Large corporations arent known for taking risks. This is as true in the world of consumer hardware as anywhere. Annual updates are largely incremental, with small changes to things like screen resolution or image quality.Its a phenomenon that Lenovo is more than happy to buck when it showcases the latest updates to its PC line every year. The offerings are generally some combination of product and concepts, the latter of which may well never see the light of day, but they serve as a consistent reminder than its still possible for PC makers to think outside the box.CES 2025 marked the rollable laptops transition from concept to product. The ThinkBook Plus Gen 6 will arrive later this year, for the low, low price of $3,500. The products centerpiece is a display that mechanically expands as large as 16.7 inches. Its not an instant transformation in fact, the actual unrolling process is subtle. But youll only have to wait around 10 seconds for it to get from point A to point B.The easiest answer to the why of the product is because its neat. More pragmatically, however, is the ability to port around a significantly larger screen in a relatively small form factor. From that standpoint, its similar in principle to foldable phones.Image Credits:Brian HeaterA few other products showcased at CES are still firmly in the concept phase but warrant mention here. First is a large-screen desktop, which uses onboard motion tracking to follow the user around. It adjusts height or moves to the left or right. Its essentially the desktop version of the moving Auto Twist AI PC the company showed off in September.Notably, the case and base of the system were constructed out of a combination of bamboo and corn, in a bid to move toward more sustainable hardware manufacturing. The system was on display with a wireless keyboard that exclusively charges using the monitors ambient light. LIVE4 seconds agoFrom the Storyline: Live Updates CES 2025: The final reveals and analysis as the event nears its endCES 2025, the annual consumer tech conference held in Las Vegas, is upon us and this is where youTopics

In the wake of Metas decision to remove its third-party fact-checking system and loosen content moderation policies, Google searches on how to delete Facebook, Instagram, and Threads have been on the rise.People who are angry with the decision accuse Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg of cozying up to the incoming Trump administration at the expense of making the companys social media platforms into more of a hotbed for misinformation and polarizing speech. Zuckerbergs remarks that the companys third-party fact checkers were too politically biased for his vision of free expression probably didnt help matters.So if you, like countless others, have had it with Metas algorithms whipping you into a frenzy over [insert cultural or political issue here], and are tired of the company slurping up your data to train its AI or target advertising, then read on.Image Credits:MetaIf youre really set on deleting (and not just deactivating) your Facebook account, you should download your personal information from the Facebook archives, which include photos, active sessions, chat history, IP addresses, facial recognition data, and which ads you clicked on.Note that these instructions require a computer and a web browser, not a mobile phone. Heres what to do:Click the down arrow under your profile picture in the upper-right corner.Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.Scroll down on the left-hand column till you get to Your information, and click Download your information.You will be prompted to visit the Accounts Center. Click Continue.When the pop up appears, click Download or transfer information.You can choose information from which accounts, including your Facebook, Instagram, and Meta Horizon accounts, to download. Click Next.Choose how much information you want to download, and click Next. Note from FB: If you select Specific types of information, you will be able to choose which kinds of information you want to download, including data logs.Decide if you want to download your info to a device or directly transfer your info to a destination and click Next.If you select Transfer to destination you can choose the destination and schedule future transfers. Once you make your selection, click Start transfer and enter your Facebook profile password.If you select Download to device, choose your file options. There will be a list that lets you create a date range, and you can download in HTML or JSON, and choose between high, medium, or low media quality.Click Submit request.How to delete your Facebook accountImage Credits:MetaNote: If you do delete your account, you cannot regain access to it. Facebook delays deletion for a few days after its requested, and will cancel your deletion request if you log back into Facebook during this time.Also worth noting, some information like messaging history isnt stored in your account, so your friends might still have access to messages you sent after your account is deleted.With that in mind, heres how to do it:Click your profile picture in the top right corner.Go to Settings & Privacy > Settings.Click Accounts Center at the top left of the screen.Click Personal details, under Account Settings.Click Account ownership and control.Click Deactivation or deletion.Choose the account or profile you want to deactivate.Select Deactivate account.Click Continue and follow instructions to confirm.There are two ways to find the webpage where youll download your Instagram information you go through the Accounts Center or your Instagram Settings. For the former, navigate to Your information and permissions to find Download your information. To get to Instagram Settings, click on the three parallel lines on the bottom left of your screen, then click Your activityEither of those steps will take you to the Download your information page. Youll need to click the profiles you want to download your information from and choose if you want to download it to a device or directly transfer the information to another destination.If you select Download to device, youll have to pick a date range, notification email, format of your download request, and quality of photos, videos, and other media the same as with downloading your Facebook info. Then click Create files.Once youve made the request, itll appear as In progress under the Current Activity tab in the Download your information tool. Instagram will notify you by email and on the app when its ready to go, and youll have four days to download the information.How to delete your Instagram accountDownloaded your info? Now youre ready to permanently delete.Heres how to do it on the webpage:Go directly to Accounts ownership and control settings in the Accounts Center.Click Deactivation or deletion.Click the account you want to delete.Click Delete account, then click Continue.Once your account is deleted, you can sign back up with the same username if its still available, if you have a change of heart.How to delete your Threads accountNote: If you delete the Instagram account associated with your Threads profile, that will also delete your Threads profile.But to delete only Threads, youll need to go to the Threads.net webpage on a computer, and follow these steps:Click the two parallel lines in the bottom left of the page, then click Settings.Click Account at the top, then Deactivate or delete profile.Click Delete profile.Follow whatever prompts show up, then click Delete Threads profile.Itll take 30 days for the deletion request to go through. And if you want to sign back up with the same Instagram profile, youll have to wait 90 days.

