Image: Ollie Reynolds / Nintendo LifeWith the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, you might be wondering why a company like Marseille has decided to expand upon its original mClassic dongle with two new variations. Alas, thats exactly what its done, releasing the new mClassic Switch (blue) and mClassic Retro (green) products to complement the red original.On this page: Review: mClassic RGB Range - Colour Us Unimpressed With These UpscalersSubscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube796kWatch on YouTube When we looked at the red version back in 2021, we noted that its effects on visuals were unfortunately too subtle to warrant a full recommendation and that there were many scenarios in which the improvements simply weren't noticeable. The same cant really be said for the new products, with each processing mode implementing a drastically different image on-screen, but sadly the difference particularly when it comes to colours and brightness is actually a significant downgrade over what the Switch is capable of outputting on its own.Looking at the dongles themselves, all three are exactly the same in terms of build and presentation (bar the difference in colour, of course). This means that the new blue and green models, like the original, come with a Micro USB slot instead of USB-C. Its something that we could have almost brushed off when we looked at the original nearly four years ago, but for something releasing in 2025, Micro USB simply isnt acceptable. We go hands-on with the Marseille mClassicThat said, each device comes with its own red power cable which, if youve got a standard USB slot in your TV, monitor, or nearby wall, can easily be hooked up without the need for additional cables.In addition, if youre using these things with the Switch specifically, Marseille has also supplied a short HDMI adapter, since plugging the mClassic directly into the back of the Switch dock simply isnt possible thanks to the limited space available. Adding the adapter allows the mClassic to sit just outside the dock, which also makes it easier to toggle the three processing modes via a small switch on the side.mClassic RGB - What's the Difference?Now, lets take a closer look at what each of these dongles actually domClassic Original (Red)mClassic Original ModesMode 1 (Unprocessed), Mode 2 (Switch), Mode 3 (Retro)The red mClassic Original dongle is capable of upscaling the 720p / 60fps and 1080p / 60fps signals from the Switch up to a maximum of 1440p. The results are certainly visible just with the second of its three processing modes implementing some subtle sharpening and anti-aliasing in addition to the basic upscaling. The last mode, on the other hand, is designed primarily for retro gaming, and forces a 4:3 aspect ratio.We've laid things out in the below images from Sid Meier's Civilization VII. The left image is mode 1 (unprocessed), middle is mode 2 (Switch) and right is mode 3 (Retro).Mode 1 (Left), Mode 2 (Middle), and Mode 3 (right) - click on the images to view each at full resolution Images: Nintendo LifeMode 2 does smooth out the rough edges somewhat with some anti-aliasing and depth-of-field processing in addition to upscaling at 1440p, but it's an incredibly subtle effect that's really only discernible when viewed side-by-side with mode 1. It also slightly boosts the overall saturation of the colours, and while this isn't particularly egregious in this instance (unlike the blue model more on that later), it's nevertheless a slight downgrade from the unprocessed mode.Mode 3, of course, implements the 4:3 aspect ratio for retro games, but also includes everything from mode 2, including the upscaling, smoothing, and depth-of-field processing. Regardless of which mode you select, gameplay lag is thankfully at an absolute minimum, and we didn't notice anything worth highlighting.Out of all three mClassic devices, the original is one that we could almost make a case for if you're looking for something to boost visual clarity on your Switch or retro consoles. The improvements provided are minimal, to be sure, but it's definitely there. If you're not keen on upgrading to the Switch 2 when it launches this year, this might actually be a sound way to future-proof your current Switch for another couple of years or so. Close-up crops of the mClassic Red - Mode 1 (left) is unprocessed, Mode 2 (right) is upscaled and enhanced Images: Nintendo LifemClassic Switch (Blue)mClassic Switch ModesMode 1 (Switch OG), Mode 2 (Switch Enhance), Mode 3 (Switch Enhance+)The new mClassic Switch essentially takes Mode 2 from the mClassic original and pushes things even further, with enhancements theoretically designed to improve your experience on the Switch specifically. Mode 1 on the blue dongle is the exact same as mode 2 on the red, implementing 1440p upscaling, anti-aliasing, minor colour saturation, and the rest of it. Modes 2 and 3 add in colour filters that are meant to boost immersion of games depending on their colour and lighting, with mode 2 designed primarily