Jan 09, 2025The Hacker NewsAI Security / SaaS SecurityAs SaaS providers race to integrate AI into their product offerings to stay competitive and relevant, a new challenge has emerged in the world of AI: shadow AI. Shadow AI refers to the unauthorized use of AI tools and copilots at organizations. For example, a developer using ChatGPT to assist with writing code, a salesperson downloading an AI-powered meeting transcription tool, or a customer support person using Agentic AI to automate tasks without going through the proper channels. When these tools are used without IT or the Security team's knowledge, they often lack sufficient security controls, putting company data at risk.Shadow AI Detection ChallengesBecause shadow AI tools often embed themselves in approved business applications via AI assistants, copilots, and agents they are even more tricky to discover than traditional shadow IT. While traditional shadow apps can be identified through network monitoring methodologies that scan for unauthorized connections based on IP addresses and domain names, these AI assistants can fly under the radar because they share an IP address or domain with approved applications.Additionally, some employees utilize standalone AI tools tied to personal accounts, like personal ChatGPT instances, to assist with work-related tasks. While these AI apps aren't connected to corporate infrastructure, there's still the risk that employees will input sensitive data into them, increasing the chance of data leaks.Shadow AI Security RisksLike any shadow apps, shadow AI apps expand the attack surface through unmonitored integrations and APIs. They're often set up with weak configurations like excessive permissions, duplicative passwords, and no multi-factor identification (MFA), increasing the risk of exploitation and lateral movement within the network.However, shadow AI tools are even more dangerous than traditional shadow apps because of their ability to ingest and share information. One study found that as many as 15% of employees post company data in AI tools. Since GenAI models learn from every interaction, there's a risk they will expose sensitive information to unauthorized users or spread misinformation. How Reco Discovers Shadow AI in SaaSReco, a SaaS security solution, uses AI-based graph technology to discover and catalog shadow shadow AI. Here's how Reco works:Active Directory Integration: Reco begins by integrating with your organization's Active Directory, such as Microsoft Azure AD or Okta, to gather a list of approved and known applications and AI tools.Email Metadata Analysis: Reco analyzes email metadata from platforms like Gmail and Outlook to detect communications with unauthorized tools. It filters out internal apps and marketing emails and focuses on usage indicators, like account confirmations and download requests.GenAI Module Matching: Using a proprietary, fine-tuned model based on interactions and NLP, Reco consolidates and cleans the list, matching identities with corresponding apps and AI tools. Then, it creates a list of all SaaS apps and AI tools being used, who is using them, and what authentication mechanisms are being used.Shadow Application Detection: By comparing this list against a list of known applications and AI tools, Reco produces a list of unauthorized applications and shadow AI tools.What Reco Can Tell You About Shadow AI ToolsAfter Reco produces the list of shadow AI tools and apps, Reco can answer questions like:Which SaaS apps are currently in use across your organization? Of these apps, which are utilizing AI assistants and copilots? Reco inventories all applications running in your environment that are associated with your business email. It creates a list of who is using what, how they're authenticating, and produces activity logs in order to understand their behavior. That way, it can alert to suspicious activity, like excessive downloads, external file sharing, or permission changes. It also provides a Vendor Risk Score so security teams can prioritize riskier apps.What app-to-app connections exist?SaaS applications don't operate as islands. You need to understand how they're interacting with other applications to effectively manage risk. Reco shows you all the app-to-app integrations discovered within your environment. For example, you can see if an AI tool has been connected to a business-critical application like Gmail or Snowflake, and what permissions each AI application has.What identities are using each AI tool? What permissions do they have and how are they authenticating?One of the main challenges in SaaS security is the lack of centralization identity management is spread out across multiple apps. Reco consolidates identities across all SaaS applications so you can manage them from a single console. You can dig into what permissions each identity has, how they're authenticating, and whether or not they have Admin privileges. Who does not have MFA enabled? Who has excessive permissions? You can create roles and enforce policies that span multiple apps.What actions has each identity taken across SaaS and AI applications and when did this happen?Reco's AI-based knowledge graph technology maps all discovered SaaS applicationsincluding sanctioned and shadow applicationsassociated identities from both humans and machines, their permission levels, and actions. The knowledge graph then looks for changes in these vectors over time. If the graph indicates a dramatic change, then Reco alerts on an anomaly. For example, if there is a decrease in user engagement, Reco can predict the employee is planning on leaving the organization.Find out which AI applications are accessing sensitive data and who is using them. Then, implement governance and access management policies via the Reco platform.What Reco Cannot Do for Shadow AI SecuritySince Reco operates in an agentless, read-only capacity, there are certain limitations to its shadow AI security capabilities. Here's what Reco can't do:Prevent Data Input: Reco cannot stop users from entering sensitive data into unauthorized AI tools or applications.Block Shadow AI Tools: Reco does not directly block or disable shadow AI tools or integrations since it does not interfere with app functionality.Restrict User Behavior: Reco cannot enforce policies or prevent users from accessing unapproved toolsit can only detect and alert on activity.Modify Permissions: Reco cannot change user permissions or revoke access to shadow AI tools, as it only has read-only access to the data and doesn't have write access to SaaS applications.Stop API Integrations: Reco cannot prevent third-party shadow AI tools from connecting via APIs, but it can identify and alert these connections.Ultimately, Reco is a visibility and detection tool. It can't take action itself, but it can empower Security teams with the knowledge needed to take appropriate action at the right time to reduce risks.How Reco Continuously Secures SaaS Applications and AI ToolsAfter Reco discovers all your shadow applications