U.K. Robinhood rival Freetrade has been acquired by IG Group for 160 million a 29% discount to its last valuation.

The stop motion animation and VFX tech used on Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. An excerpt from issue #25 of befores & afters print magazine.In A Grand Day Out, released in 1989, director Nick Park introduced us to Wallace and Gromit. The beloved human and dog characters were animated in clay. Decades later, and on the Aardman film Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (which Park directed with Merlin Crossingham), the characters are still brought to life in clay.However, several other aspects of the film now relied on some of the latest 3D printing, camera and lighting, and visual effects technologies. Here, Aardman supervising animator and stop motion lead Will Becher shares with befores & afters the range of old and new tech used to make the film.b&a: The way you made this film seems to incorporate so many old-school pieces of animation technology, and the latest tech, too.Will Becher: Yeah, I mean, it is a theme in the film as wellthe old-school and new-school tech. What weve found on every project is theres always another version. So were always getting the newest cameras and were always updating the software that we use. But in terms of model making and the art department, 3D printings become a really big part of it because its fantastic for sort of micro-engineering and testing things.In the film, we have the Norbot gnome character. We still start with a clay sculpt and then we can scan that sculpt in and we can build the internal mechanism design to the millimeter on computer using a 3D model. Engineering elements that sit together in a very small space takes a long time and lots of filing and fiddling. With Norbot, we had a 3D printed head, and we 3D printed the mechanics inside the head. So the mouth and the way it moves, its all 3D printed, it slots together.In terms of animation, the process is very similar to how it was when Nick Park started. Were still using the process of physically animating and moving characters frame by frame. The advancements really come with the world around them. So, making the film feel bigger using set extensions or digital matte paintings for the skies.b&a: Nortbot was 3D printed, in part, but did you consider animating him with replacement animation?Will Becher: No, the reason we used 3D printing was to make sure we could make him as something solid. We could have used it for replacement animation. In fact, we thought about it, When he walks, when he marches, would it be better to print? But actually, funnily enough, because everything is so organic in the world, the floor of the sets, its not perfectly flat. So as soon as you have anything like that, you actually need articulation. So Norbot is printed in his head, but the rest of him, although some of the internal mechanisms are printed, he has a skeleton inside and he has silicon dressing on top. And all the animators then, they manipulate him by hand, they move him around.Hes just a good example of a very small version of a very well articulated puppet. So he could do a lot more than you see in the film. Hes got the most complicated sort of skeleton, really, because he has to be quite versatile. And the one puppet we make has to work for every shot in the film.b&a: Theres an army of Norbots that appear. How did you approach doing so many?Will Becher: We have PPMs for every sequence, and we spent a bit of time talking about, Okay, how are we going to do it? Were going to shoot separate plates for each one, but weve got to get them to look the same. And as soon as we said we want them to be exactly the same, the way they move, because theyre an army Thats the other thing, stop motion is organic. You cant repeat it because you are physically moving things in space, and the lens and the lighting, everything is organic.So it was our visual effects supervisor Howard Jones, he said, Okay, if you wanted to repeat, then maybe what we could do is actually we could shoot the Norbots, just one row, and then we can have the camera move back into different positions to effectively give us the perspective so that we could then paste that behind.So we tried this out. It was like, Can we do that? Can we do an individual frame and then shoot several plates with the camera in different places? We couldnt because actually the characters just look wrong because the lighting doesnt change. So then we had to design this rig that basically would move them, slide them back, take a frame, slide them back, really complex, and then stitch them together in post.But what I love is that we could have tried to build CG models, but actually within our scope, within the budget, we didnt have any CG characters. We couldnt, and it wouldve been very expensive to actually make a CG Norbot that would hold up on screen that close. So everything we shot with the Norbots, we shot for real with the actual puppets.b&a: Feathers McGraw, the penguin, returns in this film. He seems like a very simple puppet build, but is that the case?Will Becher: Well, the actual shape of the face looks very simple. Feathers is literally like a bowling pin on legs. Thats how we have described him in the early days. And the original puppet, actually, it was the same size, same height, he looked the same. He probably just didnt look quite as advanced inside him. Thats the bit now we would 3D print. For the surface and the wings, its all just clay. And even wire, we still use wire because actually its really hard to get miniature articulated joints inside.Whats also new is the use of silicone. We used to use a lot more foam latex but foam over time just dries out, cracks. For Wallace and for Gromit, the bodies of them are actually silicone. Theyre full of fingerprints, but its a very flexible type of silicone, and it just saves us time focusing on things like the performance rather than focusing on cleaning up a joint. And thats the benefit of the newer technology.b&a: When youre building sets, what kinds of decisions do you make about how much can be built and what can be DMP? Theres a canal sequence in the film, for example, which seems like a massive build.Will Becher: Thats a really key example of the fusion of tech because the art director, Matt Perry, hes excellent. Hes really resourceful at building stuff on set, in person for real. But also he really wants it to feel big and advanced. So, what wed do is figure out how build it in sections. Hell build a section and say, Okay, Nick and Merlin, I think we need to build this much of it, and the rest of it well scan and well create as DMP.That means, theres a section of the canal for real, the actual boats, which are also real physical things they can fit in. And then its extended out. To do the whole thing in-camera, we would have needed a massive space and a huge amount of time as well to paint all those bricks. I think we ended up with two sections, two actual archways, and from that, we can shoot loads of plates and they can scan it.b&a: Have other technologies for shooting changed or come into play much in recent years, say with motion control or camera rigs?Will Becher: Well, theres a shot in the film where the camera goes up the staircase. Its funny the things you dont necessarily anticipate that are going to be a pain. None of our camerasour digi stills camerascould possibly get close enough because theyre too big. Theyre all high-end digital stills cameras. And so we had to test and mount lots of different smaller digital cameras on the end of a crane and try and get as close to the set as possible because we really wanted to create that camera move for real, traveling up the staircase.So Id definitely say the cameras have changed, but also the lights have become smaller and smaller. And with the lighting, were quite often putting tiny, practical lights in there for a candle flame or something. Theyre really advanced so we can program them to flicker and theyre so small we can hide them behind props. Theyre lower temperature as well. So for the animators, it used to be quite hot work. If you were in a unit with a couple of massive 5K or 10K lights, compared to today with LEDs, well, its a huge change.issue #25 animation conversationsb&a: I guess some of the other new technology involves using visual effects and CG for things like water. But still, I imagine to keep that Aardman and animated look, how do you ensure in your role that thats maintained?Will Becher: Theres a scene at the beginning where Gromit gets milk poured all over him. We tried all sorts of things, but when you get into particle effects, it gets really difficult. And so things like mist, fog, smoke, fire, milkit turns out we can never stop it looking the scale it is. So we tried milk and it just looks too thick. We tried lots of different materials. So in the end, the milk is a bit of a hybrid. We have it pouring out of the jug. We might use actual modeling clay. But then as soon as it hits Gromit, in this case, it turns into a CG effect.For water, we did a couple of things. Firstly we found this amazing stuff, this clear resin that you can sculpt. You sculpt this resin and you basically cure it with UV light, it goes hard. So its totally see through. So this is a new thing. Weve only been using it for a few years. Its fantastic. But you cant ever create a lake or an ocean that interacts with the characters. So theres a whole scene in this film where Wallace is in the water. And for that, we actually applied what looked like water to the puppet so that he was wet above water, but all the actual surface of the water is CG.Our directors, Nick and Merlin, neither of them are scared of using CG. They use it all the time, but theyll use it where it makes the film better, not for the sake of it. Also, we wont do stuff in camera for the sake of it. If it doesnt look good, well go to the best tools for the job.Read the full issue of the magazine.The post A mix of old and new appeared first on befores & afters.

