Skidmore, Ownings, and Merrill (SOM) has released updated renderings for the Center of Climate Solutions, a climate research hub on Governors Island. The project seeks to place New York City at the forefront of the nations climate research, education, and jobs while enhancing the existing natural, cultural, and educational resources on Governors Island. The $700 million project began with a rezoning proposal in 2020 by the Trust for Governors Island and renderings by WXY architecture + urban design. After a two-year, competitive request for proposal process, The New York Climate Exchange, a cross-sector consortium led by Stony Brook University in partnership with Boston Consulting Group, the Georgia Institute of Technology, Pace University, Pratt Institute, the University of Washington, IBM, and Good Old Lower East Side (GOLES) was chosen from four finalist teams to anchor the project. SOM joined them soon after in 2023.The Center for Climate solutions will host programs and events year-round. (Courtesy The New York Climate Exchange and SOM)Once fully operational, the 400,000-square-foot campus is expected to serve 600 postsecondary students, 4,500 K12 students, 6,000 workforce trainees, and 250 faculty and researchers every year while supporting up to 30 businesses annually through its incubator program. Related projects include the inaugural Climate Change Solutions Challenge through the Trusts Living Lab program as well as an inclusion and expansion of The Urban Assembly New York Harbor School. The new additions, elevated by eight feet to protect from storm surges and sea level rises, are primarily constructed of mass timber and glass. This new set of renderings also includes a first-look at a grand convening hall, giving a perspective into the picturesque and nature-packed scenery that can be experienced through large windows incorporated into the design. The seamless incorporation of green space can adapt to the changing seasons, including ground floor labs and exhibition spaces with outdoor access.Visitors to The Exchange on Governors Island will dock at Yankee Pier. (Courtesy The New York Climate Exchange and SOM)The grand convening hall is one of many spaces that promotes listening and learning. (Courtesy The New York Climate Exchange and SOM)The buildings exterior has maintained its curvilinear shape in the updated renderings, with increased fluidity added to the previously slated solar panel roof. The result is a wave-like formation that will welcome visitors from the harbor at Yankee Pier. The view from the pier also highlights the use of restoration amid new construction. Sections of Liggett Hall, former military barracks in a McKim, Mead & Whitedesigned masonry building, will be repurposed into student dormitories and faculty accommodations.In addition to its sustainable design systems, the site also employs energy-positive design strategies and will be one of the first in the country to achieve True Zero Waste certification. Further, every building on the campus is designed to meet the Living Building Challenge standards, a goal that no building in New York City has yet achieved.The design incorporates the adaptive reuse of Liggett Hall. (Courtesy The New York Climate Exchange and SOM)The project also marks a transition for Governors Island from a popular summer recreation destination to a sustainable urban environment thats accessible year-round. The hubs programming will include topics such as education, workforce development, and jobs training alongside public exhibits, special events, talks, and art.The campus will be funded in part by significant gifts of $100 million from the Simons Foundation and $50 million from Bloomberg Philanthropies. The Exchange will raise funds to support the remaining costs.Construction is set to be completed in 2028.

We are about a third of the way through Trumps first 100 days of his second term as president, and things are still changing fast. These turbulent updates are significant enough that it is causing some to hit the panic button: Five former Treasury secretaries wrote to The New York Times with a clear message: Our democracy is under siege. And despite Trump winning the popular vote, Timothy Snyder, author of On Tyranny and the Richard C. Levin Professor of History at Yale University, believes a coup is, in fact, happening. Others are hopeful that the contraction of the federal workforce would speed innovation by eliminating red tape and removing alleged corruption. Glug Glug., begins one Substack post from January 27 by James Howard Kunstler, a cultural critic best known as the author of The Geography of Nowhere, thats the sound of a swamp being drained. (His blog is titled Clusterfuck Nation.) He continues: You might be just realizing that the Joe Biden regime was not a government at all, but rather, a colossal racketeering operation.Thanks to his work as a developer, Trumps reputation among architects was low even before he entered politics. Bill Menking, our cofounder, was no fan of the Donald: In a piece published in the runup to the 2016 election, he wrote, Trump, more than any builder in New York in the late 20th century, has transformed the city with barely the slightest architecturally-worthy design or public service. Beyond the plea from Bishop Mariann Budde and the protests of Democratic senators, public outcry against Trumpsand Musksreorganization of the federal government has been less intense than when he took office for his first term. Here, AN gathers collective stirrings.An AIA AffirmationAfter the election last November, many organizations issued statements on what the transition could mean for the environment, economy, and racial and gender equity.On January 