calculators chosen provide a variety of price points and needs for parents and students to choose from. Ultimately, we weighed the following aspects when curating this list:Performance: We evaluated how well these graphing calculators accomplished usual tasks in math- or science-based courses.Functionality: When researching calculators, we looked at the different features and uses each one of these calculators offers. Do they plot graphics in color, or black and white? Do they save your work? Are they SAT or ACT-approved?Battery: Graphing calculators are tools for students to get their work done more efficiently, that's why we considered battery and battery life for these calculators. We asked ourselves: How often do you need to change the batteries? Do you need to plug it in every night? How many hours does a battery or a full charge last?Value: Graphing calculators can be pricey. Depending on your needs you may opt for a more advanced version. We evaluated which calculators are your buck based on their different use cases and functionalities. Show more How did we choose these graphing calculators? We considered several factors during our search to find the best graphing calculators. We looked at top brands, customer reviews (good and bad), and considered our own experience in using some of these graphing calculators to select our top picks. When we go hands-on with an graphing calculator, we consider ease of setup and use, performance quality, functionality quality, and value for the price. Show more FAQs on graphing calculators What is a graphing calculator? A graphing calculator is exactly what it sounds like -- it's a calculator that has the functionality to build graphs, which is what many advanced math or science classes will require. These are commonplace in high school and college math classes that require students to understand equations, geometry, and plotting points on a graph. Unlike a basic calculator, these machines have a larger display so users can see the equations and numbers in picture form as they're solving problems. Show more What's the best graphing calculator brand? Texas Instruments is often viewed as the top brand for graphing calculators, but other brands are competitive. Casio has several top-notch graphic calculators. HP is also competitive. Show more How do I know which graphing calculator to get? The most important factor in choosing a graphing calculator is knowing what classes you'll be using it for. High school students taking algebra and geometry may not need a calculator as advanced as a college student taking calculus and physics. When in doubt, check with the teachers or professors for their recommendations and then take a look at your budget. Show more Is a color display important in a graphic calculator? The color display certainly makes it easier to see the graphs you're building in the calculator, but less-advanced calculators with black-and-white screens will still get the job done. If you're comparing two calculators that are the same price and only one has color, it's probably the better option simply for ease of use. Show more What's the difference between a CAS calculator and a non-CAS calculator? CAS stands for computer algebra systems. The CAS-enabled calculators are more advanced and are good for algebra-based classes because they're designed for variables and equations. Non-CAS calculators, on the other hand, are lower-level calculators that don't quite have the functionality but are still just as useful. Show more Are all graphing calculators approved for standardized tests? No, not all graphing calculators can be used on the SAT, ACT, or other standardized tests. Your best bet is to check the guidelines before testing to see what calculators are OK to use, but in general, CAS calculators are not always approved, and calculators with stored memory are usually not approved. Show more Are there alternative graphing calculators worth considering?Texas Instruments and Casio both have several graphing calculators to choose from, and you can't go wrong with any of them. Some of them are more advanced than others (as evidenced by the higher price tag), while some are a little more basic. Any of these are still great options for a variety of students. Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

Yin Yang. Symbolic Representation Of The Chinese Philosophic Concept Of A Primordial "Oneness" ... [+] Called Ta Chi. Yang Is The Masculine Active Principle In Nature That Is Exhibited In The Emperor, Light, Heat, Or Dryness. Yin Is The Feminine Passive Principle That Is Exhibited In Earth, Darkness, Cold, Or Wetness. The same nature of complementarity is reflected in the logic of hybrid intelligence in which natural intelligence and artificial intelligence catalyze each other.Universal Images Group via Getty ImagesArtificial intelligence is everywhere. We talk about it, write about it, create with it, and adapt to its growing influence. Even during the holiday seasons typical slowdown, AI remains a topic of lively debate in boardrooms, on social media, and around dinner tables. But the central question remains: so what? Can we answer it by placing the cursor on hybrid intelligence?As we begin this new year, the tantalizing issue is whether AI will be a blessing or a curse. Will we unlock its immense potential for social good, or continue to limit its scope to efficiency and business effectiveness? Will we refuse to use it, or embrace it blindly ? Or will we be able to move beyond an either-or mindset to choose the opportunity of and.The answer for many of the questions that 2025 entails lies not in choosing one approach over another, but in combining the best of them all, and their complementarity. This certainly stands to be proven