This is todays edition ofThe Download,our weekday newsletter that provides a daily dose of whats going on in the world of technology.OpenAI launches Operatoran agent that can use a computer for youWhats new: After weeks of buzz, OpenAI has released Operator, its first AI agent. Operator is a web app that can carry out simple online tasks in a browser, such as booking concert tickets or filling an online grocery order. The app is powered by a new model called Computer-Using AgentCUA for shortbuilt on top of OpenAIs multimodal large language model GPT-4o.Why it matters: OpenAI claims that Operator outperforms similar rival tools, including Anthropics Computer Use and Google DeepMinds Mariner. The fact that three of the worlds top AI firms have converged on the same vision of what agent-based models could be makes one thing clear. The battle for AI supremacy has a new frontierand its our computer screens. Read the full story.Will Douglas Heaven+ If youre interested in reading more about AI agents, check out this piece explaining why theyre AIs next big thing.Whats next for robotsJames ODonnellIn the many conversations Ive had about robots, Ive also found that most people tend to fall into three camps. Some are upbeat and vocally hopeful that a future is just around the corner in which machines can expertly handle much of what is currently done by humans, from cooking to surgery. Others are scared: of job losses, injuries, and whatever problems may come up as we try to live side by side.The final camp, which I think is the largest, is just unimpressed. Weve been sold lots of promises that robots will transform society ever since the first robotic arm was installed on an assembly line at a General Motors plant in New Jersey in 1961. Few of those promises have panned out so far.But this year, theres reason to think that even those staunchly in the bored camp will be intrigued by whats happening in the robot races. Heres a glimpse at what to keep an eye on this year. Read the full story.This piece is part of MIT Technology Reviews Whats Next series, looking across industries, trends, and technologies to give you a first look at the future. You can read the rest of them here.The must-readsIve combed the internet to find you todays most fun/important/scary/fascinating stories about technology.1 Facebook and Instagram blocked and hid abortion pill postsBut Meta denies its anything to do with its recent hate speech restriction U-turn. (NYT $)+ The companys widespread changes are making advertisers nervous. (Insider $)+ A contraceptive drug could act as an abortion pill substitute. (The Atlantic $)2 Donald Trumps staff are furious with Elon MuskHis decision to trash talk the Presidents new AI deal is ruffling aides feathers. (Politico)+ For once, Trump doesnt seem to want to wade in. (CNN)+ Stargates newest data center will be built in the small Texan city of Abilene. (Bloomberg $)3 Watch the Trump administration delete agency pages in real timeAn agency GitHub records the documents, handbooks and bots as theyre deleted or amended. (404 Media)4 Central Europes power grid is vulnerable to attackIts facilities unencrypted radio signals leave it wide open to malicious interference. (Ars Technica)+ The race to replace the powerful greenhouse gas that underpins the power grid. (MIT Technology Review)5 OpenAIs conversion to becoming a for-profit is under investigationCalifornias attorney general wants to know more about its asset transfer plans. (The Markup)+ One major obstacle is determining how much equity Microsoft would hold. (FT $)6 WeRide has its sights set on becoming a driverless power playerThe Chinese company has ambitious plans to expand all over the world. (WSJ $)+ Meanwhile, Tesla is issuing a safety update to 1.2 million cars in China. (Bloomberg $)+ How Wayves driverless cars will meet one of their biggest challenges yet. (MIT Technology Review)7 How fungi spores can help save endangered plantsBut its a delicate balancing act. (Knowable Magazine)+ Africa fights rising hunger by looking to foods of the past. (MIT Technology Review)8 The fight over our tech-addled attention spanIts not that we cant focusits what were focusing on. (New Yorker $)9 TikTok is still MIA from US app storesOpportunists are flogging iPhones with the pre-installed app for eye-watering prices. (Insider $)10 How random is Spotifys shuffle, really?And can algorithms be depended on to deal in true randomness? (FT $)Quote of the dayI cant imagine that I personally can make any difference in their wealth, power or influence. But I cant be a part of offering them my life and my joy to then turn it back around and make money off of me.Michael Raine, a 50-year old Facebook and Instagram user, explains to the Washington Post why he doesnt want to contribute to the sprawling wealth of Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg any more.The big storyHow to stop a state from sinkingApril 2024In a 10-month span between 2020 and 2021, southwest Louisiana saw five climate-related disasters, including two destructive hurricanes. As if that wasnt bad enough, more storms are coming, and many areas are not prepared.But some government officials and state engineers are hoping there is an alternative: elevation. The $6.8 billion Southwest Coastal Louisiana Project is betting that raising residences by a few feet will keep Louisianans in their communities.Ultimately, its something of a last-ditch effort to preserve this slice of coastline, even as some locals pick up and move inland and as formal plans for managed retreat become more popular in climate-vulnerable areas across the country and the rest of the world. Read the full story.Xander PetersWe can still have nice thingsA place for comfort, fun and distraction to brighten up your day. (Got any ideas? Drop me a line or skeet em at me.)+ How two enterprising actors staged a daring performance of Hamlet inside Grand Theft Auto + Warning: these movies are dangerous!+ Madonna released Material Girl 40 years ago this weekand changed the face of pop forever.+ And finally, what everyone has been dying to knowdo dogs really watch TV?

