Next up in our 21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings series is the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha, Qatar, by IM Pei, the first "mega-museum in the Gulf".This austere stack of limestone-clad blocks perched atop its own man-made island was in many respects the original template for the now hugely familiar and multi-billion-pound narrative of starchitects designing museums in the Middle East.The Museum of Islamic Art (MIA) was borne of a somewhat more optimistic era, before the lure of soft power gained through such buildings had escalated into a fully-fledged "cultural arms race", to borrow a term from the Guardian's Oliver Wainwright."It was a big bang," the MIA's former director Julia Gonnella told Al Jazeera. "It's a huge museum and, of course, it was an event because it was the first of these sort of mega-museums in the Gulf."The Museum of Islamic Art was the first "mega-museum in the Gulf"There is a strong sense that the museum's architect, the late Pei, knew what the legacy of this "big bang" meant for Doha's architectural landscape.Fearing the MIA would be crowded out by future developments, he demanded it occupy its own man-made island off the main waterfront, which has since become home to projects including the National Museum of Qatar by Jean Nouvel.Pei's instincts were certainly proven right. Writing in Al Jazeera, Hamid Dabashi called the museum "the singular grace of a landscape otherwise flooded with the rambunctious debris of the gaudiest specimen of architecture from around the world thrown at Doha."It is located on an artificial islandThe MIA project began as a competition organised by the Aga Khan Foundation in 1997 from which Indian architect Charles Correa and Palestinian-Jordanian architect Rasem Badran emerged as the frontrunners, with Badran eventually being awarded the project.These plans, however, never came to fruition, and Chinese-American architect Pei who famously deemed competitions a waste of his firm's time was instead directly approached by a jury member who had convinced Qatar's emir that he would be a good choice for the project.The design aimed to blend tradition and modernityPei, who was in his 80s at the time, had retired from full-time practice in 1990, but the MIA was one of several high-profile museums projects he took on in something of a late-career revival. He toldthe Architectural Record how he "started to get kind of antsy".Immediately, Pei made a defining change to the brief for the MIA. When offered several sites across the Doha Corniche, he rejected them all for fear that future developments would block out views to and from the museum as well as the movement of the sun.Read: Frank Gehry's Walt Disney Concert Hall was the most significant building of 2003Instead, the MIA was to be constructed on its own man-made island off the Corniche, accessed via a long, dramatic promenade that includes a fountain, tree-lined boulevard and a small bridge over the water."There were not yet too many buildings nearby, but I feared that in the future, large structures might rise that would overshadow it," explained Pei in an interview with Philip Jodidio."I asked if it might not be possible to create my own site," he said. "This was very selfish of me of course, but I knew that in Qatar it is not too complicated to create landfill."A vast atrium is located at the centre of the museumConscious of his lack of knowledge of Islamic architecture, Pei embarked on a global tour in search of what he called its "essence", which he believed he found most compellingly in the 9th-century Ibn Tulun Mosque in Cairo one of the oldest mosques in Egypt.This blending of tradition and modernity often termed neo-vernacular defined the later era of Pei's career. It is also visible in two similar museum projects he was working on at the same: a new wing at the Suzhou Museum in China and the MUDAM in Luxembourg.It features a double staircase and a circular chandelierThe austere forms of the Ibn Tulun Mosque informed the spartan stack of volumes that comprise the MIA, clad in cream-coloured limestone to emphasise the movement of sunlight across the building that Pei was so adamant be unobstructed by its surroundings.Such references led the New York Times architecture critic Nicolai Ourousoff to describe the museum as a "temple of high art, placing culture on the same pedestal as religion".The museum has five floors of galleriesOnce inside, however, the MIA reveals itself as a true jewel box. Concealed by a blocky tower on the exterior is a faceted, skylit dome that shelters a vast atrium, which features a curved double staircase and ornate metalwork, including a large chandelier.On the ceiling, small domed coffers continue the play of light and shadow, while on the floors decorative tiling also adopts geometric patterns informed by traditional Islamic architecture.Around this central space, a total of 4,255 square metres of exhibition space are organised across five floors, with galleries designed by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte with darker stone and wood surfaces that contrast the limestone cladding.Read: Zaha Hadid's Bergisel Ski Jump was the most significant building of 2002While the stark exterior of the museum appears to feature almost no windows on