concerning the power-couple of our two intelligences.Artificial Intelligence and natural intelligence create hybrid intelligence which we can channel it to bring out the best in us and others. In the following we explore the transformative complementarity of human and machine intelligence and provide four actionable ways to harness it for maximum impact.Understanding Hybrid IntelligenceHybrid intelligence is not merely another innovation; it is a mindset. It combines the logical, analytical power of AI with the emotional, ethical, and creative capacities of humans. This alliance can achieve outcomes that neither could accomplish alone.MORE FOR YOUBefore exploring how to leverage HI, lets define its key components:Artificial Intelligence (AI): The computational capabilities of machines to perform tasks requiring human intelligence. AI excels in processing large datasets, recognizing patterns, optimizing systems, and automating repetitive tasks. However, it thrives in structured scenarios and quantifiable problems.Natural Intelligence (NI): The inherent intelligence of humans, encompassing learning, reasoning, creativity, empathy, and ethical judgment. NI shines in ambiguous, complex situations but struggles with repetitive or data-intensive tasks.Hybrid Intelligence (HI): A dynamic partnership where AI enhances human decision-making with precision and scale, while NI ensures adaptability, empathy, value-orientation and ethical oversight. The result is a balanced system that amplifies human potential and leverages AIs efficiency.Using Hybrid Intelligence SystematicallyNow that we understand HIs foundation, lets examine four practical ways to harness this synergy.1. Enhancing Decision-Making In BusinessDecision-making in business often involves navigating complexity and uncertainty. While AI can process massive datasets and identify trends with unparalleled speed, it lacks intuition, empathy, and ethical judgment qualities intrinsic to human decision-makers.How to Leverage HI:AI for Data-Driven Insights: AI can analyze gigantic amounts of data to uncover trends, predict customer behavior, and optimize operations. With these insights, leaders can make evidence-based decisions and minimize biases.NI for Strategic Judgment and Empathy: Human leaders provide the strategic vision and ethical reasoning needed to balance efficiency with social responsibility. For instance, while AI might recommend cost-cutting measures, only humans can assess their impact on employees and communities.By integrating AIs analytical strengths with human judgment, businesses can achieve smarter, more ethical outcomes.2. Driving Innovation And CreativityInnovation thrives at the intersection of logic and imagination. While AI can identify patterns and optimize processes, true breakthroughs often require human creativity and the ability to think beyond boxes and established norms.How to Leverage HI:AI for Inspiration and Pattern Recognition: AI can analyze market trends, consumer behaviors, and industry developments to suggest new opportunities. It can also automate routine tasks, freeing up humans to focus on ideation.NI for Visionary Creativity: Humans bring intuition, experience, and diverse perspectives to elevate AIs suggestions into groundbreaking ideas. Whether designing new products or envisioning bold strategies, human creativity remains essential for transformative innovation.By combining AIs data-driven insights with human ingenuity, hybrid intelligence accelerates innovation that is both practical and visionary.3. Personalizing Customer ExperiencesTodays customers expect personalized interactions across every touchpoint. While AI can analyze data to tailor recommendations, it often lacks the empathy and relational skills needed to build lasting connections.How to Leverage HI:AI for Scalable Personalization: AI can track customer preferences, behaviors, and purchase histories to deliver tailored recommendations at scale. For example, an e-commerce platform might suggest products based on browsing habits.NI for Emotional Intelligence: Humans excel at understanding nuanced customer needs, addressing concerns, and building trust. Through empathetic interactions, customer service teams can provide the human touch that AI cannot replicate.By blending AIs efficiency with human warmth, hybrid intelligence creates customer experiences that are both personalized and authentic.4. Supporting Ethical and Responsible AI DevelopmentAs AI becomes more integrated into society, ethical oversight is critical. Without careful attention, AI systems can perpetuate biases, invade privacy, or cause unintended harm.How to Leverage HI:AI for Bias Detection: AI can identify patterns of bias in datasets and suggest algorithmic adjustments. It can also monitor AI systems for unintended behaviors.NI for Ethical Oversight: Humans establish the ethical guidelines and accountability frameworks that govern AI development. By prioritizing fairness, transparency, and societal impact, human oversight ensures AI serves the greater good.Hybrid intelligence enables the creation of AI systems that are both effective and ethically sound.Solving the HI EquationHybrid intelligence is not just a new buzzword; it is a practical paradigm for progress. By blending AIs computational power with the creativity, empathy, and ethics of humans, HI can drive meaningful advancements in business, innovation, customer experience, and prosocial ethical AI development.As we navigate the complexities of a new year, a fresh choice is on the table. The future belongs to those who embrace the complementarity of AI and NI. By cultivating our hybrid intelligence, we can unlock never imagined opportunities of personal agency, creativity, and positive social impact.

