Windows in Architecture: Casa Alferez by Ludwig Godefroy | Rory GardinerWindows are the eyes of architecture, revealing not just whats outside, but also the architects intentions and the buildings spirit. Far from being mere openings in a wall, windows serve as powerful design tools that shape spatial experiences, elicit emotions, and convey meaning. Through their placement, proportion, and materiality, architects use fenestration to challenge conventions, frame narratives, and engage in dialogues about architecture, culture, and society. Whether framing grand landscapes, distorting reality, or evoking historical memory, windows can potentially transform how we interact with space and light.The history of architecture is the history of the struggle for light. Le Corbusier 1 Historical Context: Windows as Status Symbols and Social StatementsHardwick Hall: Windows as Status Symbols | Chris HeatonThroughout history, windows have been used to express power, wealth, and social standing. The evolution from fortress-like medieval structures to more transparent and open buildings marked a shift in architectural intent.Hardwick Hall, built by Bess of Hardwick in the late 16th century, exemplifies this transformation. The halls extensive use of glass was a direct response to the repeal of the glass tax, showcasing wealth and social openness in an era when glass was an expensive luxury. The phrase more glass than wall encapsulated the buildings radical transparency, challenging the notion of defensive architecture and instead embracing light, openness, and progress.Dont build a glass house if youre worried about saving money on heating. Philip Johnson Windows as Instruments of Emotion: The Jewish Museum in Berlin Jewish Museum Windows | Trevor Patt Jewish Museum Windows | Trevor PattWindows can act as instruments of emotion, shaping how a space is perceived and experienced. Daniel Libeskinds Jewish Museum in Berlin is a striking example of this concept. Rather than serving conventional functional purposes, its windows are intentionally fragmented and irregular, evoking a sense of loss, disorientation, and rupture.These jagged openings distort light and sightlines, reinforcing the narrative of trauma and fragmentation experienced by the Jewish community during the Holocaust. They do not offer comfortable views or a sense of refuge; instead, they are unsettled, reminding visitors of the cultural and historical wounds the museum seeks to commemorate. The windows become architectural scarsexpressive voids that engage with memory and history.Also marvelous in a room is the light that comes through the windows of a room and that belongs to the room. Louis Kahn 2Windows as a Modernist Manifesto: Le Corbusiers Ribbon WindowRibbon Window at the Villa Savoye | Le CorbusierLe Corbusiers pioneering use of the fentre en longueur (horizontal ribbon window) in Villa Savoye represents a radical departure from traditional openings. By replacing individual, framed views with continuous horizontal openings, he sought to democratize the experience of looking outward, emphasizing the collective rather than the individual.This design move was not merely aesthetic but deeply ideological. The ribbon window connected the interior seamlessly with the exterior, eliminating hierarchical perspectives and reinforcing Corbusiers vision of modern, machine-like living. The conflict it sparked between him and his contemporaries highlights how windows can serve as battlegrounds for architectural debate, challenging conventional notions of how buildings should relate to their surroundings.Windows as Architectural Dialogue: Referencing and Reinterpreting the PastVilla dallAva reference to Villa Savoye | Peter Aaron/Esto, Courtesy OMAWindows often serve as a medium for architectural discourse, allowing architects to engage in a silent yet profound conversation with their predecessors. Rem Koolhaas, for instance, integrates references to Mies van der Rohes Farnsworth House and Le Corbusiers Villa Savoye in his work, using windows to explore and critique modernist principles.Similarly, Robert Venturis Vanna Venturi House deliberately disrupts the modernist purity of the ribbon window by