Apple today introduced iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max with a striking new design that delivers a dramatic leap in performance.

The new iPhone 17 fast charging features can half-fill the battery in only 20 minutes. To do it, you need Apple's new charger too.Apple's new power supply is best paired with an iPhone 17 or iPhone AirApple has been incrementally improving the charging on its smartphones for years. It's trying to do so safely and intelligently.It would be easy for Apple to produce a crazy fast charger. However, doing so would also result in additional heat, ultimately lowering battery health and its lifespan. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The winners of the 13th Architizer A+Awards have been announced! Looking ahead to next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.God created the world, but the Dutch created the Netherlands. Its an age-old adage owing to the monumental feat of reclaiming land from the North Sea via the development of a nationwide network of dykes, dams and storm barriers.The environmental impact of this remains problematic, though. With urban sprawl comes biodiversity loss and a significant demand on resources. According to World Bank data, the Netherlands is now home to very few rural communities 93% of its population is urbanized, with 17.7 million people living in an area under 16,216 square miles (42,000 square kilometers).This shortage of space has led to an ongoing housing crisis, which we have covered, along with potential solutions, in previous articles. A situation exacerbated by huge restrictions on what can and cant be built, and where, in the largest Dutch city, Amsterdam. Within the Canal Ring, the old centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and policymakers do everything in their power to protect this. Historic buildings are preserved, traditional faades must be maintained by law, and modern development opportunities are scarce.NIO House Amsterdam by MVRDV, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Finalist, Commerical Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 13th Architizer A+AwardsIts within this context that MVRDV was asked to create a new flagship European location for NIO. The Chinese electric vehicle giant, headquartered in the ultra-sci-fi-looking metropolis of Shanghai, represents the cutting edge of high-tech, affordable, low-emission transit. The company is also renowned for a unique approach to creating its satellite office locations. Situated on the Keizersgracht canal, one of three main waterways that form the canal belt, NIO and Dutch architectural studio have created the most standout space of them all.A typically beautiful but aging structure dating back to 1891, the building was originally home to the New York Life Insurance Company and one of Amsterdams tallest private addresses. It has since been known as the Metz & Co department store, and from 2013 became an outlet of US fashion brand Abercrombie & Fitch, with much of the upper floor space closed off.NIO House Amsterdam by MVRDV, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Finalist, Commerical Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 13th Architizer A+AwardsToday, MVRDVs finished project is a bold combination of past, present and a future which is now unfolding before our eyes. Key elements of the original building, including an ornately detailed staircase, have been saved and, in many instances, brought back to life after a period of neglect. Internal walls have been removed and ceilings raised in parts to maximize interior light.An atrium is introduced, accentuating the lack of partitions and drawing attention to a total reliance on vertical connections to keep the place upright. 3D printed materials, made from recycled drinks cartons, have been added as panelling, with Duracryls Durabella sustainable terrazzo flooring made from renewable colored bio-based binder and mixed in a matrix of marble, glass and other natural materials installed on the ground level. Elsewhere, wood fixtures and fittings marry eco-friendly paint.NIO House Amsterdam by MVRDV, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Finalist, Commerical Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 13th Architizer A+AwardsSpread across seven stories, each floor is remarkably unique, from color palettes to a range of individual features like vaulted ceilings and exquisitely detailed carpets and curtains. Theres a tangible sense of journeying as you move through the buildings various levels. Its a varied yet coherent experience which speaks to NIOs brand position progressive, outward looking and ambitious while reassuring us that the near-future isnt solely interested in erasing history.There are more reasons to fall in love with MVRDVs efforts, too. Companies are increasingly feeling the pressure to become more sustainable, less environmentally damaging, and part of the solution. Yet, this doesnt stop at climate and nature. Architecturally, our towns, cities and even countryside are scarred by, and still reeling from, modernisms tendency to close off, designate and delineate. For the most part, in the 20th-century, landmark construction projects looked to impose themselves on a place rather than complement the community that already existed there.NIO House Amsterdam by MVRDV, Amsterdam, Netherlands | Finalist, Commerical Interiors (>25,000 sq ft), 13th Architizer A+AwardsOn Keizersgracht, NIO has deliberately demanded a presence that works with the area in terms of both external aesthetics and social impact. Above the cars on display, the ground floor includes a public caf complete with a kids corner. On the second story, youll find the Forum a professional area open to local businesses and organizations for presentations, workshops, lectures and meetings.Above this is a co-working hub. Then, a self-contained gallery was made to host the companys products and work from Amsterdams artistic community: world-famous yet notoriously starved of space due to soaring overheads and the fact that the Netherlands has so little to spare. Crowned with a rooftop pavilion event area overlooking the unarguably photogenic cityscape, if we were looking for examples of how a firm can arrive in a country, immediately assimilate and support people and place, this is prime real estate.The winners of the 13th Architizer A+Awards have been announced! Looking ahead to next season? Stay up to date by subscribing to our A+Awards Newsletter.The post Amsterdams Canal Belt Gets an Electric Jolt: NIO House by MVRDV appeared first on Journal.