28, just days before Lakisha Woods stepped down as CEO/EVP, the AIA sent an email to its entire membership reaffirming its commitment to climate leadership and equity, diversity, and inclusion. It concluded: AIA will continue to advocate on policies related to EDI and the climate, and we remain dedicated to advancing civil rights, promoting sustainable communities, and supporting policies that uplift all populations. Together, we will lead with purpose, champion design excellence, and keep members informed as developments unfold. Read the full email here.Economic RumblingsAs reported in Construction Dive, on a February 4 earnings call, Troy Rudd, CEO of AECOM, said that he was optimistic: We anticipate opportunities arising from the new administrations commitments to our robust economy supported by a prudent deregulation and push for energy independence that positions the U.S. as an attractive destination for capital investment and growth.Despite the fact that AECOM has contracts with USAID and EPAagencies that are being gutted by Elons Musketeers most of the firms government work comes from the Department of Defense, where there is anticipated funding growth.Links to the databases of current projects and recently completed buildings under the purview of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operationsthe government entity that manages the planning, acquisition, design, construction, operations, maintenance, and disposal of U.S. governmental diplomatic and consular property overseasappear to be deactivated. These holding facilities could be permanent structures designed by architects or more temporary arrangements. According to Semafor, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement is in discussions with Phoenix-based Willscot about leasing the companys mobile structures to house undocumented detainees, the people said. Willscots products are commonly used as construction-site storage and office space.Still, January was marked by a drop in the AIAs Architecture Billings Index. AIA Chief Economist Kermit Baker said, Stubborn inflation, persistently high interest rates, and labor concerns continue to weigh on the willingness of owners and developers to move ahead with construction projects. And in response to softer market conditions, architecture firms have been moving to right-size their operations.I Got Got!Widespread layoffs and a mandate that employees log their daily accomplishments have impacted government employees across numerous departments, and some architecture offices have courted this talent to join their ranks. Many formerly employed individuals took to LinkedIn to voice their disappointment with the new rules and sudden terminations. This includes a botanist who worked at the National Park Service, a structural engineer at the Environmental Protection Agency, and a communications specialist at the Department of Energy. Others have sounded the alarm for institutions like the National Archives. Last week, Amina Hassen, an urban strategist, posted on LinkedIn about her experience being fired as an employee of The Lab at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), which builds capacity for government organizations to transform their programs, processes, and people through human-centered design. Hassen said she was fired (illegally?) from my role with the Lab @ OPM as a new employee within my first year as a civil servant. Hassen previously held roles with WXY Studio and was a founding member of BlackSpace.The severity of the situation led Rachael Dietkus, a social workerdesigner who is currently a design supervisor with the U.S. Digital Corps, to post a guide about the intentional weaponization of trauma. In her own post about employment uncertainty, Dietkus shared that in addition to seeking her own opportunities, she is advocating for the dozenssoon to be hundredsof public interest designers and civic technologists who have dedicated themselves to mission-driven work and are now navigating a sea of uncertainty.Some Sustainable SunshineEven as Trumps Cabinet leaders roll back many advances related to climate change, mass transit, and energy standards, one expert remains optimistic. Ed Mazria, founder and CEO of Architecture 2030, wrote in a text published by Architectural Record and Common Edge that in an era dominated by furthering self-interests and polarizing political debates on climate change, a quiet revolution is taking place, regardless of the political landscape.He said that recent data marks a watershed moment: global building sector operating emissions (heating, cooling, lighting, hot water, plug load, etc.) stabilized between 2018 and 2022, decreased by 1 percent in 2023, and are projected to continue falling under government announced pledges, even as global building stock expanded by approximately 320 billion square feet (29.7 billion square meters) from 2018 to 2024the equivalent of the total building area of the United States. Since 2005 in the U.S., building sector operations achieved remarkable energy efficiency and emissions reductions regardless of the political climate. Energy intensity steadily improved, declining by approximately 16 percent. And even more impressive were the decreases in CO2 emissions intensity from 2005 to 2023: residential buildings dropped by 39.5 percent, and commercial buildings by 47.9 percent. Overall, total emissions from U.S. building operations fell by 32 percentall while the sector added roughly 70 billion square feet of new construction.Mazria points to the ambitious climate priorities of industry organizations as a driver of this change. The quiet revolution taking place in architecture and planning illustrates that solutions to our greatest