and AI tools, takes inventory, and ranks them, Reco provides continuous security for the full SaaS lifecycle. Reco delivers:Posture management and compliance: Reco identifies misconfigurations that may put your data at risk, such as over-permissioned users, publicly exposed files, stale accounts, and weak authentication mechanisms. The 'How to Fix' feature gives instructions on how to clean up risks. It continuously monitors for configuration changes that could lead to data exposure via SaaS Security Posture Management (SSPM).Identities and Access Governance: Reco unifies identities across your SaaS applications, enabling centralized management of permissions and roles. By analyzing user permission levels and behaviors within your SaaS ecosystem, Reco provides visibility into critical exposure gaps that could lead to a breach.Threat Detection and Response: Reco delivers real-time alerts for unusual activities that may indicate malicious intent, such as impossible travel, unusual downloads, suspicious permission changes, or repeated failed login attempts. It integrates with your SIEM or SOAR so organizations can remediate SaaS risks efficiently within existing workflows.To learn more about Reco, you can watch the pre-recorded demo here. Or visit reco.ai to schedule a live demo.Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

On Dec. 8, cybersecurity company BeyondTrust notified the US Department of the Treasury of a threat actor intrusion, according to a letter Treasury sent to the US Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.This incident joins the list of other attacks attributed to China state-sponsored advanced persistent threat (APT) actors. How was this attack executed, and what is the outlook for ongoing cyber threats from China?The US Treasury HackThe threat actor gained access to Treasury end user workstations via a compromise of BeyondTrust. The threat actor was able to use a stolen key to override the services security, remotely access certain Treasury DO user workstations, and access certain unclassified documents maintained by those users, according to the letter.As of Jan. 6, BeyondTrust fully patched vulnerabilities relating to the SaaS instances of BeyondTrust Remote Support, according to the companys security advisory.BeyondTrust previously identified and took measures to address a security incident in early December 2024 that involved the Remote Support product. BeyondTrust notified the limited number of customers who were involved, and it has been working to support those customers since then, a BeyondTrust spokesperson shared via email.Related:The threat actor targeted the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), the Office of Financial Research (OFR), and US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellens office, The Guardian reports.OFAC administers a number of sanctions programs; threat actors could have targeted OFAC to gain insight into forthcoming US sanctions.It's a more targeted approach designed specifically to get an inside look [at], potentially, future US policy, John Ghose, government investigations and enforcement attorney and special counsel at law firm Baker Donelson, tells InformationWeek.It is also possible the hackers have other motivations. Their intention will probably be to manipulate or degrade the integrity of the data associated with the sanctioned personalities in China, says Tom Kellerman, senior vice president of cyber strategy at application security company Contrast Security. Is there a process ongoing right now to verify the integrity of the data associated with the multitude of Chinese citizens that have been sanctioned by Treasury?Chinese Cyber Threats and US ResponseChinese officials frequently deny involvement in hacking operations, but the US linked China state-backed threat actors to several major intrusions, including the Treasury breach.Related:The major telecommunications hack discovered last year was linked to APT Salt Typhoon. China state-backed actors were also found responsible for the 2015 breach of the US Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which impacted the data of 35 million government employees. In 2020, the US Department of Justice charged four Chinese military-backed hackers for their involvement in the 2017 breach of credit reporting agency Equifax.While the Treasury and telecommunications hacks have come to light recently, cyber threats from China are ongoing. Cyber insurgency within US critical infrastructure is far deeper than just Treasury, says Kellerman.China-backed APT groups may be lurking in US government and company systems as a part of espionage campaigns, but there is growing concern about the potential for disruptive cyberattacks that cripple critical infrastructure if geopolitical tensions boil over into outright conflict. What can be done as nation state cyber threats continue to loom?Sanctions are a common response. Shortly following the news of the Treasury hack, the federal department announced sanctions on a cybersecurity company based in Beijing, relating to its role in helping breach US communications systems between the summer of 2022 and 2023, The New York Times reports.Related:At this point when it comes to actors like China and Russia and others that are so heavily blacklisted to what extent do we have a response? We're already limiting trade significantly, he says. The response would require just more sophisticated hardening of our information systems including all levels of the supply chain, says Ghose.Hardening of the supply chain requires an understanding of common threat actor tactics.We need to pay attention to the Chinese modus operandi, which is [to] island hop through other parties, whether it be cybersecurity vendors or whether it be through telecommunications carriers, and the fact that they're developing zero days faster than any other nation state, which still allows them to bypass a lot of cybersecurity defenses, Kellerman tells InformationWeek.And zero-day exploitation is on the rise. Cybersecurity consulting company Mandiant, a part of Google Cloud, found that 70% of vulnerabilities exploited in 2023 were zero days, an increase compared to 2021 and 2022.Hacks like the one of Treasury could prompt more focus on the supply chain and third-party reliance.Is it possible that this then results in more internalization, less reliance on third parties because of the difficulty of securing the supply chain? Ghose asks. That'll be an interesting development to watch.The Treasury hack also comes just before the beginning of a second Trump administration, and President-elect Trump has been vocal about taking an aggressive approach to China.The timing is interesting just because we're about to have an administration change, Ghose points out. So the Treasury leadership is going to be turning over soon. So, OFAC policy could look very different in, say, a couple of months from now.The US response to nation state cyber threats, beyond OFAC, could change under a new administration.