The Transportation Department is stepping up enforcement of persistent flight delays with a lawsuit against Southwest Airlines and a fine against Frontier Airlines.The agency said the U.S. District Court lawsuit it filed in California on Wednesday alleges that Southwest illegally operated chronically delayed flights and disrupted passengers travel plans. It says its seeking maximum civil penalties.Airlines have a legal obligation to ensure that their flight schedules provide travelers with realistic departure and arrival times, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. Todays action sends a message to all airlines that the department is prepared to go to court in order to enforce passenger protections.The Transportation Department said its investigation found that Dallas-based Southwest operated two chronically delayed flights one between Chicago Midway International Airport and Oakland, California, and another between Baltimore, Maryland and Cleveland, Ohio.Both flights were chronically delayed for five straight months and together resulted in 180 flight disruptions for passengers between April and August 2022, the agency said.In a statement, Southwest said it was disappointed that the agency focused on flights from more than two years ago and pointed instead to its long-term record.Since DOT issued its Chronically Delayed Flight (CDF) policy in 2009, Southwest has operated more than 20 million flights with no other CDF violations. Any claim that these two flights represent an unrealistic schedule is simply not credible when compared with our performance over the past 15 years, the company said. In 2024, Southwest led the industry by completing more than 99% of its flights without cancellation.The department fined Frontier Airlines $650,000 in civil penalties, with $325,000 to be paid to the U.S. Treasury and the remaining $325,000 to be suspended if the carrier does not operate any chronically delayed flights in the next three years. Frontier, based in Denver, declined to comment.The announcement comes less than two weeks after the Transportation Department fined JetBlue $2 million for chronic delays, the first time it imposed a penalty for lateness on specific routes. The agency cited JetBlues chronic delays on unrealistic scheduling. JetBlue then said the government, which operates the air traffic control system, shares the blame for late flights.Aviation-data provider Cirium said in a report released this month that Southwest ranked fifth among the 10 North American airlines it evaluated for their on-time performance, with 77.8% of arrivals and a little under 77% of departures last year taking place in a timely way. By comparison, top-ranked Delta Air Lines scored 83.5% for arrivals and 83.7% for departures.Last year, federal regulators increased their scrutiny of Southwest Airlines after a series of incidents, including flying at very low altitudes while still miles away from an airport. The Federal Aviation Administration said in July it wanted to ensure the carrier was complying with federal safety regulations. The FAA declined to provide details, but noted that it continually adjusts oversight of airlines based on risk.

