If you've never used an iPhone before, there steps you have to go to set it up, and then there are things you need to know about how to get the most from it. Here's what Apple doesn't tell you.Unboxing the iPhone 16 Pro MaxIt is true that Apple devices tend to just work, and it's certainly true that the iPhone is ultimately incredibly easy to use. But when you first hold that piece of glass and metal in your hand, it's a mystery.And it's a mystery that Apple assumes you will figure out. While there are support pages on Apple's website, those are useless until you're online. Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums

Omar Gandhi Architects has completed a flagship store for luxury appliance company Fisher & Paykel in Toronto. Named the Toronto Experience Centre, the store is located in the historic Boiler House of the former Toronto Carpet Factory in Liberty Village.Image credit: Doublespace PhotographyThe scheme marks the brands fourth flagship experience hub, following locations in Auckland, London, and Melbourne. The 4,100-square-foot interior was designed to blend historic and contemporary design, with locally sourced stone, North American timbers, and red-hued plaster contrasting with the original red-brick masonry and industrial steel of the building. The design also incorporates sculptural elements and experiential zones to embody the brands raw sophistication aesthetic.Image credit: Doublespace PhotographyWeathered brick, textured plaster, and exquisite stonework combine to evoke emotional resonance, Omar Gandhi said about the design. The result is a layered and intimate spat...

Architect Stefano Boeri has received a one-year ban from being part of jury panels for public competitions as part of an investigation into bid-rigging and forgery. The decision was made by a judge in Milan, who also rejected the request for house arrest against Boeri and fellow architect Cino Paolo Zucchi by Milans Public Prosecutors Office.In addition to a one-year competition ban, Boeri is prohibited from concluding contracts with the public administration as an architect for one year, according to Italian outlet Agenzia Nova. Meanwhile, Zucchi received a partial suspension from the exercise of the public office of university professor and a, eight-month ban from judging commissions of public contracts.The investigation stems from Boeri and Zucchis role as jury members for the 2022 competition for the European Library of Information and Culture in Milan.

The latest edition of Architizer: The Worlds Best Architecture a stunning, hardbound book celebrating the most inspiring contemporary architecture from around the globe is now available. Order your copy today.Imagine a circular dome filled with snowy mountain ranges, penguins and polar bears, situated in the desert outside Dubai. A sphere that acts as a new commodity and attraction for ski lovers who are tired of traditional destinations and wish to enjoy an exhilarating winter sports experience within a scorching barren land.Even though it was never built, the Dubai Sunny Mountain Ski-Dome was an actual project in the works in the early years of 2000. The project intended to bring winter and snow to the desert, as well as provide an alternative for permanent residents to escape the hot season with a new winter wonderland placed in their own back yard. Still, if we set aside the complexity and the required technology for such construction, the Ski-Dome acts as an evolution of other futuristic and even utopian architectural projects, all of which suggest an artificial container where weather conditions and local climates are controlled.Steve Yelvington, R. Buckminster Fuller with his domed city design, CC BY-SA 4.0Examples such as Buckminster Fullers geodesic domes, designed to create self-sustaining habitats, the Cloud Nine project, which proposed floating geodesic spheres capable of sustaining human life in isolated environments and the more recent Eden project in the UK, featuring interconnected biomes that house diverse plant species in controlled conditions, are all speculative proposals for constructing a new climatological utopia.Why is there such a big desire to control the weather? Is it a matter of power, convenience, spectacle or profit? More importantly, is it an ethical pursuit, or does it foreshadow a dystopian future where humans increasingly isolate themselves from the natural world instead of adapting to it?FotoFree, Eden Project roof hexagonal design, CC BY-SA 4.0A contained, artificial atmosphere is not a foreign concept. In its simplest form, it is an air-conditioned house interior, that offers comfort and shelter from extreme weather conditions. In its more complex materialized form, it looks something like Montreals underground city, RESO. The FA house in Vietnam, for instance, designed by atelier tho.A was cladded in a translucent skin to protect the 20-year old structure from the direct impact of weather. Consequently, the house was transformed into a greenhouse maintaining a stable interior temperature all year round. FA house by atelier tho.A, Dalat, VietnamOn the other hand, the Butterfly Dome project by Gerber Architekten offers social as well as climatological protection. Situated on the bridge between areas of the KAFD the design aims to create an urban landmark and a peaceful oasis amidst the chaotic activity of the Financial District. The spheres contained microclimate allows an array of tree species to thrive, offering a breath of fresh and (ironically) filtered air amongst the dense urban landscape.Butterfly Dome by Gerber Architekten, Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaIs then the aspiration for climate control actually a need of protection? Are climatologically artificial, enclosed environments a necessity for survival and better living? Going back to the Dubai Ski Dome, this does not seem to be the case. Taking into account that the concept was first proposed in the early 2000s, when climate change was known but not as pressing an issue as it is today.Instead of serving as a response to environmental urgency, the Dubai-Ski Dome was going to be a part of Dubailand, and was seen more as an entertainment venue that somewhat hubristically defied the natural landscape and local weather conditions. However, contemporary architectural projects show that there is a shift from a luxury to an essential strategy for survival, in order to respond to the increasing global temperatures, rising sea levels, and extreme weather patterns.In truth, the dream of building enclosed environments to shield humans from external weather conditions is no longer just a speculative exercise it is rapidly becoming a reality. However, with this new direction towards controlled climates, it is important to consider the unavoidable ethical and ecological implications. Will such environments be accessible to all or would they be considered a luxury for most people? In parallel, will they promote a seamless adaptation with nature, or would they encourage further environmental detachment? In our current climate crisis, the Dubai Ski-Dome may appear to be a utopian escape, yet it also serves as a glaring symbol of the very forces that led to this environmental degradation in the first place.Featured Image: Jrgen Matern, Eden Project geodesic domes panorama, CC BY-SA 2.5The post The Paradox of Climate Control: Utopian Escape or Environmental Hubris? appeared first on Journal.

