Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati has launched an AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, escalating the fight for top talent and reshaping competition in the fast-evolving sector.About 30 researchers and engineers at Thinking Machines Lab previously worked at competitors including OpenAI, Meta, and Mistral, Reuters reported. Former OpenAI employees alone make up about two-thirds of the company.On its website, Thinking Machines Lab said AI advancements have outpaced scientific understanding, with knowledge concentrated in top research labs, restricting public discourse and accessibility.Despite their potential, these systems remain difficult for people to customize to their specific needs and values, the company added. To bridge the gaps, were building Thinking Machines Lab to make AI systems more widely understood, customizable, and generally capable.Former OpenAI employees who have joined Thinking Machines Lab include Barret Zoph, an AI researcher who left OpenAI with Murati in late September, and John Schulman, an OpenAI co-founder who joined Anthropic in August to focus on AI safety.More OpenAI employees are expected to join Thinking Machines Lab, according to the Reuters report.AI talent war intensifiesThe shift underscores growing competition in the generative AI sector, with top talent moving between established firms and emerging startups.Analysts expect this trend to continue, driven by demand for cost-effective models and innovative AI solutions.Executives and senior technology leaders from major pioneering companies setting up their own ventures is not uncommon in the industry, said Sharath Srinivasamurthy, associate vice president of Research at IDC. Also, in the highly dynamic world of AI, talent retention is challenging, and companies should have contingency plans in place to address these kinds of developments.In the short term, OpenAI may face challenges in retaining mindshare and employee confidence. However, ongoing investments, backing from Microsoft, and initiatives like Project Stargate reinforce its position as one of the most desirable companies in the AI sector.Those who were not aligned with Sam Altmans (and investors) vision for OpenAI have left, making the company free of internal politics, power struggles, and other distractions that could slow its progress, said Neil Shah,partner and co-founder at Counterpoint Research. In that sense, last years exodus may have been a blessing in disguise for OpenAI.Hurdles aheadDeveloping advanced AI models demands substantial infrastructure and a highly skilled research team, making it a long-term effort.In contrast to companies like DeepSeek, which aim to challenge OpenAI and other generative AI leaders within a few years, Thinking Machines Lab appears to be taking a longer-term approach.While current systems excel at programming and mathematics, were building AI that can adapt to the full spectrum of human expertise and enable a broader spectrum of applications, Thinking Machines Lab noted on its website.However, it may face significant challenges in the crowded AI startup market, especially given the complexity and long-term nature of AI alignment research, said Charlie Dai, VP and principal analyst at Forrester.By leveraging its niche focus, emphasizing ethical AI, and building strategic partnerships, the lab can carve out a unique position and capitalize on the growing importance of AI alignment, Dai said. Success will depend on its ability to balance long-term research goals with practical, commercially viable applications.However, perhaps the biggest challenge Thinking Machines Lab faces is the apparent ceiling on the utility large foundation models can offer the average user. The goal of AI alignment with human values is good in theory, but difficult to quantify or qualify as a discrete advantage, said Hyoun Park, CEO and chief analyst at Amalgam Insights. In theory, the ability to better align AI to human values could theoretically create a better UX that is more aligned to both help people solve problems or to solve problems in a more human fashion.

Thursday, February 20th, 2025Posted by Jim ThackerChaos acquires architectural AI tools developer EvolveLABhtml PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40/loose.dtd"Chaos has acquired architectural tools developer EvolveLAB. The financial terms of the deal have not been announced.The firms have not confirmed whether there will be any price changes to EvolveLABs tools, which include AI ideation and visualization app Veras, but all will remain standalone products.EvolveLAB: workflow add-ons and AI ideation tools for Revit and other architectural appsFounded in 2015, EvolveLAB develops workflow tools for architectural design and BIM software: primarily Revit, but also AutoCAD, Rhino and SketchUp.Its flagship application, Veras, is a generative AI-powered tool, available as an add-on for Revit, Rhino, SketchUp and VectorWorks, and as a web app.It generates AI images of buildings, primarily for the ideation phases of architectural design.EvolveLABs other products include Revit add-ons Morphis, for generative design, and Glyph, for documentation; plus Helix, which converts AutoCAD and SketchUp files to Revit components.Veras: a natural fit for Enscape users?Chaos has now acquired all of EvolveLABs tools, and at least some of its staff: both EvolveLAB founder and CEO Bill Allen and CTO Ben Guler will join Chaos.Of the new tools, the one with the most obvious fit to Chaoss own software is Veras: the announcement gives examples of architectural practices using Veras for ideation, and Enscape, Chaoss real-time renderer, for final rendering.According to Chaoss FAQs on the buyout, In the future, we will look to integrate Veras and Enscape for even faster iteration cycles. Chaos previously previewed its own work-in-progress AI technologies, announcing them last year under the banner Chaos Next, although it has since removed that page from its website.According to Chaos, the two firms will now join forces and work together to explore ways to integrate products and accelerate our AI roadmaps.What does the buyout mean for users of EvolveLAB and Chaoss other software?EvolveLABs other products are much further from Chaoss existing software, which is focused far more on visualization than design, and includes the V-Ray, Corona and Vantage renderers.Veras is currently the only EvolveLAB app listed in the All Products section of Chaoss website.However, the FAQs on the acquisition say that all products will remain available as standalone offerings.The FAQs dont say whether the cost of the products will change, but note that Chaos is exploring options to combine the EvolveLAB and Chaos offerings at an attractive price.Read Chaoss announcement that it has acquired EvolveLABRead Chaoss FAQs on the buyout (at the foot of the page)Read EvolveLABs own announcementHave your say on this story by following CG Channel on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). As well as being able to comment on stories, followers of our social media accounts can see videos we dont post on the site itself, including making-ofs for the latest VFX movies, animations, games cinematics and motion graphics projects.Latest NewsChaos acquires architectural AI tools developer EvolveLABChaos adds AI visualization and ideation app Veras to its product line. See what the buyout means for users of both firms' tools.Thursday, February 20th, 2025Epic Games releases Twinmotion 2025.1Sizeable update to the real-time visualization app adds volumetric clouds, Virtual Shadow Maps and automatic LOD generation.Wednesday, February 19th, 2025Assetify 2 converts Blender animations to game-ready formatsAsset baking and export add-on can now convert Geometry Nodes to shape keys for export to game engines in glTF or Alembic format.Tuesday, February 18th, 2025Is AI replacing render farms?