approach, on its northern side a vast, 45-metre-tall glass tower looks out across the Gulf, as do a number of sheltered terraces on the museum's upper levels.To the east, across a large courtyard enclosed by high walls with arched openings another nod to the Ibn Tulun Mosque sits the museum's educational wing and library, housed in a simple rectilinear box clad in matching limestone.For all of the iconic architectural gestures that have followed in its wake, the Museum of Islamic Art remains perhaps the sole example that has achieved the rare feat of both standing out and blending in.Did we get it right? Was the Museum of Islamic Art the most significant building completed in 2008? Let us know in the comments. We will be running a poll once all 25 buildings are revealed to determine the most significant building of the 21st century so far.This article is part of Dezeen's21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildingsseries, which looks at the most significant architecture of the 21st century so far. For the series, we have selected the most influentialbuilding from each of the first 25 years of the century.The illustration is byJack Bedford and photography is courtesy of the Museum of Islamic Art, unless stated.21st-Century Architecture: 25 Years 25 Buildings2000: Tate Modern by Herzog & de Meuron2001: Gando Primary School by Dibdo Francis Kr2002: Bergisel Ski Jump by Zaha Hadid2003: Walt Disney Concert Hall by Frank Gehry2004: Quinta Monroy by Elemental2005: Moriyama House by Ryue Nishizawa2006: Madrid-Barajas airport by RSHP and Estudio Lamela2007: Oslo Opera House by Snhetta2008: Museum of Islamic Art by IM PeiThis list will be updated as the series progresses.The post IM Pei's Museum of Islamic Art was the most significant building of 2008 appeared first on Dezeen.

Angelo Lelii's classic Polifemo lamp, from 1956, was a torchiere that featured a secondary adjustable mood light. The feature was a flight of fancy on Lelii's part. Now, 68 years later, technology has advanced to the point where more sophisticated functions can be crammed into a floor lamp. LG has just unveiled their PF600U, a lamp that houses a 1,920 x 1,080 projector and stereo speakers.It's not a torchiere; the lighting is meant to be bounced off of a nearby wall. Users can select from nine colors and five brightness levels. The head tilts on a pivot to go into projector mode. You stream content to the thing via OTT, using LG's webOS. You can get a closer look at the lamp, and see the projection quality, in the video below:LG says they'll release it this year, price TBD.

If youre someone with ambitious fitness goals this year, youve come to the right place. For those who arent hardcore gym enthusiasts and prefer not to hit the gym every day, establishing a disciplined home workout routine could be the ideal solution. To achieve this, youll need a well-curated collection of exercise equipment that aligns with your workout objectives.This assortment of gear will not only inspire you to exercise comfortably at home but also help you maintain consistency in your daily fitness regimen. Theres a well-designed and clever home gym in here for everyone. Have a look, make your pick, and enjoy your future workout sessions with these designs!1. KonditionThe Kondition Home Gym Bench is a versatile piece of furniture that doubles as a workout station. IKEAs BEKANT series inspire it. Its sleek design allows it to blend seamlessly into any living room, serving as an unassuming side bench or low-rise table when not in use.The bench transforms into a fully functional gym with a sliding bench for workouts. It features bullnose corners for safety and aluminum extrusion for strength. Its pull-out drawer is a standout feature, providing ample storage for gym equipment and solving space issues common in home gyms.Why is it noteworthy?Kondition can integrate into home environments without sacrificing functionality. Its adaptive design and durable upholstery make it both aesthetically pleasing and practical. The benchs fixtures support a range of resistance band exercises, enhancing its versatility. The innovative drawer design, capable of holding over 100kg, ensures easy access to equipment.What we likeBlends seamlessly with home decor.Offers versatile workout options with resistance bands.What we dislikeLimited to resistance band exercises.It may not suit those seeking heavy weightlifting options.2. RitFit GAZELLE PROThe RitFit Gazelle Pro 3-In-1 Leg Press and Hack Squat Machine transforms leg day into a productive and enjoyable challenge. Designed with a solid high-tensile steel frame, it exudes industrial-grade reliability. The adjustable, diamond-plated footplate accommodates various angles and exercises.While the extra-thick cushions, wrapped in anti-slip, wear-resistant leather, enhance comfort. This machine seamlessly integrates leg presses, hack squats, and calf raises, making it a versatile addition to any home gym. Its intuitive design allows for quick transitions between exercises, maintaining workout momentum without unnecessary complexity.Click Here to Buy Now: $1199.99$1359.99 ($160 off). Hurry, the deal ends in 48 hours!Why is it noteworthy?The Gazelle Pro boasts a robust construction and user-friendly design. Its focus on comfort and performance ensures that