The much-anticipated sequel to Ridley Scotts iconic Gladiator, Gladiator II promised to transport audiences back to the grandeur of ancient Rome, balancing epic scale with emotional storytelling via superb VFX. At the heart of this ambitious endeavor is the visual effects team, led by Mark Bakowski, Overall VFX Supervisor from Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). With a legacy of crafting unforgettable cinematic worlds, ILM took on the monumental task of recreating the visceral authenticity and historical depth that made the original film so beloved. ILM was aided by Framestore, who was also a major contributor. Framestore delivered 136 carefully crafted shots, including the armoured rhino,12 bloodthirsty baboons and a hauntingly stylized River Styx environment.The wildfires have torn through the Los Angeles area this week, and our hearts go out to everyone affected; the devastation has been horrendous. It has also led to numerous closures, cancellations and postponements including the Oscar Bakeoff nominations. The traditional VFX bakeoff was originally scheduled for Jan. 11th, but the event will now be done virtually. Additionally, the announcement of nominees for the 97th Academy Awards has been delayed 2 days until Jan. 19, with nominations voting extended to Jan. 14. As part of our week of Bakeoff coverage, we spoke to Mark Bakowski in fire-ravaged LA, prior to him flying back to northern California.RidleygramsRidleygrams are Ridley Scotts iconic hand-drawn storyboards, which he uses as a creative tool to visualize and communicate his vision for a film. These sketches are a hallmark of Scotts filmmaking process, reflecting his background in art and design. While not overly detailed, Ridleygrams capture the mood, composition, and framing of key scenes, offering a dynamic and impressionistic blueprint for the film.Ridleygrams from Ridleys Instagram accountAs any VFX supervisor will testify, one of the most distinctive aspects of working with Scott is his use of Ridleygrams. Ridleys sense of perspective and composition is incredible, said Bakowski. I actually just got a book from him about a week ago- a leather-bound book of all his Ridleygrams from the movie, they beautifully track his vision from concept to the final shots. Scotts approach is often spontaneous, drawing inspiration from the environment. Whats amazing is how spontaneous his creativity can be, he explains. Hell spot something on the way to Setmist on the hills in Malta, for exampleand doodle on top of that to say, This is our Rome shot. His Ridleygrams arent just planning tools; they are an extension of how he thinks visually.Scott often sketches these directly on set or during pre-production to guide the crew, especially the cinematographer, production designers, and VFX crew, to ensure everyone clearly understands his creative intent. Their simplicity and immediacy make them a practical and flexible tool for collaboration, helping bridge the gap between abstract concepts and tangible cinematic execution.Ridleys sketches naturally convey depth and perspective, and the director is deeply focused on layering contrast and composition in his imagery. Hell dress a scene with incredible attention to detaileven down to positioning stunt performers based on their look, and who has the most character.That depth-building extends through his multi-camera setups. Our job is to translate his vision into something that feels both epic and authentic, ensuring that every layer of the frame contributes to the illusion of a lived-in world.(Sidenote: There is an upcoming art & making of Gladiator II from @abramsbooks featuring Ridleygrams, to be published in March 2025.)Numidia AttackSet 16 years after the death of Marcus Aurelius, Ridley Scotts Gladiator II begins with an unforgettable naval assault on the city of Numidia. This sequence perfectly encapsulates the ambitious visual effects approach of the film. Shot in the arid desert of Morocco, the scene utilized the Jerusalem set from Scotts Kingdom of Heaven, repurposed and adapted to evoke the grandeur of Numidia. To create the illusion of a Roman fleet engaging in battle, two 150-foot-long practical ships were mounted on transporter rigs by the Special Effects (SFX) team, allowing for dynamic on-set movements. These ships were later completed digitally, with the surrounding ocean and dramatic skies crafted entirely in post-production. Smoke, fire, explosions, and a hail of arrows added layers of intensity, while Ridley Scotts ability to art direct the ocean ensured the sequence met his exacting vision.Final shot combining dry for wet, sky replacement and built on vast practical setsThe battle culminates in a striking scene where Lucius, the films hero, finds himself at the mythical River Styx. This sequence by Framestore, combined practical and digital elements seamlessly. A small beach set was constructed on a soundstage, complemented by digital environment extensions, including a mesmerizing liquid-metal mercury simulation for the rivers supernatural qualities. When Lucius awakens on a practical beach shot in Numidia, the wider and reverse angles relied on footage captured in Malta. These disparate locations were unified in post with digital dressing and seamless transitions between the varied environments.ColosseumRome itself became a character in the film, its monumental architecture and vibrant streets brought to life through a combination of practical sets and digital augmentation. The lower sections of the Roman sets were built practically in Malta, while expansive vistas and upper architectural elements were added digitally by ILM. Despite the grandeur of the Roman scenes, extras on set never exceeded 500, necessitating extensive VFX crowd work. The Colosseum, a centerpiece of the original Gladiator, was revisited multiple times throughout the 1,130 visual effects shots in the new film, blending practical builds with complex digital enhancements to recreate its epic majesty. Ridley doesnt like to overcommit to a plan too far in advance, Bakowski explained. He thrives on flexibilityshooting with multiple cameras and finding the moment as it happens. For us, it meant being ready to pivot at any time. A prime example of this adaptability came during the sequence depicting a naval battle in the Coliseum. Initially planned as a mix of wet and dry shooting, the sequence was disrupted by the actors strike, leaving the team to complete it entirely dry on set. By working closely with the stunts team and leveraging post-production VFX, ILM seamlessly transformed the footage into a believable, high-stakes naval battle.As a result, this battle became one of the most technically demanding sequences in the Colosseum. Shot predominantly on dry land, it required extensive CG water, mast and sail extensions, and integration of long, uninterrupted takes captured from up to 12 cameras. The productions limited use of blue screens presented unique challenges, requiring heroic feats of paint, rotoscoping, and tracking to integrate the live-action footage with CG elements seamlessly. This approach had both advantages and drawbacksoffering more natural on-set lighting and interaction but demanding a Herculean effort from the paint and roto team.Ridley Scott has a natural sense of perspective and depth, comments Bakowski. He understands the depth of a scene. He often jokingly talks about how he invented smoke in movies in terms of depth layering and so on. As the Director loves to build contrast and composition in the way he constructs his images, he will individually dress to camera each of his multiple cameras when shooting. Often hell shoot with eight cameras as a regular thing, maybe 10, or 12. He will dress each camera by the foreground .. saying Okay, I want that stunt man whos got the bigger muscles, that guy has got the nice big nose, hes got character, et cetera, and hell build his scene back, in depth, into the frame. CreaturesIn addition to large-scale environments, the film also featured an array of CG creatures, from sharks and tigers to birds, horses, and even a rhino. One of the standout achievements was the creation of a full-sized white rhino rig, mounted on wheels and radio-controlled for practical interaction and lighting reference. VFX artists then replaced the rig with a fully digital rhino, whose detailed musculature, thick layers of fat, and sliding skin conveyed a sense of weight and momentum. Similarly, Ridley Scotts fascination with a nature documentary featuring a baboon with alopecia inspired the creation of a unique, digitally crafted baboon that became a pivotal character in the story.Final Army ConfrontationThe films climactic finale, set on the outskirts of Rome, showcased the VFX teams ability to unify diverse elements. Split between locations in Malta and the UK, the sequence involved digital extensions to blend the two settings, the addition of armies on both sides of the conflict, and a dramatic horse crash that required intricate CG work. As the culmination of the films 1,130 VFX shots, the finale exemplified the marriage of practical and digital techniques that defined Gladiator II. Through the collaboration of Ridley Scott, Mark Bakowski, and the VFX teams, the film not only honored the legacy of its predecessor but also elevated the art of visual effects in historical epics.