incorporating an eclectic mix of window styles. By assembling what he famously called a collection of junk, Venturi challenges the rigid doctrines of modernism, advocating for complexity and contradiction in architecture. His approach to fenestration underscores the postmodernist critique of form following function, instead embracing symbolism and layered meaning.Windows and the Perception of RealitySeattle Public Library by OMA | Maciek LulkoBeyond aesthetics and symbolism, windows can manipulate perceptions of reality. Diller + Scofidios Slow House presents a provocative example: its oversized window is paired with a television screen displaying the same exterior view, creating a layered experience where representation and reality blur.Similarly, in the Seattle Public Library by OMA, the integration of glazing and patterned surfaces causes interior reflections to merge seamlessly with exterior landscapes, dissolving the boundary between inside and outside. This strategic use of fenestration forces occupants to reconsider spatial relationships, perception, and the role of mediated reality in contemporary architecture.Windows as Conceptual Statements: Challenging FunctionalityGiuseppe Terragnis Casa del Fascio | Andrea MartinoIn some cases, windows are employed purely as conceptual devices, challenging their conventional purpose. Giuseppe Terragnis Casa del Fascio, famously analyzed by Peter Eisenman, features a window that does not openrendering it functionally obsolete. Eisenman interprets this as a statement on the role of architecture as an intellectual pursuit rather than a purely utilitarian discipline. Here, the window is reduced to a visual and theoretical construct, questioning the necessity of practical function in architectural design.Architecture can be about ideas that have nothing to do with actually even being in the building Professor Jeffrey Kipnis 3ConclusionFar from mere openings in a wall, windows serve as a fundamental architectural language: one that conveys meaning, provokes thought, and engages with the cultural, historical, and social dimensions of the built environment. Through strategic placement, scale, and form, architects harness fenestration to shape spatial experiences and contribute to broader architectural discourse. Whether as historical markers, emotional devices, social statements, or conceptual provocations, windows remain one of the most powerful architectural expression tools.Additional CreditsLe Corbusier. Towards a New Architecture. Dover Publications, 1986 (originally published in 1923).Lobell, John. Louis Kahn: Architecture as Philosophy. Monacelli Press, 2020.knowltonosu, YouTubeColquhoun, Alan. Modern Architecture. Oxford University Press, 2002.Curtis, William J. R. Modern Architecture Since 1900. Phaidon Press, 1996.Eisenman, Peter. Giuseppe Terragni: Transformations, Decompositions, Critiques. Monacelli Press, 2003.Libeskind, Daniel. Breaking Ground: Adventures in Life and Architecture. Riverhead Books, 2004.

Fun and GamesSarah Jacoby Architect expands a loft apartment in Dumbo for a family of fiveByKristine Klein March 3, 2025East, Interiors (Ty Cole)SHAREIts any kids childhood fantasy to have a dedicated space they can call their own: A room that can overflow with toys and reflect their style and interests. For a family with three kids living in Dumbo, the opportunity to acquire a one-bedroom apartment adjacent to its current unit couldnt be passed up. It allowed the familys living space to be expanded enough to create a special area just for the kiddos.Sarah Jacoby Architectled the renovation located inside a converted loft building. The Queens-based firm transformed the existing childrens rooms into a space the entire family could enjoy and touched up the existing living quarters too. Following the acquisition of the neighboring apartment, and prior to the renovation, the two units were dated and disjointed spaces, Sarah Jacoby Architect shared. We focused on connecting the two units while preserving a sense of privacy between zones in the home. Read more about the apartment on aninteriormag.com.

Microsoft confirms it's shutting down Skype, but it has a plan to ease your transition to Teams.