users can push their limits without compromising safety or comfort. The machines 3-in-1 functionality offers a comprehensive lower-body workout, eliminating the need for multiple pieces of equipment. Its simplicity of operation and efficient design make it an attractive choice for fitness enthusiasts looking to streamline their leg workouts.What we likeCombines three exercises into one compact machine.Easy transitions between exercises with simple adjustments.What we dislikePrimarily targets the lower body, limiting full-body workout options.May require a dedicated space due to its size.3. AEKE K1 Smart Home GymThe AEKE K1 Smart Home Gym revolutionizes home fitness by integrating artificial intelligence into your workout routine. Traditionally, home gyms have offered convenience and privacy at the expense of professional guidance. But, the AEKE K1 bridges this gap by transforming your gym space into an active participant in your fitness journey.It combines motion tracking, personalized workout plans, and real-time feedback to create an experience akin to working with an attentive coach. This innovative system uses an AI camera to track your movements, ensuring optimal form and efficiency in every workout.Why is it noteworthy?The AEKE K1 features AI-driven capabilities, which elevate the concept of a personal trainer to new heights. By analyzing 17 key skeletal points, it provides immediate feedback on your form, eliminating guesswork and self-doubt. This ensures that every rep is performed correctly, maximizing the effectiveness of your workouts while minimizing the risk of injury.What we likeProvides real-time feedback on form and technique.Personalized workout plans enhance training effectiveness.What we dislikeRelies on technology, which may require regular updates or maintenance.The initial setup and learning curve may be challenging for some users.4. Tempo MoveTempo Move is not just an exercise tool; its a game-changer in home fitness design. This sleek home gym is designed to integrate seamlessly with your living room decor, eliminating the need for a dedicated gym area or frequent trips to storage. With a harmonious blend of materials, colors, and finishes, Tempo Move elevates your living space into a stylish home gym.The equipment is cleverly concealed within a fabric cabinet, and the top features an iPhone dock compatible with iPhone XR and newer models. By connecting to a large-screen TV, Tempo Move enables you to follow exercise routines and receive real-time coaching from trainers.Why is it noteworthy?Unlike traditional gym setups, Tempo Moves elegant design ensures it complements your living space. Its ability to connect to a TV via HDMI enhances the workout experience, allowing users to follow along with trainers on a large screen. This innovative approach makes fitness more accessible and encourages regular workouts by removing common barriers like space and inconvenience.What we likeIntegrates seamlessly with home decor, making it an unobtrusive addition to your living space.Connects to a TV for an immersive workout experience with trainer guidance.What we dislikeLimited compatibility with newer iPhone models, potentially excluding users with older devices.While compact, it still requires a dedicated space in the living room.5. PedalPCThe PedalPC, created by Jim Gregory, offers a unique solution for staying active while working from home. This pedal-powered desk allows users to exercise and generate renewable energy simultaneously. It originated from a repurposed bicycle trailer, making it a unique design.The PedalPC can power computers, Wi-Fi, printers, LED bulbs, and charge phones. With the ability to produce 200 to 250 watt-hours daily, it encourages users to pedal for about four hours a day, integrating physical activity into their work routine.Why is it noteworthy?The PedalPC showcases an innovative approach to combining exercise with sustainability. By turning work hours into workout sessions, it promotes a healthier lifestyle while reducing energy consumption. This dual-purpose design not only addresses the lack of physical activity in a work-from-home setup but also contributes to environmental conservation.What we likePromotes physical activity during work hours.What we dislikeRequires consistent pedaling to maintain power supply.May not be suitable for all work environments.6. IKEA DAJLIENThe DAJLIEN collection by IKEA is a pastel-hued range of versatile and compact fitness gear designed to seamlessly integrate into your exercise routine. Comprising 19 pieces, this collection includes everything from ring-shaped dumbbells and exercise mats to step-up boards, all in a harmonious blend of subtle green, yellow, and white tones.These items are designed to be easily stacked away when not in use, preserving the aesthetic of your home. The collection also features unique items such as an air purifier, slippers, two distinct ponchos, a portable waterproof Bluetooth speaker for post-workout sessions, kneepads, yoga straps, and more to aid in recovery.Why is it noteworthy?The DAJLIEN collection seamlessly incorporates fitness into daily life without sacrificing style. The pastel hues allow the equipment to blend naturally with home decor, making it less intrusive than traditional gym gear. This collection also highlights