Forward-looking: Microsoft originally introduced DirectX alongside Windows 95 as an incentive to drive game developers to support the new GUI-based operating system. The company has never stopped improving the collection of application programming interfaces since 1994, and is currently working to integrate the latest AI technologies. Microsoft recently announced what could be the next major development in the history of DirectX. The High-Level Shader Language (HLSL) team is currently working with major GPU and SoC manufacturers to bring support for neural rendering technology in the company's APIs for 3D graphics, which Microsoft described as a significant evolution in what's possible with real-time graphics.Redmond defines neural rendering as a suite of techniques capable of leveraging artificial intelligence, machine learning algorithms, and models to evolve traditional graphics pipelines. Cooperative vectors are the core element of these new neural rendering methods, and they should soon become part of the DirectX API suite for cross-platform game development.Cooperative vectors are useful for accelerating AI workloads for real-time rendering, which in turn will improve the performance of neural rendering techniques. Cooperative vectors optimize the matrix-vector operations that are usually required in large quantities for AI training, fine-tuning, and inferencing, Microsoft explained.The new tech can also make AI tasks run during different stages of the shading process, so a smaller neural network can run in a pixel shader process without needing the entire GPU's computational power. Microsoft promises a seamless integration of neural graphics rendering in DirectX applications, with access to hardware-based AI accelerators on multiple platforms.The HLSL team is working on cooperative vector support in DirectX with AMD, Intel, Nvidia, and Qualcomm, which should provide enough cross-platform compatibility for the new solution. The most significant results will likely come to Xbox and PC platforms first and foremost. // Related StoriesThe HLSL technology is a proprietary shading language designed to improve shader adoption in the latest versions of the DirectX APIs.Microsoft praised the cross-vendor support for cooperative vectors in the DirectX ecosystem. The company also said that the new neural rendering techniques will unlock the power of Tensor Cores with neural shading available in the recently introduced Nvidia Blackwell GeForce GPUs. Nvidia explained that neural rendering will leverage small neural networks to greatly improve gaming graphics, though you will likely need to purchase a GeForce RTX 50 GPU to access this next-gen tech.

Have you ever woken up late, only to discover your alarm never actually went off? You arent alone. For a long time now, iPhone users have reported a disruptive bug that allows their alarms to trigger but with no sound or vibration. Its practically the same as having no alarm at all, and despite repeated promises, Apple has yet to resolve it.On the r/iPhone subreddit, user u/bryanlolwut posted a picture showing his 10:30 a.m. alarm going off at 12:42 p.m. Other users flooded the comments with similar stories and complaints, with one person simply stating, I feel vindicated.Recommended VideosIts 2025, and the idea that we cant trust our phone alarms to wake us up is ridiculous but despite that, Ive also woken up to my alarm silently ringing beside the bed. I assumed I had silenced it without waking up, but these reports make me question that.u/bryanlolwut / RedditUser u/simplydan24 wrote, I stopped using the native clock for alarms years ago. Another user suggested that Apple should be legally responsible for the consequences of missed appointments. Another user, u/Lawyer_Morty_2109, said, I remember this happening all the [way] back since iOS 9. The reports arent limited to Reddit, either; there are plenty of discussions on Apples official forums about the issue, too.Please enable Javascript to view this contentUntil an official fix is released, there are several steps you can take to help reduce the risk of this happening. The first is to set multiple alarms; I use three, spaced several minutes apart.Make sure to check your Focus and Do Not Disturb settings. If you enable those during the night, the mode settings could overwrite the alarms. You can also go intoSettings >Sounds & haptics >Ringtone and alerts and make sure the slider is set to maximum volume and that Haptics is set toAlways play.Editors Recommendations

John Edwards, Technology Journalist & AuthorJanuary 13, 20255 Min ReadWavebreakmedia Ltd IFE-240329_4 via Alamy Stock PhotoUnlike their generic cloud counterparts, industry cloud platforms provide specialized services tailored to meet the needs of businesses in specific industries, such as healthcare, finance, or manufacturing.Industry clouds can be best understood as industry-specific solutions, says Brian Campbell, a principal at Deloitte Consulting. He notes in an email interview that all cloud providers have evolved significantly over the past few years. "Initially, they offered infrastructure as a service (IaaS), then moved to platform as a service (PaaS), and now we see the emergence of business outcomes as a service."A growing number of cloud service providers now address business challenges unique to specific industries. "These problems are deeply embedded in ... value chains and require tailored solutions