Midday sun is often labelled the enemy of good photography; harsh, unflattering, and full of contrast. But with the right techniques, midday sunlight photography can become a powerful creative tool. Instead of avoiding the brightest part of the day, embrace it. Midday light offers sharp shadows, bold colors, and opportunities to experiment with graphic compositions and high-contrast scenes.Why Midday Sunlight Photography Deserves a Second LookWhile golden hour has its dreamy appeal, the sun at its peak presents a distinct and dramatic aesthetic. Hard light emphasizes form and texture, revealing detail in everything from architecture to skin. Shadows are crisp and defined, ideal for storytelling through contrast.In street photography, midday sun creates striking light-and-shadow patterns. In landscapes, it enhances texture in rocky terrain or dry vegetation. For portraits, it can add a raw, editorial edgeespecially when you understand how to work with (not against) the light.How to Make the Most of Harsh LightMidday sunlight photography doesnt have to be difficult; it just demands intention. Use these approaches to make it work for you:Use shadows creatively: Look for repeating patterns, lines, and grids created by architecture or trees. Harsh shadows can act as compositional elements on their own, guiding the viewers eye or creating mood.Try black-and-white photography: High contrast scenes are a natural fit for monochrome. Stripping away color lets the graphic power of the light and shadow take center stage.Position your subject thoughtfully: Instead of avoiding the sun, use it to highlight specific features. Frame your subject so the light carves out their silhouette, or experiment with side lighting to emphasize texture.Use objects as natural diffusers: Seek shade under tree canopies, awnings, or sheer fabrics to soften light without losing the drama of the scene.Overexpose for effect: Lean into the brightness. Slight overexposure can create a blown-out, dreamy feel, especially effective in editorial or lifestyle photography.Tip: If shooting portraits, have your subject face away from the sun or use a reflector to bounce soft light onto their face while keeping the background brightly lit.Embracing the Bold AestheticMidday sun isnt about subtletyits about confidence. Whether youre drawn to deep shadows, vibrant colors, or exaggerated forms, this light encourages boldness in your visual storytelling. Think fashion campaigns shot under desert sun, or street images where humans disappear into light-and-shadow geometry.With a creative mindset and a few key techniques, midday light shifts from challenge to opportunity, inviting you to push your vision further when others are packing up their gear.Extended reading:Harnessing Light and Shadow to Enhance Your StorytellingThe post Creative Techniques for Shooting in Harsh Midday Sunlight appeared first on 500px.

Following the trend of enhanced versions of its Switch 1 titles for the Switch 2, Nintendo announced Super Mario Bros. Wonder Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park. Its set to release in Spring 2026 and includes a variety of new multiplayer minigames.These Fast Cash: Tip Taps Coin Spree, where players must collect as many coins as possible while traversing courses; Knock em Back: Bubble Blaster, which involves knocking opponents into lava with bubble guns; and Run, Hide! Phanto Tag, a Prop Hunt meets hot potato-style challenge where players seek each out and pass on the cursed Phanto mask from Super Mario Bros. 2.Thankfully, thats not all, as Nintendo teased other new content like the return of the Koopalings, new levels with a focus on Captain Toad, and Bellabel Flowers to collect. Stay tuned for more details in the coming months. As with other enhanced Switch 1 titles on Switch 2, a paid Upgrade Pack will be available for current owners.For more on Super Mario Bros. Wonder, one of the best side-scrolling platformers available now, check out our review.