Hey! Made this piece a while back. Would love your guys opinion, crit is welcome!!https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3g7z5DT1U9Q&ab_channel=dominic 1 post - 1 participant Read full topic

The jurors who will evaluate submissions from architects interested in exhibiting their work in the U.S. Pavilion at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia have been announced. The news comes with less than a week before submissions are due on January 17 at 12:00 p.m. ET. Members of the jury will be Austen Barron Bailly of Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and the Momentary; Julie Bargmann, D.I.R.T. studio; Marlon Blackwell, Marlon Blackwell Architects; Stephen Burks, Stephen Burks Man Made; Josephine Minutillo, Architectural Record; Justin Garrett Moore, Humanities in Place at Mellon; and Jack Murphy, AN executive editor.PORCH: An Architecture of Generositywill be commissioned and curated by Peter MacKeith, dean of the Fay Jones School at University of Arkansas; Susan Chin, founder of DesignConnects; and Rod Bigelow of Crystal Bridges Museum. The exhibitor contributions to the U.S. Pavilion, achieved through the Open Call, lie at the heart of the collectivePORCH project, MacKeith said.Framed by the constructions and installations of our design team, the exhibitor contributions will animate an understanding of contemporary architecture and design in the United States as a source of civic engagement and community building, a resource for social and environmental resiliency and as fundamentally committed to the greater good of society, MacKeith continued. We hope these ideals and ambitions resonate across the creative communities of the nation, and encourage continued submissions over the next week. Like a big porch inviting the world in, our open call for participation welcomes artists, architects and designers from all regions of the country to share their creativity, Chin added. I am eager to see how these porches, at all scales from rural to urban, will evoke memories of breezy shady spaces, places for gathering or welcoming strangers to stop and chat. Our ideal is to engage new voices who spark new ideas for the American PORCH.The porch plays an important role as a cultural and architectural representation of American life, Bigelow noted. It acts as a stage for social interactions and contributes to the storytelling of communities. These stories will broaden dramatically through welcoming creators from around the country to contribute to the PORCH, showing the diversity of the American experience on the world stage.The co-commissioners encourage submissions that explore the multidimensional role porches play in American culture from citizens, states, and territories nationwide.The open call for submissions opened on December 3, as reported by AN. Exhibition selections will be announced February 3, and exhibitions at the U.S. Pavilion will debut on May 10. The Architects Newspaper will be the exhibitions media partner. PORCH will remain open through November 23.For those interested in submitting, relevant projects must have been completed after the year 2000. Guidelines and the submission portal can be accessed here.Selected participants will receive a modest stipend to support the further development of their projects into a designated format for exhibition.There will be another call later this January that will gather unbuilt and speculative proposals from architecture and design students.The 2025 International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia will be curated by Carlo Rattiunder the theme ofIntelligens: Natural. Artificial. Collective.

Artist James Turrell is perhaps best known for his skyspace installations. A rendition of the immersive, light-centric pieces is readying to be unveiled in Fort Worth, Texas. The work was commissioned for the Keith House, an event space for nonprofits operated by the Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation. Known as Come to Good, the installation follows the typical prescriptions of a Turrell worka retractable segment of the Keith House roof moves to reveal a skyward opening that enhances the spatial quality of the large meeting room beneath it. Accompanying the opening of the aperture is a sunrise and sunset sequence, wherein a series of lights color the walls of the meeting room. A segment of the buildings standing seam metal roof is retractable, revealing the aperture of Turrells skyspace. (Courtesy Keith House)Modeled after a protestant meeting housean important public building typology in early colonial Americathe Keith House serves as a venue for events and gathering, according to its website. The structure was designed by Bennett Partners, a North Texasbased architecture, interiors, and planning firm. Construction completed in 2023. Assembled using limestone block repurposed from the Keith family home in Wichita Falls, Texas, the buildings materiality puts a Texas-spin on this colonial typology. Similarly, the building is wrapped by a spacious veranda, another nod to its Southern context. The Keith House is located within Clearfork, a mixed-use development sited along the Trinity River. The use of limestone and a veranda imbue the Keith House with elements of Texas vernacular design (Courtesy Keith House)The Meta Alice Keith Bratten Foundation, established in 2010, carries out the philanthropic mission of its namesake, a Fort Worth ISD teacher, TCU alumnus, and prominent local community member. Bratten began her philanthropy after inheriting the estate of her great uncle, Ben E. Keith, the founder of a regional food and beverage distribution company.Come to Good is the fifth Turrell skyspace to come to Texas, joining previous works located at The University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, the Nasher Sculpture Center in Dallas, and the Live Oak Friends Meeting, a quaker meeting house located in Houston. Turrells work for the DMA, entitled Tending (Blue), has been closed at the request of the artist since 2012, after Museum Tower, an adjacent residential development that encroaches on the apertures view of the sky.The skyspace is expected to open to the public in spring, 2025.

The Pasadena Waldorf School, Pierson Playhouse, Andrew McNally House. These are just a few places reportedly destroyed by the fires sweeping through Southern California. More than 10,000 structures have been have been losta significant uptick since January 8, when that number was 1,000and the death toll has risen to at least ten people. AN rounded up relief and mutual aid groups readers can support amid the devastation, lost buildings of note, and efforts underway to preserve architectural landmarks.Lost and Threatened HeritagePalisades Branch Library, Corpus Cristi Church, Palisades Village, and Pasadena Jewish Temple & Center, to name but a few, were lost in the waning hours after the fire started this week, as reported by AN. Flames came close to the Eames House and Getty Villa, but those have remained in tact. But many more buildings have been destroyed in just the past 48 hours.Much of the Palisades caught fire. (CAL FIRE OFFICIAL/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain)Pasadena Waldorf School, a visionary campus designed in the 1970s by McAnulty + von Sydow Architecture, was harmed, Barbara Bestor shared on social media. And so was the Andrew McNally House, designed by Frederick Roehrig, where the founder of McNally Jackson previously lived. Many Studio City homes have also been destroyed; Studio City is home to at least a few Richard Neutra houses, none of which have been reportedly damaged at this time.The Pierson Playhouse at Theatre Palisades, a beloved 1963 venue designed by John G. Wallis, has also been destroyed, the theater troupe announced on social media. That building isnt far from Rustic Canyon, where the Burns House by Charles Moore sits, and also the home of author Shirley Blum designed by Richard Neutra. Kevin Keim, director of the Charles Moore Foundation, confirmed on social media that the Burns House is OK for now after helping neighbors in the area put out fires. Keim also said that the fence of the Neutra-designed Blum House had caught fire, but those were quickly squelched, and the house itself wasnt impacted.AN contributor Sam Lubell, who recently reported on the devastation for The New York Times, is keeping an informative running list of threatened buildings via his LinkedIn. Lubell said the Zane Grey Estate, Ray Kappes 1991 Keeler House, and a house on stilts by Robert Bridges have been lost, as well as the Will Rogers House.View this post on InstagramA post shared by California State Parks (@castateparks)Relief and Mutual Aid GroupsTopanga Ranch Motel, a 1929 destination built by media mogul William Randolph Hearst, has also been lost. Zeina Koreitem, of MILLINS, is actively coordinating a volunteer fire patrol in Topanga. Koreitem suggested anyone willing to help landscape, cut wood, shovel, and put out small fires reach out to her directly.(CAL FIRE OFFICIAL/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain)Likewise, Dori Tunstall has helped put together a new group of volunteers, Design for Disaster Response. The group is actively connecting artists and designers with the support they need. Design for Disaster Response is just forming; a Zoom call will be held today, January 9, at 5:00 p.m. PT for anyone interested in getting involved.USGBC CA has taken to Instagram to spread awareness about best practices for evacuation and emergency preparedness. USGBC CA told AN that two of its members have lost their houses so far. For more on preparedness, Wildfire DefenseandExtreme Heat also offer trainings. Eaton Fire Relief Drive is actively accepting clothes, shoes, and books. Donations can be dropped off at 455 South Lake Avenue in Pasadena, and questions can be addressed to [emailprotected].Mutual Aid Network Los Angeles is a trusted resource for finding groups to support and volunteer with.Westside Food Bank, Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and CAL FIRE are also good resources.AN will add to this list as the fires continue. Please send inquiries and tips to [emailprotected].

