As designers, we are always on the lookout for some fresh inspiration, and well, sometimes, the best inspiration lies right in front of us. With that in mind, we embarked on our wallpapers adventure more than thirteen years ago. The idea: to provide you with a new batch of beautiful and inspiring desktop wallpapers every month. This February is no exception, of course.The wallpapers in this post were designed by artists and designers from across the globe and come in versions with and without a calendar for February 2025. And since so many unique wallpaper designs have seen the light of day since we first started this monthly series, we also added some February oldies but goodies from our archives to the collection so maybe youll spot one of your almost-forgotten favorites in here, too?This wallpapers post wouldnt have been possible without the kind support of our wonderful community who tickles their creativity each month anew to keep the steady stream of wallpapers flowing. So, a huge thank-you to everyone who shared their designs with us this time around! If you too would like to get featured in one of our next wallpapers posts, please dont hesitate to submit your design. We cant wait to see what youll come up with! Happy February!You can click on every image to see a larger preview.We respect and carefully consider the ideas and motivation behind each and every artists work. This is why we give all artists the full freedom to explore their creativity and express emotions and experience through their works. This is also why the themes of the wallpapers werent anyhow influenced by us but rather designed from scratch by the artists themselves.Submit your wallpaper design! Feeling inspired? We are always looking for creative talent and would love to feature your desktop wallpaper in one of our upcoming posts. Join inFall In Love With YourselfWe dedicate February to Frida Kahlo to illuminate the world with color. Fall in love with yourself, with life and then with whoever you want. Designed by Veronica Valenzuela from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Sweet ValentineEveryone deserves a sweet Valentines Day, no matter their relationship status. Its a day to celebrate love in all its forms self-love, friendship, and the love we share with others. A little kindness or just a little chocolate can make anyone feel special, reminding us that everyone is worthy of love and joy. Designed by LibraFire from Serbia.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440MochiDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160Cyber VoodooDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwith calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160without calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160Pop Into FunBlow the biggest bubbles, chew on the sweetest memories, and let your inner kid shine! Celebrate Bubble Gum Day with us and share the joy of every POP! Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.previewwith calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440BelieveBelieve reminds us to trust ourselves and our potential. It fuels faith, even in challenges, and drives us to pursue our dreams. Belief unlocks strength to overcome obstacles and creates possibilities. Its the foundation of success, starting with the courage to believe. Designed by Hitesh Puri from Delhi, India.previewwith calendar: 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440without calendar: 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440PlantsI wanted to draw some very cozy place, both realistic and cartoonish, filled with little details. A space with a slightly unreal atmosphere that some great shops or cafes have. A mix of plants, books, bottles, and shelves seemed like a perfect fit. I must admit, it took longer to draw than most of my other pictures! But it was totally worth it. Watch the making-of. Designed by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.previewwithout calendar: 800x480, 800x600, 1024x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1440x960, 1600x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2560x1600, 2880x1800, 3072x1920, 3840x2160, 5120x2880Love Is In The PlayForget Lady and the Tramp and their spaghetti kiss, cause Snowflake and Cloudy are enjoying their bliss. The cold and chilly February weather made our kitties knit themselves a sweater. Knitting and playing, the kitties tangled in the yarn and fell in love in your neighbors barn. Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Farewell, WinterAlthough I love winter (mostly because of the fun winter sports), there are other great activities ahead. Thanks, winter, and see you next year! Designed by Igor Izhik from Canada.previewwithout calendar: 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2560x1600True LoveDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160BalloonsDesigned by Xenia Latii from Germany.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Magic Of MusicDesigned by Vlad Gerasimov from Georgia.previewwithout calendar: 800x480, 800x600, 1024x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1440x960, 1600x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2560x1600, 2880x1800, 3072x1920, 3840x2160, 5120x2880FebpurraryI was doodling pictures of my cat one day and decided I could turn it into a fun wallpaper because a cold, winter night in February is the perfect time for staying in and cuddling with your cat, your significant other, or both! Designed by Angelia DiAntonio from Ohio, USA.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 800x480, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Dog Year AheadDesigned by PopArt Studio from Serbia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Good Times AheadDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160Romance Beneath The WavesThe 14th of February is just around the corner. And love is in the air, water, and everywhere! Designed by Teodora Vasileva from Bulgaria.