The Artful Abode by Taras Kaminskiy is creative and sophisticated. Here, bold colors and striking art pieces set the tone for every room. Each space feels curated, like walking through a modern gallery. This is design that inspires, comforts, and tells a story.The living space in the Artful Abode features a deep navy sectional. Its sculptural curves are complemented by textured throw pillows. A vivid blue coffee table with a gold base adds a striking focal point. Behind it, a playful oversized artwork with the phrase Never Stop Dreaming infuses the room with whimsy. The marble fireplace, framed in gold, brings a touch of grandeur. Simultaneously, curated shelves showcase art and objects that tell a story.Moving on to the kitchen and dining area, sleek white cabinetry with subtle ribbed detailing is framed by bold gold accents. Integrated appliances keep the look seamless. A generous island doubles as a cooking station and casual breakfast bar, paired with rich terracotta bar stools.In the dining zone, a glossy burgundy table and sculptural chairs make a bold style statement. These are complemented by a modern gold-ring chandelier. Large windows with sheer curtains flood the space with natural light, highlighting both the rich textures and the vibrant artwork.The bedrooms in the Artful Abode are designed as serene retreats with distinctive personalities. One features a mustard yellow upholstered bed paired with bold red side tables and a lively framed artwork. The other embraces a softer palette, with a teal headboard, dusty pink bedding, and a deep blue patterned rug that grounds the space. Both rooms are styled with clean lines and thoughtful accents.The en suite bathroom continues the homes refined aesthetic, with a striking navy vanity framed in gold. This is set against crisp white herringbone tiles and marble floors. The result is a luxurious yet fresh atmosphere, perfect for unwinding in style.

Another two months flies by, heres what weve been working on:NamaqualandWere making great progress with the Namaqualand project and expect to finish it in the next two months. Hopefully, itll be ready around the next dev log!Its amazing how much work there is after scanning a location for just a week Theres not much more to say other than the team has been hard at work grinding out assets, so heres a little sneak peek:Moon ProgressMeanwhile, Dario has started working on our moon scans in earnest. There will be quite a few of them, and theyre all very similar, but we hope this will give you a lot of flexibility and variation in large environments.FabricIts been a while since I last spoke about our fabric scans project, and plans have changed a bit since then.While assembling the Cornell box and pondering what sort of machine wed build to automate the scanning process itself, we were contacted by a company in Germany, Colormass, that specializes in doing this sort of thing.Colormass offered to scan a small set of fabrics for us, more or less at cost. While still quite a bit more than it would have cost us to do ourselves, it would free up a few months of our time to work on other projects, so we decided it was still a good idea.They are working on a set of 30 scans as we speak, but weve seen 4 of them so far:Model RecategorizationIn more general news, weve spent some time rethinking the categories we use for models. What we have now was thought up many years ago, back in the brief days of 3D Model Haven, when we had less than 50 models in total.Now, the library is considerably larger and more varied, and were a bit tired of calling everything a prop or decorative.While were already fairly happy with the new categories weve created, changing categories for everything all at once has a number of technical implications. There are unanswered questions about how specifically we want the new system to workwhether or not it will be the same for textures and HDRIs, too.The website, our Blender add-on, and any third-party tools using our API all need to work seamlessly while we make the transition, taking into account users who may not have the latest version and are still expecting the old categories. Theres still much to decide and determine here, but I thought Id mention it so youre aware of one of the many aspects of running an asset library besides the act of making the assets themselves Blender Asset Drop HandlerSpeaking of our add-on, I made a patch for Blender 8 months ago that adds a small feature that would allow our add-on to be used more intuitively and efficiently.Quick and dirty proof of concept of what could happen if we had asset drop handlers in #b3d's Python API (my patch: https://t.co/JUDP0ls50U). pic.twitter.com/VLaAsHG1Df Greg Zaal (@GregZaal) May 16, 2024The feature is simply a Python hook into the asset browsers drag-and-drop event, which would allow us to attach our own code to this action. For example, we could download the asset after the user drags it into their scene rather than requiring all users to download all assets upfront, as it currently works.Similarly, we could ask the user what resolution theyd like the asset to be or simply follow some default preference. Currently, our asset always comes in at 1K resolution, and you have to go to a menu to change this after adding it to the scene.There are a number of other features we have in mind that rely on this patch, and its been waiting patiently for review for the last year. Finally, there has been some activity, and other developers have been working on similar patches and more general implementations, so its possible we may finally get to see these features in Blender soon Better Astro-HDRIs?Finally, a bit of a teaseOne of our most requested types of HDRIs are night HDRIs. We have a few, and a few more on the way from Namaqualand, but since shooting those weve realized our current lens is a bit soft.Its not bad, the image above being the worst case I could find, but the poor coma coupled with the relatively high level of noise (due to the limit of 15s exposures to avoid star trails) there is definitely some room for improvement.Luckily, Sigma recently released a new lens that blows every other potential astro-HDRI lens out of the water: the 14mm f/1.4 Art.Not only is this lens twice as bright as our current lens, meaning theoretically half as much noise, but its also on another level of sharpness wide open.Nikon Z7 + Laowa 15mm F/2Sony a7R4 + Sigma 14mm F/1.4We visited a local camera store and shot a few tests, albeit during the day, and came to the conclusion that we needed this We have an HDRI trip planned for the end of August, where well put it to the test and hopefully capture the best starry skies anyone has ever seen in an HDRI.Assuming the weather plays nicely with us.Thanks for reading this far! We look forward to sharing more exciting progress in the next Dev Log Until then, feel free to join us on Discord where we are always hanging out, and let us know what you are working on too!

