Severance, which imagines a world where a persons work and personal lives are surgically separated, will soon return to Apple TV+ for a second season. While the concept of this gripping piece of science fiction is far-fetched, it touches on some interesting neuroscience. Can a persons mind really be surgically split in two?Remarkably, split-brain patients have existed since the 1940s. To control epilepsy symptoms, these patients underwent a surgery to separate the left and right hemispheres. Similar surgeries still happen today.Later research on this type of surgery showed that the separated hemispheres of split-brain patients could process information independently. This raises the uncomfortable possibility that the procedure creates two separate minds living in one brain.In season one of Severance, Helly R (Britt Lower) experienced a conflict between her innie (the side of her mind that remembered her work life) and her outie (the side outside of work). Similarly, there is evidence of a conflict between the two hemispheres of real split-brain patients.When speaking with split-brain patients, you are usually communicating with the left hemisphere of the brain, which controls speech. However, some patients can communicate from their right hemisphere by writing, for example, or arranging Scrabble letters. A young patient was asked what job he would like in the future. His left hemisphere chose an office job making technical drawings. His right hemisphere, however, arranged letters to spell automobile racer.Split brain patients have also reported alien hand syndrome, where one of their hands is perceived to be moving of its own volition. These observations suggest that two separate conscious people may coexist in one brain and may have conflicting goals.In Severance, however, both the innie and the outie have access to speech. This is one indicator that the fictional severance procedure must involve a more complex separation of the brains networks.An example of a complex separation of function was described in the case report of Neil, in 1994. Neil was a teenage boy who had a number of difficulties following a pineal gland tumour. One of these difficulties was a rare form of amnesia. It meant that Neil could not recall the events of his day or report what he had learned in school. He had also become unable to read, although he could write, and was unable to name objects, although he could draw them.Astonishingly, Neil was able to keep up with his education. Researchers became interested in how he was able to complete his schoolwork despite having no memory for what he was learning.They quizzed him about a novel he was studying at school, Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee. In conversation, Neil could not remember anything about the booknot even the title. But when the researcher asked Neil to write down everything he could remember about the book, he wrote Bloodshot Geranium windows Cider with Rosie Dranium smell of damp peppar [sic] and mushroom growthall words connected to the novel. As Neil could not read, he had to ask the researcher: What did I write?Neil was also able to write down other memories that were thought to be lost, including meeting a man with gangrene in hospital. In each case, he was unaware of his own memory until he wrote it down and had it read back to him. Neils case is a staggering example. It suggests that it is possible to have rich memories that are inaccessible to our consciousness.In Severance, Irvings (John Turturro) outie can access memories of his innies work environment through painting. He paints the long hallways of the Severed floor (where his innie works), despite having no conscious memory of them. Perhaps then, in the show, the severance procedure involves blocking conscious access to memory in the same way that this access was blocked in Neil.The role of the hippocampusWhich brain regions might be core to the TV shows severance procedure? The region most associated with remembering the events of the work day is the hippocampusand, interestingly, this same brain region also supports the representation of space.The fact that the same neural structure supports both remembering that a new colleague has joined your team today, and representing the layout of the office, suggests that the hippocampus might be a good target for this fictional procedure.In Severance, the switch between innie and outie occurs at the boundary to the officethe elevator doors. This is reminiscent of the doorway effect, the phenomenon in which walking through a doorway makes you forget something.The hippocampus segments our experience into episodes for later recall. Entering a new space is an indicator that a new episode has started, which leads to increased forgetting of information that spans these episodes. The effect is subtle, however. Although you might sometimes walk into the kitchen and forget why you went in, you dont forget that you have childrenunlike the dramatic effect caused by the shows severance procedure.Perhaps, in the show, the hippocampuss interest in spatial boundaries triggers the switch between innie and outie.Unfortunately, there are two crucial flaws with the idea that the shows severance procedure could involve a simple snip to the hippocampus.First, its not just episodic and spatial memory that is divided in Severance. The workers have a great deal of semantic knowledge (facts about Lumon, the company they work for, and its founder, for example) that is inaccessible to their outies. They also form emotional memories linked to the rewards they get for hard work and the punishments that they receive in the break room. These forms of memory rely on far more than the hippocampus, and the hippocampus itself is part of a brain-wide episodic memory network that is activated during episodic memory retrieval.The second flaw is that memory itself is not an isolated process. It is closely connected to perception, attention, language, and many other processes. The human memory system is far too complex to be entirely split in twobut as Severance shows, its fun to think about the possibilities.Rachael Elward is a senior lecturer of neuroscience and neuropsychology at London South Bank University.Lauren Ford is a PhD candidate in cognitive neuroscience at London South Bank University.This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.