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1280x720, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440February FernsDesigned by Nathalie Ouederni from France.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 1024x768, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 2560x1440The Great BeyondDesigned by Lars Pauwels from Belgium.previewwithout calendar: 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440 Its A Cupcake Kind Of DaySprinkles are fun, festive, and filled with love especially when topped on a cupcake! Everyone is creative in their own unique way, so why not try baking some cupcakes and decorating them for your sweetie this month? Something homemade, like a cupcake or DIY craft, is always a sweet gesture. Designed by Artsy Cupcake from the United States.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440SnowDesigned by Elise Vanoorbeek from Belgium.previewwithout calendar: <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1024x768.jpg title="Snow - 1024x768">1024x768, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1152x864.jpg title="Snow - 1152x864">1152x864, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1280x720.jpg title="Snow - 1280x720">1280x720, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1280x800.jpg title="Snow - 1280x800">1280x800, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1280x960.jpg title="Snow - 1280x960">1280x960, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1440x900.jpg title="Snow - 1440x900">1440x900, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1600x1200.jpg title="Snow - 1600x1200">1600x1200, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1680x1050.jpg title="Snow - 1680x1050">1680x1050, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1920x1080.jpg title="Snow - 1920x1080">1920x1080, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1920x1200.jpg title="Snow - 1920x1200">1920x1200, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1920x1440.jpg title="Snow - 1920x1440">1920x1440, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-2560x1440.jpg title="Snow - 2560x1440">2560x1440, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-1366x768.jpg title="Snow - 1366x768">1366x768, <a href="https://smashingmagazine.com/files/wallpapers/feb-15/snow/nocal/feb-15-snow-nocal-2880x1800.jpg title="Snow - 2880x1800">2880x1800Share The Same Orbit!I prepared a simple and chill layout design for February called Share The Same Orbit! which suggests to share the love orbit. Designed by Valentin Keleti from Romania.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Dark TemptationA dark romantic feel, walking through the city on a dark and rainy night. Designed by Matthew Talebi from the United States.previewwithout calendar: 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Ice Cream LoveMy inspiration for this wallpaper is the biggest love someone can have in life: the love for ice cream! Designed by Zlatina Petrova from Bulgaria.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Lovely DayDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Time ThiefWho has stolen our time? Maybe the time thief, so be sure to enjoy the other 28 days of February. Designed by Colorsfera from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1260x1440, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440In Another Place At The Same TimeFebruary is the month of love par excellence, but also a different month. Perhaps because it is shorter than the rest or because it is the one that makes way for spring, but we consider it a special month. It is a perfect month to make plans because we have already finished the post-Christmas crunch and we notice that spring and summer are coming closer. That is why I like to imagine that maybe in another place someone is also making plans to travel to unknown lands. Designed by Vernica Valenzuela from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 800x480, 1024x768, 1152x864, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1440x900, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 2560x1440French FriesDesigned by Doreen Bethge from Germany.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440Frozen WorldsA view of two frozen planets, lots of blue tints. Designed by Rutger Berghmans from Belgium.previewwithout calendar: 1280x800, 1366x768, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2560x1440Out There, Theres Someone Like YouI am a true believer that out there in this world there is another person who is just like us, the problem is to find her/him. Designed by Maria Keller from Mexico.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 640x1136, 750x1334, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1242x2208, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2880x1800Greben IcebreakerDanube is Europes second largest river, connecting ten different countries. In these cold days, when ice paralyzes rivers and closes waterways, a small but brave icebreaker called Greben (Serbian word for reef) seems stronger than winter. It cuts through the ice on erdap gorge (Iron Gate) the longest and biggest gorge in Europe thus helping the production of electricity in the power plant. This is our way to give thanks to Greben! Designed by PopArt Studio from Serbia.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440SharpI was sick recently and squinting through my blinds made a neat effect with shapes and colors. Designed by Dylan Baumann from Omaha, NE.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x480, 800x600, 1024x1024, 1280x1024, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440On The Light SideDesigned by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 640x480, 800x480, 800x600, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1152x864, 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160, printable PDFFebreweryI live in Madison, WI, which is famous for its breweries. Wisconsin even named their baseball team The Brewers. If you like beer, brats, and lots of cheese, its the place for you! Designed by Danny Gugger from the United States.