[Sponsored] Online render farm Forrender argues that traditional workflows provide control and scalability that new AI tools cannot.Tuesday, February 18th, 20255 key features in Blender 4.4Check out the key changes due in the next version of the open-source 3D app, including important updates to animation and viewport rendering.Monday, February 17th, 2025SuperSplat 2.0 lets you create flythroughs of 3D Gaussian SplatsFree, open-source online tool for viewing and editing 3DGS data can now add camera animations to existing scans.Monday, February 17th, 2025More NewsKeenTools releases KeenTools 2025.1 for Blender and NukeMaxon releases Red Giant 2025.3 and Universe 2025.2Maxon releases Redshift 2025.3Chaos releases Vantage 2.7Adobe launches the Firefly Video Model in public betaWacom launches redesigned Intuos Pro pen tabletsFree add-on Paint System 'turns Blender into Photoshop'Free tools: Render Manager and Light Editor for BlenderRichard Rosenman releases IK Studio for After EffectsTopaz Labs releases Gigapixel 8.2See CG benchmarks for NVIDIA's GeForce RTX 5090 and 5080 GPUsChaos releases Beta 2 of the new V-Ray for BlenderOlder Posts

How Starbucks intends to reclaim the third placeIssue #272: born before SNL + the art of self-differentiationPublished inThe Medium BlogSent as aNewsletter3 min readJust now--In our issue on third places venues for socializing apart from work and home my colleague Carly Rose Gillis visited an American Legion Post. She wrote about why third places are so important: they help us connect with people who are different from us, but who live close by. The best ones level the socioeconomic playing field. You dont need to buy something to feel like you belong. Parks and libraries are prime examples.I thought back to that issue when I read about Starbucks new CEO, Brian Niccol, who recently told investors he wants to reclaim the third place and make the chains cafes feel like welcoming coffeehouses. For context, Starbucks is not doing very well. Shares dropped 22% last year, and sales are down. Its had four CEOs since the pandemic. Now, its attempting a turnaround: Back to Starbucks.Besides the fact that a corporate coffee purveyor cant do what true third places do best make people feel welcome regardless of income the turnaround attempt is interesting to me. How does the worlds largest coffee chain (with over 40,000 locations globally) become a community center where each cup is, to quote Niccol, a handcrafted moment, made with care? How do you scale that vibe?One tactic: giving away free coffee. Starbucks did this last Monday, post-Superbowl. Another: tackle the four minute problem, i.e. getting wait times down to four minutes or less, which Niccol seems fixated on. (You cant create community if people are grumpy and undercaffeinated!) Starbucks also may have started a meme capitalizing on a long-beloved (and roasted) aspect of its brand: baristas who misspell customers names (possibly on purpose, maybe not). On TikTok, people are saying baristas have to write on the cups now, so theyre using them as canvases for Taylor Swift lyrics, memes, and the letter from The Notebook.Image Credit: @angelina.julia18 on TiktokThis attempt bespoke community-centrism reminds me of M.G. Sieglers analysis of Barnes & Noble, which completed a similar turnaround over the last few years. Scale is power, Siegler writes, but you need to obfuscate that from the customer when it comes to retail. If you dont, your product will feel soulless and customers will leave, which is exactly whats happened to Starbucks over the last five years.Bespoke up front, scale in the back, he concludes. This sounds obvious, but the key to making this work is in the details which, depending on how you execute them, can feel either welcoming or inauthentic. Harris Sockel 3 more storiesWill Leitch, born one day before SNLs premier on October 11, 1975, celebrates his 50th birthday along with the show and articulates its key lesson: Just keep making stuff. Just keep doing it. It makes you irreplaceable. It makes you inevitable.Morning TV host Jabari Thomas encourages his younger self to build your own table instead of asking for a seat at one that will never welcome you.Cartoonist Sarah Firth writes (and draws) wisdom for creatives who cant stop comparing themselves to others: Youre doing it because you want a benchmark for progress in an inherently uncertain career. Your daily dose of practical wisdomPeople differentiate themselves in three ways: agency (doing what you want), taste (liking things before other people do), or how you combine disparate skills. (Dan Koe)

Duet Night Abyss is a fantasy multiplayer game thats hotly anticipated in the gacha gaming community. Its all about cool-looking combat, grinding, and oh yeah boobs. And based on what Ive played so far, the busty barmaids and endless slog for incrementally better gear arent likely to capture your attention for very long.I played an early PC build of Duet Night Abyss ahead of its closed beta test, with the caveat that I wasnt able to experience multiplayer functionality, so consider this preview to be more about Duet Nights mechanics, world, and the grand narrative that underpins it all. Your player character, a beautiful waif in bandages, awakens in a swirling snowfield. Mysterious voices speak to you. You are helpless and breathy. But out of the snow, someone reaches for you.PlayIts Berry, a major character wholl see you through the basics of movement in this world: most notably, the Helix Jump a slick way of vaulting yourself through the air. Theres no cooldown on that jump, and youll find quickly that its a fun and efficient way of getting around and powerful in combat.Once separated from Berry, youll really begin to come into your own both gameplay-wise and narratively speaking. Broke in a strange new city run by the ominously named Empire, you must become a Phoxhunter, picking up commissions at a rough-and-tumble tavern owned by the worlds least believable barmaaid. But wait. Thats only half the story. Double TakeTheres a second protagonist, a male version who looks strikingly similar to the girl you just met. The idea is that these two show different sides of the same narrative. In the city, the girl sees townsfolk experiencing discrimination, violence, and cruelty at the hands of the Empire. Meanwhile, the boy is a part of the Empire, commanding the same brutish soldiers who are now wounded and pitiful after battle.Much has been made of these dual protagonists and plotlines, but frankly, I dont think theyre as revolutionary as the developer seems to think they are. There were no surprises, no events in one characters story that might make the others revelatory. Of course, this is early on, and I hope to be proven wrong as more story content becomes available.PlayAnyway, solid story or not, this games art is beautiful. I loved the linework, the colours, the fluid animation. I tend to approach the anime aesthetic with skepticism, so trust that my praise says something about how polished and breathtaking the aesthetic was. Unfortunately, I began to feel less enthusiastic the boobier Duet Night became (more on that later).The English voiceover is absolutely fantastic, one of Duet Nights highlights. As I progressed and met more characters, I found each ones voice and dialogue