The first trailer for Andor's second and final season has finally made its way online, and it's a confident showing from Lucasfilm.

The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.Most ordinary people know little about the calculus, statistics, linear algebra, logic, and programming languages required to design projects and products to leverage artificial intelligence.However, we are not exempt from using products and services that rely on AI. If we do not learn how to maximize these tools, our organizationsbusinesses, schools, and governmentswill have less ability to generate income and a lower quality of life compared to those who do.What is most unsettling is the general lack of knowledge about logic, mathematics, and grammatical syntax that may affect AIs creation and usage.Set theoryConsider set theory in mathematics, introduced indirectly in elementary school. Basic concepts like classification, grouping, and counting objects, form its foundation.During middle school, students learn set definitions, notation, and representations (listing elements, Venn diagrams), set operations (union, intersection, difference, and complements), and relationships between sets (subsets, empty sets, disjointed sets, universal sets).By high school, students face set theory with greater complexity. Applications are presented in discrete mathematics, relationships between sets and probabilities, numerical sets and related algebraic operations, and advanced concepts to introduce mathematical logic.You might be wondering where this is going.Logical reasoningSet theory feeds into logic: the science and art of reasoning correctly. Logic studies the principles of valid thought, structuring rules and methods that help evaluate the consistency and validity of arguments, deductions, and propositions.Modern mathematics is built on set theory, itself a logical system. Logic provides the structure and principles underpinning mathematical reasoning. Concepts such as implication, equivalence, negation, and quantification are fundamental logical tools used in mathematics.Logical reasoning uses symbols and formulas to represent propositions and inferences. It is essential for solving mathematical problems. In mathematics, logic explores topics like set theory and computability theory.Were circling back to the topic again.Logic helps children (and adults) break problems into smaller, more manageable parts and tackle them systematically. When solving a puzzle, logical reasoning helps them identify patterns, rules, or constraints. Chess, Sudoku, mazes, and building blocks simultaneously develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. In math and science, solving problems logically is intrinsic to solving equations, understanding patterns, and conducting experiments.GrammarAnd what about grammar? Although the proposition might seem counterintuitive, grammatical syntax has a direct relationship with mathematics, particularly set theory and logic.In traditional grammar, syntax refers to the set of rules dictating how words and phrases are organized to form sentences. Grammatical classes (nouns, verbs, adjectives) combine according to rules, and sentences have hierarchical structures (clauses, phrases). Syntax rules determine whether a sentence is grammatically correct, and in linguistic analysis (parsing), understanding sentences involves breaking them into parts.Noam Chomskys generative grammar theory describes the implicit rules and principles underlying natural language structure. It demonstrates how sentences are generated from a finite set of rules to create infinite possible expressions in a language.Programming languages also have syntaxrules determining the correct structure of commands and expressions. Code elements (variables, functions, loops) combine using the specific rules of the language to form programs, which also have hierarchical structures (functions, blocks, modules). Like linguistic analysis, compilers and interpreters analyze code by breaking it into tokens (parts) and examining its structure.Algorithms and AIYou might think this article was supposed to be about using artificial intelligence, not creating computational models. And youre right.One important concept for using AIs capabilities is the notion of intervals. Defining intervals enable users to separate, structure, search, and manipulate information in databases or directly within documents.This concept, widely used in set theory, is fundamental to logic, and connects logic to computer science, artificial intelligence, and dynamic systems. It also plays a critical role in syntax, particularly in structural analysis, grammatical hierarchy, and even natural language processing.Ultimately, mathematics, logic, and grammatical syntax are fundamental to structuring algorithms.Its worth emphasizing the classical definition of an algorithm, originating in the 9th century: a finite set of well-defined, step-by-step instructions for completing a task or solving a problem.Develop natural algorithmsThe brain has specialized areas for numerical and logical processing (parietal lobe) and specific regions dedicated to grammar and syntax (Brocas and Wernickes areas).These regions integrate their functions to create dynamic problem-solving strategies that mimic algorithmic thinking, unconsciously generating natural algorithms to tackle everyday challenges, such as planning a route or making decisions based on available data, evaluating options, and predicting outcomes.The correlation between mathematics, grammar, and the brains ability to create natural algorithms for solving daily problems reveals a shared reliance on structured logical thinking and generative creativity.This interconnectedness highlights the brains remarkable ability to abstract rules, recognize patterns, and develop natural algorithms to navigate the complexities of daily life.A logical proposition is that our young people must be well-versed in fundamental mathematics and written language proficiency for a single purpose: to train their cognitive engines to develop natural algorithms, and then artificial ones, which increasingly mimic the human brain.This way they can keep up with the times, which are being radically reshaped by humanitys computational capabilities.For parents, a logical takeaway is the idea of increasing their childrens instructional time in this cognitive set.What skills are most important?Calibrating the educational curriculum and workload has been a persistent challenge for educators. The current technological revolution makes this challenge even more pronounced. What is the correct workload for each subject to keep young people in step with evolution? Will mathematics, logic, and grammar gain more importance than subjects like history, geography, or chemistry?A realistic perspective considers these skills as foundational as others, which are also taught in knowledge blockslessons, sections, chapters, numbered exercises, and, ultimately, structured intervals. Indeed, this structure is what students use globally, with tools like Google and now ChatGPT to support their studies (in best-case scenario).Value creationWe are not looking for passive users if we aim for a better world. Technologies based on set theory, grammar, and logic were the foundation for social media and other revolutionary applications in recent years. Billions around the world improved their cultural awareness and their daily life, but we cant exactly say that these applications created value for all of them.The common usability of AI, such as addressing everyday inquiries, solving household essentials, drafting texts, creating videos, or using preset tools in the workplace, will certainly deliver significant benefits to the general population, much like its predecessor technologies did. However, this time, technology should go further by driving value creation that is more equally distributed, enhancing economic output for people around the world.Rodrigo Magnago is the director of rere.eco.