Email is now the preferred communication method for many individuals and businesses worldwide, replacing everything from paper bills and phone calls to traditional customer support channels. This means that reliable, trustworthy business email hosting is in demand more than ever.The number of email users worldwide has been steadily growing year by year, and it is estimated that 376.4 billion emails will be sent over 2025. Over 90% of adult US citizens use email, and over 40 emails are sent per day by the average office worker.Considering how important email communication channels are, it's unwise to ignore the need for a professional service to provide the proper infrastructure, security, and business features you need.If you want to go beyond free, basic email addresses, obtain a professional email address, or have a high level of control over your corporate email communications, you'll want to sign up with a reputable email hosting provider. We've found the best email hosting services for small businesses, large organizations, and individuals alike.Also: The best web hosting services: Expert testedWhat is the best email hosting service right now?Our favorite email hosting provider is Google Workspace. If you want a familiar email hosting provider that offers ample storage with a direct and easy-to-understand pricing structure, this is the right host for you. Free email accounts are also available for individuals.Alternatively, if you are looking for a new email hosting provider for a small to medium-sized business, consider Hostinger or A2 Hosting. Hostinger is an affordable option that combines email and web hosting for individuals or SMBs, whereas A2 has a range of plans to suit small businesses.ZDNET has tested many email hosting providers over the years, and we keep an eye on market trends, pricing changes, and market improvements. Below, we have compiled our 2025 recommendations for excellent email hosting providers specializing in email and office productivity, as well as solid web hosts offering email packages with a personalized touch. Sort by All Security Features Price Best email hosting services of 2025 Show less View now at Google Google Workspace integrates an enterprise-level Gmail management interface with Google Docs, Google Meet, Google Calendar, and other tools. Thankfully, it's not just for enterprises.As an email hosting service, given Google's approach to security, tool suite, free service, and the fact it is used by billions of people worldwide, it's no surprise that many use this service as the backbone of their custom email addresses and inboxes.The company is set to roll out new settings and automatic action options soon for Workspace users, giving you more control over your workflow.Pricing is far easier to understand with Workspace than with Microsoft Office 365, as Microsoft offers various licensing pricing structures.Google gives you three simple choices: $6 per month per user, $12/month per user, or $18/month per user on a yearly contract, depending on your desired management features. Features include custom and secure email, pooled storage ranging from 30GB to 5TB, and video meetings for between 100 and 500 participants. Enterprise clients can contact Google for tailored solutions.You can also test out the service for 14 days for free. Google will also give you access to its Gemini assistant. Customers say Google Workspace is a reliable host, although some customer support issues should be ironed out.Google Workspace features: Your own domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:30GB, 2TB, or 5TB |Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone |Archiving and storage:Depending on the plan | 14-day free trial Security 10 Features 9 Price 8 Pros Up to 5TB of storage Flexible pricing Familiar to free Gmail users AI tools Cons Doesn't offer unlimited storage for enterprises Google Workspace Best email hosting service overall 4.4 / 5 Score Google Workspace integrates an enterprise-level Gmail management interface with Google Docs, Google Meet, Google Calendar, and other tools. Thankfully, it's not just for enterprises.As an email hosting service, given Google's approach to security, tool suite, free service, and the fact it is used by billions of people worldwide, it's no surprise that many use this service as the backbone of their custom email addresses and inboxes.The company is set to roll out new settings and automatic action options soon for Workspace users, giving you more control over your workflow.Pricing is far easier to understand with Workspace than with Microsoft Office 365, as Microsoft offers various licensing pricing structures.Google gives you three simple choices: $6 per month per user, $12/month per user, or $18/month per user on a yearly contract, depending on your desired management features. Features include custom and secure email, pooled storage ranging from 30GB to 5TB, and video meetings for between 100 and 500 participants. Enterprise clients can contact Google for tailored solutions.You can also test out the service for 14 days for free. Google will also give you access to its Gemini assistant. Customers say Google Workspace is a reliable host, although some customer support issues should be ironed out.Google Workspace features: Your own domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:30GB, 2TB, or 5TB |Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone |Archiving and storage:Depending on the plan | 14-day free trial Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Hostg We reviewed Hostinger positively when evaluating website hosting providers and consider Hostinger an excellent option for businesses of all sizes that want to combine email and web services.I signed up with Hostinger last year to operate a website and email, and so far, I have been impressed with the service. I've experienced one incident with downtime for maintenance, but aside from that, everything has functioned as expected. In regards to email, the inbox interface provided is clean and easy to understand.Android and iOS apps are available, alongside read receipts, aliases, email templates, calendars and contacts, forwarding rules, two-factor authentication, anti-spam measures, and more, depending on your plan.The company's standard web hosting plan includes email accounts and mailboxes. Hostinger's dedicated hosting service uses the customer-centricTitan email hosting service.Customers find this host provides the whole package with excellent support.Hostinger's Premium plans combining web and email hosting begin at $2.49 per month per user, and Business plans start at $3.49 per month per user. Three months of free service on both plans are included.If you opt for business email hosting alone, for a $0.79 per month per user starting subscription, you can enjoy up to 10GB of inbox storage, ten forwarding rules, and 50 email aliases. For $2.99 per month per user, you receive 50GB of storage.Hostinger features: Your domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:10GB to 50GB or 1GB per inbox|Spam and virus protection:Yes|Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone (surcharge for priority support) |Archiving and storage:No | 30-day money-back guarantee Security 9 Features 9 Price 10 Pros Email hosting included in web hosting plans 24/7 support Cheap plans Cons No archiving options Limited starter email options Hostinger Best email and web hosting combination 4.6 / 5 Score We reviewed Hostinger positively when evaluating website hosting providers and consider Hostinger an excellent option for businesses of all sizes that want to combine email and web services.I signed up with Hostinger last year to operate a website and email, and so far, I have been impressed with the service. I've experienced one incident with downtime for maintenance, but aside from that, everything has functioned as expected. In regards to email, the inbox interface provided is clean and easy to understand.Android and iOS apps are available, alongside read receipts, aliases, email templates, calendars and contacts, forwarding rules, two-factor authentication, anti-spam measures, and more, depending on your plan.The company's standard web hosting plan includes email accounts and mailboxes. Hostinger's dedicated hosting service uses the customer-centricTitan email hosting service.Customers find this host provides the whole package with excellent support.Hostinger's Premium plans combining web and email hosting begin at $2.49 per month per user, and Business plans start at $3.49 per month per user. Three months of free service on both plans are included.If you opt for business email hosting alone, for a $0.79 per month per user starting subscription, you can enjoy up to 10GB of inbox storage, ten forwarding rules, and 50 email aliases. For $2.99 per month per user, you receive 50GB of storage.Hostinger features: Your domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:10GB