distinct and full of individual personality. Once youre through the initial story quests, youll be participating in a lot of combat. Itll be familiar to anyone who has ever played any kind of hack-and-slash, but its fun for a while. All the shiny sword slashes and oversized guns look epic, especially paired with the Helix Jump ability.PlaySwitching between melee and ranged weapons is seamless. And to really hone your killing skills, you can equip the ridiculously named Demon Wedges: equippable supplements to your weapons that bump up various stats. You can mix-and-match a few of these at any time, playing around with combinations to find synergies that could take your combat to the next level.The Daily GrindI still have an unclear sense of Duet Nights intended monetization model. There are hints, of course, such as multiple currencies I was overwhelmed trying to understand where to obtain each one, and what each one could buy. Though there didnt yet appear to be an interface to spend IRL money, you can bet thats coming.Im not going to mince words: Duet Night Abyss is a grindfest. Take the Retrace system, which is a dice roll to win a bunch of random new weapons to pick from. Its literally click a button and see what you get. Your rewards may be epic, but are mostly not. Provided you have enough of the Hourglass currency, you can just hammer that Retrace button like a slot machine. Its one of the least engaging things I have ever seen in my time as a gamer.Im not going to mince words: Duet Night Abyss is a grindfest.You can also pick up commissions from the aforementioned tavern, which are instances where youll do most of your flashy combat. They may have different themes (a church overgrown with grass, for example, or a mine), but they all follow the same formula: a bunch of rooms that look exactly the same, where you can defeat increasingly difficult and boring waves of monsters.You can grind for weapons to craft into better weapons. Grind for coins to buy cosmetic items, like a chicken for your head. Grind to obtain new playable avatars (most of them busty women). Or you can enter Sandrealm Meditation, which is a euphemism for practicing your combat skills via you guessed it grinding.But all the flashy abilities, gear, and flower hats youre grinding for mean nothing without an audience to impress.Unfortunately, I did not experience any of Duet Night's social aspects. The instances can match you up with three other players friends or randoms but given that I was playing before the closed beta began, there was no one for me to match up with. Perhaps Duet Night will feel like less of a grind as it opens up to players and a community grows, though Im not sure at this stage what that would look like.Alone in a CrowdI recognize that grindy games do have an audience, but as a game reviewer, I feel icky recommending them when there are so many more engaging, delightful, and dare I say interactive games out there.In the beginning, I thought I might like Duet Night Abyss. In those first moments I felt like I was watching a beautifully animated film, and intrigued where the waifs story might lead me even if I did have to grind my way there.But then the, uh, curvaceous women began appearing. This isnt uncommon in anime but it immediately narrows the audience down to one of specific tastes. I personally felt isolated: as slick as Duet Night Abyss was, I could never fully appreciate the better parts of it, such as the art or cute side quests, knowing that this game wasnt looking for players like me.Theres an audience out there for Duet Night Abyss. But it isnt me. Maybe itll be you.

Feb 20, 2025The Hacker NewsMicrosoft 365 / Microsoft ExchangeFor decades, Microsoft Exchange has been the backbone of business communications, powering emailing, scheduling and collaboration for organizations worldwide. Whether deployed on-premises or in hybrid environments, companies of all sizes rely on Exchange for seamless internal and external communication, often integrating it deeply with their workflows, compliance policies and security frameworks. However, Microsoft has officially announced that support for Exchange Server 2016 and Exchange Server 2019 will end on October 14, 2025. While this may seem like a distant concern, businesses and IT teams must start preparing now. The end of support means that Microsoft will no longer provide security patches, bug fixes or technical support, leaving organizations running on these versions exposed to security vulnerabilities, compliance risks and potential operational disruptions.So, what should businesses do now? In this article, we'll explore the impact of Microsoft's decision, the risks of continuing with an unsupported Exchange environment and the available options to ensure business continuity and security. If you're an IT decision-maker or business leader navigating this transition, keep reading because ignoring this shift could leave your organization vulnerable.What does Microsoft's end of support mean for Exchange 2016 and 2019 users?The end of support for Exchange 2016 and 2019 isn't just about losing updates it's about serious security, compliance and operational risks.Security risks: Without security patches, Exchange 2016 and 2019 become prime targets for cybercriminals. Unpatched vulnerabilities can lead to data breaches, ransomware attacks and email-based threats, putting sensitive business communications at risk.Lack of technical support: After October 14, 2025, Microsoft won't provide fixes, patches or assistance. If something breaks, IT teams will be on their own leading to longer downtimes, costly troubleshooting and potential business disruptions.Compliance risks: Regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) require businesses to use secure, up-to-date software. Running outdated Exchange versions could lead to fines, audits and legal consequences if a security incident occurs.Operational inefficiencies: Older software lacks modern features, performance enhancements and integrations, making communication slower and IT maintenance more complex. Keeping Exchange 2016 or 2019 running will also cost more over time as support resources dwindle.Important note: This end of support also applies to several related Microsoft products, including Microsoft Office 2016, Microsoft Office 2019, Outlook 2016, Outlook 2019, Skype for Business 2016, Skype for Business 2019, Skype for Business Server 2015 and Skype for Business Server 2019.Key dates to keep in mindMicrosoft follows a two-phase support lifecycle for its products: Mainstream Support and Extended Support. Mainstream Support includes feature updates, security patches and technical assistance, while Extended Support focuses solely on critical security fixes no new features, bug fixes or complimentary support. Once Extended Support ends, Microsoft completely stops all updates and assistance, leaving you without any safety net.What are the best options to keep your business secure and running smoothly?Sticking with outdated Exchange versions isn't a viable option for IT teams the risks far outweigh any short-term convenience. Let's explore the best migration paths and alternatives to keep your organization secure, efficient and compliant.1. Upgrade to Exchange Server Subscription Edition (Exchange Server SE)Microsoft has announced Exchange Server Subscription Edition (Exchange Server SE), a new subscription-based version of Exchange for organizations that require an on-premises email solution. This option is best for businesses that need to maintain compliance-driven, on-prem infrastructure or prefer a hybrid