to achieve desired business outcomes," Campbell says. He observes that the number of industry cloud solutions is expanding rapidly, driven largely by sophisticated technology advancements, such as GenAI. "This growth allows businesses to solve industry-specific challenges more effectively and efficiently."Industry cloud services typically embed the data model, processes, templates, accelerators, security constructs, and governance controls required by the adopter's industry, says Shriram Natarajan, a director at technology research and advisory firm ISG, in an online interview. "This [approach] allows faster development of new functionality, better security and governance, and an enhanced and user/stakeholder experience."Related:Industry cloud platforms are pre-configured with industry-specific features, integrations, and workflows that cater to the unique regulatory, operational, and customer needs of a [particular] sector, says Herb Hogue, CTO at systems integrator Myriad360, in an online interview. "Examples include Epic Cloud for healthcare, Siemens' Insights Hub for industrial IoT, SAP for inventory and workflow management, Oracle for ERP and financial services, and CoreWeave, which provides a cloud infrastructure optimized for AI and high-performance computing."Multiple BenefitsCampbell observes that moving to an industry cloud has already helped many enterprises connect to customers and suppliers in highly compelling ways. He notes that adopters generally obtain the greatest benefit when they tie their use of an industry cloud to their business strategy, business outcomes, and return on investment. Other significant benefits include faster innovation, modularity (as new technologies or approaches become available), increased efficiency, more effective business processes, and greater employee engagement.Related:Enterprises spanning many industries can benefit significantly by moving to an industry cloud platform, Campbell says. "Businesses that are faced with many regulations and operational requirements can especially benefit from the specialized services industry cloud platforms," he notes, adding that many industry cloud platforms are preconfigured to meet specific needs, which can help accelerate the time to value realized.Many enterprises have a blinkered view on verticalized solutions, Natarajan says. "They tend to see the platforms they already have in-house and look for solutions that these platforms provide." He believes that enterprise IT and business teams can both benefit from looking at the landscape of verticalized industry cloud platforms.Cloud platforms are continuously evolving and expanding in scope, offering new capabilities that make them attractive to businesses looking to scale rapidly within their industry. "However, businesses must weigh the benefits of speed, and functionality against long-term costs and the potential for vendor lock-in," Hogue warns. "While these platforms often provide faster implementation and industry-specific capabilities at a lower initial cost compared to custom-built solutions, ongoing costs such as subscription fees and upgrades can accumulate over time." He advises potential adopters to carefully evaluate a platform's total cost, capability to match or exceed long-term business goals, and its potential for continuity and adaptability.Related:Getting StartedEnterprises that are ready to transition to an industry cloud platform should begin the process by taking a holistic approach to vendor selection. "The transformation should be supportive of your business strategy and ... driven by where to differentiate in order to best meet the needs of customers, employees, and other stakeholders," Campbell says. He also recommends following the fastest possible path to value. "Numerous providers offer industry cloud solutions, and existing relationships and platform preferences may facilitate an easier integration."Campbell suggests identifying the specific business requirements and regulatory needs that the industry cloud solution will address. He recommends evaluating providers by comparing their features, compliance capabilities, and pricing. "Align use of the solutions to your business strategy and then create a detailed implementation plan that includes goals, timelines, and key performance indicators (KPIs)." Team training is also important. "Help them understand and utilize the new platform effectively."Finally, consider data sharing and security requirements when evaluating an industry cloud platform. Prioritize flexibility and the capacity for innovation, Campbell advises. "The market is evolving quickly, and modular implementations are replacing monolithic ones, offering user-friendly building blocks that are continuously enhanced."About the AuthorJohn EdwardsTechnology Journalist & AuthorJohn Edwards is a veteran business technology journalist. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and numerous business and technology publications, including Computerworld, CFO Magazine, IBM Data Management Magazine, RFID Journal, and Electronic Design. He has also written columns for The Economist's Business Intelligence Unit and PricewaterhouseCoopers' Communications Direct. John has authored several books on business technology topics. His work began appearing online as early as 1983. Throughout the 1980s and 90s, he wrote daily news and feature articles for both the CompuServe and Prodigy online services. His "Behind the Screens" commentaries made him the world's first known professional blogger.See more from John EdwardsNever Miss a Beat: Get a snapshot of the issues affecting the IT industry straight to your inbox.SIGN-UPYou May Also LikeWebinarsMore WebinarsReportsMore Reports

