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.

Join our daily and weekly newsletters for the latest updates and exclusive content on industry-leading AI coverage. Learn MoreMicrosoft Research has introduced a powerful new AI system today that generates novel materials with specific desired properties, potentially accelerating the development of better batteries, more efficient solar cells and other critical technologies.The system, called MatterGen, represents a fundamental shift in how scientists discover new materials. Rather than screening millions of existing compounds the traditional approach that can take years MatterGen directly generates novel materials based on desired characteristics, similar to how AI image generators create pictures from text descriptions.Generative models provide a new paradigm for materials design by directly generating entirely novel materials given desired property constraints, said Tian Xie, principal research manager at Microsoft Research and lead author of the study published today in Nature. This represents a major advancement towards creating a universal generative model for materials design.How Microsofts AI engine works differently than traditional methodsMatterGen uses a specialized type of AI called a diffusion model similar to those behind image generators like DALL-E but adapted to work with three-dimensional crystal structures. It gradually refines random arrangements of atoms into stable, useful materials that meet specified criteria.The results surpass previous approaches. According to the research paper, materials produced by MatterGen are more than twice as likely to be novel and stable, and more than 15 times closer to the local energy minimum compared to previous AI approaches. This means the generated materials are both more likely to be useful and physically possible to create.In one striking demonstration, the team collaborated with scientists at Chinas Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology to synthesize a new material, TaCr2O6, that MatterGen had designed. The real-world material closely matched the AIs predictions, validating the systems practical utility.Real-world applications could transform energy storage and computingThe system is particularly notable for its flexibility. It can be fine-tuned to generate materials with specific properties from particular crystal structures to desired electronic or magnetic characteristics. This could be invaluable for designing materials for specific industrial applications.The implications could be far-reaching. New materials are crucial for advancing technologies in energy storage, semiconductor design and carbon capture. For instance, better battery materials could accelerate the transition to electric vehicles, while more efficient solar cell materials could make renewable energy more cost-effective.From an industrial perspective, the potential here is enormous, Xie explained. Human civilization has always depended on material innovations. If we can use generative AI to make materials design more efficient, it could accelerate progress in industries like energy, healthcare and beyond.Microsofts open source strategy aims to accelerate scientific discoveryMicrosoft has released MatterGens source code under an open-source license, allowing researchers worldwide to build upon the technology. This move could accelerate the systems impact across various scientific fields.The development of MatterGen is part of Microsofts broader AI for Science initiative, which aims to accelerate scientific discovery using AI. The project integrates with Microsofts Azure Quantum Elements platform, potentially making the technology accessible to businesses and researchers through cloud computing services.However, experts caution that while MatterGen represents a significant advance, the path from computationally designed materials to practical applications still requires extensive testing and refinement. The systems predictions, while promising, need experimental validation before industrial deployment.Nevertheless, the technology represents a significant step forward in using AI to accelerate scientific discovery. As Daniel Zgner, a senior researcher on the project, noted, Were deeply committed to research that can have a positive, real-world impact, and this is just the beginning.Daily insights on business use cases with VB DailyIf you want to impress your boss, VB Daily has you covered. We give you the inside scoop on what companies are doing with generative AI, from regulatory shifts to practical deployments, so you can share insights for maximum ROI.Read our Privacy PolicyThanks for subscribing. Check out more VB newsletters here.An error occured.

Just a couple of years ago, Sony had a dozen new live service games in development, but that number keeps dropping. It was already down to six by the end of 2023, before the well-received launch of Helldivers IIthe disaster that was Concord in 2024. Now, Bloombergs Jason Schreier has confirmed with Sony that two unannounced live service projects have been canceled.One was from Syphon Filter and Days Gone developer Bend Games, while Schreier reports the other shuttered title was a live-service God of War game that Bluepoint Games has been working on for the last couple of years.Bluepoint Games is one of several developers Sony acquired in recent years as it was building up a queue of live service projects, with many ports and remasters under its belt, including Demons Souls, the first three Uncharted games, Shadow of the Colossus, and others. Now, Schreier says the studios wont close, but theres no word yet on what their next projects will be. The live service approach to gaming once seemed wide open following the success of Fortnite and other titles, but games like Concord, Anthem, and Redfall have shown how difficult it can be. At Sony alone, the list of canceled service titles Bloomberg has already reported on included the Spider-Man game revealed by the Insomniac ransomware breach, Twisted Metal, and a Destiny-linked game from Bungie called Payback. However, were still expecting to hear more about Bungies revived MarathonFairgames, a PvP heist title from Haven Studios.