the importance of recovery and stress relief, offering accessories that support holistic well-being.What we likeOffers a diverse range of equipment that can be easily stored, perfect for small spaces.Includes gear for recovery and stress relief, promoting overall well-being.What we dislikeLacks advanced features found in more specialized fitness equipment.Some items may not endure intense or prolonged use.7. The GripperYamaha Design Labs The Gripper is an innovative hand exercise tool that combines elements of traditional hand grips with the design of a musical instrument. It is made from naturally sculpted wood and cold metal pipes and features a unique grip system with paths for each finger, including the thumb.This design provides resistance training and enhances dexterity, making it ideal for musicians and motorcyclists who require strong and agile hands. It isnt exactly a home gym, but it is a nifty and clever exercise equipment since some people need strong hands.Why is it noteworthy?The Gripper is equipped with an unconventional design and dual functionality. By blending aesthetics with functionality, it offers a warm, tactile experience while promoting hand and wrist strength. Its ability to mimic the feel of a musical instrument adds an element of familiarity for musicians, making it an appealing tool for those looking to improve their grip strength and dexterity stylishly.What we likeEnhances hand and wrist strength.Unique design appeals to musicians and motorcyclists.What we dislikeLimited to hand exercises.May not suit those seeking full-body workouts.8. ARENAThe ARENA Smart Resistance Training Device offers a portable gym experience with over 300 exercises. It features a motor-controlled cable system that adapts to users speed and desired training results, supporting various workout styles like strength training, cardio, and HIIT.The ARENA platform enables users to simulate different exercises and force curves, making it a versatile tool for achieving fitness goals, from muscle gain to recovery. It makes for a clever and functional addition to your home, helping you achieve your fitness goals this year.Why is it noteworthy?It features a comprehensive range of exercises and is adaptable to different workout styles. Its smart technology personalizes workouts by adjusting resistance and force curves, providing a tailored fitness experience. This makes ARENA suitable for users at any fitness level, offering a wide array of exercises without the need for bulky equipment.What we likeSupports over 300 exercises across multiple workout styles.Smart technology personalizes workouts for optimal results.What we dislikeRequires a learning curve to maximize its potential.May be costly compared to traditional gym equipment.9. Spin&RowAptly named the Spin&Row, this innovative gym-machine concept has garnered awards for its ability to combine two distinct workouts into one versatile piece of equipment. The Spin&Row allows users to engage in cardio and leg exercises through cycling.It also offers users the opportunity to work on arm and core strength through rowing. This dual-functionality makes it an ideal choice for those looking to maximize their workout options without the need for multiple machines. Its good-looking and unique aesthetic makes it a great addition to your home.Why is it noteworthy?It can deliver the benefits of both cycling and rowing in a single device, addressing the diverse fitness needs of users. Developed during the pandemic, when home workouts became essential, this machine was designed to provide a comprehensive exercise solution. Its unique X-shaped folding design is excellent as it allows the machine to be compactly stored, occupying minimal floor space when not in use.What we likeUsers can switch between fitness modes by adjusting the angle of the X structure.It fulfills multiple fitness functions in a small space.What we dislikeAfter folding, the product still looks like gym equipment and may not look good with your interiors.10. GYMO-FITSay hello to the GYMO-FIT concept motorbike a unique fusion of an urban commuter vehicle and a robust exercise bike designed to keep you fit. This innovative concept captures the essence of a typical city motorbike while seamlessly integrating the functionality of a home fitness setup.The past few years have seen a significant shift towards home fitness solutions, with exercise bikes gaining immense popularity as people seek convenient ways to maintain their health and fitness routines. And, this conceptual design would make a fitting addition to your life if its made into a tangible product.Why is it noteworthy?It showcases a dual-purpose design, serving as both a practical two-wheeler for urban commuting and a versatile piece of fitness equipment. Unlike traditional exercise bikes that often end up gathering dust in a corner, this concept bike remains a functional part of your daily life, ensuring it doesnt become obsolete if your fitness motivation reduces.What we likeFunctions as a two-wheeler and an exercise equipment.What we dislikeWere not sure if its truly a viable option in the real world as a tangible product.The post 10 Best Home Gyms To Upgrade Your Fitness Levels In 2025 first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Elysian apartmentby Bodes