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 1020x768, 1280x800, 1280x1024, 1136x640, 2560x1440Love Angel VaderValentines Day is coming? Noooooooooooo! Designed by Ricardo Gimenes from Spain.previewwithout calendar: 320x480, 640x960, 1024x768, 1024x1024, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1366x768, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1050, 1600x1200, 1680x1050, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 2880x1800Made In JapanSee the beautiful colors, precision, and the nature of Japan in one picture. Designed by Fatih Yilmaz from the Netherlands.previewwithout calendar: 1280x720, 1280x960, 1400x1050, 1440x900, 1600x1200, 1680x1200, 1920x1080, 1920x1440, 2560x1440, 3840x2160GroundhogThe Groundhog emerged from its burrow on February 2. If it is cloudy, then spring will come early, but if it is sunny, the groundhog will see its shadow, will retreat back into its burrow, and the winter weather will continue for six more weeks. Designed by Oscar Marcelo from Portugal.previewwithout calendar: 1280x720, 1280x800, 1280x960, 1280x1024, 1440x900, 1680x1050, 1920x1080, 1920x1200, 2560x1440

The generative intelligence platform DeepSeek has set the world on fire this week, but with great popularity comes increased scrutiny. Analysts with Wiz Research have found a fairly substantial hole in the softwares security. The research shows that DeepSeek left one of its critical databases exposed.This means that whoever came across the database would be allowed access to more than one million records, including user data, system logs, API keys and even prompt submissions. The researchers also noted that they were able to find the database almost immediately, without too much scanning or probing.BREAKING: Internal #DeepSeek database publicly exposed Wiz Research has discovered "DeepLeak" - a publicly accessible ClickHouse database belonging to DeepSeek, exposing highly sensitive information, including secret keys, plain-text chat messages, backend details, and logs. pic.twitter.com/C7HZTKNO3p Wiz (@wiz_io) January 29, 2025 Usually when we find this kind of exposure, its in some neglected service that takes us hours to findhours of scanning, Nir Ohfeld, the head of vulnerability research at Wiz, told Wired. But this time, he said, here it was at the front door.Wiz Research says its possible that a nefarious actor could have used this security hole to access other DeepSeek systems, but the company admits it only performed the base minimum assessment. This was to confirm its findings without further compromising user privacy. There is also no evidence that anyone else found the database.Wiz staffers didnt exactly know how to disclose their findings, given that DeepSeek is both a new entity and based in China. Researchers eventually sent their findings to every email address and LinkedIn profile they could find. The database was locked down within 30 minutes of the mass email.DeepSeek isnt the only AI company that has experienced a serious security breach (or two.) A hacker was able to access OpenAIs internal messaging logs back in 2023 and a bug exposed personal information later that year.AI is the new frontier in everything related to technology and cybersecurity, Ohfeld said. Still we see the same old vulnerabilities like databases left open on the internet.As previously mentioned, DeepSeek took the world by storm in the past week or so. The disruptive AI model was allegedly created for just several million dollars. OpenAI runs through billions of dollars each year. This massive financial discrepancy sent the stock market into a tailspin, with many AI-adjacent stocks taking a plunge.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/ai/security-researchers-found-a-big-hole-in-deepseeks-security-163536961.html?src=rss

You won't have to wait too much longer to find out how the story of Squid Game wraps up. Only a month after the second season premiered, Netflix has revealed that the final episodes of its biggest non-English language series ever will arrive on June 27. That's a remarkably short window, especially considering that there was a gap of over three years between the first and second seasons.As was the case the last time around, the third season will pick up right where the previous one ended (no spoilers here, but season two ended on a cliffhanger). Meanwhile, Netflix has revealed that season two of Squid Game is already its third most-downloaded series of all time, behind the first season in top spot and Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.Netflix announced the Squid Game season three release date as part of an expansive look at its 2025 film and TV slate. On the movie side, there's another Knives Out murder mystery to look forward to in the fall, as well as Guillermo del Toros take on Frankenstein this November. As for Netflix's shows, the animated adaptation ofDevil May Cry will debut on April 3.The company reaffirmed that the next seasons of Black Mirror, Wednesday, The Witcherand Stranger Things will arrive this year, but no dates have been confirmed for those as yet. To speculate for a moment, a fall premiere date for Stranger Things season five seems likely. Both that and Squid Game are among the company's franchises and putting some distance between their final installments makes sense.This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/tv-movies/squid-game-season-three-will-hit-netflix-on-june-27-162235783.html?src=rss

Nvidia's RTX 5080 defeats AMD's Radeon RX 7900 XTX in several games at the same price, but with scalpers involved, it could be a struggle to attain the new GPU.

Microsoft's gaming division experienced a 7% revenue decline during its second fiscal quarter.