Dezeen Showroom: Portuguese brand Burel Factory has harnessed the natural characteristics of wool to create a fabric that reinterprets traditional craft for modern commercial spaces.Burel Factory makes a special wool fabric known as burel fabric, which is a heritage product of Portugal's Serra da Estrela mountains, where the company still operates using ancestral machinery.Burel Factory's wool fabric can be used as covering for walls and ceilingsThe fabric is handmade from 100 per cent wool that is trodden, thumped and boiled to improve its density and create a product with even more versatility and resistance to wear and tear than other wool fabrics, with Burel Factory claiming that it keeps its colour and shape even in high-use environments.The fabric can be used for applications ranging from wall coverings to panels, dividers and partitions, and brings a tactile look to interiors alongside acoustic and thermal insulation.The Stitches collection offers a range of 3D patternsWool reduces sound reverberation, creating a more pleasant acoustic environment in spaces such as offices and hotels, while also insulating from both heat and cold and helping to maintain an optimal indoor temperature.Burel Factory's wool fabric is available in more than 80 colours and 20 different 3D designs, which the company refers to as its Burel Stitches collection and which range from geometric compositions to dynamic bunched creations.Product details:Product: Wool fabricBrand: Burel FactoryContact: burel.projectos@burelfactory.comDezeen ShowroomDezeen Showroom offers an affordable space for brands to launch new products and showcase their designers and projects to Dezeen's huge global audience. For more details email showroom@dezeen.com.Dezeen Showroom is an example of partnership content on Dezeen. Find out more about partnership content here.The post Wool fabric by Burel Factory appeared first on Dezeen.

This innovative, solidly-built Modular Tote is by ToughBuilt. Aimed at tradespeople, it's an open-top tool bag with no less than 68 pockets and loops.It comes with two removable, zippered soft-sided bags and three removable, pocket-laden dividers that can be slotted within ribs in the bag's sidewalls. A nice little UX touch: One of the dividers has a kickstand.The bag is offered in 12", 18" and 30" lengths, the latter being the one pictured above. Here's a video showing the bag's features, in this case the 18" model:For those who ply their trades in the Pacific Northwest, New England or other places where you're traveling through inclement weather to get to the jobsite, the company also offers a closed-top bag called the Massive Mouth. This, too, has a design innovation (patent pending), which is what the bag was named for. The top can be pulled open to the full width of the bag, providing visibility and access. Both bags draw rave reviews for both their build quality and ability to swallow tools.