Mexican architecture studio Lanza Atelier has created a temporary wood-and-steel pavilion to function as a gathering space in a Mexico City courtyard.Commissioned by arts agency Base, the pavilion was intended to be a space for events and is located in the industrial courtyard of the organisation's office.Lanza Atelier has created a pavilion in Mexico CityLanza Ateliermade the pavilion largely out of plywood panels sourced from regenerative forests, which were darkened using the traditional Japanese Shou Sugi Ban technique, and a corrugated roof.Measuring five by 10 metres, the structure tilts slightly inwards and is made up of semi-enclosed walls. Two wide panels sit on the ground where doors might usually sit, while the surrounding walls are lifted up to reveal space underneath.It was made of plywood panels charred using a Shou Sugi Ban techniqueIt is topped with a series of rafters and corrugated polycarbonate that extends over the sides of the pavilion to create a winged edge."The idea behind the pavilion's conceptualisation was to construct a space that would allow people a unique opportunity to consider new perspectives through conceptual forms and natural components," said Base.Read: Erre Q Erre replaces parking lot with stone pavilion in Mexico City"The result is a space that not only serves its immediate purpose but also aligns with the long-term vision of experimenting with different materials and testing new structural forms, providing solutions to design and architecture," Base added.The pavilion's materials were chosen to "evolve" over time, although the Shou Sugi Ban technique will protect the wood from excessive weathering, a result of charring the material.The pavilion was created to serve as an event spaceAccording to Base, the pavilion was created to be an add-on or annexe to a residential house, which was part of the design brief for Lanza Atelier.It was also created to be easily assembled and disassembled.Future iterations of the structure may also serve as an exhibition space or a "cost-effective housing alternative", Base said.Lanza Atelier previously created an exhibition for New York gallery Storefront for Art and Architecture with flat-pack furniture designed to be purchased and disassembled by visitors and another pavilion in Mexico City made of earthen blocks.The photography is by Alejandro Ramirez Orozco.Project credits:Commission: BaseDesign: Lanza AtelierConstruction: MecmaSpace: ReurbanoThe post Lanza Atelier creates Shou Sugi Ban pavilion in Mexico City appeared first on Dezeen.

The Sharp coffee table boldly defies the ordinary, emerging as a striking piece of modern art. It challenges traditional ideas about furniture, positioning itself as a daring statement. Crafted for those who embrace life beyond the conventional, this table is for individuals who set their own style standards and are unafraid to break societal norms, offering a fresh perspective on home decor.Rooted in a desire to redefine the role of furniture, the Sharp collection stands as a testament to this vision. This table is a declaration in itself, merging industrial steel with a sleek black finish to create a captivating contrast. The result is an uncomfortable beauty that draws the eye and sparks conversation, offering a luxurious experience that proudly embraces its bold, unrefined essence.Designers: Nikita Gorshkov, Alexandra Ivanets (Primitive Buro)The allure of the Sharp table lies in its unique design, characterized by stark, deliberate geometry. Minimalistic in detail yet impactful in presence, its narrow lines and abrupt edges create an aura of tension and strength. The black color scheme transforms the table into a commanding visual centerpiece, dictating the ambiance of the room and asserting its presence rather than simply blending in.Steel, chosen for its timeless and resilient qualities, serves as the perfect medium for the Sharp table. It embodies strength and durability, while the black finish enhances its monolithic presence, lending an air of intimidation and elegance. Each table is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring every piece is unique, with its own distinct personality and character, making it a truly one-of-a-kind addition to any space.Most eye-catching are the jagged, teeth-like feet of the table, giving the piece of furniture an imposing presence bordering on frightening. It also boggles the mind, given those pointed ends, how the table can stand so stably, let alone support the weight of a person sitting on it. Yes, it can be used as an impromptu bench, though one would wonder who would be daring enough to tempt fate.This is why the Sharp Coffee Table is crafted for those who are fearless in making bold statements with their interiors. It attracts those who find beauty in rawness and simplicity, and who embrace the freedom that comes with rejecting conventional stereotypes, making it a perfect fit for the daring and adventurous. For those who dare to defy convention and embrace their unique sense of style, the Sharp Table offers an unparalleled experience, inviting you to explore new horizons in interior design and self-expression.The post Revolutionize Interiors With This Bold Steel Coffee Table for Unconventional Spaces first appeared on Yanko Design.

