Looking for NYT Strands answers and hints? Here's all you need to know to solve today's game, including the spangram.

Duolingo says it's seen a 216% increase in Mandarin learners using the app compared to a year earlier.

As we look ahead to 2025, the financial services landscape will be shaped not by AI as a standalone innovation, but by how it enables smarter, faster, and more personalized experiences. Here are three key predictions for how AI will transform the industry:1. Collaborative AI will power invisible efficiencyThe future of AI isnt about replacing humans or dazzling interfacesits about working collaboratively in the background to streamline processes and enable better outcomes. Customers dont want AI-enabled products; they want services that are faster, cheaper, and more intuitive.AIs role in financial services will look a lot like the arc of cloud computing: a foundational enabler that reduces costs, improves scalability, and accelerates innovation. In 2025, financial service providers that leverage AI as an ingredientrather than the main eventwill deliver seamless experiences where:Data flows effortlessly, eliminating the need for redundant customer inputs.Personalized solutions are crafted from existing customer data, meeting needs proactively.Back-end efficiencies reduce complexity and cost, enabling better service at scale.The result? Services that feel like magic, happening invisibly in the background.2. Differentiation will come from bundled, niche solutionsThe era of trying to be everything for everyone in financial services is over. Success will come from specialization: uniquely bundling services that address the specific needs of targeted customer segments.By 2025, financial services will shift toward solving holistic problems for defined audiences. Think of solutions tailored not for everyone who needs wealth management but for working parents navigating taxes, trust, and estate planning or freelancers balancing bookkeeping and retirement savings. These bundles will:Use AI to orchestrate new combinations of services, cutting through complexity.Solve unmet needs by leveraging previously underutilized data sources.Stand out not by their AI branding but by delivering experiences competitors cant replicate.This approach will position providers as trusted partners instead of product vendors solving lifes financial puzzles.3. AI will democratize expertise, scaling services once reserved for the fewIn 2025, AI will help financial services scale offerings that previously required significant human capital, making them accessible to broader audiences. Wealth management, trust and estate planning, and tax strategiesonce exclusive to high-net-worth individualswill be available to many more, thanks to collaborative AI.This democratization will be driven by tools that:Automate complex calculations and workflows.Leverage data insights to provide personalized recommendations with minimal human intervention.Enhance human advisors ability to serve more clients with tailored solutions.AI wont replace advisors but will empower them to deliver better service at a fraction of the cost. This is the true promise of AI in financial servicesnot doing the work for humans, but amplifying their expertise to reach new levels of scale and accessibility.The bottom line: Deliver real value, not just hypeAs AI continues to evolve, the winners in financial services wont be those chasing trends or plastering AI-enabled on their products. The real differentiators will be those who focus on customer outcomesreducing friction, creating holistic solutions, and delivering unparalleled experiences.AI is not the future of financial services. Its the enabler of a future where services are faster, smarter, and more human than ever before.In 2025, companies that understand this will set the new standard for excellence in financial services. Those that dont will be left behind.Ben Borodach is the cofounder and CEO of April.