challenges already exist and are being implemented every day by professionals who understand that shaping the built environment means shaping our collective future.Diversity, Equity, InclusionThe push to scrub diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements has sent agencies, schools, and universities scrambling to update websites and adjust job titles. On Friday, February 14, Trumps Department of Education, according to the New York Times, warned that they risked losing federal funding if they continued to take race into account when making scholarship or hiring decisions, or so much as nodded to race in all other aspects of student, academic and campus life. The letter gave schools 14 days to respond.Earlier, The Smithsonian Institution said that it would close its diversity office, freeze hiring for all federal positions and require workers to return to in-person work in order to comply with recent orders from President Trump, according to The New York Times. According to student reporting at The Daily Pennsylvanian, the Stuart Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania removed the website for its Inclusion and Belonging initiative on Thursday, February 6. This was followed by a Friday afternoon email to the school by its dean, Fritz Steiner, who acknowledged that some of our Web-based communications are undergoing review to ensure compliance with nondiscrimination policy and federal law. He continued: Speculation about our programs, however, is unfounded. Our Student Services team will continue to support all members of the Weitzman community. His message concluded: I understand that the recent executive orders have created uncertainty in many areas, and I share your concerns. However, I am confident the Weitzman community will continue to thrive.This tracks with developments at other prominent universities: Yale University acknowledged that the use of federal funding to study issues related to diversity may have to be re-evaluated and that its diversity language may need to be tweaked. The Columbia Spectator, the student newspaper at Columbia University, reported that language about diversity, equity, and inclusion policy were removed from some of the schools websites after Trumps executive orders.Classicism BattlesAfter Trumps executive order about architectural style, Dezeen interviewed Justin Shubow on the subject. Shubow argued that classicism in the U.S. doesnt have a history of being aligned with white supremacist or fascist efforts: I dont think when African Americans look at the US Supreme Court, they see a racist building. This is America. Were not Germany. Our history is completely different when it comes to government buildings. He also took aim at the FBI headquarters in Washington, D.C.: The FBI building is a brutalist design its going to be demolished since its been aging very badly. Shubow later appeared on the Ben Shapiro Show to state his case. AN contributor Keren Dillard took up the topic in her new newsletter, BAD.d: The Black Architecture and Design Digest. After the end of her text, which includes references to Nadir Z. Lahijis Can Architecture be an Emancipatory Project?, Dillard concludes: It is undeniable that an architects practice is embedded in racial violence, and in our current moment, it is important to recognize the agency of the architect in choosing to partake in or prevent spatial acts of violence.A View From Across the PondCommentary from England doesnt paint the U.S. in a flattering picture. The cover of the latest issue of Architects Journal conflates Trump with The Brutalist: In an illustration by Louis Hellman, Trump is seen sitting in a Brutalist throne with some sort of device that is inscribed DRILL BABY DRILL.View this post on InstagramA post shared by Architects Journal (@architectsjournal)Megalomaniac? Genius? The former property moguls cultural impact is already profound, Emily Booth wrote. Architecture and power have always gone hand-in-hand, of course (even if power hasnt been grasped by the profession itself).Outrage?Where is the outrage in the architecture community? By Inauguration Day in 2017, eight years ago, The Avery Review had compiled an issue titled And Now: Architecture Against a Developer Presidency, which was then published as a book.Many others voice positions with more abstract language that still indicates political awareness. In uncertain times, we choose action: strengthening partnerships, expanding collaborations, and rallying the networks that sustain movements, Katie Swenson wrote in a February 12 email update from MASS Design Group. Beyond the trope of Dems in disarray, there is fatigue, after hard pandemic years and 18 months of protests and counterprotests about the war in Gaza. (Offhandedly, Trump proposed that the U.S. take over the territory for redevelopment, which prompted one analyst at the libertarian think tank The Cato Institute to title the scheme Mar-a-Gaza. The idea bears resemblance to Benjamin Netanyahus Gaza 2035 plan.)The first Trump presidency inspired a backlash that shouldnt be forgotten. Writing in AN in April 2021, Kate Wager argued that it would be a terrible, terrible waste for architecture to abandon its new critical, activist tendencies in favor of what was a rather odious and uninspiring and unjust status quo to begin with.When recently asked if he had seen any moments of resistance, a prominent architecture critic replied, No, architects, like everybody else, seem to have given up. There may be some holdouts: Earlier this month, a successful New York architect proudly told me that he had peed on a Cybertruck in protest. A bit misguided, but in these unprecedented times it can feel good to let off some steam.