ZDNETAfter all the chaos we have seen in the Kindle world over the last week, I've noticed that there tend to be two types of reactions from users.The first reaction is that some people want to move off the Kindle platform as quickly as possible. Their whole interest is setting up a new reading environment where ebook ownership means having all their books' files on backup media somewhere. The second reaction, fueled by either old Kindle devices or unregistered Kindle devices, is the desire to get a new Kindle. As part of the bulk download process many of us went through before Amazon cut off that ability, my wife realized that although she has three devices, the newest Kindle she owns is a Paperwhite she bought back in 2012. Also: Want free ebooks? These 10 sites offer thousands of optionsHer favorite device, the large-format Kindle DX, can no longer load Kindle books because it lacks connectivity to Amazon. We tried registering an old Kindle Keyboard from 2010. Even though it has Wi-Fi connectivity, the security protocols in that machine are so out of date that it wouldn't authenticate with Amazon. This article is for those with active Kindle libraries or those who want to get started in the Kindle ecosystem. As it turns out, if you want to buy a new Kindle, there are a number of ways you can save big on the purchase. First, I'll show you the ways you can save. Then, I'll build a couple of configurations, and we'll do some math on the savings. 1. Save 20% with trade-in (plus bonus bucks) Amazon has an offer where you can trade in an old device and get a 20% discount -- plus a few bucks for your old device. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETAmazon has a full page of details and a fairly comprehensive set of terms and conditions. There are a few very interesting details that pertain to this deal: The trade-in doesn't have to be Kindle-for-Kindle. You can trade in Kindles, but you can also trade in old Echo devices and a variety of other devices that aren't even Amazon-branded.Your device must be unregistered and unlocked when you trade it in. That means that devices that won't sustain registering (like our old Kindles) are eligible, as long as they can take and hold a charge.You get the value of the trade-in returned as a gift card. This is entirely separate from the 20% discount.You can only get one 20% discount via a trade-in per calendar quarter. This is March. So if you buy now, presumably you can trade in something else next month in April. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETAs you can see, my account has a few Echos on it that are eligible for trade-in. They're only worth five bucks on their own, but five bucks is five bucks. Also: How to easily convert EPUB files to Kindle format in minutes Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETYou can trade in a bunch of device types, including most Amazon devices, as well as mobile phones and gaming consoles. 2. Save 10% for using an Amazon credit card Some Kindle devices will also give you a 10% return when a purchase is charged to a Prime Visa card. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETNote that there's also a "Save $40" notation on this price block. That's not all that useful. It turns out that if you buy two Kindle Scribes at once, then you get an extra $40 back. I guess, if you're buying for your whole family, it might add some value, but it's not all that practical for most folks. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNET 3. Three months of Kindle Unlimited worth $36 This deal is also only on select Kindle devices and really only provides a dollar savings if (a) you're already a Kindle Unlimited user and (b) you time your purchase just right. Kindle Unlimited is $11.99 per month. On some devices, you can get three free months of Kindle Unlimited when you buy the device. If you cancel your current Kindle Unlimited subscription and then get the three free months, you'll net a savings of $36. Also: How to add EPUB, MOBI, and PDF files to your Kindle - no converting requiredThe timing factor is you'll need to cancel Kindle Unlimited the month before you buy the new Kindle so your billing period is completed on Kindle Unlimited before you get the three free months. For our scenarios below, we'll assume you got the timing right. Screenshot by David Gewirtz/ZDNETBe careful here. It looks like if you choose the free three months of Kindle Unlimited, the 20% trade-in option goes away. So you're choosing one or the other. 4. Save $20 with lockscreen ads With some Kindles, Amazon gives you the option to accept ads on the Kindle lock screen. If you do so, you'll save $20. When I bought my base-model Kindle last month, I opted for the cheapest I could find, which cost $109. Without ads, it would have cost $129.The ads aren't particularly bothersome or egregious, so it was a pretty worthwhile deal for me. 5. Buy a bundle and save on accessories AmazonSome Kindle deals include bundles with a case and a power adapter. Bundle deals do increase your overall cost a bit, but if you want everything included in the bundle, you can save a few dollars over buying them all separately.Also: This clever Kindle trick lets you download 25 books at once - but it's riskyBundles do change all the time. Earlier this week, when I was planning this article, there was a Kindle Scribe bundle with a wireless charger. Now, there's only one with a USB adapter. Three savings scenarios In this section, we'll look at three Kindle purchases and see how much value we can get from the various deals we've discussed. Base-model KindleThis device starts out at $129.99 Save $20 with lock screen adsSave $35.97 with the Kindle Unlimited dealNet cost of base-model Kindle: $74.02Net savings: $55.97For a device that's a little more than a hundred bucks, saving $55 is not bad. Not bad at all. Kindle PaperwhiteThis device starts out at $179.99 Save $20 on lock screen adsSave 20% (on $159.99, ads version) with trade-in ($31.99)Get back $5 for trading in an old Echo DotNet cost of Paperwhite: $123.00Net savings: $56.99Note that I opted to do the trade-in instead of the Kindle Unlimited deal. I am pretty