ActionVFX is running a sale! Get your industry-leading VFX stock footage at 25% off, and get the AVFX Drive for 50% off!A factory is generally made up of different departments, all working together to produce the final product. The VFX industry is similar, with many different departments, each with its own area of expertise, all working together to produce the final product. As youd find in a factory, each department requires a different set of tools and machinery to complete their task. In the VFX industry, each department requires a different set of software tools to complete theirs!Weve created different categories based on areas of expertise to show you, what software options are most commonly used by the big VFX Houses.Meantime, you can grab some amazing drag and drop VFX for your next project directly from ActionFX.RotoscopingThis skill is when the VFX artist basically traces around an object to create a mask that can then be used to remove the object from the shot to use on a different background. This process is quicker and easier when the background is a green or blue screen because you can then create this mask using color hues or Chroma range, a process known as Chroma Keying.The majority of Big VFX houses outsource their Grunt work (Matchmoving and Rotoscoping) to India or Asia but when they do do it, they tend to use either, Silhouette or Mochapro, and some rotoscoping will be done in Nuke by Foundry.MatchmovingMatchmoving uses a variety of different techniques to track the movement of that camera that is filming a certain shot, this enables them to create a virtual camera that mimics these movements so that when they composite any 3D elements theyve created back into the original plate, the scale, orientation, are perspective are perfectly matched.This process (much like rotoscoping) is laborious and time-consuming and is generally Outsourced but the most popular software in use is 3D Equalizer, SynthEyes, and PFTrack. 3D Equalizer is the most popular and has been in use since 1996.FXThis department is mainly responsible for creating natural effects, water, wind, fire, smoke, magical effects, and explosions. Unlike CG objects, characters, and animals, these effects are all too big, and too complicated to be animated by hand, so VFX Artists simulate them using Procedural Simulation Software. The two that are most widely used are Houdini by SideFX and Maya by Autodesk. Houdini is however very much the most widely used, so much so, that it has become the industrys standard.Weve left an insanely quicker and cheaper alternative in the description. ActionFX has tons of drag and drop VFX that you can just pop into your timeline, scale and adjust and get cinema quality results in minutes! Be sure to check out our special discount in the description!ModelingModeling artists create 3D models of characters, animals, plants and objects. Working from concept artwork, photographs, and other reference material, they begin by creating a wireframe, commonly referred to as a Mesh and then use digital tools to sculpt it. When ready, the 3D models can then be passed on to be animated, textured, and lit. There are a lot of software options out there but the main ones used are, Maya by Autodesk, 3D Studio Max by Autodesk, ZBrush by Pixologic, Mudbox by Autodesk, and MODO by Foundry. Maya and 3D Studio Max have become industry standards for building 3D characters, creating particles, rigging, and animating, whereas ZBrush has become the industry standard for 3D sculpting, and Mudbox, is its main competitor.AnimationAnimators use CG rigs to animate the objects previously created by the modelers. These rigs can be set up to control where the joints or pivot points of an object are, or how far an object can move or rotate. The animators must then use these controls not only to control movement but to convey emotion. whereas a puppet may just drop its head, an animated character will make you feel its sadness.As far as software is concerned there is only one way to go, Maya by Autodesk, very much the industry standard, and its use is so widespread that its really become the only option.Texture and ShadingThe Texture artist is responsible for creating photorealistic textures to be placed on the gray 3D models that were made by the modeling department.Maya by Autodesk and 3D Studio Max by Autodesk are generally used for shading because both feature a Node-based shading system. Textures, however, are usually created with either Mari by Foundry, Substance Painter by Adobe, or Photoshop, also by Adobe.RenderingThis is the engine that is responsible for the final 3D image generation and is generally connected to the modeling and shading software. The most widely used are Renderman by Pixar, Arnold by Autodesk, and V-ray by Chaos.CompositingCompositors take all the CG components from each department and combine them with matte paintings and live-action footage to create the final shot.Nuke by Foundry is the most popular and the most widely used, a similar software is Fusion by Black Magic Design but it is far less popular. After Effects by Adobe is also used but mainly for TV advertisement compositing or motion graphics because its layered-based system is too limited for major movie productions.Save big on industry-leading VFX stock footage products at ActionVFX! Get 25% off everything in their library, and get 50% off the AVFX Drive!The post All You Need to Know About VFX Software and How to Get Started Right Now appeared first on Fame Focus.