Images courtesy of Cyrah Dardas, Shana Merola, Na Forrest Lim, Library Street Collective, and CCS gallery, shared with permissionReconnecting with the Earth, Cyrah Dardas Collages Paintings with Handmade PigmentsFebruary 24, 2025ArtNatureKate MothesFrom oxidized metals, foraged plants, and botanical inks and dyes, Cyrah Dardas derives colors and textures from materials found in the earth. Based in Detroit, the artist reflects the juxtapositions of her surrounding landscape in paintings on cotton paper, merging human-made and organic materials in works redolent of Persian tapestries.In abstract compositions evocative of Georgia OKeeffes sensual flower forms or the symbol-rich paintings of Hilma af Klint vis--vis the spiritualist movement, Dardas collages paper painted with handmade watercolors and quilts textiles with hand-dyed fabrics.For the last few years, I have been thinking a lot about belonging and seeking to understand it through a more loving relationship to place, she tells Colossal. All of my work as an artist flows from this seeking.Dardas employs the language of abstraction to explore the human psyche and the patterns, behaviors, forms, colors, and movements I see in the living world, she says. Recently, shes been considering the impact of humans seeing ourselves as increasingly separate from both nature and one another, simultaneously fascinated and grieved by the fallacy of individualismthe confusion between the freedom to make good decisions and the perceived right to do whatever we want with no empathy or regard for how it will affect others.In my practice, I ask myself, could I possibly foster some level of reciprocity with anyor allof the many elements and beings that have brought me here and taken care of me? Dardas says. In order to do that, I know I need to at least find a way to connect to them differently than the models that modernity offers us. Art is my portal for that, a different type of connection.Dardas invokes ancient, ancestral ways of being in the world by consciously connecting to her natural surroundings. She honors ecosystems and relationships that are naturally cooperative, nourishing, and sustaining, drawing contrasts between processes she views as extractive, like capitalism, patriarchal attitudes, or over-reliance on technology. She uses locally available materials and relies on analog techniques to prepare and process them.Describing herself as a queer, eco-romantic artist and care worker, Dardas examines the nuances of interdependency, growth, and life cycles. Much of her recent work is a reflection of her own pregnancy as she is currently in the fleeting baby phase of new parenthood. She says:I got curious about other beings that swell and gorge to create lifeall the plant bodies of water holding seeds, feeding and nurturing them. I wanted to mirror them, thinking of myself as a gourd, a seed pod, a fruit. Like the many facets and expressions of queerness, I felt the experience of pregnancy was vast and delightfully undefinable, and I wanted to translate that feeling or mirroring into something visual.Dardass work is on view in the group exhibition Warp and Weft: Technologies within Textiles, presented by Library Street Collective at The Shepherd in Detroit, which continues through May 3. Find more on her website and Instagram.Next article

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Many people yearn to find love but struggle to take action. Here are two ways to stop hesitating and ... [+] start putting in the effort into creating the relationship you want.gettyMany people put love on hold, telling themselves theyll start dating once they feel more confident, land a better job or get in better shape. This is what behavioral scientist and dating coach Logan Ury calls the hesitator mindsetthe belief that they need to reach some imagined version of readiness before putting themselves out there.The truth is, love isnt something we must earn by becoming a better version of ourselvesits something we experience by being open, taking chances and embracing the process as we are, right now.Heres what causes the hesitator mindset, and why we tend to get in our own way in love.The Intention-Action GapMany people intend to find love, but they often dont follow through because of the gap between their intentions and actions. While we may consciously decide to start dating, our behavior may be driven by unconscious routines or delayslike waiting for the right timewhich keeps us from taking real steps toward love.This hesitation isnt just about busy schedules or a lack of opportunitiesits a form of procrastination rooted in wanting to protect oneself from self-doubt and a fear of vulnerability.Its easy to believe that once certain life conditions improve, dating will feel easier or more natural. But in reality, this thinking may lead to decision paralysisa state where the idea of taking action feels overwhelming because the timing never seems quite right.Common excuses often sound like:Ill start dating when I get a better job.I need to lose weight before I feel confident enough.I should move to a nicer place first.While these concerns may feel valid, they can turn into endless delays. Ironically, this mindset often creates a gap between our intentionsto find and nurture loveand our actions of engaging with potential partners.A 2019 study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science shows that when people cultivate a sense of readiness for commitment, they not only become more committed over time but also display healthier relationship behaviors. They engage in greater self-disclosure and use less destructive conflict responses.Feeling ready means youre more likely to open up, communicate better and handle conflicts constructively. In other words, readiness isnt about being perfect; its about being mentally prepared to take the necessary steps toward building a loving relationship.By embracing a mindset of readiness, you close the intention-action gap. Instead of endlessly postponing love until lifes conditions seem ideal, you allow yourself to act on your intentions.Here are two ways to overcome the hesitator mindset and welcome the love you deserve.1. Rewire Your Thinking To Be Someone That DatesOne of the biggest shifts in overcoming the