model that integrates with Microsoft 365.However, there are some key things businesses must consider before this migration:Requires periodic upgrades: Exchange Server SE will require regular updates, meaning IT teams must stay on top of maintenance.Licensing and maintenance costs: A subscription model means ongoing costs, and organizations will still need to manage and secure their own infrastructure.Complex upgrade path from Exchange 2016: Microsoft recommends that businesses upgrade to Exchange 2019 before moving to Exchange Server SE since direct in-place upgrades to Exchange SE won't be supported.2. Migrate to Exchange Online (Microsoft 365)For businesses looking to move beyond on-premises infrastructure, Exchange Online (Microsoft 365) is a compelling option. This cloud-based solution eliminates server maintenance, enhances security and improves scalability, making it ideal for organizations embracing a cloud-first strategy.Key advantages of choosing Exchange Online include:No more server maintenance: Microsoft handles all updates, patches and infrastructure management, freeing IT teams from the burden of maintaining Exchange servers.Built-in security and compliance: Exchange Online includes automatic security updates, threat protection and compliance tools to meet regulatory requirements, such as GDPR and HIPAA.Scalability and accessibility: Employees can securely access email from anywhere, with 99.9% uptime and flexible storage options that scale with business needs.Enhanced collaboration: As part of Microsoft 365, Exchange Online integrates seamlessly with Teams, SharePoint and OneDrive, improving productivity and data management.However, there are some potential challenges as well.Migration complexity: Moving large amounts of email data can be time-consuming and requires careful planning to minimize downtime.Licensing costs: Microsoft 365 operates on a subscription model, meaning ongoing per-user licensing fees.User adoption and training: Employees may need training to fully utilize new features and ensure a smooth transition.3. Migrate to Google WorkspaceFor businesses looking for a cost-effective, cloud-first alternative to Microsoft 365, Google Workspace is a strong contender. It provides seamless collaboration, built-in security and reduced IT overhead, making it an appealing choice, especially for organizations that don't require the advanced tools included in many Microsoft 365 plans.Notably, Google Workspace is often more cost-competitive than Microsoft 365. While Microsoft 365 pricing ranges from $6 to $22 per user per month, Google Workspace plans typically fall between $6 and $18 per user per month, with enterprise pricing available upon request.Some of the advantages in switching to Google Workspace include:Lower IT overhead: No Exchange server maintenance, reducing hardware and operational costs.Scalability and flexibility: Google's cloud infrastructure scales with your business needs without additional IT effort.Collaboration and productivity: Google Workspace integrates Gmail, Google Drive, Meet and Docs, enabling real-time collaboration across teams.Meanwhile, potential challenges include:Migration complexity: Transitioning from Exchange can be disruptive, requiring careful data migration planning.User training and adoption: Employees accustomed to Outlook and Microsoft apps may need training to adapt to Gmail and Google tools.Integration challenges with legacy systems: Businesses using on-prem systems, like customer relationship management (CRM) or enterprise resource planning (ERP), that rely on Exchange may struggle with integration. Configuring Google Workspace Sync for Outlook or using third-party migration tools can help bridge the gap.Planning your migration journey from Exchange 2016 and 2019Whether you choose to stay on-prem with Exchange Server SE or migrate to the cloud with Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, understanding the right migration steps is essential for a smooth transition.Preparing for Exchange Server SEFor businesses staying on-premises with Exchange Server SE, the upgrade path depends on your current Exchange version:If you're running Exchange 2016, Microsoft recommends upgrading to Exchange 2019 now, as direct in-place upgrades to Exchange SE won't be supported. If you're already on Exchange 2019, you can simply keep your servers up to date and perform an in-place upgrade to Exchange Server SE once it becomes available.Transitioning to a SaaS environment (Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace)Migrating to a cloud-based solution like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace offers businesses greater flexibility, security and scalability while eliminating the burden of server maintenance. Below is a high-level checklist to guide your smooth transition from Exchange to a SaaS platform.Phase 1: Planning and preparationStart by assessing your current environment. Identify mailboxes, shared accounts and integrations with third-party tools like CRM or ERP systems. Choose the right migration method and tools, whether moving from Exchange to Microsoft 365, Exchange to Google Workspace or using Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) migration tools.Next, verify your domain in Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace, ensuring email routing is properly set up. User communication and training are also crucial keep employees informed and provide necessary training to minimize disruption. Finally, critical data must be backed up before migration to protect against any unexpected data loss. This is where a reliable backup solution can save the day.Phase 2: Migration executionTo avoid downtime, configure MX records to keep Exchange running as the primary mail server during the migration. If moving to Google Workspace, set up Google Workspace Migration for Microsoft Exchange (GWMME). Perform an initial batch sync with selected users, then test the migration to ensure emails, contacts and calendars transfer correctly. Migrate users in batches, prioritizing key teams first and monitoring the process closely via admin tools.Phase 3: Cutover and post-migrationOnce the migration is validated, switch MX records to your new platform, redirecting all new emails to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace. Update security settings, including Sender Policy Framework (SPF), DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) and Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting and Conformance (DMARC) to enhance email security. Finally, if Exchange is no longer needed, decommission your Exchange Server after confirming a successful migration.Secure your cloud data with BackupifyMigrating to Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace shifts email management to the cloud, but it doesn't eliminate data loss risks. Under the shared responsibility model of cloud security, while cloud providers secure their infrastructure, customers are responsible for securing their own data against accidental deletion, cyberthreats and other data loss scenarios. Without a dedicated backup, businesses risk losing critical emails, files and collaboration data with no way to recover them.That's where Backupify comes in. As a trusted SaaS backup solution, Backupify ensures that businesses using Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace have a secure, automated safety net for their cloud data. Whether it's accidental deletions, ransomware attacks or compliance requirements, Backupify provides complete data protection, so you never lose access to critical business information.Why over 40,000 businesses trust Backupify:Automated, daily backups: Protect emails, files and collaboration data with continuous backups.Quick and reliable recovery: Restore lost or deleted data instantly, avoiding costly downtime.Advanced protection: With Backupify's private, immutable cloud storage, ensure that your data is safe from all kinds of data threats.Compliance and data retention: Meet HIPAA, GDPR and other industry mandates with customizable retention policies.Save on storage costs: Archive inactive user data at a fraction of the cost compared to other options.Don't take risks with your business-critical data view the top 5 reasons IT Pros choose Backupify for Microsoft 365 protection here.Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. 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Last month, the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, went big. She vowed to do big things to make big impacts. The Labour government, she said, would go further and faster to kickstart economic growth.As well as her controversial commitment to a third runway at Heathrow airport, she outlined plans for 18 new towns.But big dreams take time to come true and the government needs quick wins to make a dent in its target of 1.5 million new homes by 2030.AdvertisementBecause despite Labours ambitions, the number of new homes being built in England bumps limply along. Only 107,000 new homes (based on EPC certificates) have been recorded in the wake of Julys election victory, the BBC found, down by a tenth compared with the number built in the same six months a year earlier.Meanwhile, those working on major housing schemes are finding the realities of the new building safety regime a significant and problematic blocker on development.The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) has rubberstamped just two out of the 130 higher-risk building schemes (residential proposals over 18m tall) submitted by developers since the new gateway process began in October 2023.So could a resurgence in smaller-scale, infill residential projects be at least a partial solution to the housing crisis?According to the YIMBY Alliance, they could. The pro-development campaigners estimate these kinds of squeezed-in schemes could provide a not-to-be-sniffed-at 30,000 new homes a year.AdvertisementArchitects are hopeful too. Jay Morton, a director at residential expert Bell Phillips, sees infill sites as a low-hanging fruit for delivering new housing. Homes on these kinds of plots such as former garages or high-street gap sites in denser urban areas with good transport, amenities and existing communities could be quicker to build [and] easier to procure.Chlo Phelps goes a step further. The chief executive of architecture studio Grounded at council estate regeneration developer Place Capital Group insists that such schemes are going to be critical to delivering new homes on brownfield sites over the next few years, with estimates that there is capacity for more than 120,000 homes on small sites in London alone. Source:Haze Viz LimitedWorking Title Architects recently won approval for a three-storey, one-bedroom house on a 3m-wide site in East Dulwich, south London. The scheme sits next to a new-build two-storey cottageColm Lacey, now of consultancy Soft Cities but previously with Phelps at Croydon Councils now-defunct small sites housing arm Brick by Brick, agrees that infill projects could have a huge role to play in housing supply far more so than grey belt or new town development.He adds: [Squeezing] a small number of units out of a very large number of infill sites should be far easier than squeezing a large number of units out of an increasingly small number of viable majorsites. Interestingly the House of Lords Built Environment Committee came to a similar conclusion in its inquiry into Labours grey belt policy earlier this month. It said the drive to unlock sites on the boundaries of existing communities would be unlikely to make any significant difference to the number of new homes that can be built.What then is hindering the widespread adoption of infill housing? What are the potential solutions? And how can architects play a role in making this happen?The barriers and challengesThe main culprit in the blame game is the slow and inefficient planning system, with timelines often stretching far beyond expectations. Take as a typical example, MOST Architectures recently approved six-home, upper-level infill project on Kingsland High Street in Dalston, east London.A supposed eight-week timeframe stretched to nearly two years for reasons that practice founder Olga McMurdo claims were sometimes baffling but largely due to unresponsiveness.She tells the AJ: Our experience with navigating the planning process has been exhausting even for a project that enjoyed general support from planners and local conservation groups from theoutset.[Admittedly] it is an unusual project. It builds on top of a one-storey high street retail unit and the yard behind it to create a small courtyard housing development. But my goodness, they made us work for that consent for a project that was never particularly contentious. Source:Kilian OSullivanBell Phillips used a form of pattern book design for two house types in Newham, east London, which were replicated across various sites (Pitchford Street pictured)The scheme was designed as starter homes for first-time buyers but, McMurdo says, Hackney pushed for larger family dwellings within the development. And, despite the scale, the authority asked for numerous detailed technical reports, including construction logistics plans, flood risk assessments and travel plans. It also demanded air quality and noise impact assessments, which were almost certainly identical to those provided for neighbouring developments on the same block.In terms of balancing conflicting demands, Phelps says sites end up getting negotiated so harshly on all sides that they get stuck in planning for ages a drain on project resources in itself. She adds that then they often have features crammed into them to satisfy the full breadth of consultees [which] can sometimes make them too costly and ultimately unviable.Haworth Tompkins director Chris Fellner also feels the current planning rules are too inflexible, treating infill schemes much the same as larger developments. As a result, architects work within highly prescriptive efficiency targets which must comply with minimum space standards and very strict environmental regulations, including biodiversity net gain.There is very little appetite for [architectural] innovation, Fellner adds. He feels design quality is measured solely in terms of what percentage of dual aspect homes are achieved and how may hours of daylight the shared courtyards achieve on the 31 March.Architects lament the lack of design and development expertise within planning departments expertise that could cut through the chaff and subjectively weigh up the impacts and benefits.Infill schemes need to satisfy many different parties, not least the (usually many) neighbours. Backland plots can be riddled with overlooking issues.As McMurdo puts it: Qualitative elements require talent and experience to make nuanced decisions. So, where have all the great plannersgone?Added to this is a patchwork of unpredictable policies that vary across different local authorities even between neighbouring councils creating unwanted complexity.A six-home infill housing scheme by MOST Architecture, which will be built above and behind an existing Boots store in Hackneys busy Kingsland Road. Below: Floorplan of sheme