This is today's edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of what's going on in the world of technology. Inside the strange limbo facing millions of IVF embryos Millions of embryos created through IVF sit frozen in time, stored in cryopreservation tanks around the world. The number is only growing thanks to advances in technology, the rising popularity of IVF, and improvements in its success rates. At a basic level, an embryo is simply a tiny ball of a hundred or so cells. But unlike other types of body tissue, it holds the potential for life. Many argue that this endows embryos with a special moral status, one that requires special protections. The problem is that no one can really agree on what that status is. To some, theyre human cells and nothing else. To others, theyre morally equivalent to children. Many feel they exist somewhere between those two extremes. While these embryos persist in suspended animation, patients, clinicians, embryologists, and legislators must grapple with the essential question of what we should do with them. What do these embryos mean to us? Who should be responsible for them?Read the full story. Jessica Hamzelou Anthropics chief scientist on 5 ways agents will be even better in 2025 Agents are the hottest thing in tech right now. Top firms from Google DeepMind to OpenAI to Anthropic are racing to augment large language models with the ability to carry out tasks by themselves. In October, Anthropic showed off one of the most advanced agents yet: an extension of its Claude large language model called computer use. As the name suggests, it lets you direct Claude to use a computer much as a person would, by moving a cursor, clicking buttons, and typing text. Instead of simply having a conversation with Claude, you can now ask it to carry out on-screen tasks for you. Computer use is a glimpse of whats to come for agents. To learn whats coming next, MIT Technology Review talked to Anthropics cofounder and chief scientist Jared Kaplan. Here are five ways that agents are going to get even better in 2025. Melissa Heikkil & Will Douglas Heaven Small language models: 10 Breakthrough Technologies 2025 Make no mistake: Size matters in the AI world. When OpenAI launched GPT-3 back in 2020, it was the largest language model ever built. The firm showed that supersizing this type of model was enough to send performance through the roof. That kicked off a technology boom that has been sustained by bigger models ever since. But as the marginal gains for new high-end models trail off, researchers are figuring out how to do more with less. For certain tasks, smaller models that are trained on more focused data sets can now perform just as well as larger onesif not better. Read the full story.Will Douglas Heaven Small language models is one of our 10 Breakthrough Technologies for 2025, MIT Technology Reviews annual list of tech to watch. Check out the rest of the list, and cast your vote for the honorary 11th breakthrough. The must-reads Ive combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology. 1 Blue Origins rocket launch has been cancelled Its engineers were unable to fix an issue with the New Glenn rockets vehicle subsystem. (BBC)+ Its also likely that ice blocked an essential vent line designed to expel gas. (Ars Technica)+ The company is yet to announce a rescheduled launch date. (The Verge)2 How is Donald Trump planning to save TikTok, exactly? Its unclear whether his supposed deal-making prowess will hold any sway here. (WP $)+ TikTok founder Zhang Yiming might have a few ideas. (WSJ $)+ It looks as though the US Supreme Court is leaning towards banning the app. (Forbes $)+ The depressing truth about TikToks impending ban. (MIT Technology Review)3 The Biden administrations final chip export curb is here The policy is designed to make it harder for China to circumvent restrictions. (FT $)+ Australia, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan wont be restricted under the new rules. (CNN)+ Nvidia thinks all these sanctions are only backfiring on the US. (Quartz)4 Big Techs leaders are lining up to attend Trumps inauguration Silicon Valleys sucking up continues. (Bloomberg $)+ Mark Zuckerberg appears to be doing his best to secure an invite. (NYT $)+ He seems to be entering Founder Mode in a bid to impress Trump. (The Verge)5 AI financial advisers are going after broke young people Its money management tips come with a hefty price tag. (Wired $) 6 Neuralink has implanted a brain device in a third person, according to MuskAhead of its plans to insert up to 30 devices this year. (Fortune $) + Beyond Neuralink: Meet the other companies developing brain-computer interfaces. (MIT Technology Review)7 The future of self-driving cars is cleaved in two Companies are divided over whether well hail or own future autonomous vehicles. (NY Mag $)+ How Wayves driverless cars will meet one of their biggest challenges yet. (MIT Technology Review)8 Smartwatches are out, old-school watches are inIts hard to beat a wristwatch when it comes to luxury status symbols. (The Guardian) 9 Notre-Dame cathedral is full of hidden speakers And you can fit out your