hesitator mindset involves moving from wanting to date to identifying as someone who dates. Instead of thinking, I should start dating, try embracing the mindset of, I am the kind of person who dates.This subtle yet powerful shift can help you reframe dating as a natural part of your life, rather than something you need to force yourself into when youre presented with the right circumstances.Self-affirmations can play a crucial role in this transformation. You can repeat to yourself statements like:I am open to romantic possibilities.I am someone who enjoys dating experiences.I deserve love as I am right now.These affirmations help combat self-doubt and rewire subconscious beliefs, reshaping how you perceive yourself and your readiness for relationships. This shift in thinking influences how you confidently show up in your dating lifea concept known as the self-fulfilling prophecy.Research published in Psychological Science suggests that such self-affirmation can improve our insecurities about relationships and reinforce positive social behavior, which can enhance ones dating life. This mindset is transformative. Believing youre someone who dates leads to actions like saying yes to dates, joining dating apps and being more open to new connections.These choices reinforce your identity as someone who deserves love, creating a positive feedback loop where actions and beliefs strengthen each other. The key is to stop waiting to feel ready and start acting as if you already are.2. Take Small Steps To Break The Hesitation CycleMany people think they need to feel ready before they date, but in reality, action often precedes motivation. Begin with small, intentional actions to break free from the hesitator mindset. Rather than waiting for the perfect moment, embrace low-pressure interactions. This generates positive momentum and confidence. For instance, you can consider:Attending casual social outings. Say yes to relaxed gatherings.Engaging in conversations. Chat with new people without setting high expectations for what comes next.Setting achievable goals. Aim for simple targets, like going on one date a month, to ease into the process.When using dating apps or exploring such social opportunities, try to let go of overthinkingnot every interaction has to lead to something serious. Focus on building momentum by celebrating small wins, such starting a conversation and going on a date.Every chat or outing is a step forward, regardless of the outcome. In fact, in every moment you engage with new people, embrace curiosity about others or simply allow yourself to be seen, you are actively creating the conditions for love to flourish.Additionally, instead of viewing rejection as proof that something is wrong with you, reframe it as redirectiona sign that the connection wasnt the right fit, not a personal failure.The truth is that theres no right way to be completely ready for lovewaiting for the perfect moment often means waiting forever. The secret to overcoming your fear of finding love is to take action first and trust that your self-belief will catch up.Instead of striving for an ideal version of yourself or the perfect circumstances, focus on taking one small step todaywhether its starting a conversation, saying yes to an invitation or simply shifting your mindset to be more open to new love. No major life overhaul is requiredjust the willingness to begin.Is the hesitator mindset hindering you from savoring your relationship? Take this science-backed test to find out: Relationship Satisfaction Scale

AndorCredit: DisneyThere is only one reason to be excited about Star Wars these days: Andor. Tony Gilroys prequel series to the film Rogue One isnt just the best Star Wars show or the best Star Wars offering since Disney purchased Lucasfilm, its the single best release in a galaxy far, far away since the original trilogy. Honestly, if it werent for the nostalgia, Id probably rank it even higher.Thats how much I love Andor. Its brilliant. There has never been better writing in the Star Wars universe. It puts every other Disney-era Star Wars production to shame when it comes to acting, cinematography, costume design, and story. And despite not having any Jedi, never uttering May the Force be with you and the totally original soundtrack without a hint of the Star Wars theme song, it still manages to feel more like Star Wars than anything in the past few decades.In other words, if you havent watched it yet, please do yourself a favor and go watch Andor. Dont listen to people who say its boring. It isnt. It takes its time, weaving together a powerful story of rebellion and redemption, building tension methodically as the stakes get more and more dire. The only moments that can compare to the first seasons incredible finale come at the end of Empire Strikes Back and Return Of The Jedi, and possibly Rogue One.Now we have the first trailer for Andors second season, and its action-packed and glorious. Behold:We see lots of returning characters from the first season. Andor himself (Diego Luna) as well as Luthen Rael (Stellan Skarsgard) and senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve OReilly). But we also see some returning faces from Rogue One. That films villain, Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) makes his first appearance in Season 2. Alan Tudyks droid, K-2SO also returns. Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker) was in both Rogue One and Andors first season and returns for the second.The second season picks up a couple years after the events of Season 1, with the rebellion against the empire well underway. It debuts on April 22nd on Disney+. I will be reviewing each episode here on this blog, so be sure to follow me here and on social media so we can discuss!AndorCredit: DisneyAnd remember, as Nemik told us in Season 1: The Imperial need for control is so desperate because it is so unnatural. Tyranny requires constant effort. It breaks, it leaks. Authority is brittle. Oppression is the mask of fear. Shivers. Chills. I cant wait!Let me know on Twitter, Instagram, Bluesky or Facebook. Also be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel and follow me here on this blog. Sign up for my newsletter for more reviews and commentary on entertainment and culture.