The deadly wildfires are prompting architects and critics to call for changes to how development is carried out in Los Angeles.Frustrated with irresponsible development practices in the face of fire threats, dozens of architects and critics have speculated on ways that architecture and urban planning can be utilised to rebuild in a way that limits future damage."The cataclysmic events of recent days should trigger a rethink"As the wildfires continue to burn in multiple areas of Greater Los Angeles, displacing people and destroying thousands of buildings, there are questions as to whether the typical cycles of return and rebuild should happen as they have in the past.Massive fires have happened in the area as recently as 2018 when the Woolsey Fire tore through parts of Malibu."Rather than simply rebuild, as these fire-ravaged areas have done time and again, the cataclysmic events of recent days should trigger a rethink as to how the city could grow back," wrote critic Oliver Wainwright in the Guardian.Building in steep areas that border chaparral natural zones with small trees and shrubs that rely on fire for rejuvenation creates ideal fire conditions exacerbated by climate change and severe drought.Some have suggested that the building culture in general needs to change. Speaking to New York Magazine, professor of environment history Char Miller questioned if the county and city should allow the same sort of rebuilding at all."Where we build produces the conditions for where fires erupt," said Miller "There's nothing that could have stopped this fire.""We consume our environment"Others agree, and many in Los Angeles accept the risks of fire as a part of life there, while conscious that the building practices have not integrated properly with the environment, which naturally burns."Los Angeles is a city of pleasure and peril, we've always known this," Zeina Koreitem, founding partner of local architecture studio Millins, told Dezeen. "We consume our environment instead of living with it."Read: Richard Neutra house among iconic homes lost during LA firesOthers, such as local councilwoman Traci Park noted the "chronic underinvestment in critical infrastructure". This led to bottlenecks in places where people were trying to flee, exacerbated by poorly connected neighbourhoods often designed to emphasise privacy or safety from crime.These infrastructural bottlenecks were exacerbated by problems with water resources in the area.LA has some of the "toughest" wildfire regulationsDespite the shortcomings, Los Angeles does have some of the "toughest" wildfire regulations for buildings in the county, according to NPR.These include parking regulations on high-risk days, fines for not clearing flammable foliage away from structures and the banning of certain materials such as wooden roofs for new builds. NPR also noted that many of these building regulations don't apply to older homes.Architects and critics have begun suggesting ways in which rebuilding can happen, as, given the housing crisis in California and the thousands displaced from their homes, it seems unlikely that the land would be converted into green space."We were already working closely with AIA and the City of Los Angeles to figure out better procedures for permitting to assist with the immediate and constantly growing need for housing in our city," Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz of LA-based AAHA Studio told Dezeen."Overnight, that need has skyrocketed," he continued. "Now we are not only talking about affordable housing and building up rental options for multi-family development but are also going to need to accommodate the influx of thousands of single-family residences that have been lost.""Stop building on the land"The severity of the fires and the likelihood that they will repeat should make local legislators and communities hesitant to build in the same places, according to Miller."I would suggest that the county, city, and state consider the possibility of creating a policy that would buy land from willing sellers so that they can get some assets out then stop building on the land," said Miller."If you think the policy of green-lighting development is a bad idea because of this fire, then flip the policy."Read: Los Angeles mayor issues executive order for "residents to rapidly rebuild"Architectural solutions to these problems such as material changes, creating "defensible spaces" and increasing fireproofing have been increasing in usage and requirement. Some believe that locals need to rethink how development goes forward altogether, focusing more on acknowledging fire-prone areas and building densely.In an opinion written last year in Dezeen, architect Greg Kochanowsk suggested rethinking urban development as opposed to simply retreating from nature or changing building tactics."Architecture cannot solve this problem," he wrote. "In fact, all the individual design professions are incapable of addressing the magnitude of the sheer complexity of the climate crisis alone.""There are no substitutes for a broader conceptualization of innovative planning, typologies, and disciplinary strategies".This would go beyond single buildings, instead thinking about soft infrastructures that work with the possibility of the need for resilience and recovery, while also increasing density to shelter inhabitation.Utilizing Traditional Ecological KnowledgeMany have put forward calls for redevelopment in line with Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) or land management tactics derived from the pre-colonial system.Local studio Metabolic has created a petition calling for "restoration practices that align with natural systems, ensuring sustainable land and water governance for future generations".Among the petition's demands are calls for the training of locals in ecosystem restoration, the retention of rainwater, and creating a government liaison to to integrate "TEK, scientific research, and community input" into policy.Others have added to this, specifying building techniques and ecological interventions that could be implemented immediately."Mixing ancient wisdom with contemporary technology, we are leaning on the climate cycles in Topanga, and taking advantage of the house's thermal massing to imagine a different routine that does not rely on HVAC or static spaces," said Koreitem, referencing a recent project in the area."We are interested in a built-in seasonality and nomadism. Most invasive and non-native landscapes that have been introduced to LA are part of the problem. And we can start with the iconic LA palm tree."The photography is by Kelvin Cheng.The post Architects and critics call for development "rethink" following deadly LA fires appeared first on Dezeen.