sure most of you would do the same. Kindle Scribe 64GB bundleThis maxed-out bundle starts at a whopping $479.97. The 64GB Scribe on its own, without the case, is $449.99. Save 20% with trade-in ($95.99)Get 10% back for using Prime Visa card ($47.99)Get back $5 for trading in an old Echo DotSave $69.99 on the included caseOut-of-pocket cost of Kindle Scribe and case: $330.99Net savings over 64GB Scribe (without case): $119You'll note that I didn't ascribe any savings to the USB adapter included in the bundle. Most of us have them, and USB adapters should be included in devices costing almost $500. So I didn't try to price out a USB adapter. But still, buying and maximizing all the options mean that you can get a top-model Kindle Scribe with a Plant-Based Leather Folio Cover for $330.99. Just to be clear, a plant-based leather folio cover is not leather. That's like saying my plate of carrots is a plant-based steak. No. No, it's not. I was curious what the net cost would be for a 16GB instead of the 64GB Scribe bundle. Here's how that plays out. The 16GB bundle starts at $434.97. The non-bundle 16GB Scribe is $399.99. You can buy last generation's 16GB Scribe for $339.99, but we're focused only on current models here. So, let's look at the numbers for the 16GB model: Save 20% with trade-in ($86.99)Get 10% back for using Prime Visa card ($43.49)Get back $5 for trading in an old Echo DotSave $69.99 on the included caseOut-of-pocket cost of Kindle Scribe and case: $299.49Net savings over 16GB Scribe (without case): $100.50The bottom line is there's only a $31 premium when buying the 64GB version over the 16GB version. For four times the storage, that's a good enough deal. Bang for your buck Note that these deals can and most likely will change over time. The key takeaway from this article, beyond saving bucks right now, is that you should really carefully read the offers because there might be interesting deals that can net you more device for your buck. One other quick note: Amazon does have a refurb store where you can buy old or returned devices at a discount. This article covers deals on new devices, but you might want to check it out if you want a deal and you're willing to accept open-box inventory. Are you considering upgrading to a new Kindle, or are you sticking with your current device? Have you taken advantage of Amazon's trade-in program or other savings tricks? Which Kindle model do you think offers the best value? Do you think the savings strategies mentioned here are worth the effort? Let us know in the comments below. You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly update newsletter, and follow me on Twitter/X at @DavidGewirtz, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz, on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz, on Bluesky at @DavidGewirtz.com, and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.ZDNET Recommends

Updated Monday, Mar 3 with new information from Apple. If youve ever used Find My on your iPhone, iPad or Mac, for instance, youll know its an effective way to know exactly where your stuff is (and it saved my vacation when I lost, and it found, my iPad in the south of France). First, a report warned of a vulnerability which could leave other Bluetooth devices exposed, and its now emerged that Apple has released a fix for the issue. More on this below, but Apple has said that there was not a vulnerability in its products, and that the company reacted at the end of last year to hardened the Find My network to resist this kind of behavior. .Apple iPhone and Find My. NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe original report from George Mason University, picked up by MacRumors, claimed that hackers could use Find My to track devices without the owners knowledge.Called nRootTag, the exploit tricks the Find My network into treating ordinary Bluetooth devices as if they were AirTags, allowing hackers to turn laptops, smartphones, game controllers, VR headsets, and even e-bikes into unwitting tracking beacons, MacRumors explains.Its like transforming any laptop, phone, or even gaming console into an Apple AirTag - without the owner ever realizing it, according to Junming Chen, lead author of the study. As youll read below, this is only part of the story.Normally, the system works so that AirTags and other compatible items such as iPhones and iPads send Bluetooth signals to passing Apple devices, and relaying the data to Apple, which notifies the person whos reported the item lost.The researchers discovered they could manipulate cryptographic keys to make the network believe any Bluetooth device was a legitimate AirTag. The research team found that the attack has a 90% success rate and can pinpoint a device's location within minutes, the report says.It was even able to track a moving e-bike and reconstruct the flight path of a gaming console on an airplane.However, the good news is that its not easy to do. The attack does require fairly hefty computing resourcesthe research team used hundreds of graphics processing units to quickly find matching cryptographic keys, it says. However, it goes on in less comforting tones, they note that this could be achieved relatively inexpensively by renting GPUs, which has become a common practice in the crypto-mining community.It's now become clear that Apple has been on the case with preventing problems like this for months. What the report actually shows, Apple tells me, is that the George Mason team showed how attackers who successfully take control of a Linux, Windows or Android system can then further track the location of that device using the Apple Find My network.Apple products are not affected by the attack, but even so, the company hardened the Find My network to resist this kind of attack.And this hardening happened last year, back on Dec.11, 2024, when Apple released iOS 18.2 and iPadOS 18.2. Apple went on to recognize and acknowledge the George Mason team for their report on the Apple Security Release page. This was under the proximity section of the page and Apple thanked them for furthering the understanding of potential issues with hacked devices on other platforms.