The winners of the 35th Toronto Urban Design Awards were announced on the evening of September 10, 2025, at a special gala at the Palais Royale.Mayor Olivia Chow was joined by Jason Thorne, executive director and chief planner, City of Toronto, to honour this years award winners.An independent jury of architects, landscape architects, urban designers and academics brought their expertise to recognize the projects that exemplify design excellence.The 2025 jury members include Osemelu (Ossie) Airewele, (senior associate, BDP Quadrangle), Olivia Keung (associate and director of sustainability, Moriyama Teshima Architects), Christine Leu (co-founder, LeuWebb Projects / lecturer, Toronto Metropolitan University), Ute Maya-Giambattista (principal, O2), and Brendan Stewart (associate professor, University of Guelph / landscape collaborator, ERA).This year, the jury selected a total of 12 projects for Awards of Excellence, nine for Awards of Merit, two Special Jury Awards for Integrated Approach and one Special Jury Award for Community Incubator.2025 Toronto Urban Design Awards winners include the following.Award of ExcellencePublic Buildings in ContextUnion Station Revitalization; 65 Front St. W. by NORR Architects & Engineers LimitedUnion Station Revitalization; 65 Front St. W. by NORR Architects & Engineers Limited. Photo credit: Doublespace PhotographyToronto Public Library, Albert Campbell District Branch; 496 Birchmount Rd. by LGA Architectural Partners.Toronto Public Library, Albert Campbell District Branch; 496 Birchmount Rd. by LGA Architectural Partners. Photo credit: Doublespace PhotographyAnishnawbe Health Toronto, Indigenous Community Health Centre; 425 Cherry St. by Stantec Architecture Ltd.; Two Row Architect.Toronto Urban Design Award Award of Excellence Public Buildings Anishnawbe Health Toronto. Photo credit: James BrittainPrivate Buildings in Context TallMaple House at Canary Landing; 131 Mill St. by architectsAlliance; Cobe Architects.Maple House at Canary Landing; 131 Mill St. by architectsAlliance; Cobe Architects. Photo credit: Adrian OzimekPrivate Buildings in Context Low-ScaleDunn House Social Medicine Housing; 90 Dunn Ave. by Montgomery Sisam ArchitectsToronto Urban Design Award Award of Excellence. Private Buildings Dunn House. Photo credit: Doublespace PhotographyLarge Places and/or Neighbourhood DesignsLeslie Lookout Park; 12 A Leslie St. by CCxA, lookout tower by gh3*Toronto Urban Design Award Award of Excellence Leslie Lookout Park. Photo credit: CreateTOSmall Open SpacesZiibiing; 27 Kings College Cir. by Brook McIlroy. Landscape Architect: Brook McIlroyZiibiing; 27 Kings College Cir. by Brook McIlroy. Landscape Architect: Brook McIlroy. Photo credit: Tom Arban PhotographyThe Spirit Garden; 100 Queen St. W. by Gow Hastings Architects (Prime); Two Row Architect (Indigenous Consultant). Landscape Architect: PMA Landscape Architects Ltd.Toronto Urban Design Award Award of Excellence. Small Open Spaces Spirit Garden. Photo credit: Tom Arban PhotographyElementsPort Lands Bridges; Cherry Street North, Cherry Street South, Commissioners Street by GrimshawArchitectsPort Lands Bridges; Cherry Street North, Cherry Street South, Commissioners Street by GrimshawArchitects. Photo credit: Jonathan BacolorPublic ArtRed Embers; Toronto City Hall Lobby, Allan Gardens (Temporary Installation), Ashbridges Bay (Temporary Installation) by Smoke Architecture with Indigenous artists Hannah Claus; Sarah Biscarra Dilley; Rosalie Favell; Rolande Souliere; LouiseSolomon; Lido Pimienta; Eladia Smoke, Larissa Roque; Annie Beach; Kristy Auger, Adrienne Greyeyes; Lindsey Lickers, Tash Naveau; Catherine Tmmaro, NWRCT community members and artists Lisa Rochon; Larissa Roque (Smoke Architecture); Tiffany CreykeToronto Urban Design Award Award of Excellence. Public Art Red Embers. Photo credit: Lisa RochonVisions and Master PlansUniversity Park; University Avenue between Bloor and King by PUBLIC WORKUniversity Park, Image credit: PUBLIC WORKStudent ProjectsParkdale Peoples Palace; 240-250 Dunn Ave. by Matthew Dlugosz (University of Waterloo)Parkdale Peoples Palace, Image credit: Matthew DlugoszAward of MeritPrivate Buildings in Context TallSickKids Patient Support Centre; 