The world today was engineered to be ephemeral and noisy. This is a terrible combination for an investor.On Twitter alone, there are 456,000 messages sent every minute. On Facebook, there are 510,000 comments posted every minute and 293,000 status updates. Outside of social media, there are 16 million text messages sent every minute and 156 million emails.NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 27: Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during ... [+] afternoon trading on March 27, 2024 in New York City. Stocks closed out high with the Dow Jones leading closing over 400 points and is on pace to end March with its fifth straight positive month, the longest streak since August 2020 and the S&P snapping a three day streak of losses. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images)Getty ImagesFor an investor, the antidote to noise is quality stock analysis. Due diligence requires dozens of hours per equity, and it takes hundreds of hours every year to produce a free newsletter with quality analysis. My firm, the I/O Fund, strives to offer some of the teams best analysis for free, and I believe the consistency and depth of what my firm provides for free is hard to replicate.My firm offers this in the most challenging sector for investors, which is hands-down the tech sector. The tech sector is unusually difficult because it involves many different verticals artificial intelligence, crypto, consumer, media, cloud, and more. Its also the highest risk and highest reward sector in the market. Due to sudden price movements in both directions, the stakes are high. Perhaps I am biased, but quality analysis particularly in the tech sector can be hard to come by.Below are highlights from my free analysis on Forbes during a strong year for AI and crypto. Although numerous investor favorites rose more than 100% during the year, many other popular tech stocks declined significantly. My firm offered our readers clues and insights for the leading stocks in AI semiconductors and software, providing unparalleled depth and quality to our free readers.MORE FOR YOUNvidia to Surpass Apples ValuationRight out the gate in 2024, I expanded on my highly regarded 2021 prediction that Nvidia would surpass Apples valuation within 5 five years; which at the time, this prediction was inconceivable as it would require not only Nvidia to go up more than 300%, but also for the tech leader Apple to plateau.Beth Kindig on X: "$NVDA > $AAPL https://t.co/TxSIAxlWLH" / XI explained why Nvidia would deliver on this prediction a whole 2 years early in the February 2024 analysis, Nvidia Stock Gained $1.5 Trillion To Surpass The FAANGs - Apple Is Next. In the analysis, I pointed out that it was not just the consistency and magnitude of Nvidias multi-billion dollar revenue beats, but the expansion of its margins and earnings as revenue grew >200% for multiple quarters as it approached a $90 billion annualized scale.From that August 2021 prediction to the February 2024 update, Nvidia posted some staggering growth numbers: Data center revenue grew 676% to $18.4 billion. Data center revenue scaled from a $10 billion run rate to a $75 billion run rate in 2.5 years, a feat that took AWS 6 years to accomplish. Nvidias total revenue increased 240% during the period driven by blazing data center growth, versus a 43% increase for Apple, with iPhone revenue rising just 4.5% from fiscal 2021 to fiscal 2023. Nvidias quarterly EPS grew nearly 400% during the period, versus just 14% for Apple. Nvidias operating margin increased from 47% to nearly 67%, while Apples expanded from 28% to 34%.My firm provided a handful of reasons that would propel Nvidia to quickly become the worlds most valuable company. This included the long runway for AI accelerators AMDs executives forecast the market to reach $400 billion by 2027 with Nvidia taking the lions share. Nvidias accelerated product roadmap to a one-year release cadence lets it continue to pry away Big Tech capex, while the software opportunity beckons, already reaching a $1B+ run rate. These tailwinds combined with a valuation that was eerily low at the time considering the rapid ascent shares had made through 2023.Supply chain and demand signals point to 2025 being another strong year for Nvidia as Blackwell comes to market, with my firm tracking these data points to assess Nvidias growth potential in the year to come. I published numerous free analyses on Nvidias Blackwell; some of this explaining back in May why there was still room in the stock price as I called out institutional analyst estimates being too low (which later materialized). I also boldly wrote that delays on Blackwell were overblown, and we have gotten yet another confirmation from Nvidias management team at CES that Blackwell is shipping on time. My firms