As technology and politics get ever more intertwined, it's time to discuss iPhone 17 rumors, TikTok changes, and the Mac mini as a fashion accessory.You can now update a Mac mini's storageIt's been a busy week for politics and while the AppleInsider podcast will be a musical before it's a political show, certain worldwide events in the last few days have had an impact on technology. The most high-profile has been what's happening with TikTok in the US and the rest of the world, but there's also the country that is going to adopt a digital wallet for its citizens' driving licenses but won't use Apple's existing solution.Plus, amazingly, it's been three months since the M4 Mac mini came out and now it's time to see whether the initial hype and fuss proved to be warranted. If you bought one, there's now also an unofficial way to greatly increase its storage, too, though there are as many issues over warranties as there are over the tools you need. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Zaha Hadid Architects has completed the transformation of an existing historic structure into a luxury hotel in Rome. The Palazzo Capponi, located on the historic Via di Ripetta, draws inspiration from the citys architectural heritage, focusing on the evolution of vaulted ceilings from ancient Roman to Baroque periods.Image credit: Jacopo SpilimbergoImage credit: Jacopo SpilimbergoOriginally constructed in the 16th century, the palazzo has undergone several modifications over the centuries. In the 1950s, two wings were added, and significant internal alterations were made to accommodate office spaces, leading to the displacement and overpainting of 17th-century frescoes which have now been restored and reinstated.Image credit: Chris DaltonImage credit: Chris DaltonThe collaboration between ZHA and luxury developer Romeo Design began in 2015, with the team reimagining the interior layout to create a fluid sequence of spaces from the entrance to the guest rooms. The former courtyar...

Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!Net zero. Carbon neutral. Nature-friendly. Future-ready. Green. Pro-planet.Whatever industry youre in, there are no end to the buzzwords and top-line phrases we use to imply and infer actions that directly benefit the Earth, slow and mitigate the damage human civilization has been causing for a few centuries now.Each can be considered a subheading beneath the unwieldy label of sustainability a word that literally means the ability to maintain something at a constant rate or level, indefinitely. But, while many of the myriad tags are essentially pretty meaningless, theres no escaping from the truth. People need up-skilling in the art of not destroying the environment, upon which their own existence depends.This is particularly true of architects and designers, the professionals tasked with creating cities and objects, buildings and items, of the future. Currently, the built environment accounts for 40% of all carbon emissions, and this figure remains stubbornly high. Progress is only be guaranteed when we wrap our heads around what it sustainable development really means. Heres a 101 in green design and architecture to start us off.Characteristics of Sustainable ArchitectureBundanon Art Museum + Bridge by Kerstin Thompson Architects, Illaroo, Australia | Jury Winner, Architecture +Environment; JuryWinner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 11th Annual A+AwardsWhat are the benefits of sustainable architecture?Its simple maths really. Without reducing our environmental footprint and making buildings along with everything else more nature and climate-friendly, the continued development of society risks destroying bringing about an end to civilization. So the benefit of sustainable architecture is avoiding self-annihilation.Digging deeper, there are key wins with sustainable architecture. Carbon emissions and other airborne pollutants are usually significantly lower with sustainable approaches. Often, fewer resources are used, with waste and potentially cost coming down as a result. These projects frequently place a high value on natural assets, too. And given green space, trees, plants and wildlife are proven to improve human health and mental health, it should go without saying this is another major plus point.What is embodied carbon and why does it matter for architectural sustainability?Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions produced during the design, construction and completion of a structure, and then any physical parts required to keep it standing. Breaking this down into Upfront (emissions up to the point the building becomes operational, in-use day-to-day maintenance) and end-of-life, meaning carbon footprint of demolition and deconstruction, reveals how big a deal it is.Embodied carbon is hugely important for architecture to be truly sustainable because as we transition to renewable energy sources and operational footprints come down, most emissions associated with buildings are more likely to be a form of embodied at the construction stage. Were still some way off perfecting truly affordable green concrete, which is a big issue in tackling this. Nevertheless, as regulations tighten, embodied carbon in the materials and creation of new structures will be more important than ever.Gaia by RSP Architects Planners & Engineers, Singapore | Jury Winner, Sustainable Institutional Building, 12th Annual A+AwardsHow important are regenerative and eco-friendly materials in sustainable design?If using lower carbon materials is pivotal to tackling the climate crisis, then using regenerative and eco-friendly products takes this one step further. Regenerative materials usually refer to anything that can contribute positively to a right-carbon future, actively bringing down emissions and self-maintaining.Interestingly, materials such as biochar, hemp, bark, cork, straw and bamboo are now considered at the bleeding edge of the regenerative revolution, but actually have more ties to historic, localized and indigenous construction methods than (almost) anything the 20th century gave us.It is also crucial to consider that just because something is technically regenerative doesnt mean it is planet-friendly. We need to note where materials are sourced from, how responsibly feedstocks were cultivated, and consider how alternatives measure up. The debate over recycled steel is a good example of this technically regenerative, yet anything but ecological.What role do adaptive and modular spaces play in sustainable design?Adaptive architecture refers to the creation of buildings and structures that can adapt to and exploit traits in their environment. Passive heating and cooling systems could be one example. A living roof, which develops in response to climate conditions and species interactions, is another.Sometimes, adaptive relates more to the connection between inhabitants and users and buildings. Like designs that purposefully address accessibility for people with particular needs.In contrast, modular means employing or involving a module or modules as the basis of design or construction. This means building something from smaller parts, often pre-fabricated then brought to site as a series of complete parts, at which point its pieced together.This isnt always a sustainable option, but often results in less embodied carbon from production processes as labor times are reduced, fewer trips are needed to transport materials, and completion times are quicker. Theres often less waste, too, as materials can be precision prepared in specialist facilities, rather than cut to fit mid construction.Manshausen Two Towers by Snorre Stinessen Architecture, Steigen, Nordland, Norway | Jury Winner, Architecture +Environment; Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Hospitality Building, 12th Annual A+AwardsHow can biophilia, or incorporating plants and nature into buildings, help with sustainability?Biophilic design has one core purpose reconnecting people with nature by looking to nature for guidance on how to approach developing, improving or inventing solutions.If we want to state the obvious, this is a fundamental principle of sustainable architecture because the blueprint is Earth itself, which has evolved systems capable of sustaining life for hundreds of thousands of years at a time without biosphere change.Natural light and ventilation, engaging with the existing landscape, living walls, planted roofs and the use of eco-friendly, grown materials all fall into this category. By simulating the way plants have evolved to become self-sufficient but also net positive contributors to the planet, we can produce far more environmentally friendly buildings.History of Sustainable ArchitectureWhat is the history of sustainable architecture?Sustainable architecture almost predates architecture itself. Traditional, rudimentary, ancient building methods were all sustainable by their very nature due to the materials available. So, despite their 21st century positioning, eco-friendly buildings are really mimicking and mirroring, or at least replicating the impact of what we were doing millennia ago.The expansion of the Industrial Revolution, and the advent of the age of mass-production really marked the turning of a tide towards far less sustainable building practices. Modernism during the mid-20th Century then ushered in a period of holistic architectural theory in some regions and circles, giving rise to todays combination of au naturel solutions, ecological innovation and high-tech sustainability.Examples / Case StudiesLife Cycle by Steffen Welsch Architects, Coburg, Australia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Private House, 12th Annual A+AwardsWhat certifications exist to establish standards for sustainable buildings?LEED Leadership in Energy & Environmental DesignBREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment MethodWELL Building Standard Certification based on human health and well-being in relation to a buildingGreen Globes Green Building Initiative certification and rating systemLiving Building Challenge Certification of sustainable design and construction leading to net positive impactDGNB Measurement of a buildings effect on ecology, economy and societyEnergy Star US Environmental Protection Agency certification for operational energy efficiencyNational Green Building Standard rating and certification of homes and apartments for energy, water, maintenance, indoor environmental quality, morePassivehaus Standard Certification designating a home as being environmentally passive, indicating no or positive impactFitwel Standard Focused on the health and wellbeing effects of apartments, retail and commercial