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MacworldThese days cloud storage is all the rage, offering the convenience of access to your digital files without having to clog up your mobile devices storage. Its also particularly useful now that so may of us work from home and need to be able to access our data outside the office. Provided youve got internet access, everything is hunky-dory.A good cloud storage solution backs up your important documents, photos, and videos, but it also helps keep all your devices in sync. Its a great way to make sure your desktop, laptop, phone, and tablet all have instant access to all your digital content. It should also allow you to access and edit documents from a web browser and easily share files and folders with others.Another reason to use a cloud service or any service that offers offsite back up for your Mac is that it protects your data if something happens at the location where your Mac and backup are located. PROMOTIONSecure Cloud Storage for Growing BusinessesGet ample space for all your files with Google Workspace. Enjoy up to 5 TB of secure cloud storage, plus business versions of Gmail, Calendar, Meet, and more. Now with Gemini for Workspace to boost productivity with AI.Try free for 14 daysOwners of Macs, iPads and iPhones will naturally tend to favour iCloud, Apples own cloud service, because its so well integrated with those devices operating systems. Heres our full guide to using iCloud and here is iClouds current pricing structure. However, iCloud only really syncs your data and it isnt a way to back up your Mac. If you want to back up your Mac to the cloud you need to look at options like Backblaze, Carbonite and Acronis included below and in our guide to the Best Mac backup software.You may only be looking for a way to store a few items so you can access them anywhere, or so you can share them with others, in which case iCloud and other options like Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive could meet your needs.In this article, we round up all the best iCloud alternatives: the cloud storage services for Mac, iPhone and iPad that offer the most appealing combination of price, features, security and reliability. If you use Apple products, we think these are the best cloud storage solutions to which you should subscribe.We are starting with iCloud because Apples service is simple to use and mostly intuitive. Its available on all Apple products and syncs all your data as long as you have enough iCloud storage. It doesnt act as a backup for your Mac, but you can access a backup of your iPhone or iPad via iCloud. Read: Time Machine vs iCloud: Do you need to use both and can one back up to the other? Read on to find out what the alternatives offer. Apple iCloud Drive Best for Apple fansView Apple iCloud hereAs an Apple user, youll have heard of iCloud, but we dont blame you if you find it confusing. Its Apples own cloud-based storage system, and if you own an iPhone or iPad and have an Apple ID, youll already have 5GB free storage.Its the easiest way for those bought into the Apple ecosystem (users of iPhone, iPad and Mac) to sync contacts, notes, files, photos and more across devices and access them on all their devices. For example, you can use the Files folder on an iPhone or iPad to view all your files stored in the cloud. Because it integrates so seamlessly with all of Apples products and services, iCloud really is the best cloud storage solution for someone who is all-in with Apple. And I do mean all-in: All your computers are Macs, your mobile devices are iPhone or iPads, you work in Apples productivity software (Pages, Numbers, Notes), and so on.Frustratingly, Apple only provides a paltry 5GB of free iCloud storage, which isnt so bad if all you want to do is store some Pages and Numbers documents, but is grossly inadequate for photos and videos. Apple is years overdue for increasing this limit (Google offers 15GB free), but at the very least, it should stop counting iOS backups against it. Since the fall of 2021, Apple has offered to loan you as much iCloud storage space as you need to backup and restore your data onto a new device, for up to two weeks. Its a good feature for those buying a new Apple device, but it wont help you protect your data if your iPhone gets lost/stolen/damaged.From there, its $0.99/0.99 per month for 50GB, $2.99/2.99 for 200GB, $9.99/8.99 for 2TB, $29.99/26.99 for 6TB and $59.99/54.99 for 20GB. See: iCloud storage plans. You can enable family sharing on the 200GB and above plansif you do, it doesnt mean your family members can see all your cloud stuff. It just means your whole familys iCloud usage will count against the same storage limit. These paid tiers are branded iCloud+ and include several benefits. Theres iCloud Private Relay, free storage for HomeKit enabled security cameras, a Hide My Email feature, custom domain names for iCloud email accounts, and additional contact options for recovering your account. These are all excellent features that help solidify our view that iCloud is by far the best choice for those who are all-in on Apple devices.The main benefit of paying for more iCloud storage is that nearly all of Apples