for lighter games, and mode 3 for darker.The problem is that neither mode looks even remotely good. Mode 2 goes overboard with the colour saturation, intending to replicate the look of the Switch OLED on the big screen, but instead resulting in an image that looks completely overblown. Blacks are much deeper, and even white levels are muted, turn them into a more muddy, grey colour. We understand the intention to use this on brighter, more vibrant games, but even those can have darker moments, and it's here where you get unprecedented loss in detail thanks to the darker colours.Mode 3 is the opposite. You've still got an increase in colour saturation here, but the overall brightness has been dialled up and the actual hue of the colours looks completely different. It's a bit closer to the output from Mode 1 and therefore not quite as offensive as Mode 2, but it still doesn't look very good.The filters provided by modes 2 and 3 are, frankly, just not very nice to look at. Given that mode 1 on the mClassic Switch is the same as mode 2 on the mClassic original, you'd be better off just going for the latter and ditching those dreadful filters for an upscaled image that's more faithful to the native Switch display.Mode 1 (Left), Mode 2 (Middle), and Mode 3 (right) - note the loss in detail with Mario's moustache and the moon in the background Images: Nintendo LifemClassic Retro (Green)mClassic Retro ModesMode 1 (Retro OG), Mode 2 (Vintage Retro), Mode 3 (Vintage Retro+)Finally, the mClassic Retro looks to give you a more authentic take on older classics by applying more colour filters to the screen, just like its blue sibling. Here, mode 1 is the same as mode 3 on the red, offering up the same 1440p experience with the added 4:3 aspect ratio. The same can be said for modes 2 and 3; all of them apply the same processing capabilities.When you switch over to mode 2, however, a filter is applied that heavily desaturates the colours on-screen, theoretically giving you a more 'vintage' look to your game. This might be somewhat valid for certain games, but for most, the resulting image looks incredibly washed out and far too bright.Mode 3 isn't quite so bad and darkens the overall image slightly when compared to mode 2. It's still not as good as the original output, but it's not terrible.The important thing with the mClassic Retro, however, is that unless you have a modded retro console that supports HDMI right out the gate, you're going to need some sort of generic SD to HDMI adaptor in order to actually make this thing work at all. Marseille's marketing for the RGB range focuses quite a lot on the 'plug and play' aspect, but for the green Retro device at least, this simply isn't the case unless you're already in a position in which you can play old consoles on a modern TV.mClassic Retro - Mode 1 (Left), Mode 2 (Middle), and Mode 3 (right) - we were unable to hook up an old console for this test, so we've used Killer Instinct on the SNES NSO app, hence the more squished image Images: Nintendo LifeThough technical specifications for the upcoming Switch 2 have yet to be officially confirmed, it's said to boast native 1080p resolution with added DLSS upscaling. Given the timing, it's tough to know exactly who these mClassic devices are for; especially at 99 for the red and 78 each for the blue and green.We struggled to recommend the mClassic Original back in 2021, and that was with the assumption that Nintendo itself was about to coast another handful of years without the previously rumoured 'Switch Pro'. We know that the Switch 2 is coming later this year, so if you're someone who's eyeing one up on day one, the mClassic isn't a sound purchase in 2025. And retro enthusiasts looking to get the best from their old consoles won't be satisfied with the results, either.mClassic RGB Range - The VerdictIf for some reason you're dead set on getting one of the mClassic devices, then the red Original is probably best. But even that isn't a recommendation given the asking price and the incredibly subtle differences between the three modes available. Then again, 1440p output with minor image sharpening isn't to be sniffed at.As for the 'new' Switch blue and Retro green, you're best off avoiding these entirely. Mode 1 on both devices can be found on the mClassic original, offering up exactly the same processing capabilities. The only extras you're getting are some genuinely awful colour filters that do nothing but distort the original output. It doesn't look good - quite the opposite.The mClassic Original does improve visual quality, albeit minimallyRelatively easy to set up and switch between modesColour filters on mClassic Switch and Retro are truly awfulUsing the mClassic Retro with classic consoles requires another third-party adaptor anywayA fairly pricey way to make your games look worse in most modesMicro USB? Really?Bad 3/10The samples for this review were provided by Marseille.Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.See AlsoShare:01 Nintendo Lifes resident horror fanatic, when hes not knee-deep in Resident Evil and Silent Hill lore, Ollie likes to dive into a good horror book while nursing a lovely cup of tea. He also enjoys long walks and listens to everything from TOOL to Chuck Berry. 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Recipe app developers just got new competition. On Friday, Apple introduced a soon-to-launch feature for Apple News+ subscribers called Apple News+ Food, a new section that will allow users to search, discover, save, and easily cook recipes from dozens of existing News+ publishing partners. Its set to roll out as part of iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4 in April, but only in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Australia.Instead of building a standalone recipe app that could import content from all over the web like recipes from blogs or TikTok videos Apple News+ Food will only focus on recipes offered by Apple News+ publishers.Image Credits:AppleAt launch, Apple aims to have north of 30 publishers on board, up from the 20 its currently testing. Existing partners include well-known brands like Allrecipes, Bon Apptit, Food & Wine, Good Food, Serious Eats, Epicurious, Good Housekeeping, Better Homes & Gardens, Southern Living, Delish, Real Simple, CountryLiving, and others. Tens of thousands of recipes will be available through the Apple News+ Food service, the company notes.The new experience lets Apples publishing partners get their content in front of more consumers at a time when Googles ability to refer direct traffic to their websites continues to decline.iPhone and iPad users will be able to find a new Food section by scrolling down in the Apple News apps Today feed. Here, theyll find a featured recipe, curated by Apples editorial team, followed by a collection of food and dining-related stories, a broader recipe collection, plus links to the Food+ recipe catalog and their own saved recipes.Apple notes that select food stories and recipes will also be available for users who do not subscribe to Apple News+.Image Credits:AppleThe Apple News+ Food subscription service can be accessed in multiple ways. You can either tap on the More food link from the Food section in the apps Today tab or you can tap on the link to Food from the Following tab. (The latter is a more direct method if you want to bypass reading the news articles and go straight to the recipes.)In the Food+ section, users will see the featured recipe which is updated daily alongside an expanded set of recommended stories related to their interests. That personalization improves the more users engage with the app. Other curated sections include those that link to your saved recipes or other types of recipe collections, like those from certain publishers, a selection of popular recipes, or those focused on some type of theme like healthy eating or weeknight chicken dinners, for example.As users browse the recipes, they can choose to save the recipe directly to the News app for later reference.Image Credits:AppleIf users are in search of something specific, they can look through Apples News+ Foods recipe catalog, tapping on buttons to narrow searches by various filters like dinner, easy, vegetarian, under 30 minutes, and more. Filters are also available for searching across your saved recipes.The recipes themselves are formatted to be clutter and ad-free as well as easy to read an experience thats far less common on todays web. Key information including the ingredients, steps, description, cooking time, servings, and more is pulled out and featured in a clear format that highlights a photo of the dish and links back to the publishers website.Image Credits:AppleOther features Apple added also come in handy. One lets you tap on an ingredient to see the amount needed without having to scroll back to the ingredients list. Another lets you tap on the cooking time in the recipes instructions to automatically start a timer on your iPhone or iPad.A dedicated cooking mode is available, too, which displays the recipe in full screen with larger text, so you can follow instructions with minimal tapping and scrolling. In this mode, the screen will stay on, even if your device is normally set to turn off the screen after a period of time.Image Credits:AppleOne thing Apple News+ Food is missing, however, is the ability to add your own recipes or those saved from elsewhere on the web, as well as any tools to import or export recipes to and from other apps. You also cant save recipes directly from social media, though many home chefs today find recipes on places like TikTok and Instagram Reels.Image Credits:AppleWith the launch of Apple News+ Food, the tech giant continues to inch its way into the mobile app ecosystem where it competes with third-party developers who help the company generate revenue through App Store purchases. Recent additions to the Apple app lineup over the past year or so include the party-planning app Invites, iOS 18s new Passwords app, the Sports app, and the mobile Journal, for example.Unlike independent