175 Elizabeth St. by B+H Architects. Landscape Architect: B+H ArchitectsPrivate Buildings in Context Low-Scale The Brunswick Lofts; 225 Brunswick Ave. by Suulin Architects. Landscape Architect: Suulin Architects Ulster House; 84 Ulster St. by LGA Architectural Partners. Landscape Architect: Lorraine Johnson (Native Plant Consultant) Deeply Affordable Housing at 1120 Ossington; 1120 Ossington Ave. by Smart Density (Site Plan Architect); mcCallumSather(Architects of Record). Landscape Architect: Quinn Design Associates Inc.Large Places and/or Neighbourhood Designs The Well; 486 Front St. W. by Hariri Pontarini Architects (Masterplan and Office); Adamson Associates Architects (Executive Architect); BDP (Retail, Canopy, Landscape Architect); Giannone Petricone Associates (Wellington Market); Wallman Architects (Residential Midrises); architectsAlliance (Residential Highrises); Urban Strategies Inc. (Urban Design and Planning) Landscape Architect: CCxA Landscape of Landmark Quality, University of Toronto; University of Toronto Front Campus by KPMB Architects; ERA ArchitectsLandscape Architect: Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates Inc.ElementsCanada Malting Silos; 9 Eireann Quay by ERA ArchitectsVisions and Master PlansCity of Toronto Thermal Comfort Guidelines; City of Toronto by DIALOG (Urban Designer). Engineer: Buro HappoldStudentQueer Arrival Park; 33 Isabella St. by Simon Liao (University of Waterloo)Special Jury Award for Integrated ApproachToronto Urban Design Award Special Jury Integrated Approach The Dance. Photo credit: Scott Norsworthy Photography The Dance; 20 Isabella St. (George Hislop Park) and Yonge Street Linear Parks; 20 Isabella St. and 13 Isabella St. public art piece authored by Uoai (artist/architect) in collaboration with PMA landscape architects for the Yonge St. Linear Parks. Waterworks; 505 Richmond St. W. by Diamond Schmitt with landscape architect Janet Rosenberg & Studio and St. Andrews Playground Park; 450 Adelaide St. W. by DTAHSpecial Jury Award for Community IncubatorToronto Urban Design Award Special Jury Community Incubator Clark Centre for the Arts. Photo credit: Tom Arban PhotographyClark Centre for the Arts; 191 Guildwood Pkwy. by Taylor Hazell Architects with landscape architect PMA Landscape ArchitectsMore information on the 2025 Toronto Urban Design Awards winners is available here.The post City of Toronto unveils winners of 2025 Toronto Urban Design Awards appeared first on Canadian Architect.

Sclerophrys gutturalis, also known as the African common toad or the guttural toad, is a species of amphibian in the true toad family, Bufonidae. It is found in Africa in a region stretching from Kenya west to Angola and south to South Africa, and inhabits areas of forest, savanna and wetland. Males grow up to 90 millimetres (3.5in) and females 120 millimetres (4.7in) in length. The upper surface is buffish brown with variable irregular dark brown markings, while the underparts are pale and granular and the male has a dark throat. This photograph shows a S.gutturalis toad swimming in Lake Sibaya, South Africa.Photograph credit: Charles J. SharpRecently featured: Ustyurt Nature ReserveCommon ringed ploverAustin J. Tobin PlazaArchiveMore featured pictures

September 14Kumba Ial1752 Under the terms of the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750, the British Empire adopted the Gregorian calendar, skipping 11days of the month.1940 Hungarian forces massacred at least 150 ethnic Romanians in Ip, Transylvania, following rumors that Romanians were responsible for the deaths of two soldiers.1943 World War II: Nazi forces began a mass extermination campaign against the civilian residents of around 20 villages on the Greek island of Crete, eventually killing more than 500 men.2003 President Kumba Ial (pictured) of Guinea-Bissau was deposed in a bloodless military coup.2015 Physicists of the LIGO and Virgo projects first observed gravitational waves, the existence of which was predicted by Henri Poincar in 1905.ConstantineV (d.775)Jeremiah Dummer (b.1645)Ponnambalam Arunachalam (b.1853)Beah Richards (d.2000)More anniversaries: September 13September 14September 15ArchiveBy emailList of days of the yearAbout