ongoing consistency and accuracy on this stock dating back to 2018 for up to 4,000% returns has been unparalleled premium members received nine real-time buy alerts below $20 in 2021 and 2022; learn more here. Nvidia Q1 Earnings Preview: Blackwell And The $200B Data Center Nvidia Stock: Blackwell Suppliers Shrug Off Delay Ahead Of Q2 Earnings Heres Why Nvidia Stock Will Reach $10 Trillion Market Cap By 2030 Nvidia Stock Is A Buy On Dips Before Blackwell Arrives In 2025 Nvidias Stock Has 70% Potential Upside For 2025Bitcoin to $100K+My firm provided two crucial updates on our game plan for Bitcoin, with his first update from April 2024 increasing our target price zones. At the time, Bitcoin was an overlooked asset compared to the over-hyped Mag 7, yet the asset has delivered superior returns compared to all of the great large-cap tech stocks in this bull cycle, minus Nvidia, while having a low inverse correlation to tech.Utilizing technical analysis and on-chain data in the analysis We Are Raising Our Bitcoin Targets To $106K - $190K, my firm explained that it was now raising its target zones for Bitcoin to $106,000 to $190,000, up from the previous zone of $75,000 to $130,000. Bitcoin was trading in the mid-$60,000 range at the time, as my firm noted that the $42,750 support region holds on any ongoing volatility, then we have no reason to doubt the uptrend in place.My firm provided another update to the Bitcoin thesis at the end of July 2024 in the analysis, Bitcoin Update: Next Stop $100,000; Bitcoin finally surpassed that historic level as 2024 came to a close. My firm explained that Bitcoin had a full corrective pattern in place that ended around $54,000 in early July, which suggests we are in the early stages of the next rally.My firm had systematically been accumulating since the start of this cycle while raising our critical supports along the way below is the history of Bitcoin buy alerts that my firm issued to our subscribers in real-time since early 2023.The I/O Fund sent out numerous buy alerts for BTC below $60,000 since early 2023.Source: I/O FundNotably, my firm assisted readers in capturing immense upside from the two top-performing large-cap tech positions in 2023 and 2024 with Nvidia and Bitcoin; the fact my firm also provided ongoing entries and risk management for these mega-winners should not be understated in terms of the value my firm has delivered. To refer my newsletter to your friends and family, please click here.Meta to Outperform SnapchatIn the January 2024 analysis, Social Media Stocks: One Metric Shows Metas Clear Leadership, I pointed out what separated Meta as a clear social media leader and why Snapchat would struggle with monetization. Since then, Meta shares have risen nearly 65%, while Snapchat has declined -28%.Meta was demonstrating improvements in ad pricing with strong ad impressions growth of >30% in Q2 and Q3 2023, while average revenue per user (ARPU) accelerated in those quarters; whereas Snapchat was struggling to effectively monetize its user base. Additionally, I explained that Meta was much more efficient with spending, maintaining R&D spending below 40% of gross profit while improving ARPU, significantly improving operating margin, and investing in AR/VR and AI technologies. Snapchat was spending around 80% of its gross profit dollars on R&D, a disproportionately high amount on R&D relative to peers while failing to increase ARPU and monetization within its user base.I pointed out that what makes Meta a clear leader is that it can maintain a high level of R&D spend while remaining a cash cow with strong operating cash flow and free cash flow growth, with OCF margin nearing 60% in Q3 2023 and OCF tracking for 50% YoY growth to $75 billion in 2023.In a follow-up analysis in March 2024, Top 3 Ad-Tech Stocks For 2024, I said that Metas key metrics [were] supporting a return to >40% operating margin for the full year and a possible >33% net margin, driven by increasing ad pricing, strong engagement trends and impressions growth, aided by the release of numerous AI features. Q3 2024s results put this prediction very close to coming true, with 9M operating margin at 39.6% and net margin at 35.8%.Amazons Cloud AccelerationIn the February 2024 analysis AI Driving Acceleration For Big 3 Cloud Stocks, I discussed how AI was impacting cloud growth at Microsoft, Amazon and Alphabet. For Amazon, I explained that in Q4 2023, AWS finally accelerated in Q4 for the first time in 2 years, with Amazon reporting 13.2% growth in Q4, up just over 1 point from Q3s 12%. However, the more important metric was AWS operating leverage improving in the second half of 2023, with operating income growth at 3x the rate of revenue in Q4.At the time, AWS was generating the majority of Amazons company-wide operating income (67% of 2023) due