This is today's edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology. The worlds first industrial-scale plant for green steel promises a cleaner future As of 2023, nearly 2 billion metric tons of steel were being produced annually, enough to cover Manhattan in a layer more than 13 feet thick. Making this metal produces a huge amount of carbon dioxide. Overall, steelmaking accounts for around 8% of the worlds carbon emissionsone of the largest industrial emitters and far more than such sources as aviation.Read the full story.Douglas Main Green steel is one of our 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025, MIT Technology Reviews annual list of tech to watch. Check out the rest of the list, and cast your vote for the honorary 11th breakthrough. 2025 is a critical year for climate tech Casey Crownhart I love the fresh start that comes with a new year. And one thing adding a boost to my January is our newest list of 10 Breakthrough Technologies. As I was looking over the finished list this week, I was struck by something: While there are some entries from other fields that are three or even five years away, all the climate items are either newly commercially available or just about to be. Its certainly apt, because this year in particular seems to be bringing a new urgency to the fight against climate change. Its time for these technologies to grow up and get out there. Read the full story.This story is from The Spark, our weekly climate and energy newsletter. Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Wednesday. A New York legislator wants to pick up the pieces of the dead California AI bill The first Democrat in New York history with a computer science background wants to revive some of the ideas behind the failed California AI safety bill, SB 1047, with a new version in his state that would regulate the most advanced AI models. Assembly member Alex Bores hopes his bill, currently an unpublished draft that MIT Technology Review has seen, will address many of the concerns that blocked SB 1047 from passing into law last year. Read the full story. Scott J Mulligan MIT Technology Review Narrated: How covid conspiracy theories led to an alarming resurgence in AIDS denialism Podcaster Joe Rogan, former presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr, and football quarterback Aaron Rodgers are all helping revive AIDS denialisma false collection of theories arguing either that HIV doesnt cause AIDS or that theres no such thing as HIV at all. These ideas were initially promoted back in the 1980s and 90s but fell out of favor, as more and more evidence stacked up against them, and as more people with HIV and AIDS started living longer lives thanks to effective new treatments. But then coronavirus arrived. This is our latest story to be turned into a MIT Technology Review Narrated podcast, whichwere publishing each week on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Just navigate to MIT Technology Review Narrated on either platform, and follow us to get all our new content as its released.Ask our journalists anything! Do you have questions about emerging technologies? Well, weve got answers. MIT Technology Reviews science and tech journalists are hosting an AMA on Reddit tomorrow at 12 pm ET. Submit your questions now! The must-reads Ive combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 Wildfires are sweeping through Los Angeles Unusually strong winds and dry weather are accelerating multiple fires around the city. (Vox)+ While California is no stranger to wildfires, these are particularly awful. (The Atlantic $)+ Five people are known to have died, and thousands have lost their homes.(NY Mag $)+ The quest to build wildfire-resistant homes. (MIT Technology Review) 2 AI can now predict how the genes inside a cell will drive its behavior Scientists are hopeful it could usher in cell-specific therapies to fight genetic diseases. (WP $)+ How AI can help us understand how cells workand help cure diseases. (MIT Technology Review)3 The Biden administration is planning a further chips crackdown One of its final acts will be a push to prevent sales of chips to China and Russia. (Bloomberg $)+ A group of tech representatives is begging the US government to reconsider. (Reuters)4 Elon Musks DOGE division wants to slash $2 trillion in federal spending But even he admits its a ridiculously ambitious goal. (WSJ $)+ He reckons he might be able to cut half that amount. (NBC News)5 Meta exempted its top advertisers from content moderation processesIt agreed to suppress standard testing for high spenders. (FT $) + Mark Zuckerberg appears to be following Xs playbook. (Wired $)+ Maybe the two platforms arent so different after all. (The Atlantic $)6 How one teenager embarked on a nationwide swatting spreeAlan Filions false shooting calls sent police into hundreds of schools across the US. (Wired $) 7 Blue Origin is limbering up to launch its new Glenn rocketIn the companys very first flight. (New Scientist $) + If successful, the flight could prove Blue Origins worthiness as a SpaceX rival. (The Register)8 Grok could be getting an unhinged modeWhatever that means. (TechCrunch) + Xs chatbot was one of the biggest AI flops of 2024. (MIT Technology Review)9 The secret to scaling quantum computing? Fiber optic cables Mixing quantum data with regular ole internet gigabits is one solution. (IEEE Spectrum) 10 This robot vacuum has limbs All the better to clean your home with. (The Verge)+ A Roomba recorded a woman on the toilet. How did screenshots end up on Facebook? (MIT Technology Review)Quote of the day I voted for TrumpI didnt vote for Elon. Preston Parra, chairman of the pro-Trump Conservative PAC, expresses his frustration with Elon Musks escalating involvement in US politics to the New York Times. The big story The weeds are winning October 2024 Since the 1980s, more and more plants have evolved to become immune to herbicides. This threatens to decrease yields, and in extreme cases can wipe out whole fields. At worst, it can even drive farmers out of business. Its the agricultural equivalent of antibiotic resistance, and it keeps getting worse. Agriculture needs to embrace a diversity of weed control practices. But thats much easier said than done. Read the full story. Douglas Main We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet 'em at me.) + Andrew McCarthy has taken more than 90,000 pictures of the sun, which is pretty amazing.+ Sciences most famous dogs? Yes please.+ What better time to reorganize your kitchen cupboards than at the start of the new year?+ The Robbie Williams biopic Better Man is completely bonkersand a whole lot of fun.