Doh! It's proven that anytime you release something to the World Wide Web, some people usually a lot will abuse it. So it's probably not surprising that people are abusing ChatGPT in ways against OpenAI's policies and privacy laws. Developers have difficulty catching everything, but they bring their ban hammer when they do. OpenAI recently published a report highlighting some attempted misuses of its ChatGPT service. The developer caught users in China exploiting ChatGPT's "reasoning" capabilities to develop a tool to surveil social media platforms. They asked the chatbot to advise them on creating a business strategy and to check the coding of the tool.OpenAI noted that its mission is to build "democratic" AI models, a technology that should benefit everyone by enforcing some common-sense rules. The company has actively looked for potential misuses or disruptions by various stakeholders and described a couple coming out of China.The most interesting case involves a set of ChatGPT accounts focused on developing a surveillance tool. The accounts used ChatGPT's AI model to generate detailed descriptions and sales pitches for a social media listening tool.The software, powered by non-OpenAI models, would generate real-time reports regarding Western protests and send them to Chinese security services. The users also used ChatGPT to debug the tool's code. OpenAI policy explicitly prohibits using its AI tech for performing surveillance tasks, including unauthorized monitoring on behalf of government and authoritarian regimes. The developers banned those accounts for disregarding the platform's rules.The Chinese actors attempted to conceal their location by using a VPN. They also utilized remote access tools such as AnyDesk and VoIP to appear to be working from the US. However, the accounts followed a time pattern consistent with Chinese business hours. The users also prompted ChatGPT to use Chinese. The surveillance tool they were developing used Meta's Llama AI models to generate documents based on the surveillance. // Related StoriesThe another instance of ChatGPT abuse involved Chinese users generating end-of-year performance reports for phishing email campaigns. OpenAI also banned an account that leveraged the LLM in a disinformation campaign against Cai Xia, a Chinese dissident currently living in the US.OpenAI Threat Intelligence Investigator Ben Nimmo told The New York Times that this was the first time the company caught people trying to exploit ChatGPT to make an AI-based surveillance tool. However, with millions of users mainly using it for legitimate reasons, cyber-criminal activity is the exception, not the norm.

In context: Earlier this month, an investigation revealed that Chinese cryptocurrency farmers are passing off their used hard drives as new and selling them to consumers and retailers. The scandal mainly involved Seagate Exos server HDDs between 12TB and 16TB. Samples showed usage between 15,000 and 50,000 hours, but now there's even of more widespread distribution that extends to other drive models. Last week, the researchers at Lutz Labs who exposed the fraud found that the scam is more widespread than they initially thought. Based on emails received after breaking the news, investigators discovered that the scammers had tampered with usage metrics in many Seagate Ironwolf and Ironwolf Pro NAS drives so they could pass as new, adding to the number of models affected.The scammers accomplish the ruse by deleting the SMART usage logs, affixing a bogus production date sticker, changing the serial number, and then repackaging them as "new." Even checking the drive's warranty shows it to be good until 2029. However, the team points out several ways to tell if these HDDs are used.The first and simplest thing to do is physically inspect the drive. Look for dents, scratches, and other wear on the housing. Also, check the SATA connector closely for signs of use, like scuff marks from connecting or disconnecting the device. Look at the production date sticker placement. It should be level and in the right place.An online warranty check can be a tell-tale sign, too. Lutz Labs notes that Seagate doesn't know how long it will take for a drive to reach a customer, so it usually adds a few months to the warranty. A fraudulent HDD's warranty will be exactly five years from the fake production date.Buyers can also confirm the HDD's age using SMART monitoring tools like Smartmontools or SeaTools. This software lets users view Seagate's field-accessible reliability metrics (FARM). It will indicate how long the drive was in use. Investigators found some that had logged over 50,000 hours. // Related StoriesIt is worth noting that the researchers questioned whether Toshiba and Western Digital drives were affected by the same fraud. After testing samples using Smartmontools, researchers found that Toshiba and WD drives returned errors when validating FARM values. Toshiba confirmed that its drives only used SMART logs, and Western Digital did not respond to a request to comment.Seagate is still standing firm that it will not replace the drives since it did not distribute them. However, it would like anyone with a bogus HDD to contact fraud@seagate.com with details as they are still investigating the matter.