As we enter 2025, the world is evolving at a substantial rate, as is the world of architecture, which is being increasingly called upon to address pressing global challenges. By 2025, architects and designers are expected to push the boundaries of innovation, sustainability, and technology. They are being tasked with the responsibility to reimagine the built environment to meet the needs of a changing world.Certain trends are rising to the spotlight, showcasing technological advancement and the growing awareness and consideration of the environment. We have explored the top five architectural trends that are set to define the future, offering insights and examples of how these trends are shaping the built environment. Dive in and prepare for the future!1. Sustainable & Eco-friendly DesignSustainability and consideration for the environment are no longer peripheral or something that can be sidelined. It is currently at the core of architectural innovation, driving forward design styles and languages. Architects have been forced to focus on climate change and environmental degradation, as these issues can no longer be ignored. It has propelled them to prioritize eco-friendly practices. This trend involves the use of renewable materials, energy-efficient systems, and designs that minimize environmental impact throughout a buildings lifecycle.Green SpineThe ambitious Green Spine project by the architectural firm URB is set to transform Dubais landscape into a lush and sustainable oasis. This visionary initiative aligns with the proposals for the Dubai Mangroves and Dubai Reefs projects, aiming to enhance urban green spaces and promote ecological balance in the region.Stretching over 64 kilometers, the Green Spine will serve as a verdant highway, centered around the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. This transformation is not merely aesthetic, it is designed to integrate nature into the urban infrastructure, providing ecological, social, and economic benefits. The corridor will feature park areas, urban farms, and more than a million trees, creating a continuous green belt that enhances biodiversity and offers recreational spaces for residents and visitors alike.What we likePrioritizes environmental sustainability by integrating a million trees.Enhances urban livability, and community well-being.What we dislikeInvolves high initial costs and maintenance.This could lead to significant disruptions in traffic and daily activities for residents and businesses in the area.2. Smart Buildings & Integration Of TechnologyThe advent and introduction of smart technology has revolutionized the way structures and buildings are designed and operated. Nowadays smart buildings are all the trend. They are being equipped and outfitted with interconnected systems that are designed to enhance energy efficiency, offer better security, and a more effortless user experience. The trend includes the use of various sensors, IoT devices, and AI to create responsive and interactive environments that will seamlessly adapt and adjust to the needs and requirements of residents.Pod StudioCalifornia-based Podform designed the worlds smartest tiny home called the Pod Studio. It is a one-of-a-kind and innovative home that can effortlessly expand up to 3 times its original size. The home is equipped with solar panels, and smart technology which can be controlled through an app, battery storage systems, and a built-in water and septic tank as well.The home is equipped with four built-in lens cameras, providing comprehensive surveillance to ensure the safety of its residents. The doors are secured with Touch-ID technology, offering a high level of protection against unauthorized access. AI plays a significant role in enhancing the Pod Studios functionality. The AI system analyzes data regarding water usage, electricity consumption, and weather conditions, providing residents with actionable insights.What we likeAllows individuals to tailor their living environment to suit their changing needs.Promotes sustainable living by harnessing renewable energy.What we dislikeThe presence of multiple cameras and smart technology could raise privacy concerns for some residents.3. Biophilic Design & Nature-Inspired SpacesBiophilic design aims to reconnect people with nature, by adding and incorporating natural elements into architecture and buildings. This wholesome approach functions on the premise that humans have a natural connection with nature and that by surrounding or exposing themselves to natural elements their well-being, productivity, and creativity can be enhanced. In 2025 we will see a rise in biophilic or nature-inspired workplaces and offices, as such an environment will surely boost productivity and motivation among employees.1265 BorregasGoogle opened its first mass timber office building in Sunnyvale, California. Mass timber is a new type of engineered wood, and it involves small pieces of wood being layered and laminated together to create large beams and walls. This unique office supports an environment of support, focus, and collaboration. It is outfitted with neighborhood spaces that encourage hybrid connections.The new office demonstrates Googles priority to build nature-based or biophilic workspaces. Research indicates that individuals perform better when immersed in natural surroundings, and Google aims to harness this information by designing a new workspace that is both invigorating and inspiring. The office features exposed timber both inside and out, which not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also maximizes the influx of natural light, providing stunning views of the Northern California landscape.What we likeEco-friendly building that serves as a productive environment for employees.Will have 96% less carbon emissions than a traditional steel and concrete building of the same size.What we dislikeMass timber is combustible, and can burn quickly, making it a safety hazard.4. Adaptive Reuse & Modular ConstructionIn 2025, adaptive reuse and modular construction will make a strong appearance. The two approaches are intended to be sustainable and flexible building solutions. Adaptive reuse involves repurposing existing structures for new uses, and preserving historical and cultural value while reducing resource consumption. Modular construction, on the other hand, involves assembling prefabricated components on-site, offering speed, cost efficiency, and flexibility. These approaches cut down costs, make construction a more economical process, and support the reuse of preexisting structures and elements.St. Pauli BunkerOriginally known as Flakturm IV, the St. Pauli Bunker was constructed in 1942 by forced laborers. Designed with an official capacity for 18,000 people, it provided shelter for nearly 25,000 residents of Hamburg during the war. After the war, the Allies considered demolishing the structure but were unable to do so due to the bunkers thick walls and its central location.In the years after the war, the bunker was repurposed as a hub for art and culture, hosting music venues and events. Recently, a significant extension has been added to the bunker, supported by 16 steel pillars and weighing the equivalent of 60 Airbus A380 planes. This new addition raises the structures height from 35 meters to 58 meters above ground and includes five new floors that house a hotel, restaurant, caf, and social spaces, and is a wonderful specimen of adaptive reuse.What we likeEnriches the community by providing spaces for art, music, and social gatherings.Showcases the creative repurposing of a historic structure for modern use.What we dislikeThe extension modernizes the bunker but could raise concerns about preserving the historical integrity of the original structure.5. Urban Resilience & Climate AdaptationClimate change is posing an avalanche of threats, and architects are now focusing on urban resilience and climate adaptation in their architectural designs. This trend will involve the creation of structures that can handle extreme weather conditions, and adapt to the evolving environmental conditions. They will integrate resilient materials and innovative technology, thereby improving the safety and longevity of urban communities. The buildings will be able to withstand floods, heatwaves, storms, and earthquakes, and will also include green roofs and permeable pavements to reduce heat and manage stormwater.Mori JP TowerDesigned by Pelli Clarke & Partners, the Mori JP Tower has become Japans tallest skyscraper, reaching an impressive height of 1,066 feet in Tokyo. This architectural marvel is not only a symbol of urban sophistication but also a testament to sustainable design, as it focuses on reducing reliance on grid-based energy.In a country prone to seismic activity, the towers earthquake-resistant design is extremely important. It is engineered to withstand earthquakes as powerful as the Great East Japan Earthquake, which registered a magnitude of 9.0. This remarkable feat enhances safety, potentially saving lives and minimizing destruction during seismic events. It includes structural steel tubes, which are filled with high-strength concrete, and multiple dampers that help absorb and dissipate seismic energy.What we likeCan withstand significant seismic events.Integrates sustainability features aimed at reducing grid-based energy usage.What we dislikeThe systems and materials may require specialized maintenance.The post Architectural Trends To Watch In 2025: Biophilic Design, Adaptive Reuse & More first appeared on Yanko Design.