developers, Apple can afford to launch new apps that dont have to be supported by a business model other than continued iPhone sales. This puts smaller and indie developers at a distinct disadvantage.In the case of Apple News+ Food, publishers werent additionally compensated for their recipes, TechCrunch understands. Instead, the experience is an extension of Apples existing relationship with its partners, where the iPhone maker generates revenue by selling ads within the publishers articles for a 30% cut of sales.The new service requires an Apple News+ subscription, which is $12.99 per month in the U.S., 12.99 in the UK, $16.99 in Canada, and $19.99 in Australia. That includes access to over 400 magazines, newspapers, and digital publishers.Topics

Apple Intelligence is heading to the Vision Pro as part of an upcoming operating system update. Apple confirmed on Friday that its generative AI platform will arrive on the extended reality headset as part of visionOS 2.4. A beta version of the software is currently available for developers. The public version is set for an April release.Like the iPhone and Mac before it, the Vision Pro will receive Apple Intelligence updates in waves. The first set includes several familiar offerings, focused primarily on generating text and images. The company sees the addition of features like Rewrite, Proofread, and Summarize as key components for on-device workflow.Its worth keeping in mind that Apple has framed Vision Pro as a spatial computing device since the outset. For all the video, gaming, and other entertainment features, the company has sought to set the system apart from its extended reality predecessors by positioning it as an extension of desktop computing or, as TechCrunch framed it in our review, The infinite desktop.As it stands, composing text is a mixed bag on the headset. The default typing method requires the wearer to look at a letter, before pinching two fingers together to select. While well implemented, its cumbersome when faced with writing more than a word or two at a time. Voice addresses this bottleneck to a degree, and Apples recent AI-powered Siri supercharge bodes well for the smart assistants Vision Pro future.Apple is banking on the combination of voice dictation and generative AI writing tools to deliver a smoother experience to convince more Vision Pro users to incorporate the headset into more of their existing workflows. At the very least, features like Message Summaries and email Smart Reply streamline interaction with different apps, without taking the user away from a given task.Image Playground is the other big piece of the puzzle, bringing image generation to the wearable display as part of the visionOS 2.4 update. The feature is integrated directly into the VisionOS Photos app, allowing users to create images through verbal prompts.All of the above features have previously been rolled out on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS. There are no new Apple Intelligence features specific to Vision Pro arriving in this update.Along with visionOS 2.4, Apple has also launched a Vision Pro iPhone app arriving with iOS 18.4, which is also now in beta. The app serves a few different purposes. Foremost is the ability to browse visionOS content, like TV shows and movies, which can then be transferred onto the headset. This feature appears to be, in part, a response to the limitations of wearing the headset, both in terms of personal comfort and battery life. If youre going to be scrolling through content, you might as well do it from the comfort of your iPhone.When an iPhone is unlocked and within proximity of the headset, the new app can also be used to manage guest accounts. The Vision Pro will prompt its owner when someone is attempting to sign in as a guest. A streaming image of the guests in-headset view is accessible through the new app, as well.

Movie & Games TrailersG20By Vincent Frei - 21/02/2025 G20 follows U.S. President Sutton (Viola Davis) as she evades capture during a deadly siege on the G20 summit. With lives and nations at stake, its a race against time in this high-stakes action ride by Amazon MGM Studios!The Production VFX Supervisor is Sean Farrow.The Production VFX Producer is Harrison Marks.Director: Patricia RiggenRelease Date: April 10, 2025 (Prime Video) Vincent Frei The Art of VFX 2025