Calling all artists, designers, and engineers! Imagine a world where tracing paper is no longer a disposable commodity. Enter HEYtrace+, the game-changer in the realm of tracing. This is definitely not your grade school art teachers tracing paper! With a revolutionary design, featuring the Permaflex silicone core and Inksync coating, HEYtrace+ offers a reusable, eco-friendly, and durable solution for all your creative endeavors.Say goodbye to the endless cycle of buying tracing paper that ends up in the trash. HEYtrace+ is here to save your wallet and the planet. This innovative sheet replaces thousands of single-use papers, allowing you to invest in your creativity while minimizing waste. More than just a smart choice, its a sustainable lifestyle shift. Ready to embrace this change? Grab a sheet of HEYtrace+ paper now!Designer: HEYiiClick Here to Buy Now: $35 $58 (39% off). Hurry, 10/412 left! Raised over $57,000.Unparalleled Writing ExperienceThe writing experience with HEYtrace+ is nothing short of extraordinary. Compatible with a wide range of pens, from gel to markers, its your perfect partner for any artistic or technical project. Whether youre tracing, drafting, sketching, drawing, or writing, HEYtrace+ adapts seamlessly, ensuring every stroke is smooth and precise.Each stroke on HEYtrace+ feels natural and fluid. The surface is designed to enhance your creativity, allowing for effortless tracing, drafting, and writing. This seamless adaptability makes it perfect for artists, designers, and engineers who demand precision and quality in their work. With HEYtrace+, you can trust that your creative process will be uninterrupted and enjoyable.Precision and Transparency RedefinedTransparency is key when precision matters. HEYtrace+ boasts 65% transparency and a slim 0.02-inch profile, providing crystal-clear visibility for all your tracing needs. Whether youre an architect layering designs or an artist refining a sketch, youll appreciate the clarity and detail this paper brings to your work. Its all about seeing your vision clearly.The clarity provided by HEYtrace+ enhances your ability to bring your visions to life. With its exceptional visibility, you can focus on refining intricate details without distraction. This tracing paper allows you to see every element clearly, ensuring that your work is executed with accuracy and finesse. For professionals and hobbyists alike, HEYtrace+ redefines the standards of precision and transparency in creative projects.Innovative Technology for Smudge-Free LinesTired of waiting for ink to dry? HEYtrace+ has you covered. Thanks to the cutting-edge Inksync technology, your lines dry instantly with dry-erase pens and quickly with gels and fountain pens. This means no more smudges, no more waiting, and no more accidental erasing. Dive into your creative flow without interruptions.With HEYtrace+, you can immerse yourself in your creative process without unnecessary pauses. The quick-drying capabilities mean you can focus on your art or technical drawings without the fear of accidental erasing or ink smears. This seamless experience enhances your productivity and keeps your inspiration flowing, ensuring that your creative projects are both efficient and enjoyable.The Eternal Tracing PaperUnlike regular tracing paper, durability is an essential trait of HEYtrace+. Designed to withstand the rigors of daily use, this tracing sheet is waterproof, tearproof, and wrinkle-resistant, maintaining its sleek appearance over time. Plus, its lightweight and travel-friendly nature means you can roll it up or fold it for easy storage. Its perfect for creators on the go, ready to fit into any workspace or travel kit.HEYtrace+ is crafted from eco-friendly, food-grade silicone, making it safe for everyone, including the youngest artists. By choosing HEYtrace+, youre not just opting for a superior product. Youre also supporting a sustainable future by reducing waste and conserving resources. Its a win-win for you and the planet.Stylish Storage and Digital IntegrationPresented in a stylish storage box made from high-quality vegan leather, HEYtrace+ keeps your tools organized and ready for action. This sophisticated, foldable design holds your tracing sheets, pens, and cleaning cloth, ensuring everything is neat and accessible. Whether youre at home, in the studio, or on the move, your creative tools are always within reach.And just because youre drawing with pen and paper doesnt mean you have to go analog completely. Use the recommended app to capture, share, and collaborate on your creations with ease. Convert your work into high-quality PNGs or PDFs and send them directly to your favorite cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox. Transform your sketches into digital masterpieces with just a tap, enhancing your creative process.For Every Creator, Every OccasionFor the versatile creator, HEYtrace+ is a dream come true. From childrens doodles to professional designs, it caters to every creative need. Its perfect for calligraphy, detailed drawings, or technical sketches. Whatever your role or age, HEYtrace+ is the ideal companion, ready to adapt to your unique style and vision.So, artists, designers, and engineers, are you ready to revolutionize your creative process? Get ready to explore, innovate, and create without limits with this exceptional tools features and eco-conscious design. HEYtrace+ is your ticket to a new era of creativity so embrace the future of tracing today!Click Here to Buy Now: $35 $58 (39% off). Hurry, 10/412 left! Raised over $57,000.The post Infinitely Reusable Tracing Paper: A Game-Changer for Artists and Designers first appeared on Yanko Design.