Wendy's Global Next Generation Store Design in New Albany, OH2024 Tom DubanowiuchWendys is a quick-service restaurant brand has more than 7,000 locations worldwide and annual revenue exceeding $2 billion. The company continues to invest in technology to enhance both customer and crew experiences. Matt Spessard is Wendys Chief Information Officer, a role he took on in February 2024 after serving as the companys Global Chief Technology Officer for the year and a half prior. Spessard and his team are focused shared insights on Wendys approach to digital innovation, AI-driven customer interactions and the evolving landscape of restaurant technology.Enhancing Digital Channels and Customer EngagementAs CIO, Spessard oversees global technology initiatives spanning restaurant technology, enterprise systems, data analytics and cybersecurity. One of his primary goals has been driving growth through digital channels, which has yielded impressive results.Wendy's CIO Matt SpessardWendy'sIn 2024, we introduced new customer relationship management and loyalty capabilities while rebuilding our mobile platform and app, Spessard explained. These improvements have driven great business results. Our digital revenue is more than 40% higher than in 2023.Key innovations include a new mobile app, self-service kiosks and optimized digital ordering processes. Wendys leverages data-driven experiments to refine these digital interactions, ensuring a frictionless and personalized customer experience.Revolutionizing the Drive-Thru with FreshAIA standout example of Wendys commitment to AI-driven innovation is its FreshAI platform, designed to reimagine the drive-thru experience. This initiative began as a small-scale experiment before evolving into a significant technological transformation.We initially asked whether we could automate the order-taking process with a conversational AI model, said Spessard. At first, rule-based solutions seemed viable, but we quickly realized the complexity required a more advanced approach. Thats when we partnered with Google Cloud to develop a generative AI model that could speak Wendys.After extensive testing in a single restaurant in Dublin, Ohio, near the companys headquarters, Wendys gradually expanded the FreshAI platform. Over the course of a year, the AI system improved through iterative development, incorporating crew and customer feedback. Now deployed in nearly 100 restaurants across 18 states, FreshAI is proving its value in streamlining operations and enhancing the guest experience.Innovation Through ExperimentationWendys success with FreshAI is a testament to its rigorous innovation process. Spessard emphasized that the company employs a structured approach to vetting new technologies, ensuring only the most impactful solutions move forward.Weve built an industrialized process for innovation, he underscored. Each idea goes through multiple stages: feasibility testing, pilot programs, incubation and eventual deployment. We consider it a success when we reject six out of every seven ideas because it means were prioritizing the right initiatives.This disciplined approach enables Wendys to test cutting-edge technologies without overextending resources. Whether its refining AI-powered ordering or exploring new ways to optimize kitchen operations, the company remains focused on solving real business challenges.The Future of AI and Restaurant TechnologyBeyond FreshAI, Wendys is actively exploring other generative AI applications to enhance both customer and crew experiences. Spessard believes that AIs role in the restaurant industry will continue to expand, but he emphasized the importance of measured implementation.Some companies rushed AI deployments without fully understanding the complexities, he noted. We took a more deliberate approach, spending a full year in a single restaurant before scaling. Thats why were confident in our ability to expand FreshAI successfully.Additionally, Spessard is