Studiobreathes life into European minimalism. Every detail celebrates simplicity and sophistication. You can see soft neutrals, natural textures, and clever functionality coming together to craft a space thats as calming as is stylish! With a nod to Scandinavian sensibilities and some timeless modernity, this project makes for a lifestyle statement. Step inside to see how thoughtful design can transform everyday living.The foyer sets the tone for European minimalist charm. The light oakwood flooring is complemented by a partial slat wall. A round mirror introduces an organic touch. And the LED lights lining this instantly add visual interest.A low-profile sectional with neutral upholstery sits in the center of the living roomso, the centerpiece is as modern as it gets. Below, a chunky rug as well as a wooden coffee table factor in warmth. The entertainment complex is incredibly sleek with a minimal wooden stand. Next to it, the sleek bioethanol fireplace adds cozinessbut the modern way.As a part of the open floor plan, we see a kitchen area and dining space towards the back of the living area. A sleek light oakwood dining table is surrounded by minimalist (but cozy) white chairs. The massive floor-to-ceiling windowspaired with light draperiescreate an open feeling even in the compact space.The kitchen in the Elysian apartment is truly modern, with the wooden flooring adding texture. The cabinetry is sleek and without hardware. The big island in the center gives space for food prep as well as some extra dining space. This has a sleek faucet and sink withinproviding optimum functionality.The bedroom features wooden elementsespecially through the partial slat wall. The tufted bed is flanked with two circular pendant lights, which adds a sense of symmetry. We also see a tufted storage ottoman that doubles as seating space at the foot of the bed. The wall opposite the bed uses space for sleek cabinetry and an LED-illuminated vanity. But, even then, theres room to hang a projector and watch your favorite shows in bed. Truly a space-savvy designers hack!In the bathroom, a wall-mounted cabinet makes sure the space doesnt feel cramped. The backlit niche adds depthwhile also providing room to store toiletries. The oversized round mirror adds visual interest (and, of course, gives you ample space for those makeover sessions). We love how the tiles look like stone, making the space feel connected to Mother Nature. Finally, the shower cubicle has sleek brass fixtures as well as wooden accents.

Live Co-Editing enables multiple users to work on the same Photoshop file at once.

In Nnedi Okorafors new book, Death of theAuthor, a young author experiences the exhilaration, and panic, of living in the world shed previously only dreamed of.

To show how little they care about TikToks ties to Beijing, people in the United States are downloading one of Chinas most popular apps.

MacworldWhereas most of Apples iPad range got some much-needed attention last year, the baseline model suffered yet more neglect. The current 10th-gen iPad arrived in October 2022 and is long overdue for an update.According to a new report, however, the wait is almost over. And, perhaps unsurprisingly given that its been two and a half years since the last model, we can expect a serious upgrade in processing power for the 11th generation. No physical redesign, but a major component refresh.In the latest edition of his Power On newsletter, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman predicts that the 11th-gen iPad will come out this spring and that it will support Apple Intelligence. From this latter claim, it follows that a significant hardware bump will be required: from the current A14 and 4GB of RAM in the 10th-gen iPad to an A17 Pro and 8GB. Overkill for a budget tablet, perhaps, but the minimum required to run Apple Intelligence.The new iPad models, Gurman adds, have the internal codenames J481 and J482. Its understood that the 10th-gen iPad was referred to at Apple Park as J272.The 11th-gen iPads hefty spec bump matches the similar one heading to the iPhone SE this spring. Its a key part of Cupertinos AI strategy to recruit as many Apple Intelligence users as possible: It wants to take the platform mainstream, build up mindshare, and acquire training data. For this reason, it makes sense for the cheapest and therefore biggest-selling models in each lineup to offer Apple Intelligence support, even if that requires a bigger-than-usual hardware upgrade.Along with the 11th-gen iPad, Apple is expected to launch new iPad Air models in the spring of 2025. These, too, will be physically identical to their predecessors from 2024, with a spec bump being the focus. Gurman says he wouldnt be terribly surprised if the 2025 models get bumped up [from the current M2] to the M4, matching the iPad Pro. That latter point is especially surprising because he also doesnt expect the iPad Pros M5 update until late 2025 or early 2026. That means we can expect up to a year in which the Pro and Air models are running on largely the same chipset.Its unknown whether Apple will announce the new iPhone SE and these new iPad models at a dedicated spring event, or simply slip them out in a press release. There was a spring event in 2024 and 2022, but not in 2023; your guess is as good as ours.