apps can seamlessly sync through it. Photos, productivity apps, Mail, Calendar, and anything you drop into your iCloud Drive folder in Finder on a Mac are immediately available across all your Apple devices. A significant number of iOS apps optionally back up and sync through iCloud, too.If you use non-Mac computers or non-iOS mobile devices from time to time, Apple provides a full suite of web apps at iCloud.com, but theyre sort of mediocre. Apple also provides an iCloud Windows app that syncs data and integrates your iCloud mail with common Windows apps like Outlook, but there are no native productivity apps for Windows or Android: If you want to edit a Pages document, you have to use the web interface.We like using iCloud, but we also pay for it. Most decent cloud services require you to pay a small fee. If youre a heavy Apple user, you might consider theApple One service bundle. Its much more than a cloud storage solution, and thus beyond the scope of this article, but the value offered may tip the scales in iClouds favor for you. Read our full Apple iCloud review Google Drive King of Cloud View Google Drive hereWhile the idea of using Googles tools on Apple hardware may make some squirm, its deep integration with Google Docs, Sheets, and other popular Google tools means its never been easier to share a document with a colleague, collect feedback, and make amendments.Googles system, alongside Dropbox and OneDrive, is arguably one of the most common file-sharing options. Its much more prevalent than, say, iCloud Drive, making it much more useful across multiple platforms.If your workflows and job require any degree of rapid sharing of files back and forth, its a perfect fit. Outside of work, Google Photos may also appeal as a nice backup option to have, but itll start to eat into your storage pretty quickly.That said, Google Drive does comes with a whopping 15GB of free storage thats triple what Apple offers for free oniCloud Drive. 15GB is plenty generous, but you can enjoy 100GB for just $1.99/1.59 a month, 200GB for $2.99/2.49, and 2TB for $9.99/7.99 per month. Theres even a massive 30TB for $150 a month.You can use Google Drive on Mac through a dedicated app, or via the web interface.Whether youre on Mac, iPhone, iPad, or just about any other platform, Google Drive remains the best option around.Read our full Google Drive review Box Best for businessesView Box hereOne of the best cloud storage options for businesses, Box, has a whole host of excellent tools and is probably the most slick and well-supported cloud-based storage service weve tested, but it might go beyond a general consumers needs.Boxs incorporates a host of security options, API calls, and over 1,500 integrations across office mainstays like Slack, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office apps and Zoom, so its an easy pick for anyone looking for a plug-and-play solution for file-sharing across larger teams.Its essentially a menu bar app that can pop out into a handy search bar to trawl through anything inside your Box folder, which will also appear in your Finder sidebar. A keyboard shortcut brings up the search bar, so Box is always just a keypress away.Theres a note section that syncs across devices and a document signing tool thats very handy if youre exchanging a lot of contracts.Its secure, too, with encryption standard across all plans and end-to-end encryption offered via Box KeySafe so users can issue their own encryption keys.The web app is fast and stable (unlike some rivals) making shifting files between folders when away from the Mac much simpler.Box offers a very generous free plan offering 10GB of storage and a 250MB file upload limit, but the next tier up is $14/11 monthly for individuals ($10/8 per month if you pay annually), which is a steep increase compared to the likes of Google Drive.Box nails just about anything you could want from a cloud storage service in 2025. Its fast, secure, and gets out of the way when you need it to, making it an easy pick for businesses.Read our full Box (Cloud Storage) review pCloud Budget-friendly cloud storage Price When Reviewed:199 EuroBest Prices Today: RetailerPricepCloud199,00 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket199,00 at pCloudView pCloud herepCloud will let you upload and sync files on your Mac, so you can point it at a specific location and know itll keep things up to date. Its a nice, hands-free backup option to have switched on just in case you need it.Youll get access to 4GB of free storage, which is less than were used to, but can be raised to can be raised to 10GB if you invite friends. There are varied annual prices, ranging from $49.99 a year for 500GB, and lifetime options from $299.pClouds web app is clean and easy-to-navigate. You can store and share all types of files, and set a directory or a local folder on your Mac to keep backed up.Media plays well within pCloud. Saved a video? Youll be able to watch it via the in-window player, and the same can be said for audio and images, too.pCloud is pretty fantastic as an alternative to some of the usual suspects. If youre looking for lifetime cloud storage, pCloud is well worth a look. Its also easy to use and