to 50GB or 1GB per inbox|Spam and virus protection:Yes|Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone (surcharge for priority support) |Archiving and storage:No | 30-day money-back guarantee Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Apple Microsoft 365 encompasses all the Office desktop apps, Office online apps, Microsoft Teams, Exchange's benefits, calendaring, mobile apps, and more.If you are comfortable with the Outlook email client and Microsoft software, you should consider Microsoft 365 Business as a trusted, well-known solution for your email hosting.Available in Basic, Standard, and Premium packages -- with prices starting at $6 per month per user -- you can opt for business-class email, security packages, webinar and large meeting virtual solutions, IAM access control, and custom business email addresses, among other features.Microsoft 365 Business Standard is available for $12.50 per month per user, and this may be a better option if you want Loop collaborative workspaces. Microsoft 365 Business Premium, priced at $22 per month per user, includes enterprise-grade device protection and advanced identity and access management. You can purchase Copilot for Microsoft 365 as an add-on with any package.As an alternative, you can purchase digital packages with 12-month subscriptions for individuals or families.Customer feedback indicates that this option is great for businesses of all sizes, although some users prefer more control over their updates. Packages at Best Buy start at $70.Microsoft 365 Business features:Your domain name:Yes |Cloud storage size:1TB|Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone |Archiving and storage:Depending on the plan | One-month free trial Security 8 Features 9 Price 10 Pros Starts at 1TB cloud storage Spam and virus protection 24/7 support Cons Advanced security only included in Premium plans Microsoft 365 encompasses all the Office desktop apps, Office online apps, Microsoft Teams, Exchange's benefits, calendaring, mobile apps, and more.If you are comfortable with the Outlook email client and Microsoft software, you should consider Microsoft 365 Business as a trusted, well-known solution for your email hosting.Available in Basic, Standard, and Premium packages -- with prices starting at $6 per month per user -- you can opt for business-class email, security packages, webinar and large meeting virtual solutions, IAM access control, and custom business email addresses, among other features.Microsoft 365 Business Standard is available for $12.50 per month per user, and this may be a better option if you want Loop collaborative workspaces. Microsoft 365 Business Premium, priced at $22 per month per user, includes enterprise-grade device protection and advanced identity and access management. You can purchase Copilot for Microsoft 365 as an add-on with any package.As an alternative, you can purchase digital packages with 12-month subscriptions for individuals or families.Customer feedback indicates that this option is great for businesses of all sizes, although some users prefer more control over their updates. Packages at Best Buy start at $70.Microsoft 365 Business features:Your domain name:Yes |Cloud storage size:1TB|Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone |Archiving and storage:Depending on the plan | One-month free trial Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at A2 A2 Hosting is an excellent option for small businesses. It offers multi-account access, 24/7 support, a variety of migration tools, anti-spam filters, administrator tools, useful email templates, and between 10GB and 30GB of storage per account.As a bonus, this email hosting service is cheap. Plans start at only $1.59 per month per user (10GB storage, up to 200 emails sent per hour limit, or 500 per day), as long as you agree to a 36-month contract.Premium plans begin at $2.59 per month per user (30GB storage, up to 300 emails sent per hour limit, or 1,000 per day). The Pro Plus option also includes features such as read receipts, email templates, 2FA authentication, and send as alias functions.This email hosting service could be your best bet for a new business venture and will serve you well until you need to scale up. Small business owners will also appreciate the configurable mobile access on offer and 24/7 support.Customers enjoy the speed and reliability of this host, but some express frustration at the level of emergency support offered.A2 features:Your domain name:Yes |Inboxstorage size:Up to 30GB|Spam and virus protection:Yes|Aliases:Yes|24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone, Guru Crew Support |Archiving andstorage: Depending on the plan | 30-day money-back guarantee Security 8 Features 7 Price 10 Pros Affordable Long-term, simple plans Migration tools Web and mobile apps Cons Storage relatively low on basic plans Email sending limits 2FA limited to Pro Plus A2 Hosting Best affordable email hosting for small businesses 4.3 / 5 Score A2 Hosting is an excellent option for small businesses. It offers multi-account access, 24/7 support, a variety of migration tools, anti-spam filters, administrator tools, useful email templates, and between 10GB and 30GB of storage per account.As a bonus, this email hosting service is cheap. Plans start at only $1.59 per month per user (10GB storage, up to 200 emails sent per hour limit, or 500 per day), as long as you agree to a 36-month contract.Premium plans begin at $2.59 per month per user (30GB storage, up to 300 emails sent per hour limit, or 1,000 per day). The Pro Plus option also includes features such as read receipts, email templates, 2FA authentication, and send as alias functions.This email hosting service could be your best bet for a new business venture and will serve you well until you need to scale up. Small business owners will also appreciate the configurable mobile access on offer and 24/7 support.Customers enjoy the speed and reliability of this host, but some express frustration at the level of emergency support offered.A2 features:Your domain name:Yes |Inboxstorage size:Up to 30GB|Spam and virus protection:Yes|Aliases:Yes|24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone, Guru Crew Support |Archiving andstorage: Depending on the plan | 30-day money-back guarantee Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Proton Mail Proton Mail should be considered if you want a security-first email hosting solution, a VPN, or a free email hosting plan.Developed by the same organization that offers Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass, Proton Mail offers free, business, individual, and family plans. Email is end-to-end encrypted, and storage levels range from 1GB to a massive 3TB on shared family subscriptions.The company is headquartered in Switzerland and adheres to the country's strict data protection and privacy laws.Proton Mail's free plan provides users with one email address and 1GB of storage. However, if you are happy to pay for a subscription, Mail Plus ($3.99/month) comes with ten email addresses, 15GB of storage, and a custom email domain if you need a basic option.Proton Mail's business plans start at $6.99 per month per user and include features such as secure business email, custom email addresses, a calendar, access to a writing assistant, and cloud storage.If you'd like a VPN included, you can choose Proton Unlimited ($9.99/month), which provides 500GB of storage, 15 email addresses, three custom email domains, access to Proton VPN, a password manager, and cloud storage. This is a rather good deal because Proton VPN alone usually costs $4.49/month on a two-year plan.Customers say they like the simple interface and security provisions but note that customer support needs improvement.Proton Mail features: Your domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:1GB to 3TB|Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Email, online form | End-to-end encryption | Desktop app | Free option | 30-day money-back guarantee Security 9 Features 7 Price 10 Pros Security focus Free plans available Family options Swiss company, strong privacy laws Cons Poor customer support reviews Proton Mail Best free email hosting service 3.9 / 5 Score Proton Mail should be considered if you want a security-first email hosting solution, a VPN, or a free email hosting plan.Developed by the same organization that offers Proton VPN, Proton Drive, and Proton Pass, Proton Mail offers free, business, individual, and family plans. Email is end-to-end encrypted, and storage levels range from 1GB to a massive 3TB on shared family subscriptions.The company is headquartered in Switzerland and adheres to the country's strict data protection and privacy laws.Proton Mail's free plan provides users with one email address and 1GB of storage. However, if you are happy to pay for a subscription, Mail Plus ($3.99/month) comes with ten email addresses, 15GB of storage, and a custom