The Fast Company Impact Council is a private membership community of influential leaders, experts, executives, and entrepreneurs who share their insights with our audience. Members pay annual membership dues for access to peer learning and thought leadership opportunities, events and more.The emergence of generative AI and digital transformation has redefined customer-company relationships, empowering consumers like never before. As argued in a previous article I wrote, todays customer is no longer a mere segment or target consumer, but a brand seeking vendors to help create their unique identity. Companies must now redefine their value propositions to meet these evolving expectations.In recent years, weve seen digital platforms like NikeID and physical innovations like Coca-Cola Freestyle allow consumers to customize products within company-defined parameters. This trend towards bespoke experiences is expanding, with companies offering customers greater control in exchange for premium pricing and individualized experiences.Droz: A case study in radical co-creationDuring a recent visit to Switzerland, I witnessed a remarkable example of customer-company co-creation at Jaquet Droz, a luxury watchmaker established in 1738. Now part of the Swatch Group, this Maison has embarked on a radical journey embracing customer collaboration.Led by CEO Alain Delamuraz, Jaquet Droz launched the JD 8.0: A Disruptive Legacy strategy, focusing on creating unique pieces in partnership with customers. The company took the bold step of dismantling its retailer network to work directly with clients.Jaquet Droz built specialized collaboration studios where customers can discuss their desired pieces with artisans. These state-of-the-art facilities allow for real-time interaction and step-by-step follow-up throughout the production process, even down to selecting specific colors for the timepiece. This collaboration may last as long as a year to ensure that the customers exact vision is captured to the level of a shade of a color. While the customer is not an expert on watchmakingthis is what Jaquet Droz brings to the tablehe is the ultimate expert on his preferences and wishes. For such a storied brand to be willing to collaborate so deeply with its customers and enable their dreams requires a great deal of humility and a clarity of the customers role in their existence.High-profile collaborationsWhen Bon Jovi wanted to commemorate the bands 40th anniversary, it was the unique co-creation collaboration with Jaquet Droz team that resulted in Tourbillon Skelet Red GoldBon Jovi. When a Canadian customer and a Rolling Stones fan wanted to ensure that his love for the music is alive every day, The Rolling Stones AutomatonExile on Main Street was created especially for them. For a brand that started its journey in music by crafting special chirping bird clocks for European elite, crafting music-related timepieces was a natural continuation of its legacy. But their co-creation does not stop with music. From nature-related timepieces to top of the line Tourbillon complications, the company is fully dedicated to fulfilling its customers dreams.The courage to innovateJaquet Drozs decision to cease working with retailers and boutiques in favor of direct customer engagement was both courageous and risky. This move provided the freedom to focus entirely on individual client needs, setting a new standard in the luxury watch industry.While some may argue that this level of collaboration is a privilege reserved for the wealthy, the example set by Jaquet Droz is likely to inspire other companies to find ways to democratize the customer co-creation model.How can you start a co-creation process with your customers? Here are few steps to consider:Mindset first: Adapt to the fact that your customers are brand owners with district opinions, not just consumers of your end products.Curious listening: Redesign your discovery process to ask different questions and seek design guidance.Transform to a tool kit: Consider your expertise and skills as part of a toolbox available to craft solutions with your customers not for them.Design collaborative space: Like Jaquet Droz, create dedicated spaces that will foster collaboration and reciprocal dialogue.Joint journey management: Include your customer input throughout the creation journey. Adapt as needed based on feedback.One-of-a-kind creations: Focus on creating solutions that will reflect not just the customer needs, but their brand as well.Share credit: Ensure that your customers contribution to the creation is respected and expressed in the final product.Ongoing support: The sales are never over as you keep on updating the solution as technology evolves and the customers expectations shift.Charge accordingly: Co-creation does not mean you need to lose money. It should lead to a perfect solution at a premium price over the one-size-fits-all sold today.One-of-a-kind story: While your deep knowledge of the processes and production are evident, respect that your customers will know best what they desire and what story they want to craft for themselves. Those stories reflect their identity and therefore will always be one of a kind.Customer co-creation is here to stay. As more manufacturers explore bespoke offerings, Jaquet Drozs commitment to collaborationevidenced by their new studios and direct-to-consumer approachestablishes a path forward for the industry.The bold steps taken by this watchmaker demonstrate that sometimes, to move forward, companies must take risks and reimagine their entire business model. As this trend continues, we can expect to see more innovative approaches to customer collaboration across various industries, potentially making co-creation accessible to a broader audience.Lior Arussy is a global transformation expert and the author of Dare to Author!