buildingsGoogle Borregas by MGA | MICHAEL GREEN ARCHITECTURE, Sunnyvale, California | Jury and Popular Choice Winner, Architecture +Workspace; Jury Winner, Architecture +Wood, 12th Annual A+AwardsWhich architects are associated with sustainable architecture?The list could be longer, but here are a few distinguished names:Kunl Adeyami is an architect, designer and development researcher at NL Works in the Netherlands, and the mastermind behind the Makoko Floating System an adaptive, regenerative, low carbon solution to rapid population growth in coastal areas of developing countries facing the brunt of the climate crisis.Michael Green is a Canadian architect and founder of Michael Green Architecture. In addition to authoring books on mass timber construction, he is also a vocal advocate of revolutionizing the AEC industry through material specification and design choice, drawing critical attention to the term sustainability itself.Alexandra Hagen is CEO of Swedish sustainable architecture powerhouse White Arkitekter and has led on a number of iconic timber construction projects in northern Europe, a snowballs throw from the Arctic Circle.Mariam Kamara, founder of Atelier Masomi, considers local aesthetics, histories, societal attributes and environmental traits in every decision, informing use of materials such as glass and steel in projects across her Niger homeland and beyond one of innumerable countries now on the frontline of climate change.Edward Mazriahas a hugely impressive portfolio of global projects and 40 years of sustainable practice behind him. In more recent years, he founded Architecture 2030, a pro-bono entity looking to transform the built environment into a net positive carbon contributor.Pablo Sendra, in the bestselling Designing for Disorder, argues that the built environments liveability depends on its evolutionary qualities. Simply put, sustainable places are made to adapt and change roles as our needs evolve.What are famous examples of sustainable architecture?Weve already mentioned headline-grabbing award-winners like the Makoko Floating System and Sara Kulturhus. But the Architizer archives are full of examples hence a dedicated section of Sustainability Categories in Architizers A+Awards Program.Learn MorePast winners include commercial buildings like Oslotre Arkitekters HasleTre, Amazon HQ2 at Metropolitan Park by ZGF Architects and Foster + Partners Omb, cultural institutions like the Bundanon Art Museum + Bridge by Kerstin Thompson Architects and the Echo building at TU Delft by UNStudio.Not to mention private houses such as Sumu Takushima by tono.inc, and Shore House. This is before we come to major urban interventions and transport developments. One Green Mile in Mumbai, and the Amazon Bus Station, Belm, Brazil.The Future of Sustainable ArchitectureAmazon HQ2 at Metropolitan Park by ZGF Architects, Arlington, Virginia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Commercial Building, 12th Annual A+AwardsWhat technologies are being developed for the future of sustainable architecture?BIM Building Information Modeling is a powerful management framework that provides detailed insights into every aspect of a buildings construction and maintenance, boosting efficiency and cutting waste.AI Artificial intelligence is playing an increasingly big part in streamlining and fine-tuning building processes, ensuring the most efficient and effective solutions are deployedBio insulation Insulation brings down energy use, and in doing so a buildings operational footprint. We need a lot more of it, but the materials involved are often damaging to the environment. Mycelium the root-like structure of fungal communities is one of many bio alternatives now available3D printing Accuracy counts for plenty in the sustainable age, and 3D printing is as accurate as it gets. Improving the impact again by maximising resources, its also possible to use recycled raw materials to produce whatever structure youre printing, turning construction into a circular process involving pin point precision.Energy production In an ideal world, the future of buildings isnt just carbon positive, its also energy positive. While hospitals, airports, and other key infrastructure sites have long had on-site energy production for obvious reasons, new projects are incorporating solar panels, wind turbines, and geothermal technology. The result means contributing to, rather than extracting from, over-stretched national grids.Water conservation Emissions, gases, carbon, and even biodiversity impact all get more air time than water, yet with population growth alone were running out of H20, and cant survive without it. Rainwater harvesting, grey water recycling systems, and low-flow taps are just some examples of how architects are considering this often overlooked issue.Architizer's 13th A+Awards features a suite of sustainability-focused categories recognizing designers that are building a greener industry and a better future. Start your entry to receive global recognition for your work!Top image: Interpretation Center of Biodiversity and Pile Dwellings in the Ljubljana Marsh Nature Park by Atelje Ostan Pavlin, Ljubljana, Slovenia | Popular Choice Winner, Sustainable Cultural Building, 12th Annual A+AwardsThe post Architecture 101: What Is Sustainability in Architecture and Design? appeared first on Journal.