has some great extra features that could make it a dream for big libraries of home movies and pictures.Read our full pCloud review IDrive Online backupView IDrive here.lDrive is an online backup service like Backblaze and Carbonite, although it differs from them in a number of ways.Firstly, it has a free tier you can back up 5GB without paying anything. After that, though, its more expensive than either its competitors.Currently, the annual charge for the Personal tier is $59.62 (approx 46) for the first year and $79.50/year (approx 61) after that, but that only allows you to backup 5TB of data, while Backblaze and Carbonite allow unlimited data. However, that 5TB can be spread across multiple computers, whereas Backblaze and Carbonite limit you to one computer.Also, if you prefer to restore by having data physically shipped to you, lDrive provides that for free for the first restore each year though if youre outside the US youll have to pay for the shipping.Like Backblaze, lDrive also allows you to back up external hard drives. Even with external drives backing up, its unlikely most people will breach the 5TB limit bearing in mind that youre not backing up applications or system files.Features like Rewind and Snapshots allow you to restore from earlier versions of files or snapshots of the complete data set. And all data is encrypted, with the option to set your own private encryption key.lDrives user interface makes using it very straightforward. Your Desktop, Documents, Music and Pictures folders are automatically selected for backup, along with the contents of ~/Library/Mail.To add other folders, click Change at the bottom of the window thats not exactly intuitive. You can add videos to the backup, but locating them in lDrives interface takes a great deal of doing.Both scheduling and restoring are straightforward, however. As is choosing a local drive as the destination for a backup in place of lDrives servers.lDrives free tier and the ability to spread your data allocation in the paid tiers across multiple computers makes it attractive. Overall, though, its expensive for a single machine.Read our full IDrive review Backblaze A good solution for offsite backupView Backblaze here.Offerings like OneDrive, Google Drive, and even Apples own iCloud Drive offer a cloud-based storage area that can also be used to share files between users, usually with a link to a specific spot.Others, like Backblaze (and IDrive and Carbonite) are storage services in the strictest term. Backblaze takes your data, ferries it off-site, and backs up your Mac to its servers. Its not for quickly sharing a document or collaborating on a piece of work, its for recovering data you may lose if something happens to your local machine. While you could share a file with Backblaze, doing so requires using Backblazes separate B2 Cloud Storage service which, admittedly, comes with flexible, pay-as-you-go options.Backblaze backs up the contents of your Documents, Pictures, Movies and Music folders, but excludes your Applications folder. You can view and share backed up files on an iPhone or iPad with the Backblaze mobile app.Backups are incremental so only files that have changed since it last ran are copied. Backups are encrypted and kept for 30 days.When it comes to restoring your data you can restore via Backblazes web interface or you can have files sent to you on a USB stick or hard drive for an additional (refundable) fee.A Find My-like Locate your Computer service tracks your Macs location to help you find it if its stolen. The Mac can tell you its current IP address and show you recently backed-up data.If you need an offsite back up of your Mac, Backblazes simplicity and price give it the edge over Carbonite and IDrive.Read our full Backblaze review Microsoft OneDrive Cloud storage home workersView Microsoft OneDrive hereIf you need a cloud plan for a family or small team, and youre already leaning on Microsofts Office apps, then OneDrive is a great option.One of the best parts of OneDrive is that it opens up the Office ecosystem, both for Mac and iPhone or iPad. With access to Microsoft mainstays like Word, Excel, and with those apps using OneDrive to sync across platforms, its got potential for the workplace or for families with kids working on school projects.If youre not keen on Google Docs or Sheets, or Apples Pages and Numbers, having Word and Excel documents spread across your devices could be a huge boon.The 5GB base storage is painfully low for free users (although still better thanDropboxs2GB). Microsoft clearly wants to nudge you to one of its paid plans. You can spend$99.99/79.99per year to get access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and more, with 1TB storage per person for up to six people (6TB total). Alternatively, the Microsoft 365 Personal version with 1TB storage costs $69.99/59.99 a year, and Microsoft 365 Basic is $19.99/19.99 a year for 100GB cloud storage.Whichever option you go for, OneDrive is a model citizen when it comes to macOS. The app is lightweight and sits in Finder for you to drag and drop as you see fit.While its not as intuitive as Google Drive, if youre using Microsoft Office to any degree youll find a lot to