Why Small Language Models Make Business Sense 0 like January 16, 2025Share this postAuthor(s): Paul Ferguson, Ph.D. Originally published on Towards AI. Image generated by Gemini AISmall Language Models are changing the way businesses implement AI by providing solutions that operate efficiently using standard hardware.Despite the attention given to massive AI models, these compact alternatives demonstrate that in the real world, smaller often means smarter, faster, and more cost-effective.What are SLMsSmall Language Models (SLMs) are much like the Large Language Models (LLMs) that we are all familiar with (e.g. ChatGPT), except that they are smaller in size.Model ScaleSLMs typically range from a few million to a few billion parametersLLMs are much larger, with tens of billions to trillions of parametersExample: Metas Llama 2 comes in 7B (7 billion parameters) and 70B (70 billion parameters) variants, each serving different needsPractical ImplementationCan run on standard computing hardwareSuitable for mobile devices and edge computingAdaptable to specific business needs through fine-tuningSLM vs LLM ComparisonIncreased AdoptionOne of the key reasons for this is that they are ideally suited to some of the smaller datasets that are more prevalent within typical businesses. They can also be more easily fine-tuned to the exact needs of a specific company and their own data.Clem Delangue, CEO of Hugging Face, predicts that up to 99% of AI use cases could be addressed using SLMs.Prominent firms, like Microsoft and Google along with IBM and Meta have introduced SLMs, such as Phi Trio and Gemma as well as compact versions of Llama models. Illustrating broad acceptance, within the industry.Suitable Use Cases for LLMs vs SLMsKey Advantages of Small Language ModelsThese compact models deliver impressive results with millions rather than billions of parameters.Their benefits include:Efficiency and Cost-Effectiveness: SLMs require significantly less computational power and memory compared to LLMs: this makes them faster to train, as well as more affordable to run long-term.Domain-Specific Applications: SLMs perform well in tasks that require specialist knowledge, such as customer support chatbots, real-time translation, document summarisation, and IoT device operations. Their smaller size allows for easier fine-tuning on specific datasets, which allows them to excel, with particularly niche use cases.Enhanced Privacy: Due to their compact nature, SLMs can operate locally (e.g., on mobile devices). This significantly enhances data protection by limiting the need for cloud based processing services.Reduced Environmental Impact: Lower computing requirements lead to less energy consumption, in both training and inference processes. Which is a crucial factor, for companies aiming to achieve sustainability goals.Technical FoundationsThree key strategies enable the creation of these models;Knowledge Distillation: This process involves training a smaller model to mimic a larger ones behaviour. For example, a customer service SLM might learn the most common support scenarios from a larger model while remaining compact enough to run on local servers.Model Pruning: This technique involves removing less important connections within the model: through careful pruning, models can often maintain most of their performance while significantly reducing their size.Quantisation: This method optimises how the model stores and processes numerical data. Instead of using high-precision numbers (which require more storage), quantisation uses smaller number formats, which maintain acceptable accuracy. For example, decreasing precision, from 32 bits to 8 bits can notably shrink model size while generally preserving adequate performance levels, for various business usesUnderstanding the LimitationsWhile SLMs offer many advantages, its important to understand some of their limitations:Task ComplexitySLMs are like specialised tools, while LLMs are more like swiss army knivesThey excel at specific tasks but may struggle with broader applicationsBest suited for focused, well-defined business problemsInput TypesMost SLMs work with a single type of input (usually text)Unlike larger models, they typically arent multimodal (cant process images, audio, etc.)For many business uses, this single-focus approach is actually beneficialContext WindowSLMs have smaller context windows the amount of text they can process at onceExample: SLMs like Llama 3.2 handle 128k tokens, while Gemini 1.5 processes 2 million tokensSolutions like chunking help manage longer texts by breaking them into smaller piecesThe Road AheadSLMs are finding success in several key business applications:Targeted Applications: Businesses with specific, limited-scope language tasks, such as customer feedback analysis or domain-specific queries, can benefit from the efficiency of SLMs.Real-Time Processing: SLMs are well-suited for real-time interactions, such as chatbots and live translation services, as they deliver faster response times due to their smaller size.Data Privacy Concerns: In industries like healthcare and finance, SLMs can process sensitive data locally, helping companies to comply with regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.AI Agents and Orchestration: SLMs excel as specialised AI agents, each handling specific tasks. Businesses can create systems of these agents working together, combining the efficiency of SLMs with the versatility of having multiple specialised components.Making the Right Choice for Your BusinessWhen deciding if SLMs are suitable for your companys needs here are some factors to keep in mind:What is the specific task or problem youre trying to solve?What are your computational resources and budget constraints?Do you have specific data privacy requirements?What is the expected volume and frequency of model usage?Do you need real-time processing capabilities?SLMs represent practical AI implementation. They offer an effective balance of capability and efficiency for businesses seeking reliable, cost-effective AI solutions.If youd like to find out more about me, please check out www.paulferguson.me, or connect with me on LinkedIn.Join thousands of data leaders on the AI newsletter. Join over 80,000 subscribers and keep up to date with the latest developments in AI. From research to projects and ideas. If you are building an AI startup, an AI-related product, or a service, we invite you to consider becoming asponsor. Published via Towards AITowards AI - Medium Share this post