to its higher operating margin (27% in Q4 2023), which I had said was a trend that can strengthen with AI driving accelerated customer and revenue growth and decreased costs. This has played out, with AWS reporting a 37.8% operating margin in Q3 2024.What I had seen in February 2024 was a combination of increased customer migrations, larger and longer duration contracts, increased incremental revenue QoQ, and opportunities to better monetize the suite via AI. These factors were the necessary ingredients for AWS to show a sustained AI-driven acceleration, even though its quarterly growth rates lagged Azure and Google Cloud. AWS growth has now re-accelerated to 19%.In a follow-up article in May, Amazon Stock: Nearing $2 Trillion Club From AWS Growth & Ads Catalyst, I provided evidence that AWS was a primary contributor to Amazons push to the $2 trillion milestone. I noted that AWS was contributing more than 60% of Amazons total operating income despite contributing less than 20% of total revenue, one reason that corporate gross profit margin has quickly approached 20% and operating margin reached double-digits for the first time ever, at 10.7%. Growth from AI quickly reached a multi-billion dollar run rate, while improvements in operating leverage at AWS aided Amazons bottom line and stock price shares have risen nearly 30% since the February 2024 analysis.Honorable MentionsMy firm was also early to call out a fundamental acceleration for one of 2024s best performing AI stocks, alongside another AI-exposed ad-tech winner and an AI theme that quickly came to the forefront thanks to Nvidia.1) Palantirs Revenue AccelerationIn December 2023, my firm outlined four cloud stocks set to see revenue accelerate in 2024, with Palantir one of the four. My firm had said that Palantir was exhibiting multiple signs of acceleration heading into 2024 with an improved fundamental backdrop driven by increasing AI demand. Palantirs Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) is driving a significant acceleration in its US commercial business, while underlying metrics and the bottom line are rapidly improving: Palantir posted its first GAAP profitable quarter in February and has since reported four consecutive GAAP profitable quarters.My firm explained that revenue growth is poised to accelerate in Q4 and through 2024, boosted by AI demand, a reacceleration in Palantirs US government segment, and continued strength in the US commercial segment stemming from [AIP].Palantirs shares ended 2024 as the S&P 500s best performer with a 341% return.2) Taiwan Semiconductors AI RevenueIn April 2024, my firm discussed Taiwan Semiconductors (TSMC) revenue acceleration stemming from the strength of AI/HPC revenue, with April sales surging after Q1 showed strong advanced node revenue growth and record HPC revenue.My firm discussed how TSMC was riding the enormous wave of demand from Big Tech, with HPC revenue rising 3% QoQ to $8.68 billion in Q1 2024, a fresh record despite the first quarter typically being seasonally weaker. Additionally, my firm said reports of Nvidia and AMD fully booking out TSMCs advanced packaging capacity through the end of 2025 lent to a strong AI-driven outlook.Aprils sales numbers gave my firm confidence that TSMC was on track to land in the upper half of or above the guided range for Q2 revenue it ultimately beat estimates by $500 million, the largest in more than two years.3) AI Power ConsumptionIn June 2024, my firm published a thematic analysis on AI power consumption, and the rising power draw from next-generation GPUs. This analysis was underpinned by the rise of generative AI and surging GPU shipments [which] is causing data centers to scale from tens of thousands to 100,000-plus accelerators, shifting the emphasis to power as a mission-critical problem to solve.My firm explained how Nvidias Hopper and AMDs MI300X accelerators consume 50% to 75% more power than the prior generation, while Blackwell represented up to a 300% increase in power consumption across one generation of GPUs with AI systems increasing power consumption at a higher rate.With power draw now quickly becoming mission-critical for data centers to address due to each generation of GPUs becoming increasingly more powerful than the last, my firm pointed out that this was driving a shift to liquid cooling.For 2025, my firm has worked to identify key Nvidia suppliers with Blackwell on deck to ramp significantly, sharing our in-depth research on the AI networking stack. Sign up to join our upcoming webinar, held every Thursday at 4:30 pm EST, where we discuss buy zones for the stocks we cover plus a special, one-hour 2025 webinar held on January 14th. Learn more here.If you would like notifications when my new articles are published, please hit the button below to "Follow" me.