Source:MOST ArchitectureDavid Gouldstone of Gouldstone & Co has recently secured two separate approvals from Lewisham Council, which he praises for having a really pragmatic approach to infill and a good small sites guide too.But his experience has not always been so positive. For example, variations in the affordable housing contribution requiring additional consultant fees have been an unexpectedstruggle.It would be great to have consistent and clear policies, he says, so that the potential contributions could be known from the outset to assist in the early viability of the project and speed up the discussions during planning, ideally based on a clear and basic contribution perdwelling.The amount of ever-shifting red tape can be equally frustrating for the planners too, says James Bazeley, of emerging practice Working Title Architects.His new studio and its sister company and development arm Working Title Land recently won approval for a 66m, three-storey, one-bedroom house on a thin 3m-wide site in East Dulwich, south London. At least two other unsuccessful submissions had been made by other architects. The planning requirements are constantly changing, he says, and there is an ever-increasing number of reports required, such as for noise and biodiversity, which is a challenge for architects. But planners are also finding it difficult as they are already under a lot of pressure.Even if the under-resourced planning officers are onside, that isnt always the end of the approval journey. Political interference can sink the best laid plans.Architect Fourth_space successfully navigated the awkward, lengthy system to get the go-ahead for 100 new low-energy affordable homes across 13 different sites in Hounslow, west London, all for affordable housing provider Sapphire Independent Living.But practice directors Huw Williams and Steve Sinclair say compliant submissions were often referred to local councillors at planning committee.Decisions were subject to councillors lacking in planning and design knowledge, who may not have been fully behind the original local authority promise, they say. So, in some ways, local politics was trumping the original pledge for homes.Many authorities are also failing to think strategically about their potential sites, approaching smaller-scale development in a piecemeal, one-off way. This feeds into the sometimes insurmountable barrier facing the trickier brownfield plots: the moneyquestion.Problems often arise with access and servicing which, Fellner points out, can mean extra cost for abnormal enabling works, for example the need to widen the access road or to provide utilities and below-ground services.Infill sites, he goes on, result in less efficient, less repetitive schemes and more bespoke untried and tested solutions. They create fewer homes per floor and core, higher wall-to-floor ratios, and lower net-to-gross efficiencies. It is not the model that makes the larger housebuilders all their cash. Source:PRPPRP's Hitchin Square scheme on a previous garage site in the London borough of Tower Hamlets the five three-bedroom home project was delivered for Circle Housing/Old Ford HousingPossible solutions?The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) already has a presumption in favour of sustainable development and recognises that small and medium sized sites can make an important contribution to meeting the housing requirement of an area.It also encourages authorities to avoid complex and restrictive obligations on smaller plots that could reduce their viability anddelivery.But local planning authorities are clearly interpreting the framework differently and the pro-development presumption is not always apparent. There is an argument that the smaller the proposal, the stronger the presumption should be.Lacey goes further. For private housing, and I say this hesitantly, but there is room for a form of permitted development for infill sites below a certain size, say nine units, he tells the AJ.Arguably the planning challenges of converting a large office block to residential use are far greater than those presented by a small contextual residential infill scheme. So why should permitted development rights apply to one and not theother?Under this model, he adds, there would need to be a sustainability assessment, along the lines of the Building for Life standards, and schemes would need to be broadly contextual in terms of massing, based on some consistent designprinciples.Bell Phillips Morton thinks a pattern-book approach might work. Her practice has already worked on a form of design template in Newham, where it designed two house typesa standard terrace and a wheelchair-accessible optionwhich were replicated across various sites.Councils could package sites together and use pre-approved designs to deliver high-quality homes across multiple locations, she says. Architects could develop flexible, innovative designs to address site constraints, ranging from single dwellings to terraces.These could also be delivered by self-builders, community land trusts, or small-scale developers, promoting diversity in housing delivery. Source:fourth_spaceFourth_space won approval for 100 new low energy affordable homes across 13 sites in HounslowAs well as calls for each authority to have a clear Small Sites SPD (Supplementary Planning Document), many architects are urging a reduction in repetitive and over-the-top requirements on infill schemes. Even someexemptions.McMurdo suggests rolling levels of planning consent allowing a swift decision within eight weeks, based on plans, sections, elevations, visualisations and a short designstatement. Under this multilevel gateway approach, other issues like sustainability could be addressed later. Gouldstone would also like to see fewer planning committee hearings for minor proposals and more decisions based on professional policy judgement and not local political considerations.Money, money, moneyA revolution in infill housing will also need financial support, including to address land acquisition costs. This could potentially be through public-sector land ownership or discounted rates for community-led schemes.Fellner says the government should set up an enabling fund, which would help cover the costs of clearing up and sorting out the abnormals found on some plots, through higher levels of grant funding.Local authorities should also be encouraged to offer up land for community-led homes spearheaded by local people, says Archios Mellis Haward.However, this set-up would also need a small amount of pre-construction funding [to] get things going.Its unreasonable to expect community groups to take all the risk, Haward says. If a council undertakes the due diligence to find the sites and makes sure the right people secure the tender, then funding could also be provided, such as the former Community Housing Fund that ended recently.Another idea would be a national clearing house with the government guaranteeing a fixed minimum price for compliant affordable housingunits.Lacey adds: This would reduce the potential for debate about the impact of affordable housing requirements on viability and create a much stronger link between land value and profitability.Gouldstone and Co's approved Lewisham Way scheme in Lewisham, London. The project will deliver eight new homes, featuring a four storey building to the front of the site and a newmews to the rearHow can architects help?Undeveloped parcels of land are usually undeveloped for areason.But architects have the skills to identify infill sites, especially those with genuine potential from the outset, says