Job listings posted in China this week indicate that Xiaohongshu, also known as RedNote, is struggling to handle an influx of new users joining the platform from TikTok.

In their mass migration to the Chinese app RedNote, social media users make a gleeful mockery of the American government.

MacworldIf you thought 2024 was a pretty good year for Apple products, 2025 looks to be even bigger. On this episode of the Macworld Podcast, we talk about Apples loaded release schedule for the year. If youre pondering some major Apple purchases this year, youll want to listen in!This is episode 917 with Jason Cross, Michael Simon, and Roman Loyola.Watch episode 917 on YouTubeListen to episode 917 on Apple PodcastsListen to episode 917 on SpotifyGet infoClick on the links below for more information on what was discussed on the show.The M4 MacBook Air is set to kick off a loaded 2025 for the MacApple is looking to snatch back the limelight with a huge year for the iPhoneSubscribe to the Macworld PodcastYou can subscribe to the Macworld Podcastor leave us a review!right here in the Podcasts app. The Macworld Podcast is also available on Spotify and on the Macworld Podcast YouTube channel. Or you can point your favorite podcast-savvy RSS reader at: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/macworldTo find previous episodes, visit Macworlds podcast page or our home on MegaPhone.Apple

ChatGPT is OpenAI's extremely useful chatbot for answering questions. Here's how to use the generative AI tool in Apple's Notes app in macOS.Use ChatGPT with Apple's Notes.Apple Intelligence is now integrated with OpenAi's ChatGPT in macOS, ad well as iOS and iPadOS. Many features of ChatGPT are integrated with Apple apps starting in macOS Sequoia 15.1, and iOS and iPadOS 18.2.While Apple has stated support for Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT are evolving and still in progress, some features are working and included in Apple's operating systems. Expect a further phased rollout of Apple Intelligence and ChatGPT in the near future. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Nintendo has finally officially announced the Switch 2, and obviously, the new console will be what the company will be primarily focused on going forward. Interestingly enough, however, the original, current Switch is seemingly not out of fuel just yet, with more details on its upcoming titles allegedly set to be shared soon.Taking to the Famiboards forums shortly after the Switch 2s announcement, prominent Nintendo leaker PH Brazil claimed that another Nintendo Direct presentation is also coming in February. The same was recently also stated by known leaker NateTheHate on his podcast, where he also stated that the Direct would be focused on upcoming games for the Nintendo Switch, not its successor.Donkey Kong Country Returns HDhas released for the Switch, and its set to be joined by several other first-party titles officially scheduled to launch for the platform sometime this year. That includesXenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond,andPokemon Legends: Z-A.A Direct presentation in February, should one actually happen, will likely bring new looks at all of those games.Pokemon,however, is likely to skip the show, as it usually does, especially with a Pokemon Presents showcase also allegedly coming in the same month.