Researchers from Ocean University of China have developed a scalable method for producing lab-grown fish fillets using edible porous microcarriers (EPMs) and bioprinting.With growing concerns over overfishing, climate change, and food security, cultivated seafood has been gaining attention as an alternative to traditional aquaculture. But scaling up production while keeping the texture, structure, and nutritional profile intact remains a challenge. Now, a study published in Nature Communications details how fish muscle and fat cells can be efficiently expanded, structured into a bioink, and 3D printed into fillets that closely mimic wild-caught seafood.a) Properties of microcarrier-based cellular microtissues bioinks. The diagram was created using BioRender. b) The appearance of raw and cooked 3D printed cultured fish fillet prototypes. Image via Ocean University of China.Porous microcarriers enable high-density cell expansionAs per the team, this research focused on optimizing gelatin-based EPMs to improve cell adhesion, growth, and differentiation. By introducing sodium chloride (NaCl) during cryogenic crosslinking, scientists controlled ice crystal formation to fine-tune pore size, creating a scaffold with the right porosity for high-density cell culture.With this method, muscle satellite cells (SCs) and adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) from large yellow croakers expanded to densities of 6.25 105 and 5.77 105 cells/mL marking a 499-fold and 461-fold increase, respectively.To test scalability, the researchers moved from 125-milliliter spinner flasks to a 4-liter bioreactor, where consecutive expansion cycles kept cell viability above 80%. The collagenase digestion method proved the most effective for transferring cells onto fresh microcarriers, maintaining uniform distribution and preventing cell loss.RNA sequencing confirmed that these expanded cells retained their ability to differentiate, with notable increases in genes related to muscle growth, extracellular matrix remodeling, and cell cycle regulation.Once matured, muscle and fat microtissues were mixed into a bioink, which was extruded through a commercial 3D bioprinter to create structured fish fillets measuring 100 mm in length and 15 mm in height. The printed fillets had layered textures similar to natural fish muscle and developed a browned surface after cooking due to the Maillard reaction.Analysis showed that the printed fish fillets retained moisture (~70%) and had a weight loss of ~35%, similar to conventional fish. However, textural properties like chewiness and cohesiveness were slightly lower, leaving room for refinement in food structuring.Nutritionally, the cultured fish had 8.5 grams more protein per 100 grams than its natural counterpart, with 68.92% less fat and an 87.93% reduction in cholesterol. The omega-3 fatty acid profile remained stable, though sodium content was higher, exceeding that of natural fish by 192.7 mg/100 g. A 51% increase in essential amino acids was also observed, while flavor compound analysis highlighted differences in volatile organic profiles, suggesting areas for further optimization in taste and aroma.Although scaling up remains a challenge, researchers estimate that a 100-liter bioreactor could yield around 750 grams of cultured fish per batch, signaling commercial potential for EPM-based cell expansion.While this study demonstrates significant progress in structured cultivated seafood, fine-tuning fiber alignment, bioink composition, and production costs will be key to making lab-grown fish market-ready.This research highlights the feasibility of scalable cultivated fish production, positioning bioprinting and high-density cell culture as tools that could reshape the future of seafood. As technology advances, lab-grown fish may soon offer a sustainable alternative to meet global demand while reducing pressure on marine ecosystems.3D printing fishes on the riseEfforts to improve alternative seafood are expanding, with companies exploring unique approaches. Last year, Vienna-based food-tech company Revo Foods teamed up with Belgian-based Paleo to make its 3D printed vegan salmon even more realistic.Revo Foods 3D printed salmon filet. Photo via Revo Foods. Backed by a 2.2M grant from the EUs Eureka Eurostars program, the two-year project, which began in August 2024, will see Paleo developing a specially fermented Myoglobin protein to enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional value of Revo Foods salmon alternative. Typically found in animal muscle, Myoglobin will be recreated without animal use to add color, iron, and aroma. Adding to this development, Revo Foods claimed its 3D printing process cuts water use by 90% and CO2 emissions by 75%.Back in 2020, Legendary Vish, a startup founded by a group of international students, was working to bring 3D printed plant-based fish alternatives to market. The idea stemmed from a 2017 EU-funded research project, where the team developed an extrusion-based method to create structured salmon fillets using plant-based bio-inks.Their goal was to offer a sustainable seafood alternative amid growing concerns over overfishing and environmental damage. As they sought investment to scale production, they also explored regulatory approval and potential partnerships to expand into Scandinavian and European markets.What3D printing trendsshould you watch out for in 2025?How is thefuture of 3D printingshaping up?To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows a) Properties of microcarrier-based cellular microtissues bioinks. The diagram was created using BioRender. b) The appearance of raw and cooked 3D printed cultured fish fillet prototypes. Image via Ocean University of China.