Submitted by WA ContentsUIA Young Architects competitionFrance Architecture News - Jan 09, 2025 - 14:05 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched an international ideas competition designed to inspire and empower young architects to take a leading role in participatory urban design. This initiative aligns with the theme of the UN-Habitat World Architecture Day 2024: Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design, underscoring the critical role of young architects in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments for future generations.Open to architects worldwide born on or after 1 January 1989, the competition encourages innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly those affecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within an urban context. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome to participate, with the stipulation that team leaders must be qualified architects in their country of residence or origin.An opportunity for young architectsThis initiative is a testament to the UIAs commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among the next generation of architects. Through their participation, young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the qualitative development of UNESCO sites and inspire the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and participate in a Round Table discussion held at Palazzo Zorzi the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, in Venice. Their work will also be displayed in an exhibition at the commencement of the Biennale Architettura 2025.PrizesThe competition offers a total prize fund of 15,000, with the following awards:1st Prize: 5,000 and a certificate2nd Prize: 4,000 and a certificate3rd Prize: 3,000 and a certificate4th Prize: 2,000 and a certificate5th Prize: 1,000 and a certificateIn addition, the jury may award up to five honourable mentions to submissions of exceptional merit.JuryAn esteemed international jury has been convened, including:Manuel Herrero Sanchz, Architect, SpainMagdalena Landry, Director UNESCO Office Venice, PolandCristbal Tirado, Architect, Chile,Doan Than H, Architect, VietnamOmar Degan, Architect, SomaliaGiacomo Ardesio, Architect, Italy, will serve as the alternate juror.TimelineThe competition will proceed according to the following schedule:Launch: 7 January 2025Deadline for questions: 16 January 2025Deadline for answers: 31 January 2025Deadline for registration: 7 March 2025Deadline for submission of entries: 7 March 2025 at 17:00 Paris timeJury decision: 4 April 2025Result announcement and Awards Ceremony: 7 May 2025Vernissage (Exhibition Opening): 7 May 2025Roundtable discussion: 8 May 2025Exhibition at the Palazzo Zorzi, Venice: 8 to 15 May 2025How to ParticipateInterested architects and teams can visit the official UIA competition platform to register, ask questions, and submit their entries.Contact InformationFor media inquiries and further details, please contact: competitions@uia-architectes.org.Find out more and download the competition brief on the UIA website.Top image in the article courtesy of UIA.> via UIAarchitecture competition

Submitted by WA ContentsUIA Young Architects competitionFrance Architecture News - Jan 09, 2025 - 14:05 html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"The International Union of Architects (UIA) has launched an international ideas competition designed to inspire and empower young architects to take a leading role in participatory urban design. This initiative aligns with the theme of the UN-Habitat World Architecture Day 2024: Empowering the Next Generation in Participatory Urban Design, underscoring the critical role of young architects in shaping sustainable and inclusive environments for future generations.Open to architects worldwide born on or after 1 January 1989, the competition encourages innovative solutions to contemporary challenges, particularly those affecting UNESCO World Heritage Sites within an urban context. Multidisciplinary teams are welcome to participate, with the stipulation that team leaders must be qualified architects in their country of residence or origin.An opportunity for young architectsThis initiative is a testament to the UIAs commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration among the next generation of architects. Through their participation, young professionals can make meaningful contributions to the qualitative development of UNESCO sites and inspire the creation of resilient, inclusive, and sustainable urban environments.The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony and participate in a Round Table discussion held at Palazzo Zorzi the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, in Venice. Their work will also be displayed in an exhibition at the commencement of the Biennale Architettura 2025.PrizesThe competition offers a total prize fund of 15,000, with the following awards:1st Prize: 5,000 and a certificate2nd Prize: 4,000 and a certificate3rd Prize: 3,000 and a certificate4th Prize: 2,000 and a certificate5th Prize: 1,000 and a certificateIn addition, the jury may award up to five honourable mentions to submissions of exceptional merit.JuryAn esteemed international jury has been convened, including:Manuel Herrero Sanchz, Architect, SpainMagdalena Landry, Director UNESCO Office Venice, PolandCristbal Tirado, Architect, Chile,Doan Than H, Architect, VietnamOmar Degan, Architect, SomaliaGiacomo Ardesio, Architect, Italy, will serve as the alternate juror.TimelineThe competition will proceed according to the following schedule:Launch: 7 January 2025Deadline for questions: 16 January 2025Deadline for answers: 31 January 2025Deadline for registration: 7 March 2025Deadline for submission of entries: 7 March 2025 at 17:00 Paris timeJury decision: 4 April 2025Result announcement and Awards Ceremony: 7 May 2025Vernissage (Exhibition Opening): 7 May 2025Roundtable discussion: 8 May 2025Exhibition at the Palazzo Zorzi, Venice: 8 to 15 May 2025How to ParticipateInterested architects and teams can visit the official UIA competition platform to register, ask questions, and submit their entries.Contact InformationFor media inquiries and further details, please contact: competitions@uia-architectes.org.Find out more and download the competition brief on the UIA website.Top image in the article courtesy of UIA.> via UIAarchitecture competition