The Six Triple Eight is a story of unsung heroes, and the visual effects by One of Us bring it to life with remarkable authenticity. The team extended the battle-worn streets of Glasgow to transport viewers to war-torn Europe, while meticulously reconstructing a bustling 1940s Washington D.C. These invisible VFX enhancements ensured historical accuracy and immersion throughout the film.Among its more notable work was a recreated RAF base with thousands of mailbags. They also did complete CG stormy seas to capture the danger and brutality of war-time travel. Mild clean up to the period in many shots added to the visual validation of the movie without creating any historical anomaly out of place.Through their attention to detail and technical precision, One of Us was able to make history feel vivid and real, which added to the emotional weight and authenticity of The Six Triple Eights storytelling.The post The Six Triple Eight: VFX Breakdown by One of Us appeared first on Vfxexpress.

Dune: Prophecys visuals transport the viewer to the grand scale of Arrakis and further. Accenture Songs VFX team made the film, in terms of visuals, incredibly immersive, using a combination of artistry and technology to breathe life into these environments. Be it vast desert cityscapes or detailed interiors, every frame bursts with depth and realism that makes the audience immerse further into the narrative.The movie boasts intricate designs of many starships that are futuristic and functional. Accenture Song created these spacecraft in meticulous detail to give them more authenticity and tie them into the scope of the epic story. Explosive scenes, for example, are an area where the team is exceptionally skilled at depicting destructive effects in a way that still keeps with the story.The VFX work in Dune: Prophecy not only supplements the storytelling but also elevates the film. Accenture Song has shown it can do something that would appeal to audiences everywhere.The post Dune Prophecy: VFX Breakdown by Accenture Song appeared first on Vfxexpress.

In an executive order Monday, President Donald Trump demanded a full-scale review of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and requested a report proposing structural changes within the next 180 days. The move comes after he made repeated calls for getting rid of the nations backstop against natural disasters during his first few days as president.FEMA has turned out to be a disaster, Trump said in North Carolina on Friday while on a multistate tour to areas still recovering from the effects of last years Hurricane Helene and the ongoing wildfires near Los Angeles. I think we recommend that FEMA go away.Inside the agency, FEMAs staff is bracing for the worst.We all got PTSD here in Puerto Rico the first time around. [Were] just praying we dont get so much as a bad rain in the next four years, says Denise, a FEMA employee who requested to be identified only by her middle name. I was expecting BS, but not this fast.Residents of Watsonville temporarily living in FEMA trailers a year after the Loma Prieta earthquake in California, circa 1990 [Photo: Eric Luse/The San Francisco Chronicle/Getty Images]FEMA was established in 1979 in its current form, but traces its roots back to 1803 with congressional authorization of aid to the city of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, following a severe fire that threatened the national economy. Today, FEMA aid is available only after local jurisdictions have depleted their own ability to respond to an emergency and specifically request it. Even then, the request must be approved by Congress.FEMA is currently managing the response and recovery for at least 192 disaster declarationsincluding fires, floods, landslides, tornadoes, hurricanes, and winter storms. In 2023, FEMAs budget totaled nearly $30 billion, including activities in every state, tribal entity, and Puerto Rico.Trumps moves to limit FEMAs scope appear to be rooted in political retribution. His executive order alleges FEMA staff have selectively administered hurricane aid based on political affiliationa false rumor that the president himself helped spread during the Helene aftermath, and which the agency has worked hard to debunk. That same allegation resulted in multiple physical threats to FEMA workers last year in North Carolina and Tennessee. The chairman of the Republican National Committee was one of the first people named as a member of the FEMA review panel that Trump tasked with deciding the agencys future.Routing FEMA funds directly through the White House, as Trump suggested over the weekend, would further politicize federal disaster aid, especially since states that historically have received the most FEMA funds are those along the Gulf Coast that supported him in the last election.Trump has also threatened conditioning federal wildfire aid to California on the state passing more restrictive voter ID laws. Moves like this are unheard of in recent U.S. history, and have prompted bipartisan anger in response. California has given more to the recovery of other states than any other state in the union, said Democratic Senator Adam Schiff. You do not want to go down this road.A civilian search and rescue team member, left, gives a hand to a member of NY Task Force One, a FEMA urban search and rescue team, as they hike along the Broad River in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. [Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images]Shifting to the statesWhile on his trips to North Carolina and California last week, Trump