Natures Nesta project by Ivanna Kaliukhis where the serenity of the outdoors meets modern design. This project is a mindful retreat that brings together earth tones and natural materials. Added to that, there is lush greenery, which quite literally makes the home feel alive. As the soft glow of sunlight filters through the natural accents and the warmth of wood underfoot creates a cozy ambiance, you will truly feel how this space can nurture your soul. Natures Nest redefines what it means to bring nature indoors.Natural materials take reign in the living room. We see a palette of beige topped with green accentsespecially through the throw pillows, blanket, and the potted plant (of course). An oakwood coffee table adds organic forms, while the jute rug softens the space underfoot. The console table under the television is an architectural feature, especially with all that ornate detailing!Right behind the sofa is a wooden dining table and woven rope dining chairs. Above, three rattan pendant lights illuminate the dining areaand the sofa, in case youre in for a good read. At the far end is a white and wooden kitchen. The cabinetry is sleek, allowing the wooden textures to create their statement. And the series of potted plants on the shelves add just the right touch of nature.The hallway features a neutral palette topped with beige accents. The alcove seating makes a statement with its textured wall and rattan storage space.The outdoor space in Natures Nest flaunts a cozy boho theme. A comfy, compact sectionalbacked with plantsis paired with a round coffee table. A wicker screen makes sure to provide privacy, all while adding to the natural vibe. A special mention for the lighting, which creates a cozy ambiance perfect for an intimate get-together!The bedroom is a relaxing boho retreat! A bed with a minimalist textured headboard takes center stage and is flanked by intricately carved nightstands. One wall is occupied by a massive wooden cupboard with rattan in its central panels. The opposite wall is covered by a huge windowanother essential part of nature-inspired home design. Finally, the boho rug with mini pom-poms factors in an eclectic vibe.Last but definitely not the least is the bathroom. Wooden flooring sets just the right base. The rugged stone sinksitting in vessel style on a rattan-front vanitycreates a visually striking statement. The textured wall and round mirror further add a rough vibe inspired by nature. In a cubicle separated by glass and gold finishes, we see a freestanding bathtub and hanging vines amidst a neutral, calming color palette. A spa-like experience right within the home is what we like to call it.

Its like Wii Sports: Pro Edition.

This vibrator has two motors and can even warm up to body temperature for a more natural feel.

Shou Chew will join tech moguls like Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk at President-elect Donald J. Trumps inauguration as the fate of the app hangs in the balance.