PRP director Bhupinder Chawla.Though there are many examples of plots that have had over-optimistic expectations later burdened with wasteful assessments before being scrapped, he says that bringing an architect on board at the very beginning of this process means there is a better-quality appraisal of whether a site isviable.Gouldstone agrees. Once identified, these typically awkward, atypical and constrained bits of leftover land need architects to come up with creative design solutions more so than on larger sites delivered by volume housebuilders, he says.In fact, argues Fellner, these plots could be used to explore ideas, take risks and innovate, becoming a real test bed for new housing typologies.For instance, he explains, their small scale allows architects to specify recycled or upcycled materials more feasibly: While it is hard to source reclaimed bricks for a new 35-storey tower block, it is totally doable for a short row of infill townhouses.The rise of the proactive architect as developer could also be part of the solution, if housebuilding can be made profitable for those willing to take the risk. Yet, for now, the planning shackles remain on.McMurdo makes a final plea: Please, let us experiment with new ideas, addressing tight urban sites with skill and imagination to create outstanding projects, she says.The current planning system is not enabling this; worse, in many cases, it is making these projects financially unviable.Archio's infill scheme for London Community Land Trust and Greenwich Citizens Housing using two council-owned sites for community land trust homes.2025-02-20Richard Waitecomment and share

The 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize winner is one of four London-based practices to have made the shortlist of five design teams revealed by the Royal Society of Architects in Wales (RSAW) this morning (20 February).Only two Welsh practices are among the finalists for the countrys awards the first stage of the regions RIBA Awards 2025. They are: Monmouthshire-based Hall + Bednarczyk Architects with a 400m new-build family home in the Brecon Beacons; and Carmarthen-based practice Rural Office, with the extension of a 19th century remote coastal farmhouse on the Gower Peninsular, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in South Wales.The other London practices in the running are: GWP Architecture and Archer Humphryes Architects, with the transformation of a Victorian powerhouse into a whisky distillery in Swansea; and Manalo & White, with the conversion of a Grade II-listed Victorian Church into a Welsh language theatre in Bangor.AdvertisementTodays Welsh Architecture Awards shortlist follows the RIBAs recent announcements of regional shortlists for the East, South East, North West, and South of England, and for London. Source:Taran WilkhuHafod Morfa Copperworks Distillery & Visitor Centre by GWP Architecture & Archer HumphryesLast year, eight teams were shortlisted for an RSAW Welsh Architecture Award 2024, of which five went on to win regional honours.RSAW 2025 jury chair Ian Chalk, director of London-based Ian Chalk Architects, said this years shortlist features a diverse range of projects, widely dispersed across North and South Wales, in a mixture of urban and rural settings.He added: Ranging from domestic extensions to a community arts centre and a distillery, each project shares a common thread to think beyond the immediate confines of the site boundaries and enrich the lives of the people and places which they inhabit. Source:Matt CantCroes Fach by Hall + Bednarczyk ArchitectsAll projects shortlisted for RIBA regional awards will be visited by a jury, with the winners announced later this spring.AdvertisementThe winners will then be considered for several RIBA Special Awards, including the RIBA Sustainability Award and RIBA Building of the Year, before being considered for a highly coveted RIBA National Award, to be announced in summer.The shortlist for the RIBA Stirling Prize the UKs best new building will be drawn from the RIBA National Award-winning projects and announced in September.The Stirling Prize winner will be announced in October.Shortlist for 2025 RSAW Welsh Architecture AwardsCroes Fach by Hall + Bednarczyk ArchitectsDelfyd Farm by Rural OfficeHafod Morfa Copperworks Distillery & Visitor Centre by GWP Architecture & Archer HumphryesNewport Active Travel Bridge by GrimshawNyth by Manalo & White

The link between good oral health and general health isn't a far-fetched notion. There's many pieces about how your teeth can tell you a lot about the rest of your body. For example, poor oral hygiene can contribute to problems like heart issues. That's why it's important to focus on your oral hygiene and pay attention to what's going on with your teeth. One sign that your mouth isn't as healthy as it could be is if a calculus bridge forms. To learn more, we consulted dentists for their expert insights. The difference between dental plaque and calculusTo understand calculus bridges, it helps to start with understanding the substance that makes them up. Calculus is, in short, hardened plaque.You're probably familiar with plaque, the sticky film that can make your teeth feel fuzzy. Plaque contains bacteria that make acid, which can eat away at your enamel (the hard outer coating on your teeth).Having plaque on your teeth is a natural result of eating. Fortunately, you can clear plaque away on your own. Your toothbrush and floss are enough to remove this film -- and the bacteria in it. In other words, plaque isn't a cause for concern, provided you have good oral health habits.Plaque becomes a problem when it morphs into something else. Left unchecked, plaque hardens into calculus (also called tartar), and unfortunately, you can't remove this calcified plaque on your own. As it sits on your teeth, it can contribute to tooth decay and irritate your gums, encouraging the development of gum disease. wakila/Getty ImagesWhat does a calculus bridge look and feel like? What about other symptoms?Sometimes, that hardened plaque becomes an even bigger problem because it spans several teeth. "A calculus bridge forms when the calculus around individual teeth join to form a solid 'bridge' around several teeth," said Joseph Dill, DDS, the chief dental officer at Delta Dental Plans Association. Once it's formed, the calculus bridge can affect your smile. Because calculus can be yellow, brown or even black or green, it might make your teeth look stained. Over time, calculus usually darkens, which means your bridge will become more noticeable the longer it goes untreated.When you have a calculus bridge, you may be able to see that you have a band of staining near your gum line. That discoloration might extend up your teeth, down under your gums or both.Speaking of your gums, you might notice symptoms there, too. The calculus can irritate your gums, causing inflammation. You might notice that your gums look redder than normal. They may also bleed more easily. Left unchecked, the calculus can cause your gums to recede, leaving more of your tooth exposed and potentially causing decay or even tooth loss.There's one more unwelcome symptom to contend with, too. Calculus bridges can cause bad breath.How long does it take for a calculus bridge to form?The answer here is specific to you. As Dr. Alice Boghosian, consumer advisor spokesperson for the American Dental Association, explained, "Everyone's body chemistry is different, so calculus forms at different rates for different people."That said, the clock is ticking. In some cases, it only takes a day for plaque to