email domain if you need a basic option.Proton Mail's business plans start at $6.99 per month per user and include features such as secure business email, custom email addresses, a calendar, access to a writing assistant, and cloud storage.If you'd like a VPN included, you can choose Proton Unlimited ($9.99/month), which provides 500GB of storage, 15 email addresses, three custom email domains, access to Proton VPN, a password manager, and cloud storage. This is a rather good deal because Proton VPN alone usually costs $4.49/month on a two-year plan.Customers say they like the simple interface and security provisions but note that customer support needs improvement.Proton Mail features: Your domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:1GB to 3TB|Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Email, online form | End-to-end encryption | Desktop app | Free option | 30-day money-back guarantee Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at IceWarp Great name aside, IceWarp is an excellent browser-based email hosting option that combines cloud and on-premise technologies.Its offerings include shared contacts and calendars, collaborative document editing, mailing list management, web meetings, ChatGPT integration, audio and video calls, mobile apps and synchronization, and archiving. The dashboard, too, is an attractive interface for accessing emails, calendars, meetings, and files.IceWarp offers various subscriptions. The basic plan for startups and small businesses (up to 10 accounts) is $23 per month, including 200GB of email storage and 1TB of file storage per user. One month of free service is added to the length of the contract.Business plans are the next step up, starting at $3.50 per month per user, but you will need to agree to 10 user accounts at a minimum. This plan covers up to 500 users, with 200GB of email storage and 1TB of file storage per user. There is an optional desktop app suite. Custom plans, starting at 500 user accounts, are also available.Customers find this service reliable and easy to use, although some say migration can take a while.IceWarp features: Your domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:200GB + 1TB file storage|Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone |Archiving and storage:Included | 14-day money-back guarantee Security 7 Features 9 Price 7 Pros Desktop app suite Cloud or on-premise ChatGPT integration Cons 10 users minimum for business plans IceWarp Best email hosting service for cloud servers 3.9 / 5 Score Great name aside, IceWarp is an excellent browser-based email hosting option that combines cloud and on-premise technologies.Its offerings include shared contacts and calendars, collaborative document editing, mailing list management, web meetings, ChatGPT integration, audio and video calls, mobile apps and synchronization, and archiving. The dashboard, too, is an attractive interface for accessing emails, calendars, meetings, and files.IceWarp offers various subscriptions. The basic plan for startups and small businesses (up to 10 accounts) is $23 per month, including 200GB of email storage and 1TB of file storage per user. One month of free service is added to the length of the contract.Business plans are the next step up, starting at $3.50 per month per user, but you will need to agree to 10 user accounts at a minimum. This plan covers up to 500 users, with 200GB of email storage and 1TB of file storage per user. There is an optional desktop app suite. Custom plans, starting at 500 user accounts, are also available.Customers find this service reliable and easy to use, although some say migration can take a while.IceWarp features: Your domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:200GB + 1TB file storage|Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone |Archiving and storage:Included | 14-day money-back guarantee Read More Show Expert Take Show less Show less View now at Rackspace Rackspace is one of the original cloud infrastructure providers. The company offers many infrastructure-as-a-service options, including complete Exchange hosting, Microsoft 365 management, and traditional email hosting suitable for small- to medium-sized businesses and beyond.The company offers migration assistance from other hosts, a large team of MCSA-certified staff, and the ability to support an existing Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. Free migration is provided on all plans.Subscriptions start at $2.99 per month per user and increase to $3.99 per month per user for premium service. If you want unlimited archiving, prices begin at $6.99 per month per user. A trial is available, although you have to make up your mind within 14 days. Mailboxes are sized at 25GB each. Each user is also given 30GB of file storage with premium plans.Customer feedback indicates that Rackspace's migration help and uptime are notable, but customer support can be lackluster.Rackspace features: Your domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:25GB mailboxes, 30GB storage|Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone |Archiving and storage:Depending on plan, additional fee| 14-day free trial Security 8 Features 9 Price 7 Pros Microsoft integration Migration assistance Mobile support Antivirus, spam protection on all plans Cons Short trial Rackspace Best email hosting service for migration assistance 4 / 5 Score Rackspace is one of the original cloud infrastructure providers. The company offers many infrastructure-as-a-service options, including complete Exchange hosting, Microsoft 365 management, and traditional email hosting suitable for small- to medium-sized businesses and beyond.The company offers migration assistance from other hosts, a large team of MCSA-certified staff, and the ability to support an existing Microsoft Enterprise Agreement. Free migration is provided on all plans.Subscriptions start at $2.99 per month per user and increase to $3.99 per month per user for premium service. If you want unlimited archiving, prices begin at $6.99 per month per user. A trial is available, although you have to make up your mind within 14 days. Mailboxes are sized at 25GB each. Each user is also given 30GB of file storage with premium plans.Customer feedback indicates that Rackspace's migration help and uptime are notable, but customer support can be lackluster.Rackspace features: Your domain name:Yes |Mailbox size:25GB mailboxes, 30GB storage|Spam and virus protection:Yes |Aliases:Yes |24/7 support:Chat, ticket, or phone |Archiving and storage:Depending on plan, additional fee| 14-day free trial Read More Show Expert Take Show less Top email hosting providers, compared When you're on the hunt for a new email hosting provider, you may end up paying only a few dollars per month unless you have a large team to support, all of which may need a dedicated email address. To help you decide, we've highlighted each email hosting provider's noteworthy features below.Email hosting serviceStarting priceStorageYour domainGoogle Workspace$6/user/month30GB, 2TB, or 5TBYesHostinger$2.49/user/month (email alone: $0.79/month)10GB+YesMicrosoft 365 Business$6/user/month1TB+YesA2 web hosting$1.59/user/month30GBYesProton Mail$3.99/user/month1GB - 3TBYesIceWarp$3.50/user/month200GBYesRackspace$2.99/user/month25GB+Yes Show more Free vs. paid email hosting You don't necessarily have to pay for email hosting. There are free options out there, offered by reputable companies -- including Google and Microsoft -- that tick many of the boxes for average users. Some of these free services, too, can be bumped up with extra storage for a small monthly fee.However, small and medium-sized businesses should consider email hosting services as an investment. They provide far more customization options than paid plans. This includes custom domains, collaboration and productivity tools, setup assistance, enhanced privacy and security measures, and flexible storage options. Show more Which is the best email hosting service? There are countless email hosting providers, and we've done our best to highlight the top picks in the market. The best email hosting providers are listed below, depending on your need and use case.Choose this email hosting serviceIf you wantGoogle WorkspaceA comprehensive office suite and you prefer the Google ecosystem. Google is familiar as an email hosting service and offers straightforward pricing with different storage options.HostingerEmail hosting, and you're also buying web hosting. As a combination, Hostinger is a solid choice to manage both.Microsoft 365 BusinessA comprehensive office suite and prefer the Microsoft ecosystem. If you want an email host focused on Outlook, stick with Microsoft.A2 web hostingAn affordable email hosting plan over the long term. A2 is popular in the market for its offerings to smaller businesses, and rightly so.Proton MailA security-first email solution or a free plan. Proton Mail is an end-to-end