Sales of video game consoles have seemingly been on a downward trend. According to Circana analyst Mat Piscatella, gaming hardware sales in December 2024 have fallen by 29 percent, with spending totalling up to $1.1 billion.When it comes to individual console sales, the PS5 sales fell by 18 percent when compared to December 2023, while Xbox Series X/S and the Nintendo Switch each declined by 38 percent. For context, gaming hardware spending back in December 2023 was at $4.9 billion.Piscatella goes on to comment about how this decline in console hardware shouldnt be too surprising, since all currently-available gaming consoles have been out for long enough that their peak sales periods are well behind them. He also comments on how hardware sales throughout 2024 were still generally higher than in the past.No question video game hardware had a rough one, posted Piscatella on BlueSky. But it was expected with Switch being in market for so long and both PS5/XBS past their selling peaks. Total 2024 hardware spend of $4.9B is still significantly higher than the $3.9B seen in 2019. Shrug.Piscatella then also explained that, when it comes to lifetime sales in the US market, the PS5 has been doing slightly ahead of the PS4, whereas the Xbox Series X/S have been trailing behind Xbox One. This takes into consideration sales from the 50 first months of the consoles launch.Through 38 months in the US (through Dec 2023), PS5 led PS4 by 6% while XBS trailed XBO by 13%, explained Piscatella.Going by the trends of gaming console releases from the last couple of generation, we would currently be on track for a hardware refresh. We recently saw this with the more powerful PS5 Pro from Sony, while Microsoft has yet to make any announcement regarding a new console in the Xbox Series line-up. Nintendo, on the other hand, is seemingly going by its own schedule, getting ready to launch the Switch 2 later this month.For more details about the Switch 2, check out our coverage of its original announcement from earlier this month. And as for the PS5 Pro, check out our coverage of the best games enhanced for the console here.No question video game hardware had a rough one. But it was expected with Switch being in market for so long and both PS5/XBS past their selling peaks. Total 2024 hardware spend of $4.9B is still significantly higher than the $3.9B seen in 2019. Shrug.[image or embed] Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) January 23, 2025 at 9:20 PMThrough each consoles first 50 months in the US market (life to date ending Dec 2024 for both XBS and PS5), PS5 lifetime unit sales are 7% ahead of PS4s pace, while Xbox Series trails Xbox One by 18%. Through 38 months in the US (through Dec 2023), PS5 led PS4 by 6% while XBS trailed XBO by 13%. Mat Piscatella (@matpiscatella.bsky.social) January 24, 2025 at 12:19 AM

After years of silence and a name change, Ubisofts Animus Hub will launch on March 20th. It unifies contemporary Assassins Creed titles from Origins to Shadows under a single platform with narrative files to unlock, missions to complete, and rewards to earn.Of course, there are still questions, but Ubisoft clarifies much in its new FAQ. Despite what was initially assumed, Animus Hub isnt a standalone launcher its integrated into Assassins Creed Shadows, and there arent any plans to make it separate.Those with Origins, Valhalla, Odyssey or Mirage installed can launch them from within the Hub, though physical owners must insert the disc. Titles released before Origins are not supported. Furthermore, the missions within the Animus Hub, aka Anomalies, are playable only in Shadows.Ubisoft also reiterates that the Animus Hubs content is free and unlocked when playing the game. Additional missions and updates will also be free. The Keys used to earn rewards from The Exchange cant be purchased with real money and are only available by completing Anomalies.What happens if youre offline? Memories will remain available, but you cant access The Exchange, Projects or The Vault.As for the future, Ubisoft touts ambitious plans and wants to create new opportunities to tie together the Assassins Creed universe, our Modern Day story, and your favorite Assassins Creed games.Launching within Assassins Creed Shadows is merely the first step of a long journey together. The Hub will continue to evolve and grow with new features, content, and rewards rolling out in the months and years to come.Assassins Creed Shadows launches on March 20th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC. Check out the story trailer, learn more about the Claws of Awaji expansion or read the PC requirements here.