like.Read our full Microsoft OneDrive review Dropbox the original cloud syncing serviceBest Prices Today: RetailerPriceDropbox11,99 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket11,99 at DropboxView Dropbox hereNo discussion of cloud storage solutions would be complete without discussing the company that popularized consumer cloud syncing: Dropbox. Dropbox is the app that kickstarted the cloud storage arms race , but in recent years it has been usurped somewhat.A stalwart for many modern workflows, Dropbox remains a reliable way to sync data and files to the cloud, but it gets harder to recommend if you are looking to share files with others, as a backup solution, or as a means to access your content from wherever you are.It just doesnt offer any must-have features and rivals have much more generous free tiers. The paltry 2GB starting offering is way behind Googles 15GB. The next their up is 2TB for $11.99/9.99 per month (billed monthly), or $9.99/7.99 a month if you pay for a year upfront. Its a big leap with no options in between.There is some good. Dropbox offer a sizeable drop-down window so you can see more information about recently uploaded and updated files, compared to the basic menu bar apps of the competition. Features like PDF signing are useful additions.Unfortunately, Dropbox just doesnt feel as straightforward to use as many other cloud storage services.Read our full Dropbox review Acronis Cyber Protect Home Office Best Prices Today: RetailerPrice59,80 View DealPrice comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwideProductPricePrice comparison from Backmarket59,80 at Software-Shop.com.deView Acronis here.Acronis True Image for Mac, functions as both a customizable backup utility as well as an antiviral/anti-malware app.It starts at $49.99/42.99 per year for one computer with local backup and anti-ransomware.The software installed easily and was configured for full disk access without hassle.It is centered around Backup, Protection, Disk Cloning, and Archive modules.the Backup module allows you to designate source and destination volumes as well as choose which files are backed up and to where. Its easy to create exclusion lists as to which files can by bypassed when it comes to backing up, and the scheduling feature worked well.The Backup module also leads to True Images Acronis Survival Kit, which allows for a bootable backup drive to be created that your Mac can boot and install a new operating system from.Disk Cloning module works well, and makes quick copies of volumes as needed. the Archive module allows you to offload local data to Acronis cloud structure, which is handy for freeing up local spaceThe Protection module offered a good degree of antiviral protection, catching no less than 23 potential threats from a sample archive off the bat.During our testing there were bugs that couldnt be avoided and user interface elements that were either inconvenient or needed a complete overall.Carbonite SafeView Carbonite here.Carbonite is very similar to Backblaze in that it allows you to back up your Mac to remote servers and recover files when you need to. Like Backblaze, you sign up for an account and download a Mac application, and it automatically selects files to download.Also like Backblaze, Carbonite doesnt back up applications or system files. One key difference is that Carbonites basic plan doesnt automatically back up the contents of your Movies folder either although you can select videos manually to be backed up. Neither does Carbonite back up the contents of external drives.Files are protected with 128-bit encryption, but theres no option to add your own password.Restoring data is done online, using the Carbonite application the option to ship media containing your data is only available within the US. And you can restore from any backup run within the last 30 days, allowing you to roll back to earlier versions of files.The Carbonite mobile app allows you to view and download files to an iPhone or iPad.Carbonite is very simple to use. In fact, it almost feels too simple. Download the app, install it and launch it, and Carbonite starts backing up your Documents and Pictures folders straight away.In the left-hand sidebar, theres a list of volumes and the main user folders (Desktop, Documents, Pictures, Movies and Music). By clicking on those you can select files to be backed up or excluded.Restoring files is just as easy. If you want to restore a complete backup, click the Restore option in the sidebar and choose whether to download files to a folder or put them back where they were originally.To restore individual files and folders, navigate to them using the folders in the sidebar and choose the download option.Carbonite, at the time of writing starts at $71.99 (approx 55) per year for a single computer. If you want to back up external drives and back up videos automatically, that jumps to $111.99 (approx 86). That makes it expensive compared to its nearest competitors.Cloud storage for Mac: Prices comparedThe cloud storage option you should choose depends largely on how much youre willing to pay. If you want free space, Google crushes the competition with 15GBMicrosoft and Apple both need