Editor's take: The Chrome Web Store offers numerous tools for extension developers to publish and promote their creations. However, what it should not enable is the misuse of these tools to provide authors with manipulative tactics that push extensions in unexpected or inappropriate contexts. Despite the forced transition to Manifest V3, Chrome extensions remain as dangerous and malicious as ever. Rogue developers can disguise their creations as legitimate extensions still using the older Manifest V2 technology or exploit Chrome Web Store's translation system to appear in unrelated search results by Chrome users.This latest tactic was recently discovered by security researcher Wladimir Palant, who detailed his findings in an eye-opening post. While searching for the "Norton Password Manager" extension on the Chrome Web Store, Palant encountered numerous seemingly unrelated results. Upon investigating, he uncovered a clever manipulation campaign actively pushing users to install low-quality or even malicious code.The core issue identified by Palant lies in how the Chrome Web Store manages translations and related metadata. Official Chrome Web Store policies explicitly prohibit search result manipulation, yet hundreds of extensions are flagrantly violating these rules to secure undeserved visibility and promotion.Some developers have discovered that the Chrome Web Store search index is shared across all languages, according to Palant. This allows them to "sacrifice" descriptions in less popular languages by embedding them with keyword-packed text. When users search the CWS, these keywords boost the visibility of malicious extensions, even if the extensions are programmed to perform entirely unrelated functions.Palant identified 920 Chrome extensions exploiting this malicious technique to manipulate CWS search results. These extensions can be traced back to a few "clusters," suggesting they were likely created by a small group of developers familiar with the search manipulation trick. // Related StoriesThe researcher reported this issue to Google, highlighting what appears to be a coordinated effort to manipulate the Chrome Web Store search system. Palant noted that Google had already been alerted to keyword spamming practices over a year ago, yet the problematic extensions remain active. Either Google isn't looking, or they don't care at all, Palant said.

Tesla/X CEO Elon Musk seems to believe that training AI models with solely human-made data is becoming impossible. Musk claims that theresa growing lack of real-world data with which to train AI models, including his Grok AI chatbot.Weve now exhausted basically the cumulative sum of human knowledge in AI training, Musk said during an X live-stream interview conducted by Stagwell chairman Mark Penn. That happened basically last year.Recommended VideosMusks comments reflect those of former OpenAI researcher Ilya Sutskever, who predicted last December that the AI industry had reached peak data. Musks solution to this issue synthetic data also mirrors the larger industry. Google, OpenAI, Anthropic, and Meta already leverage synthetic data to train their models. The only way to supplement [real-world data] is with synthetic data, where the AI creates [training data], Musk said. With synthetic data [AI] will sort of grade itself and go through this process of self-learning.While the use of synthetic data can offer significant cost savings to companies, some studies suggest that over-reliance on synthetic data can lead to model collapse where the AIs responses become less creative and more biased over time as theyre repeatedly trained on recursively generated data.The lack of human-derived data hasnt stopped X from spinning off its Grok AI feature into its own iOS app on Thursday. The chatbot and image generator, notable for their complete lack of intellectual property or content guardrails, used to only be available to folks shelling out $8 a month for an X premium account. However, the new app is free for anyone to download.Editors Recommendations

Noise-canceling earbuds and headphones are designed to give you the best sound quality possible by eliminating pesky background noise. These are the ambient sounds you hear as you walk down a city street, fire up an air conditioner, or sit idly on a plane, train, or bus. Our team of audio experts has reviewed all kinds of earbuds over the years, but today were going to bring the spotlight back to a classic, the Technics EAH-AZ80 TWS Earbuds.Why, you may be asking? Because now that you can preorder the Technics EAH-AZ100 (just revealed at CES 2025), the Z80 Series is $100 off! We tested these earbuds close to two years ago, and reviewer Simon Cohen said the EAH-AZ80 delivered great sound and comfort for hours of hi-fi listening.Available in black, blue, and silver colorways, the classy-looking AZ80 buds sport 10mm free-edge dynamic drivers that deliver bold, crystal-clear sound quality. From articulate highs to deep, impactful lows, its hard to beat the power and performance on tap with the AZ80. And we havent even mentioned the fact these TWS buds support Sonys LDAC codec (along with SBC and AAC). High-resolution audio never sounded so good!RelatedIf youre constantly on the move, the AZ80s advanced Dual Hybrid ANC System does a phenomenal job at tuning out the ambient noise you dont want to hear. We were also impressed by Technics JustMyVoice technology, which leverages eight onboard mics and wind noise reduction to hone in on your voice. You can also expect up to seven hours of battery life on a full charge, plus an extra 24 hours with a fully charged case.We see great Bluetooth speaker deals all the time, but when it comes to Bluetooth-powered earbuds, its not as easy to find the products worth the spotlight. Fortunately, calling out this great sale on the Technics EAH-AZ80 was a total no-brainer. Save $100 when you purchase these excellent in-ears, and be sure to check out our list of the best Amazon deals and Best Buy deals for even more amazing markdowns on top tech!Editors Recommendations