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Elon Musks company says it will try again on Monday for the next trip of its Starship prototype, which experienced setbacks during its last three flights.

MacworldIf the rumors are correct, Apple will hold its annual iPhone event in just two weeks, on Tuesday, September 9. Thats nothing new, as Apple always announces a new Phone in the fall, but this years event could be as big as the iPhone X launch in 2017, according to a new Bloomberg report by Mark Gurman.In his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman lays out Apples plans to reinvigorate its flagship phone over the next three years. It starts with the iPhone 17 Air, expected to launch as a new model this year. Rumors have long pointed to the model as a super-skinny replacement for the iPhone 16 Plus with a slightly smaller screen and single rear camera. Gurman also reports that the model will have subpar battery life and use Apples C1 model, which was introduced in the iPhone 16e earlier this year.More importantly, Gurman says the iPhone 17 Airs engineering and components will set the stage for future innovation across the next two generations.First up will be Apples first folding iPhone, due in 2026. Gurman says the handset will feature five cameras (one on the front, one on the inside, and two on the back) and use Touch ID built into the power button instead of Face ID. It will reportedly include the next generation of Apples modem, the C2, with capabilities approaching the latest from Qualcomm, and might only be available in black and white.In 2027, Apple is planning yet another massive redesign to commemorate the iPhones 20th anniversary. Gurman reports that the iPhone 20 will finally break from the squared-off slab weve lived with since 2020 and move to an approach with curved glass edges all around. He provides few details but notes that it will fit nicely with the Liquid Glass redesign coming to iOS 26 next month.Gurman doesnt speculate on the price for these new models, but theyre certain to come in higher than the $1,199 starting price of the Pro Max. Samsungs flagship folding phone starts at $1,999, and analysts expect the folding iPhone to be a bit higher than that, with Gurman noting that the folding iPhone will be hugely popular with Apples legion of consumers who are willing to spend whatever to get the latest and greatest. Altogether, its a very exciting time for the iPhone with new flagship models launching every year. And it looks like the days of the boring iPhone release are over.