Photography is a visual art form, and few techniques draw attention quite like bold color clashes. By embracing unexpected combinations, you can create images that demand attention and evoke strong emotions. This approach isnt just about adding visual excitementits about breaking norms and experimenting with how colors interact in dynamic and unexpected ways.Understanding color clashesWhat are color clashes? Color clashes occur when two or more colors that are traditionally considered to conflict are placed together in a composition. These bold combinations often bypass harmony in favor of energy, creating a sense of movement and intensity. Why do they work? Color clashes challenge the viewers expectations, making the composition more engaging. When used thoughtfully, these combinations can amplify your subject, enhance mood, and create an unforgettable image.Techniques for using color clashes effectivelySeek contrasting palettes in your environmentLook for naturally contrasting colors in urban environments, markets, or nature. For example:Urban settings: Neon signs in muted alleyways or colorful murals against industrial backdrops offer great opportunities to play with contrasts.Natural scenes: Pair vibrant flowers against deep green leaves or catch a sunset where the fiery hues meet cool, dusky blues.Use clothing and accessoriesWhen working with a human subject, think about their wardrobe as a tool for creating contrast. A red jacket against a green field or a yellow scarf on a blue-gray day can transform a composition. These pops of color can help direct attention to your subject. Experiment with layers of clashing colorsDont stop at just two colorslayer multiple clashing elements in your frame. For example, frame a yellow house against a purple sky, while including a person in a bold orange outfit. Carefully layering these contrasts can elevate the complexity and impact of your image.Harnessing light for bold colorsLighting plays a crucial role in making clashing colors pop without overwhelming the composition.Golden hour glow: The warm light of golden hour can soften the harshness of a clash, making colors more cohesive while still standing out.Overcast days: Soft, diffused light is ideal for emphasizing colors without introducing distracting highlights or shadows.Artificial light: Neon lights in urban settings can create bold, unexpected clashes when combined with muted surroundings. Experiment with their interplay in low-light conditions. Advanced tips for bold color photographyControl the viewers focusUse clashing colors to frame or highlight your subject. For instance, position a person in front of a brightly colored wall with a clashing tone, ensuring the viewers eye is drawn directly to them.Isolate your subjectUse negative space to isolate your subject within a bold color clash. For example, a lone figure wearing red against a blue sea creates an arresting image without overwhelming the viewer. Post-processing tipsEnhance the vibrancy of clashing colors in post-processing, but keep the adjustments natural. Over-editing can reduce the authenticity and make the image feel artificial.Color clashes arent just about creating a visual punchtheyre about defying expectations and pushing boundaries. By understanding how to balance and use contrasting tones, you can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary compositions that leave a lasting impression. Whether youre exploring bold palettes in urban environments or pairing vibrant hues in nature, embracing bold choices in color will elevate your creative vision. Not on 500px yet? Sign up here to explore more impactful photography.The post Color clashes and bold choices in photography appeared first on 500px.