speculated that he could ultimately abolish FEMA entirely and turn disaster management directly over to the states, which would then be able to delegate response and recovery efforts to nonprofits.According to an analysis by Samantha Montano, an emergency management professor at Massachusetts Maritime Academy, this would result in a less effective, less efficient, and less equitable emergency management system, which means it makes all of us less safe. Without question, we would see higher death tolls, greater physical damage, and immense economic impacts.Even if Trump and Congress maintain current levels of federal disaster aid, without FEMA states wouldnt have adequate infrastructure to administer that aid to affected households. Multistate disasterslike most hurricaneswould likely have a haphazard response without FEMAs coordination and could completely overwhelm small states, territories, and tribal nations.Workers for FEMA put a temporary roof on a home damaged by Hurricane Katrina in Waveland, Mississippi. [Photo: Spencer Platt/Getty Images]Emergency management experts consulted by Fast Company said a diminished federally coordinated disaster response would compound the growing risks that Americans already face from climate change. Even adjusting for inflation, the annual number of billion-dollar disasters in the United States has doubled in just the past 10 years. That will continue to grow for the foreseeable future as rising temperatures fuel stronger storms.Withholding federal aid could deal a crushing blow to any area that has suffered a severe disaster, says Edie Schaffer, a retired emergency planning manager for the city and county of San Francisco. It would also prolong recovery, which in some instances could have consequences far beyond the area where the disaster occurred.A case in point: Reporting from the Tampa Bay Times indicates that the twin 2024 hurricane disasters of Helene and Milton generated $247 million of additional expenses for debris collection and disposal in the St. Petersburg area aloneabout 30% of the citys annual operating budget. FEMA has already committed to covering $200 million of those expenses, but reimbursements could now be delayed.A state or local area left to address the impacts of disasters alone would likely have to shift funding from other projects to help with response and recovery efforts, says Schaffer, noting that as a last resort, cities and states may need to turn to selling bonds to cover any expense shortfalls.President Trump throws paper towels into a crowd at a food and supply distribution event following Hurricane Maria in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico, in 2017. [Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images]Trump and FEMAThe interim FEMA administrator, Cameron Hamilton, is a former Navy SEAL with no previous disaster management experience, but he is a Trump loyalista further sign that the president is likely to politicize federal disaster response in his second term.Aside from the COVID-19 pandemic, the botched federal response to Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2017 was one of Trumps largest first-term failures, according to emergency response experts.Studies show that Marias impact was worsened by the slow response. A Biden-era report issued by the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights found that the initial aid package to Puerto Rico was 16 times smaller than aid to Texas after Hurricane Harveywhich happened a few weeks before Maria. A 2018 report from George Washington University found that delays in disaster response likely elevated mortality rates in Puerto Rico after Maria.Theres also evidence that a similar effect happened in North Carolina during Trumps first term, with Hurricanes Matthew and Florence. In both cases, bureaucratic delays in federal aid made subsequent disasters worse. While in office, Trump accused George Washington University researchers of being part of a ploy by Democrats to make him look as bad as possible, and he repeatedly falsely inflated the amount of aid he had distributed to Puerto Rico.A deeper issue is that FEMA also coordinates with states and local governments on disaster prevention and works to maintain and update planning documents for dozens of disaster typesfrom hazmat spills to nuclear warthat use the best available science. Should that work also be curtailed, it would greatly magnify the burden of future disasters. A report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce says that every dollar invested in disaster prevention yields $13 of avoided damages and improved economic activity.A FEMA disaster recovery center in Pasadena, California, on January 17, 2025 [Photo: Jill Connelly/Bloomberg/Getty Images]If the U.S. fixed its infrastructure, building codes, and [addressed] climate change, [FEMA] might not be as necessary, says Denise. A lot of us who [do] work facing the public are survivors from previous large disasters who were hired to work locally and then stayed at the agency.Fortunately, a potential FEMA backup is already in place should Trump ultimately disband or dramatically downsize the agency. The Emergency Management Assistance Compact is a nationwide mutual aid agreement among all 50 states and territories that was formed in 1996. California Governor Gavin Newsom used the agreement to send response staff to Florida even before Hurricane Helene made landfall there. Cooperation among states wont free up any federal funding, but could help reduce the chances that any one state gets overwhelmed.