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Bureau Cube Partners have converted an old Milan Vapa Paper Mill into a cultural venue in Belgrade, Serbia.After an anonymous design competition for the new Nikola Tesla Museum, the team from Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) and Bureau Cube Partners of Serbia presented their design, which was chosen by the jury.Nikola Tesla was a visionary engineer and inventor who revolutionized electrical engineering and technology, helping to form the contemporary world. Although he is most recognized for creating alternating current electricity, Tesla is also credited with creating the Tesla coil, pioneering wireless communication, and ideas that served as the foundation for radio and radar technology.Even today, advancements in energy, communications, and technology are influenced and motivated by Tesla's work, which spanned the 1880s to the early 1900s.Image NorviskaThe new Nikola Tesla Museum preserves the city's architectural tradition, creates a number of new public areas for both locals and tourists, and transforms Belgrade's old Milan Vapa Paper Mill into a cultural attraction honoring Tesla's legacy.The paper mill, which was constructed by Milan Vapa, an industrialist from Belgrade, and opened as the country's first modern factory in 1924, was decommissioned and utilized as a freight company's storage facility before being abandoned about ten years ago.Because of its cultural significance, the Belgrade Institute for the Protection of Cultural Monuments has conserved the structure. Belgrade Waterfront is funding its transformation into the Nikola Tesla Museum.The 1920s building's adaptive reuse will maintain its industrial past while enhancing its indoor and outdoor areas to become a premier cultural destination that is easier to get to from the city.North faade render. Image ZHATesla's studies of wireless energy transfer and magnetic fields are included into the museum's design. The design includes dynamic elliptical curves emanating from the site's dominant feature, the ancient industrial chimney, and is informed by ideas of magnetic forces and interconnection.The public entrance to the triple-height central atrium, which is anchored by the historic chimney at the center of the 13,400 square meter museum, will be a new circular opening in the western faade of the factory.In order to provide returning visitors with a fresh experience, the museum's first floor galleries feature historical objects, interactive exhibits, and immersive presentations. Meanwhile, temporary galleries will house a constantly shifting schedule of exhibitions and events.View from top galleries. Image NorviskaThe immersive Tesla Electronic Transformer Gallery, which has a 12-million-volt transformer, will captivate visitors and highlight Tesla's spirit of innovation. A caf, a multipurpose hall, and a rooftop restaurant with expansive views of the Sava River are all available to visitors to the museum.Nikola Tesla Square will be the city's new public area outside the building. The square's flowing walkways, gardens, and plazasall inspired by Tesla's ideas about electromagnetic fieldswill improve accessibility and link to the city's transit system and Belgrade Waterfront.Coil Room. Image XuniverseThe restoration of the paper mill maintains its ancient faades, vaulted ceilings, and stonework while modernizing its structure to become one of the city's most significant cultural sites while minimizing ecological effect through passive design and the use of renewable and geothermal energy.Zaha Hadid Architects revealed its first project Discovery City masterplan for Malaysia. Additionally, the firm began construction on lemiste Passenger Terminal in Tallinn. Moreover, the studio shared update about the construction of West Kowloon Terminus in Hong Kong.Project factsClient:Belgrade WaterfrontZaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)ZHA Project Director: Manuela GattoZHA Project Team: Besan Abudayah, Thomas Bagnoli, Armando Bussey, Alicia Hidalgo, Panos Ioakim, Jung Yeon Kwak, Catherine McCann, Yevgeniya Pozigun, Houzhe Xu, Zixin YeZHA Smart Museum Design:Uli Blum, Danial HaziqZHA Sustainability Team: Bahaa Alnassrallah, Aditya Ambare, Carlos Bausa Martinez, Abhilash Menon, Disha Shetty, Jing XuBureau Cube Partners (BCP)BCP Project Director:Milan RakoviBCP Project Team:Danijela Bakic, Milos Bojinovic, Nadica Davidovic, Ana Maria Gaspar, Milena Ivanovic, Milena Kalinic, Sasa Kostic, Sanja Kostic, Bojana Maksimovic, Zora Pajcin, Aleksanda Stevanovic, Ana Suman, Nikola Umicevic, Sara Vasic, Stefan JovanovicSustainability Engineering:Max FordhamStructural Engineering (New additions): Lanik I. S.AStructural Engineering (Restoration):DB Engineering d.o.oMEP Engineering:Conventus Consultants d.o.oLighting Designer:Lichtvision Design LtdVisualisers: Xuniverse, Norviska, 3D Point d.o.oTop image in the article Norviska.> via Zaha Hadid Architects

Whether you're using the latest and best phoneor something a little older, you're still going to need to charge it eventually. The same goes for laptops, tablets and other devices, which means you need somewhere to plug them all in. A dearth of outlets is a real problem for most of us, which is why having something like this Anker Prime 6-port charger is such a good idea. It turns one AC outlet into multiple charging ports, and right now it can be yours for just $59.See at AmazonThis limited-time Amazon deal is available to everyone, but it likely won't last much longer. While we can't say when it will end, ordering sooner rather than later is the best way to lock in this price.Hey, did you know? CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.This charging station sports two USB-A ports and four USB-C ports with a maximum combined output of 200 watts. Each USB-C port can handle 100 watts and two can be used simultaneously to charge high-powered hardware like laptops.Your new charger comes with a 5-foot power cord, so you have some flexibility in terms of where you place it. Plus, the whole thing is surprisingly small, too. Despite that, Anker says the charger has multiple systems designed to monitor charging temperatures to ensure all of your devices are charged quickly and safely. Top deals available today, according to CNET's shopping experts Curated discounts worth shopping while they last Apple AirTag, 4-pack: $70 (save $29)Costco 1-year Gold Star membership + $20 gift card: $65 (save $20)Anker 20-watt USB-C charger, 2-pack: $12 (save $7)Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum: $160 (save $40)Peloton Bike: $1,145 (save $300) Why this deal mattersNone of us seem to have enough AC outlets these days, meaning something like this multi-port charger can be worth its weight in gold. Thankfully, this deal means you don't need to pay gold-like prices, making convenient charging a more affordable option for everyone.