When up in the rooftop tent, we crave openness and plenty of natural light. Some existing skylight options have allowed us to gaze at the twinkling night sky before drifting off to sleep, only to be woken up by the first ray of the sunlight, whether we like it or not. California-based Inspired Overland known for its lightweight rooftop tents introduces us to a smarter solution; the Stargazer rooftop tent. Featuring a full-length transparent roof panel that allows for uninterrupted stargazing and can be covered when youd rather not wake at the strike of dawn.Ultralightweight rooftop tents are not really the first choice for campers due to their safety concerns during elements. With a full transparent panel, you could be forgiven for considering the Stargazer as a flimsy fella. Stampped with the Inspired Overland name on it, the lightweight RTT is, however, a trustable camper. It features the tested construction techniques and amalgamates that with new materials for a refined car-top tenting option.Designer: Inspired OverlandBy virtue, the Stargazer is designed to open up a vast view of the night sky through the transparent roof panel stretching the entire length of the tent made from a combination of composite reinforced carbon base and aluminum. The aluminum frame on the carbon frame allows the see-through acrylic roof panel to rest upon it firmly for safe camping. Of course, the choice of acrylic is questionable, but Inspired Overland assures it has thoroughly tested acrylics strength against cracking and withstanding the elements.The reassurance catapults the sub-50kg rooftop tent into a trustable camping option that thrives on its X-hinge design capable of maximizing interior space. When closed, the sleek and compact Stargazer measures only 6 inches high, and with the X-hinge, opens up to a nice sleeping area with a full-length transparent panel over the head. When you do not want to watch the stars or allow light into your sleeping area, the tent has a rollable headliner that secures over the clear panel using Velcro. So, you can even doze off comfortably on a bright afternoon, if thats your thing.You can choose to enjoy the unparalleled view of the starry night from the Stargazer alone or with your partner. For this it is available in two-person and solo configurations with air and foam hybrid mattress. Launched at the SEMA 2024, the Inspired Overland Stargazer RTT is available for preorder starting at $1,299 for the Stargazer Solo and $1,699 for the Stargazer Duo. According to the official website deliveries are expected to start latest by summer of 2025. If you are interested, you can still visit the website and book your option.The post This ultralightweight rooftop tent features full length transparent top for stunning night sky views first appeared on Yanko Design.