to up their game. The 100GB for $1.99 level is a good deal for most people and equals the capacity Microsoft gives you with OneDrive.Apples iCloud gives you 200GB for $2.99, which is the minimum youre going to have to spend if you plan to back up iOS devices to the cloud along with photos and videos. Google matches Apples price and storage at this level. Theres a $0.99 tier below that, but even 50GB will fill up fast when youre backing up your iPhone and all its photos and videos.If you want to spend ten bucks a month, youll get 2TB from either Google or Apple, but Microsoft will give yousix accountswith 1TB each,plusOffice apps. Thats a sweet deal.Dropboxs 2GB is the worst free tier, and its cheapest paid tier is $11.99 a month and doesnt even include all of Dropboxs features.TieriCloudGoogle One DriveMicrosoft One DriveBoxpCloudDropBoxFree5GB15GB5GB10GB10GB2GB50GB99c / 99p100GB$1.99 / 1.59$1.99 / 1,99$4.50 / 5.50200GB$2.99 / 2.99$2.99 / 2.49500GB$4.99 / 4.991TB$6.99 / 5.992TB$9.99 / 8.99$9.99 / 7.99$9.99 / 9.99$9.99 / 7.99For more advice about the best storage for your Mac take a look at the following:Best SSD for Mac Best hard drive for Mac Best NAS drive for Mac

Best Buy's holiday MacBook Air sale delivers prices as low as $749, but the featured deal ends today and inventory is limited.Grab a MacBook Air for $749 today only.The entire MacBook Air line is on sale this Monday, with Best Buy's $749 M2 MacBook Air 13-inch deal taking center stage. This spec is equipped with an M2 chip with an 8-core GPU, 8GB of unified memory and 256GB of storage. At press time, Space Gray is the only colorway left in stock so you'll want to order now if you want to secure the deal.Buy for $749 Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The Final Entry Deadline for Architizer's 2025 A+Product Awards is Friday, January 24. Get your brand in front of the AEC industrys most renowned designers by submitting today.From a young age, were told, Never judge a book by its cover. Solid advice when talking about the downstairs neighbor who notoriously never smiles, the local Dobermann everyone crosses the street to avoid, or that blackened banana thats unexpectedly perfect when peeled. When it comes to architecture, however, not so much.In architecture, the outside is just as important as the inside. A well-designed exterior can be so much more than a pretty face; it is a key component in realizing how a building interacts with its environment. Curb appeal is one of a buildings key selling points, attracting attention and driving interest. But a well-designed exterior can do so much more than just boost property value; it can improve energy efficiency, transform underused spaces and even enhance occupant well-being.With that in mind, these twelve products, winners of this years A+Product Awards, are designed to elevate exteriors by reviving faades, illuminating lawns and increasing outdoor functionality. Whether through bold lighting designs, ingenious cladding systems or ingenious glazing solutions, each of these innovations demonstrates how considered choices can take an exterior from ok to outstanding.Enter A+Product AwardsObiBy Expormim USA LLCJury Winner, Outdoor Furniture, 2024 A+Product AwardsInspired by Japanese tradition, Obis elastic band detail brings a bold, graphic edge to its elegant design. This seemingly simple feature adds a layer of sophistication, echoing the obi sash that adorns traditional kimonos. With an aluminum frame and indoor-level comfort, Obi is a modern outdoor seating collection that perfectly balances simplicity with style, making it ideal for terraces or garden spaces.Outdoor CoralBy David Trubridge LightingPopular Choice Winner, Exterior Lighting, 2024 A+Product AwardsMarking 20 years of design excellence, Outdoor Coral combines geometric beauty with eco-conscious materials. Inspired by natures intricate forms, its Panelex construction ensures both visual and environmental longevity. Whether installed as a statement piece or in clusters, Outdoor Coral is perfect for outdoor spaces, casting intricate shadows that add texture and mood to any setting.DesignRail ModernBy FeeneyPopular Choice Winner, Best of the Year, Residential Design, 2024 A+Product AwardsThis cable railing system is engineered specifically for unobstructed views and contemporary appeal, with hidden fasteners and a minimalist aesthetic. Its modular design allows for long spans, reducing the need for additional posts and, in turn, opening up vistas. Optional features like LED-ready rails and DrinkRail enhance both practicality and evening ambiance, making it an exceptional choice for patios, balconies and other outdoor living areas.COASTAL METAL SCULPTUREBy BELT Metal Art+Design StudioPopular Choice Winner, Best of the Year, Architectural Design, 2024 A+Product AwardsCombining Art Deco aesthetics with cutting-edge craftsmanship, Coastal Metal Sculpture uses stainless steel and dynamic LED lighting to animate facades and railings. Each piece is meticulously designed using both traditional and innovative techniques. Its bold lines and striking mirror finish bring a sculptural element to exterior spaces, elevating them into visual landmarks.Northport LightingBy