Nissan is slashing production at its U.S. plants and offering buyouts to factory workers there as part of the Japanese automakers urgent efforts to return to profitability.The move is part of Nissan Motor Corp.s plans, announced two months ago, to slash 9,000 jobs globally, including in China, after it racked up a quarterly loss due to sinking sales and ballooning inventory.At Nissans plant in Smyrna, Tennessee, one production line will maintain two shifts, while the other line will consolidate to one shift, the company said.The Smyrna plant makes Murano, Pathfinder and Rogue sport-utility vehicles and the Infiniti QX60 luxury model.In the Canton plant in Mississippi, which makes the Altima sedan and Frontier pickup, Nissan is reducing the speed on one line and consolidating another.In the Decherd plant in Tennessee, which makes engines, shift adjustments will be more gradual. Some will be maintained while others will be reduced by one shift, it said.When it announced its recovery plan in November, Nissan didnt give details on where the job cuts might come.The workforce reduction of 9,000 people amounts to about 6% of its more than 133,000 global employees. The company also plans to slash its global production capacity by 20%.Nissan, based in the port city of Yokohama, said the latest offers count toward its overall job reduction plans, and are designed to make its operations more efficient and flexible.Nissan is taking urgent measures globally to turnaround its performance and create a leaner, more resilient business capable of swiftly adapting to changes in the market, the company said in a statement.Separately, Nissan and Japanese rival Honda Motor Co. are working to form a joint holding company to integrate their businesses, planned for 2026.Nissan and Honda announced in March they will work together on electric vehicles. In August, they said that partnership was being broadened. They plan to have a definitive agreement by June.Nissan is set to release its October-December financial results on February 13. Nissan stocks jumped 2% in Tokyo trading after the reports about the U.S. plans surfaced.Yuri Kageyama is on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@yurikageyamaYuri Kageyama, AP Business Writer

Interior designer Dorothe Meilichzon has transformed the Experimental Chalet Val d'Isre hotel in the village of Val d'Isre, France, with interiors informed by skiing and the surrounding mountains and forests."We wanted to move away from the usual ski resort decor," Meilichzon, who is the founder of design brand Chzon, told Dezeen. "The aim was to create something new while ensuring you still feel you are in a ski resort."The bed heads feature giant wooden skis and felt panels "stitched" together with ropeGiant ski bed heads, fox door-knockers, bronze branches and twigs for wardrobe and drawer handles are some of the playful design details in the renovated hotel, now called Experimental Chalet Val d'Isre.Speaking to Dezeen, Meilichzon said the idea of "the spirit of the forest" was the main design inspiration for everything from the door frames and bathroom furniture to the benches that sit around the large stone fireplace in the main lounge area.Gloss ceilings help to reflect light throughout the roomsThe existing hotel building was constructed of lauze stone, concrete and wood and remindedMeilichzon of an American-style lodge.She looked to logs, branches, stonework and wood panelling as a starting point for the project, while also "paying tribute to the alps and ski-inspired details".A special plaster finish was designed that echoes the tracks left by skis in the snowThroughout the 113-room Experimental Group hotel, which is situated in the heart of the Alps, the design nods to the forest and mountains outside.Mirror frames were designed in the shape of skis, snow-white marble was used in the bathrooms and table legs were made from ski poles.Patterns and textures used on seating and wall panels intend to invoke "the spirit of the forest""Most of our inspiration came either from branches, branches crossing each other and assembled with rope, ski spatulas, ski traces, snowboards, ski pole washers, and some of the design details of very specific alpine heritage: cocarde, trunk, wood-braiding," Meilichzon explained.The Chzon design team developed a "ski track" plaster, made with lime, which intends to reflect the colours of the wide tracks carved by skiers in the snow on the steep Le Face de Bellevarde nearby.Local Savoyard craft techniques have been used, like the rope details on the legs of wash basinsThe furnishings and decor of Experimental Chalet Val d'Isre aim to evoke the local Savoyard traditions of the mountain village.Examples include wooden chests which Meilichzon described "like those handed down from father to son" that feature carvings informed by the markings on bread dough before it goes to the wood-fired oven, marquetry straps, ecru-boucle carpeting and benches upholstered in duvets.Read: Dorothe Meilichzon nods to Alice in Wonderland for Cotswolds hotel interiorThe mix of contemporary, playful details and traditional crafts and materials express Meilichzon's signature design synthesis."We designed 90 per cent of the elements in the hotel and we wanted to have lot of contrast: pine and walnut, red and green, black and white, lacquer and bronze, white marble and matte ceramics", she said.Bedheads were inspired by the idea of giant wooden skisOther projects by Meilichzon featured on Dezeen include a London restaurant and a hotel in Biarritz.The photography is by Mr Tripper.The post Dorothe Meilichzon designs Alpine hotel interiors with giant ski bed heads appeared first on Dezeen.