encrypted service with extremely high security standards. Specialist security support is available.IceWarpComprehensive email services, but prefer to avoid Microsoft and Google. This is an excellent option for startup companies, too, that need up to 10 inboxes.RackspaceMicrosoft features, but want to work with a non-Microsoft provider. Rackspace should be considered if you want assistance with migration. Show more Factors to consider when choosing an email hosting service Choosing the right email hosting provider can be tricky, especially as you will likely be tied to a contract for at least a year. When you are on the hunt for a new email hosting provider, consider the factors below.Features: Different features can help you choose the right email hosting service. Software bundles, AI tools, custom domains, billing options, and more could sway your choice, so you need to decide what features are the most important to you.Affordability: Most email hosting providers require customers to sign up for at least a year or more. You must consider the rolling fees over time and match your budget with the right host. In addition, keep in mind that promotional prices may not last.Reliability: Ensure you pick an email hosting provider with minimal downtime. There's no point in paying for an unreliable host that could impact your access to the services you signed up for.Scalability: If you own a small or midsize business, you may need to expand your operation. Consider choosing a provider that can quickly scale to match your evolving needs.Security: As email services are often the gateway to our other online services, choosing an email provider with a strong security record is worthwhile. Unfortunately, even the largest and best companies may eventually experience a breach, but you want to at least find a company that constantly works to improve its security posture.Contracts: Before you sign up, consider how long you will likely use the service. You may choose a month-to-month service or a rolling contract over years, and you may want flexibility in the contract's terms. Read them carefully before you commit to a new email service. Show more How did we choose these email hosting providers? Many of us at ZDNET have decades of experience with email hosting providers. In making recommendations, we take this experience and combine it with crucial factors, including:Familiarity: We have included vendors that ZDNET authors are personally familiar with and feel comfortable recommending. After all, if we wouldn't use the service, it's probably not worth consideration.Pricing: We have included a range of email hosting providers that offer services and price points suitable for different clients. There's no point in paying for multiple inboxes or advanced features if you are unlikely to use them.Email-only: Many email hosting providers now package their email solutions with other services. We want to include a variety, including cheaper email-only options.Reliability: We only pick vendors with a track record of high uptime and stable service. Reliability is crucial to managing workflows, and email communication is key for today's businesses.Backups: We like to see email hosting providers that provide a range of backup options, including scheduling.Security: In today's world, filled with data breaches and cyberattacks, security must be at the forefront of your online communication channels. We selected providers known for their robust security practices and frequent upgrades, improvements, and audits. Encryption options are a must.Scalability: We like to see various email and hosting plans, including family and business options and contracts with different time frames. It's important that customers have the option to scale over time.Customer support: Signing up for a new email hosting service or switching providers can be stressful. We prefer to showcase companies that provide solid customer support over email, phone, and chat. Show more Email hosting features: Are they that important for small businesses? Over the years, I've helped several small businesses launch, from website designers to miniaturists and artist e-commerce shops. When you start a new venture, every cent counts, but I always advise that new business owners consider email a priority and as something worth investing in.It's one of the main ways your customers communicate with you, and a branded email address tends to instill more trust in you than a generic free one. Dedicated email addresses also add a layer of professionalism to a new brand, and for the sake of what might only be a few dollars a month, it's worth it. Show more FAQs on email hosting What is email hosting? Email hosting is a service that allows customers to use their own custom domain names in their email addresses rather than being stuck with the email provider's domain. For example, I could set up admin@mybusiness.com rather than myname@gmail.com. Email hosting often provides a wide range of useful add-ons, including email management suites and collaboration tools. Show more Should I host my email? While it is undoubtedly possible to self-host your email, and local backup options seem attractive, you will need some technological acumen and be willing to undergo the setup process, whether at home or by renting a server. For most users, signing up for an email hosting service is easier, quicker, and requires less management.However, if you are absolutely sure you want to self-host, we recommend that you check out Mailcow or Roundcube. Show more What is the difference between email hosting and forwarding? When you sign up for an email hosting service, you pay for email addresses, the storage required to store your emails, and the platform to send, receive, and organize your email. An email forwarder does none of these things: all a forwarder does is redirect emails received by one email address -- such as hello@yourbusiness.com -- to another email address, like hello@yoursecondbusiness.com. Show more Email hosting services vs web hosting providers: What's the difference? Email hosting and web hosting are both online services, but each serves a different purpose. Email hosting focuses on providing customers with custom email addresses and associated services, such as email storage and archiving. In comparison, web hosting services provide storage for files and content used by websites, rather than email platforms. They may also give subscribers a free domain name.There are also differences in terms of cost. Email hosting services are typically priced per account (or in groups for business use), whereas web hosting pricing structures can be based on time periods, storage requirements, and services, including e-commerce or CMS support. Show more Do you get free email with a GoDaddy domain? Domain purchases alone will not net you free email services. Instead, you will need to sign up for hosting, of which some plans will grant you free, professional email hosting for a year. Show more Is GoDaddy an email host? GoDaddy provides a range of services, including web and email hosting. You can buy standalone email hosting services with plans starting at $1.99. The company's email services center around the Microsoft 365 suite, including additional tools such as web apps and improved security. Show more What is the best free email hosting service? In most cases, you get what you pay for. Some robust and functional free email services are available, but keep in mind that they likely have limitations. These could include the number of emails you can send daily, your email addresses, or the amount of storage available.Our best recommendation for a free email service is Proton Mail, which offers 1GB of storage, one user account, and one email address. Show more How do I recover a stolen Google email account? This doesn't just apply if you're using Google for your email -- you might have another hosting provider but still use Gmail. Even if you can't log in, Google offers a set of steps for you to follow.Here's Google's pageto get you started.The best way to avoid recovering a stolen email account is to protect it properly. Set upmulti-factor authenticationandget your recovery codes from Google. Show more What free email service ends in .org? There are free email services, but be careful: free services often come with other costs, including privacy. Since it's costly to maintain an email hosting service, using free services may not get you much support or may bombard you with ads every time you access your inbox.Also, be careful of free services that are essentially phishing sites, capturing all the emails you get, including personal identifying information. That said,mail.comis a reasonably safe service that offers email addresses with the linuxmail.org and musician.org domains. Other free services, like Yahoo and Google, allow you to set up email aliases, so if you have another mailer that supports .org, you can get that email at your Yahoo or Gmail account. Show more My web-hosted email stopped forwarding to my phone. How do I fix it? There's not one single answer. It generally depends on your email provider and phone OS. If you use any standard email providers, you can go tothis troubleshooting pagefor iPhone or iPad andthis troubleshooter for the Google Android email app. Sometimes, you may need to update or reinstall your app. Show more Are there alternative email hosting services worth considering?There is a tremendous number of hosting providers on the market. As we said, just about every web hosting provider also offers email. Here are a few more providers that provide excellent email hosting services and support. Further ZDNET Tech Coverage Smartphones Smartwatches Tablets Laptops TVs Other Tech Resources ZDNET Recommends