Winter Stations, which is back for its 11th year, has revealed the four winning designs selected from hundreds of submissions worldwide.In addition to the four winning designs, two student designs from Toronto Metropolitan University and Waterloo Department of Architecture will be showcased.The theme for this year was Dawn, where designers were invited to explore how Winter Stations can evolve, and were asked to consider the future of the exhibition and its relationship with the public and the environment. Dawn challenged designers to explore how Winter Stations can adapt, grow, and metamorphose in the coming years, shaping the urban landscape in imaginative and innovative ways.After celebrating a decade of Winter Stations last year, we really wanted to look forward and challenge artists and designers to consider the future of the Stations, said RAW design architect Dakota Wares-Tani. In reviewing the hundreds of submissions, we feel the selected installations brought something unique and exciting to the Beach for 2025 and we cant wait to see them enjoyed by the public this winter.All four winning submissions are from international designers. The installations will launch on Family Day weekend and will be on display throughout March Break. The stations will enjoy additional showcases, spreading art into Greater Toronto Area (GTA) communities through its partners Northcrest Developments and Resident.The 2025 Winter Stations winners include the following.Parade by Jesse Beus, United States. Image credit: Winter StationsParade by Jesse Beus, United StatesParade is a celebration of those who live in the warm dawn of self-acceptance. It is made up of six characters each with their own unique colour, shape, purpose, and identity. Together this eclectic cast of follies proudly march together in an unstoppable procession and invite all to join them! Users join the parade through an archway and move from character to character discovering eachs personality and interactivity, including sliding, sitting, and shading, reads Winter Stations website. Despite anything that might try to get in their way, these six friends will march on until love has dawned on all hearts.WATCH by Trae Horne, United States. Image credit: Winter StationsWATCH by Trae Horne, United StatesWATCH reflects on the specific point in time that it and visitors are within. The large, canted faade acts as a leaning respite for watchers of the sunrise and lake. Facing due east, WATCH is a solar aligned structure anticipating equinox. Just as ancient civilizations marked the earth in ways to signify the time in the year and an important place, so too does WATCH. The a-framed structure captures the equinox in Toronto as the architecture becomes perfectly aligned with the sunrise when light spills in a straight line through the open threshold, reads Winter Stations website.Ascolto by Ines Dessaint, Tonin Letondu, France. Image credit: Winter StationsAscolto by Ines Dessaint, Tonin Letondu, FranceThis acoustic shelter welcomes guests in a contemplation space. Supported adjacent to the lifeguard tower on one side and buried in the sand on the other, the object creates a sound capsule. The simple and minimalist shape refers to a sound-amplifier object (horn, wind instruments, gramophone and etc.). Built in wood, the inner space is big enough for two or three people for a more intimate experience.Slice of Sun by Cludia Franco, Mariam Daudali, Thomas Byrom, Portugal. Image credit: Winter StationsSlice of Sun by Cludia Franco, Mariam Daudali, Thomas Byrom, PortugalWhen one lives in a city, dawn is mainly brought to the public by glimpses of orange light. This installation invites guests to enter a slice of sun and feel embraced by dawn light at any time of the day.Peak by Anita Hu, Catherine Zheng, Isaac Walsh, Jason Cai, Nadine Hijazi, Ricardo Espinoza, with faculty supervisor Fiona Lim Tung, University of Waterloo Department of Architecture. Image credit: Winter StationsPeak by Anita Hu, Catherine Zheng, Isaac Walsh, Jason Cai, Nadine Hijazi, Ricardo Espinoza, with faculty supervisor Fiona Lim Tung, University of Waterloo Department of ArchitecturePeak welcomes contemplation and new beginnings, and offers opportunities for individuals to explore and admire the surrounding natural landscape. It also intends to give agency to the ever-changing and unpredictable conditions of the site.Solair by Arjun Jain (Lead), Jade Wong (Lead), Finn Ferrall, Marko Sikic, Nick Kisil, with faculty supervisor Vincent Hui, Toronto Metropolitan University Department of Architectural Science. Image credit: Winter StationsSolair by Arjun Jain (Lead), Jade Wong (Lead), Finn Ferrall, Marko Sikic, Nick Kisil, with faculty supervisor Vincent Hui, Toronto Metropolitan University Department of Architectural ScienceSolair is a sculptural installation that aims to capture the ephemeral beauty of dawn through the interplay of light, wind, and reflection. Inspired by the delicate transition from night to day, Solair amplifies the forces of nature sunlight and air and transforms them into a visual and sensory experience.For more information, click here.The post Winter Stations 2025 reveals winning designs appeared first on Canadian Architect.