Last August, five architecture offices were shortlisted to redesign sections of Londons British Museum: 6a architects,David Chipperfield Architects, Eric Parry Architects and Jamie Fobert Architects,Lina Ghotmeh Architecture, andOMA.Lina Ghotmeh Architecture (LGA) was announced the competition winner. The Paris office will redesign British Museums Western Range galleries, which currently store hundreds of artworks and significant back-of-house areas in the 1850 building completed by architect Sir Robert Smirke. The commission is one of the largest and most prestigious in the world. LGA entered the competition with a wide team of consultants: artist Ali Cherri, conservation architect Purcell, and Arup are all in the winning group. Holmes Studio, a London office, will do graphic design and wayfinding. Plan A will be responsible for design team coordination.The project will help improve accessibility. ( LGA)British Museum said in a statement LGA was the unanimous favorite out of the applicant pool, which garnered 60 submissions at first. Nicholas Cullinan, the British Museums director, said Lina Ghotmeh came out on top thanks to her offices exceptional and materially sensitive architectural vision. The competition process was organized by Colander Associates, a London consultancy, on behalf of the British Museum. The judging panel included: Yvonne Farrell, Meneesha Kellay, Mahrukh Tarapor, and Sarah Younger.Renderings by Lina Ghotmeh show British Museums collection interspersed within cavernous rooms lined in masonry. Some materials are course, and have a pinkish hue, while others are striated and white.The walls will be lined in masonry. ( LGA)The jurors likened Ghotmehs approach to that of an archaeological dig, in how Ghotmeh looks at a buildings past to support its reimagination and future. My team and I are thrilled to embark on this journey for the renovation of the Western Range of the British Museum, LGAs founder Lina Ghotmeh shared. This competition has been an exciting process shaped by dialogue and multiple voices, Ghotmeh continued. I am looking forward to continuing this rich and collaborative process as we work towards transforming this section of the museum into an extraordinary spacea place of connections for the world and of the world.Competition model submitted by LGA ( LGA)The selection committee added Ghotmeh ultimately showed a deep understanding and sensitivity towards the Museum, the complexity of collections display and artifacts interactions with diverse visitor groups. Ghotmehs vision especially resonated with the panel because of its archaeological approach to architectural design. Lina Ghotmeh was born in Lebanon, and runs her studio in Paris. Past work on major cultural landmarks LGA embarked on includes Herms Leather Workshop in Louviers, Normandy, which finished in 2023; and the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. She also received the commission to design the Serpentine Pavilion in 2023.Earlier, Ghotmeh won the Grand prix AFEX 2016 and the Mies van der Rohe Award in 2017. Shes taught at Yale, Harvard, University of Toronto, and elsewhere.British Museum said the final design will be shared in mid-2026.

Stanford Universitys campus is a stately Californian milieu designed by Frederick Law Olmsted and Shepley, Rutan, and Coolidgethe Bostonian progeny of H. H. Richardson which just celebrated 150 years of practice. Its late 19th-century architecture harkens back to East Coast schools of an equal, albeit much older caliber like Harvard, Yale, et al. Later additions by SOM, William Wurster, SWA, and others dot the illustrious 8,180-acre locale. A new administrative building at Stanford University by Olson Kundig and SWA takes cues from the campuss understated midcentury modernism, architects shared. The new building hosts the Center for Advanced Study in Behavioral Sciences (CASBS) at Stanford University, a research center that combines legal scholars, humanists, public policy practitioners, philosophers, and technical experts.The 1,700-square-foot facility is a milestone for Stanfordthere hadnt been a new ground-up project on the campus since 1954. That year, CASBS was founded with help from the Ford Foundation, and it moved into a new small complex to the campuss south across from Juniperro Serra Boulevard.The building is the first new structure on Stanfords campus since 1954. (Aaron Leitz/Courtesy Olson Kundig)The original CASBS building from 1954 was designed by William Wurster, the San Francisco architect who founded the College of Environmental Design at UC Berkeley with Catherine Bauer. The new building by Olson Kundig and SWA, completed in 2024, isnt aesthetically far off from the Wurster project.The new building was called for in a 2015 master plan for Stanford by EHDD, a San Francisco architecture firm. Olson Kundig joined the project team in 2016, and successive schematic design phases ensued the following years with SWA. According to Olson Kundig, the administration building was intentionally designed in order to complement the understated midcentury architecture of the existing campus. It frames the final open edge of CASBSs campus, Olson Kundig added.The narrow footprint afforded architects the opportunity to provide ample natural daylighting. (Aaron Leitz/Courtesy Olson Kundig)The Olson Kundig and SWA facility faces a historic courtyard with outdoor gathering spaces for lectures, and informal exchanges between students and faculty. The new architecture has a loggia which faces the courtyard, taking advantage of the temperate climate. Ample natural daylight washes over the interior spaces thanks to generous fenestration.The building frames the research centers northern edge. (Aaron Leitz/Courtesy Olson Kundig)The research center is a place for legal scholars, humanists, public policy practitioners, philosophers, and technical experts. (Aaron Leitz/Courtesy Olson Kundig)Margaret Levi, CASBSs former director, helped raise much of the funding for the project. Sarah Soule, the research centers current director, said in a statement the new building is a perfect physical manifestation of Margarets vision for CASBS and the social and behavioral sciences more generally.Shoule added Levi believes that to solve the worlds grand challenges, scholars need to work in a non-traditional way. And to solve todays systemic problems, we need systemic solutions. This building heralds a new era of interdisciplinary collaboration and discovery at CASBS. It enables us to further realize our mission of leveraging interdisciplinary research in service of solutions for some of the worlds most vexing challenges.