home with them toofor a price. (FT $)10 How to free up space on your iPhone Dont be afraid to purge those ancient duplicate photos. (WSJ $)Quote of the day I'm worried about everything." Jeff Bezos describes his (well-placed) nerves to Ars Technica ahead of his rocket company Blue Origins first orbital launchwhich was later called off over technical issues. The big story AI was supposed to make police bodycams better. What happened? April 2024 When police departments first started buying and deploying bodycams in the wake of the police killing of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri, a decade ago, activists hoped it would bring about real change. Years later, despite whats become a multibillion-dollar market for these devices, the tech is far from a panacea. Most footage they generate goes unwatched. Officers often don't use them properly. And if they do finally provide video to the public, it usually doesnt tell the complete story. A handful of AI startups see this problem as an opportunity to create what are essentially bodycam-to-text programs for different players in the legal system, mining this footage for misdeeds. But like the bodycams themselves, the technology still faces procedural, legal, and cultural barriers to success. Read the full story. Patrick Sisson We can still have nice things A place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet 'em at me.) + The first big fashion trend of 2025? Were all going basic.+ Spoilers aheadthis list of the best film endings is great funincluding that infamous lingering final shot from Psycho.+ If parts of your life could be better, its time to embrace the tiny changes that can make a real difference.+ This Brazilian banana bread recipe sounds beyond delicious.

The ingredients are customizable.I like to use a mix of vegetables in my lentil stew. Steven John Vegetable broth and dried lentils make up the base of the meal. You can use chicken broth or bouillon cubes, but I've always liked that this is a vegan-friendly dish.From there, you can get pretty creative with the rest of the ingredients in this stew.I typically use carrots, potatoes, celery, onion, and kale, but broccoli, peas, spinach, parsnips, or peppers would also be good. Basically, you can clear out whatever leftover produce you have in your fridge or freezer. Bring 4 cups of broth to a boil in a large pot and add 2 cups of lentils.I keep a big jar of mixed lentils in my pantry. Steven John The first step is simple: Pour 4 cups of broth into a large pot. Resist the urge to salt it that will come later.Once the broth is at a rolling boil, add 2 cups of dried lentils. I use a blend of brown and green, but it's totally up to you and your preferences. You could also add some split peas to the mix.Reduce the heat to an energetic simmer before moving on. Chop two medium carrots.I like to chop my carrots into disc shapes. Steven John As the lentils begin to cook, peel and chop two carrots.I like to cut them into coins roughly an eighth of an inch thick, but if you have stockier carrots, you can also split them lengthwise first. Dice a medium-sized potato.I use russet potatoes for my stew. Steven John Peel and dice one medium-sized potato I usually use russet and add the pieces to the simmering water.You can also use a couple of smaller potatoes, like red or Yukon Gold, if that's what you have.If it suits the palates at your table, double the amount of potato. My family isn't huge on tubers, so I go lighter, but I don't recommend skipping them entirely because they add a nice texture. Chop two celery stalks.I try to find two hearty celery stalks at the store. Steven John Rinse and chop two celery stocks (or three if they're on the smaller side) and toss them into the pot.Pro tip: You can use frozen celery, but if you do, add it later, just before the kale. Freezing celery breaks down some of its cellular structure, so it could overcook if added here.At this point, roughly 10 minutes into the cooking process, things should be moving and grooving. Finely dice half of an onion.I prefer yellow onions for my stew. Steven John Peel and finely chop half an onion for the stew.You can use a yellow or a white onion, though I find yellow fits the flavor profile better.The measurement here isn't overly specific. If your onion is quite large, use less than half, and if it's smaller, use more than half. When in doubt, err on the side of adding more. Chop and add about 2 cups of kale.Make sure to add the kale last. Steven John Last come the greens. I recommend tearing the kale off its stalks and roughly ripping up the leaves before chopping it up into smaller bits.Add the kale to the stew and stir it well, incorporating all the pieces of the thick, leafy green into the mix. Let it all simmer, season as needed, and enjoy.The stew is quick and delicious. Steven John Give the stew two to three minutes over a low simmer for all of the flavors to coalesce, stirring occasionally. Then taste and add salt and/or pepper to your liking.I like to dole out portions into pre-chilled bowls (this stuff gets quite hot) before serving my family.If I want to beef up the meal a little, I'll pair it with homemade bread, noodles, or rice, but it's also great as-is especially if you went heavy on the potatoes,