The Prefab House Changeover is a compact red structure nestled on a cluster of shotcrete pillars amidst the woodlands of Barcelona. Faced with the challenge of restoring a dilapidated wooden house originally constructed on a nine-pillar foundation and left to decay in the mountains, Spanish studio TEST devised a unique approach. Instead of opting for complete demolition, the studio proposed three innovative replacement strategies to the new owners. Finally, they chose a modular, prefabricated system to be placed atop the existing foundations, emphasizing flexible living both indoors and outdoors.Designer: Studio TESTCompact yet structurally efficient, the newly designed house covers an area of 60 square meters and is composed of eight balloon-framed modules. Each of these modules measures 3x3x3 meters, ensuring a uniform and cohesive design. The modules are strategically stacked on top of reinforced shotcrete pillars, which minimizes the ecological impact on the terrain. This allows the house to rest on the natural landscape, preserving the integrity of the surrounding environment. These pillars are also equipped with mechanical fasteners, facilitating ease of assembly, while also enabling potential future modifications should the need arise.The architectural team at TEST took special care to clad the modules in textured wood. This choice of material helps the house to seamlessly integrate with its natural surroundings despite its striking red exterior. The textured wood acts as a bridge between the bold architectural statement and the serenity of the woodland setting, allowing the house to harmonize with the landscape. This thoughtful design ensures that the dwelling remains both a unique and complementary addition to its serene environment.Inside, the layout and finish of the house follow a minimalist aesthetic, infused with subtle industrial elements that add character to the space. The design prioritizes flexibility, eliminating rigid programming to offer a versatile living environment. By avoiding fixed elements, the space is adaptable to evolving spatial needs and configurations, catering to the dynamic lifestyles of its occupants over time.The architects have thoughtfully integrated an exterior wooden shell that encases the expansive glazing. This blesses the Prefab House with the unique ability to open up almost entirely to its environment, providing stunning views of the surrounding foliage and allowing nature to surround the residents from every angle. When residents want some privacy or a cozy retreat, the house can be closed up completely, offering an intimate and secluded living space. This dual capability ensures that the home can effortlessly transition between blending with the natural landscape and becoming a sanctuary for its inhabitants, enhancing the overall living experience with both openness and seclusion when needed.The post This Prefab House Is A Specimen Of Adaptive Architecture Offering a Dynamic Living Experience In A Forest first appeared on Yanko Design.

Blue Air is out with connected air purifiers that give you more control over the air quality in your home, which is needed now more than ever.Blue 211i Max review: The new Blue Air 211i Max air purifierWe're big fans of air purifiers, even though it can be tough to measure their efficacy. Our home is brimming with air quality monitors that we use to determine how clear our air is and how air purifiers impact it.Joining our collection is the Blue Air 211i Max, which isn't the first Blue Air we've picked up. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