calcify. By day 12, experts say that 60 to 90% of the plaque left on teeth will harden into calculus.However, it generally takes weeks for calculus to develop to the point where it connects across several teeth.That doesn't mean you can go weeks without flossing, though. Once the calculus develops, you can't remove it at home. You'll need a dentist to get rid of it for you. And that means that even a few days of poor brushing and flossing can be enough time for the hardened deposits on individual teeth to connect and form a calculus bridge. Aja Koska/Getty ImagesHow do you remove a calculus bridge?Because you can't get calculus off with a toothbrush or floss, you'll need to turn to the professionals. "A calculus bridge can only be removed by a dental professional," Boghosian said.Dill says that to get rid of the bridge, dentists use a process called scaling. "[This] is typically performed using hand instruments or ultrasonic devices to remove tartar and plaque bacteria from the tooth and root surfaces above and beneath gums."If that sounds unpleasant, you don't need to be overly worried. While scaling can be uncomfortable, it's designed with you in mind. "The dental professional will typically use specialized tools such as scalers and ultrasonic instruments to carefully remove calculus deposits from the teeth," said Michael J. Wei, DDS, FIADFE, a cosmetic dentist in New York. "These tools are designed to effectively remove hardened plaque without causing harm to the teeth or gums."That said, the longer you let the calculus bridge go unchecked, the more involved the removal process becomes. "If the calculus extends below the gumline, a deeper cleaning called root planing may be required to smooth the tooth roots and further remove bacteria," Dill said.While scaling usually isn't painful because it focuses on the hard exterior of your tooth, root planing can hurt because it brings your soft tissue (that is, your gums) into play. Your dentist should numb the area to keep you as comfortable as possible.How to prevent a calculus bridgeSince removing a calculus bridge is an involved and potentially unpleasant process, you probably want to do what you can to avoid one. Dental experts have a few specific steps they recommend here.Brush and floss daily. Boghosian advises, "Clean between your teeth daily using dental floss or an interdental cleaner to help remove the plaque from between your teeth. Follow up with a fluoride-containing toothpaste and brush for two minutes twice daily." Dill recommends paying special attention to your gum line as you brush.Swap out your toothbrush regularly. "To maximize your toothbrush's effectiveness, replace it every three or four months -- or sooner if the bristles begin to fray," Dill advised. See your dentist often. "Schedule regular dental cleanings with your dentist or dental hygienist," Wei said. "Professional cleanings help remove any plaque and calculus that cannot be removed with regular brushing and flossing." Experts generally recommend visiting the dentist every six months.Pick the right mouthwash. Wei also recommends using an antiseptic mouthwash regularly to reduce bacteria levels in your mouth.Eat a nutritious diet. "Limit sugary and starchy foods, which can contribute to plaque formation," Wei said. "Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can help keep your teeth and gums healthy." He also suggests drinking water after each meal to wash away excess food particles, which contribute to plaque formation.Don't smoke. Both Dill and Wei specifically called out the importance of avoiding smoking to reduce the risk of oral health problems. "Smoking can contribute to the buildup of calculus," Wei said. And Dill added, "Don't be fooled into thinking that vaping is any safer than smoking. It is not." ballyscanlon/Getty ImagesWhat happens if you don't treat your calculus bridge?If you leave the calculus bridge unchecked, the deposits of hardened plaque can grow. This leads to unwelcome symptoms like tooth discoloration and bad breath.The bigger problem, though, is the complications that can arise because of the bridge. "The longer the calculus bridge remains in place, the greater the chance of developing more severe dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay," Wei said.In other words, the calculus bridge makes you more likely to get cavities and have gum problems.Gum disease is extremely common, affecting about half of the American adult population, per the National Institutes of Health. Like calculus bridges, this issue gets more significant if it goes untreated. If early-stage gum disease (gingivitis) progresses to periodontitis (a severe gum infection), it can lead to serious problems like tooth loss."It is important to remember that poor oral health is connected to specific health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and respiratory disease," Dill said. "Being diligent with oral health care regimens at home and with the dentist is critical to supporting optimal oral and overall health."Boghosian sums it up nicely, saying, "Not treating the calculus bridge can lead to gum disease. Regular dental visits will not only treat this condition, but will ensure good dental health and this will contribute positively to overall health."When should you see a dentist for a calculus bridge?Ideally, you should see a dentist well before the calculus bridge has a chance to form. Make it a habit to schedule an appointment every six months. "Regardless of whether you have a calculus bridge or not, you should visit your dentist or dental health professional regularly for examinations and cleanings," Boghosian said. At each appointment, your dentist can remove any calculus that has developed since your last visit. This can prevent a bridge from forming.Good at-home oral health practices and biannual dental appointments should keep calculus at bay. That said, if you see staining in your teeth or changes in your gums, it's probably time to take action. "If you notice calculus (tartar) building on your teeth, it is vital that you see your dentist as soon as possible," Dill said.The bottom lineA calculus bridge develops when plaque hardens into calculus, then those hardened deposits connect across multiple teeth. At that point, you can't get rid of the issue at home.Fortunately, dental professionals have specialized tools they can use to remove calculus. Not only does this get rid of unwanted symptoms like tooth staining and bad breath, but it also protects your overall oral health. Removing a calculus bridge lowers your likelihood of getting cavities or developing gum disease.Since oral health directly relates to overall health, removing a calculus bridge -- and preventing it from coming back -- can protect your well-being. Calculus Bridge FAQ How does calculus bridge form? When plaque is left unchecked, it hardens into calculus, commonly known as tartar. When this mass is ignored and left to connect, it leads to a larger mass called a calculus bridge. How do you prevent calculus bridges? You can keep calculus bridges in check with regular flossing and brushing. The order of flossing or brushing doesnt matter -- as long as youre doing it regularly. Why does a calculus bridge need to be removed? Leaving a calculus bridge unchecked can result in it developing into severe dental problems, such as gum disease or tooth decay.

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The Pokmon Company's annual Pokmon Presents broadcast has now been confirmed to air next week, on Thursday 27th February at 2pm UK time. That's 6am Pacific Time, or 9am Eastern. Read more