As August once again slips away, spare a thought for Apples armies of iPhone engineers, iOS developers and the marketing people who have almost certainly been sweating the details this summer ahead of the next major iPhone launch.With so much at stake, and all eyes on what the company does next with its hardware, its no surprise that word about the companys plans have slipped viaBloombergas usual.We now think we know the company is heading into a three-year span of exciting iPhone re-designs, including one thin one, a fabled future curved-glass device, and at last an iPhone fold. Thats going to keep the companys naming chiefs reaching for a dictionary to dig out all the most relevant words to use for product names that might look good with Apple or iPhone in front of them. Will a curved iPhone be an iPhone Loop? (Probably not.)Names come later, of course. For now, weve just got a gist of what to expect:iPhone 17 rangeWe havealready been teased to expectApple to stagger the iPhone release cycle in the future, with Pro models shipping in September and standard iPhones (presumably including the iPhone e series) scheduled to appear in the Spring. This staged release is not expected to commence until 2026, as Apple is set to introduce four new iPhones next month in its usual way.iPhone AirSet to replace the iPhone Plus, the iPhone Air is just 5.5mm thin and carries a 6.6-in. display. Lighter, it will use AI (Adaptive Power) to help optimize battery life, comes in four colors including sky blue, and might cost around $1,000. (The price is tariff sensitive). There has been speculation the system could use an eSIM, AppleC2 5G modem, and carry a single camera but boast a powerful A19 chip.iPhone FoldBloomberg tells us that thefoldable iPhone (V68, apparently) will be similar in look to Samsungs Z-Fold smartphones,opening out into a small tablet. The latest report claims it will have four cameras (so you can FaceTime in any configuration), will use an eSIM for network connectivity, and might use Touch ID rather than Face ID. The device, which will probably also use an Apple modem, is now scheduled for introduction in Fall 2026, along with the iPhone 18 series an iPhone 18 Air, iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The iPhone 18 model then appears in 2027.iPhone Curve (Twentieth Anniversary)Mark Gurman has been evangelizing Apples unshared plans to introduce a curved glass iPhone for months. He says this will make its debut in 2027, marking the devices twentieth anniversary. It will boast curved glass edges all around, and feel like a living sheet of glass too, thanks to Apples Liquid Glass OS, which arrives next month.We can guess at some of the rest, including an A20 processor, more memory, a successor to Face ID with the camera beneath the display, and second-generation contextualApple Intelligence these things wont just look advanced, they will actually be advanced as we drive to peak 21st century technology. (Given eroding water and energy supplies, its questionable what comes next).What comes next?These arent the only exciting product introductions Apple is planning as early as this year, you can expect alower-cost MacBook Air. Equipped with an A-series processor, these systems will pack more than enough punch to compete with cheaper Windows PCs, and ship as Windows users consider the cost and hassle of moving to Windows 11.You can also expect faster M5-based Macs, faster Vision Pro units, M5-powered iPad Pros and powerfullyimproved AirPods Pro with heart monitoring. Thats even before the company introduces new product families and hardware, all built to exploit the upgraded Apple Intelligence the company is developing, leaning into AI partners for the things Apple cant, or wont, do. Apple, it appears, is not done innovating.You can follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn, andMastodon.

With F1 teams coming to the end of their scheduled summer break, all eyes are on the second half of the season to see which team and driver will come out on top.The Formula 1 summer shutdown occurs every year, with the FIA mandating a two-week factory closure for every team. This time off offers a reset for everyone involved, with there being no car development, wind tunnels, or late-night simulator runs able to be completed during this period.The full break ends up being three and a half weeks long, with the Dutch Grand Prix being the first welcome back.As we get closer to the return of the open-wheel, single-seater racing sport, were looking at how the odds are standing for the second half of the F1 season.How are the drivers getting ready for the remainder of the season?The shutdown impacts the drivers too, as many take this opportunity to recharge and recover ahead of the remaining races.The seven-time world champion Lewis Champion has posted about being on DND, with a social media post of him outside enjoying nature. Other drivers have taken a similar approach, including Williams driver Carlos Sainz, who has shared images of himself cycling in his spare time and enjoying the shutdown with family.George Russell appears to have enjoyed time away at sea in Italy, with Charles Leclerc, Alex Albon, and Max Verstappen also posting yacht-related images on social media.What has happened in the first half of the F1 25 season?So far, the F1 season has been dominated by McLaren as the British team has won 11 Grand Prix out of the 14 events. It was only in Canada that both papaya drivers failed to make the podium.Lando Norris secured the win five times out of the 14 races, with his worst performance being a DNF and P4. Oscar Piastri, the other McLaren driver, has won six times in the first half of the season. His worst position was P9, which was in his home country of Australia, at the beginning of the season.Red Bulls Max Verstappen, who is a four-time World Champion in the sport and previously won in 2024, has won twice this season. The Mercedes driver, George Russell, has one win under his belt in the 2025 races so far.How many races are in the second half of the season?This is where the Formula 1 season really starts to heat up, as fans have seen how cars are performing and some drivers have started to pull away in the drivers championship points.The races to come are also some of the most gruelling, with high temperatures and humidity in places like Singapore being a tough aspect for drivers to contend with.The second half begins at Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands on August 31, with there being just 10 races remaining. The upcoming events are as follows:Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort: August 31 2025Italian Grand Prix, Monza: September 7, 2025Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Baku: September 21, 2025Singapore Grand Prix, Street Circuit: October 5, 2025United States Grand Prix, Texas: October 19, 2025Mexican Grand Prix, Mexico City: October 26, 2025Brazilian Grand Prix, So Paulo: November 9, 2025Las Vegas Grand Prix, Street Circuit: November 23, 2025Qatar Grand Prix, Lusail/Qatar: November 30, 2025Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina: December 7, 2025What are the odds for the second half of the F1 season?The second half of the F1 season in 2025 will prove to be the most important as a number of drivers are competing for the championship.Currently, Oddschecker has Australian-born Oscar Piastri as 8/13 to win the Drivers Championship, with British driver Lando Norris at 7/5. Max Verstappen is 100/1, with George Russell at 250/1.These four drivers are at the top of the drivers standings at the moment, with Piastri having 284 points, followed by Norris with 275, Verstappen with 187, and Russell with 172. Although theres no knowing what will happen over the next several races, as the leaderboard could completely change.As for the first race of the season, in the Netherlands, the sports betting website has Oscar Piastri at 6/4 to be the Dutch Grand Prix winner. Lando Norris is 8/5, Max Verstappen is 9/1, and Charles Leclerc is 12/1.Featured Image: Credit to Liauzh on Wikimedia Commons, CC 4.0 licenseThe post Odds revealed as second half of F1 2025 season set to begin appeared first on ReadWrite.