With any luck, the early access launch wont be far behind (EA)EAs long awaited new Skate game should be out this year, as the studio announces plans to begin playtesting the console versions.After years of fan demand, EA finally announced a new Skate game back in 2020 (officially titled skate.), but it and developer Full Circle have otherwise been very quiet about it ever since.There were a handful of leaks from insider playtests for the PC version, but these came from pre-alpha builds, so they werent necessarily indicative about how the game will look and play.Fortunately, it seems more people will be getting to try out the new Skate in the near future, as EA and Full Circle have announced the start of console playtesting.How to sign up for the Skate console playtestEA and Full Circle have been running PC playtests for a couple of years now, but these have never been public ones that anyone can just hop into.To participate, you have to register as a Skate insider via the games official website. While it doesnt guarantee an invite, it is your only chance for gaining access to future playtests.Being a Skate insider also means youll unlock an exclusive skateboard and stickers as a participation award in the full game upon its launch.It sounds like console playtests have already begun and should be available on both PlayStation and Xbox platforms. As a reminder, the new Skate is slated for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, and PlayStation 5, although there are also plans for a mobile port later down the line.If you are already registered and havent received an invite yet, EA and Full Circle are asking you to be patient, since the plan is to invite new players who are registered as we go.When will Skate be released?With any luck, everyone will be able to play the new Skate sometime this year, but at the moment it doesnt have a set release date. Back in September, EA and Full Circle announced an early access launch should be ready to go in early 2025.More TrendingIf console playtesting has just started, the early access version should be available in a couple of months. At the very least, unless EA says otherwise, we should be seeing Skate become publicly available before the end of June.This will be the first Skate game in over a decade (Skate 3 came out in 2010), but EA and Full Circle have stressed this is not a sequel, hence why its not called Skate 4, but nor is it a reboot.It is being designed as a live service game, meaning it will be free-to-play with microtransactions. EA has promised there will be no paid-for loot boxes, although some playtesters claim to have found evidence of their existence in a previous beta. With no new Tony Hawks Pro Skater anywhere to be seen, nows the perfect time for Skate to make a comeback (EA)Emailgamecentral@metro.co.uk, leave a comment below,follow us on Twitter, andsign-up to our newsletter.To submit Inbox letters and Readers Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use ourSubmit Stuff page here.For more stories like this,check our Gaming page.GameCentralExclusive analysis, latest releases, and bonus community content.This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Your information will be used in line with our Privacy Policy

In todays hyper-connected world, dealing with spotty Wi-Fi, buffering videos, and dropped connections has become an all-too-familiar frustration for many households. The TP-Link AX1800 Router (Archer AX21 V4) emerges as a practical solution for these common networking headaches, offering Wi-Fi 6 technology that promises to eliminate dead zones and handle the growing number of connected devices in modern homes.See at AmazonFor those looking to upgrade their home network without breaking the bank, this router has just dropped to $72 from its original price of $100. This 28% discount, saving buyers $28, makes the leap to Wi-Fi 6 technology significantly more accessible for anyone tired of unreliable internet connections or struggling with their current routers performance.Powerful connectivity and fewer internet outagesThis router uses the latest Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) technology, so it can give you combined speeds of up to 1.8 Gbps across its dual bands: thats 1200 Mbps on the 5 GHz band and 574 Mbps on the 2.4 GHz band. This significant speed capability, coupled with OFDMA technology, means the router can handle multiple devices simultaneously, which means its best for homes where everyone is streaming, gaming, or video calling at once.It can do all this with great coverage by way of Beamforming technology and four high-gain antennas to make sure you get strong signals throughout your home. This focused approach to signal distribution means fewer dead zones and more reliable connections in traditionally problematic areas like upstairs bedrooms or home offices far from the router.Worried about security? The router includes both OpenVPN and PPTP VPN server capabilities, which give you more layers of protection as well as remote access options to change them up when you need to. Its universal compatibility with major internet service providers like Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, and others ensures a seamless transition for most users, though a separate modem is required for most ISP connections. At this super affordable price, the TP-Link AX1800 represents a compelling upgrade path for anyone looking to bring Wi-Fi 6 technology to their home once and for all.If youre ready to go all out with your internet connection and give your home the most reliable router possible for a low price, this sale is going to be your blessing. Just make sure you dont miss out on it and buy your router while you still can. Youll be amazed at what not using your ISPs equipment alone will do for you, as well as what your wallet can handle. This TP-Link router is it!See at Amazon