closely watching trends in edge computing, low-earth orbit satellite connectivity and spatial computing. These technologies have the potential to revolutionize restaurant operations by enabling faster data processing, improving connectivity in remote locations and enhancing training and simulation experiences for crew members.A Career Built on Restaurant InnovationWith over 26 years in the industry, including leadership roles at SONIC Drive-In, Churchs Chicken and Yum! Brands, Spessard has a deep understanding of the evolving expectations of both customers and employees. While consumer adoption of digital technology has accelerated in recent years, the fundamental desires for quality service and convenience remain unchanged.The bar has been raised, but what people want from a Wendys experience has stayed consistent, he emphasized. Technology should enhance those core elements, not replace them.As Wendys continues to embrace digital transformation, Spessard and his team remain focused on leveraging technology to improve efficiency, elevate customer interactions and maintain the brands legacy of quality and innovation. With AI-driven advancements like FreshAI and a disciplined approach to experimentation, Wendys is poised to lead the next generation of restaurant technology.Peter High is President of Metis Strategy, a business and IT advisory firm. He has written three bestselling books, including his latest Getting to Nimble. He also moderates the Technovation podcast series and speaks at conferences around the world. Follow him on Twitter @PeterAHigh.

The big picture: Imagine a future where drones can autonomously launch from moving vehicles and pull off intense inspection and emergency response missions in brutal conditions. DJI is turning that into reality with its newly launched Dock 3 station and powerful Matrice 4D and 4TD enterprise drones. The Dock 3 is DJI's first true "drone-in-a-box" solution that supports mobile deployment. The ruggedized dock has an IP56 rating to shrug off dust and water, and it can operate in environments from a freezing -30C all the way up to a scorching 50C. It's quite different from its predecessor the stationary Dock 2 from 2023 and can be mounted on vehicles such as trucks to unleash its drone payload while on the move using an optional gimbal mounting accessory.Two docks can be squeezed into the back of a pickup truck, each capable of controlling a drone in a continuous rotation for nonstop operations. There are built-in antennas, cameras, internal backup batteries, and a weather station that allow remote operations up to 10km away, or up to 25km with added relays for fixed installations.There are also some handy security and compliance features, including data encryption, no flight log sync for the US, and an emergency flight termination system.Then there are the drones themselves: the new Matrice 4D and 4TD. The models feature an IP55 dust/water resistance rating and can fly for up to 54 minutes. The 4D model is optimized for mapping and inspection tasks with its 24mm wide, 48MP medium tele, and 48MP tele cameras. Meanwhile, the 4TD pulls double duty for emergencies and public safety with mostly the same cameras except it gains a thermal imager and night vision capabilities.Both drones integrate tightly with DJI's software for automated flights, object tracking, infrared analytics, and intelligent change detection. Helpful accessories include obstacle sensors, a long-range speaker system, and a 100-meter gimbal spotlight. There's even an option to run third-party payloads.What's the catch? Well, this is an industrial-grade setup, so it doesn't come cheap. The Dock 3 bundles start at $21,059 for the version with the Matrice 4D or $23,409 with the 4TD. Those prices don't include the mobile gimbal mount, installation fees, or any software or hardware add-ons. But cutting-edge tech capable of launching drones from moving vehicles isn't exactly going to be wallet-friendly.