There are tons of different ways to entertain yourself at home whether that's streaming movies or playing games, but what if documentaries are more your speed? If that's you, we have a deal you can't afford to miss with a lifetime's access to the Curiosity Stream catalog of top-notch documentaries now yours for just $160. You'll need to be quick though -- this StackSocial deal ends in just a few days.See at StackSocialThere are so many differentstreaming servicesaround these days that it can be difficult to keep track of them all. You're probably already paying for services that offer movies, TV shows and sports. Curiosity Stream offers an ever-growing catalog of factual content.Hey, did you know?CNET Deals texts are free, easy and save you money.From history to deep space to the wilds of nature, this streaming service gives you instant access to award-winning, educational digital content. Launched by Discovery Communications founder John Hendricks, Curiosity Stream delivers documentaries that cover a wide range of topics and it's one of our favorites for educational content. Learn about deep space from Stephen Hawking, experience an excavation at Pompeii and travel the world experiencing new places -- from remote jungles to European cities -- all without leaving home. There are regular content updates, too, so we're betting it would take you more than a lifetime to watch it all.The Curiosity Stream standard plan includes streaming and downloadable content, so you can watch movies offline when needed. It's easy to search, bookmark or resume viewing, and the service is compatible with mobile and desktop devices, as well as smart TVs, though if you plan to use an older device, you'll want to double-check the system requirements before your purchase. For example, requirements include Android and Android TV 5.0 and up, iOS 11 and up, Apple TV third-gen (and earlier via AirPlay) and Xbox One, among others. Just be sure to redeem the offer code within 30 days of purchase. Top deals available today, according to CNET's shopping experts Curated discounts worth shopping while they last Apple AirTag, 4-pack: $70 (save $29)Costco 1-year Gold Star membership + $20 gift card: $65 (save $20)Anker 20-watt USB-C charger, 2-pack: $12 (save $7)Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum: $160 (save $40)Peloton Bike: $1,145 (save $300) Why this deal mattersThe list price for the lifetime Curiosity Stream account is $400 at StackSocial, so you're saving 60% through that lens, but Curiosity Stream doesn't currently offer a lifetime option directly. A better comparison is to the cost of an annual plan, which is $40. So the deal price of $160 is the equivalent of paying the annual price for the service for four years, so you're saving money from that point onward. You're also shielding yourself from any future price increases.Alternatively, if Curiosity Stream isn't for you, be sure to hit up our list of the best streaming service deals for the latest offers on Disney Plus, Peacock, Paramount Plus and more. CNET is always covering a wide array of deals on tech products and much more. Start with the hottest sales and discounts on theCNET Deals page, and sign up for theCNET Deals Textto get daily deals sent straight to your phone. Add the freeCNET Shopping extensionto your browser for real-time price comparisons and cash-back offers. And peruse ourgift guide, which includes a full range of ideas for birthdays, anniversaries and more. See at CNET

Finding a show to watch on Netflix can be overwhelming given the plethora of titles across all genres. The streamer is known for its sprawling dramas, addictive reality competitions and original comedies. And with so much to choose from, we've narrowed down some of the most entertaining shows on the streaming service right now, including award winner Baby Reindeer, which just picked up two Golden Globes in addition to its six Emmys. There's also Ripley, which also earned four Emmys this year, and evergreen favorites such as Peaky Blinders and Stranger Things. If you're looking for your next comfort show, here's our roundup of some of the best series you can binge on Netflix. And if you'd rather go with a movie instead, here are our picks for the best Netflix original movies.Read more: Best Streaming Services of 2024See at Netflix Ed Miller/Netflix Baby Reindeer (2024) Inspired by real events from writer-actor Richard Gadd's own life, Baby Reindeer follows Donny Dunn, an aspiring comedian whose day job is bartending. The bar is where he extends kindness to a stranger named Martha played by Jessica Gunning, setting off a months-long chain ordeal of stalking. Donny's experience being stalked triggers a wave of unaddressed trauma, making for an interesting story. The seven-episode series won a string of Emmy awards along with the Golden Globes for Best Limited Series and Best Supporting Actress for Gunning. Netflix Ripley (2024) Praised by CNET's Aaron Pruner as a "brilliant new take on the anti-hero story," Netflix's Ripley is the latest book-to-screen adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's novel character. Andrew Scott plays the cunning Tom Ripley, a stylish con man who uses morally sketchy methods to get what he wants -- even murder. Filmed in stark black and white, the series won four Emmys including those for cinematography and visual effects, as well as directing for Steven Zallian. Netflix No Good Deed (2024) Netflix's new star-studded crime dramedy features an all-star ensemble, including Ray Romano, Lisa Kudrow, Luke Wilson, Dennis Leary, Teyonah Parris, Abbi Jacobson and Linda Cardellini. (The show was created by Liz Feldman, who previously created the darkly comedic Dead To Me, which also co-starred Cardellini.) The new series is about a couple, Lydia and Paul (Kudrow and Romano), whose newly listed L.A. home has created a frenzy of competition from house hunters. But there are quite a few secrets -- and maybe bodies -- buried there. Netflix Squid Game (2021 - Present) This thriller was all anyone talked about when it debuted, and for good reason. Hundreds of people in desperate need of cash compete in a series of games that become a fight