The wildfires that swept through Los Angeles County in January 2025 left an indelible mark on the Southern California landscape. The Eaton and Palisades fires raged for 24 days, killing 29 people and destroying 16,000 structures, with losses estimated at $60 billion. More than 55,000 acres were consumed, and the landscape itself was physically transformed.Researchers are now using lidar (light detection and ranging) technology to precisely measure these changes in the landscapes geometryhelping them understand the effects of climate disasters.Lidar, which measures how long it takes for pulses of laser light to bounce off surfaces and return, has been used in topographic mapping for decades. Today, airborne lidar from planes and drones maps the Earths surface in high detail. Scientists can then diff the datacompare before-and-after snapshots and highlight all the changesto identify more subtle consequences of a disaster, including fault-line shifts, volcanic eruptions, and mudslides.Falko Kuester, an engineering professor at the University of California, San Diego, co-directs ALERTCalifornia, a public safety program that uses real-time remote sensing to help detect wildfires. Kuester says lidar snapshots can tell a story over time.They give us a lay of the land, he says. This is what a particular region has been like at this point in time. Now, if you have consecutive flights at a later time, you can do a difference. Show me what it looked like. Show me what it looks like. Tell me what changed. Was something constructed? Something burned down? Did something fall down? Did vegetation grow?Shortly after the fires were contained in late January 2025, ALERTCalifornia sponsored new lidar flights over the Eaton and Palisades burn areas. NV5, an inspection and engineering firm, conducted the scans, and the US Geological Survey is now hosting the public data sets. Comparing a 2016 lidar snapshot and the January 2025 snapshot, Cassandra Brigham and her team at Arizona State University visualized the elevation changesrevealing the buildings, trees, and structures that had disappeared.We said, what would be a useful product for people to have as quickly as possible, since were doing this a couple weeks after the end of the fires? says Brigham. Her team cleaned and reformatted the older, lower-resolution data and then subtracted the newer data. The resulting visualizations reveal the scale of devastation in ways satellite imagery cant match. Red shows lost elevation (like when a building burns), and blue shows a gain (such as tree growth or new construction).Lidar is helping scientists track the cascading effects of climate-driven disastersfrom the damage to structures and vegetation destroyed by wildfires to the landslides and debris flows that often follow in their wake. For the Eaton and Palisades fires, for example, entire hillsides burned. So all of that vegetation is removed, Kuester says. Now you have an atmospheric river coming in, dumping water. What happens next? You have debris flows, mud flows, landslides.Lidars usefulness for quantifying the costs of climate disasters underscores its value in preparing for future fires, floods, and earthquakes. But as policymakers weigh steep budget cuts to scientific research, these crucial lidar data collection projects could face an uncertain future.Jon Keegan writes about technology and AI, and he publishes Beautiful Public Data (beautifulpublicdata.com), a curated collection of government data sets.

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