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach director Hideo Kojima has announced through a social media post on X that another round of Japanese voice recording has been wrapped up. He thanked various voice actors and revealed that saying goodbye to the actors after working with them for ten months was sad.Kojima mentions that the studio has wrapped up the Japanese voice work for an important scene involving six different characters.Todays Japanese voice recording. It was for an important scene with six people at the same time, posted Kojima. And with that, it was a wrap for Kenjiro Tsuda, Nana Mizuki, Tomokazu Sugita, Shion Wakayama, Akihiko Ishizumi, and Mitsuru Miyamoto. Its been 10 months since the first recording. As Happy as I am, it also makes me quite sad.Kojima also mentions that, while this important and difficult scene has wrapped, there is plenty of Japanese voice recording work still left to be done. He caps off the post by thanking the actors he has been working with. Kojima has also posted pictures of his celebrations with the actors.But we havent finished all the Japanese recording just yet, he posted. Thank you all for your hard work. Thank you so much. It was fun. Looking forward to working with you all for the next one.Death Stranding 2: On the Beach has been wrapping up the Japanese voice recording work for quite a few actors. Back in January, Kojima had celebrated wrapping up the work of Shioli Kutsuna. He thanked the actor with a bouquet, saying she had worked on quite a few aspects of the game, including 3D scanning and performance capture.Alongside all this work on the game itself, Kojima has also been teasing the release of a new trailer for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach. While few details about the trailer have been revealed so far, a few seconds of it were shown off .The short scene was as mysterious as youd expect from an out-of-context clip of a Hideo Kojima game. It involved Fragile and protagonist Sam Porter conversing about meeting someone face-to-face for the first time.One of Kojimas most recent teases for the trailer was a post where he said, Editing. The post was paired with a few pictures that, unfortunately, didnt reveal any more details about the game.Kojima has been quiet about the trailers reveal date, and presumably, a release date for Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, but Sony and Kojima Productions have announced a Special Panel for the game on March 9. It will take place at SXSW 2025 and will also feature Kojima himself.Death Stranding 2: On the Beach is currently in development for PS5.Todays Japanese voice recording. It was for an important scene with six people at the same time. And with that, it was a wrap for Kenjiro Tsuda, Nana Mizuki, Tomokazu Sugita, Shion Wakayama, Akihiko Ishizumi, and Mitsuru Miyamoto. Its been 10 months since the first recording. pic.twitter.com/LDsU1Mc8uq HIDEO_KOJIMA (@HIDEO_KOJIMA_EN) February 19, 2025