How Textiles Shaped Architecture: Prehistoric Structures for Modern BuildingsSave this picture!Camp Sarika / Amangiri + Luxury Frontiers. Image AmanMuch before humans constructed their first permanent shelters, they discovered the protective power of animal hides as a barrier against harsh environmental conditions. This fundamental principle of building with flexible materials finds influence in the architecture of today, despite the lack of strong precedents that have been lost to time. Textiles served as humanity's first architectural elements, predating ancient construction methods like stone masonry. The relationship between textiles and shelter would go on to shape the entire history of architecture, from prehistoric settlements to modern skyscrapers. What lessons might these ancient origins of architecture hold for future advancements in building design?Save this picture!Archaeological discoveries paint an intriguing picture of humanity's ingenuity. At the Grotte du Lazaret near Nice, France, researchers discovered evidence of a shelter constructed 150,000 years ago during the mid-Pleistocene period. The large hut, measuring 11 meters long and 3.5 meters wide, represented one of the first attempts at creating controlled environments. While only the stone supports for upright posts remain, archaeologists believe animal hides were stretched across the framework to create walls and covering - a marriage of textile and structure. The Siberian Steppe also provides evidence of textile architecture, with confirmed fabric structures dating back over 44,000 years to the ice age. There are also speculations that textiles were utilized for spatial division and shelter even before they were worn as clothing.Save this picture!In 1851, German architect and theorist Gottfried Semper proposed a concept that would change how we think about architecture's origins. In his work "The Four Elements of Architecture," Semper argued that architecture didn't begin with permanent structures, but with textiles. He described how early humans first gathered around the hearth - the primary element of architecture - and then created enclosures to protect it. Related Article Elevating Interior Spaces With Modern Textile Craftsmanship These first enclosures, Semper argued, were made by weaving tree branches together to form "wickerwork" walls. This technique eventually led to weaving with plant fibers and other materials, creating the first true textile walls. Even after societies developed solid masonry structures, Semper noted that these walls were often decorated with patterns that unconsciously imitated their textile predecessors.As human societies evolved, different cultures developed increasingly sophisticated approaches to textile architecture. The North American Indian tipi represents one of the most elegant solutions to the challenge of creating a portable shelter. Originally made from buffalo skins before transitioning to canvas, the tipi's simple conical form belied its technical sophistication. The structure featured an adjustable smoke flap at its peak, allowing for precise control of ventilation, while an interior liner managed moisture and prevented drafts.Save this picture!The Bedouin people of North Africa developed equally impressive solutions with their "black tents," known in their language as the "house of hair." These structures, made from black goat hair, demonstrated an intricate understanding of material properties. When rain fell, the goat hair would contract and become naturally waterproof, while the specific weave pattern allowed enough air circulation to keep the interior comfortable. The tents could be transported up to 64 kilometers in a single day, proving that mobile architecture didn't have to sacrifice sophistication for portability. This natural climate control system developed thousands of years ago can serve as inspiration to many modern energy-hungry buildings.In Central Asia, the yurt showcased another approach to textile architecture. These structures, which have remained largely unchanged for centuries, use felt coverings laid in up to eight overlapping layers. Rather than being sewn together, these layers work in concert to provide water resistance while allowing individual sections to be opened or closed as needed to respond to changing weather conditions.Save this picture!The relationship between textiles and architecture took a revolutionary turn in the 20th century through the work of German architect Frei Otto and the development of tensile structures. With this approach, the primary support came from tension in materials rather than compression. Bringing a uniquely scientific approach to textile architecture, Otto conducted extensive experiments with soap films, using their natural tendency to find minimal surface tensions as a model for designing efficient structures. Save this picture!His work culminated in the iconic 1972 Munich Olympic Stadium, featuring an innovative canopy of acrylic glass panels suspended from steel cables. This project demonstrated how far textile-based architectural thinking had evolved from those first ice age shelters, while still