The nonprofit entity ofFR-EEfounderFernando Romero has shared images ahead of its takeover of the Luis Barragn-designed Casa La Cuadra San Cristbal in Mexico City following a renovation and expansion. The Casa will reopen this October as an incubator and educational center for art and architecture with a focus on the rich design legacy left by Barragn throughout the country.Romero related to Hyperallergic recently that the property, which had first been acquired in 2017, was at one time under demolition threat. He was available at a recent sneak preview of the upcoming multifaceted project, which he hopes will "push the boundaries" of both disciples into the future.Photo: Yannik Wegner, courtesy of Fundacin Fernando RomeroPhoto: Yannik Wegner, courtesy of Fundacin Fernando RomeroNow, with its transfer to the foundation secured, he says it will become an expanded new hub for artists that will be enhanced with the introduction of new pavilion structures, a library, podcastin...

Raccoon Logic announced thatRevenge of the Savage Planetwould be out sometime in May, and the developer has now announced a specific release date. The sci-fi action-adventure title will be out on May 8. Check out the release date announcement trailer below, which also showcases fresh gameplay footage.Unlike its predecessor,Journey to the Savage Planet,Revenge of the Savage Planetis played from a third-person perspective. Players will find themselves on a new alien planet, with your ultimate goal being to escape so you can return to Earth. Exploration will once again be the backbone of the experience, while players will also spend time scanning flora and fauna, encountering alien creatures, upgrading their gear, and more.As previously confirmed, Revenge of the Savage Planet will also feature support for both local and online co-op, and cross-play will also be supported.Revenge of the Savage Planetwill be available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, and PC upon its release on May 8. Those who purchase the Cosmic Hoarder Edition will get advanced access three days ahead of time, on May 5.

Mecha BREAK, the upcoming multiplayer mech combat title from Amazing Seasun Games, began its open beta in explosive fashion. It crossed 317,000 peak concurrent players on Steam, though this wasnt without issues. The sudden influx of players posed a challenge to the developers server capacity and resulted in issues.Amazing Seasun has since apologized for all this, offering 15 Ultimate Maintenance Boxes for free. Theyll arrive through the in-game mail in three batches of five. It also committed to listening to player feedback during the betas duration for further improvements.Mecha BREAKs open beta is available now for PC, with Xbox Series X/S to follow. Compared to the previous beta, it offers a new Hangar for players to explore on foot and a new PvEvP extraction mode called Mashmak.While server problems were doubtless a factor, the title has also received numerous negative reviews on Steam due to its progression and monetization systems. Its currently rated Mostly Negative with 4460 user reviews rating it a thumbs-down.Pilots,As our Open Beta went live earlier today, we were overwhelmed by your enthusiasm, witnessing over 300K concurrent players within hours. This posed a challenge to our server capacity and resulted in negative reviews from players. We apologize for any inconvenience and Mecha BREAK (@MechaBREAK) February 23, 2025

GeorgeI Rkczi (15931648) was a Hungarian nobleman who served as Prince of Transylvania from 1630 until his death. Before acceding to the throne, he was a leader of the Protestant faction in Hungary and a faithful supporter of Prince Gabriel Bethlen. When Bohemian nobles requested military support in their struggles against the Habsburg monarchy, Rkczi persuaded Bethlen to help and commanded Transylvanian forces in several battles. After Bethlen's death, there were short reigns by his wife and then his brother, but the Transylvanian parliament elected Rkczi as Bethlen's permanent successor. His reign was notable for his role in the Thirty Years' War, with a campaign against FerdinandIII, Holy Roman Emperor, from 1644 to 1645. After Rkczi held Upper Hungary and most of Lower Hungary at one point, the fighting was ended by the Treaty of Linz, under which seven counties of Upper Hungary were annexed by Transylvania. This etching of Rkczi was produced in 1631 by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Gillisz. van Vliet, after an earlier design by Rembrandt, Van Vliet's teacher. The illustration is in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.Illustration credit: Jan Gillisz. van Vliet, after RembrandtRecently featured: National Library of PolandWestern meadowlarkWheelwright, KentuckyArchiveMore featured pictures