Landscape FormsJury Winner, Exterior Lighting, 2024 A+Product AwardsNorthport reinvents traditional acorn street lamps with a refined, minimalist approach. Its subtle negative-space design evokes nostalgia while remaining contemporary, offering versatility for parks, promenades, and historic streetscapes. Combined with adjustable LED technology, Northport Lighting balances heritage and innovation, creating exteriors that feel timeless yet firmly rooted in the present.CUPACLADBy CUPA PIZARRAS S.A.Popular Choice Winner, Building Envelopes, Cladding, & Roofing, 2024 A+Product AwardsCUPACLADs natural slate faade offers a durability that will last for over a century, with no maintenance required. The carbon-neutral production process reflects CUPAs commitment to sustainability, while its versatility allows architects to experiment with both traditional and modern compositions. Whether used for residential or commercial projects, CUPACLAD exemplifies the strength and beauty of natural materials.Redwood Timbers & UppersBy HUMBOLDT SAWMILL COMPANYPopular Choice Winner, Best of the Year, Positive Impact, 2024 A+Product AwardsHarvested sustainably in FSC-certified forests, Humboldts redwood timbers bring natural strength and warmth to outdoor structures. Ideal for everything from exposed beams to elegant cladding, its rich tones and inherent durability make it a highly versatile choice for all exteriors. Redwoods natural resistance to decay and pests further underscores its enduring appeal for both architects and homeowners.VITAEBy THE CUTJury Winner, Cabinetry & Millwork, 2024 A+Product AwardsOutdoor kitchens seldom reach the craftsmanship of a product like Vitae, where natural stone and timber meet modular precision. Designed to adapt seamlessly to indoor or outdoor spaces, the kitchen embodies versatility with striking materials that turn a functional cooking area into a truly unique design statement.Universal Series Window WallBy Cascadia Windows & DoorsPopular Choice Winner, Glass & Glazing, 2024 A+Product AwardsCombining expansive glazing with top-tier thermal performance, the Universal Series Window Wall creates striking faades that improve energy efficiency. Its fiberglass frame, customizable to project specifications, offers a perfect balance of form and function.Evo-FlexBy Evo-Doors by RenlitaJury Winner, Best of the Year, Architectural Design, 2024 A+Product AwardsEvo-Flex transforms exterior spaces with its gas strut window system, which is ideal for pass-through bar tops and outdoor kitchens. Its sleek, self-lifting aluminum frame is designed for immense durability and ease of use, creating seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor living areas.RE/8 Bio-circular Architectural MeshBy KaynemailePopular Choice Winner, Best of the Year, Sustainable Design, 2024 A+Product AwardsJury Winner, Building Envelopes, Cladding, & Roofing, 2024 A+Product AwardsThis 3D mesh offers an innovative approach to shading and faades, crafted from bio-based polymers that reduce carbon footprints by 80%. With its ability to provide solar reduction and airflow, RE/8 combines functionality with sustainability, making it an essential choice for environmentally conscious design.VetraSpan-LBy Sentech Architectural SystemsJury Winner, Glass & Glazing, 2024 A+Product AwardsVetraSpan-L delivers 50-foot spans of uninterrupted glass, creating exteriors with unparalleled transparency. Its advanced structural system eliminates vertical joints, providing a seamless connection to the surrounding landscape and elevating modern faade design to new heights.The Final Entry Deadline for Architizer's 2025 A+Product Awards is Friday, January 24. Get your brand in front of the AEC industrys most renowned designers by submitting today.The post Elevated Exteriors: 12 Award-Winning Products Transforming Outdoor Spaces appeared first on Journal.

Sid Meiers Civilization 7 has officially gone gold. Firaxis announced the same in a new tweet, which means principle development is over. Of course, on top of the game being sent for certification to digital storefronts, the team is likely working on a day-one patch.Civilization 7 is out on February 11th for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Though the core premise still focuses on controlling a real-world civilization and progressing through various eras in 4X fashion, theres a new Ages system. Matches consist of three Ages Antiquity, Exploration, and Modern with progress carrying over from one to the next.Of course, players can opt to experience a single Age instead of all three in succession. Firaxis has also confirmed cross-play, with up to five players in Antiquity and Exploration Ages while eight players can partake in the Modern Age. The title will also support the DualSenses haptic feedback on PS5. Stay tuned for updates and check out the PC requirements here.Weve struck gold! #Civ7 has officially gone gold were ready to hit shelves on February 11. pic.twitter.com/zhSM5QLvmL Sid Meiers Civilization VII (@CivGame) January 20, 2025

Best-selling sci-fi author Alan Dean Foster is moving into gaming in a multi-license deal with studio Pomme, starting with a game based on his Midworld novel.Read More