In a recent interview with the Sacred Symbols podcast (transcription by VGC), former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida revealed his thoughts about Microsoft bringing Xbox games to PlayStation. He calls it a victory for PlayStation players who now have more options for games than they previously had.I think its a win for PlayStation owners, they didnt have access [to those games] before.Yoshida discussed how focused PlayStation was on ensuring it didnt lose ground to Xbox. He referred to Sonys console becoming the minority platform as his nightmare. This would be because the best developers from first-party PlayStation studios would likely leave to work on games with a larger player base.I explained in one interview that it was always my nightmare when I was a managing first-party, Im lucky it didnt happen, that if PlayStation became the minority platform, it would be impossible to maintain the first-party development because the best creators would leave, explained Yoshida. They are not just creatives. They are business people as well. They want their games to reach the biggest audience as well.Its very natural if a platform is the minority, and if I was able to release a game on the minority platform only, its unsustainable, he continued. That was the nightmare.Looking at the install base of Xbox hardware, its kind of natural to understand what they are doing, and its pretty straightforward.Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer also spoke about the move to bring its console-exclusive titles to PlayStation being a great move, since that meant more revenue that could in turn fund even more games. While some were focused on Xbox losing out on the 30 percent of the money from games sold due to platform fees, Spencer instead focused on the 70 percent made by having its games reach a wider audience.And I dont want to then look at that and say, well, theres no way that we should be able to build a business there, find fans of our franchises there, said Spencer. Im not trying to move them all over to Xbox anymore. People were all so invested in where our games are.Lets allow more people to play, and yes, the 70% that we make on games on other platforms is helpful to us being able to build great portfolios like we showed at the Dev Direct, and I hope this will continue to show through the rest of the year.Xbox has recently been proactive in releasing its first-party titles on more platforms than just PC and its own consoles. Sea of Thieves, for instance, was released on PS5 last year, and has been quite successful for Microsoft. The next major AAA Xbox title coming to the PS5 will be Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. The game was released on Xbox Series X/S and PC in December to positive critical and commercial reception.For more details about Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, check out our review.

Bentway Islands Site (Photo credit: Brandon Ferguson)The Bentway, with partners Gehl and researchers from the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, released a report that revealed the essential role public spaces play in fostering mental health and social connections.The report, called Rx For Social Connection, is centred around learnings from The Bentways 2024 Softer City program of art and social events, and draws on perspectives and onsite observations from public space operators, urban strategists, public health practitioners, artists, and designers.In a previous report, Toronto was named the loneliest city in Canada, with 43 per cent of Toronto residents reporting that they never see their neighbours and 37 per cent feeling lonely at least three times a week.The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared loneliness to be a global health threat. A lack of social connection is as detrimental for ones health as smoking, and is worse than factors such as alcohol, and air pollution. Lonely people are also at higher risk for dementia, heart attacks, and strokes.Our new research reveals that thoughtfully designed public spaces, like The Bentway, are unsung heroes in the work of building healthier communities. These vibrant hubs arent just places to gathertheyre powerful public health tools that can help reverse troubling health trends, said Dr. Kate Mulligan of the University of Torontos Dalla Lana School of Public Health. The work shows cities and health professionals worldwide that great urban design can be a prescription for better well-being.In 2024, the majority of Bentway visitors reported that spending time onsite made them feel healthier. A total of 71 per cent said this related to their physical health, 62 per cent for their mental health, and 64 per cent said they felt more socially connected. Most visitors, or 67 per cent, engaged with one another during their visit, 48 per cent of visitors were children, youth, or seniors, compared to just 20 per cent in nearby neighbourhood populations.The study also found that areas of the Bentway with public art were stickier spaces and supported longer stays and enhanced social interactions.Seating and natural features create the necessary conditions for connections while landscaping and well-planned and accessible programming serve as intentional invitations to community members.We are happy that our work at The Bentway can serve as a case study for this research proving how important public spaces are for our collective wellbeing, said Ilana Altman, co-executive director of The Bentway. Its time to recognize that our parks, squares, sidewalks, and trails are not just places for leisure and recreation, but indeed vital parts of our health ecosystem. Strong communities, and the social connections we all need, are built in public space.While cities have become more challenging places to live, revaluing public spaces as important health resources can begin to reverse trends of isolation while creating more compassionate and connected cities.The post Report reveals public spaces such as The Bentway important for mental health appeared first on Canadian Architect.

Nvidia has unveiled a new AI platform for teaching people how to use American Sign Language to help bridge communication gaps. The Signs platform is creating a validated dataset for sign language learners and developers of ASL-based AI applications. It so happens that American Sign Language is the third most prevalent language in the United StatesRead More

Voltron Data partners with Accenture to revolutionize enterprise data processing with GPU-powered analytics engine Theseus, promising up to 100x performance gains for AI-driven companies facing massive data challenges.Read More