Forward-looking: Silicon photonics could provide an alternative solution to the growing pains of purely silicon-based chips in computing and data transmission. Light-based CPUs are likely still a long way off, but connectivity is improving fast thanks to Google's X and other startup-focused ventures. Google's X company is working on the next generation of Taara, a silicon photonics technology designed to bring fast broadband speeds to some underdeveloped areas of the world. According to statements by Taara general manager Mahesh Krishnaswamy, this light-based solution could offer unprecedented connectivity opportunities in any part of the world and beyond.Project Taara makes use of some of the technologies developed by Loon LLC, the Alphabet subsidiary that was working on internet access for rural areas until 2021. As a part of Google's X initiative, Taara is tasked with building prototypes of "moonshot technologies" that can bring real change while turning into a tenable business prospect.The newly introduced Taara chip is a complete redesign of the organization's first-gen technology. Taara Lightbridge units are as big as traffic lights, Krishnaswamy explained, and they use a complex mechanical contraption made of mirrors, sensors, and other hardware components to physically steer light. When two Taara Lightbridge units finally "connect," light beams create a stable link that can be used to transmit digital data.A Taara Lightbridge unit can be installed in hours instead of the days, months, or even years required to lay a proper fiber-based optical network. The process should become even easier with the Taara chip as Google's silicon photonics technology is now abandoning most mechanical components for a new solid-state solution.Thanks to an innovative optical phased array, light beams can now be steered with "extraordinary" precision to create a reliable data link. Taara chip's hardware components are much simplified, Google said, with software algorithms doing the bulk of the work required to steer, track, and correct light beams. A single Taara chip includes hundreds of software-controlled tiny light emitters.Google tested the new Taara chips at its Moonshot Factory labs, achieving speeds of 10 Gbps over distances of 1 km in an outdoor environment. Google said this represents a record-breaking result for data transmission over silicon photonics chips, and the team is now working to expand the chip's capacity, packing thousands of light emitters at once.Krishnaswamy is enthusiastic about the potential applications of the new Taara technology. Solid-state silicon photonics can reduce the cost of internet connectivity in a drastic way, and the entire industry could change through a "network" effect. "Using chips deployed in a global mesh network, we see opportunities to bring high-speed internet to underserved regions, rethink the way data centers are built and operated, enable faster, create safer communication for autonomous vehicles, and so much more. The possibilities are as boundless as light itself," Taara's manager said. // Related StoriesThe organization plans to launch a new product based on the Taara chip sometime in 2026. Researchers and other innovators interested in the technology can get in touch with Taara's team via mail.

Anora completed its fairytale ending at the 2025 Oscars.The dramedy about a sex worker who marries the son of a Russian oligarch won five Oscars, including Best Picture. Anoras Sean Baker became the first person to win four Oscars for the same movie. Baker walked away with Best Picture, Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Editing. Anora star Miey Madison scored an upset victory overThe Substances Demi Moore for Best Actress.Recommended VideosThe Brutalist, Brady Corbets sweeping epic about a Holocaust survivor and architect who emigrates to the United States, won three Oscars, including Best Cinematographer and Best Original Score. The Brutalist star Adrien Brody took home Best Actor, edging out Timothe Chalamet.Please enable Javascript to view this contentA Real Pains Kieran Culkin and Emilia Prezs Zoe Saldaa won Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress, respectively.View the full list of winners below.NeonAlex Coco, Samantha Quan, Sean Baker, AnoraBest DirectorMikey Madison, AnoraBest Supporting ActorKieran Culkin, A Real PainSearchlight PicturesBest Supporting ActressZoe Saldaa, Emilia PrezBest Adapted ScreenplayPeter Straughan, ConclaveBest Original ScreenplaySean Baker, AnoraBest Animated FeatureGints Zilbalodis, Matss Kaa, Ron Dyens, and Gregory Zalcman, FlowBest Documentary FeatureBasel Adra, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal, and Yuval Abraham, No Other LandBest International FeatureBrazil, Im Still HereBest Film EditingAnoraA24Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stphanie Guillon, and Marilyne Scarselli, The SubstanceBest Original SongEl Mal, Emilia Prez(Music by Clment Ducol and Camille; Lyric by Clment Ducol, Camille, and Jacques Audiard)Daniel Blumberg, The BrutalistGareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett, and Doug Hemphill, Dune: Part TwoBest Visual EffectsPaul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe, and Gerd Nefzer, Dune: Part TwoWarner Bros. PicturesVictoria Warmerdam and Trent, Im Not a RobotBest Animated ShortShirin Sohani and Hossein Molayemi. In the Shadow of the CypressBest Documentary ShortMolly OBrien and Lisa Remington, The Only Girl in the OrchestraEditors Recommendations