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsThe key camera specsGalaxy S25 Ultra vs Galaxy S25 Plus, S25 and S24 UltraGalaxy S25 Ultra ultra-wide vs iPhone 16 ProGalaxy S25 Ultra ultra-wide vs Pixel 9 ProGalaxy S25 Ultra ultra-wide vs OnePlus 13How good is the new S25 Ultra ultra-wide camera?Samsungs approach to the camera in its Ultra phones has focused on evolution and introducing incremental improvements with each subsequent model.Last years Galaxy S24 Ultra saw Samsung switch the secondary telephoto lens to a 50MP sensor with 5x optical zoom. Higher resolution and a higher pixel count thanks to pixel binning meant the zoom quality was improved over the Galaxy S23 Ultras 10x zoom, despite a lower optical zoom length. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also features the 200MP main camera that made its debut in the Galaxy S23 Ultra.Recommended VideosSamsung has chosen this year to introduce an all-new 50MP ultra-wide camera. Its meant to offer a big improvement over the 12MP ultra wide used previously, but does it deliver? How much of an upgrade is it, and how does it compare to its key rivals? On a recent trip to the Middle East, I tested all of these to find out, and heres what happened.RelatedAndy Boxall / Digital TrendsLets take a quick look at the Galaxy S25 Ultra camera specs and how they compare to the competition:PhoneUltra-wide camera specificationsSamsung Galaxy S25 Ultra50MP, f/1.9 aperture, 1200.7m, dual pixel PDAFSamsung Galaxy S25 Plus &Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra12MP, f/2.2 aperture, 1201/2.55, 1.4m, dual pixel PDAFGoogle Pixel 9 Pro48MP, f/1.7 aperture, 1231/2.55, dual pixel PDAFApple iPhone 16 Pro48MP, f/2.2 aperture, 1200.7m, PDAFOnePlus 1350MP, f/2.0 aperture, 1201/2.75, 0.64m, dual pixel PDAFAs we can see, the Galaxy S25 Ultra brings Samsungs camera flagship in line with rival phones that have also made the switch to a better ultra-wide. Apple introduced a new 48MP ultra-wide in the iPhone 16 Pro, whilst the Pixel 9 Pro follows its predecessor with a tweaked 48MP ultra-wide camera. The OnePlus 13, meanwhile, features uniformity amongst its lenses, with all three lenses sporting a resolution of 50MP.Lets take a look at the ultra-wide in action over a series of landscapes in Dubai, and how it compares to the competition.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe biggest question to answer is the easiest to compare: did Samsung need to use a new sensor, and is it an upgrade over alternative phones that use the previous version? The Galaxy S25 Plus, the Galaxy S25, and the Galaxy S24 Ultra share the same ultra-wide sensor a test with the S25 Plus will be fairly reflective of performance on the other two devices.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. Galaxy S25 PlusIn the first test, the upgraded ultra-wide sensor on the Galaxy S25 Ultra doesnt result in a drastic improvement. Yes, the Galaxy S25 Ultra captures better overall images, but there arent huge differences in the amount of detail captured. Even when zoomed in, the details on the buildings in the foreground of the cluster are similar between both sets of images.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. Galaxy S25 PlusThe same trend applies to the first shot in this test, although this is even closer than the first two. Zooming into the details on the pier, neither phone shows a lot of detail, but its easier to discern the details in the Galaxy S24 Ultra photo.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. Galaxy S25 PlusFor this photo, both phones again look very similar, but the sky is more saturated in the Galaxy S25 Ultra samples. This ultimately leads to a photo thats more visually appealing, and better for posting directly to social media, even if its not the most color-accurate.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. Galaxy S25 PlusThe main reason that Samsung opted for a new ultra-wide sensor in the Galaxy S25 Ultra was for low light and macro photography. In the case of the former, theres no contest: the Galaxy S25 Ultra captures a better-looking photo out of the box. Zoom in and theres a significant improvement in the amount of detail captured as well.Overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra features a better ultra-wide camera, but you wont see these benefits in good light, where Samsung already has a great camera. Rather, its in low light that the higher resolution count works best, as the pixel binning allows the phone to capture significantly more light.The Galaxy S25 Ultras ultra-wide camera will also likely be the same one in at least next years Galaxy S26 Ultra, so is it better than its current rivals?Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsFirst, lets start with the iPhone 16 Pro. Apples history suggests that the new 48MP ultra-wide camera will also be the same one found in the iPhone 17 Pro and longer, so we have an early glimpse of how the iPhone 17 Pro and Galaxy S26 Ultra ultra-wide cameras could shape up.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. iPhone 16 ProIn a foreshadowing of this entire test, the differences between these two ultra-wide cameras become immediately apparent. The iPhone 16 Pro captures a more color-accurate photo thats lifelike, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra is more saturated and visually appealing. Sure, you can achieve the same with some editing on the iPhone 16 Pro, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra also captures slightly more detail.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. iPhone 16 ProIn this photo, the color of the beach and the reefs on the iPhone 16 Pro lead to a better-looking photo, but the Galaxy S25 Ultra would have captured similar vibrancy had I framed it correctly. The rest of the iPhone 16 Pro photo is also better as Samsung struggles a little with direct sunlight, although the Galaxy S25 Ultra also has more detail in the image.1. Galaxy S24 Ultra2. iPhone 16 ProOver the past month that Ive been using the Galaxy S25 Ultra, Ive noticed that the new macro photography mode can kick in too quickly when trying to shoot through a glass window that has some dirt or raindrops on it. In this photo, it features some of this phenomenon and overall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra doesnt know where to focus. The iPhone 16 Pro is a clear winner here.