hanohiki - stock.adobe.comNewsApple withdraws encrypted iCloud storage from UK after government demands back door accessAfter the Home Office issued a secret order for Apple to open up a backdoor in its encrypted storage, the tech company has instead chosen to withdraw the service from the UKByBill Goodwin,Computer WeeklyPublished: 21 Feb 2025 17:52 Apple has withdrawn from providing its UK smartphone and computer users with encrypted cloud storage following a secret government order to require the company to provide back-door access to encrypted data.The tech firm confirmed it will no longer offer UK users its Advanced Data Protection (ADP) service which allows users to store data in encrypted form on Apples iCloud service.The decision is likely to expose people in the UK using Apple services to greater risk of cyber threat and they will no longer have the ability to fully encrypt their personal data on Apples iCloud, though the service will remain available elsewhere in the world.The move by Apple is designed to head off demands by the Home Office to require Apple to provide a back door to give law enforcement and other government agencies access to encrypted data stored by any of its customers worldwide.Demands by the Home Office to access encrypted data belonging to Apple users throughout the world caused ructions in the US when the US Congress accused the UK of a foreign cyber attack waged through political means and led calls for the UK to be thrown out of the Five Eyes intelligence sharing networkAs we have said many times before, we have never built a backdoor or master key to any of our products or services and we never will, Apple said, in a statement."Apple can no longer offer Advanced Data Protection (ADP) in the United Kingdom to new users and current UK users will eventually need to disable this security feature. ADP protects iCloud data with end-to-end encryption, which means the data can only be decrypted by the user who owns it, and only on their trusted devices.The company said securing cloud storage through encryption was more urgent than ever given the growing number of security and data breaches.We are gravely disappointed that the protections provided by ADP will not be available to our customers in the UK given the continuing rise of data breaches and other threats to customer privacy, Apple added.Enhancing the security of cloud storage with end-to-end encryption is more urgent than ever before. Apple remains committed to offering our users the highest level of security for their personal data and are hopeful that we will be able to do so in the future in the United Kingdom.Users in the UK who have not already enabled ADP will no longer be able to do so, Apple confirmed.Apples decision means the nine iCloud data categories covered by ADP will be protected by standard data protection, and UK users will not have a choice to benefit from end-to-end encryption for these categories: iCloud Backup; iCloud Drive; Photos; Notes; Reminders; Safari Bookmarks; Siri Shortcuts; Voice Memos; Wallet Passes; and Freeform.Withdrawing ADP from the UK will not affect the 14 iCloud data categories that are end-to-end encrypted by default. Data such as iCloud Keychain and Health remain protected with full end-to-end encryption. Apple said communication services like iMessage and FaceTime remain end-to-end encrypted globally, including in the UK.For users in the UK who already enabled ADP, Apple said it will provide additional guidance. Apple cannot disable ADP automatically for these users - instead, UK users will be given a period of time to disable the feature themselves to keep using their iCloud account.ADP continues to be available everywhere else in the world.Matthew Hodgson, CEO of Element, a secure communications platform used by governments, said its not a surprise to see Apple switch off end-to-end encrypted for iCloud in the UK.[Apple] had no choice. You cannot offer a secure service and then backdoor it - because its no longer a secure service, he said.According to Element research, 83% of UK citizens want the highest level of security and privacy possible, yet the UK government has just put Apples UK customers data at risk, added Hodgson.It is impossible to have a safe backdoor into an encrypted system. Time and again it has been proven that any such point of entry is exploited by bad actors, he said.Salt Typhoon is the current and obvious example, which has seen law enforcement backdoors in the US public telephone network being hijacked by a cyber attack group believed to be operated by the Chinese government. The US is urging its citizens to use end-to-end encrypted services. Simultaneously were witnessing the UK undermining end-to-end encryption - a key part of the nations cyber security.Earlier this month, over 100 cyber security experts, companies and civil society groups signed a letter calling for home secretary Yvette Cooper to drop demands for Apple to create a backdoor into its encrypted iCloud service.The experts warned that the UKs move to create a backdoor into peoples personal data jeopardises the security and privacy of millions of people, undermines the UK tech sector and sets a dangerous precedent for global cyber security.In The Current Issue:AI Action Summit: Global leaders decry AI red tapeNavigating the practicalities of AI regulation and legislationDownload Current Issue