Annapurna appoints ex-Netflix exec Leanne Loombe as head of gamesLoombe will oversee the company's publishing, development, and creative segments News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on Jan. 24, 2025 Annapurna Interactive has appointed former Netflix Games exec Leanne Loombe as head of games.As reported by The Hollywood Reporter, Loombe will oversee the firm's publishing, development, and creative segments.She will report to Annapurna's president of interactive and new media Hector Sanchez, who rejoined the firm last June after spending five years at Epic Games."I've always admired how incredibly thoughtful Annapurna is about supporting developers who have a strong creative vision and empowering them to create high quality games that players love," Loombe wrote on LinkedIn. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to continue creating and strengthening a place developers can call home. I'm very excited to join such an amazing company to help craft the future of storytelling."Sanchez added: "Few leaders have Leanne's breadth of experience across QA, publishing, and internal game development. She understands what it takes to make a good game from the inside-out, which is what makes her a great partner for our developers."Loombe previously worked for Riot Games as head of third and second party development for its publishing label, Riot Forge. She left the position in 2021 to become vice president of external games at Netflix.She also worked for Electronic Arts for six years as lead producer at Criterion Games and executive producer at Ghost Games.

Embracer Group has completed its divestment of mobile studio Easybrain.In a note to investors, the Swedish conglomerate confirmed the $1.2 billion transaction closed on January 23, 2025."On 14 November 2024, Embracer Group AB ('Embracer') entered into an agreement to divest the operative group Easybrain to Miniclip," reads the brief notice. "All conditions for the transaction have now been fulfilled, payment according to agreements has been received, and the transaction is closed as of today."Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors described Easybrain as an "important part of the Embracer family" when announcing the divestment, but suggested selling the company to Tencent-owned mobile publisher Miniclip made strategic sense given the mobile market is "transforming.""Miniclip is the right strategic buyer to enable the company to stay at the forefront of the ad-driven mobile game industry," added Wingefors at the time.Embracer chose to divest a number of high-profile subsidiaries in 2024 in pursuit of financial stability. The company ditched Borderlands maker Gearbox Entertainment and Space Marine 2 developer Saber Interactive in deals worth $460 million and $247 million, respectively.Those manoeuvres came amid rampant layoffs and studio closures at Embracer Group, with the company ousting swathes of workers following a M&A splurge that ultimately backfired.When announcing those layoffs in 2023, Wingefors said Embracer had to focus on becoming a "more focused, self-sufficient company."Following the completion of that brutal restructuring program, Embracer chose to split into three standalone companies to focus its attention on specific market segments.

Image: The Verge Samsungs new phones will almost certainly be the most popular Android phones of 2025. Theyll probably also be among the best Android phones of 2025. And yet the Unpacked event this week felt like one of the most boring phone launches... ever. Are we entering a new phase of the smartphone industry, in which companies basically just launch the same thing over and over? Wait a second: have we been in that phase for a while now?On this episode of The Vergecast, we talk a lot about what this years Samsung phones mean. The Verges Allison Johnson joins David and Nilay to talk about the vibes at Unpacked, where the thinner S25 Edge inspired raucous enthusiasm, and where Samsung tried to make the case that AI will make your phone better even if theres not much new hardware to speak of. We also talk about the glimpse we got at the Project Moohan headset, Geminis increasing dominance over the future of virtual assistants, and more.After that, we take a deep breath and wade into the first week of the new Trump administration. The Verges Lauren Feiner explains whats going on with Stargate, and why a $500 billion AI data-center plan is being announced in the White House. We talk... Read the full story at The Verge.