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. iPhone 16 ProWeve already seen that the improved ultra-wide has yielded great results for the Galaxy S25 Ultra against its siblings, and the same applies to the iPhone 16 Pro. Theres more detail, more vibrancy, and better processing on the Galaxy S25 Ultra, and its the one that Id prefer sharing on social media, even though the iPhone 16 Pro is more true-to-life.Prakhar Khanna / Digital TrendsGoogle has used pixel binning and a high-resolution count for nearly two years, but the Pixel 9 Pro also has a tweaked ultra-wide sensor over the previous Pixel 8 Pro. Does Google have the upper hand?1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. Pixel 9 ProIn this test, both phones capture similar amounts of detail and have nearly identical post-processing. However, the Galaxy S25 Ultra has slightly more saturation which makes the sky pop more in this photo. Zoom in and the Pixel 9 Pro has slightly more detail in the buildings, although neither photo is that usable. Ill give this one to the Galaxy S25 Ultra for personal preference, but its super close.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. Pixel 9 ProIn this test, I vastly prefer the Galaxy S25 Ultra. The extra saturation applies to the building color as well, which results in a better overall image. Samsung also captures more detail in the building center-left in the foreground, which is apparent when you zoom into the balconies.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. Pixel 9 ProThanks to slightly odd framing and a different field of view, the Pixel 9 Pro looks far less vibrant than the Galaxy S25 Ultra. I would pick Samsungs photo overall as it does well to balance the colors in the building to the left with the rest of the scene, but I do like the deep color in the sea in the photo captured by the Pixel 9 Pro.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. Pixel 9 ProLook at both images in a blind test, and the Pixel 9 Pro will probably win as Googles post-processing results in a photo that doesnt need a filter. Dig into the weeds and its much closer, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra captures more detail in the buildings. Its super close, but Ill give it to Google just for the Instagram-ready photo that needs no editing.Overall, its a close-fought contest between the Galaxy S25 Ultra and the Pixel 9 Pro. Both phones are evenly matched, but if I had to pick a winner, it would be the Galaxy S25 Ultra just slightly. Also worth noting is that in my zoom camera test, the Galaxy S25 Ultra far outpaces the Pixel 9 Pro, but our Pixel 9 Pro vs Galaxy S25 Ultra comparison shows that Google is no slouch elsewhere.Nirave Gondhia / Digital TrendsThe OnePlus 13 has a camera already proven to stack up to the Galaxy S25 Ultra in our Zoom testing, but how does the ultra-wide camera compare? These cameras are similar on paper, but how do they perform in the real world?1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. OnePlus 13At first glance, the Galaxy S25 Ultra takes a better ultra-wide photo as it can mitigate the lens flare from the bright overhead sun, whereas the OnePlus 13 fails to accommodate it. The Galaxy S25 Ultra also has better colors thanks to Samsungs post-processing, but zoom in a little and the OnePlus 13 captures more detail. This is a win for Samsung, but its closer than it first looks.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. OnePlus 13During this test, theres a big difference between how each phone handles the scene ahead. The Galaxy S25 Ultra photo is much brighter, which means it struggles with the highlights, whereas the OnePlus 13 is moodier and darker, but captures better detail in the periphery. The winner is the OnePlus 13, although its a close contest again.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. OnePlus 13This test reveals a role reversal with the Galaxy S25 Ultra proving better at handling the highlights and the OnePlus 13 struggling with the highlights around the tree branches. The Galaxy S25 Ultra wins this one hands down.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. OnePlus 13The last daytime test confirms that these phones are very evenly matched and the winner depends on the scene. In this case, the saturation in the OnePlus 13 photo is more visually appealing, and the photo itself has more detail in all the buildings. The OnePlus 13 wins this one.1. Galaxy S25 Ultra2. OnePlus 13Both phones are evenly matched for ultra-wide night photos. The Galaxy S25 Ultra is slightly brighter, but the OnePlus 13 has more detail. Zooming to 600%, the OnePlus 13 has better exposure in the Damac building sign, and theres a little more graining on the Galaxy S25 Ultra sample.Overall, this is the closest battle of any in this series of tests. The OnePlus 13 and Galaxy S25 Ultra are very evenly matched, and even similar in their inconsistencies between different shots. Between the five tests, the Galaxy S25 Ultra beat the OnePlus 13 at the final hurdle, but across many other photos Ive taken, these are virtually identical. As a result, Im calling this one a draw.Andy Boxall / Digital TrendsOverall, the Galaxy S25 Ultra ultra-wide camera has surprised me. Like the rest of the phone, its about improvements in the little details, versus offering a wholesale upgrade.This improvement, however, doesnt put it ahead of all its competitors. Yes, its better than the iPhone 16 Pro and 16 Pro Max, which is its chief competition in the US, but it only just beats the Pixel 9 Pro. Google will likely improve the ultra-wide further before Samsung dies so this raises questions for the future as Samsung isnt leaps and bounds ahead.When Google decides to improve the ultra-wide, it should look to the OnePlus 13. It beats the Galaxy S25 Ultra in our Zoom tests, and in this ultra-wide test, its essentially on par with the Samsung. There are times when I prefer one phone over the other, but the balance isnt heavily skewed in either direction.Initially, I expected this upgrade to be unnecessary, but having tested the Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Galaxy S25 Plus, the upgraded Galaxy S25 Ultra ultra-wide camera is a welcome improvement. With a better ultra-wide camera and plenty of other reasons we like it, theres no better time to pick up one of the best Galaxy S25 Ultra deals.Editors Recommendations