The European Commission (EC) might have at last seen the sense of pulling back on some of itsscrutiny of big tech, which could yet benefit Apple and Google. For many, this will be a welcome step, though critics will continue to criticize.Whats happening,according to Reuters, is that the coming Trump presidency has encouraged Europeto take another look at how it is probing big US tech firmsunder the Digital Markets Act. The report claims the EC will review all its current probes, and that this review could affect current decisions and fines. Investigations will continue until decisions are reached, the report claims.Europe has not confirmed the claims, and in a subsequent statement denied its actions were under review; it said instead it was looking at resource allocation and investigation progress. What we do have is upcoming meetings to assess maturity of cases, to assess the allocation of resources and the general readiness of the investigation, the spokesperson said.If the original claims are true, they do not represent the sudden onset of common sense, or any realization among the regulators that they are going too far in their attempt to create an utterly homogenized mobile ecosystem. Instead, the review has been in part prompted by the imminent Trump Administration. US tech giants have been lobbying the incoming president to challenge EU scrutiny of them.Trump will be sworn in on Monday.What this means for tech firms and AppleThe review means Europe could choose to alter the scope of the probes against tech firms, including Apple.All cases launched under the Digital Markets Act since March 2024 will be under review, the Reuters report claims. The review also means that all decisions and potential fines will be put on ice pending completion of the review; thats significant, given the maximum fine that can be levied under this law is up to 10% of a companys global annual revenue.Any such pause would be positive news for Apple, as it gives the company an opportunity to lobby for less punitive outcomes and a more constructive compromise in which its platforms continue to provide unique features unavailable elsewhere.The hill Apple will likely be fighting from will include arguments concerning the privacy and security of its users; the companys support for those values is pretty much unique at this end of the industry. It is worth noting that Apple was making arguments pertaining to such things literally years before the rest of the industry began to echo its concerns. The companys focus on those things also lines up closely withEuropes own views on privacy, as evidenced by GDPR.At the very least, the review does buy Apple time to improve its business systems to better match what it now knows regulators want, without decimating its business. When dealing with any form of change, time is an advantage.But change remains inevitableThats not to say Apple can stand still. The companyssenior executives are expected be in Londonthis week, facing a class action lawsuit that argues it has, in effect, overcharged consumers for sales via the App Store. It remains unclear how Apples justifiable argument that the vast majority of apps are distributed at no, or low, fees will be understood as it argues that case. Apple faces similar action globally, and the litigationmeans it will have to change, even if only reluctantly.Eager to force that change, Europes regulators are unlikely to slow their investigations into tech companies, but will be waiting on political direction before they decide the extent to which they will attempt enforcement.Whatever the outcome of the review, theres little doubt that Apples business continues to be exposed to the unravelling of internationalism. For example, even as the EU offers the sliver of hope that is implied by the DMA case review, the companys problems in China continue to evolve. China is now slowing down Apples move totransplant parts of its supply chainparts of its supply chain elsewhere particularly in India withtighter export checks and limits to employee travel.While there is no doubt that Apple CEO,Tim Cook has done excellent work in terms of managing the political complexity buffeting Apples business, its hard not to imagine hed rather spend his own, and his companys, time and money focusing on product development.Follow me on social media! Join me onBlueSky, LinkedIn,Mastodon, orMeWe.

This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.Whats next for nuclear powerWhile nuclear reactors have been generating power around the world for over 70 years, the current moment is one of potentially radical transformation for the technology.As electricity demand rises around the world for everything from electric vehicles to data centers, theres renewed interest in building new nuclear capacity, as well as extending the lifetime of existing plants and even reopening facilities that have been shut down.Efforts are also growing to rethink reactor designs, and 2025 marks a major test for so-called advanced reactors as they begin to move from ideas on paper into the construction phase. Heres what to expect next for the industry.Casey CrownhartThis piece is part of MIT Technology Reviews Whats Next series, looking across industries, trends, and technologies to give you a first look at the future. You can read the rest of them here.Mark Zuckerberg and the power of the mediaOn Tuesday last week, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that Meta is done with fact checking in the US, that it will roll back restrictions on speech, and is going to start showing people more tailored political content in their feeds. While the end of fact checking has gotten most of the attention, the changes to its hateful speech policy are also notable.Zuckerbergwhose previous self-acknowledged mistakes include the Cambridge Analytica data scandal, and helping to fuel a genocide in Myanmarpresented Facebooks history of fact-checking and content moderation as something he was pressured into doing by the government and media. The reality, of course, is that these were his decisions. He famously calls the shots, and always has. Read the full story.Mat HonanThis story first appeared in The Debrief, providing a weekly take on the tech news that really matters and links to stories we loveas well as the occasional recommendation.Sign up to receive it in your inbox every Friday.Heres our forecast for AI this yearIn December, our small but mighty AI reporting team was asked by our editors to make a prediction: Whats coming next for AI?As we look ahead, certain things are a given. We know that agentsAI models that do more than just converse with you and can actually go off and complete tasks for youare the focus of many AI companies right now. Similarly, the need to make AI faster and more energy efficient is putting so-called small language models in the spotlight. However, the other predictions were not so clear-cut. Read the full story.James ODonnellThis story originally appeared in The Algorithm, our weekly newsletter on AI. To get stories like this in your inbox first, sign up here.To witness the fallout from the AI teams lively debates (and hear more about what didnt make the list), you can join our upcoming LinkedIn Live this Thursday, January 16 at 12.30pm ET. James will be talking it all over with Will Douglas Heaven, our senior editor for AI, and our news editor, Charlotte Jee.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 China is considering selling TikTok to Elon MuskBut its unclear how likely an outcome that really is. (Bloomberg $)+ Its certainly one way of allowing TikTok to remain in the US. (WSJ $)+ For what its worth, TikTok has dismissed the report as pure fiction. (Variety $)+ Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, is dealing with an influx of American users. (WP $)2 Amazon drivers are still delivering packages amid LA firesTheyre dropping off parcels even after neighborhoods have been instructed to evacuate. (404 Media)3 Alexa is getting a generative AI makeoverAmazon is racing to turn its digital assistant into an AI agent. (FT $)+ What are AI agents? (MIT Technology Review)4 Animal manure is a major climate problemUnfortunately, turning it into energy is easier said than done. (Vox)+ How poop could help feed the planet. (MIT Technology Review)5 Power lines caused many of Californias worst firesThousands of blazes have been traced back to power infrastructure in recent decades. (NYT $)+ Why some homes manage to withstand wildfires. (Bloomberg $)+ The quest to build wildfire-resistant homes. (MIT Technology Review)6 Barcelona is a hotbed of spyware startupsResearchers are increasingly concerned about its creep across Europe. (TechCrunch)7 Mastodons founder doesnt want to follow in Mark Zuckerbergs footstepsEugen Rochko has restructured the company to ensure it could never be controlled by a single individual. (Ars Technica)+ Hes made it clear he doesnt want to end up like Elon Musk, either. (Engadget)8 Spare a thought for this Welsh would-be crypto millionaireHis 11-year quest to recover an old hard drive has come to a disappointing end. (Wired $)9 The unbearable banality of internet lexiconIts giving nonsense. (The Atlantic $)10 You never know whether youll get to see the northern lights or notAI could help us to predict when theyll occur more accurately. (Vice)+ Digital pictures make the lights look much more defined than they actually are. (NYT $)Quote of the dayCutting fact checkers from social platforms is like disbanding your fire department.Alan Duke, co-founder of fact-checking outlet Lead Stories, criticizes Metas decision to ax its US-based fact checkers as the groups attempt to slow viral misinformation spreading about the wildfires in California, CNN reports.The big storyThe world is moving closer to a new cold war fought with authoritarian techSeptember 2022Despite President Bidens assurances that the US is not seeking a new cold war, one is brewing between the worlds autocracies and democraciesand technology is fueling it.Authoritarian states are following Chinas lead and are trending toward more digital rights abuses by increasing the mass digital surveillance of citizens, censorship, and controls on individual expression.And while democracies also use massive amounts of surveillance technology, its the tech trade relationships between authoritarian countries thats enabling the rise of digitally enabled social control. Read the full story.Tate Ryan-MosleyWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ Before indie sleaze, there was DIY counterculture site Buddyhead.+ Did you know black holes dont actually suck anything in at all?+ Science fiction is stuck in a loop, and cant seem to break its fixation with cyberpunk.+ Every now and again, TV produces a perfect episode. Heres eight of them.