for survival. If you can handle the grotesque and gory themes throughout this show, it's an enthralling watch. Season 2, which arrived at the end of December, marks the return of Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), also known as Player 456, as he reenters the competition in hopes of ending it for good. A third and final season has also been confirmed. Netflix Black Doves (2024) When the spy thriller Black Doves arrived to Netflix last year, it quickly shot into the Netflix Top 10 and has already been renewed for a second season. The addictive series stars Keira Knightly -- who received a Golden Globe nomination for the role -- as a spy named Helen Webb married to a politician in the British government who has no idea about her true identity. Ben Whishaw plays Helen's friend and associate Sam, an assassin battling his own sense of morality, in this action-packed (and very bloody) series filled with espionage and some very dark humor. Keith Bernstein/Netflix The Crown (2016 - 2023) A compelling, artful retelling of the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. The Crown touches on many themes beyond the monarchy, including politics, family and the tumult of royal marriages -- namely that of Charles and Diana. Beyond the spectacular casting across all six seasons, the show is supported by strong writing and gripping storylines that stir emotion in viewers, regardless of how they actually feel about the British monarchy. Sam Tayor/Netflix Sex Education (2019 - 2023) Sex Education is a coming-of-age British comedy that gave Gillian Anderson one of her best roles, as a divorced sex therapist raising a teen son Otis (Asa Butterfield). It alsoserved as a breeding ground for incredible young talent, including Emma Mackey, Aimee Lou Wood, Connor Swindells and Ncuti Gatwa, who is the newest Doctor Who. Taking place at a high school filled with sexually curious teens, the show began with Otis doling out sex advice to his classmates after absorbing information from his mother's profession, but it evolved into one of the most heartfelt teen romantic dramedies of the last few years. Frank Ockenfels/AMC Breaking Bad (2008 - 2013) Lauded as one of the best television shows of all time, Breaking Bad has all the merits of a standout series: a suspenseful storyline, dynamic characters and shocking plot twists -- many of which are not for the faint of heart. It follows high school chemistry teacher Walter White, who turns to cooking meth when he's diagnosed with cancer and worries about providing for his family. But his knack for producing the illegal substance leads him down roads he never imagined. Netflix Blue Eye Samurai (2023-) Animated series Blue Eye Samurai unfolds with Mizu, a mixed-race woman warrior who is seeking revenge against four men -- one of whom is her father. Set during the Edo period in Japan, the show features Maya Erskine as Mizu with Stephanie Hsu, Ming-Na Wen, George Takei, Masi Oka, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa and Mark Dacascos among the cast. Season 1 of the Emmy winner is streaming now. Netflix Arcane (2021-) Pulling from League of Legends lore, Arcane stands out as an animated fantasy series about socioeconomic inequalities in Piltover and Zaun. Corruption, violence and more are explored in the show through the characters' journeys. Season 1 is available now and Season 2 was out in three parts starting Nov. 9. Netflix Peaky Blinders (2013 - 2022) Peaky Blinders tells the story of an English gang run by Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy) and his family after World War I. The gang controls the city of Birmingham, but Shelby begins to set his sights beyond the streets as he aims to move up in the world. What sells this show is not only its compelling storyline, but also its stellar casting. For fans of period dramas -- and crime shows -- Peaky Blinders is a must-watch. A word of caution, though: This gritty series is not for the squeamish. Netflix Black Mirror (2011 - Present) Black Mirror is a dark, dystopian imagining of a world overrun by technology and modern "advancements." A series of standalone episodes each depict their own compelling -- and often unsettling -- imagining of the impact of our increasingly digital lives. (The anthology format itself can be a refreshing way to consume television in the age of binge-watching.) It will haunt and entertain you in all the best ways. Season 7 will arrive in 2025, and creator Charlie Brooker said that some new episodes are "deeply unpleasant." Netflix The Great British Baking Show (2010 - Present) The Great British Baking Show (also known as The Great British Bake-Off) has become synonymous with comfort television, and it continues to deliver all the feel-good vibes. New-ish host Alison Hammond, who joined last season, has proven to be a wonderful addition to the existing cast, which also includes co-host Noel Fielding and judges Prue Leith and Paul Hollywood. The competition show sees 12 bakers engaging in a series of three baking challenges each week, and though the latest season is over, there are also seven other seasons and a new two-episode holiday special that offer the same cozy comfort. USA Network Suits (2011 - 2019) This comedy-drama follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), a college dropout with no legal experience who manages to land a job at the law firm of one of New York's top attorneys, Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht). They become a powerful team, but have to keep Mike's lack of legal credentials under wraps. A testament to Suits' brilliance is that it became the most-watched acquired series when it hit Netflix in 2023. (The star power of now-Duchess Meghan Markle, who plays paralegal Rachel Zane in the show, was likely also a factor.) All seasons are now streaming on the platform. Ludovic Robert/Netflix One Day (2024) If you're on TikTok, you've probably seen this one all over your feed. One Day is a heart-wrenching adaptation of David Nicholls' novel, in which we see Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) reunite on the same day across two decades. It's a unique storytelling device that'll