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 8: Firefighters fight the flames from the Palisades Fire burning ... [+] the Theatre Palisades during a powerful windstorm on January 8, 2025 in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images)Getty ImagesThere are numerous severe weather events happening across the U.S. this week, from devastating wildfires on the West Coast to a major winter storm shutting down schools, businesses and travel and knocking out power across the eastern areas of the country.Both events have been prominently covered in the news. My colleague Renny Vandewege spoke about the raging wildfires and Santa Ana winds earlier this week on Forbes Breaking News. What may be less known is that although the two distinct events are not directly related to the same weather system, they are influenced by broader atmospheric patterns and seasonal phenomena that can coexist and interact.California WildfiresThe wildfires in California are driven by a combination of dry vegetation, low humidity and strong Santa Ana winds. January is not a typical month for wildfires. California typically experiences its peak wildfire season June through late October, although in recent years the season has extended to year-round.A warming climate complicates everything. Hotter and drier seasons mean that big fires in January, once very rare, are now more common. The lush foliage dried by scorching temperatures and high winds are a dangerous combination.Winter SnowstormsThe winter storms sweeping across the U.S. South and Midwest are associated with a different weather phenomenon, often tied to cold air masses (polar vortex) interacting with moist air from the Gulf of Mexico. This leads to snow, sleet or freezing rain depending on local temperatures.MORE FOR YOUInfluence By Atmospheric PatternsWhile these events are distinct, they can be indirectly connected through larger atmospheric patterns such as the jet stream.The jet stream is high-altitude, west to east wind current that circulates the Northern Hemisphere. It moves weather systems along, which means it plays a significant role in shaping weather systems. This NASA video is a good visual on how the jet stream flows.NASA demonstration of the global jet streamNASAIts waviness can create ridges (areas of high pressure) and troughs (areas of low pressure). For example, a ridge over the western U.S. may contribute to drier, windier conditions in California, enhancing wildfire risk, while a trough over the central and eastern U.S. can pull cold air southward, fueling winter storms in places not used to experiencing heavy snow and ice.It is the plunging jet stream we are currently experiencing that is turbocharging the intense Santa Ana winds, clocked up to 100 mph, causing the fueling of the fires and rapidly spreading them to adjacent areas.The same plunging jet stream is the primary cause of the current major winter storm. Cold air from the polar vortex is dipping southward, bringing significant snowfall and frigid temperatures to large parts of the United States. As you can see from the precipitation map, heavy snow and ice currently across portions of the Southeast states will spread into the Northeast over the weekend with millions in the path of this storm.DTN winter weather forecast indicates heavy snow and ice across most of the country.DTNLa Nia conditions have finally taken hold, bringing a more typical pattern for the rest of January. At least two to three additional southern storms are expected to move up the East Coast, as shown on the National Weather Service map. This first storm will track across to the Carolinas and then out to sea but will spread snow up into the Great Lakes and Northeast. The storm moving into the Northwest will move across the north-central U.S. into the Great Lakes by Sunday, bringing the snow shown across the western and northern U.S. Most of next week looks quieter until a new storm moves in the following weekend.Additional winter storms are expected to move up the East Coast over the weekend. National Weather ServiceThe other atmospheric pattern contributing to the fire and ice phenomenon is atmospheric blocking. Atmospheric blocking refers to a large-scale, persistent weather pattern where the normal west-to-east flow of the atmosphere is disrupted, often causing weather systems to stall over a region for days or even weeks. In blocking situations, the jet stream becomes wavy or distorted, like we are experiencing now.While the atmospheric river flow remains shut down, it will offer some respite but prolong dry conditions in Southern California's fire-ravaged areas.Climate ChangeIve written about attribution science before and how researchers use scientific methods to determine if the weather event was caused by climate change or contributed to the severity of the event. The wildfires are a good example of climate change contributing to the severity of the event.While there is not a definitive link between the Santa Ana winds happening later than usual, there are studies that show climate change exacerbates extreme weather by making conditions for wildfires (e.g., drought, heat) more severe.The waviness of the jet stream that contributed to the 100 mph winds is also debated within the scientific community. Some studies suggest that rapid Arctic warming, known as Arctic amplification, reduces the temperature gradient between the Arctic and mid-latitudes, potentially leading to a more meandering jet stream. This increased waviness can result in prolonged weather patterns, such as extended cold spells or heatwaves.Another study found minimal influence of reduced Arctic sea ice on mid-latitude weather patterns.Two Sides Influenced by the Same SystemThe California wildfires and U.S. winter snowstorms are separate weather events resulting from different immediate causes. However, both are influenced by large-scale atmospheric patterns and potentially by the impacts of climate change. Both have had devastating health, infrastructure and economic effects on the country and again point to weather resiliency and the imperative to further the science of weather.

In a nutshell: Despite increasing competition from AI, there are still plenty of folks that earn a living writing content for the web. Astrohaus sees you, and has designed its latest keyboard specifically for such users. The Freewrite Wordrunner is a mechanical keyboard meant for writers. It sports a tenkeyless design with a set of custom function keys catering to common writing tasks, and utilizes backlit keys with Kailh switches. At the top left of the board is a bright red media control knob that doubles as a joystick / button. Engadget spent some time with the Wordrunner at CES and said the knob moves in all four directions, can be turned like a dial, and pressed like a button.The board also features a pair of mechanical counters across the top. The timer, positioned just to the right of the media controller, can be used to measure writing sprints or to otherwise manage productivity, while the Wordometer functions like the odometer in your car except instead of miles, it tallies your word count.They're neat additions that serve as fun talking points although if we're being honest, existing software does a fine job of accomplishing these same tasks.Keys labeled Zap, Pow, and Bam on the far right of the board can be customized to perform any task you wish, like launching your favorite word processor.Other noteworthy features are said to include an extended wrist rest and a polished aluminum chassis with a bit of heft to it. The Wordrunner relies on Bluetooth wireless, and can be paired with up to three devices simultaneously. A fourth device can be attached via USB-C, we're told. // Related StoriesThe Freewrite Wordrunner set to launch on Kickstarter in February 2025. Pricing is unknown at this time, but Astrohaus is accepting priority reservations for just a buck. This will give supports access to the best possible pricing when the Kickstarter goes live. Should everything go according to plan, Astrohaus will ship the first batch of boards to backers by the end of 2025.