Grant Thornton has issued a forensic 66-page report relating to a failed Oracle Fusion enterprise resource planning (ERP) implementation at Birmingham City Council, which has left it without a functioning finance system until at least 2026.Among the impacts of the failed Oracle implementation, the auditors note its overall cost, plus the investment necessary to put it right, will be at least 90m in excess of its original budget. The reimplementation of the system is not expected to be complete until next year, or beyond.When the councils Oracle implementation steering committee took the decision to go live in April 2022, say the auditors from Grant Thornton, the level of risk inherent in the Oracle solution was not properly understood. This resulted in the implementation failing at a significant cost to the council, contributing to a breakdown of financial control such that it has been unable to adequately control its finances throughout 2022/23, 2023/24 and into 2024/25.The governance and programme management for the Oracle programme had fundamental weaknesses that were never effectively remedied and were further exposed by high turnover of staff in both senior and operational roles, they said.Birmingham City Council implemented an SAP ERP system, ECC6, in 1999, for finance, procurement, HR and payroll purposes. Over the years, it was customised to fit the organisations business processes. In 2006, Capita was engaged to provide council services, including the hosting of the SAP instance.And then came SAPs ERP system based on its reportedly high-speed, columnar, in-memory database, Hana, S/4 Hana, in 2015. SAP also announced end of support for the older ERP by 2025, later extended to 2027.Like many other SAP customers, Birmingham had a choice to make. It opted to switch to cloud-based Oracle Fusion, following advice from Socitm Advisory, and announced its decision in July 2019.It also announced programme support contracts for Insight UK Ltd, in partnership with Evosys for systems integration; Socitm Advisory, for programme and change management; and Egress, for data migration services.Read more about the failed Oracle implementation at Birmingham City CouncilBirmingham City Councils Oracle system the biggest of its kind in Europe went live in April 2022, resulting in a catastrophic IT failure. Cliff Saran investigates.Read how the council swapped out a heavily customised SAP ERP system for Oracle Cloud; but after going live, it had numerous technical challenges. Cliff Saran explains what went wrong with Birmingham City Councils Oracle implementation.Birmingham sets aside 25m for Oracle transformation.Ameo Professional Services was appointed to provide programme management and assurance to the council from January 2021. The effectiveness of Ameo and the other suppliers is the subject of another report commissioned by the council, Grant Thornton says. Its findings are legally privileged, according to the auditor, and they are not included in the 11 February 2025 report.As previously reported in Computer Weekly, the financial business case for the upgrade showed that the SAP system, run by Capita, was costing the council 5.1m per year. Over the nine years between 2022/2023 and 2031/2032, this would amount to 46m. For the same period, the Oracle system was meant to save 563k in 2022/23 and 788k in 2023/2024, with the savings accumulating over the nine years to 10.9m.In August 2019, the council ended its contract with Capita and the majority of IT services were transitioned to an in-house team, including 300-plus Capita staff, for the most part not Oracle specialists. Building in-house Oracle capability proved to be very challenging, according to the report.As previously reported in Computer Weekly, after the go-live in 2022, the Oracle system required manual remediation to fix accounting issues. The councils 2024 financial report showed a budget of 5.3m for continued support and manual intervention on the Oracle system.The reports authors do note that the failure of the implementation of Oracle Fusion has been a contributory factor to the councils financial position rather than being a fundamental factor. Birmingham City Council effectively went bankrupt in 2023.It also notes that the implementation programme failed to adhere to its design principles to adopt Oracle-standard functionality, instead choosing to adapt it to align with the councils existing processes.Grant Thornton also found that the council did not focus sufficiently on the business and culture change required to prepare the organisation for the Oracle system. End users were unprepared and unequipped to use the system, it claims.It also notes that the culture of the council appears to be one where either bad news was not welcome or officers felt uncomfortable to communicate bad news. We have reported previously on the high level of turnover of senior officers at the council. If the council is to succeed with other major projects, including the current ERP project, and avoid similar issues to the failed ERP implementation, then it will need to carefully consider how it can change its culture to one of openness, mutual support and transparency.The council will hold a meeting on 11 March 2025 to consider the Grant Thornton report, which draws lessons from the botched implementation. These include learning points with respect to governance and oversight, programme management, solution design, business change and culture.

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