embodying the same fundamental principles of using flexible, lightweight materials to create protected spaces.Save this picture!Save this picture!Modern glass-faced skyscrapers, while visually striking, often create enormous energy efficiency challenges. Modern buildings of the 21st century incorporate smart fabrics that respond to environmental conditions, control light, and temperature, and create flexible spaces within rigid structures. In office environments, textile solutions are being used to address contemporary challenges like the need for privacy in open-plan spaces and the demand for better acoustics. The glass facades that dominate modern cityscapes present new challenges that textile solutions are uniquely suited to address. Innovative curtain systems help manage energy efficiency while maintaining aesthetic appeal, demonstrating how ancient principles of textile architecture can be applied to modern environmental challenges.The journey from animal hide shelters to modern textile architecture reveals a cycle of innovation. While materials and technologies have evolved dramatically, the fundamental principles remain remarkably consistent: the use of flexible, adaptable materials to create comfortable, protected spaces that meet human needs. As Petra Blaisse, a leading contemporary designer, observes, "Architecture and textiles work in collaboration with each other to define a room's scenography". This balance is exactly what is needed: combining the efficiency and adaptability of textile solutions with the permanence of modern construction.Save this picture!Save this picture!The story of textile architecture is, in many ways, the story of human ingenuity itself - an anecdote to the ability to transform simple materials into sophisticated solutions. While textile architecture might seem primitive compared to modern steel and concrete buildings, its core principles - adaptability, efficiency, and human-centric design - can strongly lend themselves to address contemporary challenges like climate change, rapid urbanization, and the need for flexible spaces. The principles established by early humanity continue to inspire new generations of architects, proving that the relationship between textiles and architecture remains as relevant today as it was 44,000 years ago.Image gallerySee allShow lessAbout this authorAnkitha GattupalliAuthorCite: Ankitha Gattupalli. "How Textiles Shaped Architecture: Prehistoric Structures for Modern Buildings" 13 Jan 2025. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/1025601/how-textiles-shaped-architecture-prehistoric-structures-for-modern-buildings&gt ISSN 0719-8884Save!ArchDaily?You've started following your first account!Did you know?You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.Go to my stream

Stack CommerceShareWe may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn more If youre a current Xbox Game Pass member, this might be the coolest deal you come across this year. Were selling Xbox Game Pass Ultimate 3-month memberships at 28 percent less than Xboxs website, dropping the usual price from $19.99/month to about $12/month. Weve been out of stock for weeks, but we just got 100 codes at this price.Well also let you stack up to five of these codes, so you can get 15 months of Xbox Game Pass membership through us and score about $105 in total savings. Or, upgrade from Game Pass Core for a couple of extra bucks and unveil loads more perks.Whats includedIf you only have Game Pass Core, youre missing out on the Ultimate experience. Youll still get Xbox online multiplayer and member deals and discounts, but youll get hundreds more games to explore on console and PC, like:Indiana Jones and the Great CircleCall of Duty: Black Ops 6Minecraft LegendsOvercooked! 2You get access to games the first day theyre released, so theres no wait time to play the latest titles. Plus, new games are added all the time. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate also includes free EA Play membership, so you can play The Sims and other cult classics.For those who havent ever been a member, this pass is an excellent way to save on purchasing games you might get tired of or test out titles to make sure you like them before purchasing them outright.Get three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for $36.49 (reg. $50.97) before we sell out again. No coupon is needed to get this price.StackSocial prices subject to change.Xbox Game Pass Ultimate: 3-Month Membership Stackable & Global (Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Windows Digital Code) Final Sale $36.49See Deal

TechFlying cars could soon become a realityThe technology to make these vehicles already exists Long limited to science fiction, flying cars could soon take to the skies.Illustration by Kathleen FuBy Helen Bradshaw38 seconds agoThe year is 2015. Mad scientist Doc Brown has just brought wide-eyed teenager Marty McFly to the future in style: aboard a flying DeLorean. Although the time travelers are out of place, their mode of transportation is not. Cars zip by in the sky. Were now 10 years past the future envisioned in Back to the Future Part II, and still no flying cars. But aerial automobiles, a mainstay of sci-fi and fantasy stories since the early 1900s, may soon be reality. The technology to make flying cars already exists, says Xiaosong Du, an aerospace engineer at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla.