Some significant changes are coming to Apple Intelligence notification summaries. With the latest slate of developer previews for iOS 18.3, iPadOS 18.3 and macOS Sequoia 15.3, Apple has suspended the system's aggregated notifications, specifically from news and entertainment apps, while it works on improvements to the alerts.The company has also added a new disclosure that appears when users first enable notification summaries. It states that the notifications are a beta feature and that they may produce unexpected results. Separately, the betas add a new option that allows users to decide from the lock screen whether they want notifications from an app summarized. Lastly, the AI-generated alerts use italicized text to further distinguish them from their non-summarized counterparts.Last week, Apple told Engadget it was working on an update to notification summaries. "Apple Intelligence features are in beta and we are continuously making improvements with the help of user feedback," Apple said. "A software update in the coming weeks will further clarify when the text being displayed is summarization provided by Apple Intelligence. We encourage users to report a concern if they view an unexpected notification summary.Notification summaries are one of the features that arrived alongside the initial release of Apple Intelligence with iOS 18.1 and macOS Sequoia 15.1. Shortly after rolling out to regular users, they quickly led to bad press for Apple. Notably, the BBC published multiple reports accusing the blurbs of spreading misinformation. One especially unflattering example saw a summary claim that Luigi Mangione, the alleged murderer of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, had shot himself.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/apple-pauses-ai-notification-summaries-of-news-alerts-in-latest-ios-beta-195900023.html?src=rss

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Industrial design duo SF-SO has developed a range of modular bent-metal storage that is only 1.6 millimetres thick but can support the equivalent of a baby elephant in weight.The Thin furniture series is the first direct-to-consumer collection created by SF-SO founders Jae-hoon Jung and Ho-young Joo, designed with consideration for manufacturing and distribution.SF-SO has developed a range of modular shelving from mild steel sheetsThe collection includes a storage unit and wall shelf, made from mild steel sheets with a thickness of just 1.6 millimetres that are bent at right angles and interlocked to form a robust and stable structure with a slimline appearance."The designs emphasise minimalism and precision, achieving a paper-like aesthetic while maintaining functionality and strength," Jung told Dezeen. "From a distance, the storage unit appears almost weightless."The metal sheets have a thickness of just 1.6 millimetresDespite its lightweight look, the folding technique used to construct the storage unit enables it to support over 100 kilograms of weight on its shelves without requiring additional reinforcement. That's around as much as an elephant calf weights at birth.SF-SO's construction also conceals the fixings used to join the pieces beneath the shelves, so they are hidden when the unit is viewed from most angles.The simple connecting system comprises screws that slot through pre-drilled holes in the folded sections, ensuring users can easily build the furniture themselves.The Thin series comes in a range of different colours and finishesThe duo's decision to use sheet metal as their main material for the Thin collection was driven by a desire to create simple products that can be produced affordably."Not only is sheet metal bending a straightforward manufacturing method, but the resulting product can be easily assembled and disassembled using simple hardware," Jung said."This allows the product to be packed as compactly as possible, enabling efficient global shipping."Read: Josmo opens Mumbai store with "just the right amount of drama"The modular shelving panels are available in standardised lengths of 50 and 80 centimetres, with two heights of either 50 and 80 centimetres allowing for four different configurations.Various units can be arranged side-by-side to create systems of varying lengths, while a range of different colours and finishes allows customers to personalise the finished product.The storage unit is able to support over 100 kilograms of weightThe Thin Wall Shelf applies the same principles as the storage unit although it doesn't support quite as much weight combining two 45-degree-folded metal panels to create a shelf with a minimal profile.The product appears to touch the wall at a single point where the two folded metal sheets meet, enhancing its weightless aesthetic. A gap between the wall and the vertical part of the shelf provides additional space for placing items such as letters or books.The Thin Wall Shelf is designed to appear as if it is floatingThe products are straightforward to ship due to the use of uniform panels that can be stacked and flat packed, helping to reduce costs and lower emissions during transportation.The collection is manufactured by Heungbu Industries in Incheon, South Korea, using laser cutting machinery along with automated bending machines and precision robotic welding.The Thin furniture series will be made available through the studio's SFSO-MFG online retail platform, set to launch in February 2025 to allow the designers to sell their pieces directly to consumers.A gap between the wall and the shelf provides additional space for placing itemsJung told Dezeen that SF-SO plans to introduce new items to the Thin series, including stools, tables and chairs that share the same design language.Since joining forces in 2019, the design duo has worked on a range of projects applying their minimalist approach to objects ranging from furniture to lighting and electronics.Previously, the studio has created a series of digital products with analogue interfaces, including a conical Bluetooth speaker that is turned on by flipping it on its side.The photography is courtesy of SF-SO.The post SF-SO folds steel sheets to create "paper-like" shelving system appeared first on Dezeen.

Tiny homes were designed to be economical and affordable housing options. But in todays world, theyre getting bigger and more expensive by the minute. However, Dragon Tiny Homes is paying tribute to the original tiny tiny home by designing a compact and humble model that is priced at US$50,000. Named the Aria, the home is based on a double-axle trailer and is finished in engineered wood. It features a length of 20 feet, and the interior has been beautifully clad in shiplap.Designer: Dragon Tiny HomesAs you enter the home, you are welcomed by the kitchen. The kitchen is basic and simple, equipped with a sink, an electric stove, and a fridge/freezer. It also includes space for an oven or dishwasher. The kitchen is equipped with loads of cabinetry and plenty of shelving as well. There is a cozy breakfast bar/work area that can comfortably seat two people. The kitchen may be simple and not too elaborate, but it includes all the essential amenities you would need, making it functional.On the opposite side of the tiny house from the living room, youll find the thoughtfully designed bathroom. Although the vanity sink isnt pictured, it forms a key part of this compact yet functional space. The bathroom is equipped with a standard flushing toilet, offering the convenience and comfort of a traditional home. Adjacent to the toilet is a shower, designed to maximize the limited space while providing a refreshing and efficient bathing experience.The Aria features a single bedroom, accessed via a staircase that cleverly integrates storage solutions into its design. This staircase not only serves as a functional means to reach the sleeping area but also offers valuable storage options, making efficient use of the available space. The bedroom itself is a classic tiny house loft, marked by a low ceiling and a cozy atmosphere. It houses a double bed, providing a comfortable sleeping area that makes the most of the compact loft space. The design ensures that every inch is utilized effectively, creating a snug retreat within the tiny house.Dragon Tiny Homes has established a strong reputation in the tiny house market by focusing on producing affordable and high-quality homes. The company offers a diverse range of models designed to cater to various needs and budgets, with several options available for $50,000 or less. This commitment to affordability ensures that more people can access the benefits of tiny house living without a significant financial burden. The Aria is one such tiny home that can comfortable accommodate two people. It is ideal for a couple or solo residents, although it isnt suited for larger families in the least.The post This Compact Tiny Home Is A Back To Basics Residence Priced At US$50,000 first appeared on Yanko Design.

MacworldEver felt like you understood something in class or a lecture only to come home and realize you actually dont get it at all? You could find help online, but youll probably end up feeling even more confused. Instead, turn to SpeedTutorAI.ThisAI-powered homework-helper app brings the best of AI to help you with complicated math problems, answer questions about something your teacher explained, and even break down tough concepts. Its yours for life for only $39.99 (reg. $299).Didnt quite comprehend a physics topic or calculus equation? Let the app help you with its photo math solver feature. It lets you snap a photo of an equation or problem and helps by providingstep-by-step solutions with detailed explanations. Theres no need to have an actual tutor when you have SpeedTutorAI.If a theme you discussed in your literature class didnt quite make sense to you, you couldhave the app explain it in simple, literal terms like youre a kid. Or, just ask as many questions as youd like so you can impress your professor the next time you meet.2025 might just be the year you never struggle with schoolwork again. Grablifetime access to SpeedTutorAI for iPhone and iPad for just $39.99 while supplies last.SpeedTutorAI Premium Plan: Lifetime SubscriptionOnly $39.99 at MacworldStackSocial prices subject to change.

Between naval combat, swash-buckling, and summons, Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio is having fun with the premise of Like a Dragon: Pirate Yazuka in Hawaii. Its wholly intentional, as chief producer Hiroyuki Sakamoto noted in a recent preview event for the title (attended by TheGamer).After the events of Infinite Wealth, we were thinking What did Majima do after that? Its Majima, hes in Hawaii, its this tropical island. What is the weirdest, silliest, funnest thing that we could ever do that people would enjoy doing? And we were like, That sounds like a pirate to me. It wasnt like wed been thinking about this for a long time. It was more, Lets use the pieces weve got and stick it all together.Sakamoto advised players to not think too much about it all, citing Rich Island, where Majima first awakens with memory loss, as a good example. Its a fishing island, but there are a bunch of people there who are pirates from the Age of Discovery. Dont ask, it just is.The same goes for Mad Dog Style, which allows Majima to create shadow clones. Youre probably asking yourself, When did Majima learn to do ninja split-off duplicates? Well, its Majima, dont ask. You can do whatever you want.Of course, those who play Like a Dragon for the more dramatic and serious side will find plenty to like. Weve still made a lot of these character drama stories about people having serious conversations. There is more of that in this game than you might expect from the visuals. At the very start of the game, you have Majima, who has amnesia, so its not like hes starting like the normal Majima. Hes starting from a different point.We hope that the silliness of the idea helps draw people in, but then we also want to show people what a Like a Dragon tale can be by telling stories of people with strong beliefs, strong things that they feel, creeds and ways of life, and then emotional connections between these people and having these dramatic stories.Like a Dragon: Pirate Yakuza in Hawaii launches on February 21st for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, and PC. Its hyped as much larger than Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, RGG Studios last spin-off in the franchise. On top of exploring various islands, players can also explore Honolulu from Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth in its entirety. Head here for more details.

html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Compositing training provider Compositing Academy has released the Rim Light Tool, a free Nuke plugin for faking rim lighting effects in 2D.The add-on, which is aimed at title sequences and motion graphics work, creates a rim light on a 2D image using only an alpha as input.Create rim lighting effects on 2D images using only an alphaThe Rim Light Tool provides a custom node for generating a rim lighting effect on the edges of a 2D image, including soft shadows, using only that images alpha channel.It isnt a light wrap tool, and doesnt require 3D data like position or normal information.You can see a comparison to traditional ways of faking a rim light in 2D, such as using an Emboss node, in the video above: as well as generating more realistic results, the add-on comes with controls for light falloff and shadow smoothing.Licensing and system requirementsThe Rim Light Tool is compatible with Nuke 15.0+. It requires a commercial version of Nuke: it wont work with Nuke Non-Commercial. The add-on is free, including for commercial use.Download the Rim Light Tool for Nuke from Gumroad(Enter a figure of $0 to download them for free, or make a voluntary donation)Visit Compositing Academys websiteHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.

If you're just starting out, or you're looking to upgrade your laptop's hardware for using Blender on-the-go, you've no doubt googled "will my laptop run Blender?"You don't just mean "will Blender boot up and function?" you mean "will I be able to take my project with me on the road, work remotely, or take a complex file and open it with ease?"Technology is constantly evolving, and along with it, applications and software upgrade to take advantage of new features as they become available. Let's take a look at what we think are the best laptops for Blender in 2025.Here are the hardware terms we'll discuss and read on for our recommended laptops towards the bottom.Minimum RequirementsCPU and GPURAMDisc SpaceRecommended LaptopsMinimum RequirementsIf you're just starting out, understanding the minimum specifications is a must to make a solid, informed decision about the hardware you're about to invest in. You should factor the minimum specs into your purchase, but you'll fare better to make your benchmark the recommended specs. For more information, check out this article on the minimum requirements for running Blender.One of Blender's long-standing strengths has been its cross-platform compatibility. Still, regardless of whether you prefer a Mac or PC, Windows Linux or iOS, you'll want enough resources to install, run, and work on a range of projects in varying complexity. This last part is where the bare minimum will sadly, not cut it. So what other considerations should you be looking at beyond these basics?CPU vs GPUBlender ships with the capability of running on anything with a CPU that has SSE2 support (Windows or Linux) at a minimum. For context, the SSE2 instruction set from Intel - short for Streaming SIMD Extensions 2 - has been around since the early 2000s, however the minimum core requirements for Windows/Linux is 4 cores (8 recommended) and you'll need to be running 64 bit architecture.Cycles can be set to render using a GPU. Laptops can leverage off this by using on-board or integrated graphics, or a separate graphics card. The most common you'll find are one of the following:Intel ArcAMD Radeon RXnVidia RTXIf you've got the money and can afford a laptop with an RTX card, then Blender will allow you to switch CUDA settings to GPU acceleration, or even enable OptiX for faster Cycles performance.However, the humble Intel Arc is nothing to sneer at. Cycles rendering can detect a oneAPI device for GPU rendering.If you have an AMD Radeon RX GPU, you could enable HIP for GPU Cycles rendering.If you're on a Macbook, your GPU option is Metal 2.2. Most macbooks released in the last 5 years should be running an M2 Apple Silicon processor, which has integrated GPU cores.RAMRAM (Random Access Memory) is like your computer's short-term memory, it temporarily stores the data your system needs to quickly access while running applications like Blender.For 3D artists, RAM plays an important role in multitasking and handling complex projects. If you're working with large textures, high-poly models, or rendering intricate scenes, more RAM ensures smoother performance and reduces the risk of crashes. Think of it like a workspace: the more RAM you have, the larger your desk, allowing you to spread out and organize more tools and materials without running out of room. While Blender can run on 8GB of RAM, 32GB or more is recommended for professional-level workflows to ensure you can handle demanding tasks without interruptions. Upgrading your RAM is one of the most impactful ways to future-proof your setup and stay productive in your creative journey.Hard Disk Space - How much space does Blender take?While Blender takes up less than 1Gb when installed, you're going to need ample space for all your wonderful projects - it all depends what you wish to use your laptop - and as an extension, Blender - for. Will you be saving all your renders? Will you be wrangling large texture files, or caching simulations? All these tasks should be considered when thinking about hard disc space.A bare minimum for any laptop would be 512Gb, but I'd definitely recommend a 1Tb SSD if you have the option. A general rule of any HDD configuration is to have a dedicated partition for software and data files - so think about what software you'll be running; a larger partition for your work; and an optional, smaller partition for recovery.Most current laptops offer SSDs as your only option. These are my choise, as they are smaller, take less power, and don't need constant defragmenting, however is cost is a factor, you might find HDDs cheaper for more storage.Blender Laptop buying picksBest Apple Laptop - Macbook Pro - 2024If you're going to invest in a Macbook, I'd recommend you consider a Macbook Pro. While the Macbook Air will run Blender just fine, users report overheating when rendering in Cycles. The most recent model was released in October 2024, and a minimum spec machine will exceed the minimum RAM, but fall short of the recommended amount - however it uses Unified RAM which is far more efficient because the CPU and GPU use the same bank of memory. It runs the latest M4 Silicon Chip and you should be able to work comfortably with 512GB of SSD hard disc space.As with all Apple products, the bigger your budget, the more resources you can upgrade. More RAM means better render speeds; more hard drive space means you can save more work on the go; and more GPU cores means complex Cycles viewport previews will update faster.TIP: Mac Rumors has reported that while this year's Macbook Pro model will sport the newer M5 chip, it's best to wait for the 2026 model for significant performance boosts.Minimum specs:14" 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Apple M4 Chip with 10 Core CPU; 10 Core GPU; 16 Core Neural engine, 120Gb/s memory bandwidthRecommended specs:16" 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Apple M4 MAX Chip with 16 Core CPU, 40 Core GPU and 16 Core Neural engine, 546 Gb/s Memory bandwidthBest Windows Laptop - Surface Studio 2 I looked around a lot of "best of" lists, and I may be biased since I happen to own a Surface Studio 1 and think it strikes a great balance and runs Blender just fine, but the Studio 2 gets a mention again and again - and for good reason!For price, it's comparable to a Macbook Pro - these things are not cheap, sadly, but for accessing Blender's features for higher performance, this laptop will deliver.Firstly: choose an option that has the nVidia RTX 4000 series GPU. I wouldn't recommend skimping on this, as the alternatives are the Intel Irix Xe - and you'll run into the odd problems at inopportune times - or the nVidia Ada 2000 GPU - however this is actually a viable option.The CPU is a 13th Gen Intel Core Processor which has a total of 14 cores, so even if you were going to render using your CPU, you're covered.Minimum RAM is 16GB but if you have the option, upgrade to at least 32GB.The minimum SDD size is 512GB which should be ok if you're taking a project or two between locations or working remotely, but see above for why more is better when it comes to storage.The added feature for this laptop is that the screen completely folds back and you can use it as a touch screen device. There are a range of pens you can purchase for this, so that drawing and sculpting can be done in Blender without needing to purchase an external drawing tablet or pen display.There are a couple of drawbacks: I find the screen can feel flimsy unless you're completely covering your keyboard and mouse (in which case, you're going to need an alternative for shortcuts keys) and the battery life runs out MUCH faster than advertised unless you tweak those power and battery settings.In spite of those two points, this is a great choice because it is portable, versatile and exceeds Blender's requirements.Minimum Specs:14" 16GB LPDDR5 RAM, 512GB SSD, Intel i7 13700H (14 cores), nVidia Ada 2000 GPU 8Gb GDDR6 vRAMRecommended Specs:14" 64GB LPDDR5 RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel i7 13700H (14 cores), nVidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU 8Gb GDDR6 vRAMBest Custom/Linux Laptop: FrameworkOptions for building your own laptop from scratch are not as common as ones for building your own desktop. There's no equivalent that I could find for something as useful as PC Parts Picker, so laptops are generally upgraded at the time of purchase, or you'll be looking for individual parts to swap out on an old machine.There's a service known as Framework which allows you to custom build your own to a range of specifications that will meet Blender's Recommended Requirements where it counts. This will allow you to mix and match components, and when the time comes, easily upgrade essentials. You can have it ship with a copy of Windows or choose to install your own flavor of Linux.I'd recommend checking out The Blender Benchmark where users submit data and you can get a good indication of what components perform best - for example, because most laptops come with some form of integrated GPU, you'll want to see how an Intel Arc or Radeon RX series performs before making your decision. AFAIK, Blender has Cycles Render Device options for these architectures - remember, nVidia isn't the only player in town!Conclusion:Laptops are meant to be portable yet functional. You don't want to sacrifice solid hardware because of cost, and you want to exceed the minimum specs at all times. So naturally, the big two options (iOS and Windows) are not going to be cheap, but they are going to be reliable for a good while, so think carefully about what you're ultimately investing in.Of course it is entirely possible to find a cheaper option that runs perfectly adequately. The tips at the beginning of the article are what you should remember when weighing up that important purchase.Are you ready to get started with Blender? Take our free Blender Basics course and run your new hardware through its paces!

The building, designed by Nimmo & Partners to replace the 1930s Associated British Pictures Corporations headquarters, which previously stood on the site, has been expanded by John Robertson Architects to offer 2,739m2 of office space over eight floors. The increase in floorspace was enabled by removing rooftop plant screen to create an additional office level and partially infilling the rear courtyard.The refurbishment respects the character of the surrounding heritage area. New mansard roofs on the upper floors echo the style of neighbouring buildings. The main entrance has been redesigned with changes to the faade at the corner of Golden Square and the ground floor now includes a larger reception area and a flexible retail unit. Source:Edmund SumnerTerraces have been added on several floors, including a communal rooftop terrace with seating and planters, creating a verdant space in a dense urban area. The buildings exterior uses neutral materials to blend in with the historic surroundings: Portland stone, dark-grey aluminium panels and zinc cladding. Public art from the original faade has been retained, depicting the sites history from becoming the home of distinguished 19th-century surgeon John Hunter to its more recent connections with the film industry.Advertisement Source:Peter CookArchitects view30 Golden Square highlights JRAs retro-first approach. The key design move has been the re-imagining of the building services strategy to create both an additional floor of accommodation and a communal roof terrace with fantastic views over Golden Square and Soho. The design and materiality tie the building back into the fabric and history of the site and has been well received by tenants looking for best-in-class facilities.Festus Moffat, director, John Robertson Architects Source:JRAStreet elevationProject dataGross floor area 4417m2Form of contract Design and BuildConstruction cost 14.2 millionConstruction cost per m2 3,215Architect John Robertson ArchitectsClient Aviva InvestorsProject manager AlbanPlanners Gerald EvePrincipal designer Lesley ClarkCommunity consultants ConcillioStructural engineer Taylor Whalley SpyraCost consultant MadlinsHeritage consultant Kevin Murphy HeritageSustainability consultant CundallBuilding control officer SocotecLighting consultant GIA EquationM&E consultant and sustainability consultant CundallFire engineering Consultant Trenton FireFaade consultant Thornton TomasettiAcoustic consultant CundallMain contractor StructuretoneEnvironmental performance dataAirtightness at 50Pa 9.49 m3/h.m2DHW heating demand 14,534 kWh/yrTotal regulated emissions (Part L 2013 Baseline (TER)) 98 tonnes CO2/yrTotal regulated emissions (Be Lean) 77.2 tonnes CO2/yrTotal energy demand 336.9 MWh/yr

Looking for the most recentregular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.Today'sConnections: Sports Editiongot me again with the purple category. Fortunately, if you do OK on the previous three, that one will solve itself by default. Read on for hints and answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle.For now, the game is in beta, which means the Times is testing it out to see if it's popular before adding it to the site's Games app. You can play it daily for now for free and then we'll have to see if it sticks around.Read more: NYT Has a Connections Game for Sports Fans. I Tried ItHints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsHere are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.Yellow group hint: Not going upGreen group hint: Hang tenBlue group hint: Empire State schoolsPurple group hint: Sounds like a hoopsterAnswers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsYellow group: DownturnGreen group: Surfing termsBlue group: New York collegesPurple group: Homophones of NBA player namesRead more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English WordsWhat are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Jan. 20, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETThe yellow words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is downturn. The four answers are decline, plunge, skid and slump.The green words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is surfing terms. The four answers are barrel, crest, swell and wave.The blue words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is New York colleges. The four answers are Colgate, Columbia, St. John's and Syracuse.The purple words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is homophones of NBA player names. The four answers are Barns, Connect, Heart and Hero.