Table of ContentsTable of ContentsA relevant fantasy taleClearly inspiredIve been enamored with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 since it was announced during 2024s Xbox Games Showcase. My excitement grew as I learned more about the game in the months after and saw how it incorporates elements from RPGs developed in Japan with more Western art and character designs, all with a story that feels unabashedly tied to modern anxieties. I dont believe Im alone in this view, as Ive seen lots of excitement for the game online and believe it can become one of 2025s surprise hits.After going hands-on with a bit of Expedition 33 ahead of its release next month, I found that what I played lived up to that excitement. It delivers that enjoyable kind of high-budget, turn-based RPG thrill thats typically relegated to Japanese studios like Atlus and Square Enix. Thats balanced with a narrative about finding the will to live on when everything around you feels like its deteriorating. I cant wait to see how Expedition 33 continues to unfold across this ambitious adventure.In the world of Expedition 33, a being called The Paintress paints a new number in the sky every year. As that number ticks down, everyone above that age dies. To try and combat this, expeditions are sent to The Continent every year to try and take down The Paintress, although none have succeeded. This game follows the surviving members of the titular expedition as they explore The Continent on a quest that Id expect puts them directly in conflict with The Paintress more than any expedition before them.Recommended VideosThe preview build of Expedition 33 that I played picks up after the prologue. The number painted in the sky ticked down from 34 to 33, people close to our main characters died, and they set off on an expedition. When this expedition lands on a beach on The Continent, though, they are ambushed by a man who clearly looks older, and most of the expedition is seemingly killed. My time with the game began as Gustave, portrayed by Daredevil: Born AgainsCharlie Cox, wakes up and believes he is the only survivor.RelatedHe nearly kills himself but is stopped by a fellow expedition member named Lune, who convinces him to live, helps her find other expedition survivors like Gustaves foster sister Maelle, and ultimately completes the mission that Expedition 33 was sent to the continent to do. Thematically, I found the small amount of story content I experienced poignant and relevant to modern struggles.Sandfall InteractiveIm an anxious, younger person in a world that feels like its getting worse day after, and I can sometimes feel quite helpless to fight back. While Expedition 33 certainly wallows in that despair for dramas sake, this is shaping up to be an ultimately optimistic adventure about finding the will to live and fight back, even when doing so can feel daunting and pointless. This makes Expedition 33 a timely game despite its fantasy setting, just like Avowed.On the gameplay front, Expedition 33 owes much of its gameplay identity to RPGs from the likes of Atlus. Its a turn-based RPG that spreads party member and enemy turn order across a timeline. On a characters turn, they can attack, use an item, activate a skill using AP, or aim and shoot with a ranged attack. Each party member has a distinct flair to their skills. For example, Lune generates different kinds of Elemental Stains with some magical skills, which others can then consume to buff their effects.This is all presented with the UI flair of a Metaphor: ReFantazioand the action commands of games like Mario & Luigi: Brothership, and players complete QTEs to increase a Skills effect or dodge and parry an enemy attack. Its a pure interpretation of a classic turn-based RPG formula, and French developer Sandfall Interactive understands what works about the games its inspired by.Kepler InteractiveThe UI and presentation of battles are flashy but not inscrutable. Action commands feel important and satisfying to pull off, but dont waste the players time like they sometimes can in other games with this kind of battle system. This is a battle system I can see myself enjoying for the long haul while playing the entire game. Expedition 33 doesnt seem like it plans on reinventing the wheel for RPGs significantly, but it doesnt need to.The success of games like Metaphor: ReFantazio shows that theres demand for this kind of RPG, which simultaneously feels like it pays respect to a classic RPG gameplay formula while feeling thematically relevant and up-to-date with modern technology. My early playtime with Expedition 33 did nothing to deflate my interest; now, I just want to play more as soon as possible.Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on April 24. It will be on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the day it releases.Editors Recommendations