make you reflect on time and relationships, and pull at your heartstrings. Netflix Beef (2023) A road rage incident between Danny Cho (Steven Yeun) and Amy Lau (Ali Wong) turns into a drawn-out feud, setting the stage for an enthralling comedic drama made all the better by stellar casting. Beef stole the show at the 75th Primetime Emmy Awards, nabbing eight wins, and won all three categories it was nominated for at the 81st Golden Globe Awards. Netflix A Man On The Inside (2024) Ted Danson is a sitcom legend thanks to his roles in Cheers, Becker and The Good Place. And his latest role, in Netflix's A Man On The Inside, keeps that reputation intact and even garnered him a Golden Globe nomination this year. Danson has teamed up again with Good Place showrunner Mike Schur for this new comedy about a widowed retiree named Charles whose desire to find a new hobby lands him a job as a spy for a local private investigator. His assignment? To infiltrate a San Francisco retirement home to find out who's been stealing from the residents. The problem is that Charles, affable and amiable as he is, keeps making friends with all the suspects. The eight-episode show, which was released in November 2024, is an emotional journey filled with pathos, grief and comedy, and is the perfect comfort binge. Getty Images Griselda (2024) Griselda Blanco Restrepo was a ruthless Colombian drug lord who was instrumental in setting up narcotics trade networks to New York and Miami in the 1970s and '80s. Her violent, tragedy-filled life is the basis for this six-part Netflix original series, which debuted in January 2024. Modern Family star Sofia Vergara plays Blanco, who took her "Godmother" nickname so seriously that she actually named one of her children Michael Corleone Blanco. Helmed by Colombian director Andrs Baiz and produced by the team behind Narcos, it's a classic rise-and-fall crime drama. Vergara's performance won plenty of critical praise and earned her an Emmy nomination. Netflix The Diplomat (2023 - Present) Political drama The Diplomat, which stars Keri Russell as an American diplomat named Kate Wyler in London, returned this fall with its second pulse-pounding season. The show's first season, which premiered in 2023, is eight episodes, and Season 2 is even shorter, coming in at six episodes, making it the perfect weekend binge if you're looking for a show that combines action-packed international intrigue and political thrills with soapy marital drama. Netflix Stranger Things (2016 - Present) Stranger Things is an enthralling medley of horror, drama and nostalgia. Set in the 1980s in fictional small-town Indiana, residents begin experiencing a series of odd events, including the disappearance of a young boy, and begin to search for answers. Though Netflix has only hinted at when the fifth and final season will arrive (they recently wrote that release info would be coming "soon"), it's rumored to be dropping by mid-2025. Netflix Money Heist (2017 - 2021) In this riveting Spanish crime drama, a mastermind called "The Professor" assembles a group of eight people to carry out an ambitious robbery of the Royal Mint of Spain. The show uses compelling flashbacks and time jumps to keep you on your toes. Netflix Bridgerton (2020 - Present) One of the most aesthetically pleasing shows on this list. Bridgerton is set in Regency-era England as the Bridgerton siblings search for love while navigating high society -- and being the subject of anonymously penned gossip pamphlets. There's plenty of drama, beautiful costumes and lavish tea parties to keep you coming back for more. The first installment of Season 3 arrives on May 16, so catch up now. Netflix The Night Agent (2023 - Present) Gabriel Basso stars in The Night Agent, based on the novel of the same name written by Matthew Quirk. In the show's first season, FBI agent Peter Sutherland (Basso) works at the White House in the top secret Night Agent program, where he gets pulled into a dangerous conspiracy when he learns a mole might be lurking within the government. The show's second season will arrive on Jan. 23, 2025.

Microsoft announces Xbox Developer DirectDoom! South of Midnight! Clair Obscur!Image credit: Microsoft News by Tom Phillips Editor-in-Chief Published on Jan. 9, 2025 Microsoft will once again hold a Xbox Developer Direct to kick off the new year, with deep dives into a small selection of upcoming Xbox Game Studios titles.Xbox's next livestream will begin at 6pm UK time (that's 1pm Eastern or 10am Pacific) on Thursday, 23rd January - that's a fortnight from today.On the schedule will be a detailed look at Doom: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and a mystery fourth game from an unknown studio. Mysterious! Doom: The Dark Ages has been dubbed as an origin story for the series' iconic Doom Slayer from veteran developer id Software, and is set to launch for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S at some point in 2025. Will we get a date? It seems likely.South of Midnight, meanwhile, is the stylish-looking action-adventure from We Happy Few developer Compulsion Games, set in a gothic fantasy American Deep South. It looks a treat, though also currently lacks a release date beyond "2025". Here's hoping we find out when exactly it'll arrive for PC and Xbox Series X/S very soon.Next up, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. This is the dark fantasy RPG from French outfit Sandfall Interactive that we reckon has shades of Persona and Final Fantasy, plus the vocal talents of Andy Serkis and Charlie Cox. Clair Obscur isn't an Xbox Game Studios title and is coming to PC, PS5 and Xbox Series X/S at some point this year.And then there's that fourth game. Microsoft still has plenty on its 2025 release schedule that this could be - Fable, The Outer Wilds, even Avowed - which will be just a month away. But the secretive nature here suggests something that hasn't yet publicly been confirmed. It'll be interesting to see if internet rumours of an Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion remake bear any fruit.Join us in a couple of weeks for Xbox Developer Direct, right here on Eurogamer, when we'll be reporting live.